Nights at now-defunct New York nightclub Paradise Garage have become the stuff of legend over the years. The seminal venue played host to countless nights of disco and early house bliss during its ten-year run (1977-1987), many of them helmed by seminal selector Larry Levan, whose name alone rightly causes many-a DJ to get all misty eyed, such was his prowess behind the decks. Countless selectors from across generations cite both the club and Leven as key influences in their career (whether they were lucky enough to attend in person or not), and London's own Ministry of Sound was even inspired by Paradise Garage. Thus, MoS seemed a fitting location to celebrate the club and its music last year with the storming and successful Night in Paradise party.
Now Ministry are saluting Levan once again with a bash to commemorate the great man's birthday. It's a Sunday daytime affair (running 2pm-midnight) taking place both inside the club and in Ministry's outside courtyard area. An excellent cast of DJs have been assembled to pay tribute to Levan, including various selectors who played at the Garage back in the day – seminal disco-house dude François K takes the top spot in The Box, and fellow Garage alumni David DePino and Joey Llanos will also be spinning disco-heavy sets. On a similar tip, The 2 Bears will be playing a special disco set.
In Ministry's 103, DJ veterans Heller and Farley will be throwing out party-starters, alongside Noel Watson and Justin Berkmann, and over in the Baby Box you can hear the likes of Rayko, Fingerman, Yam Who? and Judge Funk. NYC-style street food will be served to fuel the dancing and as with A Night in Paradise, this event will be supporting the New York charity Gay Men's Health Crisis.