House Music Lovers! Mark your calendars because a brand-new event is hitting Milton Keynes, and it’s all about those deep house vibes we know and love. Curated by the passionate and talented duo, Ash Roberts & Lee Clarke, Open Events is making its debut on October 11th at The Craufurd Arms, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it.
We caught up with Ash to get the inside goss on what inspired him to launch Open Events and what we can expect from the debut event.
Meet Ash: One Half of Open Events
Ash is a self-proclaimed music fanatic who used to DJ back in the day. His love for vinyl and the art of blending tracks seamlessly is what drives him. “Playing on turntables reignited my passion for music and collecting again,” he shared. And this passion is what led him to create Open Events. Ash wanted to see if he could still put on a killer party knowing what he knows now versus his DJing days in the ’90s.
Why Deep House?
Ash’s love affair with house music began during his teenage years working in a record shop. He quickly fell for the steady rhythmic beats and the euphoric vibe that comes from dancing in a room full of like-minded music lovers. “To me, it’s a true getaway from the mundane of everyday life,” he explained. And it’s this feeling he hopes to share with all of us through Open Events.
The Craufurd Arms: The Perfect Venue
Choosing the right venue was no easy feat, but The Craufurd Arms stood out. Known primarily for its rock and metal gigs, this space is now set to host some of the best deep house parties around. “The main room holds around 200 people and has a fantastic space reminiscent of older London warehouse venues,” Ash said. The venue’s unique charm alongside Open Events own iconic sound system are sure to make the night one to remember.
Sound Quality: The Heartbeat of the Event
One thing Ash emphasised is the importance of a high-definition sound system. “Sound is everything when playing music,” he stated. At Open Events, sound quality is king. “There’s a fine balance between not being too ‘audiophile’ where there’s no power to the sound and not ramming the room full of subs to distortion levels,” Ash explained. The goal is to create an atmosphere where the combination of darkened space, hazy smoke, and rumbling sound evokes an almost irresistible urge to dance. “People might not instantly identify the superior sound quality, but they’ll feel the difference in the atmosphere.”
What’s in Store for October 11th?
Ash is keeping some of the surprises under wraps, but he did hint at a few highlights. The headliner for the night is none other than Atjazz, and you can expect top-notch sound quality and a killer atmosphere. “We want to transform the room a bit on the night. There will be some décor installed, but nothing too flashy. We want the focus to remain on music,” Ash shared.
Supporting Local Talent and Venues
One of the goals of Open Events is to bring people together and support the local community (things we love to hear!). “Hopefully we can book local DJs to play at future events and show that great venues can be enjoyed by music lovers of all genres,” Ash said. It’s no secret that independent venues need support right now, and events like this help to keep them alive and thriving.
A Vision for the Future
Ash has big plans for Open Events, aiming to host around four parties a year. “If we can build our community and a small following, then we’ll keep investing and promoting events,” he explained. It’s all about creating a unique experience and keeping the deep house scene alive outside of major cities.
So, if you’re ready for a night of incredible music and good vibes, grab your tickets for Open Events’ debut at The Craufurd Arms on October 11th. You can snag your tickets on Resident Advisor HERE and keep up with all the latest updates on TikTok and Instagram via @openhousemusiceventsuk.
