On Saturday 3 October, Funky Drummer and Dub Shack (along with a meticulously curated line-up of guests) will be taking over Yellow Arch Studios to celebrate milestones for both of the collectives.
Funky Drummer specialises in international funk and club beats, where Dub Shack hosts similarly wide-reaching dub and reggae sessions.
For Funky Drummer, the event marks their three year anniversary; Dub Shack looks towards their 10th year in the business, and their first time back at Yellow Arch in seven years.
Spencer Edwins, of Dub Shack, explained the hiatus: “The only reason we’ve not been back sooner is that we’ve been busy holding huge sessions at other amazing venues across the city.
“We were always going to come back to Yellow Arch, and it feels right to be doing this now.”
Indeed, Yellow Arch is where it all began for Dub Shack, as Spencer managed the venue in music programming and promotions from early 2015 until lockdown.
He thinks fondly of the time and the friends that he made through working there: “We put on some wicked events. It was like living in a mad gaff and throwing the best house parties on a weekly basis.”
Now, Funky Drummer also shares in a fruitful relationship with the venue – Peter Ussher said: “Yellow Arch is special to me because it’s homely and has character and warmth.
“The place breathes history and is the product of proper independent graft and constant development.”
As both collectives approach big birthdays, we asked them to share some of their most cherished memories from their time performing.
Pete absolutely loves his headliners – but it’s the end of the night that holds his heart: “I’ve closed Funky Drummer nights over 15 times, and they’re always packed out at the end with people smiling and loving life.
“It doesn’t feel like a ‘graveyard shift’ because people are still vibing so well.”
Spencer mentioned highlights such as hosting Channel One at Yellow Arch, their first dub session back in Sheffield after lockdown, and even bringing the Twinkle Brothers all the way from Jamaica to play at Crookes Social Club.
He finished by saying: “Ultimately, it’s the community surrounding it that I feel most blessed by.”
Though this will be the first collaboration between the two collectives, Pete and Spencer are confident that their shared commitment to quality acts and community involvement will result in an ‘exceptional’ night.
Spencer said: “I have a feeling this could be the start of something brilliant…”
The evening will see performers such as East London roots/reggae band League of Rebelz headlining, Boomtown Festival ceremony music producer Joe Sonar playing UK bass B2B Rose Holland, and the female-led roots/dub/dancehall sound, Sufi Rebel.
Pete said: “League of Rebelz are so funky and energetic – perfect for a club night. These guys will probably be huge in years to come.”
Spencer agreed, stating that the band had also been on his radar for years, and that they are ‘100% the right choice’.
The night will run from 10pm until 4am at Yellow Arch, and is also the official afterparty for next door Peddler Market’s 13th birthday celebrations, featuring returning favourites TC and the Groove Family.
With many years down and so much more ahead for the two promoters, Spencer shared some positivity: “There is hope for unity, and the key is good vibrations.”
Tickets available on Resident Advisor
