CANMORE – Bringing one of Canada’s hottest electronic dance music acts to Canmore is how a local DJ wants to spark up the scene again.
DJ duo PINEO & LOEB headline a night of EDM on Thursday (May 30) at CanGolf’s event venue, which includes sets from Bow Valley DJ’s DeeJayZorrow, Archie Groove, DJ Strength and Bunny Hops.
Doors open at 9 p.m.
“It should be a banger,” said DJ and promoter Najee Beckford.
Beckford a.k.a. Captain Naj is familiar to spinning records at nightclubs around western Canada. However, for this latest venture, the entertainer is stepping out of the neon spotlight to pump a jolt into the local EDM scene, with a little something for everybody.
“I can’t say I’m filling in something that was never there before, I’m just trying to get back to it where there was excitement and hearing these names coming to town – I don’t think we have that excitement anymore,” said Beckford. “It makes sense to bring some names, some interesting names that have been here before, names that are familiar with the town and the area as well, so that’s how I feel about it.”
From Canada’s east coast, festival familiars PINEO & LOEB are known for good vibes and putting on a positive, upbeat and uplifting set that hits the mark for every demographic.
"We really work to take people on a musical journey through ages and styles all rooted in the best of dance," said Mitchell Pineo, one half of the headlining DJ duo. "Our show is light-hearted and fun but packed with emotional excitement. There's something for everyone but it's distinctly our style. You're gonna hear the old and the new in ways you haven't before while still staying true to the heart of the music that makes us all want to dance."
However, any DJs on the bill from top-to-bottom could take over the headlining spot. Beckford said the local aspect is an important part of the show and they’re “legends in their own category.”
One creative local making noise on the scene is Bunny Hops, who said her set will feature a mix of various house sub-genres that will build the dance floor ahead of PINEO & LOEB.
“I always bring it,” said Banff’s Alex Hopkins, a.k.a. Bunny Hops, with a laugh.
Growing the Bow Valley’s electronic music scene has been a personal goal, said Hopkins, so it’s exciting that a larger audience is taking notice.
“Electronic music has been rising in popularity globally and the Bow Valley is no exception,” she said. “I hope we continue to see demand grow for these events.”
Beckford hopes the bigger show is a hit because he wants to spin it back again. He added the larger space at CanGolf make for an ideal venue to host more shows.
“If it’s a one-off then it’s a one-off bill,” he said with a laugh.
“It’s a trial event and we’ll see where we can go from there. I have other links to other artists who are trying to come through to Canmore and Banff, so I’m just holding off until after this one.”
Tickets to the show are $10 in advance on Eventbrite and $15 at the door.
