Party Tip: Antitapas Night

(© Avus Oznerol)

The success of the Antitapas evenings has grown over the years like a freshly planted seed. What started as private parties at home ended with three stages, various live acts, and dozens of DJs in the Caves de Cureghem. Before that, they were hosted at the Maison des Cultures in Sint-Gillis/Saint-Gilles, The Egg in Anderlecht, and the Brussels Event Brewery in Molenbeek. There is a wide variety of musical genres, from brass bands to Afro-jazz and funk to hip hop. As a result, the evenings successfully bring together different cultures under one festive roof like no other. And yet, it is not only the music that makes these parties such a success. The welcoming reception is still as warm as it was at the apartment where they started. You can try delicious snacks, taste wine, speed date, or get yourself dressed up like a veritable dance floor gigolo. The organisers surprise their guests with something new every single time. No surprise then that the concept deservedly won the Best Evening Experience prize, awarded by VisitBrussels. For the last edition before the summer break, we can go crazy one last time to music by La Fanfare du Belgistan, among others. The Belgian Balkan band has been a fixture since the very first party in 2009, and has since acquired a peerless reputation.

We are especially looking forward to the Gangbé Brass Band from Benin and Yôkaï, who are from Brussels. Seasoned night owls will certainly know DJs like Darkmatter, soFa, The Wild, and DawOOnder. End the season in style.

ANTITAPAS NIGHT 8/6, 22.30, €4/8, Kelders van Kuregem/Caves de Cureghem, rue Jules Ruhlstraat, Anderlecht, www.antitapas.org

For an update on Koen Van Dijck’s party tips, listen to Deeb Club on FM Brussel (Friday, 11 pm) or go to deebclub.tumblr.com.