Review: Party 101

Written by Danielle Vuono

Published on December 1, 2024

Only in my wildest dreams would I imagine hearing “Karma” by JoJo Siwa mixed into “We’re All in this Together” from High School Musical– until I went to Party 101. This comically unhinged DJ set show, hosted by Victorious’ Matt Bennett (Robbie), was three hours of pure Gen Z nostalgia. 

As a DJ here at WMSC, I have a reputation for nostalgia. My radio show, Soundtrack 2 Gen Z, is a pop throwback music show where I play songs in the same realm as Bennett’s set. So, as you can imagine, Party 101 was especially magical for me. I genuinely felt like I curated his playlist… or that he made it for me… or that he got inspired by S2GZ…(LOL, JK.)

I bought last minute tickets for the show at Asbury Lanes on Nov 23., and it might’ve been my best impulse buy to date. A venue full of twenty-somethings reliving their (seemingly identical) childhoods, led by the Robbie Shapiro IRL: sensational. 

The first hour was a set by New Jersey native DJ Erin Constantine, who got the crowd going with the essentials; Ariana Grande, JB, Charli XCX, etc. My personal favorite spin was “What’s My Name” from Descendants X Timbaland. 

Then, at exactly 9 p.m., the real party began. After about ten minutes of pure bangers like “Best Friend’s Brother” and “Nobody’s Perfect,” Bennett introduced the show. He informed the crowd that we were all students of Hollywood Arts, making him Sikowitiz– naturally. 

His set consisted of the perfect blend of Nickelodeon and Disney Channel classics and theme songs. Hearing the whole crowd scream “Mom, Phineas and Ferb are making a title sequence” in unison made my 2024. He also played pop radio bops from the 2000s and 2010s, from artists including 5SOS, Aly & AJ, Selena Gomez, The Jonas Brothers, etc. And the visuals were critical to the experience; videos of each song were projected on the stage making it genuinely feel like I was at a Big Time Rush concert or watching the TV in 2009. 

The set was undeniably dominated by Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana–particularly fitting on this night as it was Miley Cyrus’ 32nd birthday (being the grade-A smiler that I am, the night was perfection.) We did the Hoedown Throwdown, scream-sang to “7 Things,” and collectively waved our flashlights during “The Climb.” 

I can’t forget to give a round of applause to the main event himself, Matt Bennett. He put on a show that was so unironically Robbie Shapiro and the crowd loved it. He included Trina Vegas’ renowned performance of “Shecago” into his set, as well as “Sweet Victory” from Spongebob Squarepants. He whipped out a pear phone, awarded a coconut to a lucky audience member, ran through the crowd during “Determinate,” and even raffled off a rotisserie chicken. Honestly, I would expect nothing less. 

Before he played his last song, Bennett announced we had all graduated from Party 101 and that class was dismissed. His parting words were, and I quote, “Stay in school, read a book, eat your vegetables, I love you, Bye.” And we love YOU, Matt!

This was, hands down, one of the best live shows I have ever witnessed. It was immersive, unpredictable, and so beautifully healing for my fellow Gen Zers; the crowd was lit. Bennett only has one more show in 2024, but more dates will be posted to the website soon. In the meantime, tune into Soundtrack 2 Gen Z here on WMSC if you want to hear music spun by a Party 101 graduate!

 

Featured image by Danielle Vuono