Aria: 5 Years & Still Going On Strong

For me, Aria's history dates back to a time when the building still served its original purpose as a movie theatre. Dancing my nights away in the same hall where I once saw Jackie Brown has always retained a certain charm for me. Yes, I'm getting old, nostalgic even, but one thing's for sure: I'm hooked on Aria.


The famed afterhour nightclub turned five last week-end. A two-night event was booked to underline the occasion, presenting a grand total of 15 of Aria's past and present resident DJs in the venue's main room.

Friday night's line up unquestionably delivered the goods: Mini, Marco G, Mateo Murphy, Yaz, Kal, an unscheduled appearance by King Louis, G O'Brien, Nick Pilon and Wizz. Each captured the crowd's attention with rock-hard sets that showcased their respective styles well while retaining a strong electro-tech vibe all the way thru to the end of G O'Brien's set. Nick Pilon continued with his own brand of trance to great effect, as usual. Yaz dropped a particularly effective set, and hopefully we'll get to hear more from him soon.

On Saturday, I was told when leaving that the party in the urban room stole the show, which perhaps explained why the main floor lacked the little extra punch it usually packs. Miguel Graça, Nic B, Luc Raymond, Creator, and two special guests (you had to be there!) nonetheless administered a strong dose of BPMs to the attending crowd. King Louis concluded the evening with yet another solid selection.

Both nights saw VJ Euterke cook up a visual feast on two screens, perhaps bridging the gap between the club's past and present functions along the way.

Happy 5th birthday Aria, and best wishes for the year ahead.