Weekend Picks To Click

The best thing going on dance music wise this weekend occurs outside of Boystown, with appeal to any serious electronica music connoisseur – gay, straight or otherwise.

The brightest new light in the world of dance music will grace Chicago with his presence as James Zabiela appears at Sound-Bar on Friday, July 30, 2004.

Only 24 years old, Zabiela is already a resident at the world famous nightclub, Space, on Ibiza and has been a part of Sasha’s Excession agency for the past couple of years. JZ has built his reputation as a master digital DJ using the technical revolution of Pioneer’s CDJ-1000 cd players and a DJM-600 mixer for his own unique creative purposes. But don’t sell this man short: he also knows how to expertly handle a piece of vinyl and a Technics turntable. When asked to describe his style, Zabiela responds: “It’s just really house and breaks and techno with a bit of twisted melody here and there.” His energetic mixing style is a sight to behold, demonstrating that the modern DJ is evolving into a bit of a booth gymnast in need of additional arms. Zabiela is a true talent in the DJ booth and new force within the global dance music scene. His appearance at Sound-Bar is a spectacle you surely won’t want to miss.

Two long-time forces in the global house music scene, men who helped perpetuate Chicago’s rightful place as the home of house music, will be at Zentra Nightclub on Monday night, August 2nd. Legendary DJs Derrick Carter and Mark Farina are in town to support the recent release of their “Live At Om” double cd set (available at ChicagoPride.com’s partner - Borderline Music: http://www.borderlinemusic.com). It should be a wild night as these two favorite sons of Chicago bang out sets that are sure to delight and please. Carter and Farina have been helping to shape the course of house music since the late 1980s and this will be their first hometown joint appearance in a very long time. It's bound to be a night to remember!