A brand-new retro dance party series from a pair of veteran DJs is about to leave Toronto’s party set no other choice but to shake, rattle and roll with the best tunes from the 1950s and ’60s.
Though I think we’re past the point of yearning for the mid-twentieth century based on any preconceptions that it was a simpler or more innocent time (it wasn’t, they just didn’t have the internet,) there’s really no arguing that the music, culture and style that arose from that era is, quite simply, really enjoyable.
It’s that exact premise that’s led practiced Toronto DJs Brittney Townson, better known among the event circuit by her musical moniker DJ Blush, and musical partner Derek Brunelle (or DJ Derek B), to come up with Soul A Go-Go, their brand-new party series which kicks off next week.
“People resonate with ’50s and ’60s music because it’s packed with raw emotion, unforgettable melodies, and a sense of authenticity that still feels fresh today,” Brittney, who frequently plays 45s from those decades even at her other shows, tells me.
“Even now, those classic sounds continue to bring people together, whether it’s on a dance floor or through a record spinning at home. It’s timeless. And it’s super fucking fun.”
“I think this era of music still really resonates with people because of the simplicity, the hooks and the creativity,” Derek agrees.
This isn’t your average poodle-skirt and beehive time capsule party, though, Derek stresses (although, if that’s what you want to wear, you certainly won’t get turned away); “we reach for the stranger ones, the unusual covers, and really just anything that’ll get the floor moving,” he says.
It’s not just your average local-DJ-at-a-club night, either.
For starters, you’ll find yourself in exceedingly good hands with Brittney and Derek, who’ve each spent over a decade (in Britney’s case, more than 15 years,) spinning at clubs and venues across the city, from bygone favourites like Parts & Labour, Tattoo Rock Parlour and Dundas Video to still-rocking venues including Monarch Tavern, Handlebar and the future home of Soul A Go-Go, the Baby G.
Since 2013, Brittney has also served as the resident Budweiser Stage DJ. What I’m saying is that this isn’t just your friend’s cousin with a turntable and a Soundcloud page.
A truly singular event, Soul A Go-Go promises to offer a slew of unique sounds you’d be unlikely to find on dance floors elsewhere in the city, all off of 45rpm records.
“There aren’t many ’60s nights left, and I kept thinking that we could offer something a bit more wild and eclectic – something for a new audience,” Derek tells blogTO.
The result, he says, will be an ambience akin to John Waters’ Hairspray, “only it’s 2025 and you’re in Toronto.”
“I’m still deciding whether to wear a wig,” he adds.
Brittney, who absolutely believes (as I do) that Derek should wear the wig, describes the event as “a high-energy, all-vinyl dance party celebrating the best of ’50s and ’60s Soul, R&B, Garage Rock and sweaty dance floor fillers.”
“The atmosphere is vibrant, welcoming, and full of good vibes,” she adds, “whether you’re a long-time 1950s and 1960s music fan, or just discovering it for the first time.”
The inaugural Soul A Go Go event kicks off at the Baby G at 10 p.m. on Friday, March 21, and you can pick up tickets for $12 online.
If you can’t make it to this one, keep your eyes trained to the event’s social media accounts for the latest updates.
