We're right in that lull between three-day weekends, and we almost can't comprehend waiting until Washington's birthday to have another Monday off. Thankfully, the weekends in this city always provide plenty of distraction, and this one is no different: On our Dance Card this time around, you'll find whompy, dirty dubstep, soaring electro-house and deep, funky rhythms to soothe your soul, from Carlo Lio, Ott & the All-Seeing I and Robbie Rivera, among others. Keep reading for the full rundown.
See also: - The ten best EDM songs of 2012 - The ten worst EDM songs of 2012 - The ten best EDM shows of 2012
CARLO LIO @ NORAD | SAT, 2/9/13 Although Carlo Lio has released a number of EPs and singles on various labels, it wasn't until last May that his first commercial mix (the highly anticipated SCI+TEC back-catalog blowout Past, Present, Future -- Vol. 2) saw the light of day. That might tell you something about the priorities of this tech-house DJ/producer, who's been mixing up the scene in Toronto for several years now. He's been so busy producing quality tracks and playing an abundance of high-profile shows that until now he hasn't really had the chance to slow down long enough from his prodigious output and touring schedule to select and mix an album. Lio, however, was the perfect choice for the SCI+TEC label project, as his particular blend of tech-house is a prime example of what happens when you perfectly meld the mechanical feeling of techno with the soulful vibe of house: pure dance-floor magic that's bound to keep you on your feet well past your bedtime when he headlines NORAD this Saturday with Danny Marin; Nutelli (Nutmeg and Tony Rodelli) will play the lounge. (9 p.m., 21+, $8 and up)
Friday, February 8
Beta hosts Robbie Rivera doing that sweet, sexy dance-music thing on Saturday night on the main floor alongside Dragon and Tommy Michael. (9 p.m., 21+, $10)
Plastician and Ishe will take over the main floors of Beta tonight for what you know is going to be a basstastic voyage; in the Beatport Lounge, P.U.N.C.H.I.S. presents Shea Delany, DJ LoBoT and Jens Irish with underground techno flavor. (9 p.m., 18+, $5-$15)
Cervantes' has a special treat in store for everyone tonight: Ott & the All-Seeing I will be showing Denver how livetronica is done right. Kilowatts, YuYu and Soulacybin will support. (8 p.m., 16+, $25)
Saturday, February 9
Cervantes' Other Side presents a special Sub.mission event; Youngsta and Demon will drop bass with Subliminal and Caustik, so if you're looking for a dubstep fix on Saturday night, this is where you'll find it. (8 p.m., 16+, $10-$15)
Jump into the funk on Saturday night at Opal when Dylan Nerim, Brick Lee, Michael R. Barnhart and Heather Suzanne drop the dirty beats (with an afterhours party following at 1919 Gallery for $5). (9 p.m., 21+, no cover)
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