This Is What A Dan Deacon Dance Party Looks Like

So last night, this happened:

That’s right. Dan Deacon at the 9:30 Club put on an epic and extremely bonkers set of electro freak dance party music. NPR webcast the show, though I do wonder how much of what went on translates for a listener. Make sure to check out the amazing shots the NPR photographer took… you can even find me in a crowd shot (it’s like a sweaty hipster Where’s Waldo.)

Deacon performed on stage with this 15 person band playing songs of Spiderman of the Rings and Bromst… a full on melee of synths and percussion and hard driving dance grooves. Deacon also coaxed the crowd through a slew of dance contests and audience participation and sing alongs… all of which the crowd happily went berserk over, especially during songs like “Wham City” and “Crystal Cat.”

The show also featured some of the most hilarious (and awesomely terrible) pre-show music I’ve heard in a long time:

“Another Night” by Real McCoy ; “Bulls on Parade” by Rage Against the Machine ; “Kissed By A Rose” by Seal ; “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes ; “Only Time” by Enya; “No Rain” by Blind Melon

It was like reliving early ’90s Bar Mitzvah parties and middle school mixers, but it left no doubt that Deacon himself was programming the music himself, showing a great sense of humor in the process.

All in all, the show was insanely fun and a total blast.

Tom Jones Performed 10ft From Me At Work Today

And it was totally amazing… What a showman!

UPDATE 3/2: For those who care to watch Sir Tom Jones in action, video is now up.

I think Robin’s write up is incredibly accurate: While Jones has accumulated quite a reputation as schlock and cheesey moves over the years — not to mention spoofed by Carlton on the Fresh Prince — there is no denying why this incredibly talented guy rose to the top. Even in this intimate setting I think he really sounded great, was very genuine and was quite the showman.