5 YEARS LOST – Celebrating 5 years of Ritter Butzke 

Ritter Butzke celebrates its fifth anniversary from October 2nd – October 5th, 2014.

Five years seems to be a century in the fast pace of the Berlin club world. Maybe its a good moment to take a look back or take a glance at a colorful club future. 

First there was an idea, followed by an illegal party next door to the famous Robben & Wientjes parking lot. Later on, the regular illegal parties transformed the spot into what was maybe the biggest club without a license in the universe. For almost 15 months the parties were celebrated like there was no tomorrow. Some of the older protagonists rediscovered the old Berlin feeling like it was after the 1989 revolution when the wall had come down and deserted industrial sites and warehouses were the party spots of the early 90’s.

But it quickly became clear: even in Kreuzberg, an illegal venue does not exist for too long. In October 2009 the underground party reopened as a licensed club with an official name: Ritter Butzke. This was almost like a second birth, or at least a second opening.

Many things have developed since then. The club is growing and advancing, but it keeps the spirit of the old days in place – like an adult who rediscovers the spirit of childhood at times. The area around the club, Moritzplatz, is gaining international attention, and so does the club. At a certain point, even tourists managed to trace the place, which was a well kept underground secret for a while, and a new door policy followed. Guests are changing, just like the circumstances and surroundings. 

Today, Ritter Butzke has a few resident DJs, and of course their own imprint as a record label, fresh promoters, and last but not least, artists from all around the globe.

Still, the club keeps the original idea of how to run a decent party alive. This idea was developed back in 1997 with parties in small basements and the ruins of old airports. The club and the club crew grew older and wiser, but the aim, to provide a place for alternative electronic culture, in a fast paced city with a crazy buzz, trapped between countless Starbucks and the famous Brandenburg Gate, always remains fundamental for the venue. 

The last couple of months were full of sweat, work and blacklight. So we will put the kibosh on all of that and hold a massive Ritter Butzke birthday celebration in the beginning of October. 

The own imprint Ritter Butzke Studio will publish a compilation with a great track list, full of old mates and new talents. Just like the music in the club, they progress elegantly between all kinds of electronic styles. »Various Artists – Five Years Lost / 3×12″ Compilation« is a triple 12” vinyl release. 

Interaction with the event is provided not only in terms of music. Between all kinds of funny little entertaining surprises, there will be a screenprinting bar for the clubbers’ very own personal items. People can bring their favourite T-shirts, underwear, or whatever else they want to print a Ritter Butzke logo on.

For people who prefer to listen to some words in between so many electronic beats, the Bastard Slam is highly recommended. Normally the slam is on Friday nights, but for this special occasion, the two protagonists Wolf Hogekamp and Julian Heun have chosen some very artistic slam poets who will provide us with some extra stunts in their plots, rhymes and poetry. 

Even people who do not have a lot of experience in these kinds of surroundings will enjoy one or the other line…..well…of words!

H A R D  F A C T S

• Mobile Screenprinting • 

Bring your towels, your hoodies, your shirts and your underwear

• Bastard Slam Thursday night •

Words, slam poetry, reading performance

• Thursday/Friday/Saturday night •

During the night we will swing our hips and dance as we normally do on the weekends, we will surprise you with a lot of great music, some extra goodies and very special guests complete with ear candy

• After Hours on Sunday •

Come early and stay late but don’t forget to go home!

Facebook Event: 

https://www.facebook.com/events/656990717723015/?

Resident Advisor:

Thursday
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?564858

Friday
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?564859

Saturday/Sunday
http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?564860