BDB's Roaring 2000's Review

June 18, 2004 1:42 AM
by

Ultimate clubbing recipe: Take a Master at Work, a Feelgood DJ, scooter them over to South Beach and throw in a bit of Lavelle shake it and swing it a bit add some burlesque dancing and serve up hot in Crobar.

The longest running party in Miami proved itself once again why it reigns supreme (or should I say dominates supreme) over the rest of the South Beach happenings.

The enigmatic Back Door Bamby once again created a crazy party atmosphere transforming the main room at Crobar into a tribute to the more sensual side of the 20’s.

This past Monday the 14th, the house, electro, disco interruptus crew, in conjunction with the Camel tour, threw it down with style with a roaring 20’s party that included in the line up house music legend Louie Vega, Baltimore’s own house favorite Charles Feelgood and Las Vegas’ Rain residents Scooter and Lavelle. Three distinct sounds with a touch of swing for diversity.

The door at Crobar was carefully guarded by the infamous Kristine who thankfully let us in promptly. I opted for early arrival, I didn’t want to miss any of the talent no matter how empty it might have been at the beginning.

It was around 11:30 and the main room appeared really, well, red. They weren’t kidding about the burlesque thing. It was sensual tacky and it worked so well.

The room seemed primed for quite the party and energy was palpable even for the small amount of people. DJ Lavelle was working the decks with a dose of tribal funky tracks that had bartenders moving and shaking and the few around throwing it down.

Working a semi empty room can be difficult but fortunately this DJ seemed unmoved by the amount of people and more satisfied with the reaction of those on the floor, playing a nice set.

The locals were out in full gear, Drag Queens decked out, older, younger, clubbers galore and the fashion conscious mingling and enjoying the setting while anticipating the set of the legend who hung around the dj booth bar very non-chalantly sipping a drink.

The music was halted for a moment and the club gave way to a modern day speakeasy with a real live swing band and live burlesque shows performed by the appropriately named Atomic Bombshells.

The crowd took to the music so much better then what I expected, clapping and dancing to the early 20th century retro sounds. Bamby was also decked out and making appearances throughout the place, looking as if she has just been pulled out of Company B.

With no lack of atmosphere, a crowded room and general good vibe Mr.Vega took to the decks and began a rather unusual set that was a bit more banging than his usual soulful/lyric drenched sets.

A touch of tech, remastered tracks and classics galore permeated the entire set, however it was done in a very unique way since the set started a bit more tribal-tech and eventually included everything from deep to soulful to garage allowing everyone to get a taste of Vega in their favorite style.

There were so many highlights, so where to begin? Maybe when those emblematic lyrics pumped out the speakers “girl I’ll house you” in it’s original version and the crowd went crazy or when he dropped “Finally” (also in it’s original version) and even Charles Feelgood, Scooter and Lavelle were chanting the lyrics of this track destined to become a classic….. “time marches on never ending”.

In case I didn’t mention it, it was Little Louie’s birthday and of course they had birthday cake (sparkler and all) and yes all of Crobar sang in Unison well wishes to the Master At Work.

At the end Mr.Vega was messing with the tracks, turning them on and off and I really didn’t get why but who am I to question one of the founders of this great movement we know as house.

After the tour of 25 years of house, Charles feelgood hit the decks and closed Crobar with some pumping Progressive, Tribal and plain old straight forward house with and emphasis on the more bass influenced examples of each.

As always, Charles lifted the spirits of the remaining crowd and raised the energy level. Crowds threw fists in the air and danced relentlessly. The moderately packed floor kept alive until the very end. I could only overhear good things about the night, from people in the street and exiting the club.

This was a themed party that really worked. Boas everywhere (the feather kind), the look of the staff and some daring clubbers that showed up in their 20’s gear.

Drag Queens in their best and just the diversity of the people getting along and partying together was an awesome sight. Back Door Bamby, as always setting the standard with their tacky chic, good taste in music and a promise of a good night that really does deliver.

We’ll see what’s in store for their following June party series, with much anticipation.