6-8 weekly Northern Soul events with resident Soul DJs Colin Slater and Tony Cassini,
DJ BIOGRAPHIES
Colin Slater (resident DJ)
Born and raised in Wolverhampton, West Midlands. Became hooked on classic 60's soul and Motown via youth clubs and other local venues. Member of Catacombs soul club since its inception in 1968 which played rare soul music, a little Motown and some "popcorn" tracks. This club was ahead of its time being in existence before the phrase "Northern Soul" was coined in 1973 by Dave Godin !
I acquired some original vinyl back in the day, also travelling to London (Contempo Records) to pick up a few US imports. I moved to Brighton and although in the early 70's there little in the way of soul music on offer there, I found the opportunity to DJ at one or two local spots. I late 80's I was resident DJ at Retreat Club (now sadly gone) in Brighton where I also played 12" dance records, and some soul, Northern Soul and Motown.
In more recent years I have added to my vinyl collection and have DJ'd at a number of local clubs and pubs playing Northern Soul and Motown vinyl. I was also a DJ at an Irish Soul Weekender in Westport (Ireland) in 2020.
Apart from my residency at this venue, I am also resident DJ at a venue in Eastergate, nr Bognor Regis along with my long term colleague Tony Cassini.
Tony Cassini (resident DJ)
My interest in Soul Music started at local Youth Clubs in the late sixties. This has evolved over the years into a more specific passion for Northern Soul and Motown.
I have built up a significant vinyl record collection and started running Sunday afternoon soul sessions in 2009 at The Eagle pub in Arundel, Sussex and moving onto the White Swan hotel and restaurant, also near Arundel.
I am currently resident DJ at the Brighton Railway Club, ("Across the Tracks" - Northern Soul and Motown sessions) along with Colin Slater and run similar sessions at The Village Hall in Eastergate, Sussex on a regular basis.
Alex Daddio D'Arby (guest DJ)
I have been DJing around Brighton since 2016 in a small collective called Chills and Fever, playing regular slots at Hotel Pelirocco, The Mucky Duck and The Crabtree. The latest venture is The Underdog Soul Club which launches over the Mod Weekend.
My passion has predominantly been spinning classic sixties up-tempo Northern Soul with a smattering of R&B and a nod to funky Seventies tunes. Over the years I have been honored to play guest slots For Too Darn Soulful, March of the Mods (Reading), the Pow-Wow club, Folkestone Soul Weekender and at the Rivoli Ballroom Northern Night among others. So, it gives me great pleasure to guest on the decks at Across the Tracks where I hope to keep a full floor between enjoying Tony and Colin’s sets. See you soon and KTF.
JOK EVANS(guest DJ)
Originally from South Yorkshire, ex Mexborough 60s soul crowd. Was a support Dj for local venues and youth clubs. Moved to Seaford in 1970 and DJ'd at Wagon Wheel coffee bar for a few years 'til it closed and didn't Dj again till 1985 when I was invited to do Eastbourne pier for the local scooter boys, which inspired me to put on Northern Soul nights on the South Coast. The first one was a Hastings Pier all dayer with a top line up which was a great success and grabbed loads of members to a newly started Night Owl Soul club.
After that I secured a regular venue at the Ship Inn on Lewes Road, then moved on to the Richmond Pub and also the original Concorde club. I ran a few other nights in Brighton, Eastbourne and Hastings for a few year's , but unfortunately due to a bad accident I had to give up running nights and Dj-ing until about 2008, when a chance meeting got me involved with Chelmsford Scooter rallies at Hemsby and Camber Sands. Since then, have done a few local nights and all-dayers.
Got to say I've loved every minute of it with its ups and downs, what an amazing journey
KEVin GRIFFIN (guest DJ)
A Wigan Casino & 100 Club Veteran.
Along with Steve Gaurnori, Kevin co-founded and created the hugely influential Black Beat Magazine. Kevin was also involved with Soul on Sound which was the first ever Soul magazine in Cassette format.
He is a very experienced DJ who has played over all genres of Soul Music and held several high profile residences in the 1980's.
Graham Constantine (Guest DJ)
Graham fell in love with soul music in 1971 when he first heard 'heaven must have sent' you by the Elgins and 'two can have a party' by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. He received his northern soul education in and around the discos and youth clubs of Doncaster before graduating to the legendary Empress Ballroom all nighters in Mexboro in the late 70’s, Wigan Casino and the Fleet All Nighter in Peterboro. The first Southport weekender combining modern soul with a Northern all nighter was an eye and ear opener. He started DJ-ing with various events around Brighton and now has a livestream called Modern Soul Sessions every Friday. His collection spans almost 50 years and you can expect an eclectic mix depending on the venue and the dance floor, always keeping it soulful.
STEVE GUARNORI (Guest DJ)
Steve Guarnori has DJ-ed for many years across the UK and Europe as well as the USA, before settling into semi retirement in Haywards Heath. He has also written two books on aspects of soul music and regularly contributes articles to the UK’s last remaining soul scene fanzine “Soul Up North”. Steve now largely limits his DJ bookings to a 40 mile radius from home. With some 40,000 soul records in his collection, his appearance at 'Across the Tracks' will feature an array of 60s and 70s uptempo gems, with the emphasis firmly on the dancefloor and the dancers, with the odd 'curved ball' thrown in for good measure.
JIM ARNOLD (Guest DJ)
A London born, mod influenced northern soul DJ from Kent .Back on the scene over the last 10 Yrs. This is his first outing at Across the Tracks, but has been playing and entertaining soul fans at the finest soul clubs across Kent, Essex and Sussex and more recently the Rivoli Ballroom . He enjoys playing Northern, rnb and Motown and luvs the uptempo driving beats for the dancers. He always aims to please with his mix of tunes.
jon marsh (Guest DJ)
Since I last DJ-ed at Across the Tracks, I have continued to build my record collection and have DJ-ed in many venues in the south of England: The Rivoli Ballroom; New Forest soul club; Too Darn soulful; Eastergate; Essex Soul collective; and Strictly Come Soul Dancing (Tonbridge) to name but a few! But really 1st and foremost, a dancer !
andy vella (Guest DJ)
Originally from Middlesbrough, I have been a resident of Brighton for the past 30 years. I have been into Northern Soul for over 45 years and have DJ-ed at most clubs North of Watford. I am a collector rare soul, Northern, Modern, Crossover and RnB. I have fond memories of Wigan and am glad I was around for the golden years from '74 to '78 - it is still a way of life for me, I'm loving sharing my music!