It might be stormy but spirits are high in Phuket this weekend, with a tip top agenda of international talent heading our way – the likes of DJ Sona, Rodriguez Junior and Claudine all guaranteeing to keep the dancefloor energy pumping, with their eclectic sets from Thursday through Saturday.
If dancing isn’t on the cards, head for dining with a difference at sultry Coolies Club in the Old City on Saturday, where the 20th century Chinoiserie joint oozes sass at their drag cabaret. To wind things down, A Blanket and a Pillow is the Sunday sunset spot with live music to ease you into the week ahead. What’s not to love?
We all know Thursdays are the real Friday, and this almost-end-of-the-week promises to be special as Cafe del Mar’s club room hosts South Africa’s very own DJ Sona for his first-ever Phuket debut. Son of acclaimed producer Black Coffee, Sona spins afro-infused deep house through the night. Doors open late (as usual) so we recommend pregaming elsewhere and turning up ready to move and with open arms as we welcome him to town.
Nov 13. B300. Cafe del Mar. 10pm-late.
The spotlights of BOA are back on Claudine this Saturday, who’s making her triumphant return to Phuket after her stonker of a set in September. If you missed the last one, fear not – this one’s up there with the best sets of the season. Targeting tech house and minimal techno lovers, she’s bound to keep those dynamic grooves flowing and the dancefloor swaying from the first track ’til the lights go up.
Nov 15. Free. BOA Nightclub Patong. 9pm-midnight
Designed by the endlessly talented Bill Bensley, the Coolies Club bar-meets-restaurant-meets-cabaret is a feast for the eyes any day of the week – what we like to call a love letter to the Phuket of old. Join the glitter and sequins this Saturday for Chinoiserie soiree – in other words, an intimate theatrical drag show in a moody, opium-den-inspired Chinese Baroque shophouse, accompanied by signature cocktails. It’s free to get in too, so what’s not to love?
Nov 15. Free. Coolies Club. Performances: 8.30pm-midnight
If you’ve got enough steam for round two at Cafe del Mar this weekend, brace yourself for an extremely uplifting set of melodic house and techno from Rodriguez Junior (real name Olivier Mateu) who’s hitting Phuket on Saturday. Flying in all the way from France, he will no doubt also drop some bangers from his own label Feathers & Bones. It’s probably the only place you’ll catch him in Asia for some time, so why not make the most of the opportunity?
Nov 15. B400. Cafe del Mar. 10pm-late
You might already know about this little slice of paradise. The cafe of A Blanket and a Pillow hosts everything wholesome from yoga to ambient parties, but we’re here to talk about their epic live music Sundays. Sure, it's slower-paced than the other events on our list, but that’s the point. The cushion-laden spot, built over rocks that look out to sea, is the perfect place to see the weekend out and this Sunday (like most Sundays) they host local live musicians to soothe you into the week ahead. Lovely.
Nov 16. Free. A Blanket and a Pillow. 10.30am-7.30pm
Discover Time Out original video
Â
