WXYC Kicks Off New Event Series With Dance Party

Internationalist Books and WXYC are joining forces to co-sponsor a series of parties and concerts for students and the Chapel Hill community.

Sanitize, a drum and bass and hip-hop dance party, will kick off the series Saturday at Local 506.

"It's sort of my baby," said Isaac Trogdon, WXYC station manager and a senior cultural studies and German major. "(The name) is a joke on the fact that it's a sweaty, ass-shaking experience."

Sarah Carrier, a senior international studies major from Raleigh and a WXYC staffer, said this party, and possibly similar ones in the future, will offer a musical alternative to the local dance scene.

"There'll definitely be some mainstream music, but we'll also play some stuff you haven't heard before, stuff that we like to dance to," she said.

But the music won't be the only thing that sets Sanitize apart from a night at Treehouse or Gotham.

"What Chapel Hill needs is a more open dance party," Trogdon said.

"(The goal is) a fun, open dance environment not relying on sexism or preconceived notions about hip-hop or dancing."

Trogdon, in fact, does not have any preconceived notions about where the series will go musically.

"The thing is to keep the theme open," he said, adding that any WXYC staff member can plan an event. Carrier said she is working on bringing together several local bands for another installment in the series.

Already planned are a January multimedia night featuring experimental work by UNC film students, and an Indian film and music night in February.

Trogdon emphasized that the overriding motivation of the series was to "bring you to us."

"(The series) is not a money-making venture," he said. "It will promote more contact with the student body and the community at large."

Of course, having a good time will always be a priority. Of Sanitize, Trogdon said, "The main point is to make sure everybody is shaking their rump."

Sanitize begins at 9 p.m. Saturday at Local 506, 506 W. Franklin St. Ages 18 and up will be admitted. Admission is $2.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.