New York Night Train’s most fun party (and contest), the Soul Clap and Dance-Off, appearing everywhere from Mexico to Israel since our last local one, returns to its Glassland’s Gallery home Saturday. This month’s Soul Clap will, as always, feature dancing to the exquisitely dynamic 45s of soul proprietor Mr. Jonathan Toubin, plus the Dance-Off will be presided over by lovely MC Laura Leigh and a distinguished panel of judges consisting of New York Press’ Jamie Peck, Heeb/Impose Magazine’s Jason Diamond, Jesse Gassface, author/publisher of “Quality of My Life” fanzine, Maria Falgoust, co-founder of activist librarian group The Desk Set, and OJ, guitarist for Brooklyn underground music favorites Golden Triangle (and one-time Dance-Off winner). Additionally, this night is dedicated to the spirit and memory Dance-Off’s finest and most prolific contestant, Carlos Alvarez, a local nightlife legend and friend to all who tragically passed away August 15. This is first time we will soul clap since his ascension to the big dancefloor in the sky. Doors and dancing start at 11pm, free beer from 11pm – midnight, and a 1am Dance-Off with a $100 grand prize, and more get-down ’til 4am. Feel it…

Some quotes about the Soul Clap and Dance-Off, mostly in regards to “dancing with the stars”:

“It’s like Dancing With the Stars, but more fun!”
– Bruce Tantum, Time Out New York

“The mid-‘60s to early-‘70s r&b and funk will have you dancing with the stars.”
– Sharyn Jackson, Village Voice “Voice Choices”

“As previously noted in this here reputable rag, Jonathan Toubin’s Soul Clap and Dance-Off shindig is truly New York City’s most stimulating all-night dance party, easily trumping all other soul or retro nights.”
– MyOpenBar.com

“I remember the first time I walked into one of DJ Jonathan Toubin’s Soul Clap and Dance-Off parties at Glasslands Gallery. Wiggly mamas were shaking their manes and hitting the splits, gangly boys were swinging from the balcony, and the two dance contest finalists, having already ripped their shirts off, were vibe-a-ratin’ like washing machines in the middle of a cheering crowd. And the music, man! I was getting hit by squall after squall of screaming, crackling soul tracks, some pitched so fast that I hardly knew how to move to them – so I did like everyone else and just let the music jerk my body around, flailing with the breathless abandon of a toddler. I’m a big fan of sixties soul music, but every song was new to me, each so raw and greasy and BIG and palpable that they had me scrunching my nose up and torquing my neck in this ecstatic frenzy. Now, I make a point of seeking out those rowdy shows and crazy parties that leave you sweat-soaked and grinning uncontrollably, but I’ve been hard-pressed to find anything that can top the roaring bliss of a New York Night Train Soul Clap.”
– Erin Sheehy, Jezebel Music.com

“Even thought Toubin isn’t entirely unique in using only 45s, his skill at transitioning one song into another (“segueways”) is seamless, and his depth and range of choice songs, primarily from the mid-1960s, are far from the mainstream yet extremely danceable. “
– Mark Shikuma, North Coast Journal

“The chops to make ya hop…. an eve of 45-rpm soul sizzlin’ and expressive dance.”
– Lina Lecaro, LA Weekly

“It was ridiculous and fun and had me hoping Soul Clap returns on a weekend some day, so our city of fabulous freaks and music geeks can strut for cash without having to watch the clock.”
– Jennifer Maerz, SF Weekly

“Soultastic!… The makings of a perfect dehydrated Thursday night.”
– Courtney Ferguson, Portland Mercury