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There was a time when the Drake Hotel’s Pride celebrations didn’t feel nearly as queer as advertised, and seemed, suspiciously, like an excuse to get the late-night extended liquor licence. That’s changed a little bit each year though, as the gay nightlife scene moved away from Church and spread throughout the city, and as the Drake figured out how to adapt itself to Pride. Thursday night was a good example: the club brought in the team behind notorious Los Angeles-based “pansexual party palace” A Club Called Rhonda to take over for a night.
Known for booking great DJ talent, the globetrotting bash is just as much about the diverse, glamorous crowds they draw. Detroit techno pioneer Kevin Saunderson seemed inspired by the vibe to play more overtly soulful and sensual house than you’d usually expect from him, as did locals like Nautiluss, who was helped out on the mic by former Azari & III vocalists Starving Yet Full and Fritz Helder.
