The lights are cast low and the energy level is high as drum and bass emanate from the speakers. Shiny black vinyl is spinning from the DJ booth, and bodies are bumping and grinding to the "omph, omph, omph" of the music. This is the typical scene at one of the many house music and techno dance clubs around downtown Austin, a scene which left English sophomore and local DJ Evan Wilson dissatisfied.
"I got tired of the downtown dance music scene, because it's really hard for minors to get into clubs," Wilson said. "I thought I would do some parties where I have more control over the music and help some people out financially while I'm at it."
Thus he created ReapTM, a series of benefit warehouse parties designed to help the needy in Austin.
"So basically, at each one, there's going to be techno, electro and house and local art for sale, and all the proceeds go toward benefiting different needy communities in Austin," Wilson said.
This time around, the proceeds will be given to Austin Food Not Bombs, an organization that cooks meals for the homeless twice a week. The money raised will go toward buying a new oven.
ReapTM will feature dance music by local Austin DJs Richard Gear and J.A.M.O.N., along with Wilson himself.
"I spin techno, basically, but also some future jazz. I like to keep it dark and dynamic," Wilson said. "Richard Gear spins electro, most of what he and I spin is from Europe. J.A.M.O.N. spins really dirty house. Some of the labels that we'll be spinning are Kompakt, Get Physical, BPitch Control, Kitsune, Uniform and Flat & Round."
A unique feature of ReapTM will be the selling of local art. Anyone who attends is welcome to bring their art to sell.
"I think one of the coolest things about ReapTM is the local art market," Wilson said. "I'm hoping a lot of people are going to bring not only their art but extra cash to buy some art, because there's not only going to be people from Austin but from Houston as well."
Wilson hopes to throw another ReapTM benefit party soon.
"There's always going to be new techno records, new people to give money to and new local art to sell, so I'd like it to keep happening as long as I'm in Austin," Wilson said. "I hope people see that you can use your talents, basically stuff you've invested in for years, to raise money for people who are in need."
ReapTM happens at the Rhizome Collective at 8 p.m. Saturday. The cost is $5.
Be the first to comment on this article!