ODESZA sparks Moogfest dance party on streets of Durham

Friday night’s Moogfest headliners did what they do best: set a groove so big, so bold and so infectious that, like the Pied Piper, they drew folks to the street in a huge impromptu dance party. People spilled out of Fullsteam Brewery, pints in hand, to join the crowd. Rigsbee Street was transformed into the biggest dance floor in downtown Durham.

Earlier in the day, ODESZA, made up of the duo of Harrison Mills, also known as CatacombKid, and Clayton Knight, nicknamed BeachesBeaches, were subdued and reflective as they explained their creative process in a podcast taping for Song Explorer.

The two met in college and became close friends and collaborators. They explained they recognize each other’s strengths and that’s how they make decisions about their music.

“There are some things he’s better at and some things I’m better at," Harrison said. "We respect that and unless it’s something one of us feels really strongly about we defer to the other.”

It’s clear they’re on to something.

The crowd danced nonstop from the minute the first chord was struck. At the end of their set, sensing the crowd wanted more, they launched into a few more songs and revved the crowd up again.

A Durham Police officer couldn’t resist the groove and was sneaking in a dance step every now and then while scanning the crowd.

There’s one more night of great music. Venture down to Rigsbee Street, and let the beat move you.