A trilogy of big night this weekend in Leeds, featuring a very special, three way back-to-back with some of the best respected underground DJs in the world, a specially curated night from Radio 1’s Hannah Wants, and a packed edition of one of the UK’s most legendary sound system showcases, Subdub. Reggae, bass, house, techo, it’s a broad church of grooves over the weekend.
Joy O B2B Ryan Elliot B2B Evan Baggs - Mint Club, Harrison Street, Friday, 10PM, £15
In the six years since the release of his anthemic ‘Hyph Myngo’, Joy Orbison (AKA, Joy O, AKA, Peter O’Grady) has remained one of the UK’s most enigmatic and talented producers, dodging hype and expectation while continuing to release excellent and individual club records, not to mention cement his form as a truly talented and diverse DJ. It’s a skill that makes O’Grady a semi-regular at Berlin’s Panorama Bar, which is the official home base of the similarly skillful Ryan Elliot. The two will be going back to back for six hours solid, along with passionate New York selector, Evan Baggs, and there’s early doors support from Annie Errez and Bobby O’Donnell.
What Hannah Wants - Canal Mills, Brandon Street, Saturday, 10PM, Sold Out
Not so slowly, but very surely, Hannah Wants has become the go to bass and party DJ for a generation of young clubbers whom she represents perfectly. Her UK ‘What Hannah Want’s tour offers the chance to catch Wants at her big room best, spinning heavy tipped bangers both classic and fresh, as well as catching a variety of sets from a specially invited roster of DJ pals. Tonight, it’s the turn of Monki, Mak and Pasteman, Roni Size, Gotsome and more across Canal Mills two rooms.
Subdub - Leeds West Indian Centre, Layclock Place, Saturday, 10PM, £12
A particularly massive line up and sound clash, then, from the North’s most reliably heavy classic night. Straight out of Leeds, ‘the Vanguards of Dub’, Iration Steppas will be facing off against London’s Jah Youth Soundsystem, featuring Roots Ambassador and Prince Livijah, while Birmingham’s Ma-Kaya crew hold things down in the middle, both graphically and sonically. In Room 2, DJ Hazard headlines a Lions Charge Records showcase featuring J:Kenzo, Compa, and a live set from Croatia based artist, Egoless. Sweet Potato will be providing the sound system and decor. Doors go from 10PM-5AM.