Summer is upon us, and one of the best ways to escape the heat is to enjoy a local pool.
However, we aren’t talking about the local YMCA or the community pool at your parents’ condo or friend’s apartment complex (not that there’s anything wrong with those). No, we’re talking about pool parties—so let’s take a dive into one that I’m bringing to the desert each month this summer.
Being a DJ here in the Coachella Valley for almost a decade, I’ve been fortunate enough to play at most clubs in the valley. Palm Springs in particular has venues where people enjoy hearing disco and house music. By playing at places like Toucan’s and Chill, I was able to reach an audience that wanted to hear new music. Yes, everyone loves the classics—but there is so much great music out there that people haven’t heard yet, which is a shame.
Now that I am older and wiser (OK, I am definitely older; the verdict is still out on the wiser part), I have taken the experience from my years of working in the valley and created a new Palm Springs poolside event. Disco Relief is a “Tropical Disco House Pool Party” that takes place once a month at ARRIVE in downtown Palm Springs. It’s a concept I’ve been working on for a few years, and I felt this year was the right time to bring it out. I’m especially excited about the fact that this is a regular event; we don’t seem to have a lot of music events that occur regularly, especially events that feel fresh and exciting.
The music at Disco Relief is both new and old, known and unknown—so you can both enjoy the classics and hear great new music! Sets are created on the spot, which means each event is different. The guest DJs and I always strive to “feel the crowd” and create an experience that is reflective of the audience that day. Disco Relief an event that should appeal to a wide age range—and I am excited to say our first event had a diverse crowd, jamming out together and relaxing poolside.
You can expect to hear Whitney, Madonna, Crystal Waters, Prince, Daft Punk, Disclosure and so many others. A common theme is playing remixes of famous songs by classic artists—reinventing music in a way that is inclusive and doesn’t exclude anyone.
Then there’s the venue: ARRIVE is a beautiful resort that offers the perfect backdrop. Between the midcentury-style architecture, the palm-tree-lined mountain views and the amazing pool, the music won’t be the only thing you enjoy.
The event is co-produced by ARRIVE and my independent record label, House Your Disco. Our May party was a hit (and we had a blast putting it on during Coachella, too), and our guest DJs are having a blast. Most of these artists create their own work—and we include our own music in our sets. Based out of Palm Springs, House Your Disco is always looking for artists both locally and worldwide.
The next Disco Relief will take place from noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, June 16, at ARRIVE Palm Springs, 1551 N. Palm Canyon Drive. Admission to the 21-and-older event is $10; floaties and friendly dogs are welcome. Disco Relief will take place monthly on third or fourth Sundays during the summer; get a full calendar at alexharrington.co. See you there!