"Duality: Breast Cancer Awareness" party was a gas. It was reminiscent of the "classic" camp party movies of the sixties: there is a charity benefit held in the park with a great line up of music where crazy things happen and everyone has a great time dancing, looking good, and enjoying life. On August 28, 1999, Existential Sounds and Uniting Souls DJ crew executed a great re-enactment of cinemas "cultish"(and sometimes unwanted) party movies. They had all the elements: the Breast Cancer Awareness Benefit, a line up of great DJs, and the Bandshell at the Golden Gate Park. Because they provided the essential characteristics, their "guests" created the necessary fun and spunky sub-plots.

The name "Duality" served as the framework of the event. It signifies that both sexes need to be aware of breast cancer in order to combat it. Corresponding with this idea, the music was created by three acts: each comprising of a male and female DJ. The first DJ would put a record on and build a foundation of rhythms and beats. With a hi-five, the "tag-team" DJ would come on and build upon what was created. As the male and female DJs molded the direction of the other, their "layering" would build playful and intricate music for the duration of the set. This resounded in DJ Tracy comments that the event was to raise awareness about a female disease in a community of both male and females; the disease involves an entire family and effects every person involved.

To get everyone involved, some great DJs made some "peachy-keen" music. The first duo to spin was DJ Tracy and DJ Riddler. They ignited the afternoon with some deep house. The second duo was comprised of Girl Friday and John Howard. The two created a rhythmic and pulsating set of Afro-Caribbean grooves and rhythms. They really got people on to the dance floor. The final set was made of DJ fabuLizz and Spencer Kinsey. Bearing influences from 70's funk and disco, they created a set mixing elements of classic house and disco. During the middle of their set, Shanan, a house singer, got into the groove of things. If people were sitting down at this point, they were driven to the dance by the incredibly funky and soulful music. Her lyrics really capitulated and summarized the entire event," We got to do it together". She commemorated the Breast Cancer Benefit for the women who were faced with the disease, all the men who desired the women, and for everyone. Then a male MC came on to say that the event was about making an important contribution to the community.

The park served as a symbol of the community awareness the event raised. As an intricate aspect of a "hip" party movie, the Bandshell in Golden Gate Park provided the necessary backdrop to reinforce the mock-community the party created. People were dancing, having picnics, throwing balls about, meeting new people. It was like being Elvis in one of his "party" movies: no matter who you were you were always a "guest of honor"(even if you are "nothing but a hond-dog"). This similar spirit of philanthropy permeated as tourists, museum-goers, and park-strollers joined the ravers and festivities.

Existential Sounds and the Uniting Souls DJ crew did not need Frankie Avalon to make this "clambake" cook. Like the party-movies, there are always humorous sub-plots that reflect upon the main plot. Although the sub-plots were not always easy to follow(as dogs chased Frisbees amidst a flurry of pulsating and dancing bodies) , their main point was clear as day: to have a good time for a great cause. Just like their "Birth" party, Existential Sounds threw a great event, enabling one to relish the moment of escapism and life; I advise you not to miss their next party. In the immortal sayings of "Dance Fever" or was it Elvis and Anne-Margaret- "it has a funky beat and I can dance to it". I can't wait for the sequel to this party movie: viva!!!!!

Future existential sounds/uniting souls events:

SOUNDTEXTURES . SEPTEMBER 17, 1999 . 330 RITCH. LINE-UP: Gene Farris FabuLizz Lady G Funk SUNSHINE DAYDREAM. OCT.17, 1999.

More info at www.unitingsouls.com

DJ Tracy's pix:

Agnatherum- diskoacid Funkn Rob Paine-

Never Can Say Goodbye- Rocket remix (Grayhound Records)

ETI- Lookout-Obororce DJ RaSoul and Migs-

True Formula (Large Records) Beat-nik D EP-

B & B Disco- Kontraband

LOOK FOR EXISTEMTIAL SOUNDS FIRST EP IN LOCAL RECORD STORES: "THE DOUGH HAS RISEN EP"- DJ LELE

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