Creating an Immersive musical experience in Venice

Hidden Venice with a Psycho Mambo Twist 

 

I met Gato Loco years ago on a boat party as they came up through the staircase playing the most exquisite dance grooves. They were and still are, one of the great renegade party bands in New York.

Over the years I had heard Gato Loco talk about going to Venice and how amazing it was. I was dying to go with them, but with no tour on the horizon and no money, it wasn’t going to happen any time soon. But then, I had an idea!

Atlas Obscura had just started doing trips. What if I put together a trip where people could go on tour with a band and also see the local side of Venice? People are always curious about musicians lives, I figured this could be a really great format for artist and audience.

Talking with Gato, we decided to plan the trip around The Rendentore Festival, a celebration that commemorates the end of The Plague. It also happened to coincide with The Biennale, it was perfect timing!

After deciding on dates, I put together an itinerary that took the group to see the hidden side of Venice, not the normal touristy stuff. We went to abandoned islands, cruised the Canals late night and went to secret local parties with the band. You can read the full literary here.

It was probably one of the craziest weeks of my life. It pushed beyond what I thought I could handle. Not only was I tour managing a band in a foreign country, I was in charge of seven people and leading them around Venice.

Microclima, our artist connection in Venice went beyond and above anything I could have expected. Paolo and Alice were incredible hosts and showed us an amazing side of Venice with their friends, warmth and wonder.

When we were in Venice, the locals were so excited saying, “no one ever comes to do something for us.” It is in fact very rare for a musical group to go to Venice and perform for locals, not tourists. It also brought a special experience for the guests that were with us, this was one of the highest rated trips Atlas’ has ever done. I think this format; helping musician’s travel to unique locations and bringing guests with them could really form into something.

“One person actually said to me to not forget about them, but to come back to Venice with more music.”

 

I hope to return to Venice soon and create more magical experiences there.  I know many people were affected by this trip and even though it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, the moments that were created were beyond worth it. For me, Venice is an endless place of inspiration and I can’t wait to be in her presence again.

 

A picnic dinner on an abandoned fortress

A picnic dinner on an abandoned fortress

Guests enjoying some wine in Venice

Guests enjoying some wine in Venice

The Rendentore Festival

The Rendentore Festival

Party music in the Canals

Party music in the Canals

Stroh Violin in the canals

Stroh Violin in the canals

 

 

 

 

 

Tuba Joe, rockin on in The Lido

Tuba Joe, rockin on in The Lido

 

 

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