48-year-old businessman and co-founder of an established financial services group, Lior Goldstein aka DJ GOLD, collaborates with Arbour Café, a French-inspired café, to entertain music lovers at the Courtyard

Lovers of electronic music in and around the leafy Johannesburg suburb of Birdhaven can now enjoy a fun and carefree evening hosted by Larry Hodes and Josh Simon, two experienced restauranteurs and owners of the trendy Arbour Café, who have collaborated with aspiring DJ, Lior Goldstein aka DJ GOLD, to play in the restaurant’s open-air Courtyard. ‘1st Thursdays at the Courtyard’ is an underground electronic music event in the northern suburbs held every first Thursday of the month, offering an evening of great music, food and drinks, open-air dancing, laughter and fun.

Arbour is a French-inspired café and creperie, known for an enchanting leaf-dappled alcove, aptly named ‘Arbour Café and Courtyard’. Arbour Café, with its fairy-lit courtyard, is a popular venue for hosting many events, such as corporate functions, birthdays, baby showers, kitchen teas, and weddings. The decision to introduce an evening of music is very much in line with the goal of creating a unique experience for guests. Nevada Razika aka DeeJay Yung Ice, the 30-year-old restaurant manager at Arbour Café, who has been playing as a part-time DJ in the Johannesburg Club scene, has also been key in coordinating the event.

One evening in January 2022, Lior and Larry were haggling over the price of a set of speakers that Larry had for sale from the restaurant. This inspired the two to use the Courtyard of the Arbour restaurant as a setting for an underground party. For Lior and Nevada its an opportunity to play their music for an audience. For Larry and Josh its an avenue to create a new revenue stream for the restaurant and to use the space in the Courtyard in creative ways.

The launch of the Courtyard event is particularly timely as it delivers that experience of connection that people have been craving for the 2 years of lockdown. During lockdown Lior was encouraged by his wife, Nicole, to explore his creative talents and learn how to play electronic music – something he had been talking about for years. The Courtyard event provides him with the unique opportunity to hone his skills in front of a live audience. 

The first evening on the 3rd of February was a roaring success with the lineup of DJs including friends Waynezak and Jonny Nobody and an audience made up mostly of family and friends. The success of the night spurred on the planning of the second event which was held on the 3rd March, attracting a diverse audience who heard about the event by word of mouth. The event featured an amazing mix of ages, races, and religions with one commonality - all lovers of music and life!

For bookings please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 010 753 2007.