Naples – The sea of Posillipo whispers submerged rhythms, and the Rama Beach Cafe – that bastion of sand and consoles overlooking the Gulf – is preparing to beat like a resurrected house heart.
On Sunday, October 19th, from 10 a.m. to midnight, Angels of Love will bring down the curtain on "Motivation For Ron": a mega-event that is not just a party, but a collective embrace of Ron Carroll, Chicago's "Minister of Sound" who passed away too soon on September 21st at the age of 57, leaving a void that echoes in clubs around the world.
"His sudden passing inspired us to organize this tribute," explains the Neapolitan collective, pioneers of house music in Southern Italy for 35 years, in a statement. "Ron was pure groove, the voice behind immortal hits like Bob Sinclar's 'World Hold On': with him, music wasn't just sound, it was redemption."
And so, amidst synthetic dunes and Vesuvian sunsets, Naples becomes a secular altar to celebrate a giant who fused street soul and electronic beats, selling millions of records and inspiring generations of DJs to believe in the healing power of four-on-the-floor. Imagine the decks as a transoceanic bridge: from Chicago comes Mike Dunn, the living legend of Windy City house, creator of bombs like "If I Can't Get Down" (remixed by Mousse T.) and collaborations with Syleena Johnson, Byron Stingily, and Mina Jackson that have redefined soulful deep house.
"Dunn is the godfather who brought Englewood funk to global dance floors," says a local promoter, as the air fills with bass reminiscent of remixed Motown. Then, England: Justin Berkmann, co-founder of Ministry of Sound in 1991—that London temple that invented '90s clubbing, with compilations selling 50 million copies—steps into the booth for a set that blends rave nostalgia and acid futurism.
Alongside him, resident Bert Bevans, a master of remixes who has touched stars such as Paul McCartney, Depeche Mode and the Red Hot Chili Peppers, transforming "Money-Go-Round" by the Style Council into an eternal club anthem.
“From Ministry to Naples: it’s like the Thames meets Vesuvius,” chuckles one fan on Instagram, where hype for the event has already surpassed 10.
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And it's not just for vinyl purists: Kym Mazelle, the "First Lady of House Music", friend of Michael Jackson and author of "Young Hearts Run Free" – the cover of Baz Luhrmann's "Romeo + Juliet", triple platinum in the US and #13 in the UK charts, is setting her voice ablaze.
Its eclecticism—from roots gospel to Eurodance—will warm up a day that kicks off with a groovy brunch and culminates in an epic sunset set. Rounding out the lineup is the Angels crew: DJ Fiore, Simi, Jg Bros, and dApuleo, Neapolitan standard-bearers who blend electronic tarantella and deep vibes, custodians of a sound that has made Rama dance for decades.
But "Motivation For Ron" goes beyond the beat: it's a family-friendly event, with a kids' area supervised by entertainers – "Because house music is for everyone, even five-year-olds raving to the beat of mom and dad," the organizers joke. And this is where the social aspect comes in: a renewed partnership with AutismAid, the Neapolitan association that supports families with autism, including Asperger's syndrome, through cultural projects and music workshops.
Part of the proceeds—€20 tickets, early bird already sold out—will go to their coffers, bolstered by a performance by Daniele Somma (aka Daniel Seven), an autistic DJ and producer who has transformed his "diversity" into world tours and silent parties at Federico II University.
"Autism isn't a disability, it's another way of experiencing the rhythm," Somma says in a viral reel, where his "silent" set—headphones for seamless immersion—has already moved thousands. "With Ron, who preached universal love, we celebrate those who dance differently." In a Naples struggling to reclaim its club spaces after years of restrictions, this tribute is a hymn to resilience: 12 hours of music, street-house food, and an inclusive vibe, with artwork dedicated to Carroll designed by Mbroz_art.
"It's for Ron, but also for us: house music cures everyday stress," the Angels comment. Tickets on Eventbrite, shuttles from the city center: the groove calls, Naples responds. And who knows, between a drop from Dunn and a vocal from Mazelle, Carroll's voice might be heard: "Back to basics, love is the answer." The immortal beat begins again.
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