Well, those changes did not happen quick enough for some fans. After being swamped with messages, the “Saturn” singer threatened to forgo all updates. But ultimately SZA gave in, and now she has shared four new tracks to the extended version of Lana (SOS Deluxe).
The latest additions include songs “Joni” featuring Don Toliver, “Take You Down,” “Open Arms,” and “PSA.” Online there appears to be some confusion surrounding “Open Arms.” Initial reports stated SZA was the only credited vocalist on “Open Arms.” However, on Apple Music, Travis Scott is listed as a guest feature. Either way SZA supporters are grateful for the new records.
Continue below to view the tracklist for SZA’s extended version of Lana (SOS Deluxe).
Tracklist
1. “No More Hiding”
2. “What Do I Do”
3. “30 For 30” with Kendrick Lamar
4. “Diamond Boy (DTM)”
5. “BMF”
6. “Scorsese Baby Daddy”
7. “Love Me 4 Me”
8. “Chill Baby”
9. “My Turn”
10. Crybaby”
11. “Kitchen”
12. “Get Behind Me (Interlude)”
13. “Drive”
14. “Another Life”
15. “Saturn”
16. “SOS”
17. “Kill Bill”
18. “Seek & Destroy”
19. “Low”
20. “Love Language”
21. “Blind”
22. “Used” featuring Don Toliver
23. “Snooze”
24. “Notice Me”
25. “Gone Girl”
26. “Smoking On My Ex Pack”
27. “Ghost In The Machine” featuring Phoebe Bridgers
28. “F2F”
29. “Nobody Gets Me”
30. “Conceited”
31. “Special”
32. “Too Late”
33. “Far”
34. “Shirt”
35. “Open Arms” featuring Travis Scott
36. “I Hate U”
37. “Good Days”
38. “Forgiveless” featuring Ol’ Dirty Bastard
SZA
Lana (SOS Deluxe) is out now via Top Dawg Entertainment/RCA Records. Find more information here.
Kendrick cheekily teased it in the middle of the show and then came back to it as the penultimate track, giving the camera an incredible smirk during the “Hey Drake” line and performing the song almost in full. Now, unlike at The Pop Out, Kendrick didn’t run it back over and over and over again (although, I’m sure he could’ve just done that as his full show and the crowd would’ve loved it), but much like his performance at The Forum, he did have a Compton sporting legend on the stage with him.
In Los Angeles, it was Russell Westbrook and DeMar DeRozan who joined him to dance around on stage during “Not Like Us,” but for the Super Bowl he went even bigger by getting Compton native and tennis legend Serena Williams (who was once rumored to have had a relationship with Drake) to dance during the performance.
Williams was one of just a few special guests for the halftime show, joining Samuel L. Jackson, SZA, and DJ Mustard as the lone celebrity cameos during the show, as Kendrick kept things very focused. I’m not sure anyone imagined they’d see Serena Williams crip walking on stage at the Super Bowl, but the lopsided Drake-Kendrick beef continues to be the gift that keeps on giving.
During his performance (viewable here), Kendrick Lamar delivered a blend of his discography (including 2024’s GNX, 2017’s DAMN., and a track from Black Panther soundtrack with the help of special guests SZA, Mustard, Serena Williams, and the performance’s narrator Samuel L. Jackson. Given Drake’s pending litigation against UMG centering around the record, fans wondered what Kendrick’s setlist would include his multiple Grammy Award-winning diss track “Not Like Us.”
At the same time, a promotional clip for the performance hinted that the song would be played. Following all the chatter on whether Kendrick Lamar would or would not perform the song, he decided to give viewers what they wanted, and users online are beyond thrilled that he did.
Continue below to view Kendrick’s full Super Bowl LIX setlist below.
Kendrick Lamar’s Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show Setlist
1. “GNX (Teaser)”
2. “Squabble Up”
3. “HUMBLE.”
4. “DNA.”
5. “Euphoria”
6. “Man At The Garden”
7. “Peekaboo”
8. “Luther” with SZA
9. “All The Stars” with SZA
10. “Not Like Us”
11. “TV Off”
I’m not sure when else you’d see a Pulitzer Prize winner performing the halftime show at Super Bowl LIV, but 2025 owes us one, apparently. And so, Kendrick Lamar (who also won five Grammys at last week’s ceremony) hit the stage along with “unexpected” guest SZA — to perform 15 minutes of his biggest hits as the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs hit their locker rooms to prepare for the second half.
Themed “The Great American Game,” the performance was introduced by Samuel L. Jackson (in the guise of Uncle Sam), and took place on a stage designed to look like a game board. Kenny started the performance atop the titular GNX, from which emerged a truly unrealistic number of dancers as he rapped an unreleased track. Then, “Squabble Up” set things off before Sam returned to criticize him for being “too loud, too unruly, too ghetto.” But all that did was prompt a magnetic performance of “Humble.” “DNA” followed as the performance spread across the field right before he launched into Drake’s second-worst nightmare, “Euphoria.” He revamped “Man At The Garden” as a doo-wop number under a streetlamp, then went into “N95.”
SZA’s appearance came during “Luther,” with the singer clad in red leather, offering a powerful contrast to K. Dot’s cerulean ensemble. She stuck around for the performance of “All Of The Stars,” to the approval of Sam… who was immediately disgusted to hear the familiar strains of “Not Like Us,” complete with an C-walking appearance from Drake’s rumored ex, Serena Williams. Just before starting the song, Kendrick addressed his nemesis’ latest misstep: “I want to play their favorite song, but you know they love to sue.” MUSTAAAARRRD popped out for the finale, “TV Off.”
Ahead of his performance, Kendrick got some helpful advice from Usher. Last year’s Super Bowl performer addressed the Compton rapper on The Jennifer Hudson Show, saying, “The one thing that I would say is savor the moment, because you get obsessed in trying to build the best performance, but you don’t realize that it’s really about enjoying it, right? It might not be perfect, everything may not go exactly the way it’s supposed to, but if you are in your mind and stuck trying to make something perfect, you’re not going to look up and smell the flowers and realize, ‘Wait a minute, I’m here, and I get a chance to have this moment, and I’m not going to get it again, I’m not going to get this moment back.’”
“So, my encouragement to him is to really be present,” he continued. “I hope that he uses the moment well. There’s a lot that could be said, there’s a lot to be said for where hip-hop has come from. There’s a lot to be said for that young man and how he’s completely been an incredible benchmark for what it is to be an artist.”
The Super Bowl has become the launching pad for new ad campaigns, as brands have begun creating increasingly elaborate commercials with A-list celebrities and over-the-top budgets (that, at this point, often make little to no sense).
Nike went in a different direction with their first Super Bowl ad campaign in nearly 30 years, as the sneaker and apparel giant had a Super Bowl commercial for the first time since 1998 and used it to focus on women’s sports with a new campaign called “So Win.” The ad, narrated by Grammy-winner Doechii, features the biggest women’s sports stars from Nike’s roster, including Jordan Chiles, Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Sha’Carri Richardson, A’ja Wilson, and Sophia Wilson.
The voiceover highlights the double standards placed on female athletes and all of the things they’re told not to do — be confident, dominate, put yourself first, flex, be emotional, etc. — and flips it to inspire them to do all of those things. Nike has long been among the best in the sports space at creating ad campaigns and on a night where every brand is competing to stand out from the rest of the Super Bowl crowd, they managed to do so by keeping focus on their athletes and a strong message rather than trying to shoehorn a movie star into things.
Super Bowl LIX was supposed to be a highly competitive battle between a physically dominant Eagles team and a Chiefs squad that was seeking a third consecutive championship.
In the second quarter, it began veering into blowout territory as the Eagles offense moved it into plus-territory on just about every possession, while the defense had Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense in hell on the other side of the ball. Philadelphia’s advantage in the trenches on defense was extremely noticeable, as they were able to bottle up Kansas City’s run game and get pressure on Mahomes without having to send any blitzers. That is a recipe for disaster, and while the Chiefs defense did their best to keep Kansas City in the game with a red zone interception and forced field goal, they needed their offense to figure something out.
While a slow start is nothing new to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl, this year felt different, as Mahomes was under pressure constantly and started to make some poor decisions. In the second quarter he made the costliest mistake of his entire playoff career, throwing his first postseason pick-six to Cooper DeJean, who undercut a pass as Mahomes scrambled to his right.
That pick-six made it 17-0 Eagles, as they finally cashed in on another TD after the offense came up with just three points on back-to-back trips inside the KC 30. While there was some hope for the Chiefs that their defense could keep them in the game until the offense got it going again, the pick-six felt like an early dagger — with the Chiefs, at the time, having more plays run than yards gained.
Two drives later, Mahomes would get picked off again, this time by Zack Baun, and while it wasn’t a pick-six it did give the Eagles the ball on the Kansas City 14. They’d cash in a couple plays late on a touchdown pass from Jalen Hurts to AJ Brown to go up 24-0 in what was quickly becoming an absolute blowout.
Ski season is here, and if you’ve scrolled through social media lately, you’ve probably seen an avalanche of photos and videos of celebrities living it up in one iconic ski town: Aspen, Colorado. A perennial favorite of the jet set, Aspen is just as famous for its fresh powder as it is for its glamorous party scene.
From luxe hotels to trendy pop-up restaurants and buzzing clubs, this classic mountain town knows how to mix high-altitude adventure with high-end fun. If you’re ready to party like a celebrity this winter, here are the must-visit spots to add to your itinerary (private jet optional).
WHERE TO STAY:
W Aspen
Emily Hart
Location is everything in Aspen, and W Aspen puts you where you want to be. Perfectly situated at the base of Aspen Mountain, this luxury hotel (an UPROXX Travel Hot List pick in 2020) is just steps from the town’s best attractions. But W Aspen isn’t just about a prime location—it combines exceptional style with top-tier service. The hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, including the standout WOW and Extreme WOW Suites, each inspired by Aspen’s rich history. From its roots as a Silver Rush mining town to its transformation into a world-class ski destination, the design reflects this journey with thoughtful touches.
Emily Hart
The interiors are vibrant and eclectic, with bold color palettes and patterns that nod to the ‘60s and ‘70s. As the only year-round rooftop venue in Aspen, W Aspen’s WET Deck features a heated pool, hot tub, and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, making it the perfect spot for those who want to stay stylishly at the heart of all the action — and let’s get real, who wouldn’t?
WHERE TO EAT:
HaSalon
Emily Hart
HaSalon, the celebrated Mediterranean restaurant by Israeli Chef Eyal Shani, has brought its renowned culinary experience to Aspen for the ski season from December to April 2025 with a winter pop-up. Situated in the W Aspen at the base of Aspen Mountain, HaSalon fuses Chef Eyal’s signature creativity with international flavors, showcasing the Mediterranean land and sea bounty. With a commitment to using pure, high-quality ingredients—sourced locally whenever possible—the restaurant delivers a dynamic dining experience that captures the vibrant spirit of its Tel Aviv roots and the energy of Aspen’s unique party atmosphere.
HaSalon offers two distinct experiences: before 8 PM, guests can savor a refined menu featuring both classic and avant-garde dishes such as charred beetroot carpaccio, baby potatoes topped with Osetra caviar, bluefin tuna, ribeye steak, and signature pasta creations like ricotta clouds, all in an intimate, music-filled setting. After 8 PM, the restaurant transforms into a lively, high-energy space where exceptional cuisine meets dancing and vibes, offering a truly unforgettable experience unique to Aspen.
French Alpine Bistro
Emily Hart
French Alpine Bistro is a renowned dining spot in Aspen, celebrated for its authentic French Alpine ambiance and cuisine. Located in a small subterranean spot downtown, you will feel like you’re truly in the Alps dining here. I recommend the French Onion Soup ($22) and the Lamb Cannelloni, a Lamb bolognese crepe with sauce Mornay, baked in a cast-iron pan with Gruyère for $46. Reservations here.
Ajax Tavern
Emily Hart
Ajax Tavern, at the base of Aspen Mountain (sometimes called Ajax), is a must-stop for après (whether you’ve skied that day or not). The popular spot has a sun-drenched mountainside patio adjacent to the Silver Queen Gondola, which offers a glamorous yet relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant is particularly famous for its truffle fries and champagne – even offering “Clicquot in the Snow” events (sponsored, obviously, by Veuve Clicquot) on Thursdays through Sundays starting in mid-January with DJs, specials on Veuve, and all the Instagrammable moments you came to Aspen for – no skiing required – from 12-4 pm.
Steak House No. 316
Emily Hart
For a classic steakhouse experience, head to Steak House No. 316, a boutique steakhouse renowned for its prime cuts, fresh seafood, and vegetarian options. Housed in a restored 1888 Victorian home, the restaurant exudes timeless elegance, providing an intimate and sophisticated dimly lit dining atmosphere. I recommend the Branding Iron Onion Rings ($23) and a classic Eye of Rib Eye ($78).
Clark’s Oyster Bar
Emily Hart
Clark’s Oyster Bar is an Aspen institution for seafood lovers. The stylish downtown restaurant has a bustling open kitchen and an alpine-inspired aesthetic that pairs perfectly with the menu of freshly shucked oysters, crudo, lobster rolls, daily fish specials, and caviar with blini, to name a few. I recommend heading in for happy hour when martinis ($20) and the delicious Pan Roasted Black Angus Hamburger with their classic shoestring Clark’s fries are half-price ($24).
In-Room Dining at W Aspen
Emily Hart
As a frequent traveler, there is nothing I love more than an in-room breakfast – especially after a late night out. W Aspen has a substantial in-room dining menu 24/7, but I particularly loved the avocado toast and smoothies, which made my day start off feeling luxurious and healthy.
WHERE TO PARTY:
Hidalgo
Emily Hart
Conceived by Dushan Zarić, co-founder of New York’s renowned Employees Only, the new bar Hidalgo at W Aspen offers an intimate speakeasy atmosphere specializing in high-end agave-based spirits. With cocktails like the “Improved Margarita Cocktail” and “Yellow Jacket,” the vibe is dark and sexy, pairing a stylish Aspen crowd and classic cocktails with modern twists and inventive ingredients. Open from 6 pm onward, Thursday through Monday, this is the spot for before-dinner drinks or after-dinner later-night cocktails.
The Snow Lodge
Emily Hart
You’ve likely seen plenty of your favorite celebrities and influencers visit the now-iconic Surf Lodge during the summer months in Montauk, and the Aspen outpost – aptly named The Snow Lodge – is no different. Located within The St. Regis Aspen Resort, The Snow Lodge is the place to party after the slopes. There is something for everyone here, featuring a Supper Club, Jade Room Lounge, and Après-Ski Courtyard. The Après-Ski Courtyard comes with a high price tag, but with performances from the likes of Diplo, BLOND:ISH, and Cassian, it’s a bucket list party.
Caribou Club
Emily Hart
The thing about Aspen is that everywhere you go kind of, by default, has an air of exclusivity just by its nature, despite being accessible to anyone. This is not the case with Caribou Club, Aspen’s premier and legendary private members-only club, offering an exclusive blend of fine dining and nightclub. Access to the Caribou Club is restricted to members and their guests, but if you don’t have a friend who is a member (or make one during your visit), both weekly and yearly memberships are available. Transforming after dinner to a nightclub it is a cozy and lively spot to dance and celeb spot.
Bad Harriet
Emily Hart
Tucked away under the historic Aspen Times Building is a speakeasy-like cocktail bar that pays homage to powerful women throughout history. Bad Harriet, a part of Hotel Jerome, exudes a cozy Art Deco atmosphere, featuring plaid and leather furnishings, dim lighting, and, of course, inventive cocktails. I recommend the D Lady, with empress gin, elderflower, English breakfast, lemon, and egg white.
Silver City
Emily Hart
Head to Silver City Saloon in the historic Elks Building for a Western Saloon vibe with live music. Come here for a laid-back drink with a rustic ambiance or a live music performance.
WHERE TO EXPLORE:
Aspen Mountain Gondola/Ski
Emily Hart
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ll want to ski Aspen Mountain, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, or all four. But if you’re more into the après scene, you can still get some epic views by riding the Silver Queen Gondola up Aspen Mountain with a “foot pass” ($52). Hop on at the base of Aspen Mountain and head up to the Sundeck Restaurant for a drink or some snacks (and some selfies) with a view before heading back down the 11,212 ft mountain.
Kemo Sabe
Emily Hart
With patrons like Jennifer Lopez, Kevin Costner, Justin and Hailey Beiber and Jeff Bezos (and that’s just the list from a couple of days), Kemo Sabe has cemented itself as not only a high-end western wear apparel store but a bonafide celebrity hangout. Visit the store in downtown Aspen to shop luxury western wear like custom cowboy hats, boots, belts, and buckles – and be on the lookout in the shopping area and upstairs private bar for some celebrities and for the paparazzi that will likely be waiting outside.
Shopping
Emily Hart
Aspen has a population of just over 6,600 people, but the shopping rivals that of any major city. From high-end luxury boutiques like Gucci, Prada and Dior to elevated outdoor brands, ski shops, Western-wear and specialty stores – there is something for everyone, even on a budget. I love to visit Explore Booksellers, Gorsutch and Aspen Emporium and Flying Circus when I’m in town.
Base State
Emily Hart
If you après a little too hard, the elevation is getting to you (or likely both) recover in style at Base State in downtown Aspen. Offering infared sauna and cold plunge sessions, IV therapy, oxygen, lymphatic compression, massage, and a hyperbaric chamber as part of their services, this stylish and friendly boutique wellness and longevity optimization studio will help you recover quicker for more time on the slopes or the next soirée.
St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship
Emily Hart
You’ll have to wait until next December for this one, but it’s well worth it. The St. Regis World Snow Polo Championship in downtown Aspen – the only snow polo event in North America – is a place not just to watch polo, but the crowd itself. With champagne flowing and cozy VIP tents offering food and warmth, the atmosphere feels both celebratory and exclusive. With celebrities like Shaun White, Nicky Hilton, Riley Keough, Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson in attendance this year, it’s a unique and quintessential Aspen experience that combines the town’s love of sport, luxury, and winter magic.
It’s impossible to keep up with the onslaught of output in the modern grocery store marketplace, add to that a digital distribution method, and products being targeted to us by influencers and… it’s chaos. The interest in specialty niche products has propagated an infinitely evolving offering of food products and grocery store surprises.
The tried and true brands have succumbed to collab and seasonal culture, where there was once one flavor of Oreos or Cheez-Its, there are now 20 of each at any given store, potentially one in collaboration with a movie or other product from whatever conglomerate they’re made by now (It’s Mondelez and Kellogg’s in 2024, respectively). Brands produce organic or natural versions of most classic products now, allowing you to literally pick your poison and less modified poison if you’re wealthy enough.
Let’s be honest, we know everything we eat is not nutritious and sticking to that standard results in us missing out on some of life’s most delicious and indulgent tastes. Here at Uproxx, we’re willing to risk a little sugar and fat for the sake of flavor and fun. To help you navigate all the great snack food out there, we put together a list of some of our favorite recently released snacks you can buy at your local store, or on your phone or laptop.
Dried mango, dried mulberries, cacao fruit, macadamia nuts, chocolate-covered cacao fruit, almonds, and dark chocolate chips — what kind of fancy trail mix is this?
But at $8, it’s not too steep of a price to pay for high-quality chewy dried fruits, crunchy nuts, and extra chocolate goodness. Blue Stripes clearly knows how to make a high-end trail mix for the glamper, hiker decked out in North Face and Moncler, apres skier, or any Joe or Jane that appreciates a great combo of flavors (sweet, nutty, fruity, and chocolatey) and textures.
Growing up, bacon bits looked so good… until you actually tried them, what were these dry looking bacon flakes available at every salad bar? I persuaded my Mom to get them at some point as a kid and proceeded to eat them plain (as well as at any salad bar), even though they clearly were not actual bacon.
Big kudos to North Country Smokehouse for vastly innovating the form, their organic and natural Bacon Crumbles smoked with fresh Applewood and brined in New England maple syrup, are light years beyond Bacon Bit’s – the bacon product is still somehow succulent and retains an almost thin jerky-ish texture that for the bigger bits is firm and chewy the way great bacon can be when it’s a little thicker.
Like Baco’s, these don’t require a dish to sprinkle them on top of, though they surely would go great on some nachos, salads, pizza, and pretty much anything else savory, with a lift of flavor and umami.
These upgraded mozzarella nuggets feature Romano cheese, fresh garlic, parsley in addition to whole milk mozzarella. Freezer mozzarella sticks made with real ingredients in 2024? It sounds too good to be true! These Big Mozz nuggets are a welcome addition to any freezer section or get-together of any size.
Are Big Mozz the best mozzarella? Quite possibly. Especially if you bake or air fry them rather than using the microwave but we’ll have to put them to a blind taste test to find out.
If you’re not a Reese’s stan, you still have to fully respect the taste and legacy of the mighty orange and yellow-wrapped original peanut butter cup. Like most treasured snack items today, there are just as flavorful but healthier options now available and Unreal has a segment of that offering on lock with their own spin on the beloved peanut butter cup.
No gluten, low sugar, vegan, no GMO with dark chocolate, organic cane sugar, and organic peanut butter serving as the main ingredients, these are the less guilty version of your childhood PB cups and just (okay, almost) as tasty.
Aura Bora is cashing in on the sparkling water/seltzer/club soda craze that has crashed hipster and greater youth culture and beyond over the past decade, some call it the “La Croix effect”. Making enticing flavor combos that automatically conjure images of freshness is the default in the seltzer game these days and Aura Bora succeeds in creating an intriguing roster of unusual flavor concoctions, including Banana Bergamot, Blackberry Black Pepper, Watermelon Chili, and Cactus Rose.
Cherry Key Lime is one of the less adventurous Aura Bora flavors, but despite not needing a dare to sip on it, the flavor and refreshment factors are on 100 and fully thirst-quenching. Sometimes, that’s all you need and Aura Bora has us considering larger quantity purchases immediately.
If you willfully overlook that there is an active ingredient in these drops, you can easily get your Ludens on with these modern-day throating soothers by Sootheez, the Berry Lemonade being the tastiest out of the four available (although Strawberry Lemonade and Birthday Cake weren’t far behind). The Berry Lemonade has a natural flavor essence that is both sweet and slightly tart, resulting in beyond palatable enjoyment along with the hard candy texture.
There’s no medicinal flavor to be discerned with the Berry Lemonade flavor. The only active ingredient is pectin — which is the fruit-version of gelatin. You could eat an entire tin of Sootheez, even without any legitimate illness.
We already waxed poetic about Smartfood’s industry-best white cheddar popcorn in the past, which has not been bested since, but the revelation of potentially equally perfect kettle corn was the best surprise of a recent Smartfood flavor sampling. The kernels are as fluffy and fresh as their white cheddar chums and the caramel outer layer is light, the right amount of sweet, and the wrong amount of addictive. Once discovered, a bag can go in just a few rounds of snacking or less, depending on who else is around.
Over the years, Uproxx has made plenty of noise about how easy it is to make sauce yourself and how bad storebought sauce is. That said… I’m fully sold on Sauz. The Wild Rosemary Marinara tastes like it’s homemade. Thank god someone at the brand had the sense not to overseason the sauce and, instead, let the tomatoes shine.
It’s tough to highlight “Sweet & Sassy” beans from Serious Bean Co. except… these are so good! I typically put Coke in my Southern Marinades so this isn’t some wild flight of imagination. It’s simply adding sugar and some flavor to the bean mix. The result is a can of baked beans that stands out from the competition by balancing sweet and savory notes.
For years, it seemed as if festival culture was defined by Instagram moments — flower crowns at Coachella, the perfect cowboy hat at Stagecoach, and the ever-iconic wristband stacks. But that era is fading. People are no longer satisfied with just snapping pictures at festivals; they want real experiences, real connections, and real moments with artists. And while many festivals — especially independent ones — are struggling to stay afloat, there’s one fest that has not only survived but continues to thrive: Groove Cruise.
After completing its 21st year just two weeks ago, this floating festival still sells out nine months in advance. Proving that its magic isn’t just hype, it’s a movement. (And, it’s safe to assume, a profitable one.)
Last week, Groove Cruise hosted 6,500 attendees aboard the world-class Allure of The Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world by staterooms. 96 hours of house, techno, and almost every other electronic genre imaginable pulsed through all 17 decks, from sunrise sets in the solarium to after-hour parties in the ice-rink-turned-boiler room. Sure, you were able to find quiet spots on the ship but… why would you? All 15 of Groove Cruise’s stages brought out their own energy and people to party with, offering four days and nights of new experiences, memories, and once-in-a-lifetime moments.
LVLVISUALS
Beyond the music, I found something deeper happening at Groove Cruise. For me, a veteran of the scene, it doesn’t just feel like another festival — it’s a transformative experience. And it’s one that Founder Jason Beukema built from the ground up, without knowing a single DJ or industry insider. Armed with a pipe dream and putting up $10,000 in credit card debt, he launched the first Groove Cruise with just 125 people, relying on friends from Michigan to drive down speakers and CDJs to Miami. Seven years in, he chartered his first full ship, and since then, he’s completed 28 full ship charters.
LAUREN MORELL
“We’ve doubled [Groove Cruise] every year,” Beukema said during a media luncheon aboard last month’s Groove Cruise. “From 125 to 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, and now we’re up to 6,500 people. Along with electronic music, I also charter music cruises for rock, country, and heavy metal, but Groove Cruise is my baby.”
The secret to its success? The relationships with the people. “We changed our tagline to ‘a transformational journey at sea’ because that’s exactly what it is,” Beukema said.
“People come on board, and their whole lives can change. We see it over and over again. People struggling with loss, people who have lost homes –- like those recently in Asheville –- people who are searching for something more. They leave the ship with new perspectives and new energy. That’s what we call ‘the groove effect’ through the eight waves of Groove Cruise. They are your compass to making the most of this unforgettable adventure. Each wave represents a unique journey, crafted to help you discover your passions, explore new horizons, and carrying the energy into your daily life, your family, your community, and your work.”
RUDGRCOM
Beyond the deep connections, Groove Cruise stays ahead of the game by constantly evolving.
“Our attendees are the captains of the ship. Every single person is the most important person on the ship. You steer it, tell us where to go, what cruise lines to work with, what destinations we go to…I drive my team crazy because I don’t like to do the same thing over and over again,” Beukema laughed. “That’s how we’re different. We’re not scaling for the sake of scaling. We’re not keeping things stagnant. Every sailing, we challenge ourselves to come up with new creative ideas. And I personally read every single post-sailing survey.”
That constant innovation shows. No other place, festival, or event gives you DJs throwing down sets in an elevator or offers you the chance to have sushi and espresso martinis with your favorite DJ onboard. One moment, you’re at a manifestation workshop; the next, you’re dancing to an exclusive Nicole Moudaber b2b Roger Sanchez set and witnessing someone proposing to their significant other who they met on Groove Cruise years ago. You might find yourself in a 17th-deck penthouse suite dancing with 30 other people to Deeper Purpose b2b Joshwa as the sun comes up and you’re docking into the Miami skyline; party on a private island in the Caribbean and play kendama on a beach as you listen to Anabel Englund; overlook a surprise Abraxis set in a VIP balcony because you made new friends at breakfast; make a difference in communities around the world through grassroots charitable initiatives with Whet Foundation; and most importantly, savor the sense of complete, uninhibited freedom that makes Groove Cruise unlike anything else in the world.
I guess what I’m saying is: It’s the best party I know about on this planet. Balancing chaos and sincerty; thrumming bass with real connections.
While other festivals battle the oversaturated market, financial struggles, and decreasing advance ticket sales, I expect Groove Cruise continues to sail ahead, proving that in a world craving real experiences, not just IG moments.
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Yesterday (February 8), Jack White gave fans a piece of his mind following remarks about his concert lengths. In a post on Instagram (viewable here), White addressed ticket holder requests to increase his show’s runtime.
Read Jack White’s full statement below.
Been hearing a lot of chatter throughout the year of this glorious electric touring about how long our sets are ‘supposed to be’ on stage. As if the length of a show determines how ‘good’ it is. I know that we’re living in a current era where people like to say ‘so and so played for 3 hours last night!,’ and brag about it the next day hahaha, I’ll let our fans know now that my mind has no intention of ‘impressing’ y’all in that context. The Beatles and Ramones played 30 minute (ish) sets, and If I could, I would do the same at this moment in my performing life. That’s actually the kind of show I’d like to put on right now. But there becomes this chatter that the cost of a ticket “entitles” people to some kind of extra long show…uh…ok (hahaha) so I’m bridging the gap. I’m not sure y’all are knowing (or maybe remembering?) what a real rock or punk show is like though if you’re thinking that way, I think you’re talking about an arena laser light show with pyro, huge screens with premade videos, singers flying over the crowd, t shirt cannons, etc, that’s not the kind of shows we’re performing. I’ve seen a plethora of rock and roll gigs that lasted 45 minutes and blew my mind and inspired me beyond belief. Read the room, leave everyone exhausted and inspired (hopefully) and most of all wanting more, without needing 3 hours to do it. That’s like saying a film is supposed to be better cause they spent 300 trillion making it, well I’ve never seen that movie. Love to all of our fans, I see your faces every night, and you can be assured I’ve never phoned it in in my life, whether its 20 minutes or 2 hours, I’m giving the room what the room is prompting me to do and share and that doesn’t mean if people cheer louder its going to be longer either! haha. There’s no setlist, and it’s not a marvel movie, or a Vegas residency, it’s rock and roll, and it’s a living breathing organism. See you in the hall tonight friends, love you all so much, and thank you for coming to these shows, standing in line and paying your hard-earned money to help this train keep rolling. And the crew and the boys in the band are loving y’all as much as me, we are grateful, thank you.
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