Article and Photos by: Charles Yamabe

Chicago, IL — Down a dark street at the end of an alley the sound of bass can be heard emanating from an unknown location. It’s the kind of area that if you didn’t know the exact address there is no way you could find it. At the end of the alley is a massive warehouse. Inside the warehouse, a hidden party is raging on. This is not your typical party, no, this is the first ever Doors by Mikes Harder party.

Inside around a winding walkway behind two massive curtains Luchadors are jumping from the top ropes of a giant wrestling ring, people are playing in a mock swimming pool filled with plastic balls. On the other side of the room, a graffiti artist is creating street art to the booming bass on an all-white canvas lit exclusively with black lights. The entire venue is filled with fog and is illuminated by the incredible lights shooting near the DJ booth. All of the attendees are dancing thanks in part to the house dancers with their synchronized moves and the groovy beats supplied by Gryffin. Dan Griffith, better known by his stage name “Gryffin,” had just finished playing a sold out show at Bottom Lounge and now had brought his signature sound to the exclusive Mikes Harder party. This kind of social gathering is usually limited to the affluent VIP’s or those that pay for a VIP ticket. However, what made this event extremely special is that it was completely free and open to those in the know. The atmosphere was painstakingly created to stimulate all of an attendees senses. At one point a plastic ball explosion occurred when a group of people started throwing the plastic swimming pool balls in the air as if they were splashing around in the water. Adults were acting like children on a hot summer day playing in a pool jumping in and out of the ball pit. The energy of the guests was electrifying and the sites and sounds were mesmerizing. All in all, it made for an outstanding night of dancing, partying, and socializing.