A Star Wars Celebration Party to Remember
On the night of April 9th, 2023, Blues Harvest had the distinct pleasure of playing at #CANTINA2, held at the Indigo at the O2 in London. This event, an unofficial Star Wars Celebration party, brought together fans from across the galaxy for an evening of music, merriment, and intergalactic excitement.
A Musical Journey Across the Galaxy
Our set at #CANTINA2 was an exhilarating ride through some of the most iconic themes in the Star Wars universe and beyond. We opened with “The Mandalorian,” setting a gritty, adventurous tone that carried us through classics like “Star Wars” and “Chewbacca / Obi-Wan Kenobi.” Our special guest Mike Quinn joined us for a magical medley of “Fraggle Rock / Magic Dance,” bringing a touch of Jim Henson’s enchanting puppetry to the stage.
The excitement continued as Darth Elvis graced us with his presence for several songs including “Lapti Nek” and “Ackbar.” It was a joyous celebration of the Dark King of the Sith’s unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll and Star Wars lore. Each song was a hit, with “Sarlacc Pit” and “Sheev Palpatine” getting particularly loud cheers from the crowd, resonating with Darth Elvis’s energetic performance.
The Last Hurrah with Darth Elvis
This night was bittersweet, as it marked the last performance of Darth Elvis before his “carbonite retirement.” From his debut at the first Star Wars Celebration Europe in 2007, Darth Elvis has rocked and rolled his way through the galaxy. His Star Wars-themed parodies have been a highlight of fan events worldwide, and #CANTINA2 was no exception. Seeing him perform one last time was both an honor and a testament to the lasting impact he’s had on Star Wars fan celebrations.
Sharing the Stage with Ash
It was an absolute pleasure to support the iconic band Ash, whose members share our passion for Star Wars. Hanging out with them backstage, geeking out over Star Wars lore, and watching their incredible performance was a highlight of the evening. Ash’s energy and enthusiasm for both music and Star Wars made them perfect headliners for the night, and we felt truly honored to share the stage with such talented musicians.
Beyond the Music
The night was more than just a concert; it was a full-on Star Wars fiesta. The venue was packed with cosplayers, and the atmosphere buzzed with energy and excitement. In addition to our performance, attendees enjoyed sets from DJs Level Up Leroy and Elliot Hansen, whose mixes of big beats and pop culture references kept the party vibe alive throughout the evening.
Reflections on #CANTINA2
Playing at #CANTINA2 was a remarkable experience for everyone in Blues Harvest. The passion of the Star Wars community, combined with the sheer joy of live music, created an unforgettable night. We’re grateful to have been part of such a unique event, sharing the stage with incredible talents and performing for the most enthusiastic fans in the universe.
A huge thanks goes out to everyone who joined us at the Indigo at the O2 for this stellar celebration. As we look back on the night, we are reminded of why we love what we do—bringing people together through the power of music and shared passions. Here’s to many more nights like #CANTINA2, where the force is always strong and the music never stops.
May the force be with you, until our next intergalactic adventure!