Prom scene arrives early in Tahoe

February 10, 2016

Did you miss your prom? Maybe it it’s a distant memory or maybe you’d like a do over? Apparently February is prom time in Tahoe with two opportunities to experience the party in a completely differently way.

The Gaff

Groovy baby, yeah
Rambo Productions and Bass Heavy presents Boogie Night: A Valentine’s Day Psychedelic Prom featuring music by The Gaff from Saskatoon, Canada, and musical artists and DJs Zebuel and Aux of Bass Heavy at the Hacienda del Lago in Tahoe City on Feb. 13.

“I wanted to do something fun for Valentines Day. I was thinking about a prom and wanted a word that went together with the word prom,” says Ryan Rambo, co-organizer of the event. He came up with Psychedelic Prom and the event unfolded from there.

For the Boogie Night Psychedelic Prom, think of a romantic Valentine’s Day journey to the 1970s where Dirk Diggler and the RollerGirl reigned supreme.

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“I want to bring a loving Valentine vibe
with experimental psychedelic bass music.”
-The Gaff

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“Formal attire, creatively crafted with the sexy accents of psychedelia is encouraged. Bring a lover, ignite an old flame, or find 10 new ones and take them deep into heart of the Soul Train for a whimsical, exotic encounter. This is a transcendentally sexy Valentine’s party like no other,” says Rambo.

Local artists Zebuel and Aux (Bass Heavy) will warm up the dance floor with their original and eclectic blends of the finest jams spanning from the groovy and soulful, down to the nitty gritty sub-bass bangers. DJ and music producer The Gaff will be on hand to bring his legendary, multi-genre sets comprised of rare-groove funk and hip-hop blended with modern bass music.

The Gaff loves scratchy, funky and heavy bass. Emerging from a hip-hop background he’s has been honing his craft for last 21 years, and he has an extensive record collection that includes 10,000 records.

“I collect everything from soul to jazz to psychedelic rock,” he explains. “I love the obscure psychedelic rock from the 60 and 70s and mixing genres. I’m a collector of all things funky, a daily green tea drinker and I love records from around the world. I dig for the bizarre and the unique.”

Whether he’s playing in a club or at a festival once he hits the floor he drops into the zone. “A DJ has to be creative to keep dance floor going through the night,” says The Gaff.

He spoke from his home after returning from a gig where he was deejayed at the world’s largest snowball fight in which 8,200 people showed up to throw snowballs and listen to his tunes.

Excited to be back in Tahoe the Gaff says, “I want to bring a loving Valentine vibe with experimental psychedelic bass music.”

Silver Boombox Thief

It’s a Luau
Squaw Valley is in prom mode, as well, as they host the 12^th annual Squaw Valley Prom on Feb. 20. The High Fives Foundation hosts the event, which features the music by Vokab Kompany, DJ Giancarlo and Silver Boombox Thief and Mary Poppin’. The prom is a Hawaiian Luau-themed event. Get out your grass skirt and beachwear and get ready to dance. Think beach, Maholo and all things Aloha for this prom night. In addition to a wild night of off-the-chart music, the event features a bigtruck sew-on-site, an elevated image photo booth, video and entertainment from GoPro, and drink specials. All ticket proceeds from the event will benefit the High Fives Foundation.

Matt Connelly aka Silver Boombox Thief will be one of the performing artists at the prom. This is his fifth year doing the prom.

“I play records and music that make people want to dance. There will be plenty of scratch, too,” says Connelly.

Mary Poppin’, Connelly’s wife, will also take the stage to mix it up. Connelly says that she is passionate about music and dancing.

“Expect high energy, fun and you’ll get to hear something you don’t expect,” explains Connelly. Connelly garners inspiration from the likes of Easy E, Marvin Gaye and Neil Pert, he says.

“I love doing the Prom. It’s a good crowd, a fun time and a great party that benefits High Fives,” he says.

Mary Poppin’ is equally passionate about music.

“I love to dance and I love music. I started playing what I wanted to hear and got into it. I love to mix well,” explains Poppin.’ “I like electronic music, hip-hop and old 80s songs.”

For tickets to Boogie Night, visit boogienightvday.bpt.me. To purchase tickets for the Squaw Valley Prom, visit eventbrite.com.