Although our original plans included only the first day of the Ultra Music Festival, we decided that the lineup was too good to pass up. We promptly wiped the drool off our mouths and switched our flight plans at the last minute allowing us to stay an extra day.

We were really looking forward to the incredible breaks and drum-n-bass the second day had in store for us, and it was as good as you'd expect Baby Anne, Krafty Kutz, Reid Speed, et al, to be. Unfortunately we had to leave the event early to catch our flight home, but the DJs we did see were great. In fact, the music was so good that we found ourselves too busy dancing causing us to neglect some of our photography and writing duties.

Beat-heavy, almost Tribal house was pumping through the speakers when Behrouz got behind the decks on the main stage. Starkillers followed, commanding one of the bigger crowds seen early in the day. This was the first time we heard him live and his events will now be listed here. Afterwards, we caught some Christopher Lawrence and Donald Glaude. We like Lawrence, but lately his sets have been lacking something. Glaude was definitely having fun, talking to the crowd, smiling, and of course throwing down some great music.

As our time in Miami was coming to an end, Josh Wink was next on our list. His recent performance in New York. was excellent and it was on point this time around. The Carl Cox tent where he was spinning was our favorite area. Consistently excellent talent was manning the sound system at all times and the sets were longer there allowing for a better musical experience for the fans. Plus the speakers were well-tuned so it was really just perfect. On our way out we heard a bit of the Fatboy Slim set. Among other tracks, he played "Right Here, Right Now" which drove the crowd wild! There was also a performance by Sasha & Digweed, but we had to choose between the flight home and that set, so we were forced to choose the former. One very unfortunate thing was the mishandled sound system on the main stage that was distorting all the lows; it didn't do them justice. While there, did any of you notice the effects zooming out of New York into the stars? That was pretty awesome!

Overall UMF9 was great fun and though a two-day event is a big commitment, we're glad it was longer than their usual fare. We can't wait 'till next year, when we're planning on finally sticking around for the whole WMC experience to attend more of the excellent parties Miami is hosting.