The Lodge at Red Rocks

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

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

By Marcus K. Dowling

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.

Photo by Tim Blackwell (ShotsFired)

Get To Know: YOUNG GURU - Coming to The Lodge This Saturday

Jay-Z & Young Guru

By Marcus K. Dowling

Young Guru is Jay-Z's engineer and was nominated for a Record of the Year Grammy for his role behind the boards in the production of the Roc Nation chief's 2009 hit (with Alicia Keys) "Empire State of Mind." However, it's as a DJ where Guru started in the music industry some 20-plus years ago, and a DJ he still remains today, headlining at H Street's Lodge at Red Rocks on February 21st. Blessed with an encyclopedic knowledge of music acquired over a career that has seen the DJ literally travel the globe in search of the perfect beat, his sets are rooted in hip-hop, but make pleasant deviations through all other genres and cultures great and small.

He's joined on the 21st by DC's own Steven Faith, who could actually be described as somewhat of a local legend for open-format DJs. His standard of excellence has actually provided the blueprint for success followed by many rising and globally-renowned DC-born and bred DJs and producers. Cosigned by the likes of Mad Decent Records, Steven also lists touring DJ credits with emcee Tabi Bonney among his considerable accomplishments. Growing up comfortable in DC's punk and go-go scenes, a soulful style that blends seamlessly with his wild edges defines the typical expectation of his mixes.

Here's three amazing reasons to check out Young Guru at the Lodge at Red Rocks:

a) Young Guru's a 90s era Howard University alumnus who never shies from his DC connections. This means that he remembers what Georgia Avenue and H Street looked, sounded and felt like 20 years ago, and his sets will absolutely reflect that. In fact, nine times out of 10, he personally knows the artist that recorded a certain hit record of that era, or remembers the first time he heard it played in a club in the Nation's Capital, too. That type of knowledge of time, space and place makes Young Guru - and especially his sets in DC - special.

b) Here's a fun DC/Young Guru factoid: Young Guru's first "big-time" music industry position was being the tour DJ for Nonchalant. Yes, that's the same DC_born Nonchalant whose single "Five O'Clock" was a Billboard top-40 charting and gold-certified single in 1996.

c) In layman's terms, the engineer is the person ultimately responsible for mixing all of the pieces of a track together to ensure that the song sounds its absolute best (insofar as sound quality) when completed. Need ten more great sounding hit songs (not by Jay-Z) that Young Guru could play on the 21st to convince you of Young Guru's engineering excellence? Here's a list:

Cam'ron - Oh Boy
Lil Kim - Magic Stick
Nelly - Hot in Herre
Pharrell Williams - Frontin'
Freeway - What We Do
Ghostface Killah - The Champ
Eve - Tambourine
Rick Ross - Hustlin'
Rick Ross - B.M.F.
Drake - Fancy

If looking for a night where what are truly some of the ultimate (both underground and mainstream) pop-friendly party records literally of all time will be played all night long (by someone with an intimate knowledge of many of them), then The Lodge at Red Rocks on February 21st is absolutely the place to be. Young Guru will be playing alongside Steven Faith & Lodge resident, Sharkey. Doors open at 9pm. No Cover. More event details HERE.

Steven Faith

Get To Know: KING BRITT - Coming To The Lodge At RedRocks This Saturday 1/24

By Marcus K. Dowling

The last time Philadelphia soul spinner extraordinaire King Britt played in Washington, DC he was on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial during the 2014 Forward Festival. Ideally, Britt's style will work at H Street's, The Lodge at Red Rocks because if headed out with a group of people who love dance, hip-hop, classic R & B and top-40 taken to a progressive place, he'll keep everyone intrigued, excited and dancing all night.

Opening for Britt is DC's Adrian Loving, who as a DJ has most recently gained tremendous acclaim for being a part of the East coast's beloved 80s funk/soul explosion known as Axel F. If the idea of hearing disco boogie, champagne soul and jheri curl activated R & B sounds like a fun night on the town, the cosmopolitan man about town Loving is more than up to the task. 

Here's three more reasons to check out King Britt at The Lodge at Red Rocks.

a) Remember jazz-rap favorites Digable Planets whose "Rebirth of Slick" was an unlikely pop/rap hit in 1992? When the rap trio toured with Sade, King Britt was chosen to serve as their DJ for the three month touring stint.

b) In 2007, Britt was a fellow in the prestigious and Philadelphia-based Pew Fellowship in the Arts program, which supports an artist's ability to explore and create unique material that will ultimately aid in their long-term development.

c) To get a true sense of Britt's diverse tastes, consider the idea that he's worked with the likes of rappers De La Soul, legendary saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. and also fellow Philly-based house producer (of 1993's "Higher States of Consciousness" fame) Josh Wink.

If looking for a night on the town where the vibe will be funky, but veer into all grooves both known and unknown (yet magically still keep you dancing), a night with King Britt will more than satisfy a desire for the familiar with a side order of something much more. More event details HERE.

Get To Know: DJ DIRTY HANDS - coming to The Lodge This Saturday 12/20

 

By Marcus K. Dowling 

Local legend DJ Dirty Hands will be hard at work maintaining his well-respected status at The Lodge at Red Rocks this Saturday night (12/20). With a set that will in all likelihood (as he has) evolve from hip-hop and dive into EDM while still remaining entirely crowd-friendly, he'll showcase why he's likely more important as a top selector and turntablist than ever before. In an era where the Nation's Capital is in many ways experiencing incredible growth and development insofar as the music and nightlife industries, DJ Dirty Hands still maintains an iconic stature. 

If familiar with (or new) to dance music and nightlife and on the fence, here's a few solid reasons that you may not be aware of to check out Dirty Hands' set on Saturday night:

a) He's checked two major achievements by which modern era DJs of all styles and backgrounds are judged. What are they? He's both been a Red Bull Music Academy mentor and an Official NBA All-Star Game party DJ. It's not hyperbole to say that he's rocked with (and for) the best.

b) He's spun at 1 Oak in New York City, DC's infamous Park at 14th, LA's legendary Chateau Marmont and Baltimore's "Get Down" party. Catching him in the more intimate confines of DC's H Street corridor is rare. If a DJ, dance or nightlife fanatic, any of those locales certainly ring bells insofar as providing quality experiences.

c) He's opened the nightspot Heist in DC's downtown Golden Triangle, but as with many DJs across the city, still very interested in what's happening over on H Street, NE. The area is hot right now, and with a top-tier sound system installed, The Lodge at Red Rocks is one of very few venues in the area ideally suited for his set.

DJ Dirty Hands is a DJ's DJ and tastemaker's favorite, locally and nationally. He's cosigned by the likes of DC-to-global mix-master phenom DJ Enferno, with rising names like DC's DJ Brad Piff stating that he always "elevates his game whenever [Dirty Hands] is around." As well, the Washington Post's lifestyle columnist Fritz Hahn remarks, "I remember when [Dirty Hands] was spinning backpacker hip-hop in the '90s; Now he's a party-rocker extraordinaire."

Catch DJ Dirty Hands this Saturday 12/20 at The Lodge At Red Rocks alongside Lodge resident, Sharkey. Music starts at 9pm. No Cover. Heated and covered rooftop. 

Meet Cousin Cole - Coming To The Lodge At RedRocks May 9th

COUSIN COLE is a New York City based producer & DJ. His tracks are played by the top DJs in the world, from Diplo and A-Trak to Optimo and Todd Terje, and receive major prime time airplay on New York's Hot 97 in NYC and LA's Power 106.

I was first introduced to Cole's work when I heard his famous remix of Adele's monster hit "Rolling In The Deep," which I felt like every DJ in the world played that track for a good 6 months.  In addition, projects like the 2008 indie/folk mix CD "Tambourine Dream" -- featuring Cole's own remixes of artists like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young -- led to tours around the world. 

Cousin Cole has DJed around the world, playing with the likes of The Rub, Tim Sweeney, Jacques Renault, Shir Khan (Exploited), Eli Escobar, Nadastrom, K Swift, DJ Sliink, Bim Marx, My Cousin Roy, Sabo, and many more.

More recently Cole has put out two "So Emotional" EPs with Phi Unit, an entry in the White Light mix series, and a podcast for Modular records. His remix of the 1993 classic "House For All" by Blunted Dummies is coming soon on DJ Ayres & Tittsworth's label, T&A Records.

The Lodge At RedRocks is excited to have COUSIN COLE Friday May 9th for a very special evening with DJ MEISTRO of Sol Power All-Stars. Event page HERE.

What do you guys think? DOWNLOAD HERE: http://www.facebook.com/djcousincole?sk=app_190322544333196

Meet Sammy Needlz - Coming To The Lodge April 26th w/Diamond D.

New York City's SAMMY NEEDLZ is a modern day renaissance man. Lucky for DC, DJ’ing is the vehicle Sammy uses to keep is face popping up state to state and continent to continent. Holding down major spots all over the U.S., U.K., France, Germany and as far away as Russia, Sammy makes his stop in DC at THE LODGE AT REDROCKS this Saturday April 26th alongside Grammy Award winning producer and hip-hop legend, DIAMOND D. 

Sammy spins frequently at many of New York City’s hottest venues, but it is his renowned musicianship and skills as a writer/producer that continue to influence his sets and make him an influential figure in the global DJ community. When not in the club, you can catch Sammy co-hosting MTV's "RapFixLive." Sammy is also the on-air DJ & Host of the acclaimed “ShowOff Radio” on Eminem’s Shade45 SiriusXM station, as well as "Dancehall Saturday Night" on The Joint42 SiriusXM. 

Sammy flexes a vast knowledge of music past and present. His sets include Pop, Hip-Hop, R&B, Dancehall, Rock, Electro, Funk, Soul, Disco and House. It is this diverse knowledge of music and ability to seamlessly fuse genres that allows Sammy to play for the casual music lover, as well as the discerning connoisseur. It’s no surprise that his skills have been called upon to open stadium concerts for some of music’s biggest names like 50 Cent, Pharrell Williams and N.E.R.D, Kanye West, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, The Roots, and Busta Rhymes. Brands such as Converse and Beats By Dre have trusted Sammy to help launch products at many of their corporate events. 

Sammy redefines the term “DJ” by fusing instinct and artistry with skill and finesse. From fortune 500 brands to thousands of screaming fans Sammy Needlz moves and inspires his crowd every time. The Lodge At RedRocks is excited to have SAMMY NEEDLZ this Saturday April 26th for a very special evening in which Grammy Award winning producer DIAMOND D will kick off an early evening listening party at 8pm for his newest album, “The Diam Piece.” Sammy starts the dance party immediately afterward at 9pm. Event page HERE.

Meet Sonny James - Coming to The Lodge in May

Sonny James (aka: Statik) is an amazing DJ out of Philly, representing one part of the Illvibe Collective with partner, Matthew Law (aka: Phsh). Sonny Was recently featured by DJ Jazzy Jeff as a part of the mix tape series, Your Favorite DJ's Favorite DJ (see the video short with Jazzy Jeff below). I personally got the chance to meet Sonny and see him in action for the first time last month when he came through DC as a surprise guest of Rich Medina (see images here). The crowd was in awe of both his technical abilities and the selections he picked. Sonny totally had the packed house rocking!  

Directly to the right is a live mix Sonny James just made while a guest of the Berlin radio show, Hip Hop Don't Stop. Sonny is in Germany throughout the week playing a number of venues, including one of our favorites, Tube Station.

We are looking forward to having Sonny James back in the states with partner, Matthew Law on Saturday 5/10 at The Lodge At Red Rocks. As always, The Lodge is NO COVER. Add it to your calendar.  

GIAM presents HIPHOP DON´T STOP & Friends. Was euch erwartet: Live-Mixe verschiedenster Künstler, Interviews und noch vieles mehr, also hört rein :) Dieses Mal mit einem Mix von Sonny James (Illvibe Collective/Philly) DJ STATIK aka. SONNY JAMES http://www.mrsonnyjames.com/ https://soundcloud.com/mrsonnyjames Für alle, die die letzten Shows verpasst haben, hier könnt ihr in alle Shows reinhören und free downloaden: Tracklist: Red 2 Go - Danny Brown The Motion - Drake Versus - Jay-Z Jumanji - Azealia Banks Collard Greens - Schoolboy Q ft. Kendrick Lamar Toxic - Childish Gambino ft. Danny Brown Jamba - Tyler The Creator ft. Hodgy Beats It Concerns Me - Action Bronson & Party Supplies Chilled Coughpee - Curren$y ft. Devin The Dude We Taking Off - Busta Rhymes & Q-Tip Walk of Shame - Cane A Hunned Proof (Premier) - Illvibe Collective x Writtenhouse ft. Fatnice Shitsville - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib Once You Pick It Up (Premier) - Hezekiah Land of the Crooks - Sean Price & M-Phazes Made In Black America - Common ft. Ab-Soul Art Imitates Life - Talib Kweli ft. Black Thought, Rah Digga and Albe. Back Trillmatic - A$AP Mob ft. Method Man Duck Sauce - Mack Wilds & Pete Rock

http://www.djjazzyjeff.com/your-favorite-djs-favorite-deejays