So let me put my last two GrooveBoston experiences into perspective:

Event: Lynnfield Middle School
Year: 2002
Crew: Bobby and me (Stefan)
Equipment Summary: Fits comfortably in one parentally-owned minivan

Event: Boston College | Homecoming Semi-Formal
Year: 2006
Team: Bobby, Ben, Colin, Jason, Springer, Kurt, and me (Stefan).
Equipment Summary: Bobby calls it a “custom mobile club.” I’m gonna go with “mid-sized arena tour.”

Once Boston-based, and involved in the founding of GrooveBoston, I opted to escape the cold and attend Arizona State for the last four years. Having graduated, I am now living in Phoenix and living the corporate “dream.” I try to get home at least 2 or 3 times a year, but this was the first time that my visit and a GrooveBoston event have overlapped.

I take a redeye from Phoenix Friday night and arrive in Boston at 5am Saturday morning, with a voicemail waiting for me once I turn on my phone upon landing. It’s Bobby D letting me know that he is up around 3am EST in the middle of an intense soldering session at the GB office. The temp is about 45 degrees and to me that feels like an artic tundra, considering the lowest temperature my body has felt in the last 8 months is about 70 degrees. I get home, take a 3 hour nap, and wake up to hear my phone ringing. Bobby simply states “WORD.” and I know its show time.

Its about 2pm and Springer and I, armed with 6 pizzas, are navigating the BC campus to find the rest of the GrooveBoston team. Luckily, it’s time for the first sound check, and we’re able to pinpoint their location by following ridiculous bass. As we arrive at the tent village, preparations are well underway: Trusses are built, lighting is being rigged, and there’s a sort of quiet-before-the-storm energy taking shape.

Final sound and light check is around 7pm and with doors opening at 9, our crew begins to focus on the performance at hand. Looking around the space now, as police and volunteers begin taking their positions, it’s easy to forget that we’re standing what was a parking lot just a few short hours ago… I’m starting to understand why Bobby’s been calling it a mobile club. The BC partygoers show up promptly and in style, despite the frigid air. The dance floor fills up quickly, and before you know it, thousands of people are packed in every corner of the club.

From 10pm to 1am, BC experiences GrooveBoston at its best. It’s truly amazing to see the peak of the 18 hour mobile club process… and looking around at the crowd and the GB team, it’s clear that THIS is what it’s all about.

I’m just excited to come check out the state of things in another 4 years. Stay classy GrooveBoston!

Stefan Iwanchuk

Co-founder, GrooveBoston