SUNceBEAT, Croatia 13th/14th/15th August 2010 Preview

Southport Weekender proudly presents 'SUNceBEAT' held in Petrcane, near Zadar, in Croatia. The site in Petrcane most famously known for hosting the 'The Garden Festival' is an exquisite location perfect for the Southport Weekender vibe. Those that know about Southport Weekender are in for a real treat!! Southport overseas in a beautiful location with guaranteed sunshine and a wonderful environment is a definite winner for sure! Those that don't know about the history of the weekender and the legend that it are sure to have a life changing experience if they come to the first ever 'SUNceBEAT'. You will not look back believe!!

I've been going to the Southport Weekender, held in Southport, UK for some time now. Its history is legendary. The line up consists of the best DJ's and live acts from around the world that have shaped and inspired the course of modern music. The pulse of the Southport Weekender is 'soul' music and all music that is related to that from house, disco, jazz fusion, r'n'b, hip hop, funk, Northern Soul, nu soul, etc. It's about cutting edge quality and appreciation to the heavyweights who have contributed to the evolution of this scene. It's an amazing event and I keep going back due to the quality of the music. All the DJ's and live acts understand the uniqueness of the weekender and everyone raises their game. You hear remixes and mixes that you can't hear anywhere else. It creates a truly 'soulful' and unifying experience that once you've tasted you'll find very hard not to go back. Hence why it sells out in record time every time, despite recessions! Finally the Southport family are taking this wonderful vibe overseas for the first time.

Croatia is the ideal location for the birth of 'SUNceBEAT'. For me this is a MUST BE AT event. If you look at the line up and have ever seen any of these acts you are sure to know the quality. For me having seen many of the acts before at Southport and because I've been to the 'Garden Festival,' I know this is going to be ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT! The fact that so many good acts are on the same bill at this location is ridiculous! I couldn't believe it when I saw it! Because this is the first ever 'SUNceBEAT' it's clear all the lovers of Southport have made a real effort to make this one a classic. To even have half the acts on the line up would make it special but this selection will set up 'SUNceBEAT' for me to become one of the best festivals in the world for sure. It's EXCEPTIONAL!

Croatia hasn't been first on the list to go for many I guess due to the past conflicts in the area but for those that know Croatia it is a jewel! It has a similar climate to Italy, that means joyous sunshine and the natural beauty there is breathtaking. The prices are reasonable and the quality of food is great. I know from experience that Croatia is a gorgeous country. There are great things to do away from Petrcane too. Zadar is a stunning place with heavenly sunsets. There are other great towns to visit and I'm truly keen to go to Hava and discover some secluded beaches. Lovely!

Petrcane is a wonderful place! You'll find the people and the atmosphere perfectly fitting for a great break. The site itself is set up for all types. The capacity is 2500 so you'll get to know everyone and because of the intimate nature of the place you'll find everyone really friendly, you'll probably make friends for life! There's the Main Stage for the live acts, The Beach Bar located right by the sea where you can watch the sunset and dance in the water and Barbarellas discotheque all with Funktion1 sound systems so quality of sounds is excellent. The lighting and climate create the best environments to dance in your shorts and bikinis with all the freedom and warmth to really let go. All this added with the Southport vibe expect SERIOUS good vibes and I wouldn't be surprised with a few after parties if the Southport crew are going!

So the line up!! Firstly Roy Ayers is playing his first gig in Croatia! A perfect gig for his amazing band and I'm sure will be a genuinely special gig. The talented Bah Samba, Jose James, Leroy Hutson and a unique performance from Larry Heard will blow the Main Stage away! DJ's so far on the bill are Dennis Ferrer, Theo Parrish, Ron Trent, Jazzanova, Ame, Kerri Chandler, DJ Spinna, Run N Tug, Joey Negro, Jazzie B, Karizma, Mr Thing, The Martinez Brothers, Ronnie Herel, Phil Asher, Mark Stone, Kev Beadle, Luis Radio, Gavin Kendrick, Sarah Favouritizm, Terry Jones, DJ Dekky/ DJ Magic Jay, Souldynamic and Mark Rowlands! Incredible!!! This is a truly heavyweight line up like I've never seen! It's good to see some local artists on there as well. With such a brilliant line up in such an intimate setting Petrcane is gonna go off! BELIEVE!!

The Argonaughty boat parties have given Petrcane something similar to the classic boat parties of San Francisco. The Adriatic Sea is absolutely beautiful. Going on a boat with 200 people listening to music performed from some of the best DJ's in the world make for an unforgettable experience. Watching the sea, having a drink and meeting like minded people is something you should do if you come to SUNceBEAT. Again I couldn't believe the line up!! The Joey Negro and Kerri Chandler boats have already sold out and it's hardly surprising. The Friday night 'Soul Boat' and Sunday day 'Larry Heard' and evening 'Beat Boat' have tickets still available. Buy them quick as you don't want to miss out on these life changing parties. I doubt there are boat parties as good as this anywhere in the world!

I am truly flabbergasted, amazed and impressed by the efforts of the Southport family to create 'SUNceBEAT'. It looks like a festival that should become one of the best in the world. The world aspect is what makes it so inviting. Apparently there are 25 nationalities flying in from all over the world to attend. You can't always guarantee that you'll get sunshine during the annual Southport event in the UK but sure you'll get it in Croatia and the Southport vibe certainly suits the sun! The fact that it's the first one means if you go you'll experience the birth of something totally significant and unique in the most appropriate venue. All the artists know this and I guess that's how such an impressive line up has happened. They all want to be there. I'm sure from next year 'SUNceBEAT' will sell out as fast as the Weekender so the fact there's still tickets available means you can still go. I wouldn't want to miss this for the world!! Southport we salute you!

Tareck Ghoneim