MIDDLETOWN, Calif. — You are invited to a night of contemporary underground dance music straight out of the United Kingdom at Middletown Art Center this Saturday, July 8, from 8 to 10:30 p.m.

DJs Nic and Ami will play new and recent UK Garage, or UKG, Break Beat, Bass House and more for your dancing pleasure.

Whether you enjoy electronic music or love to dance, it will be a great night of fresh sounds. Plus, it’s MAC’s first DJ Dance since the pandemic began which is cause for celebration.

Nick Hay grew up in London during the heyday of punk rock and caught the early rave scene and warehouse dance parties in the late 80s. He DJ’d reggae, dancehall and jungle in the LA club scene in the 90s and has become a popular local DJ since moving to Lake County.

Emerging DJ, Ami Verhey, graduated from Middletown High School, then UC Davis with a degree in environmental sciences in 2022.

A lover of electronic/dance music, Verhey is excited to share music by contemporary artists like Interplanetary Criminal and Sammy Virji among others who are part of the UK Garage current momentum.

Listening to Hay discuss the evolution of UKG and Verhey’s enthusiasm for what they both describe as “groove with a bass anchor” was fascinating.

“Ami has an amazing instinct as a DJ, perhaps because he grew up immersed in a broad range of dance and world music,” said Hay, who is a kind of mentor to Verhey. “We’re excited to restart dances at MAC with new music and new energy!”

This Saturday is certain to be an exhilarating night of music and movement. And, you can be assured that there will be bass.

Tickets cost $15 or one or two for $25, and will be available at the door which opens at 7:45 p.m. Teens will be admitted for just $5.

Food by Goddess of the Mountain will be available as well as beverages for sale (21-up only).

The Middletown Art Center is located at 21456 Highway 175 (at the junction of Highway 29). For more information about Freedom to Dance, and other events and classes coming up at MAC visit www.middletownartcenter.org.