We have a zero tolerance of the use and possession of illicit substances. There will be a heavy security presence at Summer Dance, anyone who is apprehended for any misconduct will be denied entry or removed from the event and facepossible criminal charges.
He also presents a syndicated weekly radio show that is broadcast all over the globe, from Shanghai and Sydney to France and Germany and has recently set up his own online digital radio station, Worldwide FM, broadcasting from its London HQ and from studios around the world. Meanwhile Gilles has been appointed Creative Director of file sharing service WeTransfer.
He has a long history of running record labels, including Acid Jazz in the late Eighties, Talkin Loud in the Nineties through to his current venture, Brownswood Recordings. As a curator, Gilles holds the record for compilation releases, having put together over 100 compilations as well as unique projects such as the recent Worldwide FM radio channel for computer game GTA. He has been involved in a number of projects around the world, including the Havana Cultura series of albums and culminating with 2014’s Sonzeira album, where Gilles went to Brazil and worked with some of Brazil’s finest musicians to record the album ‘Brasil Bam Bam Bam’. Other recent projects include a Sun Ra compilation album and the latest in the Havana Cultura series, which is a documentary film (‘La Clave’) and associated album on Cuban rumba.
Local heroes Astral People are returning to soundtrack your sun-soaked afternoons each month with Summer Dance – A series of outdoor parties igniting the grounds of Sydney’s National Art School
After a sold-out series last season, the first instalment arrives on Sunday, November 18th promising effervescent grooves and invigorating vibes curated by hand-picked international heavyweights and local tastemakers, making for a quintessential weekend session to kick off your summer festival season.
READ MOREBracing Australian shores for the blissful party is no other than international club DJ, record label boss and legendary radio producer/presenter Gilles Peterson. An industry pioneer in creating some of the world’s most memorable dance parties, Peterson continues to electrify crowds with his Worldwide Festivals across Europe and Worldwide Awards in London. With his collection of jazz and hip-hop drenched compilations and experimental club mixes, including the recent Sun Ra compilation and Havana Club Rumba Sessions, as well as his long-esteemed Worldwide FM platform, the dance floor connoisseur will be taking to the Summer Dance stage with the same energy and experience that fuelled his iconic underground sessions at North London club Dingwalls during the 80s.
Emerging from his reign across UK underground to soundtrack your Summer Dance afternoon is South London’s Henry Wu. His exotic modern fusions of jazz, broken beat and garage have seen acclaim from the likes of IG Culture, Osunlade, DJ Spinna, Benji B, and none other than his Summer Dance mate, Gilles Peterson. Thriving at the forefront of London’s new field of creatives with a slew of sold-out EPs, the artist/DJ now heads up his own label Black Focus Records. Married with luscious mixes from Peterson, this year’s selection of international artists makes for an unforgettable afternoon at Darlinghurst's National Art School.
Capping off the stunning line-up is Sydney’s own Maia Bilyk. Championed throughout the local music community for her impassioned finesse behind the decks, Maia has grown as a big name in the FBi Radio family and throughout the festival circuit. Erupting into the luscious surroundings of the National Art School with her groove-centric funk, soul and house blends, Maia perfectly wraps up the summery afternoon’s impeccable roster.
Having showcased the likes of international dance juggernauts Moodymann, Omar S, Honey Dijon, DJ EZ and Australia's own Touch Sensitive, the Astral People and National Art School collaboration has evolved into an undeniable summer classic and continues to grow with a new calibre of artists in its fifth year. Having sold out all of the past two season's parties, don’t miss the chance to enjoy Sydney’s finest open-air retreat for good music and glorious vibes this summer.
VENUE
Forbes St & Burton Street, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010
The National Art School is a significant Australian visual arts education institution with origins that can be traced back to 1833. Based in the historic walls of the old Darlinghurst Gaol in the heart of Sydney, the site has seen an extraordinary history from a place of abject misery to the home of one of Australia’s most prestigious arts institutes.
The National Art School offers a select number of full time programs; Bachelor of Fine Art, Bachelor of Fine Art (Honours) and Master of Fine Art, and for the community, a comprehensive range of part-time and intensive short courses. It has a rich tradition of artistic practice and well-renowned alumni, nurturing generations of artists who contribute significantly to Australian and international culture.
In addition to its education programs, the N.A.S. Gallery presents various engaging and thought provoking exhibitions, events and publications, attracting thousands of visitors each year to experience the vitality of the visual arts. The National Art School’s historic venues, including the Cell Block Theatre and The Chapel, are also available for hire for commercial events, theatrical productions and private and public functions.
Partners
We have a zero tolerance of the use and possession of illicit substances. There will be a heavy security presence at Summer Dance, anyone who is apprehended for any misconduct will be denied entry or removed from the event and facepossible criminal charges.