J Paul Getto w/Lebaron James, The SHH
Friday, May 18, 10pm
The Marquee Ballroom, 2037 Gottingen Street
$12.50
tickethalifax.com
World-renowned house music DJ J Paul Getto (AKA Tony Saputo) makes it clear his Marquee Ballroom set this Friday is about one thing: "My whole mission is for people to party—it's all about the party."
A quick internet search of Saputo's track record determines that's no lie. The Bostonian, who's been a house scene staple since the late '90s, will captivate Halifax clubbers from start to finish with the excitement and euphoria of his disco-infused music.
"Playing in Canada is my favourite. I always get good energy from the Canadian crowds," he says. No small compliment considering he's played for many hyped international party people, including audiences at his Ibiza residency.
He's a producer as well, so clubgoers can expect a mix of Saputo's original tracks alongside his favourite house songs and some unreleased exclusives. "I'm definitely playing some originals I'm coming out with this summer," says Saputo. "I'm going to test them out and see what happens." Spinning alongside Saputo is Torontonian house duo Lebaron James and Haligonian DJ The Shanghai Hustle (and yes, an after-party is in the works).
Event organizer Logan Hudak is excited to deliver the type of party he feels Halifax has been missing since the mid-'00s. "If you talk to anybody who DJ'd in Halifax from 1998-2006, they'll tell you playing here was like playing in Ibiza, London or an NYC warehouse rave—but things have changed," says Hudak. He hopes his event will inspire others to "get involved and do more shows themselves" and rejuvenate the city's club scene.
As for Saputo, he simply wants audiences to enjoy themselves listening to the classic house vibes he's laying down. "I just hope people latch on to what I'm trying to do," he says. "The whole point of my music is to dance—I just want people to party." a