Caravan Celebrates 4 Years of Parties With More Parties Mar 22&23 (and a Fundraiser for Cats)

Over the past four years Caravan has established itself as a staple hangout in the old embassy area, for both food and music lovers alike. And as you might imagine, the down-to-earth bar and restaurant and the parched consulates of the world go together quite handsomely.

Caravan's success lies in the fact that there's something for everyone: a food paradise for those looking for a hearty plate of Moroccan food, a rum sanctuary that’s not afraid to let the pirate out, and a music haven for all breeds of talent and ilk, all wrapped in the warm atmosphere that comes from good company. One moment they’re hosting a tasting of the best wine in China, the next they’re getting down and dirty with rock and roll royalty.

It's this unwaveringly open and welcoming mentality imbued in the restaurant by its owner Badr Benjelloun (pictured right above) that’s kept the place humming and buzzing these past years, so in appropriate fashion, they’re celebrating their fourth anniversary in the best way they know how: with a weekend of live music and cheer. If that wasn’t enough, the fun will be fueled by goodwill with all ticket sales going towards rescuing of dogs (Mar 22) and cats (Mar 23) in Beijing and Tianjin respectively.

READ: Dozens of Puppies Found on Building Site Urgently Need Homes

I shot Benjelloun (who goes by the DJ name Gulu Bazz) a few questions about how the bar came to be, and the surprises that he has in store for the weekend.

Four years is nothing to sniff at – congrats! What was the underlying theme of the last year? What hopes do you have for the next?
Thank you. It’s sometimes hard to actually think of it just in terms of a number... it feels like an eternity and it also feels like it flew by. In a space like Caravan, it’s all different speeds and gears really. Last year was mostly about establishing the space as what it is: a social club. Giving the food its space, the music its space, the social component its space with all the events we got going there. For next year, it’s really more of the same! We’re fortunate to be around in this climate where many places have closed down. So more rum, more wine, more tajine, and more culture!

What compelled you to reach out to these fundraisers for your anniversary? Are you a pet owner yourself?
This year, with it being our fourth, I felt like I wanted to grab bad luck by the hips and go for a dance… four days of parties for our four years at number 44! Let’s use it for a good cause. I’ve been aware of the Tianjin cats [rescued from a slaughterhouse in December of last year] for a while and have many friends helping. I’ve attended many a fundraiser for them and was amazed at the effort of all of these volunteers both emotionally and financially. The fit seemed very natural and once we talked about it, everyone was in. I’m no longer a pet owner myself due to my lifestyle and being gone too often but I care deeply. Growing up, we had cats and dogs that were always part of the family. That said, I’m more of a big dog person – greyhounds, st. bernards, etc.

I already have two cats – can I possibly swap out my two for two of the rescue cats? If not – how can I help?
I'd say double up and make it four. And once the two new ones get used to it, get a fifth... you’ll have a pussycat basketball team. Joking aside, the vet bills for both cat and dog rescues are huge and they need foster and or permanent loving homes. Donate, share the posters, learn more about being a responsible pet owner.

Who the hell are Dose the Delta? And why am I suddenly compelled to check them out?
Dose the Delta is a surprise act of musical purple people-eating Martians that have taken over the bodies of four local musicians including Xiao Hu from Ajinai fame. Think space-funk meets throat singing and cat ears with a dose of electro-death.

What other shenanigans can we expect at Caravan this weekend? 
There’s gonna be lots of music, couscous, rum, and wine. I’ve filed official papers with my liver giving it fair warning. A few surprises thrown in as well so stay tuned.

Finally, which embassy staff make for the best customers? And the worst?
The Wakanda embassy is really my favorite at this point. They keep the rhinos under control when they show up. The Asgardians, while some of my best drinkers, have a tendency to leave the bar destroyed every so often so I’m having to be extra tough with them.

Help Caravan celebrate this Friday, Mar 22 with The Flip Side and DJ Gulu Bazz, and on Saturday, Mar 23 with Nekroma, Hugh Reed, and Dose the Delta.

Hey, Party Animal, there's plenty more to dance to this weekend.

Photos courtesy of Badr Benjelloun, Newsweek