Ministry's Newsletter (January 2003)

The first month of the year is finally over, the wages have been paid and the depressing prospect of being skint is well and truly over. Again it's time for partying outrageously and letting your hair, mates, family etc well and truly down! Look no further than Ministry of Sound as it guarantees a month full of fantastic party nights that'll make you glad you took it easy for the month of January.

January kicked off marvelously as Ministry of Sound returned to inside the Dome for the second year running. What a night too, amongst all the speculation of the previous year this event was nothing short of spectacular. With DJ's including Groove Armada, Dave Pearce, Mauro Piccotto, DJ Hype, Ratpack, Matt White, Karl Brown, Spoony (to mention just a miniscule of the fantastic DJ's, artists and MC's that were in force) the Dome was filled with the most amazing atmosphere created by the up for it, and quite frankly MAD clubbers! The pyrotechnics at midnight were awesome and left all in attendance flabbergasted. The rain did arrive at closing but probably to the joy of many as it was a chance to cool off after the hard partying that was apparent all night long.

SMOOVE

It may have been a tough time of the year for some without any funds for partying, but that didn't keep the Smoove punters away. The regular crowd was still in force and the bubbly was still flowing in abundance. And it's no surprise as Smoove insists upon offering unprecedented line ups and one of the finest music policies on the urban scene.

February promises to be better than ever with the introduction of a new format to the UK Garage Box and Baby Box; this will see a UK Garage theme week on week and the intro of Lloyd The Boogie Boy and Rudeben on rotation who'll be taking the Baby Box back in time with the finest Soul & Funk Classic Cuts every single week of February.

On the 7th February the BOX kicks off with 'HEROES OF THEIR ERA' which introduces groundbreaking DJ's playing tunes from the era that qualified them their place as part of UK Garage history. It begins with resident Masterstepz (2001), Ramsey & Fen (1997) and Sticky, one of the biggest influencers of the scene in 2002. They will be joined by resident Matt White, Firin Squad and DJ Flame.

On the 14th February it is the 'CUPID'S BALL' a night for seduction and misbehaving with a promise that any gal in red or any guy in black will receive half price entry.

On the night there'll be the most gorgeous line up of DJ's including the delectable Femme Fatale with Masterstepz, United Groove Collective AND THE ARTFUL DODGER URBAN SHOWCASE with Richie Dan, Sevi G & Sherman who'll be showcasing a number of their tracks including the chart success 'Ruff like Me'

The ladies favorite Matt White will host the Bar alongside Firin Squad, Nicky Smood, DJ Skinz and MC Klarkie.

On the 21st February, vinyl bad boys Matt Lamont, Karl Brown and producer On My Todd will be hosting the 'FOUR TO THE FLOOR' mixing the old and the new alongside MC's Ranking, Kie & Creed. In the Bar Matt White will be playing a selection of the ruffest R&B cuts along with DJ Swerve, Big Ted, Brian Norman and MC Klarkie.

On the 28th February, the final Friday of the month introduces a night dedicated to the 'SOUNDZ OF THE STREETZ' when DJ's will be providing beatz with a strong UK streetz flava. Playing on the night will be UK Garage Superman EZ, alongside resident Masterstepz, Slimzee, Femme Fatale and a crew of MC's to include Wiley, CKP and Ranking.

Raise a glass and a cheer this month as Defected celebrates its 4th Birthday with none other than SANDY RIVERA of KINGS OF TOMORROW fame who'll be providing a fantastic set of the very finest house melodies to include his recently acclaimed single 'Changes' and top 10 track 'Finally'

Other DJ's on the night will include a whole host of Defected favorites; Liquid People in the Box with Mr Rivera, Paul Farris, Spencer Parker & Jason Herd in the Rulin Bar and Tags