The Smooth DJ

I waited and waited to post this update because I was hoping we would have a confirmed venue by now. We don't. Although I have two leads still going, I'm starting to get doubtful here. If anything changes, I will post here. But for now, plan to be in class, and plan to do your set which we will grade. So next class is a must, please show up. We have course evaluations to do anyway.

We're also very lucky to have a guest speaker: Oliver Wang, AKA O-Dub, scholar, author, blogger, and resident DJ at Boogaloo[L.A] every thursday at Shortstop in Echo Park. He recently reviewed Kanye's new album 808s and Heartbreak for NPR. We're lucky to have him in class.

I've asked Oliver to talk about his DJing philosophy, discovering music, various tips and his approach for putting together sets, and more. Feel free to come armed with questions. Oliver will probably join us for an hour or so. The other 2 hours of class will be your performances - who knows, O-Dub may stick around and check out your sets.

I'll be at Shortstop this Thursday to listen to Oliver spin. Come on out and join me if you're around.

PS - I'm actually liking Kanye's new album. I thought I wouldn't. But it works. What do you guys think?

And what we'll be looking for when we grade your final sets:

1. Technical (Intro, Outro, No frequency clashing, sensible tempo/energy flow)

2. Presence (Looking at audience, added flare or showmanship, ie, do you look like you're DJing or playing mindsweeper up there?)

3. Creativity (Bonus: novel uses of effects and controllers. Extra Bonus for Video).

You'll aslo get a grade by grading your fellow students.

I didn't expect this to happen but my friend Jade went to bat for us and she got us a venue - Air Conditioned in Santa Monica. Doors open at 7pm - and you all have to be there on time. This is the real deal, folks.

I will have the flyer for you tonight, hopefully. Definitely by tomorrow. It's all for a good cause too. We are the entertainment for a cancer fundraiser (Lymphoma specifically). So we need people to show up, and I need all of you to promote promote promote this. Facebook and MySpace blasts, the works. AC is giving the charity 10% of receipts. The more peeps we bring in, the better.

You still need to show up for class on Saturday, btw! We have a guest, and course evaluations, and you have more practice time!

Place:
Air Conditioned
Santa Monica Address:
2819 Pico Blvd.,
Santa Monica, CA, 90405 [ MAP ]

Tele. 310.829.3700

Doors @ 7pm (till 130am)
Bar and Apps available.
UPDATE: Flyer is ready and here.

Last night was our "live" final exam in the field at Air Conditioned Lounge in Santa Monica. In one word: Wow! Al and I were blown away how far you've come and how great your sets were. We don't think the night could've gone any better. For a Sunday, the place was bumpin, and you guys kept it movin all night. Thank you all for a great quarter. Like Al said last night, you inspired us.

The DJ booth was really cramped - all part of the unpredictability of DJing in a venue for the first time. You all handled it well and I'm glad that you experienced that.

Please let us know your comments about the night - about how you felt about the set, any thing you liked and didn't liked, or any other general feedback. Just leave it in the comments section below. Al and I took notes of your performances and will be putting in the grades this week.

I know some of you brought cameras, so please send me some pics or vids I'll put them up on the blog.

So who's ready for another gig? James let me know about an AIDS benefit Dance Marathon (26HRs!) at UCLA in Feb - and they're looking for DJs! No, you don't have to DJ for 26 hours, but probably one. They are taking applications - you can use us as references, and mention the UCLA class you took and your Air Conditioned gig when you apply. Thanks, James. Good lookin out.

Finally, I encourage you to keep in touch with us. Al and I are on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, and all that jazz. Look us up, and let us know what you're up to now and then. And of course, we're gonna check out your gigs!