As if a party on its own wasn’t enough incentive to go out and have fun, there is now another reason for toasting your champagne glasses and grooving to some of the best house music tunes in town.

Oceans ‘11 is the first ever charitable house music event to be held in Hong Kong. The man behind it, Canadian house DJ Kris Sawatzky is a regular on the house scene himself, spinning at the likes of Tivo, Zuma and KEE Club with a part-time residency at Isola and Goccia. Oceans ‘11 came about because Sawatzky wanted to create a nightlife event centred on uplifting house music beats and free-flowing alcohol but accented with a strong environmental message. So the philanthropic DJ set up a non-profit organization − Party with a Purpose − to legitimize what he envisions will be an annual event in future.

Ever since Sawatzky became aware of the Plastic Vortex (the mass of plastic waste that has collected in the Pacific Ocean to the detriment of marine life) a few years ago, he became passionate about promoting awareness of this growing international problem. “You see the amount of plastic we all use – I’m as guilty as everybody else,” Sawatzky says, “like using a plastic straw in my cup for instance. Do I really need that? Where does it go? That’s how these ideas come about,” he fervently explains. In support of the anti-plastic pollution cause, there will be a minimal amount of plastic products provided at the Oceans ‘11 event.

And the reason for promoting this awareness at Republik, as opposed to a luncheon or cocktail reception? “I thought if I could have an event that does not drive the message down people’s throats, but still allows people to have a good time, that would be great,” he says. The most obvious reason for using nightlife as a vehicle for philanthropy is because Sawatzky himself is an avid house music DJ. “I think when a person applies what their passion actually is, you obviously get inspired more – creativity can flow easier,” he says.

Be prepared to be greeted by artistic, powerful, and thought-provoking visuals designed by photographer Gabbard as you enter the event. These visuals will primarily draw attention to marine-related issues, including plastic waste pollution, disappearing wildlife through the shark fin trade and the slaughter of dolphins.

The evening will start off with a set by Republik resident DJ Costef, followed by DJ Antwone, then finally Sawatzky who will be jamming with guitarist and vocalist Ewald Jordaan, fusing eclectic guitar strums with progressive techno house. Also look out for a performance by drummer Makha Diop on the bongos whilst Sawatzky spins high hats and kicks drums in between.

Tickets are on sale for $200, with 100 per cent of sales being donated to the three non-profit charities: Ocean Recovery Alliance, HK Shark Foundation, and Earth Island Institute: Save Japan Dolphins.

These three charities were chosen as Kris felt that they truly encapsulated the major issues affecting marine life today. “It might take a lot of imagination for those who are not familiar with issues such as mercury pollution, dolphin slaughter and unregulated commercial fishing with regards to sharks,” he explains. “They will be surprised on the night.”

The name of the event-Oceans ‘11 thus derives its name from its marine life focus, and of course, its connotations to the movie franchise.
All ticketing will be done electronically, with ticket codes sent via SMS to save paper. So log on, buy your ticket, and drink, dance and party for a worthy cause.

Fiona Ng

Republik Sat June 11 Tickets: http://www.partywithapurpose.com.hk