Traveling the huge distance to Joondalup Skate International I had a revelation: I should have looked up where it was before I got there. After following a white corolla around the majority of that end of Joondalup for about 15 minutes I discovered that they weren’t going to the roller rink at all. After stumbling, fumbling and eventually grumbling my way into the car park of skate international – I had arrived.

A ‘heavy’ security presence (anyone who was there: you know what I’m talking about haha) was the first impression I got but later realized that they were actually quite helpful and did a good job of saving a number of patrons from some tumbles. Walking into the main arena it was a sudden flash back to being 14 and dressing for the impressing of the lady folk who would be present. Back then the importance was more on cool drink and making fun of each other. This time the focus seemed more on the music and the fact that there would be pretty girls on roller skates. Right guys? Right!!

Dark lights, smoke machines, a funky dj booth (for the announcements of “snowwwballlls” and the like) and of course – a roller rink were the givens. A make shift bar, kick ass tunes, mature age folks on roller skates and some fun games were the pleasant surprises. Dlux went above and beyond the call of duty as the MC, taking time out to freestyle with some of the lucky patrons out the front. We appreciate the effort – the only improvements could have been a couple more cheesy voice overs and dance offs. Maybe next time? haha

The tunes were definitely the biggest plus of this very innovative Destination night. With a rich blend of electro, breaks and drum & bass throughout the night the punters enjoyed each serve to the last drop. And drop they did – the tunes AND the punters.

Signal Drivers were the first act I had a chance to see and they performed very well under the conditions. A nice mix of some big, broken beats were delivered to the crowd. Unfortunately, due to the massive area the speakers were having to deal with, as well as the fact that the only absorption being provided was a hardwood floor and human beings – the sound was bouncing around like no tomorrow. Under the conditions I felt the reverb was handled quite well by the drivers. Towards the end of their set I found myself in a different position and received a much better listening experience.

Flex was next at bat and delivered a tight set of electro(also under the conditions) especially since he was coming off the back of playing at Habitat the night before. The last set I was witness to was by one of the event organizers: the taxman. It was a shame that by this point the rink had cleared out because he delivered a very funky (at first) set, followed by some big D&B tunes. I also have to say: Starting out with a roller skating jam called Saturday – brilliant. Great tune and could not have been more fitting unless we were living in the early 90’s. Taxman would have definitely got the vibe flowing a bit more inside if only the crowd had not thinned out so much prior to his set.

All in all it was a good night. Great idea, great tunes, great people and well organized. The odds were definitely against the organizers/promoters with issues such as: insurance, finding a place willing to let crazed hoons on roller skates fang around until 4 in the morning, not to mention serving us alcohol to add fuel to the fire and then marketing the event and organizing dj’s to cater to the crowd. I think you all did a tremendous job and I am really looking forward to the next one. Big, big ups to the organizers who not only coordinated the event but also: played sets, mingled with the crowd, helped serve alcohol, sold tickets, worked the door and handed lollies around. Well done Destination and keep up the good work. That’s how we roll…