On January 30, 1999, the Rangers may have beat out the Red Wings on the ice, but in the third-story ballroom of a vacant school Detroit’s rave kids were the real warriors. Despite being threatened by authorities twice before midnight, the party ultimately went off without a hitch, as 1400 exuberant attendees planted seeds in the proverbial soil and danced upon them until dawn.
Helmed by Chuck Daniels—his first solo foray into party production—and armed with Michael Fotias and Brian Johnson’s EAW rig, “Can You Dance to My Beat” brought something different to Detroit at a time when the star tended to be techno. Taking a chance on the deep Chicago house sound he adored, Daniels booked Derrick Carter and Mark Farina, who wound up going hour-for-hour behind the decks. It was perhaps the earliest iteration of the now-prevalent “B2B” sets. On opening duties was Detroit native Derek Plaslaiko.
16 years on from that inspired affair, we proudly welcome Derek Plaslaiko home as we commemorate with comrades who have become colleagues, and friends who have become family. Join us as we reunite to revel in our roots and celebrate how far we have come
Music Selectors:
Derek Plaslaiko
Chuck Daniels
Can you dance to my beat?
Words: Reisa Shanaman
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