New York can leave a lot to be desired sometimes. It frequently comes in at number one on lists of the worlds’ most expensive cities, it’s dirty, there are rats everywhere, and it’s freezing for almost half of the year. I mean, we love it, otherwise myself and 8 million other people wouldn’t live here. But every now and then you need a night out that reminds you, this is why I live in New York.
I had one of those kinds of nights last week. I headed to the East Village to Deluxx Fluxx, tucked under Webster Hall, to celebrate club culture of yesteryear. I went because I wanted to see two of the OG Mudd Club residents, Justin Strauss and Johnny Dynell together. Between the two of them, Justin and Johnny have played just about every club you’d want to dance at back in the day; Danceteria, Limelight, Palladium, Tunnel, the list goes on.
When I walked into the club, it was like a timewarp. Deluxx Fluxx only opened post pandemic but it’s been stylized to feel like a 1970s punk club (except for the bathrooms, of course). The music selections featured everything from post punk and new wave to proto house, `90s house, electro, and even some early hip hop. In the 1980s DJs didn’t care about sticking to genres, they just played good music that made people want to get down.
Justin and Johnny left such an impact on people in the `80s that their crowd was out in full force dancing their asses off. There was a woman dressed like Madonna in her ‘Like a Virgin’ era, except she was probably doing it before Madonna was. There were also plenty of people in their 20s and 30s on the dancefloor having their moments with the music. These two DJs who have been in the game for four decades are still out there inspiring dancers of all ages to come out. You’re never too old for a dancefloor in this city, and that is one of the many reasons why I love New York.
12.7-10 - Unfinished Business: LCD After Hours at Knockdown Center
It wouldn’t be December in New York without LCD Soundsystem’s annual run of shows and this year they’ve added an additional element of fun. With their last four shows at Knockdown Center this Thursday through Sunday, they’re holding an After Hours at the venue. The series called Unfinished Business features some DFA Records alumni, friends of the label, and just about every disco DJ you wanted to see in the 2010s. There will be sets from Lovefingers and Heidi Lawden, Juan MacLean, Tim Sweeney, Justin Strauss, Eric Duncan, DJ Holographic, JDH & Dave P, Kristine Barilli, Masha Mar, and Matt Shaw, as well as Shit Robot every night.
12.8 - Heidy P x Matt FX x Veblen Defect at Black Flamingo
If you’re looking for a party where you can throw your hands in the air like you just don’t care then Black Flamingo is the spot for you this Friday. The basement club in Williamsburg is hosting local DJs Heidy P, Matt FX, and Veblen Defect whose sets feature any kind of music that brings joy to the dancefloor - think big vocals, thumping bass, and other euphoric sounds across the disco, house and techno spectrum.
12.8 - Bébé Ioda at a secret location
Bébé Ioda is a new party where sound is the star of the show, so naturally our ears pricked up. The party is described as an analog house and techno experience in an intimate environment where dancers can “experience the pulse of the bass, the crispness of the highs, and the comforting warmth of the mids, all embracing you,” according to the RA event page. The selectors for the night are DJs Breeceus, Apelika, and Jason Musgrow. Given that we haven’t heard of any of these DJs or this crew, we have no idea what to expect musically, but if they can deliver on what they’ve promised, it should be a good night for audiophiles.
Follow the links for mixes and playlists from the DJs and Musical Hosts who will be playing at these venues.
