As the winter chill graces us, dance music aficionados eagerly anticipate the electrifying warmth of Winter Party Festival, set to ignite the nightlife of Miami once again. Embracing its reputation as one of the hottest annual queer celebrations, Winter Party Festival promises an unforgettable experience blending pulsating beats, vibrant atmosphere, and a community united by their love for music and celebration.
This weekend, Winter Party Festival and Hilton Wolman Events takes over Miami Beach with a series of events that will benefit local and national LGBTQ+ organizations that’s sure to send shivers of excitement down your spine. Hosted at iconic venues along the sun-kissed shores, including renowned clubs and beachfront stages, the festival guarantees six days of non-stop revelry against the backdrop of Miami’s stunning skyline.
An Unrivaled Lineup
Prepare to dance the night away to the rhythms of world-class DJs and performers, handpicked to deliver an eclectic mix of electronic music genres. From pulsating house beats to hypnotic techno vibes, Winter Party Festival 2024 boasts a lineup that caters to every taste and preference. With surprise guest appearances and exclusive sets, attendees can expect an unparalleled auditory journey that transcends boundaries and genres.
As anticipation for Winter Party Festival 2024 reaches fever pitch, we caught up with the esteemed DJ Eddie Martinez, one of the headlining acts set to grace the festival stages. Known for his infectious beats and captivating performances, Eddie Martinez shares insights into his creative process, excitement for Winter Party Festival 2024, and what attendees can expect from his electrifying set tonight alongside DJ Deanne at Heat @ Wynwood Marketplace (tickets available here).
Exclusive Interview with DJ Eddie Martinez
EDMTunes: How do you tailor your music selection to fit the atmosphere and vibe of the Winter Party Festival?
Eddie: I try to tailor my music selection based on the venue, city and crowd that is expected to be there, for the winter party festival I know it’s more of a high energy, uplifting kinda vibe.
EDMTunes: What sets your DJ style apart from others and makes you a great fit for this event?
Eddie: I try to be eclectic with my sets, maybe play some things you wouldn’t expect to hear, take you on a trip, keep the energy up but flowing and a vibe to keep you moving consistently.
EDMTunes: Can you share a memorable experience or performance from a past event that demonstrates your ability to engage and energize the crowd?
Eddie: One of the most memorable experiences was playing in Rio De Janiero for new years, it was pouring rain all night, like hard, I played a high energy set with euphoric vibes, it was mesmerizing how it felt like the crowd and I were one together that night!
EDMTunes: How do you stay current with music trends and ensure your set is fresh and exciting for the audience?
Eddie: I try to keep up with all of the latest releases and sounds being played all over, not just in one genre, I’m always producing new tracks and making my own private mixes, so it’s just tailored to my sound.
Beyond the Beats
Winter Party Festival isn’t just about the music—it’s a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and unity. As one of the largest LGBTQ+ fundraisers in the world, the festival is committed to supporting organizations dedicated to LGBTQ+ rights and health initiatives. By joining the festivities, attendees contribute to a cause greater than themselves, fostering a sense of community and solidarity that resonates long after the music fades.
In addition to the pulsating beats and electrifying atmosphere, Winter Party Festival 2024 is deeply rooted in its commitment to LGBTQ+ advocacy and empowerment. We had the privilege to sit down with representatives from The National LGBTQ Task Force, one of the key organizations supported by the festival. They share their perspectives on the significance of Winter Party Festival, the impact of community support, and the vital work being done to advance LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation that sheds light on the intersection of music, activism, and celebration.
Exclusive Interview with The National LGBTQ Task Force
EDMTunes: Can you tell us about the mission and goals of The National LGBTQ Task Force, and how the Winter Party Festival aligns with these objectives?
National LGBTQ Task Force: [We are] a legacy LGBTQ advocacy group, founded in New York City in 1973 and now with offices in NYC, Washington DC and Miami, FL. We are dedicated to achieving freedom and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer people, and their families through proactive, targeted, change-inducing initiatives. We do this as a progressive voice in the LGBTQ community and in the progressive movement as a voice for LGBTQ people. We do work on both national and local levels, on the ground and on Capitol Hill, and through campaign that queer the vote, queer the census and more. Our Creating Change conference gathers together thousands of LGBTQ and allies advocates every year to network, learn and plan for the movement.
EDMTunes: How does The LGBTQ Task Force ensure that the Winter Party Festival is inclusive and welcoming to people of all backgrounds and identities within the LGBTQ+ community?
National LGBTQ Task Force: Like all of work - programs and events - we strive for accessibility in every way, physical, financial and across the many identities that are part of our diverse LGBTQ community. This event is a real labor of love, with hundreds of volunteers who help us put all these amazing events together. One need go only look at the sea of people and the spectrum of our attendees, which has become more diverse over time. We call it radical welcome and it is in the DNA of the Task Force and shows at all our events, from WPF to our gala to the Creating Change conference.
Especially at a time when the LGBTQ community is very much under attack, WPF creates an inclusive space to rejuvenate and recharge. We live in a world that challenges us every day; telling us we’re different, less than, other. A climate in which there are forces actively trying to erase us. WPF is a space where we can be ourselves, surrounded by our chosen family and accepted and loved just the way we are. Those are the values of the Task Force.
The small group of men who founded the Winter Party Festival in 1994 organized it as a one-day event, but 30 years later, now brought joy to hundreds of thousands of people and raised millions of dollars for LGBTQ causes. At the Task Force, which has been producing WPF for over a decade, we have call it a “party with a purpose.” When we say “live free, play hard, give back,” we mean it. This is an important fundraiser for us and the South Florida LGBTQ community. We donate a significant portion of the proceeds from Winter Party Festival each year to LGBTQ advocacy and community groups in South Florida through a grant-making process administered by the GLBT Community Projects Fund at The Miami Foundation.
EDMTunes: What are some of the challenges The LGBTQ Task Force faces in organizing and promoting the Winter Party Festival, and how do you address these challenges to ensure a successful event?
National LGBTQ Task Force: Interestingly, we often hear from people who question why we are doing events in Florida. For us, tt is more important than ever that the Task Force continue our work and programs in Florida, a state we have been involved with since Anita Bryant, and actively and visibly uplift our partners and sponsors who have stood with us in this fight. We continue to do the work and organizing we have for decades, and have redoubled our efforts to publicly and loudly support and acknowledge everyone – from partner organizations to our sponsors and donors - who have committed to working alongside us to be part of the solution. We will not abandon our work - or our people - in Florida, we are in this for the long haul.
For more information and to purchase tickets to select events, please visit the Winter Party Festival website. Join us as we delve into the world of DJ Eddie Martinez and discover the magic behind the music that’s set to ignite Winter Party Festival 2024 like never before.