Local alumnus brings progressive EDM to Cal Poly dance groups

Bryan Lai returned to San Luis Obispo on Sept. 12 to lead Back2Bass Comeback, an evening that mixed local DJs with Cal Poly dance groups. The event aimed to broaden the town's electronic music offerings by moving beyond the standard house music sets that typically dominate local venues.

Lai, a Cal Poly alumnus, launched the Back2Bass concept to create a platform for slower-building, progressive electronic sounds. He intentionally recruited performers from outside the usual circuit to help expand the audience. The show evolved from a series of house parties into a staged production featuring choreography and cross-campus collaboration.

The lineup included Cal Poly’s United Movement dance troupe performing alongside several DJs. Two rising local acts, AC/JC, which consists of Aaron Caparac and Jeff Caceres, also took the stage. Organizers described the night as a showcase for producers experimenting with layered sounds. They wanted to reach listeners who might otherwise only hear standard house sets around town.

Elise Donaho, president of United Movement, said bringing choreography to local shows helps make concerts more accessible. She noted that the event gave student groups a chance to present their work outside of campus-only settings. The organizers framed dance as a social tool that helps create a communal atmosphere for students and residents alike.

For Caparac and Caceres, the performance marked a shift from hobby to professional pursuit. They described the night as a tangible step toward building careers in performance and production. The event emphasized community over competition, aiming to be a welcoming space where people from different backgrounds could gather around music.

Lai stated that his goal was to create room for sets that build texture over time rather than relying on immediate hooks. He wants to give producers a chance to develop a narrative across a set. This approach contrasts with the booking practices of many local venues that favor immediate hooks.

Lai plans to return to San Luis Obispo with the concept again. He aims to make Back2Bass a recurring fixture that continues to mix progressive EDM with student talent and local artists.