Cumbia music is a bit like African Kuduro or Brasilian Funk music. They take earthy, low-tech musical bits, such as Latin accordion or guitar samples, chop them up and add heavy percussion. The result is a very dancefloor friendly genre!

Need an example? (more…)

I just listened to a minute of D.J. Muro’s song selections before deciding that I’ll be hitting Dragon-i this Wednesday! The rapper / d.j. is a veteran of Japan’s Hip Hop scene and has collaborated with international luminaries such as De La Soul, Kool G Rap, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon from the Wu Tang Clan. (more…)

One reason I’ve always been into skateboarding is that there are no rules. Hit the street and you can spend hours doing anything you want. Being a skater in urban terrain in particular, forces you to be creative. You’ve got to seek out spots (or objects) to try out your moves.

Part of the fun is building a vocabulary of tricks. From a few basic moves you can create a nearly endless string of variations.

This Thursday, February 26th, is the release party for Skate First, a new DVD directed by local skater and indie filmmaker, Nigel Ong. Skate First is a series of introductory lessons that also includes footage of Hong Kong and international pros doing amazing tricks against the city’s concrete landscape.

Don’t believe me? Have a look at the trailer for the DVD, plus find out which celebrities are skaters! (more…)

The newest edition of Pecha Kucha night is set to take place at Hong Kong’s club Prive on Wednesday, February 25th. Not familiar with Pecha Kucha? Check out our post on the first one here.

In short, the serial event features an assortment of creative professionals talking about their projects and professions in a concise, yet casual setting. Pecha Kucha night is a great way to get the inside scoop on being involved in creative industries. (more…)

Tuesday afternoon bag and backpack brand Kipling held a launch for two special collections. The lines were the fruit of a collaboration between Kipling and a small street wear label / design firm based in Belgium named Girls From Omsk.

One of the two collections is named Monkeys Over the City and updates Kipling’s signature monkey logo, incorporating it into a full range of colorful bags and clothing.

Just when I thought things couldn’t get any cuter, I spotted a surprise. (more…)

Dragon-i once again hosts music legend Little Louie Vega. Louie Vega spans several decades as a top d.j. and music producer. Very few people have the soulfulness and depth he displays when d.j.ing.

Louie Vega doesn’t just stick to one particular genre, though he is known as a pioneer of House music. You won’t find him playing anything gimmicky or dumbing down his music to suit the crowd. You will hear him spin club classics (many of which he created,) long forgotten gems, and exclusive tracks that seem to only fall into the hands of top-tier dance d.j.s.. Recommended.

Have a look at photos from his previous performances in Hong Kong here and here.

Cover charge $300 HKD

Dragon-i
60 Wyndham Street
Central, Hong Kong

For years, vacant lots sat idle on Wellington Street, a busy pathway between the escalator, Lan Kwai Fong, and the heart of Central. Recently however, the look of the street has changed dramatically. The long, inclined block now boasts a healthy array of retail brands occupying ground floor locations. What happened? (more…)

Tuesday night I checked out a solo exhibition of illustrations by artist Jonathan Jay Lee. The show was held at the Fringe Club, which actually houses two separate galleries on their ground floor. The first is just inside the entrance-way, and the second is through a narrow hallway that opens up into a live music venue. The show took place in the latter space.

Moving through the crowd to browse the artwork, one image in particular caught my eye. (more…)

The end of a traditional birthday celebration isn’t complete without a basket of birthday buns! Pronounced ‘sau bao‘ in Cantonese, (sounds the same as Sao in Sao Paulo,) the dessert is a colorful treat that never ceases to impress. (more…)

Tittsworth is making a return appearance this Friday at Volar during his 2009 world tour. He’s a top producer of new dance music and a d.j. who plays a wide variety of party-rocking cuts.

Tittsworth performed at Volar once before and also d.j.ed on the dream team last year for Diesel’s Black Gold event.

Fans of new dance music will also be interested in the Pimpin’ Ain’t Easy party at Cliq, unfortunately on the same night. That event features d.j. Pat Drastic and d.j. Suivez who I’m sure are also Tittsworth fans!

I’m going to try to catch both events!

Recommended!

Tittsworth
Friday, February 6th, 2009
Volar
Basement, 38-44 D’Aguilar Street
Lan Kwai Fong
Central, Hong Kong

Free entry for Volar members, cover charge for non-members, includes one drink