‘Disorder’ is not just a killer Joy Division track, it is also a new party launching at Clinton’s Thursday, April 7th brought to you by The Queer Social. A night where you may find yourself shaking your ass on the dance floor, head-bopping to the sounds of a new band or scratching your head at a unique performance artist who just crossed the line, but in a good way of course. This event celebrates all things counter-culture, and if you’re tired of the mainstream, this may be the party you’ve been looking for.
I asked the creators of The Queer Social: Jonathan Brett (JonnoB) & Peter McKeen (DJ Peachy Keen) and newcomer to the team Forest Lightbody (DJ 4est) just what this new party is all about and what we can expect.
Lindzrox: Disorder is The Queer Social’s new night, for those of us that are new, Can you tell us a little bit about The Queer Social and the concept behind it?
JonnoB: Dj Peachy Keen and myself started The Queer Social over a year ago, in a small venue. Our original idea and still holding true is to bring great music and interludes of cabaret and bands all in one night. We wanted to bring this forward for a lot of people not able to dance to the music they like and be entertained at the same time.
We have moved our night to Clinton’s to accommodate dancing and all the nasty dirty cabaret you can handle. We look forward to making it a premiere dance night and all around kick ass place to hang out with artsy interesting people from all walks of life.
Lindzrox: Are there any future plans for other events/parties brought to us by The Queer Social?
JonnoB: Well I think for the future we are concentrating on this night and growing it into one of the best dance nights in the city. I am sure we will think up something soon, stay tuned and hit us up at “Disorder” what’s yours?
Lindzrox: Tell us a little bit about your new party, What can people expect at Disorder?
DJ Peachy Keen: In the simplest of terms, Disorder just aims to be a really great monthly dance party. More specifically, it’s a sort of ramshackle celebration of counter-cultures. If it’s a little odd, a tad peculiar, or just a bit left of centre, it probably belongs at Disorder.
That generally applies both to the clientele our events tend to attract and the sorts of performers we tend to present. For people into labels and shit, I suppose we’re technically a “gay night,” but we welcome all and attract such a mixed crowd that I prefer just to think of us as ‘all-inclusive.’
Besides being a fun place to go and shake your ass to some awesome DJs, Disorder will have live musicians and other unique talents hitting the stage each month. Our past nights have included burlesque acts, comedians, dancers, visual artists, clowns, kissing booths and even zombie choirs, so there’s really no predicting exactly what the future might hold.
Musically, Disorder will be different by providing an alternative to the typical Top 40 stuff coming out of a lot of other clubs these days. As one of the resident DJs, I enjoy playing an eclectic mix of newer and older stuff. Old school punk, new wave and disco often butt heads with modern rock, hip-hop and electro on the dancefloor, and so you shouldn’t be surprised to hear an old Stooges or Sabbath record mixed into a new M.I.A. or Hot Chip tune. That said, we’re hardly musical snobs either, so suddenly throwing on the Spice Girls after a Joy Division song is fair game too.
Lindzrox: With all the unique acts and performers you’ve had, what is the craziest thing that’s happened at a Queer Social event?
DJ Peachy Keen: As for the craziest thing to have happened at a Queer Social event, well there was the aforementioned zombie choir. Singing Christmas carols. Obviously. Or there was once a burlesque dancer who had to restart her number three times after repeatedly falling off her chair. (Sometimes entertainment is best when it’s unintentional.) Or there have also been some pretty intense live performances from local indie bands like Loveshot, Leiton and Hibou.
But I think one of the wildest acts to have ever graced our stage came this past December when our friends Megan & Hillary performed the sauciest version of ‘Santa Baby’ you’re ever likely to hear. Re-imagining the song with Santa as a lecherous casting agent, it was a rendition that left the audience truly scandalized. In all of the best possible ways, of course.
I’m sure there have been all kinds of other equally brilliant moments that are just slipping my mind right now. It’s probably also fair to mention here that there have been a couple of Queer Social events in the past that I’m still not exactly sure how I got home from…
Lindzrox: What types of performers/acts do you hope to bring to the Disorder event?
DJ 4est: I would be into having acts that are considered fringe to mainstream society. Especially ones that would blur the lines and push boundaries, I believe that when boundaries are pushed, it causes people to think and open their minds more. This is something I would like to showcase and expand on.
Lindzrox: Do you think a party like Disorder is filling a gap for those who are looking for something different in the scene?
DJ 4est: There is definitely a lack of space where people can come together to celebrate with others who don’t fit in, and feel comfortable and inclusive about their and others disorders, whether they may be an antisocial corner dweller, an artist, or even autistic etc.
There are other events and groups that claim diversity within a very small spectrum, but are in fact too inclusive. There are some that have nothing to offer but loud music and dancing.
For me I don’t personally fit in anywhere, I have always explored other scenes. It took me many years to come to terms with it.
I hope to have an event that is about learning that you don’t need to find a place to belong. Long live the misfit.
DISORDER
Thursday, April 7th
*FIRST Thursday of every month
@ Clinton’s 693 Bloor St. West (just around the corner from the Christie subway station)
In the rear bar
Doors 9:30pm $5
Kinky Cabaret 10pm
featuring:
BROCK & MCGILL
GINGER BLOSSOM
FLOOZY TUESDAY of the FREE RANGE SEXPOTS
DJs:
4EST & PEACHY KEEN
Off your meds or just like to get-off? Come get Disorderly at this new party!