The Queer Mafia’s “OFFBEAT: Mashed Up” was Hung Up Like Jagger (with video)
Take a bit of Madonna, add some Nirvana, season with Daft Punk, and top with Maroon 5. Those are just some of the ingredients to one helluva night at Babylon Nightclub. The Queer Mafia (an Ottawa-based network of queer identified individuals who are committed to supporting the community by throwing awesome parties) put on a mash-up of a show with DJ Dan Valin on decks, special guest KAPRI, and visuals by Bustedlimb.
The theme of the night: “Music is like a potato, it’s best served mashed up!” with partial proceeds going to the Ten Oaks (LGBTQ youth-oriented programming) project. DJ Dan Valin had the crowd on their feet, constantly moving to mash-ups like Britney Spears’s “Work Bitch” meets Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s “Relax.” I wasn’t sure whether to relax, or work, but Canadian-born singer-songwriter KAPRI changed all that, opening with (and making me) “Leave the World Behind,” a cover of the Swedish House Mafia’s hit song.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2yziBxrTEQ&w=640&h=480]
I had an opportunity to talk with KAPRI, asking her about the crowd in Ottawa. She enthusiastically commented on Ottawa’s embracing of its local talent, saying how there was a definite supportive community for independent music. This was not KAPRI’s first mash-up gig; she has been performing professionally for two years, and her love of mixes has had her performing all sorts of styles and genres.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpB5AF0kdCc&w=853&h=480]
The visuals from Bustedlimb featured artistically-edited motion graphics of dancers who were grooving to the beat. It all made for a well-rounded night. Hats-off to The Queer Mafia for booking a killer combo and packing the house. I’m still dancing.
Were you at the show? Did you have a good time? Tell us about it in the comments below – we’d love to hear from you!