“I hope everyone’s ready to boogie!”
These are the words of Curtis Ross a.k.a. Bebop Cortez, one of our illustrious DJs for Amy Van Keeken’s Vinyl Dance Party LIVE at CKUA.
The dance party takes place Saturday, April 25, at the Beresh Arts Den in Edmonton.
Ross, a musician, music teacher and DJ, has spun tracks at our vinyl dance parties before.
“We’ve got the real turntables, a banging sound system, snacks, drinks, and you’re going to see a lot of friendly faces,” he says.
The energy is basically unbeatable, he adds.
“You have such a love of music in the room, with DJs who are super passionate about what they’re playing, people who love dancing, people who love supporting CKUA … it’s a no-brainer. The vibes are going to be great!”
The music itself is reason enough to come, he says. CKUA host Amy van Keeken, Ross himself, and DJ Library Wizard (a.k.a. CKUA’s Library Assistant Daniel Goodridge) will be operating the turntables.
‘Everyone has their own style of it,” says Ross. “I’m huge into 70s funk and soul, early 80s proto-hip hop, and 80s R&B and funk. We’re playing stuff that we know people are going to dance to, music made for dancing.”
van Keeken, too, says it’s a night custom-designed for happiness.
“It’s such a celebration of community, music and fun! Everyone gets to visit, either on the dance floor, or in the lobby where folks can hang out and grab drinks and merch,” says van Keeken.
Each DJ will be bringing records from their personal collections as well as dipping into the legendary CKUA vinyl library.
“Expect a mix of styles and genres, and all of it designed to get you grooving!” she says.
The atmosphere at the dance parties is always amazing, Ross says, especially as everyone has gathered to support CKUA.
For Ross, personally, CKUA means a lot.
“CKUA has always been super supportive when I put music out,” he says. “Having a station that will wholly support your music, and play it, and back it, it’s huge.”
“Then as a listener, the eclecticism is what I love. I’ve heard so many great songs on Roy’s Record Room, those great old 78s and 45s … to hearing crazy dance-hall reggae stuff, funk, soul, R&B. It’s an amazing resource to have.”
It feels great to be part of an event that brings in funds to keep the music playing, he says.
“Community is so important. At CKUA it’s people who are supporting artists in your community, playing eclectic music that wouldn’t get aired otherwise. And CKUA blasts all over the place so reaches a pretty wide audience. It’s amazing.”
And not only is it for a good cause, it’s just a great night out.
“Dancing is good for the soul,” says van Keeken. “It’s so special to gather on the night before the last day of fundraiser to celebrate music, friendship, vinyl records, the fundraiser so far and of course, CKUA!”
Amy van Keeken’s Vinyl Dance Party LIVE
Date/Time: Saturday, April 25, 9pm to 1am
Location: Beresh Arts Den, CKUA, 9804 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton
Register here to claim your spot.
Our Spring Fundraiser runs April 17 to 26. Jump the line to support CKUA, donate today!
