Alex Lloyd discovers the best way to start a night out.

DECIDING where to start Saturday night has caused many an argument among my circle of friends. The debate usually divides people into two camps - cheap drinks versus great atmosphere.

I'm firmly in the great atmosphere camp. Nothing casts more of a black cloud over the rest of your night than a bad bar.

Luckily for me - and you - the nice people at Judges Bar seem to agree. That's why they created Shift, a pre-club warm-up featuring the finest mix of house, breaks and world music.

Resident DJ is Leo Clayton, who has been running house nights in York for ten years, from Vibe Tribe in the early Nineties to Pure Sheng (and the spin of record shop) and, more recently, Freakin'. DJ credits include sets at Prognosis and Harkers.

Leo says: "I pretty much play house but I try to make it non-constant. There are lots of flavours, with the music gradually lifting throughout the evening."

Leo, who labels legendary Detroit techno DJ Carl Craig his "musical hero", occasionally features other local DJs. Past guests include Jack Mullen, Nigel Rogers and Major Tom. This Saturday, he will be joined on the decks by Rod Fry.

"I'll definitely be playing Carl Craig's new record on Saturday, and then whatever Rod is going to bring," he says.

And if there are still doubters among your friends, the Judges also has cheap vodka on DJ nights. What an incentive.

Shift at Judges Bar, Judges Lodgings, in Lendal, Saturdays 8pm - 11pm, 01904 638733.

NEWS

ORGASMIC is the place this week for aspiring DJs.

Thank Funk It's Sunday has its official launch on, you've guessed it, Sunday. The night will mark the start of a new competition for regulars.

Collect five stamps on your flyer over the next five weeks and you will be entered into a draw to win a "DJ in a Box" kit and a pair of speakers.

Bedroom DJs then have the chance to air their skills with a new open decks night on Wednesday, 7.30pm-11pm.

Any genre of music is welcome - just bring your own records and be prepared to play a 20-30 minutes set.

For more details, contact Sam or James at Yozo on 01904 632666/ 610900, or email info@yozo.co.uk.

Updated: 15:48 Thursday, March 04, 2004