October 19, 2009 (Issue #2) – It had been quite some time since attending a party at the OP (Old Plantation) or as some call it, the Oh please and nine years or so since I last saw DJ Dan lay down the funk at the now defunct Area 51 in El Paso. The Seattle native and Cali transplant made a name for himself with a great attitude, stellar performances and plenty of seminal Mix CD releases as well as lots of high profile remix work over the years. This event so happened to land on my birthday and I eagerly anticipated the arrival of one of the most revered house DJs in the nation to help me celebrate my turning “the dirty thirty”.
Ritual’s organizers encouraged attendees to indulge their creative side and dress their freakiest, calling for “extreme club attire” but very few actually participated. The sound, lighting and effects along with opening support from Vinn-e and Joey Funk, helped to propel the energy levels of those in attendance. Before long, the wait was over and the man known as DJ Dan was behind the decks along with a troupe of Poi fire performance artists who put on a blazing show. Now I haven’t been keeping up with what he’s been playing these days but Mr. Dan is keeping up with the times as evidenced by his set that night, dropping mostly pumpin’, funky Electro House. A part of me was somewhat expecting to see the DJ Dan of the Funky Techno Tribe days but he kept it fresh and kept up the pace after a slow start. He seemed to balance the mix well with the new, upfront tunes as well as teasing the dancers with some classic business. Last, but not least, Reddman stepped up to fill the dubious after-the-headliner slot accompanied by, himself on the electronic conga kit and some tunes appropriate for the time of night. Despite the low numbers, Rituals overall, was well executed and I don’t think the heads had too much to complain about, it’s just too bad the OP regulars weren’t out in full force.
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