Antal Heitlager returns to Peti Kupe on May 29, bringing another extended night of genre-defying selections and dancefloor storytelling to one of Zagreb’s most respected club spaces.
The legendary Dutch DJ, globally known as the founder of Amsterdam institution Rush Hour, arrives alongside Hibou for a special edition of Velvet that promises groove-heavy exploration far beyond conventional club music boundaries.
For electronic music lovers, Antal needs very little introduction.
Over the past two decades, he has established himself as one of the world’s most respected selectors through a deeply personal approach to DJing that moves fluidly between house, techno, disco, afrobeat, jazz, funk and obscure global rarities. Rather than relying on predictable peak-time formulas, Antal builds sets through atmosphere, emotion and musical curiosity — transforming dancefloors into journeys shaped by rhythm, warmth and discovery.
That philosophy became the foundation of Rush Hour itself.
Originally launched in Amsterdam as both a record store and label, Rush Hour evolved into one of the most influential hubs in underground electronic music culture, helping introduce generations of listeners to forgotten disco records, deep house classics, Afro-Caribbean grooves, Detroit techno, Japanese jazz and experimental club sounds from around the world.
Antal remains the purest reflection of that identity.
Resident Advisor once described him as “one of the best DJs in the world,” not because of technical spectacle, but because of his unmatched ability to connect music across genres, eras and cultures while keeping the dancefloor fully locked into the groove.
That makes Peti Kupe an ideal setting for his return.
Over recent years, the Zagreb venue has steadily become one of the city’s strongest destinations for sophisticated underground club programming, balancing intimate atmosphere with high-quality sound and carefully curated electronic music events. The space naturally complements artists like Antal, whose sets thrive through detail, patience and long-form progression rather than instant impact.
Expect the unexpected throughout the night.
Disco rarities may suddenly dissolve into raw house grooves. Afrobeat rhythms could collide with jazz-infused electronics before shifting into hypnotic techno or cosmic funk. Antal’s sets rarely follow obvious structures because they are built entirely around instinct, emotion and deep musical knowledge gathered through decades of obsessive digging.
Joining him is Hibou, adding another layer of refined underground energy to the evening and helping shape the atmosphere from beginning to end.
Together, the night promises a dancefloor experience focused less on trends and more on timeless musical connection.
In a club landscape increasingly dominated by algorithms, predictable playlists and short attention spans, artists like Antal remain essential reminders of what DJ culture originally represented:
selection, storytelling and genuine discovery through sound.
On May 29, Peti Kupe once again becomes a meeting point for dancers, diggers and music lovers looking for something deeper than a standard club night.
Tickets are available now via Entrio, though capacity is limited.
