The Covid-19 pandemic over the past year and a half has brought about change that will be lasting. From people’s outlook on careers to the way we interact with one another. For certain my perspective of what is important to me has altered immensely in this time.
Recently as of late, I attended the Los Angeles event Utopia, in the Leimert Park area that resonated with me in such a way I again am feeling inspired about the state of the black American dance music scene. In the age of consumerism and moving on to the next best thing it is very rare you will attend a dance music event with the majority of attendees being People of Color. That alone should turn everyone’s head.
Utopia is the concept of DJs KGSUPERSTAR and Ade. The event was started as a way of healing the community. It was initially started in an alley, in the vicinity of Leimert Park. It was their way of giving back to the community, that had endured so much over the course of the health crisis. 
KG states that he and his partner wanted to help people heal and bond through music. It was a gift they could give to others in a critical time of need. This is what has made Utopia so special.
Their formula is simple. Music with no boundaries, an event with no expectations, other than people dancing spreading goodwill and love through music. This is what the underground scene is in need of at the moment, and when I personally experience this it gives me hope for a new generation of black soulful underground music enthusiasts.
Hosting events are oftentimes quick money grabs for promoters. The lack of curation, sound, and overall meaning leaves people including myself walking away wanting more. Utopia is covering all of these bases. In the process, new creativity and expression are sure to be spawned. This may be Utopia’s most vital contribution.
This weekend September 4th through the 6th Utopia hosts its season finale with a Labor Day Weekend blowout. A lineup of L.A.’s best underground DJs spanning the genres of Funk, Soul, Disco, Afro, and House. Dancers get ready, Paradise is on the horizon.
Saturday the festival kicks off with Juliet Mendoza, DJ Kaleem, and Drack Muse. Sunday Leimert Park goes Bang! Zernell, Aaron Paar, Rudy C. (AKA Soulrebel), and Jack Monforte round out a day of music that is definitively L.A. underground. Expect pure fire the entire day. The festival closes out Monday with Sidney Perry, Tailwind Turner, with hosts KGSUPERSTAR and DJ Ade.
Do not expect Utopia to vanish into the abyss after their season finale. Look for popups across L.A., spanning all that encompasses soulful underground black dance music.
Utopia takes place this weekend September 4th through the 6th at Leimert Park in Los Angeles, from 10 am until 10 pm all three days. Dress to sweat and drink plenty of water because it’s going down!
