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Party in February, sleep in March

Garfinkel’s brings the world’s top DJs to Whistler during the Games

Michael Hofbauer is thinking about having T-shirts made up that say: “We can sleep in March.” That’s because the general manger of Garfinkel’s has packed the club’s lineup so full of huge name DJs and amazing parties there will be little time for shuteye once Games-time hits.

In fact, the celebrations get underway at Garf’s on the eve of the 2010 Winter Olympics (Thursday, Feb. 11) with Canadian DJ duo MSTRKRFT.

Hofbauer said his main piece of advice for locals and visitors is to get as much sleep as possible in the next few days — you’re going to need it. The Garf’s team is taking full advantage of the opportunity that the Games bring to Whistler: a high profile, international event to draw the globe’s top names in dance music, and big enough crowds in the resort to ensure the club will be packed every night.

“It’s the biggest show in the world with the Games,” Hofbauer said. “We wanted to do our part.”

The club is probably getting the most attention for booking top international DJ Armin van Buuren on Feb. 22. The fact that van Buuren, who normally plays in huge clubs and stadiums for thousands of people, is coming to an intimate venue of 340 in Whistler is “unfathomable,” he said.

“It would be the (dance music) equivalent… of the Rolling Stones coming to play at Garf’s,” Hofbauer said.

Van Buuren has been named the No. 1 DJ in the world for three years running in DJ Mag’s Top 100 poll. The Dutch trance producer and DJ boasts 10 million worldwide listeners to his weekly radio show.

Feb. 22 will be van Buuren’s first-ever appearance in Whistler. On Feb. 17, Garf’s will also host the Whistler debut of Paul Oakenfold, one of the world’s leading DJs, remixers and producers.

Hofbauer said he considers Oakenfold to be the godfather of dance music and it’s “super exciting” to have the U.K.-born DJ coming to Whistler. Oakenfold is best known for his original songs such as Starry Eyed Surprise and Ready Steady Go, remixes of work by artists such as U2 and Madonna, and film music for titles such as Die Another Day and The Bourne Identity.

Another huge draw for Garf’s is sure to be Italian DJ Benny Benassi, who is slated to play on Feb. 15. Hofbauer said Benassi played at Garf’s about three years ago and the show sold out in about 10 minutes. People who were there still remember it as one of the best shows ever to hit Garf’s, he said.

“He absolutely rocked the house,” Hofbauer said.

The Grammy-winning producer and DJ’s sound has been described as “electro, sort of house-tec, dirty and cool, sweaty and smooth.”

Other highlights of the Garf’s February 2010 lineup include Hed Kandi and Ministry of Sound parties on Feb. 14 and 24, respectively, Hofbauer said.

Garf’s is doing its best to make sure locals can get in on the big name DJs and 2010 fun instead of pricing tickets for just the visitor crowd, he said. Tickets are being released a little at a time online (at clubzone.com), and presale tickets are available to locals in person at Vanity Boutique. Hofbauer said some tickets will be reserved for door sales, but prices are expected to go up.

Check out www.garfswhistler.com for the latest news on all of February’s shows.

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