It has been awhile. I stumbled upon this as I revisited this manifesto, with a head filled with new memories and stories untold. Since then I have returned to Dallas for another year of Lights All Night and reading this evokes an urge within me, as if I’m compelled to finish my story so that I can tell the next. Looking upon this cascade of words, one unfinished and with no end, I wonder if it is time for the Nocturne Manifesto to be revived.
By M. A. Alvarez II
The holiday’s holds something special in Dallas, Texas. Once a year, in the heart of winter; the city, like a haze, so modern and obsolete thrives as music enthusiasts like myself gather in downtown Dallas for what could well be the best weekend of their lives. Quiet days turn into nights within worlds of sounds; so gripping as many of the world’s top DJs and Producers display dimensions of light for fans to observe while bathing them in music. The Lights All Night music festival has become a hallmark of Dallas nightlife for the past five years, being one of the most sought out New Years Eve events in Texas.
Its not hard to understand really. I mean, look at the city in itself. Its golden. The city offers up among the highest quality of living you can ask for. Anything you desired could be yours. All you had to do was look for it. At least, that’s what it was like for me.
The anticipation of the festival itself brought upon a strange anxiety as I had my mind focused on the words. “A festival in a new city…”. This would be my first time in Dallas. I had no expectation of not fully experiencing the city. I spent much time wondering of what it would be like. Coming into downtown Dallas, it looked as if the roads were winding and being sucked into the city. It was a remarkable sight, especially during the winter, where the clouds hang so deep into the skyscrapers, they melt into fog.
Close to festival, sitting at the center of downtown Dallas, The Sheraton was a prime location for festival goers to gather and be among like-minded people. The festival drew a crowd of true music lovers. During my stay at the Sheraton, I met people just as eager as I was for what could be the nights of our lives. My stay would be from inside a realm of luxury. The Executive Suite, brought on a new intensity within those first moments. As I walked in I couldn’t help but feel that my time in Dallas, or perhaps my life, couldn’t get any better. We stood high over looking the city, our domain. It was perfect. Optimum service, the perfect spot, a brand-new city, and tickets to the event of the year. How could anyone turn away from one of the best experiences Texas has to offer?
My friend and I had drinks at the hotel bar and discussed what our plan would be going into this festival. We were able to speak with some of the hotel guests, most of which would also be attending the festival later that night.
“Look for the guy in the banana suit.” One guest exclaimed, clasping glasses with us as we celebrated. My winter holiday was underway, among a setting that fit my vision of bliss. A beautiful setting, diverse people, and a deep appreciation of music. It was at that moment, quick and heavy that I felt ice and fire rise from beneath the core of my chest; the buzz, the rush, that anxious excitement as I thought of the line-up. Everyone was so eager to discover what everyone else would be hearing. Seven Lions was at the top of my list followed by Armin Van Buuren, who would be closing the festivities the second day. I also looked forward to seeing Zedd and Skrillex once again, both of which performed at ACL this past October. I would also be seeing Audien and Zed’s Dead for what would be my third time. There was so much to lookout for. Something bright to look forward to. Could Lights All Night truly live up to its name?
Walking to the festival was a breeze, despite the chill that hovered in the air. As we walked among the streets of the city, beneath towers of glass and stone, you were either wondering what existed past the walls of the Dallas Convention Center or if you had gone in past years were anxious to be back. The lights along the skyscrapers reflected upon the droplets within the air, emitting an orange glow among the streets. We eventually approached the Dallas Convention Center which was breathing in and out with people ready to rave. Costume cladded, everyone had their sights set on something; their vision.
After trailing through security and approaching the doors I could already hear the bass, beating through the air, powerful and alluring. It only made your blood rush more than it already was. Entering I was surprised to see how large it was. The center stage was massive, colorful, emitting lasers as fans crowded towards it. The Mothership was directly ahead, with the drop a ways to the left, beneath a flight of stairs. Both stages were stocked with their own beer garden. I could count at a dozen bars positioned in perfect view of the stage.
As far as electronic dance music festivals go, Lights All Night sets a standard. Artist played simultaneously. No matter where you were, you were listening to something. Something good.
The Nocturne Manifesto 