RAY OKPARA @ BETA | FRI, 3/22/13 Unlike most DJs out of Germany, Ray Okpara leans more toward the house end of the tech-house spectrum -- and that's to the benefit of his legions of fans all over the world, because Okpara has polished a streamlined, minimal-leaning version that's still overflowing with house's soul and funk influence.
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It could be this Berlin-based impresario's Nigerian roots or his undeniable talent behind the decks and in the production studio. Or maybe it's his experience in the U.K. at the Loft in Mannheim, where Okpara first alerted the masses to his talent at his friend Johnny D's RAJO club night. Wherever the seed of his talent was planted, we're gratified that it's come full bloom. He's got an ear for tunes that keep crowds moving all night long, and you can experience one of his hypnotic sets firsthand tonight in Beta's Beatport Lounge, with Shea Delany and DJ LoBoT; Dr. P, Fury and Dodger take over the main floor.
House legend Bad Boy Bill headlines Beta this Saturday night with Cognition + T-Rav, Jaceo and Vedic Dublin opening things up for his hard-hitting sounds. (9 p.m., 18+, $20)
Daedelus brings his dreamscapes to the Fox Theatre with Two Fresh, Ryan Hemsworth and Samo Sound Boy setting the tone for this experimental extravaganza. (8:30 p.m., all ages, $16-$20)
Funky Buddha hosts House Guest with Marcus Fairfield and Steve Synfull smoothing out your Saturday evening. (9 p.m., 21+, no cover)
The third installment of the Lumonics Peanut Butter Jamz series features dubstep, breaks and all things bass-heavy and juicy by Jrush & Darksku, B.Funky, Hazy Meadow, Blendrix, DJ Brye and a special guest to be announced the day of the show. Bring some bread, peanut butter or jam to make sandwiches to feed the hungry. (9 p.m., 18+, $10)
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