Divas on white horses, intergalactic freaks and midgets on camels – if you think this sounds like something that would only happen in Studio 54, then you weren’t one of the many who got funky at legendary club Freakazoid. Since Chevron, and therefore The Freak, sadly shut its doors in 2001, there’s been a huge chasm left in the Melbourne’s scene.

But now filling that chasm quite admirably is the month-old Wonderland, brainchild of Jono Francisco and Freakazoid creator Arlen De Silva, rocking Club Evolution every Friday. The gay- and straight-friendly night explodes in hedonistic fun, and is packed with ‘gorgeous people’ - from fashionistas, music industry types (including Cheyne Coates of Madison Avenue fame), and hospitality whores.

Grouping to create the new night club concept, the boys also managed to pack in drag shows, pole dancers, and live music. Performers so far include Jono Francisco himself, Lemonade Lamarr, Angela Librandi, Lee Lee and soon, ex-Mavis member Matt Thomas. With the Wonderland Pole Dancers, theme parties and fashion shows, it makes Wonderland a veritable entertainment powerhouse - and that’s all without even mentioning the tunes! The music policy is uplifting funky vocal house, from regular DJs Arlen De Silva, FernanDITO, Liz Millar, and special guests each week.

Coming up on the 29^th of April, the club is set to explode with soulful house as remixers and DJs Groove Junkies descend from the USA. The purveyors of pumping grooves, uplifting lyrics and undeniable hooks are among the best in the world - after all, their supporters Frankie Knuckles, Louie Vega, and David Morales (to name a few) can’t be wrong.

But before that, Wonderland will be taking it large for Anzac weekend this Friday. Not only will Miss Lee Lee be delivering a stellar performance, but local DJ Nathan G will be taking over the decks. Nathan has a solid 15 years of experience behind him – from events, clubs and festivals, both here and internationally. The club will be rocking with his choice selection of funk-fuelled house bombs. OUT24/7 caught up with the man himself ahead of tonight’s festivities.

When I DJ I love testing out new beats, sounds and new musical flavours unsuspectedly on the party crowd. When I get an awesome reaction to something new you sense it’s gonna be big! You hear, you see - but most of all, you feel it!

All you have to do these days is take a look at the amount of diverse dance artists, acts and DJs coming back to our shores regularly to see we more than just exist in the global picture! Demand for Aussie talent is growing which means we are definitely a force will to be reckoned.

Like anything, you reap what you sow - you have to be dedicated if you want to make it happen! It can be sometimes be exhausting both physically and mentally, but on the whole being a pro DJ is positively challenging, full of excitement, fast paced, very social and at times even glamourous!

Busy times! I’m about to do some gigs interstate and then I’m taking off overseas [San Francisco, London and Hong Kong] for a few weeks to play and record! I've been writing and producing lots of new house [and] have new releases coming up. There is also a new label venture of mine lurking in the midst which is aiming to help turn Melbourne music up even louder!