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Wed 15 Nov, 2006
FOR YOUR ENTERTAINMENT
AAAAAH ZoukOut!
Singapore's biggest outdoor dance festival thunders in to rock the region again
It's that time of the year in Singapore, when the straight-laced city-state cuts loose for a serious party. The sixth instalment of ZoukOut is back stronger than ever, with the tide of party faithful swollen by first timers, local devotees pouring in with foreign die-hards.
"Events like ZoukOut bolster Singapore's image as a vibrant and exciting city with a pulsating nightlife, boosting our efforts to become the entertainment capital of Asia," says Oliver Chong, director of Cluster Development (events and entertainment), at the Singapore Tourist Board. After a record turnout of 18,000 revellers a year ago, the lineup of bands and events this time round promises something even larger.
"Last year, ZoukOut attracted the largest number of foreign visitors in its five-year history. More than a third of party-goers were foreigners, many of whom had come to Singapore specially for the event. I'm sure this year's event will be no different. Zouk is a world-class, home-grown brand name with strong international appeal and its signature annual ZoukOut event is not to be missed!"
For over 12 hours, from dusk till dawn, four music arenas spanning 5,200 square metres of sandy beach will pump out a mix of house, trance, electro, alternative/indie, hip-hop and, of course, the ever-popular Mambo Jambo; there'll be something to get even the most jaded clubber's feet twitching.
The diversity of acts this year is greater than ever before, with Asian debuts for several much-hyped outfits, and a resurgence of electronica.
Holland's Ferry Corsten, voted one of the top 10 DJs in the world, headlines the Main Arena, with his track "Daylight" from his current album "LEF" selected as the official ZoukOut '06 song. Playing the same arena is dance music legend Steve Lawler from Britain, along with compatriot, techno wizard Ben Sims and rising Dutch star Matthew Dekay.
Hip-hop's cream of the crop Jazzy Jeff returns to headline the Urban Arena, backed up by a line-up that includes Ibiza veteran DJ Pippi, and first timers to the region 2MANYDJS from Belgium.
Nite Versions and deep house aficionado from the US, Kerri Chandler, plus favourite Zouk residents, are also on the blockbuster bill, with more names to be confirmed.
And last year's popular newbie, the Live Stage, returns, featuring Singapore's finest: Electrico, Plain Sunset, Astreal and the Great Spy Experiment; as well as Australian punks Catch Stars Don't Fall and Euro-Asian Bangkok-based Futon to electrify the stage.
But anyone who's been knows that ZoukOut's not just about the best in live dance music. There's the ResFest, which is screening short films to celebrate the 10 years of the festival's history. And between the art installations and the carnival rides, the free gaming and the drumming lessons, you still might find time to squeeze in some foot massage or have your palm read. With food stalls scattered everywhere, refuelling between stops shouldn't be too difficult.
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