Happy Birthday Kumfy Klub! I hope you have many more. What did you wish for? If it was to have a massively funky and hip crowd, drinking, dancing and having a fab time, then that’s what you got. With no candles or cake, it was just the usual cool, comfortable set up when the Sceptre opens up its doors, balcony and secret stairway room. It only happens every 3 months, which makes it all the more special. If you are a regular KK attendee, I think you know what I mean.

In The Lounge downstairs, local legend Dj Brad – regular Sceptre music maestro – was warming up the already energetic crowd with classics like Run DMC. Perhaps some folk had come over from the family-friendly fireworks event and were in the mood to party? It was still early (11pm) and I chose to apce myself and chill out on the balcony with friends. The bodies kept filing into the Sceptre while I was upstairs enjoying the cruisey vibe of The Kafe with DJ’s Julian Smith and Jumbo. It was a nice retreat from the much louder sounds of downstairs. Jumbo, in his first KK performance, put together a great set and was mixing it up with new, old and classic such as Bowie’s ‘Let’s Dance’ next to the sublime pop of Prince ‘Kiss’.

A Tribe is Forming took to the stage at midnight as is the common slot for the featured live act at every KK. This eight member hip hop collective only just fit on the stage with two MCs and a combination of both live and sampled instruments. They are well known around town for their energetic shows and seem to have a solid local fan base after three years of packed-out performances. ATF have a sound not unlike The Herd and Hilltop Hoods with their beats, live bass, trumpet and drums, laced with sampled jazz and funk bytes. They certainly got the crowd moving, and the good news for fans is that they have a new CD in the pipeline as I write this.

While JD was setting up his extensive percussion kit after ATF, the regular DJ’s kept the party music to the max. Then it was time for the next headline live act, ‘The Break’. This duo is officially JD on percussion and Matt Walker (Jaywalker) on the decks. However, Matt was lucky enough to be in Sydney for Good Vibrations and the one and only Smiley stepped in for him. And what a combo! JD looked the pro that he is and lit up the main stage with awesome breaks and a lively set to match the funky beats Smiley was spinning. We were blessed with another set from these guys to wind up the night. In between these sets Ezee-G kept The Lounge partying with slightly heavier beats and rockier tracks.

The Kafe upstairs was still chilling out but got kicking a bit more when Noodle and the Activist were in charge of the decks. These guys know how to groove, and I’ve seen them prove it at a few wicked outdoor beach gigs. The ladies on dance floor were screaming for more. When Noodle and the Activist dropped on of their fave tracks ‘Eighth Wonder’ it was obvious everyone was having a great time.

As the Kafe was shutting up shop and shunting the party downstairs, I went home happy in the knowledge that the Kumfy Klub institution continues in the vein that has endeared it to so many hearts and dancing legs. The funky décor, modern visuals, cool beats and breaks and the ever-important live element all work seamlessly together. The cosy house-party feeling is a guaranteed winner at KK too, and I’m hardly surprised when I run into the same friendly faces time after time. See you at the Autumn edition on May 6th!