Party Recaps

We got there to find easy parking and a short line.� Got in quickly at around 11:15-11:30 to see a nice big dance floor occupied by a few swaying junglists (including Dara swigging a beer) moving to the sounds of Delmar. � His selection was smooth but not jump-up. He was soon joined onstage by MC Panik, Cassien, and then Dara.� Each dropped a few records but then the LTJ arrived onstage, and now the floor was filled.� It would soon get packed when Bukem started his set at around 12:15. � Wearing a headstrap microphone, MC Conrad laid down his lyrical wizardry.� The duo went on for two hours on a system more powerful than the Raza one, pleasing the crowd to no end with a mix of a few bass-heavy jump-up tunes to go with his trademark intelligence.� With the packed conditions, it was tough to fully dance without bumping into adjacent people, and I was also at a spot where there was a lot of traffic. � The jungle vibe was present and all showed appreciation with yells and horns.� Even an onstage dancer who previously stood off to the side busted the moves when the right notes hit, presenting a fine display of the phenomenon known as "brocking out". � At the end of the set they did a live rendition of PFM's Western.� Then we left when Blame came on afterwards.

On the short line around midnight, this Caucasian male wearing shorts asks me where he can get tickets to the event.� Turns out he's visiting from Germany, and we talk about jungle and stuff in the US and Germany. Nice fellow.� It was supposed to be 18 and over, but they didn't check my ID after a metal-detector pass-through.�

Inside there were few dancers, but a circle was right in the middle of the wood floor.� At least the German guy was getting into it off on the side.� Timestretchhad a few moving tracks, but he couldn't break up the circle with his selection. � No one could, and there was to be no communal dancing vibe tonight.� Frustrated by Karl K 's selections, I headed downstairs to see people chilling in chairs, but closer to the DJ booth some people were dancing.� Heard that bass-heavy track from the Kenny Ken tape and another good track after it, so I went towards the small dance floor and started having my best time of the night.� I don't know who was spinning, but he gave me enough real drum and bass to move me on the floor, much better than the upstairs track selection.� German guy was definitely into it, as were two other Asians (M & F), one black kid, and two white girls.� But towards the end it got real sparse, such that I was one of two remaining people dancing.

I headed back upstairs to catch the end of Dara's set, and then Trace took over with the crowd's approval.� But again I was disappointed to hear very little drum and bass, even though I was in a dancing mood right behind the circle.� Left at around 3:30 to go home.� The Camry was not parked in a great spot and someone had managed to turn the driver side keyhole upside down.� Thankfully, nothing was missing from the inside.

This was a club space with a big bar, mirrors, lights and a slightly elevated dance floor.� The name of the weekly techno night was "Pure".� Most people were white teenagers.� Inobtrusive security people patrolled inside. �

Sitting atop a structure close to the door leading to the booth, I kept a watch out for the Formation DJs to arrive.� When my eyes wandered, they must have arrived, because I saw the back of this short, curly brown-haired lady go through the door.� Looking up into the booth, jungle's time had arrived. � No announcement proclaimed they were in the house, but a slight buzz was present through the crowd, and as the beats came forth, I made my way to the dance floor and experienced the sound of Rap from 12:50 to 2:15 or so. � She spun tracks such as ?ugees or Not and Woman Who Rolls ("who can roll with my arrangement").� The tracks were alright, some left you no choice but to dance/move, and some served as breathers until the next boom track. � She gave herself a rewind at one point. �

This was not a jungle-savvy crowd by any means; no horns, lighters, or whistles, however there were a few hoots and hollers. � But people were moving to it on the dancefloor - it wasn't packed though, and there was plenty of room, which is important for jungle.� The crowd thinned out halfway through her set. � I listened to about 15 minutes of Mental Power (young black man) before leaving.� I was half-hoping Charissa would come down and join the massive on the floor....

Got to this one just after 12, and there was a short line outside The Bank. � Inside, the venue was already packed, and Mental Power was on the decks. � At its peak, I don't think this place was as crowded as it was for Bukem's visit, but it was still densely populated.� DJ Rap came on shortly, in blue Adidas tights and a knit cap.� She spun a few recognizable tracks from her Long Island gig, but it was still all good as the horns and lighters in the place demanded the rewind more than a couple of times.� MC Warren G really came correct with the proper UK-style MCing as well.� Most everybody on the main dance floor, or rather the whole joint, was moving to the tunes. �SS came on next and proceeded to rip it up with the jump-up material.� Most of the time I had been in the center of the floor towards the back, but more than half through SS I moved closer to the left near the entrance/exit where it was less crowded.� From there I could see Charissa getting into it, dancing behind the decks and acting playful. � And SS did not disappoint, bringing it all to a head when he drops Adam F's Circles, getting two rewinds from the crowd and the MC, who said, "a classic is a classic anywhere in the world".� His Champion Sound remix previously also got the crowd busy as well with the mashed-up drum and bass. � When SS wrapped up his set, Ratty went on and started his set with some of that techstep business, whereupon I took a breather.� The crowd thinned, but then Ratty turned it up with some drum and bass to close the Formation part of it. � Soul Slinger and TC Islam came on next, the latter spouting some hip-hop attitude on the mic, at which time we decided to leave at around 3:10.

No chance to catch the underrated Wally, who was spinning in the back room.� Saw 5 Asian females and two other Asian males.

When I got downstairs, saw two cop cars parked around the corner, I guess they got some complaints and were investigating the source of the sound.� Would have liked to find out what happened, but didn�t want to look like a suspicious loiterer.

This was put on by Amoeba and Sky High, featuring Darkstar, Cruise Missile, Masa, others.

Vibe was ok, people danced, although most were in a confined square area in front of the stage.� But people did let loose.� At the bar there was a free pitcher of water with cups; nice touch.

Twilo is a huge club with a rectangular layout. � The DJ booth is near one of the corners, and speakers surround an inner rectangular dance floor. � There is a big bar in the back perimeter and a small bar in front.� There is also a speaker stack on the right edge perimeter in front of a seating area. � On the left edge across the room are steps where people also sit.

Party started at 10 with KJ residents Cassien and Delmar. � Got there around 11:15 with a minimal line for $15 with a flyer.� KJ residents were still on to an English-sounding MC. � Then Brian G started things off.� Some good tunes, and great MCing by Moose.� Size and Krust then spun together until about 2:15, giving way to Jumpin� Jack Frost, who had the best set of the night in my opinion. � Bouncy two-step tunes pleased the punters.� Up last was Ray Keith, from after 3 to close, at around 4.� He played the most "name" tunes of all, it seemed.� Moose had better flow on the mic than Dynamite MC, I must say.� Size/Krust played some stuff of their own.

Lots of people showed up, more than expected.� Large majority of the crowd were dancing, and the dancing vibe was nice.� Breaker�s circle in the back didn�t interfere with the sheer size of the dancefloor, and the famous sound system let the bass come through, especially in the areas in front of the speaker stacks.� Inner rectangle dance floor was crowded most of the night and did most dancing on the outside perimeter.

Got there at 11:30 or so with no ID check and they didn�t let me bring in my bottled water.� The place was quite empty, maybe about 15 people in there while they were still fiddling with the sound.� DJ played some familiar old jump-up tunes, it was decent.� As people started to file in, the music started to turn softer. � Then Dom took the decks at around 1 and played some dark, tweaky stuff.� It was crowded but the tunes didn�t move me. �Went until 2:20 with MC Posi-D before Dieselboy took control for an hour.� He got a rewind for Krust�s Warhead. � Space opened up on the floor, and there wasn�t much MCing for him. � Set was better than Dom�s, but the next jock Paul C bettered him with the rough hardstep business, something that you don�t hear much anymore at JN.� He certainly moved most of the remaining throng.� Stayed until the end at 4:25 when they turned the house lights on. � Very good end to the night, and the best I�ve heard out of the JN resident to date.

I got in with no line at 11:30, and Roy was finishing up his set (started at 10:30).� This was a three-level location with a bar on the first level, restaurant-type table seating on the second level, and a wooden dance floor/bar on the top level.� There was an elevated DJ booth and a lighting rig overhead, plus seating along one side of the floor.

Timestretch came on and played non-jump-up, as is his new plan.� Dance floor space is larger than Plush�s, and it was never quite full.� Probably got fullest during Odi�s set, who was next after the Beantown selector.� He played the jump-up and hardstep tunes and also the energetic twosteppers, which during this time I was on the floor most.� MCing throughout the night were Posi-D, Crest, and Coltrane (?).� Slant appeared with friends for the first time here and was chilling out by the wall.� Blueline came up next and played techstep and twostep. � With 20 minutes to go before he was due up, I talked to Slant, explaining to him who I was, which jungle joints I hit, upcoming NYC tours (Jan. 29 with Grooverider at Twilo), his weekend itinerary, and DC New Year�s happenings. � I asked him what he was going to play and he said he didn�t know, then excused himself to pick out some records in the booth.� He played intelligent and jazzy.� Left at 3:30.�

Crowd was 18+.� It consisted of many youngsters with a few of the regular enthusiastic Jungle Nation set, including Delmar, plus some neighborhood guidos.

When we got to the door at 11:30 three short Asian females were asking this guy handing out small flyers for a new record store if this was "Rumble". � Another Asian female took admission of $7; luckily they allowed my guest list attempt because I left my name on the phone line pretty late.� Sy got settled with a beer, but it was pretty dead inside despite "Enta Da Dragon" (DJ Red) on the system. � Nice sized dancefloor with a raised DJ booth in front enclosed on two sides by table seating. � Of course everyone was sitting down. � Hardly anyone danced to Lucky, but when Double A & Twist came on there was more participation. � This was probably the peak of the night with 6 or 7 dancers.� But they couldn�t sustain the crowd, however.� Just a few people danced when we left at 2:15, including these two different Asian females close by who caught Sy�s eye. ��

When I left, I saw the guy running things, a familiar Asian male from Jungle Nation with a short haircut, and I took the opportunity to chat with him, name of Cliff.� Spoke about how it�s been slow on last few Sundays, and with the move to Saturdays things should pick up.� How Dieselboy cleared out the place last week, and how week one�s Pugwash was the best draw with some 50 people in the place.

It all leads to GQ getting on the mic at 12:10 to hype up the first UK luminary, Brian G.� I thought he had the top set among the three UKers.� Fairly dancable stuff.� Grooverider got the most hype, of course, coming up next.� Then Jumpin Jack Frost went after the Rider. Crowd was appreciative and responded with much lighters when asked.� A few rewinds were called, not many.� Crowd seemed smaller than the original V night, but it was still "packed".� And of course they danced in huge numbers.� Sound system experienced problems during Brian G�s set with volume levels.

Dara came on to finish the night, and did he ever deliver.� With the crowd thinning at this time, he rolled out tracks made for the dancefloor.� Prevented me from leaving until 4:25am, they probably went on until 5.� Sighted a Japanese raver crew and the usual Asian female junglists.

Blueline ended the night but left at 3 after Dara stepped down.

First DJ Art was spinning a regular set, some people danced, lots were sitting in the bleachers and chairs/sofas surrounding the floor, and there were breakers, too. � At 2:30 this guy with a single dreadlock sticking out from each side of his head, MC Trigger, came on the mic to start off the old-school session, which was billed to be between Method One and Lorne. � However, Kaos was on the decks, and he before he was through, the afrohead Lorne got on the mic and hyped up the crowd nicely in his native English accent. � Then Lorne went on to play many old ragga tunes, most of which were greeted enthusiastically by the crowd.� Quite a few I had never even heard of.� But amens and mashed-up business were the order of the day, which was fine with me.� Mash Dem Down and Arsonist were two that were played, the latter getting a rewind.� Mis-Ty also added some vocals to the mix, but Trigger had the ragga/toasting lyrics going on. � After about an hour of nostalgia, Professor J gets on spinning the current stuff.� The crowd was smaller now, and I wandered into the back room which was handled by Bassquake, the Princeton radio junglists. � The decks were set upon a billiards table, and the tune on was that roller with the samples, "Harlem niggas are the craziest", "uptown baby, uptown baby", etc., which I first heard on Odi�s BPM appearance.� Left at 4:05, at which time the crowd was noticably smaller.

At that time it was as empty as I�ve seen it inside Twilo. � Few people were moving to the underrated Wally�s danceable selections, and most were sitting or milling about.� There were Breaks-list rumors earlier in the week about the Ram Tour canceling most of its North American stops.� But when they started up with GQ introducing JJ Frost, the crowd got progressively bigger, although at its peak it didn�t come close to the capacity of past events I attended at this space.� Andy Cwent on next and thoroughly rinsed it, keeping the masses moving.� After some heavy Brit camaraderie focusing on the others congratulating Andy C at the end of his set, Brian Gfollowed. � The crowd thinned, yet Randall was still to come.� I left during his decent set at 4:15am, when the energy of the dance was just a two-step sway.

Dance space was easy to find all over, even with as many as two circles formed in the back.� Relatively large Asian presence (at least 15).� Few horns heard.� Some non-scene goers, like guids, suits, and regular women on the town.

Went back on my own at around 1pm.� Some techno-type stuff was being spun, more people around now.� At its peak when I was there perhaps 100 were in attendance.� Large grassy field with other parkgoers in the far vicinity.� Then a jungle tag-team came on, I think it�s Archie and Aura, members of the Breaks Junkies, this white guy and a black guy with shaved head and blue wraparound shades.� Second track was Warhead, and they followed it later on with known tracks from Aphrodite and Stamina.� Good ragga and jump-up business as part of the selection.� Left at around 2:30; at this time a house DJ came on.� Various people dancing all over the place, no more than 5 at a time, though.� Sound was just right, not too loud, but the warm clear air makes it carry.

It is around this time that I recall briefly going to a Bluntlion houseparty featuring DJ Clear in Woodside (?) in the early days (�94 or �95)? � An unfurnished house with a few people in it standing around smoking a shared blunt. � Really small living room served as a dance floor.

Dara was on at 11:45 when I got there.� There was not that many people there at the time, and some were dancing, but plenty of space was available.� He went on for about another 25-30 minutes, at which time John B stepped up. � More people were in the place now, and the crowd got into it nicely.� Led up to Shy FX, who came on with much fanfare with his "CNN introduction", custom made with a CNN voice reporting on the night�s happenings at "Jungle Nation" in New York. � He rolled through a pleasing set, culminating with MC Warren G�s announcement of a tribute to the late Stevie Hyper D. � Ray Keith�s Terrorist was dropped as the tribute track, fetching a rewind.� Warren G complemented it with a few uses of Stevie Hyper �s call and response trademark, "Junglists, are you re-e-eady?"

SS was next and even though the crowd thinned towards the end of his stint, he kept the remaining crowd shaking it on the floor.� A big plus during his set was the absence of the two strobes flashing from the DJ setup out into the crowd.� Earlier in the night he was seen mingling with the dance floor folk, checking out the vibe a few feet in front of me.� Warren G was consistently good starting from the first UK set.

Got there at 12:30 after a brief wait in line. There was a pat-down and they took my water.� At the time of the security check, one of the Toronto guys went through after a pat-down. � The upstairs featured the sounds of the jungle.� There�s a bar right before the main floor, and the DJ works in a cage.� The floor is not large, but it�s not small, either. � The dancing vibe was lacking most of the night, unfortunately.� Whether due to the space or the people (kiddies), or the day of the week it was held. � Perimeter people mostly stood around, and there were some circles near the back. Couldn�t find good space for much of the night.� Apparently Sniper spun from my entrance up til 2 or so, then Andy C took it to 4, when Odi closed.

Near the start of the featured set, GQ was on the floor with a cordless mic, dressed in a "Brooklyn" baseball jersey and Polo Sport windbreaker pants. � Until he produced the mic I didn�t know it was him because he was but 6 feet away from me. � He even danced and twirled around a little bit.� I thought Sniper�s track selection held its own vs. Andy C.� Left at 4:10 during the start of Odi�s set because I thought it was Blueline. Heard from Roy Dank that Mystical Influence did not get on the place because of no work permit and prior criminal record, and that Odi cleared the floor with a subpar set.� I didn�t think that was possible in New York City given his status.

Darawas spinning and got me dancing quickly.� There were a lot of people there, but the size of the dancefloor provided plenty of space, and people took advantage in large numbers. � At around 1 Fabio went on and the floor became more crowded. � Trainspotters also crowded the stage in front of the booth, which left those on the floor close to the stage with no view of the godfathers of jungle. MC Flux supplied vocal accompaniment to Fabio, who started slowly but got it going early with Piper.� Flux didn�t have long stretches of rhyming, but instead relied on vocal feedback from the crowd, like giving props to people from certain parts of NYC.� Liked his orders to the crowd of dancing, no standing, no posing; and dance "like a soldier", in formation, like the UK.� Grooverider came on next and at one point in the middle of his set smashed us with a good, long, 45 minute stretch of dance floor mayhem of mostly two-step. People started leaving near 3am, and we left at 3:30.

Got in at 11:30 because it was ladies free before midnight.� Space is oddly shaped for dancing with a small stage for the DJ basically on the left side of an enlarged corridor.� Lounge tables made up the right side of the back of this corridor, and all the way in the back was a lounge with a bar.

A diverse lineup of NYC locals is booked plus residents Cassien, Lion, and Seoul.� Got in to hear Somatic, who was playing to a very chill crowd.� More at the back bar than near the decks.� Was greeted by Cliff himself.� Sat around and stood around to listen to Delmar, whose set became progressively better for the dancefloor. � First dancers appeared here, including two Asian girls.� There were a fair amount of Asians, actually, including one female with a distinctive dance-in-place style I�ve seen at the two events prior to the last.

Posi-D came on to herald the special guest from Rude FM/MVP Records, E.C.T.� Now the crowd gradually grew larger since the latter of Delmar�s stint. � E.C.T. played the rollers, and even MC Rogue came on the mic for about 3 minutes. Even though the layout is not greatly conducive to dancing, people made the best of it. � There was room to move, but people were gettin� down.� Left at 2:10am when I took a break to visit Yuko and friend in the back, where Yuko was actually napping.

First DJ when I got in at 9:45 was switching from house to some nice pounding techno. � There were about 15 people in the place, 1 or 2 dancing.� There were seats and tables on one side of the room, and I took one.� At 10, Reid Speed went on, playing a set of good dancefloor material, but not many people were moving to it.� It seemed she played the largest amount of known tracks.� Chris Thomas took over at 10:50, with more people getting into it.� Then sidekick Seen went on at 12, and this was when the peak of the night was to be reached. � Throughout, people drifted on and off the dancefloor, but at the peak there was a good amount dancing.� Posi-D�s effect was less than it could�ve been because the system was not balanced, but Seen threw on some good tracks.� Lion went on last at 1:30.� By this time the floor was sparsely occupied. � Left at 2 something, even though I was quite tired after 1:30.

The crowd seemed to be a mix of students and electronic party people.� There was free popcorn in the back, and the space was excellent - there was plenty of dance floor space.

Had to pay $3 more because I somehow lost the flyer on the walk over to the club. � Got there at 11:30 during Reid Speed's set. � Front room was sparse, no dancing going on.� Crest was on the mic.� He's actually added more to his previously lame repertoire. � Spoke to Cliff Seoul, he told me about their New Year's 2am-8am party at the same space.� Also told me that he bought a floor speaker to reinforce the sound. � Gave me the night's lineup. � At 12 the bald Wally came on with Posi-D. � Played some of his own Pish Posh stuff. � More dancing now, as if on cue. � Then at 1 Notorious J stepped up.� At 2 special guest Dom appeared on the decks, and to my surprise, MC Rymetime.� He didn't flow as much as what I've heard on tapes. � Then E.C.T. closed it up from 3 am on.� Good dancing crowd, front area stayed packed from midnight on. � Was to the left of the stage all the time, where there was more room, but with no view of the DJ. � Left at 3:30.

Sy and I got some Heinekens, although not 2-for-1 as advertised. � Around midnight it would start to get more crowded and people cleared space to get their groove on. � Didn�t dance all that much do to lack of space; it certainly has gotten more crowded since last time. � There were quite a few Asian ladies in the place.� Doomer and Reid Speed got the choice slots, and the bass seemed to get turned up for the latter�s set.� More danceable and bass-heavy, much to the crowd�s liking.� Ken turned up a little after we arrived; left at about 2:30.

Got there at 11:25 and a sign at the front desk showed that Chicus was added to the lineup. � It was also $5 instead of $7 with flyer. � Lower level McIntosh has got a huge dancefloor with lots of chairs and tables on the side. � Molly was on while people were still setting up the space, but she got some people moving.� Sound cut out once, and then Ian went on after her. � Peak of the night was at around 12:30 with Ian spinning a good mix of two-step, hardstep, and jump-up for about 40 people (?). � Ended his set with some Formation classic.� I noticed that both DJs mixed long, letting tracks play out longer than usual. � Cassien came on at about 1:20, and by this time the place was almost empty.� Sat and spoke to his traveling partner Seoul about various things before leaving at 1:50am. � Space was very underutilized. � Don�t know if Fierce�s cancelling had anything to do with the sparse attendance.

Sy and I get out there at 11:40pm and it was quite empty, just about 14 people in the place all at the bar. � The bar has NBA on DirecTV, and we talk over some Heinekens.� I don�t know who was on at that time, and slowly more people trickled in. � Swingsett then went on and it livened a bit, and then more for Carol C. � She got me on the floor with Dillinja�s Thugs, Shogun�s Together, and the Bambaata remix, and then after that it thinned out.�

Seoul came on next at around 3 and had some good ones, like Swift�s The One. � The floor was sparse but not empty. � Posi-D was on the mic more than Crest. � Non-packed crowd was likely due to the late venue change.� Left at about 3:30am.

MC Conrad had it going and when he introduced LTJ at 1am, people were ready.� He went until 2:30am and dropped some amens. � Dancers were most appreciative. � Blame then took over and had better tracks in my opinion for the time I heard him.� I left at about 3:30, once again enduring the coat check line.�

Although the dancing vibe was present, there was little mash-up/brockout vibe inside due to the style of jungle presented.

Kech was in the DJ cage and there were a good amount of people there. � A large white sheet against one wall provided kung-fu and other visuals.� The lighting alternated between darkness and disco-ball beam lighting. � As usual there was a good dancing vibe. � Plenty of under-21 patrons were present. � Recognized the now-female 1.8.7. as she entered. � 1.8.7. went on with the MCing of TC Islam and Posi-D. � Then Dazee went on with MC Chickaboo, who had a decidedly un-feminine voice.� Chickaboo, though, hit it spot on when she twice implored the crowd around the DJ cage to dance and not watch: "This is not a concert, who do you think I look like, Madonna?" and "This is not Janet Jackson".

Then the clincher of the night, Randall, played a smashing set of more than one hour with MC Foxy and TC Islam. � He played several anthems, including Champion Sound. � Foxy was a surprise guest, and performed well.

Left at 3:40, a few tunes into Cassien�s set.� At its peak it was still roomier than my previous visit to Downtime for Sound In Motion, but near the end of Randall�s set the area cleared some around the DJ cage and it was decidedly moving.

The event was well attended, even from the start.� I left Zhen to study at the chessboard table area, and made my way to the central area. � The black-clad skinhead guy I've seen stepping at the Twilo jungle events was on the decks before giving way to Paul C. � The latter laid down such anthems as "Peace Love & Unity" and a Congo Natty track to give the general public a taste of junglism.� Dancers danced in clusters, and onlookers seemed interested in the proceedings.

Next came a techno/hardcore DJ, and then Empress came on next with MC Jonny Z. � As the day wore on the crowd grew larger and larger, and they were enjoying it, all the way to the climactic set of hardcore by Lenny Dee. � The most dancers were seen during the hardcore sets.

Left at 6:30. Many cameras and camcorders were toted to capture the day.

Got in at 12:30am with Ken, and there was no line outside the spot.� Inside, the floor was sparse, and the turnout for the night didn't too promising.� Simple lighting accompanied the sounds of the Chris Thomas, who was teaming with Seen. There was some good dancable stuff being played, and people obliged in spots.� Posi-D and TC Islam ably manned the mic.

More people came in for the start of Zinc's set at 1:45am. � He got them moving right away, but there was always ample room to dance.� The lighting was used more effectively at this time, not static like before. � Zinc had one early amen track and most of his set was quite energetic. � For me weak legs came on towards the end of his 2 hr. set.� Then Seoul and Lion teamed to end the night through 5am.

Left at about 3:50am as few remaining diehards remained; another good jungle event in the big city with more to come from the Direct Drive team.

Arrived real late with Zhen (after late-night coffee with Vince on the Upper West Side) and paid $10 each for entry at 1:30am.� Reid Speed was rocking the enthusiastic crowd with mic assistance from the regulars Posi-D and TC Izlam.� People were blowing horns and generally enthusiastic.� Around 2 Pascal came on and kept the crowd jumping with much help from MC Rage.� Place wasn�t packed, but of course the middle of the hallway was thick with moving bodies, as usual.� We each had a Heineken and faced the crowd sideways near the "fort" most of the time, doing the jungle sway.� Left at around 3:30 - 3:45 with DJ Seoul on the decks. � Just before leaving was spoken to by George U-Buzzin for the first time, who recognized me as "Kenny�s brother".� He said that the night�s vibe was as good as he�s seen it for Direct Drive recently!

Floor started to thin out near 3 and then Seoul came on. � Most people left at this time, but Seoul got me dancing with a selection of recent anthems with Posi-D on the mic. � The best part of the night concluded with me leaving at 3:45.

Got here quite late at 1am, and when I saw the line outside it looked like at least a 15 minute wait. � I wasn't sure I was going to wait for that, since I figured Ed Rush might have gone on at 12.

I was deciding whether to leave or not when I saw Direct Drive frontman Cliff Seoul outside at the front of the line with the bouncer. � I went up to him and greeted him, asking him how long he thought it would take to get inside from the back of the line. � He promptly asks the bouncer if I could come to the front of the line, and they let me past the ropes and inside.

Once inside, another bouncer asks me for my ticket.� I thought he asked for ID, so as I go through my wallet, another person comes up behind us and taps me on the shoulder telling the bouncer that I'm alright, meaning I was just comped.� So not only do I get in quickly, I've just been saved $15 (after midnight, $12 before).� I head towards the restroom and I see that it is packed on the floor, which is probably the main cause for the line outside.

Ed Rush and Optical tag-team it starting at 1.� Rymetime provides the good vocal stylings for the dancing crowd and is later joined by the impressive MC Foxy and TC Izlam.� Chairs and tables are out of the way, and the 18-and-over crowd is having it. � As the night wears on, more space opens up.� The MCing is fast and furious, one mic man handing off to another in non-stop fashion.� Then Seoul and Lion tag-team to end the night starting at 3. � Posi-D joins TC in the fray as most of the people have gone home. � Left at 3:30am.

The Physics crew (Breakbeat Science and Mathematics) supports the event nicely by also bringing over Andy C, MC GQ, MC Fats, Dieselboy, and MC Dub2 (who didn�t show). � All for $20/$25. � The four residents were also on the bill: DB, Dara, Blueline, and Roy Dank.

Ken and Derek were on the guestlist, but went through an uncertain period before a cell phone call to the promoter by the list person straightens it out. � In the meantime I head inside at 11:30pm and it is nice and full for that time of night (doors at 11). � Dara is rolling out some nice selections, including the Terrorist remix. � Dieselboy takes over at midnight and works it nicely without an MC.� Then Hype comes on with much fanfare, and proceeds to pound the place with many known tracks, including several from his own label. � Also dropped an Original Nuttah lyrical piece over a Bambaata track, which garnered some rewinds.� Even though he rocked the place, I�m sure most were expecting dubplates from him.� GQ ably hyped the crowd.�

Andy C took over next and he also played tracks which were out.� Fats MCed for him in a style distinctly different from GQ, and others might say worse.� Left at around 3:45. � Many Asians in the place. � Vibe was good at times, a little lacking at others.� By no means was it bad, but compared to other nights at Twilo, like the Grooverider visit or the first V session, there were less people dancing (at least where I was situated).

When we arrived outside the velvet ropes at around 1:15, I saw and greeted Cliff, who was right behind us.� He had a stack of flyers, no doubt promoting his Christmas and New Years bash.

The jungle area was the second floor.� Roy Dank and Blueline were teaming. � The dance floor was populated. � At 2:30, Souljah went on. � No MC proclaimed his arrival, but the rasta lyrics were unmistakable. � He seemed to alternate his set with one ragga tune, and then one regular two-step track. � Neither was necessarily new (to my ears).� Some of the ragga tracks were from his own label.� Anyway, it got the crowd moving.� We left at around 3:15 while he was still on.

Door price was now $12. � Inquired about membership, which gets in for $10 but costed $5.� Two large "video" screens now adorned the place. � Cassien was on the decks at 12:45, winding up his set.� It was moderately populated on the dancefloor, and it stayed that way throughout the night.� There was actually room to move in the center. � Gachet stepped up at 1 and rolled a set none too impressively (to me), winding up with some atmospheric drum and bass.� Next came Flex who played some dancefloor-oriented stuff.� Duh only took the mic briefly for a few minutes during Gachet, and there was some unknown MC from Bristol on also.� Flex wound it up at 3:30, at which time I left, slightly disappointed at the quality of music.

Got there early on to get in at 11:30, when Empress was on.� It was $20 with a flyer.� The place was pretty sparse despite the quick moving line outside.� Ran into George U-Buzzin immediately. � Empress�set got more danceable towards the end.� Perhaps her good looks attracted more DJ starers than usual.

She gave way to Loxy, who was accompanied by Rage and Fearless. � At this time it still was not crowded, and people didn't seem to be very into it unlike past events. � When Kenny Ken came on, it got into full swing.� The dance floor was roomy.� The crowd was having it.� The original junglist Kenny Ken (who I�ve waited so long to see) did not disappoint.� Prime dancefloor material was heard, incl. some amens and ragga lyrics.� Rage was notable for his "boom-boom-boom" lyric-ending chatter.� Unfortunately, from where I was stationed the microphone levels were not too clear. � Usual Suspects came on next tag-teaming.� The vibe got darker, but towards the end and meshing with SS, dancing was in effect again. � Even while the workers were pulling the dining tables onto the floor, the remaining faithful still gave it their all on the dance floor because SS and Warren G smashed them. � Left at around 3:45 while SS was still on with the night ending at 4:30.

Even though the place was not ram jammed due to a competing event, the atmosphere was still good because of plentiful floor space and people who were vocally into it.� The second installment features the return of last summer�s Ed Rush and Optical.

At home, I decided to go to a jungle/techno party thrown by DUB (Deep Unda Brooklyn) at 113 Ludlow Street near Chinatown.� Earlier in the day, I read that Darkstarwould be spinning an old school ragga set.� That was pretty much the selling point.

It was 12 dollars to get in to this two-level club space. � I got there at around 12:30. � The smaller, lower floor was the jungle area.� It was a rectangular corridor layout with couches on one side.� The sound system was quite loud.� Darkstarwas spinning a mixture of old and recent floor fillers.� MC Raborn was effective on the mic.� He utilized a semi-rapid-fire delivery.� People danced in spots.� It was only when I got closer to the DJ setup that I danced to about 2:45. � Seen came on and he was followed by Yoshi.

Both to the crowd moving, although the place thinned out dramatically by 230.

Briefly met mercy_killah (Michael McSweeney), he of the enthusiastic gorilla dancing in front of the decks. � Made one trip upstairs to the techno area before I left.� Only 3 were scheduled to spin here: John Selway, Mr. Robb, and DJ Bleak.� Up here, the DJ was in the sky, and the dance floor was larger.� MC Posi-D was originally on the bill, but had to cancel.

I entered their street level establishment into a restaurant. � Downstairs was the dance space. � At 1130 p.m., it was just the lounge scene with tables and seats along both walls.� Kech was on the decks, and then Soul Slinger came on a little while later to great anticipation.� For the first half of the evening, I stood off to the side. � I started dancing midway through the set, and then continued with enthusiasm throughout� Beau's set, which was started with some old piano happy hardcore.� Some of his tracks were Lighter, Black. � At the start of Christian Bruna's set, I left quite satisfied with the amount of amen breaks played throughout the night.

Not much of a line was at the door at 11:40 p.m.� The place was just starting to fill up, and the big dance floor was scattered.� Some decent tunes were playing, and then around midnight I was surprised to hear old school from the speakers.� People were enjoying the revival.� Then Bad Company came on.� Among better tracks, they played their trademark noise tracks. � By this time, the floor was full, but there was still room to move.� The place was laid out with many lounge areas.� Near the end of their set, they played the upbeat driving "Son of Nitrous", which smashed the place.

John B. came on with his signature "Salsa" track.� He progressed on to other more eclectic tracks, and I left here close to three a.m.. � There was no MCing except for a brief stint during Bad Company's set by TC Islam. � Thankfully, the microphone levels were low and he soon quit his position atop the rectangular counter in front of the elevated DJ booth.

Future nights plan to showcase Zinc and Randall with MC Fats.

The love that he gets from New York City was evident in his second visit this year.� I got there a little later than expected after midnight, with the possibility of meeting my co-worker Ray Bledsoe. � After a short line out front, I entered a packed joint where everyone seemed to be dancing, and those lounging around were only doing so because there was no more space on the dance floor. � I'm not sure who was on (the flyer didn�t list anyone else other than the 3 international guests), but shortly it was unmistakably the LTJ and his ever present MC, Conrad. � I made my way to the same part of the floor I occupied for the recent Direct Drive event, knowing full well that I was not going to find anybody in that mass.� Throughout his energetic and distinctive set, there was no letting up on the dance floor.� The crowd loved every minute of it.� Bukem controlled his adoring fans for a good two hours. � When he passed it onto Nookie, he came out of the booth onto the floor to hang out right in front of it. � He was a mere 10 to 15 feet away, and several fans took the opportunity to chat with/praise him. � I guess he was unwinding by checking out the scene.

Despite keeping it hard with his beats, the dance floor thinned and space opened up for Nookie around 3am.� I left about 20 minutes into his set.

"Gatecrasher" is a British organization that runs one of their countries' biggest clubs for electronic dance music.� Trying to expand their global influence, they have been touring various cities around the world. � On December 23rd, they were scheduled to be at the Limelight in New York City.� Wayne and I have sampled the music generally played at Gatecrasher events, and were looking forward to hearing it live.

We were joined by Sony and Liz, and reached the front door with no line at around 11 p.m. Not thinking that there was anything unusual with that fact, we paid our $25 entry fee. � It was only it after we had reached the ticket-taker did we find out that Gatecrasher was canceled, and that they would be having substitute local DJs.� One name that I heard was Alan Sax of Digital Domain, the local rave promotion group.� Needless to say, Wayne and I were disappointed at the late change.

The main dance floor was pretty sparse, so we walked around the place and wound up buying some drinks in the hip-hop room.� We returned to the main room and just hung out.� The music was all techno and trance, with throbbing and driving bass that you could definitely feel.� I went to relieve myself in the bathroom from the earlier beer, and when I returned the other three were dancing.� I joined in, and around 12-something the place filled up. � Inside we also met up with a couple who were friends of Liz.

The pounding music continued, and so did our dancing.� My calves were sore, but it was easy to continue pushed by the energetic techno. � There was actually some guy walking around selling glow sticks and necklaces.� So those accessories were present in addition to a large dance circle in front of us at one point.� The crowd was mixed racially, but you could certainly sense that the usual "pick up" vibe in place at regular dance clubs was present tonight, but it was not overwhelming.� Unlike say, your regular Asian dance party.

Wayne and I sensed that at various times throughout the night, two Asian females perhaps wanted to dance with us. �However, no attempt was made on our parts to engage them.

With Liz under the influence of alcohol, we left at around 2:30 a.m.� On our way back to their East-side apartment, Wayne had to stop once for Liz to regurgitate.

I had a good time because the music was decent enough to overcome the disappointment of not hearing world-class DJs.� But I am pretty sure that had we found out about the cancellation prior to paying $25, we would not have spent our night there.

(Zhen did not join us tonight because she had to help out her parents at their store. � Prior to that, she was leaning towards not going, possibly as a bias against any dance music that I like)

Their monthly Thursday night events at Limelight usually feature several UK DJs and MCs and multiple rooms. � Taking a page from the annual Winter Music Conference UK-flavored jungle party "World of Drum and Bass" in Miami, this year they brought that production up north, to the venerable Roseland Ballroom.

Heavy promotion and a star-studded lineup of Grooverider, Fabio, DJ Craze, DJ Rap, Kenny Ken, Shy FX, SS, Twisted Individual with MCs Skibadee, GQ, Fearless, and Warren G promised big things.� Throw in a few domestics (Dara, Starchild, Static, Stylz, J-Messinian), and we had the makings of a World Dance, New York-style.

Got there at around 11:15, and there was thankfully no line because they were using multiple doors. � Quick but thorough pat-down because of substance vigilancy to get inside, and what do i see but a huge lighted lounge area. � This threw me off a little, but it only meant the rest of the place is so large.� Walk further in, and there is a huge dance floor with a stage up front containing two huge screens and lights and lasers.� A lit seating area surrounded the whole floor where lots of people took their repose.� And then there was a large balcony overlooking the dance floor from the top, and it looked like it had tables from below.� Jungle had hit the big time.

Static was fronted by a Caucasian MC, and then that one was joined by another for about an hour. � The floor was full, and people were paying attention to the stage rock-star style, but people were also dancing.

Initially I thought there would be 2 rooms, one for the UK DJs and one for the US talent. � But that didn't seem to be the case as Static went on until about 12:30.� Stationed at the left side of the floor facing the stage, I saw an attractive woman moving around in the VIP area that looked like DJ Rap. � Then she surfaced with a handheld video camera, taking shots of the enthusiastic crowd.� Then it was on to DJ Craze, who started with a medley of hip-hop classics along with his trademark turntable antics.� He ended his brief set with jungle.� All the DJs sets from this point onward were about 30-40 minutes long.� It was just a barrage of star-studded talent in this order: Twisted Individual, DJ Rap, Shy FX, SS, Kenny Ken, Fabio, and Grooverider. � My top 3 sets of the night in order were Fabio, Shy FX, and Kenny Ken.� Fabio rolled out tune after tune of driving, danceable basslines, and Shy FX kept things upbeat for the massive crowd.

The MCs kept the crowd's attention, starting off with Fearless during Craze's set. � He was then joined by Skibadee, and then GQ handled things alone for a while before Warren G did solo duty for Fabio.�

Crowd was in good spirits and most probably stayed to the end.� Production was good, but the lights from the stage was strong and overbearing at times.� I left at about 4:25 during Grooverider's set.

Got there at around 11:30 p.m. to a short line.� It was $10 with a flyer.� It was in the newly-opened basement called "the Pinky" while the upstairs main room hosted their weekly house music party,

"Subliminal Sessions". This floor had a good amount of people, but I headed straight for the basement. �

It was a square space with a speaker stack right in the middle.� Lounge tables and the bar lined the perimeter with the DJ booth in one corner.� Someone associated with Breakbeat Science (either Quartz or Clever) opened, and Daracame on at midnight.� More people arrived at this time, but throughout the night there was plenty of space. � The set contained some old school sounds, and some current bangers.� Then Kenny Ken came on, at which time some Asian MC tried to test out the microphone, but there were no voices to be heard tonight.� I would rank this set his worst among the ones I've heard, yet I still danced throughout.� Then people started to leave went DJ Seoul came on.� Sporting a bald head, he kept me moving until 3:45 a.m.

The sound system was loud and clear.� The crowd danced, but yet still some kind of jungle vibe was missing, probably due to the lack of an MC.

With a short line at 11:40 p.m., I paid $25 through the Direct Drive list.� The main dance floor was sparse, and some Caucasian guy was spinning from the high DJ booth. � More people poured in later, and the crowd was mostly on the young side.� After a while, TC Izlam took the microphone controls with the dance floor mostly full.� Marcus Intelex came on and then Nicky Blackmarket sustained it with the initial appearance of MC Foxy.� A-Sides then came on next.� The crowd was certainly moving to the sounds of the present day jungle.

Without a watch, I left at 2:50 a.m. during A-Sides� set.� Found out that the bi-annual visit of LTJ Bukem with Nookieis to be held at the same venue.

From a psychological and physical standpoint, noticed unsettlingly for the first time that I am older than the rest of my dancing counterparts.