A response to a Facebook DJ group where a DJ is fed up with the Seattle scene...

I'm one of those DJ's that DJ B-Mello mentioned; that is, I have a day job and I DJ. However, the extra gravy is not the primary reason why I do it - not to rub it in, but I don't need it since I've already budgeted my lifestyle based on my day job. With that said, I take the effort and risk to do something to diversify the nightlife in my own way (e.g. Joints & Jams, Back To The DJ, Skratch Lounge). My goal is not for monetary value - it's to provide a home for older folks because Seattle nightlife is geared too much towards 18-24 yr olds. When I moved to Philly/NYC in 2000, I noticed something immediately - there were way more spots where a 45 yr. old could go and kick it and not feel old. I think this is completely absent in Seattle, and because of this, people that grow up here may subconsiously feel they need to settle down after 25 so they won't be the old dude/gal in the club. It's a real problem for the business in my mind because older people are the ones that have money to spend. And the promoters that say "old school" or 25+ never stick to it - I walk into their joint and they're playing Top 40 80% of the night. That's false advertising. At least I've felt that I'm making a difference and provide an event where I see alot of older people actually want to make it out - and that makes me, as a DJ, super happy because I get to play real old school and everyone is happy with it because they know what to expect. You don't have to be on the hunt when you go out dancing. Seattle has a really skewed view on dating, and it's driven by the wacky societal norm of nightlife here, which in turn fucks up the promo game, which in turn fucks up the DJ game.

Friday 2011.07.29: BACK TO THE DJ, 1 YR ANNIVERSARY!!!

It's been exactly one year since we've started the quarterly Back To The DJ event! Come celebrate everything good about the DJ culture and why you love listening to quality music. These nights have been nothing but a well-respected party - created for the DJ's by the DJ's. Giving awareness to real party rockin' skills that is so absent today. For those who missed out, now's your chance to check out what the hype is all about. A packed house with dope true school music. On Friday, July 29th, we're about to set it off w/ the original group of Back To The DJ's :

Spinja (@spinja): 9-11:00 (True School Opener)
Fever One (@feverone): 11:00-11:30 (New Jack Swing)
Estylz (@djestylz): 11:30-12:00 (90's R&B)
Soul One (@souluno): 12:00-12:30 (Golden Era Hip-Hop)
D'Lemma (@djdlemma): 12:30-1:00 (80's R&B)
Pryme (@djpryme): 1:00-1:30 (Club Anthems)
Bamboo (@djbamboo888): 1:30-Close (Slow Jams)

Get there early to catch your favorite DJ's - we guarantee this night will be live!!

Celebrating the birthdays of our friends Marisa Embry, Marijo Van Patten (Mrs. D'Lemma), and Mekenna Schwisow!

$5 Cover.
For booths and list, email: groovetechs@gmail.com.

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Thurs. Skratch Lounge w/ Waystyles + Friday Joints & Jams!

This whole year at Joints & Jams has been a success for the Groove Techs. Let's keep this vibe rollin'! Thank you everyone who continue to come have fun with us. This end-week is quite busy, but either way you can't go wrong!

Thursday, July 7th:
SKRATCH LOUNGE: DJ WAYSTYLES
This month we have a feature from hip-hop producer and tablist: DJ Waystyles. A battle vet who has toured with Seattle's own Boom Bap Project. Skratch Lounge is a monthly event (every First Thurs) for DJs to network and flex their skills on the turntables with a 6+ open deck scratch session. If you love DJing, especially scratching and turntablism, then you can't miss this event! It's a great way to meet other local DJs and vibe on the turntables together! The ONLY home for the turntablist of the Northwest. No Cover. 7-11PM. Baltic Room.

Friday, July 8th:
JOINTS & JAMS
Following the night after Skratch Lounge we will be carrying over to Joints & Jams! Celebrating our good friend David Gavino's birthday! For those who do not know him, he is an amazing graphic designer and has helped DJ Bamboo produce his mixtapes and album art through the last 20 years. We gonna get down like we used to! So get dressed and come groove to Midnight Star, Cherelle, Special Ed, Chubb Rock and more! And it's free before 11PM - only $5 after. For booths and party reservations, please contact: groovetechs@gmail.com. Timeless Soul & Hip-Hop at the Baltic Room.