The Deep End

Alongside his Planet of the Drums accomplices Dieselboy and AK1200, New York-based DJ Dara is one of the preeminent figures in American drum 'n' bass... though he's not American. Transplanted from Ireland in 1994, Dara, or Darragh Guilfoyle to mom, quickly delved into the various splintered forms of jungle music, from dark-step to tech-step, that comprised his lauded original works, including Halfway Homeand 1998's landmark continuous mix, Full Circle.

Recently, his longstanding partnership with DJ DB has birthed the d'n'b-focused Breakbeat Science imprint and record store in New York's East Village, which is viewed by enthusiasts as the country's best. "He is no doubt leading the forefront of today's drum 'n' bass sound, and he's never a disappointment," raves Fort Lauderdale d'n'b promoter/DJ Sean Weeks, who will spin tracks before Dara's set at Sonar. Perhaps prompted by the grittier nuances of his urban digs, Dara has gravitated toward even darker textures and more abrasive beats on his latest mix, Antidote. His vision of spreading jungle as culture parallels that of his Drums chums, and his simple statement from various interviews has become a mantra, lending both finality and promise: "I love to spin jungle, and I will never quit."

DJ Dara dives into the dark side along with DJs Sean Weeks, Blue, Mr. Mendez, and Danny Bled at 10 p.m. Saturday, March 12, at Sonar, 2006 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Tickets are $12 before midnight, $15 after. Call 954-920-8777.