With the newly created www-page "What's new in the Netherlands" in Chaishop, we found appropriate to begin with an overview of what is currently happening in the Dutch psychedelic scene. Because of its different characteristics, can be divided into two areas; the area of Amsterdam, and the rest of the Netherlands.

One of the Amsterdam's most famous trance venues the last years has been The Trance Buddha (Oudezijdsvoorburgwal 216). Located right into the Red Light district, attracts lots of the international crowd visiting the city. However, it seems that music-wise Trance Buddha is moving away from the full-on psychedelia towards more techno sounds. What's up guys? Do people consume more alchohol with minimal techno, or what? The same holds for Mazzo Club, where the atmosphere can also be kind of clubby.

Since it seems that there are not many regular psy-nights in Amsterdam lately, it is advisable to check programs and flyers. For your collection of psy-flyers you can try the Groove Connection record store (St. Nicolasstraat 41), where you will find the indispensible, for your mind and soul, psy- CDs and vinyl. At the Global Chillage Coffee Shop (Kerkstraat 51) you can relax listening to psy-tunes and obtain party latest information. Empathy Realizations gives some occasional parties in Melkweg (Milky Way) with international guests and live acts. Furthermore, it is worthwhile to look for DJ names like Zen or Synchro.

In the summer months, the situation changes slightly. Some open-air parties might take place in the areas around. A typical annual of this kind is the one which takes place in Beverwijk (Wijk aan Zee), and some others near Ruigoord. If you are lucky and there is no invation by speedy and drunk gabbers, these will be the best psy-parties you can get in the Netherlands. In any case, you are definitely going to have lots of fun!

There is one thing that you should keep in mind, that in the parties in the area of Amsterdam the psychedelic scene is mostly mixed with techno (or is it the other way around?). This applies in general, for instance, from the crowd, DJs and dress-code, to the type of illegal substances consumed (speed- and coke-heads will usually be around).

Things are getting more and more psychedelic in the rest of the Netherlands, with the areas of Groningen, Den Hague, and Nijmegen presenting the most interesting activities. Boom! records organizes rarely label parties in Groningen and Amsterdam featuring mostly their artists and DJs. To get an idea of what it is about, check out their releases.

In Den Hague it seems that the scene is getting stronger, lately. Shakti Dance productions organizes parties occasionally with international guest DJs and their own live act. Typical hippy goa-trance formula, happy tunes only! Nothing musically innovative, but if this is not your main concern, it is highly recommended. You can certainly jump happily around in the dancefloor for a few hours!

The scene of Nijmegen has been moving to unexplored areas of psychedelia. ABsurd Productions organizes events for 2 years now in different venues with international guest DJs. No formula here, the style varies from psy-trance (not neccesarily euphoric:) and twisted techno to the borders of danceful experimental. The common denominator, however, remains always the same; full-on psychedelia!!!

If you want to be updated about the Dutch psychedelic scene, check regularly the Chaishop party pages for party information, updates and reports. If you want to be notified every time there is an interesting event in the Netherlands and not only, drop an e-mail to ABsurd@bubblegum.net with "Events" in the subject-line.

April 22, 1999
Avi @ ABsurd

back to Read
back to ABsurd