It’s no secret that the Valley is booming—with an influx of companies, talent, and innovation transforming the region. Known for its hospitality and vibrant tourism industry, Metro Phoenix is also experiencing a cultural renaissance that’s catching the eye of national and international creatives. One of the most compelling examples of this newfound spotlight? The world premiere of AI Love You, a groundbreaking aerial performance from Amsterdam-based creators Ralph Nauta of Studio Drift and Lucas van Oostrum, co-founder of Drone Stories.
When the duo began crafting AI Love You—an immersive, first-of-its-kind show fusing live circus-like performance arts with AI-powered drone choreography—they knew they needed a city bold enough to bring the vision to life. Their choice? Metro Phoenix.
“We needed a place with the right mix of open space, creative energy, and the right people to partner with. Phoenix checked all the boxes,” said Lucas van Oostrum, “But more than that, it’s the spirit here—the collaboration, the innovation, the willingness to take risks—that made it the obvious choice for our world premiere.”
Staged at Rawhide Western Town & Event Center from May 2–4, AI Love You promises a breathtaking spectacle: 600 synchronized drones, AI-generated visuals, fire effects, live acrobatics, dance, and music all woven into a powerful story about the evolving relationship between humans and artificial intelligence.
The show is the latest boundary-pushing creation from Nauta and van Oostrum. Known for mesmerizing installations at events like Coachella, Formula 1 Las Vegas, Art Basel Miami and Burning Man, the duo is now channeling their creative ambition into a narrative-driven experience that blends cutting-edge tech with human performance.
“This show is completely different from anything we’ve done before,” said Nauta. “It gives us more time, space, and opportunity to tell a deeper story—not just a nine-minute drone spectacle, but a full hour of immersive, sensory storytelling.”
Phoenix’s tech-forward mindset and blossoming arts scene made it a natural fit. But it was the community partnerships—including the local production team at Walter Productions, the Gila River Indian Community and Wild Horse Pass team, and other regional collaborators—that ultimately solidified the decision. Nauta and van Oostrum cite the “can-do” attitude, resources, and creativity were crucial to making a production of this scale and complexity not just possible, but exceptional.
Joining the creative team are Polina Zakharova and Sveta Yermolaeva of NYC’s Hard Feelings Studio, who bring striking 3D visuals and CGI to the skies. Walter Productions contributes its signature fire elements and large-scale artistry. David Block, a multi-instrumentalist and producer from LA, scores the show with a genre-blending, AI-enhanced soundtrack. Live performances are directed by Genevieve Jae, known for emotive, movement-based storytelling.
Through cutting-edge visual storytelling, AI Love You aims to capture the awe, tension, and beauty in the evolving relationship between human and machine. The show traces AI’s “birth” and rapid growth—culminating in a climactic drone-filled battle between creators and creation. The show will also feature a first-ever crowd participation moment to interact directly with the drones.
Attendees can expect a festival-like atmosphere with food trucks, pre-show entertainment, and immersive moments that extend beyond the performance itself. Whether a technology enthusiast or simply looking for something extraordinary, AI Love You promises to deliver an experience like no other—and it all begins here in the Valley of the Sun.
