Family 13: Celebrated Detroit party franchise rolls out annual holiday dance bash

Let’s trip down memory lane, shall we?. In 1996, Detroit’s rave scene was in full effect. That year, an ever-optimistic and endlessly ambitious party kid named Adriel Thornton launched what would become one of Detroit’s most celebrated and enduring events. The first Family party took place at an American Legion Hall in Detroit and featured Derek Plaslaiko, Adam Haupt, Rob Hood and Paperclip People (better known as Carl Craig). It welcomed everyone into the late night party fold: black, white, male, female, gay, straight. Everybody was a star.

The next year, Family found a weekly home at the legendary Motor Lounge in Hamtramck. Resident DJs Jeremy Christian, Jason Kendig (Echo), Derek Plaslaiko and Brian Gillespie set a new standard in delivering dance music. Extended family members included Carlos Souffront, Lauren Flax, Ronin, Dillema, Justin Kruse. On a Tuesday night, no less, when clubbers and ravers would circle the building waiting to get in. The Family family also included DJs Matthew Boynton, Patrick Russell, Jay Langa and many others over the past decade plus three years.

Thornton — now dubbed Adriel Fantastique by a new generation of fun-loving Detroit dance people — celebrates the drama, decadence and debauchery of 13 fun-filled years on Tuesday, Dec. 22. Featuring: Derek Plaslaiko (one of the D’s jolliest exports, now heading The Bunker, NYC’s best monthly techno night), Jason Kendig, Brian Gillespie, Jay Langa, Dat, Jon Santos.

At The Works, 1846 Michigan Avenue, Detroit. 10 p.m. until late. Ages 18 and up are welcome. $10.