Join DJ Michael Laycock (Electropical), guest DJ Julio Montero (Havana Fridays), and percussionist Sacha Levin on Saturday, March 18 at the Backstage Lounge for the second anniversary of Worldbeat Sessions – a night of danceable global grooves.

THE NIGHT
To celebrate two years of Worldbeat Sessions, we’ll go deep into the space where Latin, Caribbean, and African music meet as we explore the grooves we have in common.

THE DJs
Guest DJ Julio Montero co-produces the Havana Fridays parties at Lux Lounge. Born in Cuba and raised in a family obsessed with music and dance, Julio lived in neighbourhoods renowned for their strong traditions of Conga, Son, and Afro-Haitian rhythms. He spins an eclectic mix of dance music spanning the Caribbean, the Americas, and Africa. When he’s not on the decks, Julio is an acclaimed salsa dance instructor.

DJ Michael Laycock launched Worldbeat Sessions in March 2015 and has shared the stage with some of the city’s best selectors of global grooves (including DJs Hubbz, Bassos Rancheros, Kut Gomez, and Nils, to name just a few). In late 2014, he wrapped up a decade-long run as co-producer (with DJ Marc Fournier) of Electropical, an acclaimed monthly worldbeat dance party.

THE PERCUSSIONIST
Vancouver percussionist Sacha Levin has studied her craft in West Africa, Europe, and Canada. For over 15 years, she’s been performing and recording with some of the city’s top players. She’s shared the stage with artists as diverse as Julian Marley, Ron Sexsmith, and Celso Machado. Skilled in African and Latin percussion, she has toured and performed at festivals and concerts throughout Canada and the U.S.

ABOUT WORLDBEAT SESSIONS
With Worldbeat Sessions, Michael teams up with an evolving roster of worldbeat DJs and musicians to explore the global soundscape. From Latin to funk, Arabian to Balkan, and Indian to African, each edition of Worldbeat Sessions is a new international dance floor journey.

Worldbeat Sessions starts around 10 pm (when the play ends next door) at the Backstage Lounge, 1585 Johnston St, Granville Island. Cover: $10. Groups are always welcome.

Facebook event page for Worldbeat Sessions Sat March 18:
facebook.com/events/655969004575036/

Electropical Facebook group:
facebook.com/groups/electropical/