Clubs; AFTER DARK

The Cross hosts Sugarcandy tonight; anyone who went to their '98 Gala will doubtless be there and if you weren't there you can't say you weren't warned. Exotic, erotic and debauched are three words to describe this gig - a cross between Pushca and Sleaze Nation, but twice as good, with a little bit of everything thrown onto the Technics. The 1998 PLASA Show Mixing Competition kicks off at Earl's Court tomorrow promising to launch an unknown spinner into stardom. Well, it might not be to stardom, but the winner will get a expenses-paid trip to Paris to compete at the Mixmove event. The best spinners in the world come from the UK, I kid you not. Get down there to watch the turntables burn. Air begins a new residency at London's Blue Bar this Friday, offering basslines, breaks, beats and bagels ... Never heard of the Blue Bar? It hasn't been in existence for too long but is the latest London venue to change names since the original Blue Note club disappeared. Formerly the Crossbar, The Blue Bar could well offer a closer translation of the original Blue Note feel than the new Complex venue. Its main advantage is that it's much smaller. Well worth checking out. The Magic Bus returns later this month. Their rebirth at London's Stiff Club heralds the return of legendary label Acid Jazz, which, back in 1991, helped start the career of many acts, including Jamiroquai. They're promising more of the same and a limited edition EP to mark the occasion - a must-see gig.

Alister Morgan