So Many Parties, Such Little Time

Fall is finally here!  'Tis the season of hoodies, hot chocolate, and… wait, house music? Yes, house music. Tons and tons of sweet, sexy underground sound is coming to a club or warehouse near you sooner than you think. Although the weather is growing colder, the event roster is teeming with hot new events. Here's a quick list of the parties that I will not be missing (and that you should definitely check out) this fall.  

Stacey Pullen & Tony Rohr at Coliseum Nightclub, White Plains, NY

Okay, so Westchester may not be known as your typical go-to party destination. Although this is true, Fridays at Coliseum always deliver. The venue is generously sized, the crowd is always good , and the talent is even better. This Friday, Detroit legend-in-the-making Stacey Pullen will headlining the event.  This will be Pullen's first time in Westchester, so it's sure be a treat.  Also, vinyl purists can rejoice--this guy always kicks it old school.   As if Stacey wasn't enough, the Drumcode label's most talented newcomer Tony Rohr will be in the building as well. Along with all this talent under one roof, you get to beat steep New York City prices.. entry will be $20 and the party goes until about 4 AM.  Not bad, not bad at all. 
  

                              Pullen pulling no punches at the Detroit Music Festival last May!

October 3, Dance Here Now presents Joseph Capriati at Cielo (Meatpacking District) New York, NY 

I think I've died and gone to heaven. Joseph Capriati, one of the Drumcode label's newest up and comers, is by far one of my favorites in the game.  I must admit, I'm biased… it doesn't hurt that he hails from the same area of Italy (Naples) as my mother is from, but that's not the only reason why I love 'em! Capriati is super passionate about his craft… watch any interview he's done and you will know. This guy doesn't play his music for recognition or to show off, he does it because he eats, lives, and breathes the stuff. His dedication and love for music really shows when he plays a set. I saw him last May in a grungy basement club in New Haven, CT (don't ask.) Now, this place wasn't the hippest, most trendy of places, and I've seen many a well-known DJ end a set early or not live up to expectations at the club in question. Not Joseph Capriati. Once he got on, everyone around me went nuts. Since he is a techno DJ, some house music aficionados (like myself, admittedly) who were initially might have been concerned about the techno sound as not being soulful, having no rhythm, and being excessively monotone were proved wrong.  His set could be likened to a musical journey.  Capriati's style of techno was not at all overbearing, hard, and fast, but rather could be described as deep, funky techno style (which definitely had house, hip hop and electronica influences) to keep things interesting. Although it wasn't the best venue the guy's played at (it wasn't a "Music On" party in Ibiza, that's for sure,) Capriati put his heart and soul into the set. It was amazing. 
On October 3rd, Capriati will be at Cielo, one of the top rated night clubs in the city. Combine an incredible venue with Capriati's amazing passion and talent, and you've got yourself a real party. 

                            Capriati ripping Sullivan's Room, NYC a new one last May

October 31, UNION Halloween: Carlo Lio, The Junkies, Nathan Barato at Studio Square, Queens, NY

This is something I'd like to call "Torontopia." Some of the Toronto Scene's top talent will be making it to Queens this Halloween and it's sure to be a night to remember. First up, we have Carlo Lio. From humble beginnings in Canada's house music seen, to gracing the spacious dance floor of New York City's Marquee Nightclub, Carlo Lio has quickly become a crowd favorite among New York Underground listeners within the past few years (and for good reason.) Lio's style incorporates an eclectic mix of funky, groovy, and deep tech house that effort. He has New York Club-Goers constantly coming back for more.  Next, we have The Junkies. Also hailing from Toronto, Canada, this duo has recently become more and more recognizable and popular throughout the dance music scene here in New York City and throughout the world. The group has a real talent for command a crowd by pumping out everything from tech house, something deeper, to heart-pumping techno.  I'll be honest, I've never really followed Nathan Barato until recently. However, I'm so glad that I did.  His sound is quite versatile and not restricted to the norms of generic tech house and monotone techno. He is all about everything four to the floor.  He's an old school soul with a new school flare.  Also, the guy usually answers when you comment on his Facebook posts. Put all four of these guys in the booth together, and you'll be going no the musical joyride of your life all Halloween night long. 

Yes, we'll miss Governor's Island's outdoor parties, Neptunes Beach Club will be closed until next Memorial Day, and there will be no more late nights of dancing on roof tops overlooking the city skyline. Now, it's time for the underground sound to return back to its roots and how it's meant to be enjoyed. Humble warehouses and clubs where you don't have to "dress to impress" and you can come as you are simply for the music. Maybe it's just me, but I know I much rather rock my flashy Jeffrey Campbell kicks or even the sneakers I wear to the gym (that's if I'm feeling REALLY lazy) than squeeze myself into a tight Bebe dress and slip into my dreaded black leather pumps so I can meet a roof top venue's dress code requirement.  It's fall, and it's time to let your hair down, stay a while, and enjoy what the season has to offer.