Dance music and club culture is all about the latest tastes and trends, but there’s something about hearing one of the original creators live that makes for an unforgettable experience. That’s what happened when the “Godfather of House” Frankie Knuckles hit Sullivan Room in February, as he made his venue debut with a truly memorable night of his signature soulful and uplifting house music. Now we’re honored to welcome this legend back to Basic NYC on Saturday, July 24th, when Frankie returns to New York for another intimate dancefloor session. With Sullivan Room’s recent sound system upgrades adding to the vibe, we can’t wait to hear what Frankie has in store for us.
Music is Frankie’s life, and he has been devoted to dance music for over 30 years. His list of achievements and successes is long, but perhaps his most important contribution to this culture was his residency at Chicago’s Warehouse nightclub in the late 70s. Frankie, who came to Chicago from his native New York (where he played alongside Larry Levan at the Continental Baths), developed a powerful connection with the Warehouse crowd through the music he was playing. Alongside contemporary R&B and disco music, Frankie played his own re-edits and reel-to-reel rhythm tracks. Emphasizing the drums, and amplified on the Warehouse’s powerful sound system, Frankie’s music gave birth to a new form and a new term came to describe it: “house” music, the shorthand name for the club itself.
It’s been a magical ride for Frankie ever since those days. He’s become one of house music’s most beloved global ambassadors, sharing his spirit at clubs and festivals around the world on a weekly basis. He continues to have a thriving and very successful production career, having crafted some of the most enduring house anthems to date. He co-founded New York’s Def Mix production group, and in 1997, he won a Grammy Award for Best Remixer, Non-Classical. He had a street in Chicago named after him in 2004, at a ceremony presided over by then Illinois State Senator Barack Obama. In 2008, he earned a whole new audience based on the strength of his stunning remix of “Blind” by the contemporary disco group Hercules and Love Affair
Joining Frankie on the night will be another key figue in the house music community: Eric Kupper. Himself a two-time Grammy Award winner. Kupper’s classic tracks and remixes, for both underground and pop artists alike, have won him accolades throughout the industry. He’ll be tag-teaming with Kenny Summit as they both make their Basic NYC debuts on the night. Warming things up will be Pauly Raffaele of the Dog & Pony Show parties, who recently appeared at the 718 Sessions with Danny Krivit. Basic NYC residents Sleepy & Boo will be on hand as well, as they continue their Def Mix and Basic NYC residency.
BASIC NYC PRESENTS FRANKIE KNUCKLES AT SULLIVAN ROOM
SATURDAY, JULY 24TH, 2010
9pm – 5am – Presale tickets at wantickets.com/basicnyc