The above video is another one from Spain, this one during producer/DJ/spoken word artist Rich Medina’s set. After the madness of the prior night (and not sleeping until around 10am), I wasn’t sure I was going to make it to Sonar Day at all, but I did, and Medina’s set is a large reason why I’m glad I did so. For most of the day I walked around feeling lethargic and not really getting into a lot of what was playing. It was fun and most of it was new, but I was too tired to feel inspiration. I walked over to the tent where Rich Medina was playing expecting my energy conservation to continue. I was wrong. It turned out that Medina and his partners where in full party mode, a stark departure from the more experimental fare. It was packed, people were dancing and smiling, and it was all about fun with the mix of funk, soul, broken beat, downtempo and party jams. My mood immediately perked up a bit as I stood off to the side to take it all in. I eventually took off my backpack and started to dance, inspiring the permagrin I wore for the rest of the day and night.

Turns out I’m not the only one with that kind of Rich Medina story. J-Justice of SunTzu Sound tells a similar tale from his encounter in Miami, where Medina rocked a daytime party so hard that it spilled into the streets and warranted a visit from the boys in blue. Here’s a link to video from that party. J-Justice considers it easily the best party he’s ever attended.

So why all the stories about Rich Medina? Far from intending to descend (further?) into solipsism, it’s to let you know that Rich Medina is a DJ that is worthy of your attention/time/money. For this month’s edition of Safari, SunTzu Sound is bringing in Rich to headline tomorrow at the Baltic Room. His Jump N Funk parties have grown to legendary status, celebrating its five year anniversary next week, neither of with is surprising considering the crowd response he elicits. If even a little of that party’s spirit comes with him, Seattle should consider itself lucky.