Nexus Gathering goes off

Publication title: The Gateway (University of Alberta)
First page: 10
Publication date: September 28, 1999
Author: Warren Serink

"A behind-the-scenes look at what became the biggest rave in Edmonton's history." Photo: Adam Rankin

The E-Town party scene went off last Saturday as the Nexus Tribe presented its Fifth Annual Gathering at the Mayfield Trade Center. Edmonton ravers were treated to 12 hours of non-step, bass-pumping entertainment in a showcase featuring some of the underground's most prominent DJs. 

This year, there was a record-breaking turnout of 7,000 party-kids, making it the largest event ever hosted in the Nexus Tribe's five year history. As the facility reached capacity levels, security was forced to turn away several hundred people at the door, many of which had waited for several hours outside in line. 

Once inside, attendants were met with a mind-blowing display of some of today's baddest beats intensified by a stimulating display of state-of-the-art lighting and visual showcases. Drawn from the urban scene's most innovative and talented contributors, the event's DJ lineup was conveniently split among four rooms, each featuring a specialized groove within the genre of electronic music. 

The distinct rhythms of Trance, Drum N Bass, Techno, and House were cleverly organized throughout the venue, allowing the varied tastes of the underground to merge in an unending and energetic stimulation of the senses. With four virtual realities to choose from, the Nexus Tribe created a vibe of unprecedented night that attracted both new and seasoned ravers from throughout western Canada. 

The party's impressive lineup was head-lined by electronics's foremost talents including Taylor (LA), Christopher Lawrence (LA)., Deko-Ze (Toronto), Misstress Barbara (Montreal), Freaky Flow with MC Flipside (Toronto), and T-Bone (Vancouver). With support by local turn-tablists hailing from throughout the prairies and BC, this year's Nexus Gathering proved to be the pinnacle event of the E-Town rave scene. This solidified Edmonton's position as one of Canada's most talked-about and cutting-edge markets for fans of the fastest beats and funkiest grooves around. 

Despite the record number of attendants, the overwhelming intensity of the party's reverberating vibe was experienced by most et the sweaty, sparkling, and glowing ravers moving together on each dance floor. The uplifting energy created by the music was carried solely on the hearts, souls, and feet of each devoted party-kid seeking an avenue for individuality and self-expression. 

The musical showcases were intensified by amazing displays of far-reaching laser beams and pyrotechnic works. Visuals created by Black and Blue provided a colourful design of inspirational words and graphics to heighten the overall experience. In addition to the showcases of sound and light, Nexus Tribe's inclusion of skateboarding ramps, laser tag, and bouncing rooms added to the party's inexhaustible supply of energy, allowing it to remain the signatory rave of the E-Town scene. 

The success of the evening was confirmed by the resounding shouts of praise from the impressive crowd of people still going strong as Nexus 5 came to a close. Los Angeles' Christopher Lawrence did not hesitate to include the event as 'one of the most kickass' (parties) he's had the opportunity to contribute to. 

As the local party scene rests up for next year's monster rave, Nexus Tribe can also rest assured that the fresh beats, pure rhythms, and intrinsic vibes encompassed by the Fifth Annual Nexus Gathering will be a tough act to follow. Five years of doing this makes Nexus Tribe one of the city's most experienced groups in keeping the spirit of the rave scene alive, and uplifting and refreshing the energy of E-Town's exciting and ever-changing rave culture. 


See this party's entry in E-town Rave History Parties: "The Fifth Annual Nexus Gathering" (September 25, 1999)