Festival Party: April 7, 2006 Powerzone - Amsterdam

US #1 DJ MANNY LEHMAN

PUTS THE “POWER” IN THE POWERZONE!

By Tony Giampetruzzi

Date: Friday April 7, 2006 from 23.00 until 05.00
Party: CinemAsia Party feat. Manny Lehman
Location: The Power Zone, Amsterdam
Tickets: 13.50 presale, 17.00 door, 7 euro reduction with CinemAsia festival ticket

World famous gay circuit party dj Manny Lehman will play at the closing party of the CinemAsia Film Festival celebrating the 2nd edition of their Queer & Asian gay film program and the premiere of the Asian American film Ethan Mao. Resident dj Max Morèl will be warming up.

When Manny Lehman, one of the most recognized DJs in the world, tells you that he’s a little overwhelmed because his schedule for 2006 is already full, you know that he does it with a sense of satisfaction … and maybe even with a wink of his eye.

“It’s just crazy, I don’t have a home life anymore,” says Lehman. “I guess I’m blessed.”

That’s why Amsterdam is buzzing over his upcoming gig at The Power Zone. Some say it’s destined to be the best party of the year.

“I think it’s just going to be a very special event,” continues Lehman. “Everyone at The Power Zone is working to make this party huge!”

When you’re Manny Lehman, getting ready for a party is like getting out of bed. For him to pour the accolades on Power Zone is a sure sign that a hit is in the making.

Lehman’s spinning style is described as a high-octane blend of aggressive big-room vocals infused with hard tribal beats and slamming drums. His unique, assertive technique has landed him in the DJ booths of virtually every important dance club in the world. He currently holds four residencies in the USA: New York City’s Roxy, Miami’s Crobar , D.C.’s Nation, and Los Angeles’ Here.

All that airplay has made Lehman one of a growing number of DJs in a pantheon of new superstars and, by all accounts, an icon in the circuit set.

“Well, I don’t know about that,” Lehman shrugs when asked about his celebrity status; but he does add that his success is due, in large part, to a number of factors.

“A lot of miles! I’m constantly on the road, but I also think it’s my level of consistency. I really try to make sure that the people who are paying the hard-earned dollar to come to the party have a good time. It’s a lot of money and it’s people’s time and I’m there to do a job.”

To be sure, Lehman has come a long way in the past few years. He began his career selling 12-inch vinyl records at a New York City record store. “It was one of the most important experiences in my musical education,” he says. “Eight years behind that counter instilled in me a street sensibility for hot dance beats that I carry to this day.”

The shop also gave Lehman access to industry heavyweights who frequented the shop including Junior Vasquez, Frankie Knuckles, David Morales and Hex Hector. “It helps to learn from the best.”

Now, Lehman is one of the best and, although somewhat humble, he knows what it takes to throw a killer party or to produce a CD that everyone wants at their party.

In fact, his last release for Silver Label, “Freedom,” was an enormous hit in the states. He’s currently working on a new release for the label he says will be a departure from the compilations that he’s known for. That said, keep your eyes peeled.

For now, Manny Lehman’s focused on The Power Zone.

“I’ve actually been in the studio a lot, tweaking some of the stuff that I have, tribaling up a few tracks … some things old, some things new, some things borrowed, some things blue,” he jokes. “I’m definitely going to pour on the energy and we’re going to burn The Power Zone up.”

He’s also looking ahead to summer 2006. “This year, I really want to make music that matters, to help the dance music community gain more of an identity for itself. I think the circuit suffered for a little bit, but now it’s alive and kicking and we have a whole new group of young people who are discovering how wonderful it is.”

For additional information, visit www.whiteparty.nl.
For information on Manny Lehman, visit his website at www.djmannylehman.com.