The Sun Shines In... on Sundance 2016
Sundance 2016: Rainbow XXIX: Sol Groove has a surprising new venue! Was it a wonderfully imaginative inspiration or a wildly crazy idea to hold the 29th Sundance at the nearly vacant Rehoboth Mall? Perhaps it’s both! You’ll just have to see it and decide for yourself.
For two nights during the Labor Day weekend, the Rehoboth Mall will be transformed into an exciting, high-energy venue for this year’s Sundance. All the favorite features of Sundance will be there: fabulous auction items, pulsating dance floor, delicious food from Plate Catering, all-night open bar, and the large, energized crowds that make Sundance the event of the year. And it certainly doesn’t hurt that the new venue has plenty of free parking (there will also be shuttle buses from downtown Rehoboth). But there will definitely be some additional fun—and mystery—with the new venue. What will the creative team do with the wide-open atrium and the main concourse of the mall? Would they even tuck some fun into a few of the empty store spaces? You’ll have to get your (sol) groove on to find out. And like Brigadoon, this magical place will only appear briefly, and then vanish into the mist, so you definitely don’t want to miss it.
Sundance 2016: Rainbow XXIX: Sol Groove will be held September 3-4. The first night is the silent and live auction with auctioneer Lorne Crawford. The second night is the dance party the event is named for, featuring one of the most sought-after DJs in the country, DJ/Remixer Joe Gauthreaux. Although Sundance is always an extravaganza, this year’s event promises to be the most spectacular yet. The new location provides myriad opportunities for creative use of space, decoration, and staging. Participants can attend either or both nights of the event (tickets are $45 for one night, $80 for both). Cash, check, American Express, Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are all accepted, but don’t wait and risk disappointment—Get your tickets now! All proceeds benefit the CAMP Rehoboth Community Center. Tickets are available online at camprehoboth.com.
Free Sundance Shuttle Available on the Dance Night
Free shuttle service from downtown Rehoboth Beach to the Rehoboth Mall will be available on the night of the dance. Shuttles will run from 8 p.m. until 2:15 a.m.
The Sundance Dance - Let’s Dance!
The second night of Sundance, Sunday, September 4, from 8 p.m.-2 a.m., is the dance party the event is named for. Internationally known DJ/remixer Joe Gauthreaux will hand-pick contemporary progressive tunes and provide his own original content, and there will be an open bar all night.
Gauthreaux has played at clubs and parties all over the world and has remixed artists such as Tony Moran, Frenchie Davis, Kristine W., Bimbo Jones, Ne-Yo, and even Justin Bieber, and this year he’s bringing the excitement to the new Sundance venue. "Sundance is always one of my favorite end of summer events,” says Gauthreaux. “I love seeing all the Philly and DC boys come down, plus Rehoboth is such a magical setting! The vibe for this event is always fun and I play more classics than usual which the crowd seems to love." Gauthreaux’s 2014 single “Bye Felicia,” featuring Mitch Amtrak, reached number five on the Billboard Dance Chart. “For me as a DJ, it's about bringing people together and tapping into emotions,” he says. “When I say emotions, that doesn't necessarily mean every song will make you think or be deep in meaning. Tribal rhythms stir up emotions, but so do meaningful vocals or powerful chords and melodies. I try to strike a balance in my set, but there always has to be some emotional core for me because otherwise what's the point?”
The lighting for Sundance will again be provided by renowned lighting designer Paul Turner. Turner is a touring entertainment lighting director and moving light programmer, who has handled lighting design for theatre, concerts, television, holiday spectaculars, military shows, and sporting events. He is currently lighting director for Robin Thicke.
Free shuttle service from downtown Rehoboth Beach to the Rehoboth Mall will be available on the night of the dance. Shuttles will run from 8 p.m. until 2:15 a.m.
A ticket for the single night is $45 (or for $80, get the auction and the dance). Tickets available online.
The Sundance Auction - Time to Bid!
There are auctions and then there is the Sundance auction. And this year’s auction is shaping up to be the most incredible yet. Donors have gone above and beyond, and as a result hundreds of vacation packages, dining opportunities, fine art, gift items, elegant jewelry, and one-of-a-kind experiences will be up for bid. And the wide spectrum of price points ensures that no one has to go home empty-handed.
When Sundance Auctioneer Lorne Crawford steps into the spotlight to begin the evening’s live auction, the night gets even better.
Some of the featured items in the live auction this year include a spectacular Accent on Travel cruise from Annette and Rick Stellhorn on the Queen Mary II, (with a choice of a transatlantic crossing, or a Caribbean vacation for two (1); a week in Costa Rica (2); an Olivia Caribbean Festival Cruise for two; a one-week stay at an RCI Resort anywhere in the world from Joe DiSalvo; original art by Murray Archibald (3), Sondra Arkin, Ward Ellinger, Bill Snow, and others; a 55” 4K Ultra HD television donated by Laura Simon and Cathin Bishop; a seven-course dinner for six (including the food and wine) in your home by personal chef Jay Allen of The Elegant Plate; a photoshoot by Carolyn Watson Photography for you and yours to be featured on the cover of Letters from CAMP Rehoboth; several large, exquisite pieces of original art glass from the estate of Charlie Lee (4); and an amazing one-of-a-kind Sundance quilt handmade for this year’s benefit from long-time Sundance supporters Monica Parr and Emilie Paternoster.
The auction-night music will be provided by DJ Stephen Strasser, who has played at local house parties, Cloud 9, the CAMP Rehoboth Silver T-Dance last summer, and other events. “Sol Groove is a perfect theme for Sundance,” says Strasser, “and I can’t wait to share a set of sun-drenched classics blended with some cool grooves as we raise funds for CAMP Rehoboth. It’s going to be a great evening!”
The Sundance auction will take place Saturday, September 3, 7-10 p.m., and will feature a cocktail buffet and an open bar all night. A ticket for the single night is $45 (or for $80, get the auction and the dance).
Sundance Info and Tickets
Poodle Beach Ticket Sales Under the Big Tent
Saturday, August 27—10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4—10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Evening Ticket Sales/Box Office Pick-up, CAMP Courtyard
Thursday and Friday, September 1 and 2—5-7 p.m
CAMP Courtyard, Saturday, September 3, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.