Big go-go

Amnesty International knows exactly what it takes to pull in a thumping party crowd. Seriously.

Next Thursday’s Global Go-Go party at the Midnight Shift’s palatial upstairs lounge has two very formidable pulling points to its credit: altruism and exhilaration.

Go-Go will function as a fundraising initiative for Amnesty’s ongoing efforts to expose and challenge international human rights violations, while also offering an awe-inspiring line-up of DJ talent, performances and party prizes.

The party scenic will have an Eastern aesthetic, with Amnesty’s Go-Go team securing extensive scenic detail from Newtown’s Eastern Flair boutique.

To reinforce the vibe, Go-Go’s music will push for an Eastern edge, with local buzz boy DJ Shigeki dropping in some of the freshest beats on the circuit via his unique Asian fusion DJ stylings.

I’ve been trying to blend Asian styles with contemporary stuff in my DJing. A lot of the stuff isn’t commercially available, but for example I’ve mixed in Asian dance tracks with contemporary singers like Whitney Houston’s vocals over the top, Shigeki says.

I love doing that sort of stuff. When people go out they want to hear some familiar stuff and that’s why I’m layering popular music over Asian beats and music.

Shigeki, who first hit Sydney’s DJ rounds 10 months ago, has been enjoying a solid following lately, landing the Go-Go party and a breakthrough gig at the Gay Games Farewell party in November.

Gay Games is absolutely huge so I’m a little bit nervous. I’ve been busy collecting music from all over the place including Sydney and Tokyo -“ some really contemporary stuff from Japan, because that’s where my roots are, he says.

It’s nerve-racking, but I’m looking forward to Global Go-Go and the Gay Games because I really, really love what I do and I’m happy to be involved with Amnesty because it feels great to be part of such a good cause.

As well as dishing out a tantalising scenic and music feast, the Global Go-Go party will add an element of surprise to the celebrations by handing out over $5,000 worth of raffle prizes throughout the night, including dinners out at exclusive Sydney restaurants, clothing, homeware and CD giveaways courtesy of Petrol Records.

All funds raised from Global Go-Go’s $7 cover charge will be put into Amnesty International’s Human Rights Conference, to be held in conjunction with the 2002 Gay Games.

This is a great opportunity for fun-lovers to help us raise funds to continue our commitment in exposing and documenting human rights violations perpetrated against people because of their sexual orientation and identity, Amnesty’s Brenda Curran said of Global Go-Go.

 

Global Go-Go takes place at the Midnight Shift’s upstairs lounge on 24 October from 9pm onwards. Tickets are $7 on the door.