The Deep End

Electronic dance music in Fort Lauderdale has endured a lot, but through its trials and tribulations, the scene has emerged more mature than ever. Gone are the salad days, full of nightlong adventures, candy-coated pills, and endless debauchery. Back are the restless beats and dance-party enthusiasms that built a diehard...

By John Linn

May 25, 2006

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Electronic dance music in Fort Lauderdale has endured a lot, but through its trials and tribulations, the scene has emerged more mature than ever. Gone are the salad days, full of nightlong adventures, candy-coated pills, and endless debauchery. Back are the restless beats and dance-party enthusiasms that built a diehard culture. At the forefront of this about-face is the spankin' new dance weekly, Evolution. Every Saturday night at Revolution, electronic talent both old and new gathers to throw a party that reawakens the dormant dance beats deep within the city. The vibe, like its moniker, reflects the venue's evolution from its early days as the Edge — it's cleaner, friendlier, and altogether wiser than it ever was before. Just ask Robert Perez, founder of Culture Productions and host of this new night.

"[Evolution] is not a rave," Perez says. "Raves were ten years ago. This is a rave all grown up."

This Saturday, breakbeat pioneer Simply Jeff injects his funky breaks and West Coast house sound into the mix. Performing weekly is another Edge holdover, veteran DJ Mike Sharpe, who cuts out wax and tracks in legendary electro fashion. And at 2 a.m., neighboring hip-hop club China White opens its adjacent doors to allow free access between the two venues. Yep, you'll be sleeping in extra late on Sunday.

Evolution, featuring Simply Jeff, begins at 11 p.m. Saturday, May 27, at Revolution, 200 W. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale. Admission costs $10. Call 954-727-0950.

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