Written by: Kayley Sakamoto & Samantha Fudens
The streets of Ybor were spotted with people at ten o’clock, but the night was just beginning at the Ritz Ybor where the doors opened up for Ekali’s headline show. Walking through the doors, we got our wristbands and went off into a smaller room where a DJ played EDM to the slow trickle of people coming in; the opening act to the opening act. It would still be an hour and a half until the main doors opened. As the room filled the excitement rose with it, and soon enough the room was filled with dancing and drinking.
Just past eleven we headed over to the doors of the main room, where we got first in line to see Ekali and the opening acts, Lizzy Jane and Bernz. In the next thirty minutes the line grew behind us, a woman with a fold-out fan danced around, nearly missing our heads.
The curtains were dropped and we ran, not stopping until our hands were touching the stage. Standing behind the crescent table, which would be danced upon multiple times throughout the night, was Burnz, a super dubstep DJ.
Next Lizzy Jane came on stage, with less energy but more of a laid back, cool girl attitude. “Do you guys mind if I play some songs that’ll never be released?” she asked, receiving a cheer from the crowd as a response.
As Lizzy Jane announced her final two songs, the room buzzed with excitement; it was nearly 1am at this point, but the energy was higher than ever.
The digital screen changed, mountain ranges flashed upon it, with a doorway in the center. We were flying through it, into a beach. Scene after scene flashed on the backdrop as Ekali took his place. Ekali’s music ranged from chill EDM, flume, and rap.
It was really great to see his energy on stage and it really showed that he was happy to be there. The Ritz Ybor is an amazing venue, and the show was unforgettable.
Check out his social media and music below!
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