El Dorado brings Pico Sound System Culture to Geelong.
Prepare for a night of world music magic and get ready to ignite the dance floor with the scintillating beats of El Dorado, the latest World Music experience heading to Geelong, brought to you by Blueprint Sounds, the masterminds behind the Stars & Bars Festival, the Vibrating Planet crew, and Geelong’s very own laneway haven, Medusa.
On Friday, 8 December 2023, from 7 pm to Midnight, El Dorado, featuring the incredible Kaimán Jimenez, will see Rock O’cashel lane at Medusa come alive with the pulsating beats of Pico Sound System Culture – a Latin American rave-meets-Jamaican sound system party.
El Dorado at Medusa
- EL DORADO is a Latin American rave-meets-Jamaican sound system party, with DJs and live musicians
- Friday, December 8th, from 7 pm to Midnight
- Medusa, 2 Rock O’cashel lane, Geelong
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Imagine a Latin American rave where DJs, live musicians, and devoted organisations come together, creating a sonic experience like no other. This is the picó experience, a fusion of rhythms that transcends borders and traditions. With colossal sound systems, each picotero brings their unique perceptions and sonic traditions to the mix.
In the Caribbean coast cities of Barranquilla, Cartagena, and beyond, massive outdoor sound systems blast vibrant champeta, salsa, calypso, cumbia, zouk, and soukous tracks, setting the stage for a dance party of epic proportions. These picós, as they are affectionately known in Colombia, are the lifeblood of working-class neighborhoods, much like the sonideros in Mexico or Jamaica’s iconic sound systems.
The picós are not just about the music; they are a visual spectacle. Colourful lasers and pulsing lights cut through the air, illuminating psychedelic hand-drawn paintings of dragons, musicians, soldiers, and otherworldly figures that adorn the speakers and stage. Each set has its own distinctive brand, represented by kaleidoscopic drawings that captivate the eyes and amplify the immersive experience.
MC Kaimán Jimenez, a musical force hailing from Barranquilla, is the embodiment of Picó culture here in Australia. The Colombian-born singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and Melbourne local, is thrilled about sharing a taste of Picó culture and introducing the vibrant sounds of Oceanic Cumbia to Geelong’s nightlife.
“I’m excited to share a little bit of Pico culture and introduce the sounds of Oceanic Cumbia to Geelong’s nightlife as well as connecting with the local Latin music & dance communities,” says the inimitable MC Kaiman.
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An award-winning producer and the frontman for popular Latin alternative bands like Watussi and AMARU TRIBE, Jimenez has graced the stage with the likes of Seun Kuti, Manu Chao, Earth Wind and Fire, and more. His recent performances as part of El Gran Mono familia at WOMADelaide, Rising (Heavy Congress), and Vivid Sydney, as well as Colombia Y Brasil & Counterculture Festivals in Melbourne, have solidified his status as a musical force.
And just in time for the festive season, El Dorado promises to be the first of many musical soirees Blueprint Sounds has in store for the region. Rumor has it there’s a CBD Festival in the works. Watch this space!
Entry is free, and there will be a bunch of cocktail specials to keep the spirits high. Let the Latin rhythms transport you to a musical paradise – it’s a night you won’t want to miss!
