While day clubs thrive in international hubs like Miami, across Europe, and throughout Asia, a dedicated space for house music enthusiasts seeking a sunlit dance floor has been largely absent in the Southern California metropolis. But, never fear, the vibrant pulse of the daytime house scene is quickly being revitalized in Downtown Los Angeles.
Photo by Keri Freeman for DT Weekly
Spearheading this revival is Quantum Groove, a new event series designed to cater to a demographic often overlooked by the late-night club circuit: Gen X and millennials who still cherish house music but prefer more accessible hours.
On the forefront, vowing to bring back the scene, is longtime downtown LA resident and house music promoter extraordinaire Arthur Gonzalez, aiming to provide sophisticated atmospheres where guests can enjoy high-quality sound and a stunning light show and stage production in daytime settings, often paired with the relaxed enjoyment of day drinking, especially during the warmer summer months.
“Los Angeles was missing something essential: a true day club for house music lovers,” states Gonzalez, focusing instead on the community aspect of the initiative. “As a millennial, I still love house music, but staying out until 4 AM isn’t always realistic anymore. We created Quantum Groove to give Gen X and millennials a place to experience proper house music with full sound and production during the day while still making it home before midnight.”
Quantum Groove cultivates LA’s raver community with dance events that foster a “beautiful quantum entanglement of good people, good music, and good vibes.” The air is often filled with the shimmer of body glitter and the soft glow of LED toys, fit bodies in fanciful outfits with hours of non-stop motion.
Emerging Artists Always Welcome
Photo courtesy Quantum Groove
Each Quantum Groove is a mix of emerging DJs spinning house right alongside established artists who help provide a platform that nurtures growth and connection within LA’s house music scene. From the DJ booth, artists unleash relentless beats, with LED screens behind them flashing mesmerizing visuals, complemented by the sweep of laser lights, all adding to an incredible day to nighttime immersive experience.
Wandering Grooves
Photo by Keri Freeman for DT Weekly
Quantum Groove does not operate from a single, fixed location. Instead, it’s seeking new venues constantly to share its vibrations and showcase across the city, openly embracing the versatility of different spaces. Past gatherings have included events debuting the newly opened Florentin Rooftop in the Historic Core, which offered electric trips into the sunset, breathtaking views, food, beverages, and local vendors. Often, a designated bar will serve cool drinks.
Recently, Quantum Groove has created one of downtown’s largest house music collaborations, with guest DJs from KCRW and many others, opening every other weekend at LA State Historic Park in Chinatown.
Photo courtesy Quantum Groove
On August 23, Quantum Groove will again present SATURDAZE AT THE PARK, a new bi-monthly outdoor house session with green grass, full bars, food, and vendors at the park with a sun-soaked city backdrop. Scattered seating areas provide a brief respite for those who need a break from the rhythm. Attendees often bring their own reusable water bottles and some even lay out blankets on the grass to relax.
Interestingly, the “Cargo Shack” location for SATURDAZE AT THE PARK carries a historical resonance; the park itself was once a rail yard where countless tons of “cargo”—or freight—moved through its “Freight House” daily, making it a vital hub for commerce in early Los Angeles.
Photo by Keri Freeman for DT Weekly
Entry is free before 5 PM with an RSVP by texting ‘SATURDAZE’ to (866) 343-4706, and the event is open to those 18 and older. The event takes place from 2 PM to 11 PM at the Cargo Shack, located at 1279 N Spring St, LA 90012. For more information, visit www.quantumgroovela.com.
