“Maudit tapette — it’s kind of dirty. It means ‘fucking faggot,’ but in French it’s a little less harsh,” says DJ Phil V of the origin of his gay French pop night, Tapette. On July 23, the popular west-end party celebrates one year of busting out French house and disco. Although the night began modestly, Phil V says he knew the gays would come. “There’s so much fun stuff coming out of Europe — house music and that sort of thing. I knew the music could support a dance party, even if people didn’t know what they were listening to.” The fete will feature a surprise DJ and a limited silk- screened edition of the event’s witty and sexy promotional posters, which were designed by Phil V and Jonny Relph. The gallery will also showcase all 12 prints for the month of July. Other than the obvious French connection, Phil V says there is good incentive to come to Tapette. “Word got out and it started growing. All these French boys and other kinds of boys started coming out. And it’s grown into this fun little monster that attracts tons of men every month.”
Tapette’s anniversary party is Sat, July 23 at Naco Gallery, 1665 Dundas St W. nacogallery.com