Dance News.

You know, I've been doing this for three years now, and have been an active member of Adelaide's dance music scene for close to 15. I've seen a lot of people and fads come and go, I've made a lot of good friends and probably a few enemies, but I have to say that right now is one of the best times for dance music in Adelaide, no question about it. So we've lost a few good venues, but in spite of that, the number of excellent and different DJs that have come through out fair little city has just been phenomenal. I'd just like to send a massive thanks out to all the DJs, promoters, club owners and punters who have put in the time and effort and support for making Adelaide one hell of a party town.

Due to computer problems last week, I couldn't mention the plight of DJ Hayley Dillion, aka Hail N Beats. This up and coming DJ from Pt Pirie, who is also a single mother, was hit on a road outside Pt Pirie a few weeks ago and sustained horrid injuries and ended up in a coma. Thankfully she's recovered from the coma and is on the road to recovery. Her family and friends are organising a party in her honour at the Oceans Nightclub in Pt Lincoln to help raise money to help pay her bills and keep her spirits high throughout her recovery. The event on Sun 21 May will also help raise awareness of the dangers of regional roads to young people. Australia's #1 female DJ Bexta has kindly agreed to play for the cause, along with DJs Josh, Brendan and ATB. For more information, visit the website set up for her at www.djjosh.com/maydayforhayley.

Adelaide is host to another hip-hop legend as Roc Raida returns to show us just how hip-hop is done. This special occasion will see the old Le Rox on Light Square (aka Night Train) opened up to parties once again, so head down early on Fri 19 May because there are NO pre-sales and capacity is limited. He'll be joined on the wheels of steel by Adelaide's prodigal son Kim Dezen plus General Knowledge, Sum 1, Madcap, Nixon, Shep and Del.

And lastly, I'd just like to thank Andrew P Street, dB Magazine's Music and Games editor, for all his help and support over the last three years. Andrew has supported me and my vision for this column and the dance music section as well as pushed my writing, and even influenced my music tastes a tad. If it wasn't for Andrew's dedication and support, this job would have been a lot harder and I may have given it up. I've seen how other editors have been treated by other organisations, and am glad to have landed this gig with someone as supportive in charge. Andrew is off to Sydney with his lovely wife Lara and his humour and help will be sorely missed. Good luck Andrew, and farewell!

Julian Cram

Dance news: you're required to send it to funkyj@funkyj.com post-haste.