DJ Eric and I (DJ Mat) were absolutely honored to spin at Sicky Dicky’s 4th Annual Malibu Invitational Therasurf Benefit After-Party. Pictures can describe better than words so I’ll leave it to your eyes:
DJ Eric and DJ Mat @ The Booth
Our Set-Up:
Mike D. (Beasty Boys) photo ‘op
DJ’s are an interesting bunch. We like people to know we are DJ’s. When the opportunity arrives, we’ll slip it in there if we’re proud of what we do, the same way that a gardener may mention their profession in passing… but I never see gardeners lugging hoes around parties. I’ve met a number of DJ’s amongst social gatherings that identified themselves by the headphones wrapped around their neck. Are you serious? Yes. I am. This wasn’t a time when these people were set to go on stage either. With those big things… they certainly weren’t jogging recently despite the quintessential hoodies often donned by these apparent disc jockey’s. They literally had cans on their head for no reason other than to look like brooding and discriminate music listeners. Do they plan to turn their iPod’s on in the middle of a party? Ignore everyone else? Wait, are they even connected to anything? I don’t understand. Maybe someone can enlighten me.
Although you might not know it yet, you need look no further than a dark little cubby on Thompson Blvd. for the most colorful nightlife in Ventura. Inside, the ceiling is a signature patchwork of old, slick records – their album sleeves quilt the walls and breath with music, melding into an ever evolving art gallery of local masterpieces – from photography to acrylic, with many of which for sale. And If you find colorful, artfully crafted compositions more appealing to the pallet than the eyes – you will be delighted to sip on one of Dirty Vinyl’s cocktails, served up by artisan drink maker, Erik Myles (voted best bartender in Ventura, 3 years running!).
Splashing together drinks with the speed and style of Jackson Pollack, Erik Myles is likely to help you discover your new favorite cocktail. For instance, have you ever been served a “Gonzo’s Revenge?” No? If you haven’t – you’re missing out. And once you wash down some fine drink – you’ll no doubt be swept up by the live music and mixing by Ventura’s most skillful artists and Local Ventura DJs. Dancing is a must, and if you can bring a little rhythm to those feet of yours you’ll be dancing in a pool of pastel colored lights to the vibratory joy of the best local Ventura entertainment. And who knows? You might even have an interesting conversation, or ten. This is made all the easier by an elegant and spacious, heated patio that connects to the accessible back parking lot. It’s easy to move inside and outside. And because the bar is an island and the staff is swift, service is available from just about anywhere inside. Dirty Vinyl is a dive bar with soul and a diverse crowd of regulars, both young and old, from every walk of life.
That cozy, cool beat-poet atmosphere may just be haunted by Alan Ginsberg. How else could a little Ventura establishment just off of Main be so seductive? Red lights glowing and pulsing, the heart of Dirty Vinyl pounds through the night – electrified with spirit.
What makes a party? Well, of course you need people! But you can’t forget a good spread of food and some music (maybe a DJ!). But even with these things, what separates a “party” from a “gathering?” Lighting is a good way of raising the energy, which is why we provide at least some lighting with every event, we don’t like being without it! But to top it off a good haze of atmospheric fog makes a big difference. Not many people encounter fog without it being tied to an exciting event, and so our minds immediately shift from our normal operation, to raging party mode when we see lights cutting through the air. See for yourself, below is a video of one of the basic lights that we bring to events made by Martin (their California office is right in Simi Valley!). The patterns it produces are beautiful yet look at the difference in shots where a fogger is used. The effect cannot be achieved without fog! As a side note, the fog we use is water-based and will not generally set off smoke alarms nor will it create oily residue like oil-based fog.
The best celebrations are the ones that you’ll remember forever, and for Megan, this past Saturday in Simi Valley is certainly no exception. The Zeller family put together a trendy, and yet, elegant sweet-sixteen birthday party for Megan at the incredible 118 West Studios complete with balloon and event decor from Linda at Party Blitz.
Anyone up to date with today’s top hip-hop and pop music would have felt at home at this party. My “Sweet 16 DJ” set list included an eclectic blend of billboard.com’s Hot 100 track’s with some old-school, a little of The Beatles in the mix, and a few remixes to compliment a truly unique party. Upon the request of Megan and her family, this is the first time I have tried “text message” requests. I can certainly say that this is something I will use again in the future!
The decor and balloon design was provided by Linda Zeller of Party Blitz, whom I’ve had the pleasure of working with previously. She did a fantastic job with the gigantic “16″ on stage (pictured above) and table center pieces with added fiber-optic lights. The additional decor throughout the party was a coordinated pink and black, which really did the trick. I would certainly recommend Party Blitz to anyone needing party decor. Additionally, the awesome cake to the right was provided by Skiff’s Cakes of Simi Valley.
This was
my first time at 118 West Studios in Simi Valley and I’m certain not the last. This live performance venue/recording studio is on a whole new level when it comes to having a party. The sound is incredibly full and clear, with several 18″ and even 21″ subwoofers underneath the massive speaker arrays. Along with fully automated moving light systems and atmospheric effects, and advanced video recoding and projection gear, professionally operated by Steve Greene, there is no better Simi Valley DJ party than can be had at this somewhat tucked away venue.
Loud DJs walked away with another happy customer, and was more than happy to be there for this party. We certainly look forward to more Simi Valley Sweet 16′s as fun as this one in the future! Thanks to the Zeller family for having us!
Dance floors are kind of like the heartbeat of any party. Even if not everyone is dancing, having even just a few party animals rocking the hardwood changes the whole atmosphere. When your dance floor is empty, consider these options that I’ve collected, and have found work well for all sorts of different audiences. Some are a bit “different” but that’s part of the fun. If you can’t find some of the remixes I suggest, the originals are just as good!
