The Smirnoff Ice ITM Party series made its third stopover this year at Geisha Nightclub in the heart of Northbridge. The format and idea behind these parties is quite straightforward. It’s a chance for ITM to get together with the people who make it all happen by simply clicking through it’s pages week in and week out, thus giving the army of writers, photographers and behind the scenes hacks reason to strive to make it better. With the generous support of sponsor Smirnoff Ice, over the course of the year the aim has been to visit a range of different venues, with this night being no exception compared to the previous two visits at Heat and Rise. Geisha has long been Perth’s home of deep and funky house, boasting a devoted crowd of regular groovers and shakers every Friday and Saturday.

A well-guarded door leads up an unassuming stairway to another world perched above the busy thoroughfare of James St. Away from the army of hens/bucks parties, midnight drunks and general late night louts that weekends in Northbridge tend to attract. Whilst the advertised Japanese theme is immediately obvioust with the lanterns hanging over the bar, the broader artistic feel from some of the prints hanging on the walls is more apparent, notably a couple of Pollock inspired pieces (or should that be Squire or even LB?)

As many regular readers of ITM would be aware, in the week leading up to the party http://www.inthemix.com.au/news/aust/18320/ ITM was experiencing technical difficulties that caused it to be completely down for two days and flying at half mast for a couple of days after that. Needless to say during the critical time when everyone was planning their weekend out we were unable to promote our party, with many reported problems in RSVPing for free entry. Starting off on the back foot in this regard, despite best intentions numbers were down.

Geisha is a traditionally late crowd and it’s fair to say that during the opening hour of Boy’s set he was playing to a small but dedicated crowd who at this early stage were intent on getting in a few Smirnoff Blacks before hitting the dancefloor. Regardless, the tunes were funky, the vibe was relaxed, and the bar staff were extremely friendly.

As the witching hour approached a few more slipped in before the free entry offer expired. Geisha music man James A took to the decks, and as one Sydney visitor commented at the time “he was mixing with such ease”. Smooth, effortless, and damn funky. Unfortunately midway through James’ set it was time for this reviewer to call it quits but by all reports Paul Malone kicked up an absolute storm soon after, with Joby later closing off the night to his army of dedicated followers.

A huge thanks to Pete, Rod, Craig and all the friendly staff at Geisha for all their help and understanding. They’ve been kind enough to allow ITM to repeat the night next year without technical mishaps so keep your eyes peeled in 05. Meanwhile it’s time to start counting down to the 2004 ITM Christmas Party – all details revealed in the coming week about where, when, and how you can get involved. If last year is anything to go by you’d better start preparing now!