Sat, 10pm, Grappa's Cellar
Seventies parties might seem old hat, but one that's managed to outshine even the brightest disco ball is Funky Times. Saturday's party is likely to be the biggest ever, as Funky Times celebrates its 10-year anniversary - and, sadly, its last night.
Funky Times made a splash on the local club scene right from the start when British expat DJs Paul Kelly and Tim Earl started the party in 1995. Rather than spinning cheesy Bee Gees tracks and the like, Funky Times always focused on the funkier side of the 70s and 80s, before turning to house in the wee hours.
'It's not about 70s music like Abba and Slade - it's disco, funk and rare groove,' says Kelly, who'll start with a three-hour set from his collection of rare vintage disco before the night moves to classic house anthems.
Perhaps it was the sexiness of the music or the transformation of staid venues in commercial buildings into decadent party palaces, but Funky Times has brought out the best in the crowds, who've been only too happy to get kitted up in huge afros and flamboyant flared outfits (above).
Over the years, Funky Times has played in a variety of venues. One of the most popular - and, perhaps, unlikely - was La Placita, a former Mexican restaurant at Times Square. Its cavernous layout made for a good combination of dance floor and chill-out nooks and crannies.
