A look back at Above & Beyond Group Therapy 250
Since its inception in 2012, Above & Beyond’s Group Therapy (ABGT) has carved its own unique place in the landscape of electronic dance music, culminating in massive yearly shows in various locations throughout the world. In 2017, for ABGT250, the trio took to Washington’s Gorge Amphitheatre, widely considered the best outdoor music venue in North America. The Amphitheatre features gorgeous, expansive views of the natural gorge formed by the Columbia River, which become even more exhilarating as the sun sets in the background.
Far from only showcasing A&B’s unique sound, this event also debuted all the latest music from Anjunabeats and Anjunadeep — their two record labels. And unlike their previous shows — which lasted only one day — ABGT250 was a three-day event, starting off with a streamed recording of A&B’s Acoustic show on Friday, following up with the main event on Saturday, and a closing Sunday themed around the relaxing vibes of the deep house genre. For Above & Beyond (A&B), this was the pinnacle of a year’s worth of planning and work matched only by the anticipation of their loyal fans, many of whom had travelled from all corners of the world see their favorite artists.
The main day started off with a mellow warm up deep house set curated by A&B from a mobile radio studio overlooking the Columbia River. Things then moved to the main stage with rising stars of Anjunadeep Luttrell and Yotto both performing one hour-long sets to prepare the audience for the more upbeat trance sound of long-time Anjuna artist Oliver Smith. Next, the duo of Genix and Sunny Lax upped the ante with their energetic melodic trance set. Finally, A&B themselves took to the stage with an emotional two-hour set that included both old and new instrumental and vocal tracks from the trio and culminated with the announcement of their new album “Common Ground.” The night ended with an explosive set by the masterful duo of Jason Ross and Seven Lions, which even included a psytrance track.
But despite the incredible music, emotion, and light show of the main event, the hidden gem of ABGT250 was Sunday’s deep house event. Starting off with A&B’s “Yoga” set, Sunday showcased almost 10 hours of deep house music from Anjunadeep artists Moon Boots, Eli & Fur, Jody Wisternoff & James Grant, 16 Bit Lolitas, and finally Yotto & Luttrell. With a much simpler jungle-themed stage and non-stop deep house melodies, it was the perfect way to cool down and relax after the emotional rollercoaster of day one. Indeed, the whole crowd seemed to be in a trance as they vibed to the music. By the time the event was over, it seemed like both Anjuna and the deep house genre as a whole had gained a new round of fans.
As someone attending their first Group Therapy, ABGT250 was a truly magical experience that transcended the line from a standard concert to a bonding experience between people of all different walks of life that share one common love — music. If you wish to relive the event or see it for the first time,you can check out all the live sets on Above & Beyond’s Youtube channel.
