An Excerpt from DJ Tom Stephan's set at RITES XXXV: THE BLACK PARTY 2014.

March 22, 2014 | Roseland Ballroom | NYC

The Black Party 2014 - Tom Stephan

dj 5ive's obsession with house music goes back to South Beach, 1997. There, he was a faithful follower of great dj's like Abel, JoJo Odyssey, Eddie X, and Bugie. His style is self-described as old-school Chicago house, with a touch of Latin flavor, and a few bitch tracks thrown in every so often for a little spice. The entire process is very personal and cathartic for dj 5ive and it is truly an escape for him. 

In the 18+ years in New York City, dj 5ive was resident at the Cock in the East Village, Evolve and the weekly Underground party where he opened for greats like Razor n Guido and dj Escape.  DJ 5ive's greatest inspiration still comes from the legendary producers such as Ralphi Rosario, Oscar G (Funky Green Dogs), Junior Vasquez, David Morales, Peter Rauhofer, Roger Sanchez, Frankie Knuckles, Johnny Vicious, and Mark Picchiotti.

The Saint At Large exists in the space where music, dance and art collide and is the possessor of a queer nightlife and arts archive that dates back to Stonewall. Over its 40 year history it has retained its reputation for cutting edge innovation and staging. Its biggest event, The Black Party, held every Spring in New York City, is considered the father of all large nightlife events and remains one of the oldest gay dance parties in the world. The Black Party has grown through many transformations in the NYC nightlife environment and continues to wow audiences with large-scale installations, theatrical staging and light shows, all set to a soundtrack by the best DJs from the international underground.