Origins of the term “cloak and dagger” can be traced back to the 19th century, when individuals wielding both items were suggestive of ‘melodramatic intrigue and/or action usually involving secret agents and espionage’. It seemed appropriate then, that the inaugural Cloak & Dagger Music Festival, held last weekend in downtown Denver, piqued the curiosity of discerning dance and deep house fans unsure of what to expect.

The festival boasted a small but impressive lineup, with Norwegian producer Cashmere Cat and Dirtybird Records royalty Justin Martin headlining the one-day event. Funky disco beat maker Moon Boots, French producer Pomo and Michigan native Sango were all at the top of my must-see list, as each has a unique musical aesthetic that differentiates themselves from a — if we’re going to be honest — heavily saturated market of dance/electronic DJs.

Similarly, trendy Tropical house producer Thomas Jack was slated to play Cloak & Dagger; many attendees even purchased the festival ticket just for his performance, but unfortunately his much anticipated set was unexpectedly canceled. Techno/garage/house duo Golf Clap (clad in golf gear, naturally) filled in with a two-hour B2B set, which felt longer than it needed to be, but fun nonetheless. Fans of Ta-ku, Kaytranada or hip hop and R&B-infused dance tunes would appreciate Sango’s laid-back vibe and song selection, which included original tracks as well as memorable remixes of Tinashe, The Weeknd and Aaliyah.

The primary festival venue, City Hall, has a distinctively “warehouse” feel. Two sizeable, industrial rooms side-by-side make up two larger stages. Despite two entirely different shows being separated only by a huge cement wall, sound was never an issue. Festival goers could seamlessly walk from one show to the other, and because it was the first year of the event it wasn’t overcrowded.

Showcasing Colorado musical talent, the “locals-only” stage on the third floor included Marcelo Moxy, Samples and Ill-esha, to name a few. Denver-based hat and apparel company Grassroots California, dance music culture brand Fluo Apparel and medicinal marijuana beverage brand Keef Cola set up shop on the third floor, which allowed for a casual break from the hype down below.

Although I’d heard tickets at the door were upwards of $70, the price leading up to hours before the event were $35-$40 — a more than fair price for to see a roster of up-and-coming producers play in such an intimate setting. Such an opportunity rarely exists except at festivals like SXSW in Austin (during which nearly every bar and club in downtown becomes a live music venue), and there definitely won’t be any Keef Cola.

Located a few blocks from the main venue was the secondary Club Vinyl, known around town for its top notch house and techno acts, LED production and crystal clear Funktion One sound system, housed the remaining acts, including the closing set from Justin Martin. Holy Ghost! held down City Hall until the end of the night with a groovy, nu-disco dance set, but most attendees were packed in like sardines at Vinyl, and they didn’t seem to mind. Justin Martin knows how to keep the party going, and he did so pretty much until the venue closed, leaving a motley crew of sweaty club kids to find somewhere else to go.

Of course the festival had a few hiccups, like most first-time (and recurring) shows do. The music was a highlight, demonstrating the potential of Cloak & Dagger Music Festival in future years, as well as the power of what can be accomplished with a cooperative effort among the music community. Here’s to hoping the next one is bigger and better. Until next year!

[All photographs by Twitch]