VURBan Legends

The columnist always goes down with his ship 

Publication title: Vue Weekly
Page: 27
Publication date: July 12, 2001
Document type: Opinion
Article author: Dave Johnston
Transcribed by: MW

It's been one of those days, the kind where the ship feels like it's going to sink. Even now, as I furiously type out these words, my desk is covered in scraps of paper, flyers and phone messages—all of them dealing with the mini-explosion of activity in the local clubs.

This Friday, of course, is shaping up to be the highlight of the entire month, as two excellent events square up for an electronic showdown. The programming couldn't be any more different, mind you, but they're both worth the money.

Over at Red's, the Gatecrasher tour is set to blow the room away with its brilliant light show—featuring the most powerful laser show on the road today, according to Def Star promoter Keith Rubuliak. Of course, there's also the music, supplied by American trance jock Sandra Collins, British queen Jon Pleased Wimmin and former Home resident Stuart Rowell. Opening up the room is Greg Wynn, one of the young talents behind United Productions. Upstairs, there's a second room overlooking the main stage which will feature a core of local types, including Spilt Milk, David Stone, Charlie Mayhem and Slav. Tickets are still available through Feroshus, Divine, Underground WEM, Soular, Red's and Ticketmaster.

Down on Whyte Avenue, junglists will probably be lining up at Parliament to catch a rare appearance by British producer and spinner Kenny Ken. Sponsored by Circa Footwear and Foosh, the night will also feature Dune Recordings artist Double A from Montreal, live performances by locals Sync and Lady J and MC Deadly, as well as sets by Celcius and Gundam. Tickets are only $10 in advance, available exclusively at Foosh.

At the end of the month, Nexustribe will be restarting their Freedom Friday residency at New City Suburbs. Hosteed by Ariel and Roel, the new Freedom night will shift toward a sophisticated progressive house sound akin to the likes of Danny Tenaglia and Steve Lawler. The night will feature both local and touring guests on a weekly basis. More details to come.

August will also bring us Something Special 2 on the Labour Day long weekend. The two-day event will take place at an outdoor venue just beyond the city limits, and will feature a host of locals alongside Jon the Dentist, john "00" Flemming and the Stimulant DJs. Ticketholders will also be eligible for a discounted ticket for the upcoming Slinky tour later in the month, which will feature club resident Guy Ornadel. In my humble opinion, this is a night you can't afford to miss—Ornadel's first Slinky Superclub DJs disc is an essential bit of listening, with an excellent blend of banging progressive house and funky techno. He's already been recognized in his native England as a name to watch in the coming year, so we may not get another chance to see someone of his calibre wandering back in our direction anytime soon. After all, Timo Maas played at Freedom Fridays back in 1999 to a half-empty room, and have we seen him since?

Also, let's not forget about the Crystal Method show on August 2 at the joint. Although the venue might seem like an odd choice—all right, all right, it is an odd choke—the show is probably going to be a highlight of the summer, despite the fact you might have to elbow your way around a room normally reserved for rockers. But what could be more subversive than taking over a rock club with the evil sounds of "rave" music? lust in time for the opening of the World's, too.

The new material by the American group is shaping up to be interesting, as well. Their new album, Tweekend, sounds like a departure for them, if the new single is anything to go by. "The Name of the Game" is loaded with the usual samples and funky breaks, but they've recruited Eric Kupper and Hybrid for remix duties. Even without the help, the single is a compelling bit of thunder for the speakers.

One more thing. Donald Glaude next Thursday at Parliament. If you've listened to his new Mixed Live disc on Moonshine, or if you've ever seen him perform, then you know that you need to be there. If you haven't, plan on wearing out your shoes and calling in late to work the next day.

Now I know why I do this job.




Photo Caption: Sandra Collins