Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Saturday 21 December 2024, 10.00am. Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide, SA
A Deep Dive into Fun…
OK to start with, I have seen MANY shows at Hindley St Music Hall, Punk, Rock, Metal, Acoustic, R&B, a lot, and it’s been LOUD. Nothing prepared my for this though. When Lenny Pearce filled the venue in the wee hours of Saturday morning I have never seen a longer line there. Like, BIG. Could this DJ legend, one-half of Australia’s chart-topping electronic duo, Justice Crew, truly deliver a rave suitable for toddlers and their parents? The answer, as the packed crowd at Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall discovered, is a resounding yes. Pearce turned the venue into an underwater-themed wonderland, delighting children and us adults alike in what can only be described as an unforgettable morning of fun, music and trippy nostalgia AND joy.
A Family Rave Like No Other
The ‘Reef Rave’ was part of a national tour which kicked off in Adelaide commemorating the 25th anniversary of SpongeBob SquarePants, and Pearce certainly didn’t skimp on the theme. The music hall was transformed into a colorful, under-the-sea paradise, complete with roving performers, sea-creature decorations, and vibrant lights that mimicked the shimmering ocean floor. The stage was essesntially a ginormous Octopus. Kids were enchanted by face-painting stations, bubble machines, and even glow-in-the-dark crafts, while parents soaked in the joyous, festival-like atmosphere. It was fun.
And then there was SpongeBob himself! The iconic yellow sponge made special appearances throughout the night, along with Pearce’s quirky blue mascot, Kuma the Monkey. These moments created some of the most delightful squeals from the young crowd – proof that this wasn’t your typical electronic dance event and I’ve seen my fair few, haha.
Toddler Techno: A Set for All Ages
When Pearce took the stage (with screams), the energy in the room skyrocketed. Known for an ability to blend classic children’s songs with upbeat techno beats, Pearce played remixes that were as catchy for kids as they were groovy for adults (There was not one bored parent in my sight). Tracks like a pumped-up version of ‘Old McDonald’ and an EDM twist on ‘She’ll Be Coming ‘Round The Mountain’ had the whole room moving. BUT, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming To Town’ blew the roof off. Parents and kids danced together, creating a rare sight – a dance floor full of families letting loose which I have never seen at this venue. All ages came together to party!
What set this extravaganza apart wasn’t just the music but the atmosphere Pearce cultivated. His interaction with the crowd, combined with the immersive underwater visuals, made it feel like a storybook come to life. And it wasn’t just about the kids. Adults couldn’t help but tap into their inner child, with many parents remarking to me how much fun they had joining in the action.
A Rave That Resonates
The Reef Rave was way much more than a club experience – it was an interactive space where joy was created and soaked in. Pearce’s ability to craft a multi-sensory event that catered to families was nothing short of brilliant. From toddlers giggling at SpongeBob’s antics to parents reliving their own rave days (albeit with juice boxes instead of cocktails), it was clear that this event struck a chord with everyone in attendance.
The morning ended with a final encore, where Pearce invited the crowd to wave their glowing wristbands and ‘light up the reef’ to Katy Perry’s ‘Fireworks’. It was a heartwarming and visually stunning close to an already magical show.
A Tour Worth Catching
As mentioned already, Adelaide’s Hindley Street Music Hall was just the start. The ‘Reef Rave’ tour is set to visit other cities across Australia, with stops in New South Wales, Western Australia, Victoria, and Queensland. Each location promises the same whimsical energy and underwater adventure that Adelaide experienced.
For families looking for a fun night out or fans of Lenny Pearce’s unique spin on dance music, this is a got-to-get-to event. It’s rare to find entertainment that genuinely bridges the gap between generations, but Lenny Pearce has managed to do just that. Bravo my King of Toddler Techno.
Final Thoughts
Lenny you are genius! Pearce’s Reef Rave at Hindley Street Music Hall is much further more than just a family morning out; it was a joyous celebration of music, family, and nostalgia. Whether you’re a fan of SpongeBob, EDM, or just looking for a wholesome event to share with your kids, the Reef Rave is an absolute hit. I was submerged (pun intended) in the bubble of all of it.
So if it’s headed to you and your town, grab your tickets quick, bring your kids (or you niece, like me), and get ready to dance under the sea – this is one rave you don’t want to miss.
Kudos my friend Lenny, you own this genre. And there’s so much more to come… ‘The Wheels On The Bus’ will continue to go ’round and ’round!
Five Dancing & Shimmering Star(Fishes):
