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Recap
On Saturday, March 8th, Ben Arsenal took over The AVE Live in Philly with the first entry in Season 4 of Departed. “Departed” is a concept that blends music, community, and performance art to create immersive experiences. Departed aims to unite and energize communities on dance floors in Philadelphia and beyond. S4E1 featured performances by Eran Hersh, Ben Arsenal, and their collaborators Sky Society, DJ Jholi, and Vorteck, with live sound support from Katerina Sky and Fawziyya Heart. Special thanks to Katerina Sky for making this recap possible.
From the moment I stepped inside, it was clear this wasn’t just another dance party. It was a carefully curated experience where music, art, and entertainment seamlessly intertwined. When I arrived, Sky Society was vibing with the crowd to a remix of Dennis Ferrer’s 2009 classic “Hey Hey.” It was immediately apparent that Departed was bringing the essence of the Ibiza dance scene to Philadelphia.
Departed breaks away from the conventional DJ setup by positioning the DJ in the center of the action on the dance floor. If you haven’t been to an underground electronic show before, this setup fosters a real connection between musicians and their audience. With the stage liberated, dancers and performers had free reign, livening the experience with mesmerizing acts. Attendees were treated to exotic dance performances from the dancers of Aurora Entertainment, and Onyx Ondyx—who, in an unforgettable moment, performed dressed as a giant dancing eyeball. Beyond the stage, the venue was alive with creative energy, featuring live art, games, and an array of artists adding their unique touch to the atmosphere.
Ben Arsenal and his team have cultivated a space where there’s something to see and experience in every direction. The environment was welcoming and inclusive, embracing everyone who stepped through the doors. By the time Ben and Katerina Sky took over the booth at midnight, I was completely immersed in the best elements of dance music culture, production, and artistry.
Ben and Kat kept the energy high with a set filled with infectious top-line melodies from Katerina Sky. At 1 AM, Eran Hersh took over, closing out the night with his signature blend of Afro and Tribal house, bringing a taste of the Miami dance scene to Philly.
A standout moment of the night was when Ben dropped his new remix of “FE!N” by Travis Scott with Edan Rivers. As a fan of UTOPIA, one of my favorite releases of 2023, it was exhilarating to hear the track reimagined in this setting. This remix is a certified heater, destined to find its way into DJ crates and playlists across the scene.