Well, there has been a lot of negative Bali talk in social media lately. The end is neigh one would think. That’s nothing new, of course. I’ve been hearing that about the changing face and the demise of the Bali we know since the early 90’s, when I first moved here, but is it different this time around? Looking at these frequent posts and videos it would seem so. Or maybe it’s a case of new people talking about it for the first time. Obviously, no one wants to see the cliffs of Uluwatu being dug up for no particular reason, or the beaches destroyed by overzealous development, like in the Batubelig area. Nor losing the Bali way in building and spatial design, as Guy Morgan was pointing out last week, but above all, the traffic is the number one issue on this island, and personally, I would have to say, the underground train they are talking about lately is total madness. Who the heck is going to use it? How many stations are there going to be? How far do you have to walk to your destination after getting off? Many questions there, but apparently they broke ground on that project today. We’ll have to wait and see what transpires. Yes, as I often say, there are 7 or 8 billion people on this planet and most of them are on the way. Who doesn’t want to visit Bali one time in their life? Let’s get the roads organised and the train, if there ever is one, above ground.
Last week we had the great pleasure of being at KU DE TA for their big event, Booka Shade live. It wasn’t the first time Booka was at the Ku pleasure cauldron, and I was pretty sure they played at a Bikini Party years ago. I couldn’t find the info anywhere so once again I contacted the KU DE TA former music director, Donni One for some insights on the matter, but he informed me that Booka Shade hadn’t played during his tenure. He left in 2012.
Photos in the gallery this week come from KUDETA, Red Ruby and 707.
This got me thinking that it would be awesome, as well as handy, to have all the old Beat magazines online so at least I could check what was happening back in the day, let alone anyone else. Of course, that is the beauty of the internet, a great source of information. However, I don’t think the dodgy CD technology of the time, where they are kept, will play the game, though. We had every edition online over the years, but they have been lost to the the ether with new sites being built and new hosts coming and going. However, if anyone is interested in helping with that uploading process, please get in touch. I would seriously love to do it.
Yes, so, back to the gig. The Dutch duo, Booka Shade played a great show, pulling out their old hits and new tracks and also pulled a lovely crowd of Seminyak old and new faces. It is fantastic that we still have KU DE TA in the mix, who else could do it? I don’t think there is a venue that has stronger ties with Bali nightlife over the past many decades like Ku and they still do it today. Credit to them. Show support whenever you can, these things must be supported whenever possible. Good job, Guy, Matt, Ashard and all the folks at Ku that make it happen.
There are a few big events this weekend on the island. Let’s point out The Jungle Club Grand opening with Goom Gum, more information inside, and also another big one at Savaya, WhoMadeWho. Both big shows, and both at the same time! Take your pick!
If you haven’t already checked it out yet, we have a new Guestlist and Discount Ticket page on the website. This time around it actually works, and you should try it now and get on the freebie gravy train courtesy of The Beat Magazine!
So, the party goes on…. There is always so much going on around this island. It’s crazy. Tonight, in particular, is nothing less than incredible, with so many classy shows on around town. Check the Events pages above for what’s on this weekend.
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Highlights in the Bali nightlife this week? There are always plenty of parties and shows on around the island…. Bali never ceases to amaze! Check out all the events, both featured and regular, on thebeatbali.com/bali-events.
Happy week to you all.
