SLOW HANDS @ NORAD | SAT, 5/11/13 There are plenty of DJs out there who are skilled at crafting upbeat dance sets to high-tempo music -- after all, it's easy to keep the dance floor moving when you keep the beats-per-minute at a fast-paced 160-180. Even dubstep only slows the tempo to around 140 BPM. It takes a true expert of pacing and timing -- someone with an ear for funky grooves and an ability to weave them together -- to create a soulful, hip-shaking, foot-stomping set that stays at the lower end of the electronica tempo spectrum (100 to 110 BPM).
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One such expert is Slow Hands, who honed his tastes in New York City's underground house scene, becoming one of the city's favorites to spin the sun up with his bright, sultry slow-house selections and live-PA skills. He keeps the sass and essential flavor of house music, slowing things down just enough to smooth over any rough edges. He'll be showing his abilities off at NORAD this Saturday, May 11, with special guest Little Mike. (9 p.m., 21+, $10 and up)
LTJ BUKEM @ CASSELMAN'S BAR & VENUE | SAT, 5/11/13 Call it smooth, intricate, complex, jazz-influenced, even masterful, but do not call the drum-and-bass of LTJ Bukem "intelligent." Bukem has rejected the label on the grounds that it implies that other artists aren't intelligent, which is eminently decent of the guy. The thing is, it is intelligent. Layered and deep, his music abandons the harsh sci-fi futuristics of most jungle for a melodic, soulful sound that's obviously the work of a sharp mind and clever ear. Bukem's productions and his stable of artists on Looking Good and Good Looking Records have produced some of the most consistently listenable tunes to emerge from the genre, without sacrificing intensity or devolving into down-tempo/lounge territory. He's also released a number of consistently strong DJ mixes highlighting the artists who have followed in his wake, helping to push the evolution of the style forward. (8 p.m., 18+, $15) -- Cory Casciato
Keep reading for more of the weekend's best dance music
FRIDAY, MAY 10
Beta hosts Mantis on the main floor bringing the bass with Sub.mission and Reload residents; in the Beatport Lounge, P.U.N.C.H.I.S. presents Ben's Picks with Sergei Loginov and DJ Lobot. (9 p.m., 18+, $10)
The aptly named Floor'Gasm hits NORAD tonight with SoundSex, Wet::Sex and Pnut showing everyone how it's done on the dancefloor. And the recurring Home night is bringing in Nick Monaco of dirtybird fame with Alex D. Wolf, option4 and Captain Safety opening things up. (9 p.m., 21+, $10-$15)
Things get whompy at Casselman's tonight with Dysphemic & Miss Eliza, Govinda and more, so come get your dubstep on. (8 p.m., 18+, $15)
Looking for some afterhours action? Get Localized at the Would Shop with Franch Toast, Bones, Swank, Jacqueline vs. Scott Everett and John Templeton throwing down till 4 a.m. (10 p.m., 21+, $5)
SATURDAY, MAY 11
Bustoshow.org (BTS) Colorado is holding on-board tryouts for resident bus DJs and performers for the upcoming season, presided over by a host of prestigious judges at Cheba Hut. Come see if you've got what it takes -- bus sets will be recorded and distributed! (10 a.m.-10 p.m.)
Arno Cost throws down at Beta with Funhouse residents for some booty-shaking dance music. (9 p.m., 18+, $10)
It's a night of dirty breaks and drum-and-bass at Lumonics featuring BBK, PushRESET and Allen Breakz. BYOB. (10 p.m., 18+, $10)
Dirty Funk Squad brings Spencer Maple and Nella James to drop their own dirty funk at Opal -- another weekend of grooves that just won't quit. (9 p.m., 21+, no cover)
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