When El-Mar’s not making Kokomo’s terrace one of summer’s hottest spots, he’s organizing beach parties by the Great Wall and parties on disused Russian navy vessels. We spoke to him ahead of this year’s Great Aircraft Carrier Party, which takes place this Saturday, June 5. He can be our wingman anytime.

 So, a party on an aircraft carrier? Explain yourself …
It’s an amazing party at a very unique location, and the fact that it’s happening in China makes it awesome!

Sounds great. But it’s really in Tianjin?
Unfortunately it’s impossible to move an aircraft carrier to Beijing. But Tianjin is pretty close.

How do we get there?
The standard ticket includes the bus ride there and back. The buses leave from Chaoyang Park South Gate and from Wudaokou (Huaqing Jiayuan east gate). You can also drive there yourself – directions are on the website and tickets are cheaper if you’re driving there yourself.

Are you a sailor?
There was a time in my life when my career choice was to become a captain. Anyway, that’s as far as I got. I do enjoy sailing once in a while.

There won’t be real military types around, will there?
 We are going to be trying our best to make this a memorable event for everyone. Organizing a party like this is never easy, but we try to make sure everybody is happy and try to rule out any problems upfront. Some of our security guards might wear navy uniforms though!

For anyone who went last year, how will 2010’s Great Aircraft Carrier Party be different?
Bigger, better, rougher and tougher! This year we have three stages, more DJs. Two of the stages will be inside the aircraft carrier, so if it rains you can just go inside. Also the weather should be a lot warmer.

What’s the music going to be like? Anything from the Top Gun soundtrack?
We have a lineup of what I think are Beijing’s finest DJs. This time around we also have a drum & bass stage and psychedelic trance stage, so it’s safe to say we have something electronic for everyone. Sorry to all you Top Gun lovers, but I think we will be taking your breath away in a different way …

Food? Drinks?
There’ll be a big bar set up alongside the main stage and a smaller one below deck. Food will also be available through the whole night.

Will there be a Great Wall Beach Party this year?
It’s in the works, but I don’t have an exact date yet.

The Great Aircraft Carrier Party is on Jun 5 at Binhai Aircraft Carrier, Tianjin. RMB 300 (includes transport to and from venue). Buses will leave from Chaoyang Park South Gate at 5.30pm and from Wudaokou (Huaqing Jiayuan West Gate) at 5pm.

The Lineup
Stage 1 (Main Stage on the flight deck)
Patrick Yu (Abcdj)
Ou Yang
El-Mar
Eddie Lv
Suki
QQ
Spark vs Frankie Lam

Stage 2 (Drum & Bass Stage, inside the aircraft carrier)
Blackie
Skywalker
Kay C

Stage 3 (Psytrance Stage, inside the aircraft carrier)
Michael (CN)
Microgram (IL)
Gotama (BE)
Pete (TipRecords/UK)

For more info call 136 8126 3981 (English), 135 0113 1195 (Chinese). Tickets available online at clubzone.cn or from the following venues:
 
Chaoyang
Yugong Yishan
www.thebeijinger.com/directory/Kokomo
Fish Nation
Serve the People

Houhai
Salud
Obiwan
 
Wudaokou
Lavita ( BLCU Campus) 6234 4487
The Bridge Cafe