Disco / 70's Party

**David_NC** · March 2nd, 2009, 02:10 PM

Every February, around Valentine's Day, a group of my friends have a big 'group' birthday party. Not much else goes on in Jan and Feb, so we celebrate the birthdays from both months. In the past, we've not had a theme other than just 'a party'. Back in November, when we started planning this party, I thought that it'd be fun to have a disco party. I didn't really want to push this idea, so I just sort of 'commented' my idea to each of the birthday folks individually in hopes they'd all go for it.

The next thing I know, we've decided we're having a disco party! I was put in charge of decorating (NOT a good idea - I'm no decorator) and jointly in charge of music. The music wasn't so difficult; a friend has been collecting disco, mostly CD's and MP3's, for years. I made my recommendations on what to play and we soon had a playlist ready. I found a local guy that was getting out of the DJ / band business and was selling all his light equipment for a good price. A couple hundred dollars later, I've got a big barrel full of lights, controllers, cables, etc... just what we needed. I downloaded pictures of album covers and had another friend print them on his large format color laser printer. We hung these around the 'DJ booth' and had several ask where found all the albums!

We didn't have enough time to test out the sound system or lights before the party started. The only problems were one bad audio cable and a light that wasn't quite aimed at the mirrored ball correctly. Those problems were corrected and the party started. We had about 3 hours of music lined up and could have played hours more. To put it bluntly, the party was a major success. We received many compliments on the music, lights, and overall atmosphere of the party. Oh, I forgot to mention, 'period attire' was strongly suggested! Although those compliments were great, the ones I liked the best were the ones I overheard that weren't meant for us to hear. A couple guys commented that it was the best party they could remember. One was almost in tears as he talked about the fun times he'd had back in his 20's at discos in the late '70's before 'everything changed'. A couple more said that it was the most authentic disco that they'd been to since the discos closed or changed to other types of clubs.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share the fun that we had... mostly the two of us doing the music and lights. I'm not sure if being an attendee at the party would have been any better than being the 'DJ' / hosts. We were asked when we'd be doing another like it. I figure that maybe once a year or every 18 months or so would be good; I'd hate to wear out the idea. On the other hand, I'm sure that more guys will attend the next one... especially after hearing how much fun this one was. Whenever it happens, I'm sure it'll be bigger and better. I guess what amazed me the most was how much many people still really enjoy disco. There are certainly newer dance tracks that are popular and fun, but we certainly didn't notice their absence on this night.

**C6 Vette** · March 2nd, 2009, 02:26 PM

Thats great!! Am I invited?.................If so, I'll see ya there next year...:icon_lol:

**David_NC** · March 3rd, 2009, 04:16 PM

Originally Written by C6 Vette

Thats great!! Am I invited?.................If so, I'll see ya there next year...:icon_lol:

Sure thing! I'll send you an invite!

**KBallenger53** · March 3rd, 2009, 06:44 PM

Send me an invititation too!!! I'll even bring some of my crates and help you mix!!!

Just make sure you've got some turntables available. I'm an Old School DJ!!!

'NUFF SAID

**VINYLLIFE** · March 4th, 2009, 03:54 PM

Good for you David
More power to you for making the party happen!! I would encourage you to do them more often. We would like to see some photos if you would care to share some. We do em all the time!!!!! Here is a little something from this past Saturday.
Keep the Disco alive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
DSC03493 MOV03493 videos from good times videos on webshots

**Noman** · March 5th, 2009, 04:12 PM

Thanks for telling you story. What was the average age of the "birthday group"?

**David_NC** · March 6th, 2009, 08:35 AM

Oh, you're all in invited; the more the merrier. Besides, a crowded dance floor is a good dance floor! Those who bring disco vinyl will get in first and have free drinks. ;) I'll have to check for pictures... I know I only took one (actually had somebody take one of me), as I was too busy doing lights and music. We probably will have them more often, but they won't all be exclusively disco. I plan on having at least one a year that is, though. It's hard to tell the average age... I'd say the age range was late 20's / early 30's to late 60's / early 70's with the average being somewhere around 48-52. I'm 43, so I was on the younger side of average!