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Playlists,DJ Mixes
based on a recent trip to dj a wedding in the town of todos santos, located in the baja california region of mexico.
music that might be heard on the beach after swimming in the warm pacific, having fresh mariscos with a topo chico or driving down a dirt road in search of the next beach.
photo compliments of our dear friend Jenn Emerling
With its Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, vibrant art and food scene, the enchanting Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende has become a favorite destination for the Flashdance DJ’s to perform in. The energy of the city is like no other.
Recently our very own Phil and Matthew had a chance to dj weddings there. Here’s some of the music from and inspired by those trips #businessandpleasure
photos compliments of Our Labor of Love and Christian Garcia
Our dear friend Austin Hendrix used some 8mm footage captured by Tyler Beus to create this video of Matthew and Michael performing at the Lazers and Blazers party at Yeah Field Trip. Thanks, Austin!
Earlier today, a press conference was held at Office Party in Highland Park, CA where Michael Antonia read a short prepared statement to a select few from the press and some onlookers wearing cut-off shorts and T-shirts that said WHO THE FUCK IS FLASHDANCE? Frank Sinatra's "My Way" played quietly in the background and ended the very moment he was done speaking. Below is the statement. He took no questions.
Good Afternoon. Thank you for coming.
Before I was of legal drinking age, I played my first happy hour DJ gig in Seattle for $50 and free drinks. I was instantly hooked.
Every single day since, I have chased a dream of playing records for a living. A dream of performing alongside my musical heroes. Of playing records for huge audiences. Of traveling the world. Of having a fan base. Of supporting my family with music. Of working with my friends. Of building community. Of being known as a great DJ. Of making people happy.
And in 2008, during the worst economic downturn of our time, The Flashdance was born. I had just moved from New York City to LA, and my wife was pregnant with our first child. I had no job and knew only one person in Los Angeles. I began this company on our dining room table during our daughter's naptime. Against all odds, one by one, all of my dreams came true.
After a few years I started thinking "What's next?" And Yeah! Rentals was born. I invested every spare penny I had into this business and am happy to report that YEAH! is performing beyond my wildest dreams and still requires more of my time than I have these days.
After a few more years, I started thinking "What's next?" And Office Party was born from a shared vision with two wonderful people - Jonathan Lynch and Brian Morrow. Office Party is a community space that brings all of my favorite things together: friends, family, design and hospitality. We are still in the early stages, but I'm having a blast and learning everyday.
The Flashdance, Yeah! Rentals, Office Party... and all of the good stuff of life. Family. Friends. Community. Social Change. Collaborations.
So many things to create and sustain, so little time. In the wise words of Kenny Rogers, you gotta know when to fold em.
so...
It is with mixed emotions that I'm announcing some recent creative developments.
First,
I won't be DJing many more weddings or corporate events. I have played around 500 weddings and close to 1000 private events and after awhile it begins to feel like groundhog day (that sorta makes me Bill Murray, so I'm cool with that). I will still be a DJ. I will still make monthly playlists. I will stay on as the Creative Director of The Flashdance. I will still be Musical Director of Ace Hotel. I will still collaborate with my friends. I will still wear my khakis with a cuff and a crease.
Last but not least...
I am handing the reins off to Mr. Phil Quinaz & Dr. Matthew Rubino. There's a lot I can say about how I feel about these two gentlemen, but the important part is that we share a vision. I believe they are among the finest DJs on the planet. They are kind, funny, and interesting people who care about their work. I am excited to see what they bring to the table. More than that, it is exciting to see this thing that I built with love, blood, sweat, tears, and the help of so so many friends and collaborators will live on.
Some things will change, most will remain the same. There's a lot I will miss, but I am so thrilled that The Flashdance will continue to do what it does best, offer amazing service, pair the best DJs anywhere with rooms full of people looking to lose their minds and forget their troubles for a couple of hours. They will continue to bring a house party vibe to a wedding or corporate event. They will continue to be the first and best DJ service on everyone's list. I'm grateful that The Flashdance will be in the hands of people I know and trust, that I love, and I know love me. You are in good hands.
There are far too many people to thank for their love and support, but I would be remiss if I didn't mention my wife Elizabeth who has believed in me, sacrificed a staggering amount for my successes, stood by my side through my failures, and has been my biggest fan since the day we met. Without question, this company wouldn't exist without Whitney Chamberlin, and it wouldn't have been nearly as much fun all these years without Brian Morrow.
Finally, a toast to the best fucking team on the planet: SMILES, GARY, VINAY, MIKE, MATTHEW, PHIL, SHANLEY, ABBY, & FUCKING TYLER. I love you all.
Danke Schoen.
--michael
Wanted to share some of the music selections from the poolside brunch and reception portion of a wedding I dj'd in September of 2017 at Casa Privata in Praiano along Italy’s Amalfi coast. Everything about it was pure magic, from the dreamlike location and six-course Italian meal under the stars, to the surprise fireworks show over the ocean put on by the bride’s father. - matthew
photos compliments of We Are Bubblerock
Wednesday August 29th 5p-10p the flashdance djs will be playing records on the lawn, curating live music acts, and our dear friend Steph Rager will be leading a communal art project for the gardens of summer celebration. bring the fam, a blanket and your drink of choice.
video compliments of Karah Lee from Shark Pig.
Reserve a room now with the code FLASHDANCE for 20% off.
Featuring all our faves: YEAH! Field Trip, Unique Camp, Ban.Do, Venue Report, Smilebooth, YEAH! Rentals and GERONIMO.
Working for Ace Hotel has shaped my career for almost 20 years. I started on small projects at the Seattle location in the late 90's, began programming music for Palm Springs soon after it opened, and quickly took over the rest of the properties. I've also been throwing parties at all of the Ace hotels--everything from intimate dinners to dance riots. What a treat it was to be here at the first ever ground-up build in Chicago. Big thanks to Smilebooth (full gallery here) and Asrai Garden.
The next one is going to be the most ambitious: THE LAST PARTY EVER on Friday, June 15th in Palm Springs (featuring YEAH! Field Trip vs. The Unique CAMP co-hosted by Venue Report). This is gonna be one for the history books. Reserve a room now with the code FLASHDANCE for 20% off.
Just a couple of legends sharing a stage and a giant blunt. NBD. Photos from a wedding last October, shot by Nick Radford (more here).
Live recording from my opening set at this year's legendary Lazers and Blazers party at the 2018 edition of Yeah Field Trip in El Capitan Canyon. Photo by our good friend Nate Kaiser.
I travel a lot and always buy music on the road. I always listen to music on the road as well. Once a year, I take the best of the best of all of my discoveries and begin the daunting task of puzzling them all together into a cohesive DJ mix. This is the hardest creative work I do all year, and it is the thing I am most proud of. Enjoy. --Michael