Groove Line

Memorial Day Weekend: The Other Options
What else is going on in Chicago this weekend besides IML events? Well, for those looking to "shake their groove thangs" to music from the disco era of the 1970s and 1980s, then Mary's Attic at Hamburger Mary's is the place to be on Saturday, May 26. DJ Jason Royce (pictured) of Washington, DC brings his Retro Party to our fair city for what promises to be a very fun night. Royce has been guiding the weekly Retro soiree at DC's Cobalt Nightclub each Tuesday night for the last 5 years and now he's taking his show on the road with this Chicago playdate.

For those looking for a bit more contemporary dance music, then you might want to head over to Hydrate as DJ Paulo (LA), a personal favorite of mine, will be delivering his scorching tribal beats and soaring vocal anthems to what is sure to be a very appreciative crowd. Later on that night if you're in the mood for an after-hours gathering, Steamworks has DJ DeMarko (NYC) providing the soundscape for the SKIN XIII: THE FINAL CHAPTER "play party." This should be wickedly fun.

On Sunday, May 27, you can check out the new home of the L.A.M.B. party at Club 720 (it's located downtown at the corner of Wells & Superior or for you old-timers, the former Cairo space). DJs Chris Eterno and Luis M continue the musical stewardship of this weekly event.

Making His Mark ... Again
Legendary DJ Mark Farina is once again proving his house music genius with his latest continuous mix effort: HOUSE OF OM (Om Records). In my opinion this mix is even better than his superlative Live At Om disc from a couple of years ago. Featuring some truly booty- shakin' jack house tracks from the likes of Kerri Chandler, King Kooba, and Vibezelect, the highlight of this CD for me was "Right Now" by Freaks featuring Robert Owens, a song that is destined to be a huge dance floor favorite the world over. Farina's been in the house music game a long time and instead of getting stale and resting on his laurels, he just keeps getting better and better. HOUSE OF OM is a top notch effort that deserves to be in your collection.

Who's That Star On The Horizon?
His name is Mika , a 23 year-old Lebanese émigré based in London, and his new CD is called LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION (Casablanca / Universal), an 11-track disc that climbed to the #1 position on the pop charts in the U.K. in February and that has recently been released in the U.S. to wide commercial and critical acclaim. He describes himself as "Beck via Queen and Elton John with a touch Rufus W." That very interesting mix has tantalized the Brits and it's seemingly peaking the interest of those on this side of The Pond as well. Folks are raving about the single "Grace Kelly" and the Tony Moran remix of "Relax (Take It Easy)" is increasingly finding its way into DJ sets. Only time will tell how popular Mika will be in the U.S., but chances are good his star will burn bright.

From Israel With Love
The latest sensation on the gay club/circuit music scene is an Israeli export named Offer Nissim . He wowed the White Party Palm Springs crowd earlier this month with his theatrical DJing style and has a new double disc mixed CD out called FOREVER TEL AVIV (Star 69). It features his signature sound and style and contains several of his chart-topping artistic efforts: "Be My Boyfriend," "Perfect Love," and "For Your Love." TEL AVIV also includes Nissim's stellar remixes of "Hurt" by Christina Aguilera, "One Night Only" by Beyonce, and "I Wish I Didn't Miss You" by Angie Stone. While many lament the sameness of the DJs playing before gay dance floors in America - and of the CDs marketed to those on the dance floor - Offer Nissim is a remarkable breath of fresh air.