Thanks to the massive popularity of his Urban Jungle nightclub events, DJ Blackcat is a party force to be reckoned with this Caribbean Carnival weekend.
Mykel Hall works hard to bring people and communities together through music. As DJ Blackcat, he has played at and promoted parties within the broad queer community for the past two decades. Unlike many, he consciously reaches out to audiences of all genders and orientations, drawing especially mixed crowds to his biggest events of the year.
Right after Hall wrapped up a series of successful Pride parties, he threw himself into producing The Urban Jungle events taking place this Caribana (a.k.a. Caribbean Carnival Toronto) weekend. A gay man of Jamaican descent, he has produced gay-themed parties during this carnival weekend his entire DJ career.
“For me, it’s a way to have a good time and be who you are in a safe environment,” says Hall, acknowledging the importance of having LGBT-specific spaces as part of the weekend’s festivities.
“Right now, with the way society is, it is better to act on the side of safety in my opinion and slowly push the envelope.”
To this end, Blackcat lends promo support to Anopenmind Polly and her Classic Toronto Splash event happening tonight (July 29) at Pacha Lounge (1305 Dundas Street West, $15 at the door), with DJs Seduce and Unruly Twin blending hip-hop, R&B, reggae, soca and more.
Saturday (July 30), Blackcat’s Urban Jungle festivities are at Suba Lounge (292 College Street, $15 before midnight), with Unruly Twin joined by JJ Rock and Hot-Knife.
It’s a long, celebratory day ‘n night come Sunday (July 31) as Blackcat invites everyone to “Feel the Heat” as he DJs from 2-10pm at a free outdoor street party behind Zipperz (72 Carlton). As part of this, the House of Monroe presents The Summer Sizzle Ball at 7pm, with competition categories for the walkers including ‘virgin vogue,’ ‘virgin runway,’ ‘male/female figure sex siren,’ and a variety of ‘realness’ categories.
Ball culture — with its categories, competitions and voguing — is back in a big way in Toronto, largely thanks to House of Monroe, of which Blackcat is a member.
“The ballroom scene is on fire in Toronto,” says Hall. “TKO Monroe is the host of this ball and we welcome everyone to come and walk the ball. You find out what category works for you, what the category calls for and then you walk. It really is for everyone and it’s a whole lot of fun.”
The evening’s main event kicks off at 10pm and takes over all three floors of The Barn (418 Church Street, $10 until 11:30pm and $15 after). DJs Craig Dominic, Sticky Cuts and Pleasure entertain an all-ages crowd on the first floor while Dominic also joins the Yes Yes Y’all DJ crew on the second floor and Blackcat plays alongside Unruly Twin and Hot-Knife on the third. Oh, and this event is huge. Last year’s drew more than 1000 people to The Barn throughout the eve.
“Really, it’s about the music,” emphasizes Hall. “I have the best of the best in DJs and three floors of the craziest fun you will find anywhere this weekend. If you’re looking for hip-hop, dance anthems, pop, R&B, reggae/dancehall, voguing beats, soca and old school, then this is the spot. I have always believed in a variety of music. That’s how I spin, so that is what I give.”
