EVENT PREVIEW: The Hotboat 2015 w/ Donald Glaude on The River Gambler 08-08-15

The Hotboat Cruise isn’t called “hot” for nothing! Since its first cruise in 2004, it’s always has been a sizzler aboard the River Gambler. It was started by Jeramie King and is now in partnership with Firebush Entertainment (Kyle Atkinson). Jeramie says he started the Hotboat because he “wanted to throw a fun party with a great vibe taking the politics out of “DJ-ayen”, while at the same time bringing friends from outside Toronto together for a fun day.”

Who can argue with that?

It takes King 10 months of preparatory time for one day, kind of reminds you of a wedding doesn’t it? I can vouch from experience it takes time and an attention to detail to make one day a fantastic day which many will remember forever. The first Hotboat only had 140 in attendance and now it has well over 500. King says, he “[feels]fantastic that everyone that comes has a great day and walks away feeling [like]they had an amazing day of dancing in the sunshine!”

The first international DJ who graced the Hotboat decks what Sydney Blu; this year will be the confident, exuberant, raw, innovative, “Hardest-working American DJ.” Donald Glaude.

Glaude will be spinning on the top floor while Toronto favourites Ovi M, Chris Ink, J-Prez, Jermz, Ryan McDonald, Justin Chung, Hugo/Wiley and Pinky Pereira will be spread out amongst the two levels. Set times are TBA, contact Miss Raquel here, or text 416.839.8522 for a DJ’s specific set time and level.

The River Gambler is a two level vessel with the top floor open to the sky; it has a retractable awning should in-climate weather threaten. There are bars on each floor for your thirstiness. You can also enjoy a majestic view of Toronto’s skyline as you set sail on Lake Ontario – It’s the perfect musical day!

“As host of the Hotboat and fan of Donald Glaude, I dare you to join me and be surrounded by hot people, hot weather and on one hot boat cruise!” – Miss Raquel

Tickets are selling for $50 and are available from Miss Raquel. Message her on Facebook or text 416.839.8522 to secure your entry!

Donald Glaude is known for his dynamic showmanship and enjoys his music as much as his audience does. Embracing their energy, it is not uncommon to find Glaude pumping his hands in the air, jumping up and down and shouting back his love to the crowd. He ranked 68th on DJMag’s Top 100 DJs List in 2005 while skyrocketing to 48th this year. His genius will continue to keep on growing.

Born in Tacoma, Washington, Donald’s love for music began at an early age. Originally a disciplined student of classical music, he was well-versed in the upright bass and violin. Any aspirations Glaude had to continue in the classical vein vanished once he heard his first house record. With an ear for blending music already under his belt and a love for the energy and soul of musical prodigies like George Clinton and Funkadelic, Glaude began to amass a collection of house records with which he taught himself to mix by using a pair of mismatched turntables and a Radio Shack mixer.

Before Glaude, few DJs had attempted to spin house records. His fine ear helped him give birth to a new style. After mastering his craft, he began DJing in various clubs around Tacoma and Seattle. During that time he made several important connections which would launch his music to the forefront of what was quickly becoming one of the largest underground movements since “New Wave” in the late 70s. Perhaps the greatest connection Glaude made was with another aspiring DJ and friend, DJ Dan.

Together, Glaude & DJ Dan sparked the rave scene in Seattle and developed large followings. Knowing that Glaude possessed an energy and ability to work the crowd that was unparalleled to anyone else on the circuit, Dan convinced San Francisco’s legendary Funky Tekno Tribe to bring down his good friend Donald Glaude to play at one of their parties. Glaude’s talents quickly made him a permanent fixture on F.T.T.’s roster.

Apart from his mastery on the decks, Glaude is best known for his dynamic showmanship. He’s even held residencies at ICE Nightclub in Las Vegas.

Glaude has five full-length albums and numerous remixes under his belt; he has focused much of his time to production work, producing such dance floor hits as Get Up and Soul Cha Cha. As such, he has launched two record labels. Eden Recordings, started with fellow DJ Rick V, and Durty Records, collaboration with good friend Vince Lombardi. Check out his latest track, Spread Love.