Albert, Michael, David, and Tony Assoon moved from New York to Toronto in the 1970s to avoid the Vietnam War draft. Born in Trinidad, the brothers began promoting disco and funk parties in high school, renting rooms and rec spaces as their following grew.

In 1980, they opened The Twilight Zone at 185 Richmond Street West. The club became a landmark in Toronto’s music scene, introducing electronic and house music and welcoming diverse crowds from across the city. DJs like Frankie Knuckles and David Morales helped turn it into a hub of underground culture. The brothers later opened Fresh, Living Room, Remix Lounge, and The Mix669. Fresh, launched in 1984, became Toronto’s largest entertainment venue and helped shape what would become the Guvernment Nightclub complex.

The Assoon’s played a key role in bringing house music to wider audiences and creating spaces where people came together through music and dance.