The Vinyl Word

The Vinyl Word promotes love not war, but the "rumble in Hsinchu" last month at the Pig & Whistle is still causing waves in the city and on local Web forums.

Principally, it was alleged that three Canadians and three South Africans were attacked by gangsters in an argument over a girl. The Pig & Whistle confirmed there was an incident in the early hours of May 23 incident "when a handful of our patrons were injured." A meeting was set by the pub at Bar 4Q2 on Tuesday to clear up the situation, where it was alleged six or seven foreigners and three Taiwanese ended up at hospital for treatment.

The Vinyl Word called the pub for comment, but was redirected to the manager Tim Clarke in China, who did not answer either of the phone numbers given. One of the alleged victims of the attack was contacted through forumosa.com, but did not get back to us before press time. There is a video of the incident at the police station but no charges have been made.

Moving on, thankfully, from war to peace, the Booty on the Beach party last Saturday at Baishawan (白沙灣) managed to get all the elements right. The weather was great (a bright quarter moon and stars, a golden dawn); the DJs played good sets; the promoters kept it safe and cheap (NT$50 for a beer); and the vibe was harmonious.

"When you put your heart and soul into something and it works out (almost) perfectly, you feel like the sky is the limit," organizer Marcus Aurelius said before jetting off to the US for a break. People even cleaned up the beach afterward. It was the party Kenting should be and once was. No hassle from the police, just happy people.

Tonight and tomorrow the self-described "most natural dance percussionist in the world," will be be accompanying the house DJ's at Ministry of Sound, 310 Lequn 3rd Rd, Neihu, Taipei (台北市內湖區樂群三路310號).

Urbanpeople.net is launching its Web site with a party on Monday night at VS: B1, 208, Sec 2, Fuxing S Rd, Taipei (台北市復興南路2段208號B1). DJ Saucey and Trix will combine with A100 for a mix of deep house with a techy feel, some breaks and a wall of synths.

One of the city's oldest DJ bars is reopening tonight. DV8 at 223 Jinhua Street, Taipei (台北市金華街223號) has had a "total facelift" and the doors will open at 7:30pm with Aboriginal singer Biung providing the music from 10pm.

Finally, DJ Joe Ho has got it goin' on, with his first album this month, a six-date CD release tour of the island and more projects in the mix. Tomorrow night he is at Luxy, 5F, 201 Zhongxiao E Road, Sec 4, Taipei (台北市忠孝東路四段201號五樓). Next week he tackles the 60-second interview.