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Los Angeles Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
More Than Just A Playlist: These SoCal DJs Are Redefining the Celebration Experience
Music is never just background noise—it's the heartbeat of any celebration. A great DJ does more than spin tracks; they read the room, set the mood, and craft an immersive journey that lingers long after the last dance. From the smooth vibes of cocktail hour to the all-out energy of the after-party, DJs are the unsung architects of unforgettable moments. They bridge generations, elevate emotional highs, and bring a presence that turns any gathering into a true celebration. DJs are more than entertainers—they're storytellers behind the booth. With every drop, transition, and blend, they curate a sonic experience that matches the soul of the occasion. Whether it's hyping up a crowd or tenderly scoring a first dance, the best DJs know how to elevate a moment into a memory. In a world dominated by playlists and algorithms, it's their instinct, artistry, and human connection that set the vibe apart—and keep the dance floor alive. In an era where automation and playlists reign supreme, the role of the DJ has never been more vital—or more human. These artists don't just play music; they orchestrate moments that move people. As we celebrate the creatives who bring events to life, let's not forget the ones behind the turntables, blending culture, connection, and pure joy. The dance floor may be where the night ends, but for the best DJs in the business, that's where the magic truly begins. Music isn't just what Adam Gomez does — it's how he vibes and connects with people. As the founder of ADM Entertainment, Adam is a DJ, emcee, and musician who lives for the moment the crowd lights up when the perfect song hits at just the right time. Every set he creates is infused with positive energy and a genuine love for the experience. Whether he's spinning at a wedding at the Grand Californian Hotel at Disney, setting the tone with chill tunes at a celebrity luxury lounge in the Beverly Hills Wilshire before the Oscars, fueling the vibe for NFL players at the Los Angeles Chargers Headquarters, or mixing the perfect tracks at a George Lopez Charity Golf Tournament, Adam brings the same passion every time. His goal is always to create an experience people can feel, connect with, and remember long after the last song plays. What distinguishes Adam's DJ style in a competitive industry is his deep commitment to personalization. Every set he performs is crafted with intentionality—featuring custom transitions, wordplay, and tone play designed specifically for the event and its guests. For weddings in particular, he invests time in getting to know each couple, weaving in musical elements that reflect their story—be it a college fight song or a subtle Disney nod. The result is a soundtrack that feels authentic, thoughtfully curated, and unforgettable. DJ Dazzler is reshaping what it means to command a crowd. From global stages and brand activations to sports arenas and red carpets, she delivers high-impact experiences with precision and intention. With a versatile music range at her core and a sharp instinct for crowd connection, she creates moments that feel both elevated and personal. Whether it's a luxury wedding, an electric stadium, or a star-studded premiere, she knows how to read the room and raise the bar. Her client list includes Nike, Netflix, Chanel, NASCAR, the LA Kings, USWNT, Angels, and celebrity names like Lisa Vanderpump, Pitbull, and Wolfgang Puck, with performances for crowds of over 100,000. DJ Dazzler approaches every event as if the crowd itself is a living, breathing pulse. She stays hyper-aware of the energy in the room—reading body language, watching subtle reactions even from those lingering on the sidelines. Her ability to pivot quickly isn't reactive, but intentional. She shifts the vibe with confidence and control, understanding that her role isn't just to keep the party going, but to create unexpected, powerful moments that people didn't even know they needed. What sets DJ Dazzler apart is her commitment to crafting a fully immersive experience. Her sets are bold, elevated, and emotionally charged, blending genres with precision and purpose. Every beat is designed to move people both physically and emotionally. She commands the room with intention, making her presence felt behind the decks. As the founder of DJ Keelez & Associates, DJ Keelez has built a boutique DJ agency with one clear mission: to create unforgettable, high-energy experiences that leave a lasting impression long after the final song. Specializing in weddings, private events, and corporate celebrations, she is proud to be one of the most visible LGBTQ+ women DJs in Los Angeles, known for her authenticity, precision, and ability to command any room she steps into. DJ Keelez has a unique gift for reading the room and crafting a journey through music that resonates on an emotional level. From intimate rooftop gatherings to large-scale Pride festivals, her sets blend crowd-pleasing favorites with unexpected remixes, creating electrifying moments that stay with guests for years to come. Booking DJ Keelez means hiring more than just a DJ—it means securing a curated vibe, a creative collaborator, and a true artist who knows how to turn any celebration into a core memory. One of her most unforgettable moments happened during a wedding when she transitioned from a remix of a beloved queer anthem into a Bay Area classic that reflected the couple's hometown roots. The response was immediate and electric—the crowd erupted, and guests of all ages rushed to the dance floor. In that instant, the room transformed; the energy elevated into pure, collective joy. For DJ Keelez, it's those moments—where music becomes a shared celebration—that define why she does what she does. DJ Purple Lettuce, born Perpetua Romain, is a genre-blending DJ and electric force in the entertainment world, known for her high-energy sets and bold royal purple and emerald green aesthetic. A New Jersey native turned Southern California standout, her background as an award-winning journalist, performer, and radio host fuels her dynamic DJ persona. Spinning everything from Hip Hop and R&B to Afrobeat, Baile Funk, and House, DJ Purple Lettuce brings unmatched versatility to events of all kinds—from community festivals to luxury brand activations. Her client list includes Disney, Netflix, Nike, and NWSL teams like Gotham FC and Angel City FC. With residencies across LA and stages like NAMM and MEX under her belt, she doesn't just play music—she curates unforgettable experiences through rhythm and soul. DJ Purple Lettuce's approach to reading the room begins long before the event itself. During planning calls, she dives into the couple's story, musical preferences, and relationship milestones to craft a thoughtful sonic roadmap. On the day of the celebration, she observes everything—from guest interactions and energy to subtle body language during cocktail hour. Her real-time adjustments are grounded in intuition and emotion, allowing her to build a personalized musical journey that evolves seamlessly with the crowd. For her, it's part instinct, part artistry, and entirely driven by heart. For Tim Hampton, known to global audiences as HAMX, DJing and producing isn't just about sound. As a three-time Olympic DJ and music producer, he's trusted not only for his music and stage presence, but for his ability to orchestrate emotion on a massive scale. His secret? A rare mix of technical mastery, emotional intuition, and the discipline to design moments that evolve, breathe, and build like a story. He doesn't just read a room, he rewrites it. That's why elite brands, festivals, and private clients turn to him when the stakes are high and the experience has to deliver. What distinguishes Tim's style is his ability to do more with less. He believes in creating contrast, holding space, and building toward authentic, climactic moments. His performances are deeply intentional—each one a narrative shaped by emotion and nuance. Having opened for icons like Prince and earned praise from Quincy Jones, who once said his set 'blew me away,' Tim has proven himself as more than a DJ—he's a storyteller behind the decks, with a rare sense of control and presence that keeps crowds engaged from start to finish. One standout memory for Tim came during a private event where, mid-set, he took a risk and shifted musical direction entirely. The result was electric. Guests who had been still for most of the night suddenly came alive, filling the dance floor in an instant. For Tim, that's when the power of music becomes clear—it moves beyond entertainment and transforms the entire energy of a space. Every set he creates is grounded in this intention: to make people feel seen, connected, and fully present in the moment. That's what turns a playlist into a memory—and it's the experience he brings to every event. Instagram: @hamxofficialPhotographer: Rachael B Photography DJ Anthony 'Tony' Hernandez of Honored Occasions brings over 15 years of experience to the wedding and event industry. Fluent in English and Spanish, Tony is known for his ability to create inclusive, high-energy celebrations that reflect both cultural tradition and modern flair. His deep expertise in Latin music and crowd reading ensures the dance floor stays full and the vibes stay elevated. Highly rated on WeddingWire and The Knot, Tony is more than a DJ—he's a trusted event consultant who collaborates with couples to fine-tune music, flow, and special moments. Especially in multicultural weddings, his bilingual skills and cultural awareness make him a standout, seamlessly blending traditions into one unforgettable experience. For DJ Tony, reading the room is a balance of observation and instinct. He doesn't just watch who's dancing—he scans facial expressions, senses energy shifts, and notices how guests of different ages are responding throughout the event. If the energy dips, he pivots without hesitation. Whether that means shifting from high-energy reggaetón to a nostalgic throwback or slowing things down for a romantic interlude before ramping it up again, Tony treats his sets like emotional waves—using music not just to fill space, but to tell a dynamic story that flows with the crowd. DJ Will Gill is the world's most decorated and awarded event entertainer. As an audience engagement specialist, he masterfully blends music, hosting, and connection to keep energy high and guests fully engaged. His dynamic stage presence drives not only entertainment but also meaningful interaction and retention. Will has hosted for The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Voice on NBC, and served as emcee for the Super Bowl in Minnesota, Miami, and Los Angeles. He was the voice of Sir Richard Branson's first outer space flight and a featured emcee at the UN Global Summit. His innovative approach has earned recognition from Forbes and The Wall Street Journal. Trusted by Fortune 500 companies worldwide, Will Gill remains the go-to talent for events that demand impact and unforgettable moments. When it comes to reading the room, DJ Will Gill takes a responsive and strategic approach. He closely watches how the crowd reacts to each track, using their energy to guide his next move. If a song lands well, he'll stay within that genre for a few more tracks. If it doesn't, he shifts quickly and seamlessly to something new. He also pays attention to influential clusters within the crowd—groups whose energy can elevate the entire room—and makes it a point to keep them engaged and energized, effectively letting their enthusiasm ripple outward. DJ Wrex is a musical storyteller who transforms events into unforgettable experiences. With over 20 years behind the decks and a background in piano, trumpet, and turntablism, he brings a rare level of musicality, instinct, and creativity to every set. Known for his clean, genre-blending transitions, tasteful scratches, and custom remixes, DJ Wrex crafts moments that resonate long after the music ends. Whether spinning at a Filipino-Chinese fusion wedding or a sleek corporate rooftop event, DJ Wrex is part hype man, part curator, part conductor—reading the room and delivering what the crowd didn't even know it needed. Every client has a story, and he sees it as his mission to translate that narrative into sound. More than just playing songs, DJ Wrex sculpts energy, elevates emotion, and leaves guests saying, 'I've never seen a DJ like that before.' One of Wrex's most memorable moments came during a wedding with Dee Lee Designs, where he crafted a custom mix for a surprise dance battle between the bride, groom, and their entire wedding party. The groom, a former b-boy, faced off against the bride in a final round that had every guest cheering. That single moment didn't just hype up the crowd—it opened the dance floor in a way that kept it full all night, even after In-N-Out arrived. For Wrex, it was the perfect example of music's power to turn a celebration into a core memory.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
WMass adds its voice to ‘No Kings' Day protest at federal building on Saturday
SPRINGFIELD — A number of Western Massachusetts groups will join the national 'No Kings' Day of Defiance with a rally Saturday outside the U.S. District Court building. The rally is expected to run from 12 to 2 p.m. in front of 300 State St. The peaceful, nonpartisan event is one of about 1,800 such events planned across the country for Saturday. Organizers are calling for 'accountability, democratic integrity, and a renewed commitment to constitutional values,' they said in a statement Wednesday. The event is co-hosted by Rise Up Western Mass Indivisible; Indivisible Northampton/Swing Left Western Mass; Defending Democracy of Hampden County; and Northampton Resists. Speakers will include: Massachusetts State Sen. Adam Gomez; John Bonifaz, a constitutional lawyer from Free Speech for People; John Paradis, retired U.S. Air Force officer and VoteVets member; Springfield City Councilor Zaida Govan; representatives from the Mass Senior Action Council, Young Feminist Party, Springfield No One Leaves, and others; plus statements from U.S. Sens. Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren. 'The Saturday rally — coinciding with Flag Day, the 250th birthday of the U.S. Army, and the birthday of President Donald Trump — takes place as the president plans an unprecedented military parade in Washington, D.C.," organizers said. 'Critics note ... the display of tanks and troops reflects a push toward a more militarized form of leadership and personal image.' Local organizers affirm that in the U.S., 'there are no kings — only the will of the people." Attendees are encouraged to bring signs and to engage peacefully in the rally. Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Valley groups aim to walk people back from financial cliff with new program
SPRINGFIELD — Springfield WORKS and United Way Pioneer Valley will host a celebration Thursday for the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot Program launch. A community initiative of the Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council, this pilot program is designed to tackle the 'cliff effect,' which occurs when families experience a sudden loss of public benefits when their income rises, often leaving them financially worse off despite earning more. The initiative is crafted in collaboration with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. The event will feature remarks from speakers including state Sen. Adam Gomez and state Rep. Patricia Duffy, and a moderated discussion with pilot program participants. The event will be held 12 to 1:30 p.m. at the TD Bank Building, 1441 Main St. 'Many people in our region work hard to lift their incomes but lose crucial benefits too soon, preventing them from earning a living wage. The Bridge to Prosperity Pilot bridges that gap by providing cash payments and financial coaching to support people as they transition off public benefits and into sustaining jobs,' said Laura Sylvester, public policy manager of the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. 'We're ... hopeful it will inspire statewide change.' In the pilot program, participants benefit from personalized coaching to help navigate finances, employment, and career growth, and receive connections to additional support in the community as needed. Each participant receives a monthly bridge payment based upon their estimated cliff effect impact, with an additional $10,000 asset-building payment at the end of the program. These payments are designed to stabilize families and will help mitigate potential losses in benefits while they work toward moving up the career ladder and achieving lasting economic security. 'Our pilot launched in February with 18 participants, seven here in Springfield, and we're already making a difference,' said Kristen Joyce, Bridge to Prosperity program director. 'Bridge payments helped one family stabilize their housing and another purchase food when their SNAP ended. Another participant was able to start training to become a nurse after years of only dreaming of it.' The program is aiming to serve up to 100 families in 2025. To learn more about the Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Effect Pilot Program, visit or contact Kristen Joyce at Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Springfield officials support legislation to automatically seal criminal records
SPRINGFIELD — Saying people shouldn't be punished twice for the same crime, city officials are pushing for legislation to automatically seal records for those who committed nonviolent crimes three to seven years after conviction. The Clean Slate Initiative, which is now being debated in the Legislature's Joint Committee on the Judiciary, would automatically seal records of misdemeanor crimes three years after conviction and after seven years for a felony. The law has a clause exempting some, including sex offenders and others who have committed violent felonies, from having their records sealed automatically, according to the bill. 'The intent is to give people a second chance,' said state Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, who is one of the legislators who filed the bill spearheaded by Sen. Cindy Friedman, a Democrat who represents the Fourth Middlesex district. For Gomez, the bill is especially meaningful, since he got into trouble with the law and was charged with a misdemeanor when he was a teenager. He was able to seal his record, change his life and give back to his community, but many do not have the same opportunity. Currently employers, landlords and others do background checks through the state's Criminal Offender Record Information system and find out about an applicant's legal history. Even if a person was arrested and never convicted, the charge can appear on their record. That means people who have made a mistake are left struggling to find a place to live and having difficulty making ends meet, because they can't find a good-paying job, no matter how qualified they are, Gomez said. People can apply to have their record sealed, but the process is cumbersome, timely and can be difficult for people who can't afford a lawyer, officials said. Hampden County is one of the counties with the most arrests per capita, so the bill is even more important here, Gomez said. The City Council voted last month to support the bill in a resolution that passed unanimously. All councilors asked to be listed as co-sponsors of the proposal. Gomez said he was proud to have the largest city that he represents becoming the first to officially support the bill. City Council Vice President Tracye Whitfield, who proposed the resolution, called the bill a great piece of legislation, which already has been adopted in at least a dozen other states, including neighboring Connecticut and some conservative ones such as Oklahoma and Utah. 'Clean Slate really just levels the playing field. We know that Black and Latino individuals have been and are disproportionately arrested, prosecuted, convicted and incarcerated, and the best way to fix and address this problem is to automatically seal records for low-level, nonviolent misdemeanors and low-level offenses,' she said. Multiple advocates from a variety of agencies, such as Live Well Springfield, Greater Boston Legal Services and the Urban League, spoke in support of the bill. Several talked about people who had records that followed them their entire lives. 'Clean slate is about fairness. It is about economic opportunity,' said Miles Gresham, policy director for Neighbor to Neighbor. 'It is also about public safety. People who cannot find a home and a job (are) more likely to reoffend.' There are now roughly 672,000 people statewide who are eligible to seal their records, many of whom have not committed a crime in decades. Some do not know they are eligible to clear their record, some have mental health issues, others find the petition process daunting, and some are just traumatized over the idea of returning to court, said Andrea Freeman, policy director for the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts. 'It is about fairness and opportunity, and it is also about health,' she said. City Councilor Lavar Click-Bruce said having an unsealed record is 'double jeopardy,' because people who paid the price for their crimes are still being punished because their record follows them when they apply for a job, an apartment and even to enter college. 'If you make a mistake, who are we to judge?' he said. 'It is a resolution that needs to be passed swiftly.' City Councilor Zaida Govan said she has been fighting for legislation like this for three decades. 'When you are in active in active addiction, you get caught up,' said Govan, who added she has been sober for 36 years. 'It is a long time coming. I'm really glad we are doing something about this.' Read the original article on MassLive.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Advocates call for state action to address the western Massachusetts Homelessness Crisis
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) – Housing instability and homelessness is on the rise in western Massachusetts. 'I fell in urine, cracked two ribs, my rent was out of the roof, I'm on disability, new owners bought the building, raised my rent by $50 more, so I had to move,' said Bennita Watford, a housing advocate from Springfield. 'There are a lot of issues when it comes to the grown market in job creation, mental health crisis, or the lack of work, or rising costs,' said Senator Adam Gomez. The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness has laid out its legislative priorities for the upcoming session. Their focus is to keep people inside their homes and off the streets. According to the U.S Department of Housing and Urban Development, 3,560 people experience homelessness in this part of the region. Since 2021, rent rose 32. 5% in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties, and 39.7% in Berkshire County. Eviction filings rose 66% between 2022 and 2024. This is the reason why 58-year-old Bennita Watford moved away to live with her family in Pittsfield. 'It's good, but who wants to depend on their children. That's the part that hurts me more,' said Watford. Hundreds of tenants, renters, state and local leaders came together on Friday for the 9th Annual Gathering of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness. They want to change each other's pain into power. The network is seeking legislative action on 12 bills to help increase housing stability. 'Like my rent stabilization bill. I think we have to look towards the realization that individuals are struggling to pay their rent, and individuals who are not only working one job, but two or three jobs,' said Gomez. Other bills are looking to give tenants the opportunity to purchase their housing before being sold to an investment company, and enact a real estate transfer fee on the highest-selling homes to fund more affordable housing. You can join this fight at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
