By Jay Forte, Contributing Reporter
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – In what is shaping up to be the party of the month – or perhaps the year – for expatriates in Rio, The Rio Times 6-Year Anniversary Party is proud to confirm Mary Byker as DJ for the event. Byker, of the 80s English punk-rock band Gaye Bykers on Acid, and later the band Pop Will Eat Itself, has lived in Rio since 2007 and is a frequent DJ at venues around the city.
Born Ian Hoxley, Mary Byker explained how he felt about the booking. “I’m really excited to be DJ’ing at the 6th Anniversary Party, and from the sound of it [at] a fantastic location.”
“The Rio Times and I go back a long way and have always been supportive of my activities here in Rio.” Adding, “Six years is really good going and it’s great to celebrate the fact that in that time The Rio Times has become well established here in Rio.”
While Gaye Bykers on Acid may not sound like everyone’s cup of tea, Byker explains that the sound of his current music is more along the lines of his breakout hit Stop the Rock.
As far as what to expect on March 26th, he says, “I’m going to be playing a pretty mixed bag of stuff from House music, Brazilian beats and breaks and beyond! I’m going to be channeling the spirit of my good buddies and fellow DJs Tee Cardaci and former Rio Times Nightlife Editor Mike Frugaletti who unfortunately won’t be here for the event.”
The event will take place on Thursday, March 26th from 7PM to midnight in Ipanema, and is co-hosted by Rio Exclusive, with partners Leblon Cachaça and authentic Indian food, Rashmy’s Kitchen. Space will be limited so those interested should put their name on the official list by pre-paying for the entrance, and updates of new promotions and partners will be posted on the Facebook Event page.
Fans of Mary Byker will want to make sure to be at the intimate party, and also will have a lot to look forward to in 2015. He shares “Well, I’ve been busy working on an album with my current band Pop Will Eat Itself. There will be a physical and digital release at the beginning of May and will be going over to the UK to do a tour.”
“I’ll be back in the UK for some festival dates later in their summer. I’ve also been working on a project with a Brazilian musician called Marcello Vig on a project called Om Dub which is pretty cool,” Byker added.
In addition to the music, Mary Byker also co-owns Mekong restaurant in Leblon with his Carioca wife Ana Cecilia Vance. Since its opening in August of 2010, Mekong has been a welcome addition to the Leblon restaurant and bar scene.