Nocturnal Vibe by Doug Van Sant
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Wax The Floor With Funk
The weekend is upon us again and as I sit here looking at my event lineup, I'm pondering what would happen if we didn't have our weekly surge of quality dance music. More than likely, we'd find an outlet at a live music venue or local pub. Or we'd focus more attention to our art galleries and fashion houses...simply to tap creative energy in other ways. But lucky for us dance freaks, the Bay Area is prime real-estate on the dance music rotation. I sit here right now with over 10 parties that list multiple DJ lineups. I have some of the old favorites on the list that can't miss. I have a downtown Tampa venue jumping into the mix. And I have Flavor Flav doing his thing in Ybor, minus one Bridgette Nielsen. Oh yeah, this is getting interesting kids.
So to be fair to the dance music gods, we should kick off our agenda with two parties that can't miss. It was about 8 months ago when the state of Florida became ground-zero for what seemed like 50 hurricanes. And while high-energy storms were using the Bay Area as target practice, some of the biggest names in electronic music were hitting the decks of our clubs. Most notably on the bill was Grammy nominee Richard Humpty Vission, who crushed some turntables on the stage at the Amp. But as you know, with debris flying through the air and Bayshore boulevard looking more like a river, many missed the chance to see this legend in the making. Don't get me wrong, the Amp will pack the house on nights when most places are closed. But a name like Humpty Vission should be reserved for weekends without the threat of natural disasters.
So we survived the 'Canes, recovered from the trauma and now we're ready for his presence. This Saturday, April 23, The Amphitheater in Ybor City is proud to present one of the most prolific Producers, remixers and DJs of our time. Straight from LA, Richard "Humpty" Vission is set to shatter the sound barrier on the Amp stage with his progressive funk and banging house style. The party will get started early with DJ Kidd Leow and Mondo on the decks, but once the lights go down and the sound board is set, Vission will tear up the tables for your listening and dancing pleasure.
Getting his start in the ego driven city of Los Angeles, Vission brings over 20 years of music experience to the stage. The DJ culture was exploding in Los Angeles in the early 80s when there were no superstar DJs to follow, just two turntables and a mixer. Vission would spend hours perfecting his mixes, buying records, and making mixtapes. The hours of practice paid off, as Vission's music was so bumping his local house parties would attract over 2,000. Not bad for a backyard throw-down! The club owners took notice and began booking Vission the help grow the dance culture of Southern California. Humpty gained considerable ground in the music industry by working with A.J. Mora and Hazze in 1992 to form The Movement. He also became known for his tag team efforts with House DJ Bad Boy Bill, together forming the House Connection series.
Richard Vission is now as celebrated and successful in the DJ industry as they come. He won a DanceStar award for "Best Radio DJ," as host of the longest-running mix show in the US. He's done remixes for the likes of Madonna, Destiny's Child, Nelly Furtado, Filter and Felix da Housecat. He's also been nominated for a Grammy in the "Remixer of the Year" category for his mix of Madonna's "Music." We could go on and on about the talent behind the decks this weekend, but I think you get the point. So remember what I said about those lines and get there early. And make sure you break out your hottest attire, as our cameras will be there in full-force and looking to make you a local celeb.
Texas Trance Hits The Hard Rock
Our second massive party of the week can be found at the famous Floyd's Nightclub in the Seminole Hard Rock Casino. Always holding a special place in my heart because of their ability to stay open until sunrise, Floyd's will bounce the foundation all weekend. On Friday, April 22, Groove Productions will welcome to the decks, D:Fuse, Pete Bones, Kris Larson, DJ Santana and Chris Craze. It's a lineup that will make any trance addict feel warm and fuzzy.
So what should you expect with this trance heavy lineup? DJ Santana will always bring his A-game. We know this from many nights around Tampa where he continues to prove he's one of Florida's most talented artists. Pete Bones is no stranger on the London dance market. His style and craft make him one of the most sought after underground DJs and producers in the UK and one of the most popular on the American circuits. And if the cowboy hat worn by D:Fuse in the above photo isn't a sign this guy means business, maybe it's his reputation in building electronica in the live music capital of Austin, Texas.
The state capital, Austin is a liberal city with a rich musical heritage. Anyone who has experienced this vibrant, multi-cultural metropolis will tell you that: "Austin Is Music!" Jazz, blues, rock and Tex-Mex musical art forms have always co-existed in harmony here. Dance has firmly and finally made its mark on the local scene and Austin will thank its own born-and-bred son Dustin Fuselier (aka D:FUSE) for this influence. And if this isn't enough for you...Floyd's and Groove Productions will host DJ Trashy on Saturday evening.
Old School Flavor
As I mentioned above, the party list this week was quite extensive. You now have two gigs that will rock the Bay. The big question is what next? Rather than sift through everything and give a major detailed summary, I'll let you decide on the remaining events. All will be quality on the velvet rope arena and each will have a different personality to itself. How could it not when you have people like Flavor Flav throwing a bash. So without further ado, here is your list. Don't forget to check it twice!
Flavor Flav @ Empire
On Friday, April 22, the unmistakable Flavor Flav will be performing live at Club Empire in Ybor City. Celebrating their 10 year anniversary, Empire is throwing a bash for free and hosting Chuck D's comic foil in the pioneering rap group Public Enemy. Along side one of Tampa's most famous resident DJs, Eyeball, Flav will bring his whacked out, slightly on edge style to a crowd thirsty for entertainment. Sorry Rocky fans, Bridgette will not be there...that I know of. Flavor Flav was born William Drayton on March 16, 1959. A classically trained pianist, Flav made it cool to wear a wall clock around your neck and had the entire nation repeating his catch phrase..."yeah boy!" Lucky for us, he's been rapping ever since while making brief yet comical appearances on reality TV shows. For more info on this party, visit Empire at Empirelive.com.
Kenny Hawkes @ BUMP
On Friday, April 22, special Guest for the first time in St. Petersburg, Kenny Hawkes will hit the decks along side House Division DJs Chad Neiro and Andy Mara. Known as the "weekly pick me up", BUMP is bringing a little house and soul across the bay. Located at The Bellagio in downtown St. Pete, the evening features $3 BUMP shots, $5 Absolutes and no cover before 11 p.m. For more info on this party, visit Housedivision.com.
Tony Feline @ Prana
On Saturday, April 23, Club Prana in Ybor will celebrate their fifth anniversary by welcoming local breaks talent Tony Feline. The event is invite only and will require an exclusive VIP pass you can request at the front door. Feline will wax some vinyl along side 9 other DJs while a live reggae band performs on the rooftop Sky Bar. For more info on this event, visit Clubprana.com.
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