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Thanks Purple Room!
As I think most of you know, last night was my last night as the resident in the Purple Room. Thanks to everyone for an amazing night, I couldn't have asked for a better send off and I look forward to seeing some pics! 
I started going to the Purple Room when I was 17. I think the club staff knew me as 3 different people before I was actually old enough to be there and didn't need to use some shotty fake ID to get in. When I first started going, it was nothing more than a smoking lounge with 20 people in it relaxing and listening to house music. As the years went on I watched it evolve into an institution and the premier place in the K-W area to go to listen to proper underground house music. It was the envy of other venues and a favorite destination for Canada's best djs because of its small room vibe. It was the club that I grew up listening to this music in.
I got my opportunity to play there back in 2001 through a company I was part owner of called Fresh Entertainment. We threw one off parties on Friday nights that were so successful that the club gave us every Friday. I was slated in as a monthly resident with full control of the musical format for my night. This was around the same time djs Mattlok and Isaac S left the club. These two were legends in the area and credited for building the room into what it was when we took over there was a massive legacy to live up to.
When I first started as resident everyone told me about how the Purple Room was a house music sanctuary and trance music would never work. I gave it a try anyway and the night became the most popular one of the month. A few years later I took over the bi-weekly slot and as my style shifted away from trance and into more of a mish mash of genres, I focused on having everything from techno to house as well as trance acts in. It was the only night in the tri-city area where people could go to listen to more than just one genre... people would just show up regardless of who I booked because they trusted me and it was always the people in that club that made or broke the night anyway. Purple Room was always the club where I could experiment with different sounds and no one would seem to mind.
After I moved to Toronto it became arduous to brave the Friday night traffic back to Waterloo, but I did it because I knew I was playing one of the best Friday nights in Southwestern Ontario. I never for one moment took being there for granted, I knew that what I was doing was appreciated by many people I hold utmost respect for. Recently I felt that it was time to move on to give other djs the opportunity I had and for me to pursue more consistent gigs in the city. I've left the room in Tygon's capable hands and know he'll do an amazing job to keep the vibe strong.
This is a long rant I know but I just wanted to share with you all the journey and how it's had such a profound impact on me. As much as I appreciate everyone's kind words over the years I always knew that I needed the club more than it needed me... really it's YOU all that continue to make it such a special place. I've grown as a dj by playing alongside Canada's best talent and as a person for meeting some lifelong friends. I leave the residency knowing in my heart of hearts it's the right time, but with a feeling of sheer gratitude for everyone's support over the 5 years I've been there. I just wanted to tell you all, from the djs I've played with over the years, to the clubbers who religiously showed their support (you know who you are) thank-you so very much.
Thanks for reading. Hope to see you on the dancefloors.
-Dennis
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BRING ON CIRCA!!
www.djdennishahn.com
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