Yellow

Hard to believe it' already been nine years since Yellow opened in Nishi-Azabu, but time flies in clubland, and the crucial dance club is already approaching its first decade. Yellow, which was closed for last year's anniversary due to a police campaign against nightclubs, is celebrating this year's anniversary in fine fashion by inviting New York DJ and Body & Soul mastermind Francois K. to headline the Yellow 9th Anniversary Party festivities.

One of the few names in dance music to actually deserve being termed a "Living Legend," Francois K. played the Loft, Paradise Garage and Studio 54 in their heydays. On the scene since the early days of disco, the French DJ took over 20 years to find his form and is now one of the forces behind Body & Soul, currently one of the world's hottest house parties.

Starting off as a drummer, Francois K. became a DJ after moving to New York, where he also became involved in remixing and production work for the celebrated disco label Prelude. Quitting DJing in the '80s, he focused exclusively on studio work remixing for the likes of the Rolling Stones, Kraftwerk, Midnight Oil and The Smiths.

Returning to DJing, Francois K. also began to release dance mixes through his own label, Wave records. His Essential Mix CD is one of the finest collections of soulful dance tracks around, and Tokyo dance promoters have taken note, inviting the DJ to make the trip to Tokyo with ever-growing frequency of late.

With their Sunday afternoon Body & Soul parties, Francois K. and fellow DJs Joe Clausell and Danny Krivit say in their online "statement of intent" that their wish is to create "A place where we can find inspiration, solace and a renewed expression of the unique and joyous nature of The Party. An opportunity to let one's guard down and truly share and celebrate the most vibrant energy that Music and dancing give us. Aa breeding ground for new ideas and concepts as well as a proud link to our musical heritage."

With Francois K. catching a Sunday flight back to New York to make it in time for Body & Soul, Yellow says his set will begin and end early, with no other DJs scheduled. If he imparts even a small bit of that Body & Soul vibe, Yellow's 9th anniversary should be an evening to remember.

Meanwhile, a flashy new dance culture website, clubberia (http://clubberia.com), will be celebrating its launch with a party, COM•MUNE, at Roppongi Core on Saturday, December 16. Run by the folks at Brand New Made productions, the site features news, downloads and up-to-date info on upcoming parties. For details on the launch party-slated to feature resident Maniac Love DJs-see their website.

Yellow 9th Anniversary Party: Yellow, 12/16, 9pm, JY3500 w/1d. Tel: 03-3479-0690.