Hang one DJ, anyway

>> A special clubland report!

by KRISTA

Next year's BOM ballot should contain two new categories: Most Uninspired DJ and Most Uninspiring DJ, in honour of Junior Vasquez, who if by some fluke doesn't come in first place will get an honourable mention... although that probably won't be good enough for him. In fact, Junior's ego would likely require that all other categories be removed from the ballot.

Anyone who caught the Junior fiasco at Swirl 4 will understand my sarcasm. Explain to me again why he's the star of Hang the DJ? No offence, Junior, but making outrageous demands, such as having the techno room shut down during your mediocre set, doesn't make you a better DJ. I guess to be fair I'll just chalk up your antics to that sort of misunderstood, tortured artist thing. Anyway, despite big-headed DJ demands, Swirl 4 went off just swimmingly, as did the Wet 'n' Wild event the same night.

Looking forward, next Thursday (May 28) marks the opening of "One Night in BangCok," which has the best clubnight name ever, by the way. It's the new gay soirée taking place the last Thursday of every month at Sona. DJ/producer Victor Calderone is the special guest, along with locals Stéphané Grondin and Gilles Jr. Calderone is known for his somewhat techno-edged tribal house sound, or what I would simply refer to as "very New York." Either way it's definitely worth a listen.

A little bit of trivia for you here: Calderone says he was inspired to start DJing by Jellybean Benitez, who was of course Madonna's producer and boyfriend for the first years of her career. Now Calderone has been signed as Madonna's remixer for her new album Ray of Light. If that isn't the cosmos at work, then...

Calderone also has a residency at Miami hot-spot Liquid and at the Roxy in New York. You can experience the "hardhouse king" for $15 in advance or $20 at the door. Part of the profits will be donated to the Image & Nation gay and lesbian film festival.

On the drum & bass front, next Wednesday (May 27), the Session will play host to one of Britain's finest. Bryan G, hardcore junglist, owner of V Recordings and resident at London's Bar Rhumba and NYC's Twilo, graces our fair town for one night only at the absurdly low price of $8. Also on hand will be Jordan Dare, Double 'A' & Twist and MC Fuze. Jaï Bar had better hook up the A.C. because it's gonna get steamy in there. Doors at 10. Do not, I repeat do not miss this one.