On any given Friday night, downtown Columbia is packed with students looking to get down and dirty — at the Dirty Disco, that is. Eastside Tavern’s weekly dance party has become many students’ go-to Friday night event. And it is easy to see why. Co-founders and resident DJs Adam Boisclair (BWAHA) and Leroy Lee (L3R0Y) know how to work hard and play dirty to give partygoers an experience like no other.
“It’s certainly an alternative to your generic dance club experience in town,” Lee says. “I think it appeals to people who simply just want to dance and have fun and be themselves, without having to listen to Top 40 music and be surrounded by your typical, often aggressively drunk college crowd.”
But the two DJs had no idea Dirty Disco would be celebrating its two-year anniversary with such success and anticipation.
“We’re amazed that it has lasted this long and has increased in popularity,” Boisclair says. “All we wanted was a dance party for our friends to go to. We had no idea it would blow up as big as it did.”
The duo has been throwing dance parties at Eastside for a couple years prior to Dirty Disco’s start in January 2010. They have been working together closely ever since.
“We’ve been through a lot together as partners and best friends,” Lee says. “When we started Dirty Disco, it was rather directionless and not very structured. Over time, we experimented with different ideas, theme parties and guest DJs. Now it’s a well-oiled machine.”
Boisclair and Lee are grateful for the Columbia residents who enjoy the unique party scene and have become regular attendees over the past two years.
“People seem to come in and immediately get on the dance floor,” Lee says. “I never would have imagined that Columbia would embrace a night like Dirty Disco like it has. It’s a great feeling to be a part of it all. I hope it becomes a staple in Columbia for years to come.”
The duo prides itself on creating a fun, laid-back atmosphere where people can be themselves and dance like no one is watching.
“Most importantly, we attract a young, diverse and pleasant crowd,” Lee says. “It’s a place where people can feel comfortable dressing up and expressing themselves without being harassed or judged.”
Boisclair and Lee have worked hard over the years, adding new club features and taking risks to make Dirty Disco what it is today.
“The photography and various theme nights became a huge part of the night’s success,” Lee says. “The music has also evolved, too, based on our own personal preferences and the contributions of various guest DJs. I think the music really sets us apart. You won’t hear this blend of indie, electronic and disco dance music in the area.”
The two think Friday night’s two-year bash will be one for the history books.
“It’s a celebration,” Boisclair says. “We’ll decorate, and we’ll have a bar in the back with special drinks and acting as a coat check. Eastside is a small venue and it fills quickly. Should be crazy.”
Boisclair and Lee are hopeful Friday’s two-year anniversary celebration is just one of many more to come.
“(We will) just keep getting dirty on Friday nights as long as Columbia will come out and dance,” Boisclair says.