8.6.2002

Saturday Warm Up with X-Press 2 - 08.03.02 @ P.S.1
In the sweltering heat of summer, throngs of hipsters and clubbers alike gathered this Saturday for what proved to be the best line-up all summer at P.S.1. Jeannie Hopper, Metrotech and X-Press 2. I ventured over late in the afternoon as the heat was too much for me to bear and it seems I arrived just in time for Ashley Beedle, Rocky and Diesel to start the revelry with their traditional 6 decks & 2 CDJ set-up. During the course of their set, Ashley Beedle MC'ed the crowd into a frenzy with calls like "c'mon NY!" to much ado. Three hours of happy shiny people. Near 20:45, as we knew the end was near the familiar strains of Devo, now in its latest incarnation (yes, again) - Layo & Bushwacka!'s 'Love Story' started up. By now, we might all think it overplayed, but when you see thousands of people going off to it, some of them hearing it for the first time, I don't let my jaded sensibilities get the better of me. Instead I find myself bouncing around to the now-ever-so familiar strains with the rest of them. Can we say summer tune of 2002. No doubt! Then, another summer tune to end the night, a splendid remix of Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love.' What a difference from Tuesday's gig - it appears NYC has redeemed itself. Thankfully! At the end, Ashley Beedle thanked us for being "honest." Maybe it was for the honest enthusiasm we displayed. Maybe it was just for being who we are. New Yorkers are a different breed and maybe they sensed a bit of that today. I *heart* NY.

Overheard: "this might be premature, but this might be the best party all summer." Maybe not so premature. It was a memorable display, party people celebrating in the sounds of electronic dance music. The likes that I have not witnessed in so long. There's that threshold of clubbing that many people won't venture into, but P.S.1 affords them the freedom to do so without the stigmas of dark, dank clubs and late-night hours. Cheers to MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) for thinking progressive. New York needs more of this, not a hostile city administration that upholds antiquated cabaret laws. Why is there No Dancing Allowed? Find out more at the Dance Liberation Front.
posted on 2:49 PM
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