Clubs

It's the end of an era this weekend as Club 97 closes its doors after 18 years. Stars such as Madonna, Jackie Chan, Richard Gere and Naomi Campbell are among the dozens of celebrities who have wiggled their hips on the club's dancefloor. Musically, Club 97's DJs - including Lee Burridge, Joel Lai (below), Andrew Bull, Teng Boon and Gilbert Yeung - have been at the vanguard of trends in the local music scene right back to before the explosion of house in the late 1980s through to the trance obsession of the late 1990s.

Drinks were notoriously expensive and the club's legendary 'door bitches' would have clubbers queueing up the road, but the hassles only increased its cachet. Times change, however, and the opening of swish new venues in Central have changed the clubbing landscape. Club 97 is small and no longer the place to hang out. 'We want to reintroduce the art of conversation,' says 97 group's general manager Jamie Higgins. The venue will be renovated and is scheduled to reopen in October, with an emphasis on a lounge theme.

Typically, Club 97 is going out with a bang. What better way to mark the passing of an era than the club's longest-ever party - 30-hours of non-stop music spun by 12 prominent local DJs headed by Club 97's resident Janva. Doors open at 9pm tomorrow (September 1) and the beats go on until 3am on Monday. Entry is $97 at the door, but reservations can be made on 2186 1813.

Party promoters Melt and Bubble Gun are teaming up for a huge event at Kowloon Bay's Hitec. The Future Sound Festival on September 15 features three arenas showcasing top local and international talent in electronic music, both behind the decks and live on stage. Italy's Mauro Picotto and progressive DJ John 00 Fleming will be supported by David Lam and Yeodie in the Blue Arena, while Bubble Gun takes over the Pink Arena with Slow Tech Riddim and Videodrome performing live, and local luminary DJ Tommy headlining. The third arena is a playground for the glo-stick brigade. Tickets are $480, available in advance only from HMV stores, although the first 1,000 are priced $380. Tel: 2341 7755.