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Fun Around Town
By Marcus Aurelius Translated by Ann Lee
Though Coca-Cola can give you a caffeine high, the Coke machine in the back of Famous Larry's New York Pizza (2, Lane 137, YanJi St) takes you into a different world--literally. The beverage dispenser is actually a clandestine entrance to Copa, a basement bar with a fantastic wait staff. October 4th is going to be a big night with a free party at Copa, so expect to see The Secret Handshake, featuring the Sofa Kings. This DJ/MC crew has been making waves around Taiwan with their non-commercial style and energetic live sets. DJ Charles spent some time at the Jam Master Jay DJ Academy in New York City, while MC Leo37 is putting the finishing touches on his third album. The Sofa Kings will keep Copa rocking till the early morning.
Speaking of the early morning, many campers were upset at this year's PeaceFest and it wasn't because of the continuous rain or the layer of mud on top of everything. Hard trance music was played all night, causing many peace lovers to vow never to return. It's not all bad, though. PeaceFest has transformed itself into EarthFest and is one of two music festivals happening on the Double Ten weekend. Kunlung Gardens in Taoyuan will morph itself into an ecologically aware musical oasis with 29 bands and eight DJs that will play music for 48 hours straight. Check www.earthfest.tw for details.
If you've been there and done that, then take a half-hour scooter ride to Wulai for The Lost Lagoon Musical Retreat. This promising festival is being organized by Perpetual Motion, Chad Ordoyne, and Tristan Newman. These two were getting investors together for a new restaurant and Ordoyne mentioned an amazing hot springs hotel he had stayed at during Chinese New Year. After much arm-twisting and leg pulling, they got the owners to agree to a three-day takeover. When asked why he wanted the gargantuan challenge of organizing 17 bands and 12 DJs on two stages overlooking pools and hot tubs, Ordoyne replied, "Taiwan needs better parties." Enough said. The band and DJ list are at www.taipeimotion.com.
Halloween will be in full effect at the end of October and every watering hole in town will have their own monster mash-up. The most ominous party this side of the Danshui River looks to be Horror in Paris at the Paris Night Club (89, Wuchang St, Sec 2, 5F). Coach, New Hong Kong Hair City, Johnny Fatstacks, Public Radio and Tamaica Sound System, Skaroake, and the Lust Sluts Burlesque Show will terrorize the audience and a NT$10,000 contest for best costume will spook and startle. Boo!
 
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October 2008
