The inthemix50 celebrations kicked off to a quiet start at The Greenwood last Sunday afternoon. With Earthdance going on over the other side of the city at Sydney Park in St Peters, I wasn’t surprised. But never Fear! By 6pm the place was jammed, and celebrate we all did.

The inthemix50 had already celebrated its awards night the previous Wednesday evening and the party was open to all dance music lovers on the weekend. Some of the big winners were Archie, Mark Dynamix and of course and the Bang Gang DJs all took out awards but the night was dedicated to Ajax and Dirty South, who took taking out the 1st and 2nd prizes respectively (as voted by us of course).

John Glover opened the show and had us all swaying to the beat in the afternoon sun. But it was Ben Morris vs. James Taylor that well and truly got us all up and moving. These guys read the crowd beautifully and eased us into a night of huge tunes. I shot into the Chapel to hear Deep Child throwing out a few beats and made sure he knew we appreciated his efforts. Table Trash was great in the Side Bar also. This up and comer drew a modest crowd in from the courtyard – a mighty feat at that with the ever wonderful Grant Smillie hitting the decks about the same time. I must say however, Grant wasn’t up to his usual fine form and I wondered where he was going with his set – it was a bumpy journey and unusual for him. But everyone has an off night I guess and I trust that next time I see him all will be well.

The Greenwood is a great venue and perfectly hidden in Greenwood Plaza, so when you do get there you feel like you have made a major discovery. It is perfect for Sunday afternoon sessions, although does get a bit chilly after the sun goes behind the magical sandstone walls. No matter – nothing a good dance won’t fix – which of course Hook n’ Sling was happy to oblige us with. Tune after tune rolled out and the crowd was completely smitten. It wasn’t until close to the end of the evening that I noticed quite a substantial part of the crowd had moved into the Side Bar once again. Ember had control of the decks, and the party people for that matter, and I sidelined myself at the back to hear what was going on. What a set! Not missing a beat, the crowd whooped and clapped with every rise and fall and every phat tune that was produced. Nice one Ember – made your mark here tonight didn’t you!

Jamie Doom and Gus De Hoodrat had me back in the courtyard and I joined the rest of the crew on the sandstone seats to swing with the best of them. The stars, the lights, the lanterns the music and of course lots and lots of smiley faces completed an awesome afternoon and we all piled out ready for the next adventure.

I am stinging for summer and I guess I will be a permanent feature at this old church in North Sydney. The inthemix50 event was a smashing party and testimony to their efforts in putting together a lineup not only well know DJs, but also giving us the opportunity to hear some new ones in the dance arena. Let’s hope they celebrate some more and give us another night to remember!