SwingDJs

I store in CD ring binders so I can insert more pages, if needed. I keep everything alphabetized, and updating doesn't present a problem. I have at least 8 binders, tying on little labels (sales tags) on each case sorted by alphabet letter, just like the spine of an encyclopedia. I replace the label...

Make sure that locals don't feel slighted. Don't forget that you are going to have to see them every week for a long long time. Inviting someone makes them feel respected. If they are nationally known DJs, it is a MUST to invite them. Many people on this site hang out together. If someone feels disr...

I am trying to keep the regularly scheduled DJs to 8 in the booth that I coordinate, so everyone can DJ at least once a month. Luckily, I haven't had more than 8 people who wanted regular slots. I also have a list of guest DJs and substitute DJs, who are available to fill in any open slots (eg we ha...

What Moonmist isn't saying is that she has been a MAJOR force in shaping the DJ side of things in Houston for years. She knows her stuff and, yet, is STILL feeling frustrated. We lost a huge number of our most experienced dancers about a year and a half ago (at least 15 moved away). So, it isn't JUS...

A few more: Death Came a Knockin' - Ruthie Foster Sing you Sinners - Valaida Snow or Alex Pangman Too Darn Hot - Ella Fitzgerald See See Rider - various All of Me (it IS about having your lover take your body parts one by one) -I like Duke Ellington's version Sinner's Prayer - Ray Charles (blues) Ev...

And there I was, covered in sawdust, boarding up my home for Rita...and I realized that I was humming "wade in the water."

As the DJ coordinator for one of the few weekly venues in town, it is my job to ensure that the DJs who play at the swing club are pleasing the crowd. I praise often, but I also have made it clear that I will nudge someone if it becomes necessary. I have even had people try to get me to nudge DJs wh...

That might be true in normal times, but this is NOT normal times. Last night was the first time in the two weeks that I have seen a room full of smiling people who weren't smiling only in a desperate attempt to hold back tears. Kermit sang about people being able to go home, about finding a home-awa...

"Oh when the saints go marching home, when the Saints play superdome, I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching home." - Kermit Ruffins, live, September 15, 2005 to a barful of smiling, singing, cheering, white napkin waving, 2nd lining New Orleanians and Houstonians If you ...

Having been flooded out of my home a few years ago, there was something rather healing about singing songs like Muddy Water, like I was saying "hey, flood, you haven't beaten me down. I survived YOU." So, yes, it might be offensive to some, but for others, it isn't.

It is nice to know y'all ARE doing tributes. Thanks for sharing your sets. Here in Houston, tributes seem like a weird idea because so many New Orleans musicians, including Kermit Ruffins, are living in Houston for the foreseeable future. It would feel somehow wrong to create a tribute set of music ...

If you want to go traditional, Kermit Ruffins has a New Orleans jazz style "Happy Birthday," on the album, "The World on a String."

Chris Connor "Chris Connor Sings the George Gershwin Almanac of Songs"...a slow medium jazzy version.

Trumpet player, band leader, singer. Fun stuff.

Organization: Who is the DJ coordinator? Do the organizers give you enough notice to ensure that you have time to prep for the event? Have they ensured that you know who is available to help you during your shift if there is a problem? Is there someone available to help with sound problems throughou...