On the Circuit: Burton 2008

Welcome to the first installment of a new DBTH series, On the Circuit, which chronicles a select few of the many sponsored events held in New York City on any given night. Books, fashion, music, movies or miscellaneous, if you can think of it, it's a pretty good bet that there is some kind of event happening. Usually, if you've been to one, you've been to em all. But some stand out, and DBTH will be On the Circuit to keep you informed. Because hey, free booze.

Our first installment: Burton 2008

We got word that LA DJ Steve Aoki had been booked to spin a Radar event at the Burton Snowboard Store in Soho to preview Burton's 2008 collection. After arriving at the store and finding it closed, a quick recheck of the invite showed that it was being held just down the street at the Burton showroom in a loft high above Broadway. Pass quickly through "security" (DBTH +1), we cram into the elevator to head upstairs and enter into the event that is already in full swing.

The skinny: The room was full to very full, and Aoki, most known for his weekly party with DJ AM in LA, was spinning to an enthusiastic crowd. The bars were plentiful, with a choice of jalapeno margs, vodka mixers and the like, while a kind wait staff passed out mini burgers and dessert to those who dig that kind of thing (No thanks, we already ate). Most fun: the instant photo booth in the corner. Most surprising: the event actually picked up steam as the night wore on, definately not the norm.

Instead of trying to pack the room with C listers and hired models, Burton et al put together a real party. Drinks, DJ and dancing, a tough combination to beat. If it wasn't for all the Burton gear on the wall that you couldn't try on, we could have been anywhere. But it was a showroom, and it wasn't a big deal. And we all got a new t-shirt to boot. How about that?

Be sure to check out some photos at our DBTH/Flickr page.