Natasha spinning w/Ali Shaheed Muhammad (A Tribe Called Quest)

Of the many things for which New York City-based DJ Natasha Diggs is known, her skill at spinning 45 RPM records is one of those specialized disc jockey skills upon which the art of #realDJing is built. As a selector of those songs, she’s gifted too and brings that talent to The Lodge at Red Rocks on Saturday March 7th. Representing New York City’s Mobile Mondays crew (a top-tier group that includes the likes of Just Blaze and classic disco spinner Joey Carvello), she brings an encyclopedic musical knowledge and unique skill at blending genres to the decks this coming Saturday night.

World renowned, Diggs has DJ’ed alongside names like Erykah Badu in locales including Tokyo, Sydney, Beijing, Prague and Berlin. As well, the selector has also played on the same billings as DJ legends like Kenny Dope, DJ Spinna, Cut Chemist, Spinderella and DJ Scratch. With that list-as-resume, expect a soulful, funky and crowd-pleasing blend of everything from disco, rock, hip-hop, house and much more.

Joining alongside the well-respected Diggs is DC’s own (and Biz Markie-trained) 90s hip-hop specialist Miss H.E.R. The Hampton, VA-native brings a knowledgeable awareness to the turntables, naming not just Markie, but 9th Wonder and the crew at DC’s Beat Refinery as inspirations.

If that’s not enough, here are a few other tremendous reasons to check out Natasha Diggs and Miss H.E.R. as The Lodge at Red Rocks celebrates Women’s History Month.

Q-Tip has named Diggs a resident DJ at his Brooklyn-based (and Giant Step produced) party #OFFLINE at world-class nightclub, Output.
With an eye towards presenting and developing future generations of talent, Natasha’s all girls jam "Us Girls" (which she co-founded) showcases and creates networking opportunities for NYC-based female DJs and artists.
New York City’s Mobile Mondays crew (with which Diggs is affiliated) includes the likes of Just Blaze and classic disco spinner Joey Carvello
Independent, underground and mainstream co-signs dot Diggs’ background. These include (but are not limited to) Triple J National Radio in Australia, one-time independent stalwart East Village Radio, DJ Evil Dee’s Beatminerz Radio and The Lord Sear All Out Show on Shade 45 (Sirius Radio).
Award-winning pizza and Red Bull slushies highlight the Lodge at Red Rocks menu
The Lodge’s large dance floor has a mezzanine that uniquely overlooks and wraps around the DJ booth and dance floor. As well, a heated rooftop provides a clear night-time view of the Capitol building and Washington Monument.
And of course, the event has no cover!

Natasha Diggs will be playing alongside DJ Miss H.E.R. this Saturday at The Lodge at Red Rocks. Doors open at 9pm. No Cover. More event details HERE.

By Marcus K. Dowling

It's with absolute certainty that we suggest that your favorite DJ at your favorite local nightspot loves Eli Escobar. Representing New York City, he's 20 years into a career that's seen him release a ton of well regarded tracks as a producer, but it's when he spins those tracks (and numerous others) live as a DJ where he's truly succeeded.

2012's DC-area Redbull Threestyle DJ competition champion, Escobar's opener Spinser Tracy has quickly established himself as a DJ who is adept at seamlessly blending top-40 radio cuts and underground party favorites. A fan of blurring lines between genres, seemingly incomparable tracks have ties thatbecome readily apparent in the midst of his exciting live sets.

Here's three amazing reasons to check out Eli Escobar at The Lodge at Red Rocks...

a) He's not likely to play too many cuts with which you're not completely aware, as he's remixed a truly diverse set of artists and pop favorites including (but not limited to) Diplo, M.I.A., Britney Spears and Chromeo.

b) Unlike every other DJ you'll probably hear and see of late, Eli Escobar is truly a man of the people in that he absolutely loves requests. Regarding this, he says: "I like requests. Being a DJ and complaining about requests is like being a secretary and complaining about typing."

c) Eli Escobar's long-running Night People NYC party has spawned a similarly named record label. Night People (the party) is currently held at Output in Brooklyn, which for the purposes of DC dance fanatics is yes, the spot that is currently home to Nadastrom and DJ Sabo's NYC version of U Street Music Hall's vaunted Moombahton Massive events. A club described by Resident Advisor as "open to anyone, but is not for everyone" and "[valuing] the communal experience of music over cameras and bottle service," it perfectly describes the vibe of an Escobar DJ set.

It's a quite easy-to-argue statement that Escobar follows in a line of New York City's established standard of excellence that starts somewhere around the early 70s iconic Fire Island discos, navigates its way through The Loft, Studio 54 and the Paradise Garage. In unquestionably keeping that legendary disco and house legacy alive (with a flair for knowing how to seamlessly weave in modern styles, too) Escobar spinning a set at The Lodge at Red Rocks on Saturday January 17th is an absolute must-attend affair. More event details HERE.

Get To Know: NATASHA DIGGS (NYC) - Coming To The Lodge this Saturday

Get To Know: ELI ESCOBAR (NYC) - Coming To The Lodge This Saturday