Take Note: Peter Lansky (aka SovietPanda)

Every Saturday night at First Avenue, Peter Lansky (AKA SovietPanda) is the DJ and host of Too Much Love, one of the Twin Cities’ most popular late-night dance parties. He spins an eclectic mix of tunes, from the latest techno-punk and house music to classic tunes of the disco era, including a little Fleetwood Mac and Donna Summer for the boomer set.

Grew Up: Deerfield, Illinois.

Came to Minnesota: To attend the University of Minnesota.

Started Too Much Love because: “I used to work for Radio K, and pitched First Ave. on the idea for a late-night dance party awhile ago. We set up a date in the VIP room. The first one was successful, and it grew enough to try it in the main room.”

DJ-ing as an art form: “Every week is different. I spend a large portion of my week looking for new music, especially new releases from dance music labels. I also like to learn about older stuff, so every week I play a variety of new tracks, old tracks, and remixes. I want the music and the whole party to have a distinctive identity and aesthetic.”

Starting the party: “I have all my music on my computer, and every week I pick about 200 tunes, sorted by genre and tempo. I don’t have a preset play list. I create it on the fly and go by feel, according to what the audience wants.”

Kids welcome: “I wanted to make Too Much Love eighteen-plus, because it can be hard to be eighteen in the Twin Cities. There aren’t many places to go.”

Song criteria: “If I’m not sick of a song yet, I’ll keep playing it. I figure if I’m not sick of it yet, other people aren’t either. “

Catch his act: Every Saturday night at First Ave. after 10 p.m.