Having devoted our most comprehensive Weekend Focus post ever to all things Orange, (check out the link http://discomatt.com/web/2011/06/recommends-proud-to-play-a-prolific-part-in-pride-london-gay-pride-2011-outstanding-orange-offer-friday-1st-to-tuesday-5th-july-weekend-focus-special/), this clubbing colossus making a considerable mark on London Gay Pride 2011, with no less than twelve peripheral parties encasing the biggie. And while we covered the Fire Dance Stage in our “Outstanding Orange Offer” report, given the fact that Soho Square is likely to be the hottest ticket in a post Pride parade, we thought we would devote a special separate Extra Bites report to The Dance Stage, not least that we have now also been given exclusive access to the planned infrastructure, as well as details of the line-up across the afternoon.
Dance Stage Sceen Shots
So, let’s first have a look at that infrastructure and with the aid of the organizers map at our disposal, give you an idea of what to expect when you arrive at Soho Square, plus how the Dance Stage will operate. Now, first & foremost The Dance Stage & inner part of Soho Square (the inner arena) will be open at 2 p.m., with both the music & the performances running through until a planned 8 p.m. finish, although activity around the outer part of the square (outer arena) is likely to swing into action sometime before that, especially given that people (us included) will be heading straight for the dance stage, rather than taking in the parade & other elements of the Pride festival. So, what will face you when you arrive at Soho Square? Well, looking at the organisers maps, we know that on the south & north east of the outer arena, there will be two large bar facilities, serving a selection or drinks, while we also know a substantial food outlet will be positioned on the west side of the outer arena. Plus, The Edge Bar, found of the north corner of the outer arena will be open for business throughout the day & will, in addition, be operating an outside “Pimms” Bar, also located in the outer arena adjacent to the venue. The rest of the outer arena will be set aside for pedestrians, with no plans for stalls or similar concessions.
Fabulous Fire Fulfils
With the whole of Soho Square therefore set aside for The Dance Stage operation only, it is now the inner arena we concentrate on, first stressing that there will be clear & controlled entrance & exit points, so as to ensure the capacity of the inner arena is not exceeded. Clearly, there will be a point at which this capacity is reached, so we cannot stress & recommend enough that, if you want to guarantee entrance into the inner arena & a good position in front of the dance stage, that you get there early, as looking at the forecast, the weather is expected to be warm & dry, thus creating a mini music style festival buzz and possibly mean that once people are settled in the inner arena, they are unlikely to move far, especially as there is a small bar facility there too. So, save for those either deciding to move or, or in need of the toilet facilities, all which are placed around the edges of the outer arena, it is inevitable that a queuing system (Disney style) will develop, experience of Soho Pride events dictating that as, due to the literal size of the inner arena, the capacity will have to be strictly limited both for safety reasons, as well as aiming to make it comfortable & enjoyable experience for everyone. Therefore we cannot stress enough, that in order to avoid a long wait or indeed the disappointment of missing your favourite D.J. or performer, early arrival is best.
Beyond Boys Back-To-Back
Now, you have got to Soho Square early, you have got inside the inner arena & you have found your spot, what can you expect by way of entertainment? Well, as we said, proceedings kick off at 2 p.m., with a succession of D.J.’s & performing artists on stage through till the 8 p.m. finish and having spoken with two key players in the organising team, we can firstly confirm that the whole operation couldn’t be in better hands, Orange’s Steven Sharp steering the whole dance stage show from start to finish. And Steven will be bringing out many of the Orange & Beyond big guns, the likes of The Oli, Paul Martin, Fat Tony & vocalist Tonnic from Orange likely to feature, as will Beyond all stars Steve Pitron, Mikey D, Jamie Head, Gonzalo Rivas & D’Johnny, on top of other Orange Group resident stars that could extend to Lee Harris, Jc Christopher, Verity Mayes, & Jonny M, we being reliably informed that a number of back-to-back sets will form the final schedule, The Sharp Boys definitely taking up the final slot between 7 & 8 p.m., while they are pretty certain to be preceded by Steve Pitron who, we are hoping at least, will go back-to-back with Mikey D. between 6 & 7 p.m., we having also received confirmation that Lee Harris & Jonny M will go back-to-back between 4 & 5 p.m. Now, while we can only confirm two, possibly three of the performing artists, Sonique being one of them, we are hopeful of a special surprise appearance by a high profile vocalist who will be featuring large in a post Dance Stage Orange Group event. Prolific percussionist David H will be on stage too, added to which, scores of sexy dancers making this will be a stage spectacle to rival any, the performances running unbroken & uninterrupted from start to finish.
Spot Us & Say Hi
Right, let’s just recap on the important details and remember that the Dance Stage is scheduled to open at 2 p.m., running through to an 8 p.m. finish, entry to the inner arena free of charge, although the organisers would love you to dig deep into your pockets & donate what you can to keep London’s Gay Pride festival also free. And The Orange Group will be doing their bit, contributing heavily towards the Pride Trust, as well as all the D.J.’s & artists who will be performing for free. So, come show your support for what should be a real highlight of this year’s Pride Festival, The Dance Stage, which is back where it belongs, in Soho Square. We will be there reviewing it all, so if you see us, come say hi, leaving us to simply say, make sure you “Go There! Be There!”. (DISCO MATT)
Postscript
Following issue of this post, we have been given exclusive access to the full D.J. & P.A. line-up for The Dance Stage tomorrow (Saturday 2nd July) and in our usual spirit of sharing & caring , we bring it to you first.
2 -3 p.m. – D.J. Verity Mayes
3 – 4 p.m. – D’Johnny
4 -5 p.m. – Lee Harris back-to-back with Jonny M
5 p.m. P.A. Sonique
5 – 6 p.m. – The Oli back-to-back with Fat Tony
6 – 7 p.m. – Steve Pitron back-to-back with Mikey D
7 p.m. – Shawnee Taylor
7 – 8 p.m. – The Sharp Boys.
We expoect Shawnee Taylor to be perform the Pitron/DM anthem “Stronger”, so we will be in pole postion for that & you should be too.