My recent sit down with Jonathan Koznuik (aka DJ Goldstar) turned out to be an education in house music, circuit parties and a much needed trip down memory lane.
Jonathan is a native Calgarian, almost unheard of in our fair city, who felt that many Calgary gay and lesbian dance events were lack luster and that a production company could up the proverbial bar. Jon points out that many of the local non-gay establishments had been open to putting on lesbian events but were more apprehensive to host gay events. With some persuasion, Vinyl Lounge was convinced that events with a gay and lesbian bent would ultimately diversify their club patronage and provide the gay community with parties unparalleled in the current roster of club offerings.
Koznuik had himself performed for five years as a DJ before he turned his attention to production and formed YYC Bad Boys. YYC Bad Boys will be organizing and producing the pre-party for Louder (at the Backlot) as well as the Louder party itself at Vinyl Lounge (formerly Boyztown) as part of the many events during Calgary Pride Week. DJ Goldstar promises that the production value of these events will be even better than seen before. Both events will strip back the house lights and sound systems to the bare necessities and bring in lighting and sound of concert quality. Amanda Priolo and Julie Mercier (Les Girls) have joined forces with Koznuik in bringing these productions to Pride Calgary 2013 that are being held on August 30th and September 1rd, 2013.
The pre-party begins at the Backlot, where turntables will be spun by a yet to be determined performer from 8pm to midnight. What has been determined, however, is all night happy hour pricing and an evening of great music, good times and some good old-fashioned drag including performances by Dyna Myte and Voodoo. Enjoy some outdoor time on their secluded patio or a cozy corner of this Calgary mainstay. There is no cover charge for this event so be sure to check it out prior to your trek to the main event at Vinyl Lounge.
At the Louder party on August 30th, YYC Bad Boys will be presenting the talent of Stephan Grondin, who hails from Montreal and is considered one of the icons of Canadian Gay DJs. Grondin is sure to bring his Montreal brand of sound to Calgary - it will not be an evening of Top 40 or your local radio station playlist. Originally from Mt. Laurier, Quebec, Grondin was encouraged from a young age by his parents to play the piano and master percussion. Apprenticing under his father, Stephan attended events to hone his mixing abilities and before long found himself with his own residency at the age of 17 years. A self-contained DJ booth solved the problem of Grondin being under age and unable to, initially, accept the residency. Stephan has built himself a loyal following with residencies at Fly in Toronto, Splash in New York and both Parking and Stereo Nightclubs in Montreal.
Calgary’s own DJ Ward (now an owner of the Backlot) and J-Byrd will open for the talented Mr. Grondin, beginning at 9pm. Downstairs at POP Lounge, co-presented with Tornado Productions, DJ PHON3HOM3 from Edmonton will be manipulating the turntables for partygoers all evening long.
Tickets are $30 at the door or $20 presale. YYC Bad Boys is providing ticket delivery for those patrons so inclined. You can take advantage of this service by calling Jonathan at 403-990-5396. The venue can only accommodate 600 partygoers and ticket sales are brisk so don’t delay and pick up your tickets at Priape or Backlot soon, or risk missing out on this premiere Calgary Pride event.
The party doesn’t stop there. YYC Bad Boys along with Les Girls will be co-sponsoring the FUSED 2 wrap up event on Sunday, September 1st at Commonwealth Bar & Stage (731 – 10 Avenue, SW) from 6pm to 3am. This fundraiser sees a portion of the proceeds being generously donated to The Sharp Foundation and Camp Firefly. The event features DJ Tatiana from Denver, Colorado; DJ Fierce Tease from Louisville, Kentucky; and DJ Lisa Delux from Vancouver, BC. YYC Bad Boys and Les Girls see this co-sponsored event as an excellent way to throw a great party for the community in which they have grounded their production prowess and event success.
The main Pride Stage on September 1st, 2013 is also co-sponsored by YYC Bad boys and Les Girls. Held at Shaw Millennium Park from 12pm to 6pm, the main stage will have full concert quality sound and be hosted by a line-up of top-notch local DJs, according to Koznuik. Take advantage of some terrific Pride Events and support some great charitable organizations this Pride season. The Louder Events promise to have no interruptions, no filler and nothing but straight up dance music.
According to Koznuik, YYC Bad Boys is all about the music!