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This weekend New York City is going to be one GIANT PARTY, or to be more accurate, you will have a variety of massive events to choose from. I’ll start big and then return to the smaller gems.

Saturday and Sunday Madison Sq. Park (5th Ave. and 23rd St.) will be the center of the BBQ universe:

The Seventh Annual Snapple Big Apple Barbecue Block Party returns to Madison Square Park June 13-14, 2009, from 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM. The weekend-long event takes place every June and brings together the country’s top pitmasters who cook up their award-winning food for over a hundred thousand barbecue enthusiasts.

Big Apple Barbecue 2008

It is going to be intense. I’m considering not eating until then.

If you haven’t gorged yourself on BBQ there’s another marvelous food-centric event starting this weekend and running through next week- the NYC Food Film Festival! The concept is both simple and brilliant- you watch films about food and you eat the food while watching them. Last summer I ate some of the best samosas I’ve ever had, while watching a film about making samosas (they’re hard to make) and sitting on Water Taxi Beach overlooking all of Manhattan.

Food Film Festival 2008 at Water Taxi Beach

This summer the films cover delicacies ranging from peeps to mushrooms. Check out the trailer here.

A somewhat more movement oriented event is taking over Governors Island this weekend:

FIGMENT is an explosion of creative energy on Governors Island. It’s a free, annual celebration of participatory art and culture where everything is possible. For one weekend each summer, it transforms Governors Island into a large-scale collaborative artwork… and then it’s gone.

“Participatory” means it’s nothing like your average gallery show, this is the sort of art that is to be experienced. This video, about last summer’s event, should give you a taste of what the island will have to offer you this weekend:

Yesterday was the first night of a fairly unique theater festival- Planet Connections, an eco-friendly theater festival intended to foster social awareness:

Each of the more than 30 productions will be set up to benefit a particular nonprofit organization by donating a percentage of proceeds, soliciting volunteers or otherwise supporting the organization. The ideas behind the comedies, dramas and musicals range from the overtly political, like “The Katrina Project: Hell and High Water,” based on interviews with the hurricane’s survivors, to lighter fare, like “Suckers,” about a group of vampires. (The latter benefits the Red Cross Blood Bank of course.)

If you missed all those out of town music festivals this weekend you can have the awesome line-ups close to home! L Magazine is throwing a massive music event in Brooklyn- the Northside Festival.

Brooklyn Based and Gothamist are getting in on the action with ‘Our Very Own SXSW‘.

Now, let me start again at Friday…

If you’re looking for a romantic way to spend a Friday evening I can personally guarantee that drinking wine in the rose garden of the New York Botanical Garden tops the charts:

Stroll through the Rose Garden during the height of its beauty, stay late and enjoy a musical performance, talk with Botanical Garden experts about rose care, and purchase a glass of wine to complement the colors and aroma of the roses.

If you’ve always chosen sci-fi over romance you should be at 92Y Friday night for an evening of Battlestar Galactica:

Cast members from Battlestar Galactica join leading roboticists to explore scientifically, philosophically and ethically the approaching frontier where intelligent machines are commonplace and cybernetic technology enhances human capabilities. Featuring sneak previews from the forthcoming Battlestar spinoff The Plan as well as live appearances by some of the shows favorite cylons.

Also on Friday, there’s a fabulous event at the Guggenheim:

In honor of its 50th Anniversary, the Guggenheim has produced a documentary film on the history of its building, collections, exhibitions, and the development of its international network. The 27-minute film combines archival materials—including talks given by Solomon Guggenheim and Frank Lloyd Wright—with contemporary footage featuring artists, art historians, architects, architectural historians, and curators.

ALSO on Friday, for those of you who enjoy public pillow fights, I give you… a Bubble War in Times Square. At 6:15 on the corner of W 47th St. & Broadway the bubbles will fly! Once you’re covered in sticky bubble suds head to the afterparty at Club Exit in Greenpoint.

On Saturday the Queens of Pain will be playing against Manhattan Mayhem at the Hunter College Sports Complex- it’s always a good weekend for Gotham Girls Roller Derby!

You may recall how much I enjoyed the Young New Yorkers Chorus‘ last performance; they’re playing again Saturday night at St. Peter’s Church- check them out!

On Sunday rediscover Brooklyn’s suburban past by going on the Victorian Flatbush Houses Tour:

Developed more than 100 years ago to be a piece of suburban living just minutes from Manhattan, Victorian Flatbush maintains that special atmosphere today — right in the heart of Brooklyn. Stroll the streets of this spectacular neighborhood, home to five NYC Historic Districts, and tour interiors of 10 stunning homes, each lovingly preserved and restored.

Also on Sunday, I simply can’t resist adding an awesome event at the Bell House:

THE MODE MERR FASHION SHOW SPECTACULAR- Enjoy an afternoon of live music, burlesque, hot rods, DJ’s & the unveiling of the newest Mode Merr collection! SHOP THE DAY AWAY WITH A FULL BOUTIQUE OFFERING THE LATEST MODE MERR LOOKS AND OTHER FUN ITEMS! w/ performances from Angie Pontani & The World Famous Pontani Sisters, Dirty Martini, Helen Pontani, The World Famous *BoB*, Peekaboo Pointe, Miss Delirium Tremens, Little Brooklyn, GiGi LaFemme, The Lady Iye, The Fisherman Xylophonic Orchestra & many more to be announced!

I need not remind you that 1) I adore burlesque and 2) GiGi LaFemme and Peekaboo Pointe are two of my favorite performers, in fact, this interview with GiGi LaFemme made me a true fan.

GiGi LaFemme

On that note I shall end this post but please stay tuned for additions and have a marvelous weekend!

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Area One: All Happy Hardcore/UK Hardcore all night

*** Winner of 2007 Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Award for Best Live Act ***

The Lethal Theory Showcase *** 1st EVER North American Performance***
featuring Joey Riot, Kurt, and MC Enemy (UK)
(serioussounds.net, core-mag.net, lethaltheory.com)
How do you find the right words to describe the level of hardcore madness this party promises to deliver? Let us start with 2 turntables, 4 CDJ’s, 3 microphones, Joey Riot, DJ Kurt and MC Enemy; AKA The Lethal Theory Showcase! While Riot, Kurt, and Enemy have received more than a dozen individual award nominations at the 2008 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards”, combining forces as “The Lethal Theory Showcase” won the trio the award for “Best Live Act” last year at the 2007 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards”. Live and direct from the UK, Ravers Only is proud to bring you this mind-blowing hour of music that is sure to leave you questioning reality.

With more than 50 tracks released on over 15 different labels and over 80 tracks used on 18 different albums, just in the last 3 years, Joey Riot has quickly become a household name in the UK Hardcore scene! On stage is where he truly shines though and in 2006, Joey won the “Best Breakthrough DJ” award at the 2006 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards”. Now a regular at every major event in the UK; HTID, Slammin Vinyl, Uproar, Hardcore Heaven, etc, etc, he is also playing abroad touring Australia, Canada, Spain, and the US! As Joey Riot makes his first NYC appearance as well as his first Candyball appearance, I warn you now, PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE MADNESS that is JOEY RIOT!!!!

Every time I meet a 23-year-old DJ/Producer who tells me they have been spinning/producing since they were “like 12 man”, all I can do is chuckle. Well folks, at 33, come this October; this old man is going to introduce you to a 23-year “young” man who has made the best of the last 11 years of his life. At the age of 12, Kurt began a lifelong mission to become one of the most renowned DJs in the Hardcore scene. Now, 11 years down the road he plays a major role as one of the most popular and talented DJ/Producers in the scene today. With a massive list of releases on nearly every major Hardcore record label, ALL 100% produced and engineered by himself, his own record label “Lethal Theory”, which he pioneered alongside Joey Riot, has taken off by storm! Well on his way to becoming the most renowned DJ/Producer the Hardcore scene has ever seen, Ravers Only is proud to bring DJ Kurt to NYC and the Candyball for the first time!

Rounding off this amazing trio of performers is MC Enemy! Starting in the world of hardcore as an MC in 2005, like all the greats of the craft, Enemy has quickly risen to the top of his field! Taking 3rd last year, for the same award, Enemy has already been nominated for the “Best Breakthrough MC” award at the 2008 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards” to be held later this year. With performances all over the UK this past year and performances at HTID in the Sun this year, Ravers Only is proud to welcome MC Enemy to NYC, the Candyball, and the United States for the first time!!

S3rl (Australia) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(Nu Energy, Executive Records, BeatDropMusic)
DJ S3RL from Brisbane, Australia, has been writing and producing his own tracks since 2000. But it wasn’t until the end of 2005 that he would catch a break. Kevin Energy and Sharkey came down under, S3RL showed them his skills on one of the many demo cd’s he had, and it was only weeks later that Kevin Energy got back to him with a contract ready to sign. Now the first DJ in Queensland to be signed to a major Hardcore label, it was not long after he that he was mixing it up with names such as; Kevin Energy, Brisk, Sharkey, Scott Brown, Neophyte and many more.

Since then he has firmly secured his place in DJ Haze’s label ‘Excecutive Records’ in Sydney, as well as the NEC. S3rl has already released a steady flow of productions for both labels and has had tracks featured on compilations such as ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Masif Hardcore 2008′. At the same time, S3rl has been displaying his talents to worldwide audience’s while DJing at events all around the globe. Known for his intense stage presence and floor filling musical abilities, be sure to watch out for S3RL as he mixes up a storm and continues to keep the crowd jumping with all his future productions. Making his first NYC and Candyball appearances, bring your energy and show your love for DJ S3rl!!!

Stormtrooper (UK) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(Thin N Crispy Recordings, BeatDropMusic)
Part of the TNC Crew (Thin’N'Crispy), Stormtrooper has not only done some amazing production as a solo artist, but he has done incredible work with some of the greats in Hardcore, including Robbie Long and Sharkey. He has appeared on numerous UK Hardcore compilations including Ministry of Sound’s Hardcore Euphoria, Nukleuz’s Hardcore Nation series, and Resist’s; Bonkers and Hardcore Heaven albums. From his imaginative solo efforts to his massive collaborations with the TNC crew, not forgetting his remix work with label boss, Robbie Long, Stormtrooper has an arsenal of original club bangers at his finger tips, ready to do the damage on the worlds dance floors every single weekend.

Holding residencies for some of the UK’s biggest and most forward thinking promoters, such as Vibealive, Fusion and Destiny, not to mention regular appearances at all the huge events like; Hardcore Heaven, Uproar, HTID, Slammin’ Vinyl and Freeformation, you begin to see just how busy this bright young talent has become over the last few years. With a hectic schedule in front of him, DJ Stormtrooper is in the zone right now, doing what he loves to do – producing, and DJ’ing music for party people worldwide. From a background of production and a true passion for DJ’ing, all of us at Ravers Only are proud to bring another rising star DJ/Producer to NYC and the Candyball for the 1st time!

Toxic (UK) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(Vibealive, Hard South, +12)
Making his debut at the legendary Brighton Hard Dance night QED in late 2000, Toxic played a 2-hour set to a rammed Pressure Point. The following week he was thrown in the deep end the right way, he was to play the last set after Vortex, in the techno room of Future Dance 4, at Castle Studios. Shortly thereafter, Toxic was given residency in the Techno room, hosted by North, for all further Future Dance events. Playing alongside names such as M-Zone, Producer, Scorpio, and Sharkey, Toxic spent his days smashing out a blend of Hard and Acid Trance.

Life was good and Toxic was making appearances at many of Brighton’s Hard Dance nights. As well, he had a weekly slot on the internet playing for Cable Radio. In December 2003 he I won the Ukscene DJ competition, held at Oblivion in Leicester, which brought him the opportunity to play at parties further north. Making a name for himself at places such as; one the longest running rave events, Diztruxshon at the Doncaster Dome, Future Vibe at The Street, Skegness, and many more. As 2004 dawned, the promoters of QED decided it was time to call it quits.

Given the chance to carry on what they had started, rather than go it alone, Toxic decided to join forces with Vapour & Elmo, the two men who ran the Brighton Hardcore night, Vibealive. This joining of forces gave them the opportunity of being able to put Hardcore parties together in Brighton, on a weekend night, for the first time in almost 10 years. From that point on, Vibealive has gone from strength to strength, packing The Church Club in Brighton on a monthly basis. Making his New York City debut playing here at the Candy Ball, Ravers Only is proud to bring Toxic to the US for the first time ever!

Pikey (UK) *** Special Morning Glory Set ***
(lethaltheory.com, Spit n Spin Artist Agency)
As many of you may remember from his first Candyball appearance last July, Pikey likes to play towards the tougher side of Hardcore. Playing tracks from labels such as; Notorious, Kaotic, Nu Energy, Relentless, Next Generation, Thin n Crispy, Lethal Theory and others, Pikey describes his style of DJ’ing as fast, hard, bouncy, adventurous and entertaining. For that is what he believes a DJ should be, entertaining! Showing his fun loving personality behind the decks, matched only by his skillz behind the decks, will make sure Pikey tears the rough off of Club Exit one more time!

Working side by side with Joey Riot and DJ Kurt, Pikey hopes to one day be known as a DJ/Producer. Working with Joey Riot, Pikey produced his first track back in 2006, entitled “Summin 2 Dance 2”. That and his second production, “Move your body”, were both featured on DJ Kurts & Stormtroopers CD on Hardcore Underground. With a busy schedule inclduing; HTID, HTID in the Sun, Slammin Vinyl, Hardcore Heaven, etc, etc, Ravers Only is proud to have Pikey back in NYC and honored to end the Candyball year with this special morning glory set!

Milo (Toronto) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(NAHM, HappyHardcore.com, Sunrize Sound)
He is back, on home turf, and ready to rock. While this will be his first appearance in NYC, Milo is no stranger to the North American rave circuit. One of the keystones in today’s stateside Hardcore scene, Milo has played clear across the USA and Canada, pushing the new sound of Hardcore to the masses. Already scheduled for HTID in the Sun 09, next year in Spain, Milo’s schedule is one to brag about for sure! And whether he is in the studio, behind the scenes running NAHM and TSR, or up on the decks, no one can deny the passion, style, and dedication Milo brings to the table.

With a handful of production releases on various labels, such as; Lucky Breaks, Project Xero, and Addictive, already to his credit, Milo aims to “try something new” with every track he writes. And keeping his style fresh and always updating helps to make him one of North America’s favorite producers. Aiming to get NAHM back up and running this year, what better party to make his debut in NYC at than the Candyball? Come show your love for one of the founders and pillars of the North American Hardcore Movement, DJ Milo!!!!!!!!!!

Crackerjack B2B Dupont (CA/CT) *** East Coast VS West Coast Battle ***
(k-12 studios, BeatDropMusic, kcrh 89.9 fm)(Floorburnerz, Ravers Only, BeatDropMusic)
Two of the United States hottest young producers are at it again. After two battles out west, both of which tore the house down, Crackerjack B2B Dupont III was not even a question, it simply had to happen. The only real questions were when and where. Well folks, I am happy to answer both of those questions; Friday October 31st, on the East coast for the first time at the Candyball! If these two bring it like they have in the past, Joey Riot and DJ Kurt are going to have their work cut out for them!

For years now DJ Crackerjack, a rising young producer in his own right, has been destroying crowds up and down the West coast, even as far north as Alaska. A regular fixture in the West coast rave scene, Crackerjack has a following like none other. Known for his high energy, seamless mixing, and epic track selection, crowd after crowd, he never ceases to amaze. Flying out of San Fran, making his first East coast, NYC, and Candyball appearances, Crackerjack is coming to show you why he thinks he is up 2/0!

Dupont on the other hand, who has been producing his own tracks for more than 5 years now, has been tearing up the New England area for just as long. With appearances up and down the West coast, Dupont is considered one of the East coasts hottest HHC DJs. Recently getting a taste of the West coast, and giving them a little taste of NYC, Dupont was asked back on the spot, and these two bad boys of Hardcore went at it for the 2nd time. Making his 5th Candyball appearance, Dupont asked for this tag so he can show you why he thinks he is up 2/0!

Tranzit B2B Sqeak (CA/Canada) *** International battle to start the night right ***
(Future Perfect Synergy, Ravers Only, deejay-mixes.com)(BeatDropMusic, AMS Entertainment, Ravers Only)
In the true theme of going big, we are starting the party off with an International battle that will gear you up like no other. Paired up are two of the most fun loving and ridiculous hardcore DJs in North America. With Sqeak providing the fast paced bouncy styles and Tranzit injecting the anthemy, stabby, synthy, ‘ardcore style, from the Future Perfect Synergy Camp up in Canada, this is sure to be a memorable set. Considering this will be Sqeaks’ cherry popping performance at the Candyball, and his first NYC appearence, you know he will be coming strong. Add Candyball crowd favorite Tranzit, who has been a staple in ripping up the Candyball crowd since the very first party, and this is one opening set that deserves a primetime slot! Get in line early and be ready to bounce, as we will do our best to insure rapid entry for this hallmark set!

Leela (NY) *** Reppin NYC to the fullest!!! ***
(EvilOlive, Kooterkore.com, Dreamhard)
For the past 5 years, Leela has been on a personal mission to seek out the best of the best in Hardcore, no matter what the flavor is. She is known for mashing up dance floors with a super-awesome blend of all things hardcore. Moreover, if you have listened to any of her mixes, you have an idea of what Leela has in store for you. Bouncy, cheesy, freeformy, breakbeaty goodness that comes from her heart. Having performed at events in the New York, Toronto, and San Francisco, alongside some of the most creative DJs in the Hardcore scene, Leela is ready to step up to the decks yet again. As the only non-resident DJ to appear at Treatz & Beatz I & II, show some love for DJ Leela as she makes her 2nd Candyball appearance!

Area 2: Assorted Genres all night

Kombustion (UK) *** Nu Style Gabba ***
(Vista, Hardcore Events)
A lover of the Hardcore scene since before there was a Hardcore scene, Kombustion got his first taste of EDM in the late 80’s. Visiting one of the greatest all time Rave clubs ever, the Quadrant Park (R.I.P.), Liverpool, which he lived only 5 minutes away from, he heard a sound he had never heard before. And after his very first visit to the Quad Park, he was hooked to EDM for life. By the early 90’s Kombustion was a party monster and a regular at some of the best clubs in the North West, from Kinetic & Shellys (Stoke) to Bowlers (Manchester) to HardDock (Liverpool) and the Drome (Birkenhead), the list is endless.

It was not until Kombustion moved across the globe to Florida, that he was inspired to start spinning. It was the lack of his favorite sound, at the nightclubs, that drove him back to the UK to buy up as many records as he could. Returning back to Florida with the sound he loved and a desire to spin it, Kombustions journey began. By 93-94 he was DJ’ing Happy Hardcore in Florida and was one of only a hand full of DJs in Florida spinning Hardcore. It wasn’t long before he was being booked at all the main underground events in Florida and quickly became Florida’s number one Hardcore DJ. Trying his hand at producing parties, Kombustion threw successful Weeklies, Bi-Weeklies, Monthlies, one off club events, all the way through to co-promoting one off festivals. The biggest being Turntable Massacre 2, a 5 stage 60 plus DJ event that has gone down in Florida’s EDM History as being one of the best Underground Events in Florida ever.

Now been back in England, Kombustion has joined forces with Rick Chubbs (Audio Generator promoter) and together they have already thrown their first successful event, Hardcore @ the View in Frodsham, held this past 4th of July. For those of you who remember, at one time, Ravers Only used to broadcast a weekly show out of my old basement. We ran a couple hours a night followed by a couple of hours of talking between the guys. It was a lot of fun and lasted a few months before work took back control of our lives. If you were listening back then, you heard DJ Kombustion rocking out the beats from my basement way back then. Tonight however, Ravers Only proudly brings Kombustion to NYC and the Candyball for his first CB, but definitely not his last, appearance!

Leko (Baltimore, MD) *** Techno ***
(Tharsis Records, Rev, Vinylize Management)
Now having performed live for well over 1 million people, with 14 years of travel and residency behind him, Leko continues to pound dance floors into submission. Starting out in the early nineties, in the east coast’s gothic industrial underground, Leko was instrumental in creating the dance music scene with the legendary Dieselboy, Charles Feelgood, & Scott Henry. In addition to spinning records, Leko is a percussionist, pianist, and guitarist, and naturally progressed to writing, producing and releasing original tracks, with overwhelming success.

“Survive” is currently in rotation on “The System”, broadcast on XM Satellite Radio channel 82, simulcast globally on WorldSpace Satellite Radio, DirecTV channel 860, AOL Radio, and is a staple in the record boxes of Hybrid, Uberzone, Dopamine, & Drumattic Twins. With remix support from Germany’s CEO of house music Miles Dyson, Juicy Music’s DMS-12, DJ Rap, Impropa Talent’s Sanchez and the Shockers, and Kult Records’ Nikos Toscani, the official release of “Survive” to beatport is widely anticipated. Perhaps Leko’s defining track to date is his fidget electro take on the legendary track by Human Resource called “Dominator”, out August 23, 2008 on Crux Records (Bryan Cox), with support by Charles Feelgood.

Leko’s upcoming and recent projects include guest appearances with New York’s DigiPrana Sounds on 90.3FM New York City (March 1, 2007 – 2am eastern to 3am eastern) and Sirius Satellite Radio (109 – OutQ) “Saturday Night Out” overnight mix session (March 17th, 2007 and November 17th, 2007 – 9pm eastern to 7am eastern). Leko appeared on Paul Dailey’s “Hardwired”, on XM-80 The Move (February 9 & 13, 2008). For all you Techno lovers out there, this set is for you as Leko makes his first Candyball appearence!

Everybodies Daddy (Canada) *** Drum -N- Bass ***
(Future Perfect Synergy, Ravers Only, Realism Records)
Everybodies Daddy is a double threat – both a DJ and an MC – that is slowly building acclaim in the Toronto, and North American scene. His quick, aggressive mixing, three-deck mashups, and dancefloor shaking track selection across a broad range of styles makes him a versatile performer capable of pleasing even the most diverse crowd. His inspiration comes from his earliest party memories, when it was all “rave music,” and many styles of music would be played in the same room, and appreciated by all.

He is entirely self-taught, starting on the decks in 2003, while serving as a peacekeeper in Bosnia. His first experiences playing Saturday nights for the local radio station allowed him to gain enough confidence to start playing out when he returned to Canada in the spring of 2004.

Since that time, he has played shows all over Ontario, and the north-eastern United States, leaving sore-legged, breathless dancers in his wake. His 2006 studio mix, Dirty Little Secrets is a fast, creatively mixed jump-up drum n’ bass experience that tore up speakers worldwide, to the tune of over 1500 downloads. His second effort, the big, heavy, filthy, bassy Hot + Dirty blew up worldwide, hinging on 3000 unique downloads! Most recently, he released a silky smooth summertime mix designed for that long roadtrip to the cottage, or to take you back to warmer days, entitled All of Me… don’t miss it!

Most recently, Everybodies Daddy inked a residency with Ravers Only! He is a DJ with a bright future that includes more studio mixed CDs, collaborations with other top DJs and MCs, and possibly some production work. Energetic on the decks, interacting with the crowd, and playing what they want to hear, it’s only a matter of time before you find out why he’s your Daddy too! So make sure to show some love for the only Ravers Only DJ to make an appearence in our 2nd area!

Mayhem (Arizona) *** Hardcore ***
(Arizona Hardcore Junkies)
In early 1999 Mayhem was introduced to the sounds of hardcore by friends and instantly got hooked.In 2001 after going to many shows he decided to get his first decks and he has never looked back. Mayhem joined the Arizona Hardcore Junkies in 2003 and after playing many events the following year was invited to play Nocturnal Wonderland in Los Angeles. He also played in Wageningen and Purmerand,Holland in 2006.

Known for rocking parties with different styles ranging from partycore to darkcore to industrial, Mayhem always brings it proper with his presence,mixing skills and signature cuts. He has performed from coast to coast including Northern and Southern California, New York, New Mexico, Washington, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Oregon. Mayhem always leaves a lasting impression on crowds with his quick mixes and unique style. Show some love for another Candyball first timer as he shows you why his schedule is getting busier and busier while his passport is filling up with stamps!

Hokilla (NY) *** Special Halloween Hardcore set ***
(DNBC, St8cyde Jump Up, EXT Productions)
With over 6 yrs. strong of knowledge behind the decks, Anthony aka Hokilla, continues to tone his skills and break boundaries. His track selection and raw uncut mixing of hipstep/jump up continues to awe crowds nationwide. From throwing a series of memorable DnB events, to founding and managing his newly formed, yet well-respected crew DNBC, there is really nothing out of Hokillas’ reach.

As part of the newly formed St8cyde Jump Up, most likely performing somewhere here in NYC tonight, Hokilla has been gaining even more attention. Performing at almost every major East coast event these days, Anthony is rocking dance floor after dance floor with his energetic style and passion. Performing a special Halloween Hardcore set just for us at the Candyball, Ravers Only is proud to bring Hokilla to the CB for his first time!!

Choke (PA) *** Anthem Hardcore ***
(Hardlife Ent, Militia Ent, Norotek Records, Knuckle Up Ent)
Known for always staying up with the newest material and his perfect beat matching abilities, Choke earned his nickname during the era of the Allentown Hardcore division. Brutalizing opponents with his gruff offensive tracks, Choke’s reputation of punishing opponents with hard promotion, and dedication to the East Coast Hardcore rave scene, has influenced and inspired us all to strive for a revolution in music.

As the Co-founder of Hard Life Ent., and long time hardcore head, Choke knows what the deal is. Mad skill and immaculate track selections make him a moving force in the hardcore scene. Gear up, cuz when Choke hits the decks, you are in for an experience you will not soon forget! Ravers Only once again welcomes another first time performance at the Candyball as Choke brings his special blend of Hardcore for your enjoyment!

Apollo Christian (NY) *** Hard Trance/Techno ***
(APB, Galaxy Tracks)
Making his second Candyball appearance is another relatively unknown DJ, Apollo Christian. After numerous bookings in the upstate NY area, Apollo brought his sound to “Here We Go Again” last year and brought the house down. With another year of experience in him, another handful of upstate bookings to his credit, and a ton of new records that he is dyeing to drop in NYC, show some love for this young DJ that is quickly making a name for himself in the east coast rave scene.

Iron Fist (NY) *** Trance ***
(myspace.com/djironfistnyc)
I have known Iron Fist for almost a decade now and sadly, did not even know he spun. I guess that is not all bad, most people never knew I spun until this past October. On the main floor for every Candyball so far, always in a Ravers Only hoodie and putting up the heart, Iron Fist has been a supporter since day one. Tonight, for those of you who are able to make it past Tranzit & Sqeak on the main stage, I ask you show some love and support for the DJ they call Iron Fist as he helps get the night started right!

here we go again with the hiatuseseses

sorry internet, but I was busy riding a bike from new york to delaware in order to surprise my family vacationing at the beach. I rolled up on ‘em towards the end of the annual 4th of july parade along bethany beach, de. tears were shed and beers were shared.

anyhow, onto things that matter to everyone that isn’t just me and my family:

cringe @ freddy’s, july 9

it all started with my addiction/nemesis twitter

twitter, for those not in the know, is a simple update aggregator for normal joes who like the concept of liveblogging, but never have the stones to keep up with it. you basically put down what you’re doing and/or thinking every few hours or minutes and follow all of your friends who are doing the exact same thing. normally, that sort of gimmick-y web 2.0 nonsense doesn’t jive with me, but twitter has such a laid back, don’t-install-applications attitude that it is endeared to me. it’s the internet equivalent of talking to a plant, your plant, in the middle of a public garden.

so I was weeding out the odd followers keeping track of my plant rambling when I stumbled across sarah brown, creator of the cringe reading series. the idea of cringe was interesting, seemingly funny: people read diaries and bad goth poetry and everybody drinks alcohol. it was like what I did back home during college (and will continue to do so probably). and it so happened that the first wednesday of every month, it was going down at freddy’s, which is like three blocks away.

but I’ll catch it next month, because the avett brothers, my favorite bluegrass/punk rock outfit, was playing a free show at stuyvesant high school for the river to river festival. OR SO I THOUGHT

a smoking girl around the area (both in activity and attractiveness) told me that they were sold out, inquiring if I knew other things in the area. I told her that I was thinking about cringe, but when she asked where that was, I told her I was clueless. oh well. my lovely male friend sam called and I had him give me directions, and then went to it with my friend rachel (also attractive I’m such a ladies man fuck).

situated in a seedy dive surrounded by warehouses and brownstones in a maybe-this-isn’t-a-great-neighborhood part of park slope (!), freddy’s is the kind of bar where you instantly don’t feel welcome. there’s a bunch of regulars drinking a bunch of regular drinks, a jukebox blaring peaches that nobody pays attention to, and off-putting wall decor. eventually, we made our way to the back room, which sort of looked more like an employees-only entrance, to hear a tale of a girl having sex with a guy in a sleeping bag.

the stories, as advertised, were painfully embarrassing and compelling. when a guy broke out his hand-painted ghostbusters fan fiction, it reminded me of the zine style hand drawn comics I did in third grade. the first, hand man, was about a superhero hand that fought the evil dr. foot. the other, slick, was about a retarded snake in a bow tie that got everything wrong. I only knew how to draw snakes and hands and feet, so the stories were a natural fit.

I have two large regrets about the evening, however: first, I should have come earlier; second, there won’t be another cringe next month until the middle of august, whereupon I will have already returned to indiana. problems. I hope that cringe is still going down when I move back in a year. until then, I guess I’ll just follow the tweets. on twitter. alone.

http://www.queserasera.org/cringe.html

the kiss off, the king left @ pianos july 10

here’s what I said on july 10th:

“I can’t just keep going to famous bands I’ll lose my indie rock cred let’s go to pianos it’s a nice bar”

and so I did. trolling pianos’ website allowed me to learn of a few bands I hadn’t heard of, and it was either this or cake shop. the king left sounded great on the internet, so I went there. I showed up just as cinema cinema was ending. sorry sorry guys guys, I’ll get the next set, I promise promise.

so, I sat at the main bar and played a game with the bartender. the game is called “no really I’m fine I don’t want to drink.” this game is played by looking intently at the bartender until he looks back at you. then, you raise your wallet (you have to be holding your wallet or purse for this to work) and nod at the bartender. the bartender will acknowledge your glance, stall a moment, then turn back to his glass polishing or talk to other customers. occasionally, he will take other orders that have walked up to the bar far away from where he’s standing. after ten-fifteen minutes of gametime, he’ll reluctantly ask you if you want anything, whereupon you should give him a sugary smile and say “no really I’m fine I don’t want to drink at all.” he’ll nod and walk away.

oh wait don’t do that at all. also, if your bartender is a long-haired semi-muscular guy with condescending eyebrows, tell him that he’s a fucking asshole. or wait, nevermind, you won’t get that far. he’s too busy with HIS HEAD up HIS OWN ASS.

the guy in pianos’ show room, however, is way more amiable. he serves you drinks promptly and smiles.

I got to the show too late to see cinema cinema (sorry dudes), only just arriving as the kiss off graced the stage. they had a very approachable, marketable sound. if whole foods made tv commercials that were generally upbeat and featured 20-30somethings making food, maybe feeding their kids. in short, nothing like a kiss off whatsoever.

they sounded clear, vocally-driven, and beat heavy, if not light. it did the trick, if not generically. the only component that seemed out of place, sonically and physically, was the guitarist. it seemed as if guitars were added as an afterthought, adding little squiggles in and random notes, which I suppose was placed in to make the music feel less sleek. plus, the guy was dressed in all back, with a golden cross and geddy lee of rush’s hair. everybody else was just dressed like some dudes you would see at a bar. he was… creepy.

the king left, who I told the cheery ticket-taker I was here to see, came next. they liked radiohead. a lot. the singer had a tiny tattoo of the people shaking hands from the cover of ok computer, they list it as an influence, and they sounded exactly like radiohead if they decided to have a distinctively positive sound. maybe like pablo honey, but with depressing lyrics. I don’t know really what’s more to say. they were good, they just didn’t impress me.

it’s an interesting thing I’m learning about local new yawk bands–they’re by and large impressive, talented people, but with so many impressive, talented people, the music just sort of melts into a sonic soup. a delicious sonic soup, but one that has so similar ingredients that each bite just tastes the same. what I’m come to realize is that if you’re going to go to a rock and roll show in this town, you’re probably going to have a good time. you’re going to drink a few overpriced liquors, contemplate purchasing band materials, and never feel bad about leaving a little bit early. it’s just something to kill some time–not an event.

which is what I did during motel motel (what’s with the repeating band name thing? man man, the ting tings, the aforementioned cinema cinema?). I watched a few songs, took some pictures, noted that they were technically proficient but not entirely accomplished songwriters, and left. I bought some falafel, and caught the F train as soon as I entered the station, but it felt bittersweet getting on. Even with all this good music, catching the train home without having to wait half an hour was the highlight of the evening.

http://www.myspace.com/thekissoffnyc
http://www.myspace.com/thekingleft
http://www.myspace.com/motelmotel 

f yeah fest @ club exit july 13

I take it back, I found an event

the highly anticipated f yeah fest finished their tour right in sleepy greenpoint, brooklyn, at a club that usually doesn’t have a lot of shows. club exit: a dance club with no ground floor, a swirling, psychedelic popsicle of a club, multi-tiered with a beautiful frosted-glass bar. who would have thought that it would house the most raucous, ham-fisted, drooling-lunatic punk rock show of the summer?

I arrived late, but whatevs, clubs always start late. japanther took an extra half hour to set up, focusing less on their instruments and more on their large banner that kept falling down. sadly, it’s what happens when you try to hang a giant cloth with scotch tape. I watched and had a beck’s. I forgot that beck’s was so good–I’ve been used to drinking amstel light, which is apparently the grown-up hipster beer, after they’ve stopped desiring chug-a-lug nights fueled by pbr.

these thoughts danced in my head until I finally realized that I forgot my camera at home. “shit,” I thought. “shit shit shit. the one show that I wanted to take pictures of.” I tried to justify that, if I bought a funsaver from the corner deli, that the pictures would be lo-fi, and thus ironic or something, and thus fit the ramshackle nature of the f yeah tour. having reviewed the pictures, I was wrong, and I wasted my nine dollars, but I’m still contemplating putting them on flickr.

also, those visiting from flickr: hello!

so I got back just as japanther was starting. I’ll be the first to say it I JUST KNOW IT but I thought the drummer’s stage banter was fucking terrible. he just kept telling us where the band was from, changing it sporadically, and telling us that their music was “just rock and roll.” yeah, dude, I got it. you’re just rock and roll. it’s apparent through your fucking music. just shut up and please continue rocking me.

and rock me they did. they play a fists-up, adolescent screaming match, singing songs about girls, about eating hot dogs on a beach and then swimming, about nighttime, and it sounds very much like a confused teenager not knowing how to vent his thoughts, and it sounds very awesome. the music, as barked at the audience several times during his banter, is incredibly no-frills: it is guitar; it is drums. it’s the sonics with less members on 2x speed; it’s white blood cells-era white stripes with no pretense. it is loud, and fast, and the perfect band to start off the last location of the f yeah tour.

next up, team robespierre, strewn about on the floor like dan deacon. I remember thinking that they weren’t that great when I heard them on myspace, but god damn if they didn’t make the party go live. during japanther, most of the kids just banged their head, but team r had everyone pushing and shoving in the second most gleeful happinesspit of the night.

let me explain: a happinesspit is something that occurs when everybody is having a genuinely great time, and instead of running into each other, the crowd just surges back and forth, smiling and laughing. if you get hit in the face, so what? they didn’t mean it! it’s just a good time for everybody! this phenomenon is usually aided by the use of a keyboard.

how to describe what team r does? the vocals range from white boy rapping to blood brothers (rip) style yelps to sultry soul singing. the keys squiggle and dance, but they also lead the rest of the music. the drums and guitars struggle to dictate the pace. the lead singer/rapper/guy is so charismatic, as well–he walks through the crowd, hugging kids, inviting them to sing with him, jumping up and down. it’s a colorful explosion, a burst of energy, perfect for 100 second party starters, with the perfect running time of 30-35 minutes.

also on the floor were monotonix, who are fucking terrible. but that doesn’t stop them from having a good time! butt rock metal mixed with an insane gg allin growler had the kids shaking it, but I couldn’t get with it. it was definitely funny to watch them cavort around, climb on stuff. the highlight of the set came when a bass drum was lifted in the air, the drummer climbed on top of his bass drum, sat down, and played the snare and crash drums, which were also held up by the crowd. almost all of the players and their pieces were aloft at one point or another, until monotonix was all but an unpleasant, awkward memory, washed away by the sea of humanity at club exit.

up next, paint in black. punk rock. unimpressive.

after them, the highlight of my night, brooklyn’s own matt & kim. there can’t be much said about the duo that hasn’t been said better elsewhere: they’re married, they made a band on a whim, kim is an enthusiastic drummer, matt talks a lot and is super damn excited, and they are cute, super cute, but without being nauseating like mates of state. they slam their head, talk about friends and happy stuff, and generally have a good time.

almost too good of a time. the happinesspit for matt & kim was out of control, the whole club seemingly crammed in and surging in the delight of matt & kim. I was thankful to be in the thick of it, even if this meant getting a big puffy spot below my eye and breaking my glasses. I was having a great time, trying my damndest with the funsaver to take brilliant pictures, and not caring about my failure. it was bliss–the most punk rock, throwdown bliss ever.

when the closer of their set came in, with “silver tiles,” matt didn’t even have to tell us that the song was about brooklyn–we all knew. when he refered to “all our hopes and all our friends,” he wasn’t just singing about the people they know personally, he was s speaking about everyone in the room, and everyone that we knew. it was touching, endearing, and totally fuck-yeah fun.

but after that I couldn’t see anything because my glasses were fucked so I went home. sorry dillinger 4 and circle jerks. I’ll catch you next time: same f yeah tour, same f yeah venue.

http://www.myspace.com/japanther
http://www.myspace.com/teamrobespierre
http://www.myspace.com/monotonix
http://www.myspace.com/paintitblack
http://www.myspace.com/mattandkim 

All of your wildest dreams have come true: IT’S THE BEST SHOW WEEKEND EVER!

As we nurse our hang overs and mop up mysterious puddles of “stuff” off our kitchen floors, let’s take time to peer into the future and prepare ourselves for Brooklyn, July 12th-13th.

Just when you thought Allston for our nation’s birthday was nuts, check this out:

Saturday July 12th -NOON- @ THE YARD

:: MID SUMMER OUTDOOR PARTY
:: in conjunction w/ Impose & Crashin’ In
:: 2 stages!

: ONEIDA
:: HIGH PLACES
::: TITUS ANDRONICUS
:::: Shy Child
::::: Chinese Stars
:::::: Ponytail
::::::: Telepathe
:::::::: Vivian Girls
::::::::: Abe Vigoda
:::::::::: Knyfe Hyts
::::::::::: Ninja Sonik
:::::::::::: Soft Circle
::::::::::::: Soiled Mattress and the Springs
:::::::::::::: Chairlift
::::::::::::::: more tba + secret special suprise guests…probably No Age

[ THE YARD ] —> OUTSIDE!!!
400 Carroll St btwn Bond St & Nevins St | Gowanus, Brooklyn
F/G-Carroll St, M/R-Union St | –> NOON <– | $10 | ALL AGES

Saturday July 12th – late! -10PM- @ HARKET MOTEL

|| CUT OFF YOUR HANDS
|||| Bear Hands

[ HARKET MOTEL ]
1142 Myrtle @ Bdwy | Bushwick, Brooklyn
JMZ – Myrtle, L – Jefferson, G – Myrtle-Willoughby | doors 8pm | $tba | all ages

Sunday July 13th – 2PM -@ McCAREN POOL (jellynyc.com)

-The Breeders

–Matt & Kim

—The Whip

—-DJ Frankie Chan

[McCARREN POOL}

780 Lorimer Street
Brooklyn, New York, USA

L to Lorimer I All Ages I FREE!

Sunday July 13th @ CLUB EXIT

:: FÜCK YEAH FEST TOUR 2008

:: THE CIRCLE JERKS
:::: Dillinger Four
:::::: Matt & Kim
:::::::: Team Robespeirre
:::::::::: Monotonix
:::::::::::: Japanther
:::::::::::::: + more special guest

Cu întarziere şi scuzele de rigoare, câteva imagini de la concertul din 14 martie

Concertul va avea loc

Vineri 14 martie 2008

Ora 22:00

Artişti:

Raku Dj Falbo x

Locaţie:

Club Exit

Intrare:

7,99 RON

Sursa: sunetesubsol.net

Luna martie aduce un nou eveniment Redactia Jocuri. Pentru prima data in Tirgu Mures, Raku si DJ FaiboX (KST) in Club Exit incepand cu orele 22:00. In deschidere ii veti putea vedea pe Deadly Combination (TgM) si Cane Corso (Toplita).

Bineinteles, warm-up – DJ Sauce si DJ Koyr cu un set Old-School :>

Mai multe detalii in curand .