Photo by p373

On the third Saturday of every month, Liv at Bohemian Caverns turns into a free funk and soul house party where District residents can come to shed all pretenses and just get down on the dance floor. The party, Fatback turns four tonight.

With 325 guests and counting on the Facebook invite, tonight’s festivities are sure to top Fatback’s of the past. “I am SO THERE. Coming down to throw down,” wrote one guest on the event’s wall.

In anticipation of the birthday celebration, DCist chatted with DJ and Fatback-thrower Philippe Catrit.

DCist: What can partygoers expect from tonight’s Fatback? How will it be different than past parties?

Philippe Catrit: I don’t want to give too much away but we’re taking over the entire building so there will be three floors of party and DJs. Upstairs is going to be like a funk odyssey with a space disco feel. Downstairs will have a circus theme. We’re bringing in extra bars so you won’t have to wait for drinks. We’re going to play all your favorite tunes in an extra ridiculous setting.

DCist: What advice would you give to a first time Fatback-er?

PC: Do your stretches, hydrate, carbo-load, dress to sweat.

DCist: What makes this party distinctly D.C.?

PC: In D.C. more than any other city, a lot of people are really buttoned up about their lives. Fatback is really a place where you don’t have to button up. People come for the first time and begin to get the feeling that oh my god, anything goes, the only way to make this amazing is for me to let it all go.

Maybe D.C. needed a place like this. Before Fatback, the majority of us were not DJs, just guys who like to throw a good party. We don’t sweat egos or appearances.

DCist: So what’s next for Fatback?

PC: We’re always trying to step it up in terms of ridiculousness. I can only imagine it’s going to get more weird.

Because tonight’s party is going to be extra-special, Fatback will be asking for a $5 cover charge. Doors open at 10 p.m.