- Sa-Slam Boat Cruise 4
- 08.13.2006 ::: John Mitchell
With the fusion of mainstream and underground events in Toronto, Canada it is often hard to find an event capable of capturing that feeling of togetherness combined with quality, ass-shaking house music, plus the DJs to deliver them! For this reason, in the summer months, clubbers often switch venues from large 2000 person clubs to smaller, intimate venues to satisfy this yearning. Boat cruises therefore, have become a summer institution here.
On Sunday August 13th 2006, Nocturnalmagazine.net and Till the AM presented Sa-Slam 4, the magazine’s annual cruise, on board the largest chartering vessel in the Toronto harbour, the Captain Matthew Flinders, a $4 million dollar yacht. With over 450 people in attendance, a day full of sunshine, a temperature hovering around the 30 degree mark, and not a cloud in the sky for an alliance of DJs that had the crowds on all three decks bumping and grinding all day long as they cruised the Toronto waterfront!
Kicking off the event were Anthony Joseph, on the upper deck, and DJ Ivy on the lower deck. Both of these guys found a way to grab everyone on-board shake them around a little and have them firmly planted on the dance floor for the rest of the afternoon. With each new track both they began to wind up the crowd for the many DJs to follow.
Next up, Nocturnal resident Phantasm brought out some proper house that had every girl on the top deck smiling and occupying all available floor space! His set was full of sexy vocals, heavy beats, and tight mixing. New remixes of Sanchez’s “Turn On The Music” and the timeless Kings of Tomorrow ditty “Finally” stood as moments to remember. It was just what the doctor ordered as the boat got to cruising speed. While on the lower deck, another Nocturnal resident Tommy Gunners brought 3 crates of records as to ensure his versatility. His set was highlighted by a re-mix of Fight for Your Right to Party, Todd Terry’s “Can you feel it”, and his staple track Maradona’s “Going Out of My Head.” Another new face, Matt Shaw closed out the lower deck by throwing together a blazing set full of heavy beats that hit you right in the chest, and had your feet moving away from the bar and back on the floor!
The last two DJs of the afternoon, Nathan Barato and Simon Jain, provided what they are known for here in Toronto, and soon to be everywhere else; dirty beats! Both are residents at some of the most prestigious clubs in Toronto, which shows in their style and programming. Barato came on first with an array of tech house hammers and bass bumping selections sure to light up the floor properly. Although not a characteristic of his set, it was all hands in the air when he tossed in Milk and Sugar’s “Stay Around”. Closing the cruise was the last of the Nocturnal residents Simon Jain. Tearing up dance floors of late and popping up virtually everywhere, Simon much like Nathan; is creating quite a buzz. Considered a people’s dj, he gives the crowd what they want to hear, but he dresses it up with his own swagger and style, something that can be seen from the first track he plays, to the last, Simon is constantly moving, constantly wanting to give the crowd more, and it shows. Highlighted by new releases from Mashtronic, St. Pete and Fedde Le Grand, his set capped off a day of memorable sound and sight. The afternoon will be remembered for its infectious music and jovial vibe; something which can only arise from a combination of learned DJ’s and savvy promoters. Playing right up until docking, the crowd certainly didn’t want to get off the boat, but another Sa-Slam had come and gone, and there was only one thing left to look forward to, Sa-Slam 5, next year!
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