Holy summer in Beirut!
Every year, with so many great music and cultural events, we have to wrestle with some serious FOMO and make some pretty tough decisions. Because I’m such a nice person, I’ve gone ahead and narrowed down the list for you. Without further ado, and here’s a little Down & Dirty preview of where you should be this weekend.
Friday, June 5th:
Electric Sundown presents Guti (Argentina)
If you haven’t ever checked out an Electric Sundown party at Iris Beach in Dammour, this weekend is perfect time. The tropical setting of Iris, decorated with floating laterns and seriously chill pools located all over the venue overlooking the Mediterranean sea (read hot babes in bikinis), makes sunset here an experience. The beauty of these parties is that they run a bit early (wrapping up around midnight), so it’s a perfect weekend warm-up and you don’t have to miss out on the headliners gracing the decks after at other venues. This week, the boys at Iris are bringing Guti. Hailing from Argentinia, Guti is a top-notch producer known for his own intricate style of melody-focused house and techno (you can find him rolling with respected labels such as Crosstown Rebels and Wolf + Lamb). His original productions and sets blend his jazz and latin roots, all stitched together over piano-laden, emotional house. His chilled vibe is perfect for this truly one-of-a-kind outdoor venue.
Check out some snaps from the last Electric Sundown party (with Henry Saiz) and see what I mean.
Listen to a little sample of Guti’s latest release out now on Defected Records: https://soundcloud.com/defectedrecords/guti-rompecorzones-remixed-album-sampler
Check the event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/events/972582292806770/
Decks on the Beach presents Zimmer (France)
Decks on the Beach has a great rep for bringing in some wonderful disco, nu-disco and disco house DJs and producers, often with a heavy French influence, supported by many of my favorite locals on the decks (Michael D, Rami O, YSF, etc.). Last year they brought in the boys from Horse Meat Disco, and one of my all time favorites, Jacques Renault (from Let’s Play House in NYC). Oof. Both parties were stellar. While last weekend’s opening was rained out (to a disappointed but lovingly supportive and understanding crowd) this weekend should act like an official opening party. Expect it to be packed – especially because they’ve brought in Zimmer from France to keep the dance floor hopping all night. Zimmer bills himself as a horizontal disco DJ/Producer, which can be described as a bit lighter than deep house, and a bit chiller than tropical house. But either way, it’s a pretty chilled out late night dance vibe that pairs well with the salty spray from the sea that defines the outdoor venue of Sporting. This one will go late for sure. I’ll definitely be seeing you there for this one boys and girls.
Listen to a recent Zimmer mixtape here:
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/904303316296971/
Saturday, June 6th:
Beirut Down & Dirty Radio Show with Tara Jane Live at Radio Beirut
( ^ that’s me! rawr! ^)
Well, in the interest of a little shameless self-promotion (this is a Tara Jane joint after all), you can find me every Saturday night at 8pm (Beirut Time) in Radio Beirut to warm up your evening with a selection of my favorite jams. This week, I think it’s time for another freebie special – an hour an a half of the best free downloads the internet has to offer in boogie, house, disco and funk re-edits, nu disco, deep disco and indie dance. As always, pass by Radio Beirut, or tune in to www.radiobeirut.net to listen to the stream live.
Radio Beirut presents Spindle’s Dynamite with DJ Spindle (AKA Ernesto)
Radio Beirut and buslting Mar Mikhael is always a perfect starter to the wild Saturday night parties. Taking over the decks at Radio Beirut (and streaming live all night long) is Beirut’s resident crate digger extraordinaire and founder of the Beirut Groove Collective, Ernesto Chahoud. He’ll be spinning up a set of strictly vinyl funk 45s all night long. He’s currently working on a sweet compilation of Belly Dance disco, and has probably the most extensive 45 collection of soul and funk in the Middle East.
Here’s a recent mixtape Ernesto did for On Plate Still Hungry, featuring a pretty tasty mix of rare Arabic funk and jazz gems:
Check out the event listing here: https://www.facebook.com/events/458473064319424/
Station Beirut presents Nicolas Matar (NYC)
Station Beirut is bringing in one of the biggest names in the USA club scene to Lebanon for your listening pleasure. The guy behind legendary Cielo and Output in NYC, Lebanese born Nicolas Matar will be gracing the decks along with Salito and Jana here in Beirut. Spinning at parties all over the world at party centric places like Pacha and IBIZA, he’s known for remaining true to his sound and keeping the music at the center of all he does. Expect a nice blend of New York and Balearic House beats to keep you grooving.
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/102840743387060/
But, he’s not the only legend in Beirut that night…
The Garten presents Dixon (Germany)
Resident Advisor‘s number 1 DJ needs no introduction, so I’ll skip it. Let’s just say this night is going to be MASSIVE. The Garten (which also needs no introduction) is one of Beirut’s most unique outdoor summer venues, with a large central bar, a grassed lounge area with comfy cushions, and a kitsch boutique sitting area where you can get your face painted, play vintage video games, eat yummy things or buy some cute, hand crafted fashionable items. And early on in the evening, they’ll be playing the Champions League game on the big screen in the theater area before the night pops off. Of course, the real party happens under ‘The Dome,’ where you can dance till past sunrise. Dixon will be backed up by Uberhaus residents, Romax and Technophile.
I mean, just look at this place: 
Of course, you’ll see me (resident Door Bitch) on the door, making sure you mind your Ps and Qs and have a valid photo ID that says your’re 21 or over before you can enter. In other words, come correct or don’t come at all. Don’t make me bounce your ass.
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1076193485728297/
Sunday, June 7th
Audio Kultur at Badaro Street Festival
So last month, Audio Kultur joined up with some heavy hitting local talents and the municipality to throw what might have been, hands down, the best street festival the streets of Beirut have ever seen. It was a truly wonderful experience, and this Sunday, they’ll be bringing all those same good vibes to the Badaro hood for a nice, car-free, day time, in the street dance party. Bring it!
Station Market (for Beirut Design Week)
In honor of Beirut Design Week, Station Beirut will be going all weekend long with some amazing local designer’s showcasing their goods, and some chill rooftop parties with an “open decks” policy. Meaning whenever you pass by, you’ll find some of Beirut’s best local DJs on point, including yours truly, who has a lovely selection of chilled out tropical and funky disco house ready to keep you grooving during the day. Don’t miss it. If you can’t make it on any of the earlier days, make sure to pass by on Sunday!
Check the event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1636271259940282/
Sista Selecta 