Our man MaDJam goes backstage in Beirut

While there are many promoters working within medium sized clubs, only a few manage to do the really big events in Lebanon. Over the years some have come to Beirut, tried their luck with a few successes and failures  and disappeared - but what really sets the promoters apart is the scale of
the production for the events.

Concepts range from introducing the “star” DJ by dropping them in from a crane suspended 15 meters above the crowd, to swapping stages and even $100,000 worth of fireworks that go on for 15 minutes. Over the years, the quality of the production has been determined by the crowd’s reaction to an event set-up and is becoming increasingly dependent on creativity.

Mix FM has over the years been experimenting with international dancersthat flyinto Beirut from Spain and have been getting a hugeresponse. Working with localLebanese-based dancers was ruled yearsago as they’re not up to the standard ofthe rest of the event, and tend to get distracted by people they personally know inthe crowd. Yes, Lebanon is that small.

Last month’s Paul Van Dyk gig in which Mix FM turned 14 years old was a prime example of just how much effort goes into the production. Beirut International Exhibition & Leisure Center (BIEL) is the venue of choice for most of the recent events as the location is accessed through an independent road in the heart of downtown Beirut’s coastline. With only four days set-up time, the entire structure of VIP & VVIP tables are assembled in a theater-like

Most clubbers don’t realize the amount of time it takes to put these events together to create a bigger and better atmosphere every time. The stage décor included futuristic buildings, pillars, rocket-ships & pyramids with a   one-eyed discoball. Add to that the performers that were flown in from Los Angeles to put on a “show” of heart-stopping acrobatic moves on chains suspended from the ceiling.

All this comes together for an event in which Paul Van Dyk provided the soundtrack for the celebration. The standard continues to rise, and things are only going to get bigger with this year’s line-up of international DJs coming to Lebanon.

There are still smaller and more intimate events like Paco Osuna at Studio Moukarzel on Saturday March 6 in which only 500 clubbers will be allowed entry, while Danny Howells returns to B018 on April 4th to play right through until sunrise. Events like these keeps the grassroots of the entire scene active for future generations even if the big events keep on getting bigger.