Feel The Spirit with Jellybean Benitez, DJ YOGI & Sharon R.

If you’ve ever found yourself lost in the hypnotic, driving rhythm of a classic house track, you owe a debt of gratitude to John “Jellybean” Benitez. On Saturday, April 25th, Toronto’s house music community gets a rare opportunity to witness a living legend in the flesh as United Soul and Hot Stepper Productions present 'Feel The Spirit' at the Wiggle Room. This isn't just another club night; it’s a pilgrimage for anyone who understands that dance music is more than just a playlist—it’s a lineage.

The Architect of the Groove To call Jellybean Benitez a DJ is like calling Frank Lloyd Wright a builder. Born in the South Bronx, Benitez was a central nervous system of NYC nightlife during its most transformative era. While he graced the booths of Studio 54 and the Palladium, it was his residency at The Funhouse that cemented his legacy. This was the era of the 14-hour set, where the line between DJ and shaman blurred. He didn't just play records; he curated emotional journeys that bridged the gap between underground disco and the birth of freestyle.

Beyond the booth, his production fingerprints are all over the 80s pop canon. He was the man behind the board for Madonna’s breakout hits like “Holiday,” and his remix work for icons ranging from Michael Jackson to Whitney Houston defined the sound of the decade. Seeing him today is a unique experience—he brings that same relentless, soulful programming sensibility to modern dancefloors, proving that true house music is timeless.

The Vibe at Wiggle Room Nestled on Dundas West, the Wiggle Room is the perfect vessel for this kind of sonic history. Known for its intimate, no-nonsense approach to nightlife, it strips away the velvet ropes and bottle service culture to focus on what actually matters: the sound system and the people.

For this Taurus Edition of 'Feel The Spirit,' Benitez will be joined by local stalwarts DJ YOGI and Sharon R., with the ever-charismatic Pedro Hotstepper on hosting duties. Expect a night that leans into the deep, soulful, and garage-influenced roots of the genre. This is a crowd that comes to dance, not to be seen, so leave the pretension at the door and bring your stamina.

Neighbourhood Notes Dundas West is one of Toronto’s most vibrant corridors, and you’ll want to make a night of it. Before heading to the Wiggle Room, grab a pre-show bite at one of the many fantastic spots in the area. If you’re craving something elevated but relaxed, the nearby Ossington strip offers endless options, from the wood-fired perfection at Pizzeria Libretto to the refined small plates at Union. If you need a caffeine kick to get you through until the 5:00 AM closing time, the neighbourhood is packed with late-night spots that capture the eclectic, gritty-meets-chic spirit of the West End.

Good to Know - **Timing:** The party runs from 10:00 PM until 5:00 AM. Given the pedigree of the headliner, expect the dancefloor to fill up early. - **Tickets:** Advance tickets are priced at $25–$30. Don't wait until the last minute; these intimate venue shows tend to hit capacity quickly. - **Celebrations:** The organizers are specifically welcoming Taureans to celebrate their birthdays. If you’re part of the bull sign or planning a group outing, reach out to unitedsoul@gmail.com in advance to coordinate. - **Getting There:** The Wiggle Room is easily accessible via the 505 Dundas streetcar, which runs right past the door. If you’re coming from further afield, it’s a short cab or Uber ride from the downtown core or the Ossington subway station.