DISTRICT 36
Luciano, I mean, Lucien-n-Luciano, errr, maybe Lucien Nicolet? Let's stick with Luciano. Naming debate behind us, this nominally confused producer sure knows his stuff. Swiss born, but Chilean bred, Luciano started djing in the mid '90s in the then quite underground South American electronic scene. Alongside the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Luciano began exploring the genre of microhouse, also known as minimal house, an electronic genre stemming form minimal techno and glitch, while incorporating a lot of house's funkiness and melody.
On December 3rd, District 36 welcomes superstar DJ Junior Vasquez in celebration of DJ Razor’s birthday. This event is just another in a long line up of star DJs District 36 has welcomed since opening just over a year ago. Past guest DJs have included Danny Tenaglia, John Digweed, Dubfire, Steve Lawler, Victor Calderone, Sharam, just to name a few. The evening will start off with DJ T.M., leading up to an epic set by Vasquez and DJs Razor and Guido.
In lieu of their recent success (last Halloween weekend, District 36, housed over 1400 attendees) and honor of being Village Voice's Best Dance Club 2011, we felt it necessary to let you know about the new weekly installment of NYC’s hottest 18+ party, Play Friday. Every Friday, you’ll experience all the up and coming NYC DJ’s including Mario Calegari, in the biggest 18+ party in the city. With simple decor, this industrial Midtown maven, is geared toward sound quality and a crowded dance floor. The ceiling adorned in festive snowflakes and disco balls, while different colored lights flash in a random sequence, for a fun, cut-loose vibe. But just because they're lax in appearance doesn't mean they don't take their music seriously.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been an entire year since Midtown Dance Mecca, District 36, first opened its door. And with the countless DJs, hailing across the globe, who have already commanded the state of-the-art Soundsystem, you can only imagine what surprises D36 has in store. Maybe it’s that they’re constantly hosting talent of both upcoming and legendary status, or maybe it’s that every time you enter District 36, you’ve embarked on a classic NYC adventure. Whatever the case, we’ve come to know them as our top spot for dance music. And you can expect their one year all-out anniversary bash to be even better with night-long entertainment from epic DJ Mauro Picotto, (you may remember him from his old gig in Cappella, or maybe you’ve seen his hot Ibiza night club Meganite) and progressive star, DJ Chris Staropoli, known around NYC as That Kid Chris with hits like “The Space Dance” with Danny Tenaglia .
Danny Tenaglia fans, you're in luck! The Grammy nominated producer is coming to none other than District 36 on Saturday, October 22nd. Danny will be spinning his bold, internationally recognized beats within a 14,000 square foot systemized sound space - the nightclub heart of the Garment District. Step inside District 36 today, it's almost impossible to believe this chic and gorgeous dance club was once a clothing factory. The transformation is epic, a true work of art that manages to be beautiful while maintaining simplicity.
Visit the District 36 website for gallery pics here: http://d36nyc.com/about/
Groove back in time to all your beloved classics this weekend at District 36 with taste re-maker Jonathan Peters, who is ready and waiting to bring those old hits back to the future this Friday, September 23rd, and Saturday, September 24th. Friday, or Side A, will feature all the greatest hits while Saturday, or Side B, will have all your alternative favorites. Imagine entering, whether dressed in your 80s gear or usual sequined club wear, into the gorgeous 14,000 sq ft dance floor of District 36. Crystal strands, like diamond water drops falling, hang from the ceiling along with fun stars, poised as if ready to drop to the floor for a giant game of Jacks. The bar, untouched by the constant color change of blue, pink, and green, is simple yet elegant with Deco chandeliers lined above the sleek black granite countertop.
The legend of the Jersey Shore cast just keeps on growing. Wednesday night I was able to attend the YRB Magazine party over at District 36 in midtown west. The party was to celebrate the magazines recent cover which included Snooki, Deena, and Sammi. (JWow too cool???)
If you were able to snag a wrist band at the door, vodka drinks were on the house all night. What would a Jersey Shore party be without plenty of alcohol. To say that the bartenders were being generous that night would be an understatement. I think my drinks were 9/10th's vodka and 1/10th whatever else they felt like adding to it. Adding to the nights festivities was the $30 tattoo parlor special happening in the downstairs area of the club. Two chairs were set up with artists, ready to factor into what most likely was a huge morning regret for whatever drunkard wandered down there and decided on a whim to get some ink. I myself had to be talked out of getting one by the end of the night, so a special thank you to that sober friend. Without her I would have most likely woken up with Snooki written across my chest. Spinning at the club was DJ Brian (I prefer a more compelling name for my DJs), Roxy Cottontail, and DJ Toro (like that!).
It’s almost Saturday. You’re gearing up for your regular haunts: gettin’ the extra push-ups in while your girl goes to H&M for yet another high-waisted skirt. But this weekend, try something different. Something secret. Something dirty, raw and pounding. (No, not that!)
We are talking about BLKMarket Membership’s party this Saturday, featuring France’s Jennifer Cardini and UK Fabric’s Craig Richards, playing alongside residents (and founders) Fahad and Taimur. Famed for playing minimal before it was known even as such, Jennifer’s a pioneer in the techno community; in the mid 90’s, she was resident at Rex Club (where she still hosts a bi-monthly party, named after her own record label, “Correspondant”) and Le Pulp, a small lesbian club in Paris known for underground and avant-garde music. At the forefront of the electronic music scene, Jennifer regularly enthralls crowds at London’s Fabric, Berlin’s Panorama Bar, and Toyko’s Womb. While she was busy packing her records-- “Moodyman and Sandwell District stuff”-- the down-to-earth Jennifer graciously made time to chat with Joonbug about her upcoming New York City gig and her plans for the remainder of 2011.
“I had the best time playing the BLKMarket party last year,” Jennifer exclaims. “You can really feel that they are music lovers, and that’s key for a nice party!” In case you haven’t indulged in the dirt of New York’s underground electronic music scene, BLKMarket throws techno and house parties at dark, secret locations usually not disclosed until the day of the event. How’s that for mystery? So while the rest of New York City is fist pumping at District to Victor Calderone, or shrugging their shoulders at going to Pacha (because where else is there? asks JoeyJuice) you'll know the clandestine cave for crass, raw beats. It will be an adventurous trek to Brooklyn, well worth the illegitimate partying way past 4 am.
Booking predominantly techno artists, BLKMarket brings in DJs and producers New Yorker’s don’t usually get to experience. (Which means, European artists). But Jennifer doesn’t really notice a different between the European and American circuits. “I don't like to think there are differences between countries. For me, it's always a matter of promotion, how much the promoter cares and what kind of audience they bring,” she says. In this case, no-attitude, no-frills. (The last-minute disclosure of BLKMarket’s space discourages divas.)
Influenced by the Detroit-techno and Chicago-house scenes, Jennifer’s been at the decks for over 15 years, long enough to perfect her craft and keep things interesting as she experiments with new sounds and styles. Her audience is always entertained. “It works cause I play whatever I like and I cross genres,” Jennifer explains. “I could not play 2 hours of minimal for example. I like to drop people and win them back, like a roller coaster. This allows me to jump from one thing to another and try to surprise them... I hope!”
Jennifer has a few surprises of her own in store of the end of the year, one being “to get married in New York... Kidding!” she adds. Her first time playing in the city after the passing of the state’s gay marriage law, Jennifer, a known lesbian with a distaste of emoticons gushes, “I’m so happy for New York. It’s great! I’m afraid the Vatican will allow it before France does...” Aside from her busy touring schedule, her 10+ year residency at Rex Club, Jennifer’s time is devoted to working on her new album, planned to be released by the end of the year. She’s also very er new record label, Correspondant, where one of her favorite producers, New York’s Abe Due just did an “amazing remix.”
Introducing Ralph Berr, the young man who’s rocked New York City’s hottest house club, District 36 alongside huge names like Nic Fanciulli, Stacy Pullen and Hernan Cattaneo, and carved out a space for himself at more intimate venues next to international underground artists like Robert Dietz. Joonbug sat down over brunch with Ralph Berr to talk about heritage, community, and the launch of his new multi-cultural, cross-disciplinary label, Reach Music Group.
You peruse the kiosks, wondering through a maze of collared shirts, handbags and bad lingerie. Suddenly you gaze up in bewilderment. You think you were here once. A long time ago. The DJ booth was right …
there.
Although the reign of super clubs (Twilo, Exit, Tunnel, Palladium) was over long before the Limelight Marketplace opened last year, the mall was the crown on Guiliani's long-waged coup d'état. Face it, the church-cum-nightclub-cum-mall where you used to bounce around in your best leather chaps symbolizes American society’s progress.
(Religion-hedonism-useless spending).
With city officials debating issuing liquor licenses to new clubs until only 2 am, it’s safe to say New York City isn’t the party place it used to be. But hey, the value of your 16 x 16 studio has skyrocketed, your dog’s paws are cleaner and it’s almost safe to walk the streets at night (which was why you stayed in the club til 11 am in the first place).
Below is a list of the best clubs for House music:
1. Cielo
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