WHAT NOT TO MISS AT SSBD
By Naomi Walerys
The babes are taking over SSBD! This year’s fest is stacked with femme and queer brilliance, and Bass n Babes is here to spotlight the artists and events that embody that energy. From boundary-pushing performances and workshops, to spaces built for community and liberation, we’ve rounded up some of our must-see highlights to guide you through the magic.
FRIDAY
Bass n Babes Friday Night Takeover
Beam yourself up to planet Bass n Babes Friday night at SSBD and experience the out-of-this world sounds of our vibrant collective. Featuring six artists who released on our debut compilation album Bass n Babes Vol I, the Bass n Babes takeover is bringing you a mix of ethereal, low-end wubs and deep, sexy bass music. Baby Kush, Shortcvke, Auracle, Lex Looper, Farley., and VIOLET are all making waves in the SoCal bass music scene and showcasing what queer and femme artists have to offer.
Bass n Babes is an independent music collective bridging the gap between the LGBTQ and bass music communities. It is our goal to create queer spaces within the bass scene and uplift queer, femme, and other underrepresented DJs/producers. Our ultimate goal is to build the feminine and queer presence in the bass music scene.
When/Where?
12:30-3am @ Inner Bass
The Bad Influencers: Freq Show at the Backdoor Corral
FREQ SHOW hits the Backdoor Corral at But County Fair, Friday—3:15-6am… your late-night escape into queer chaos, bumpin’ beats, and circus energy. Expect wild performances, dancefloor madness, and sunrise techno for breakfast with the baddies outsiiiide.
A fearless force of femme and queer energy, The Bad Influencers are a performance-driven DJ collective that refuses to conform. Unapologetic in our artistry, we use expressive talent and undeniable charisma to challenge norms, inspire confidence, and celebrate radical authenticity. We’re not just turning up the heat on the decks—we’re igniting passion, courage, and self-expression on every dancefloor we touch. In our world, being true to yourself isn’t just encouraged—it’s the ultimate power move.
When/Where?
3:15-6am @ The County Fair
SATURDAY
McWavy - live saxophone and performance
At the age of 6 in a rural mountain home nestled in the cozy woods of Vermont, McWavy (Sarah McAndrew) began in depth preparation to become a professional classical pianist.
Along the way, a deep appreciation for jazz and soul music led to the desire to learn the alto, tenor, and baritone saxophone.
Her sound is attributed to a culmination of influences from jazz to hip hop, soul music to classic rock, bass music and beyond creating a unique sound.
With a combination of keyboards, saxophones, and eclectic instrumentation, McWavy’s live performance enchants audiences with impressive on-the-go improvisation and raw emotional power through colorful layers of instrumentation and live vocals.
You can expect her vivid imagination to curate an unparalleled adventure of auditory stimulation for her listeners in every performance.
When/Where?
5:30-6:30pm @ Different Stage
Piece by Piece: A DIY Mosaic Workshop w/ Jasmin Miko
My name is Jasmin - most people in the rave community call me Jem! I’ll be hosting a workshop making little mosaic coasters! It’s a very simple and easy craft. Each individual creates one mosaic coaster that when put altogether, makes a whole masterpiece! It’s a very fun experience. One of my favorite things about SSBD is the creative opportunities they’ve given us, and I hope that this sparks a new hobby in those who attend. I am very happy for everyone who will be able to bring home a little SSBD souvenir! Space is limited!
When/Where?
11:15am - 12:15pm @ Creation Station
SUNDAY
Pour Your Heart Out: A Fluid Acrylic Art Class w/ Miranda Vibes
Pour Your Heart Out is an all levels fluid acrylic art class (that’s a fancy way of saying to pour paint onto a canvas) This workshop is an adaptation of their paint and sip class that mainly focuses on color theory and abstract expression rather than artistic talent.
You can find out more about the class on instagram @osidepaintnpour.
When/Where?
10-11am @ Creation Station
Soul Flow Breathwork & Beats with Shanila Sattar
https://www.flowbreathworktraining.com/
This workshop combines the power of movement, breathwork, and intentional beats to help you tap into your body’s wisdom and connect with your inner flow. Designed to awaken your vitality, clear stuck energy, and connect you to your authentic self, this practice is both for the inner and outer WERK!
We're not just talking breathe in, breathe out - we're talking FLOW Breathwork. We're getting into a super potent 3-part breathwork that activates the body's energy centers, supports releasing stored emotions, and deepens your connection to self.
When/Where?
2-3pm Sunday @ Inner Space
Some other enticing femme/queer-led events and performances:
Shuffle at Same Same w/ Sagan Evans
When/Where?
Friday 11-12pm @ Inner Space
Mayvn
When/Where?
Saturday 5:30-6:30pm @ Different Stage
How to Become a Drag King
When/Where?
Saturday 8:30-9:30pm @ The But
Mantra Sounds
When/Where?
Sunday 6:30-7:30pm @ Different Stage
ALLEYCVT
When/Where?
Sunday 9:30-11pm @ Different Stage
These are just a glimpse of the femme and queer energy powering SSBD - make sure you experience them for yourself. You don’t want to miss out!
