Now located directly behind Telstra Dome at Pier 9 on Harbour Esplanade, Alumbra gets five stars from this reviewer (although I might be a biased Buddha lover). What’s more, the sound system simply rocks. You’ve got to love the outside smoking area, too, with fabulous harbour views including a front row seat for the blue lights of the West Gate Bridge.

With the first drink and cigarette down we made our way to the front of the dancefloor. Simon Digby was the man on the well sectioned-off decks from 10:30 until midnight. Things got interesting when was joined by another DJ, who I later established was Baz Emera after asking his name as he negotiated the thronging, popping and grinding dancefloor. The DJs were accompanied by the manic percussion of Rob on the bongos. While live instruments sometimes prove distracting, Rob definitely added awesome beats to each track.

Collectively, Simon and Baz got my soul singing with a track bearing the vocal hook, “Dirty House Party”. And that is exactly what we were in for when DJ Gregory hit us with his rhythm stick. In the meantime, though, there were samples of Street Player and a lovely bit of I…..Can’t Get Enough.

Simon bowed out to make room for DJs Franky D and Steve Bleas, who joined Baz before he also took a back seat. These boys obviously have a lot of experience playing together, because the music didn’t skip a beat. The style stayed constant but with lots of variation to keep it interesting. Sadly, I missed James Belias on the main stage and the Prive room line-up of Funk Soldiers, Ganz, Chris Papas and Evan Telia. Being so captivated where I was, smoke breaks didn’t even feature in my evening.

After reading the write-up about DJ Gregory on the Alumbra website, and learning he has remixed for the likes of Bob Sinclar and Masters at Work, I was expecting a night of luscious sweet and funky house. However, it was not Champs Elysees and Paradise Garage-type music that was served up. Regardless, I was not disappointed at all, as dirty, sexy house and hints of techno were the order of the night. You’ve got to love it when music can take you away from yourself. I thank DJ Gregory for exactly that, with a brilliant kick off by the boys in support.