Laidback Luke delivers stunning set at the Williams Center

While the Jersey Shore gives outsiders the impression that New Jersey is full of nightclubs and constant house music, this is far from the truth. Helping to bring some of that incredible energy back to the Garden State, Laidback Luke delivered a fiery set in one of the state’s most exciting new venues.

Originally constructed in the 1920s, the Williams Center has experienced many ups and downs over the past century. Fortunately, it is finding new life under its current management, which brings exciting movies, engaging events, and world-class concerts to the small suburban town. Although its latest inception has focused on classic movie showings and a revival of the hardcore and emo scene that has long served the region, it welcomed Laidback Luke this past weekend, showcasing yet another new era for the incredible space. For show, organizers adjusted the space, eschewing the traditional stage for a pop-up DJ booth in the middle of the floor.

Taking the stage at midnight, the Filipino-Dutch DJ wasted no time turning the historic theater into a 21st-century nightclub, ensuring patrons forgot about the increasing snowfall happening outside the building. For an hour and a half, Laifback Luke shifted through a wide variety of his own productions, fresh remixes and mash-ups, and an exciting display of his own talents as he carefully mixed tracks with his own flair. By the midway point, he had delivered arguably his two biggest hits, Show Me Love and his massive collaboration with Axwell, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Steve Angello of the Swedish House Mafia, the timeless classic Leave The World Behind.

Despite plenty of time in his set left after playing his biggest hits, Laidback Luke commanded the decks and the audience expertly right til the end. With the small stage right in the middle of the audience, fans were able to connect directly with the DJ, and the energy was palpable throughout the room. Armed with his latest collection of tracks on his CODE/RED EP, Luke quickly jumped between years and even decades, ensuring that he celebrated all of his work and threw in plenty of classics that kept the crowd singing along all night. As the Williams Center continues to grow and expand its offerings, Laidback Luke showcased how important electronic music is to the region, and the team at the venue provided a top-notch experience for everyone in the building.