Edinburgh Open Dex

Style Trial have been running since March 05, and are focused on a hip hop tip, and the crew hope it will "germinate new ideas to provide future growth for the infant art of B-boying." They're returning to the Bongo Club on the 29th after an (albeit) brief rest during the Edinburgh Festival, starting with breakdance practice and live DJ battle sessions with DJs Shelltoe (Flying Jalapenos), Reed Richards (Freshmess) and Rebel. If you like what you see check it out again every other Sunday for classes and practice sessions for beginners to deck masters (2pm-6pm). Entry is only £2/3 and it's a chance to hook up with other like-minded DJs. If you feel that you're a little more advanced but can't get a break, Split at Cabaret Voltaire (Tuesdays, 11pm-3am, free) are open to new and fresh talent playing techno, breaks, house, electro and hip-hop. Simply post a CD to Split c/o Cabaret Voltaire and you could get your chance to play out your mixes at a well-established night! It's not an open decks night as such, but it's about giving people the opportunity and platform that they otherwise may not encounter. The Forest Café can help you take this a step further, as they do just about everything possible to accommodate emerging artists. They supply the venue, a four kilowatt PA with bass bins, three mics, two turntables, 12 track mixing desk, and a DVD and VHS projector – all you have to do is book a time and a date with them. With all these opportunities there's simply no more excuses for subjecting parents and flatmates alike to your never-ending bedroom club!