I have an extremely talented artist friend who started her MFA program around the same time I went back to school for my own Masters degree in Urban Planning. We’d always talk and comisserate about ignorant classmates, school administration, and everything else you’d grouse about while spending tens of thousands of dollars in the name of “higher” education.

One day she and I were talking about a less-than-favorable critique she just had. She did a painting that was of a very personal nature to her and was intending on making it her thesis project moving forward and the faculty that was critiquing her was very discouraging. Basically their point was: “Ok, we see this is personal to you but why should we care?” Of course a statement like that stings, but damn it if it wasn’t spot-on. I don’t know why that stuck with me for all this time since I’m so not an artist, but it did. At the time I felt for my friend and I did see the truth in it though it was harsh, but only recently did it really get driven home and reinforced by a very tragic event.

I definitely did not know DJ AM. I definitely was not his peer in the DJ realm by any stretch. I definitely was one of his many admirers. Granted I can’t wax poetic about DJ AM like some of his close friends or like ?uestlove did because I suck at writing, but the recurring theme of the numerous blogs and tweets about this man was his ability to present music a way that respected the genre and got people open to new and different things. As ?uestlove says in his tribute, with DJing you have to use your knowledge of music to SHARE music. That’s my goal as a DJ. That’s my job as a DJ. However, the one thing I think I haven’t quite figured out is: Why should they care?

I think the greats have figured out the why and the how in a way that is just universally felt. I may never get there. It is an individual journey and no two are the same, but DJ AM was one of those who figured it out and never strayed from it, even when he was getting stupid paid. That’s not only a testament to his character, but to his dedication to the craft and love for music. Rest In Power, DJ AM.

Hi!

Its been a busy month for me! Unfortunately, it has taken me away from getting this website together (and subsequently updating this blog portion).

I found myself DJing a couple of house parties this month. I don’t really get to do that very often since I don’t have speakers or a car that would accomodate me being more mobile. However, house parties are always fun and you know you’ve done a good job when its 3am and people are still dancing and you aren’t in some club in a “cool” part of town, but are in a very beautiful historic brownstone in your own neighborhood (Bed Stuy!) with a bunch of people who are very serious about their music. It was awesome.

Spinning @ The Potluck Crew's Annual BBQ

I also found myself DJing another unlikely venue-a shoe store! Yours truly was on the 1s and 2s at Sole Food NYC, a sneaker store on Lispenard St in Tribeca. That store is so dynamic-I’ve been there a few times before to view some art on display and this time around, I was DJing a trunk show they were sponsoring for an up-and-coming jewelry designer. Gotta love a store that has turntables on hand!

Spinning @ Sole Food NYC's Ladies' Night

Then on to my other-other job (from non-profit employee by day to DJ by night to event planner with Rare Form on other nights). We got to do something super cool this past weekend and hold an event on Governor’s Island at Water Taxi Beach with the original Hip Hop Karaoke crew. The weather was perfect, we had one of my most favorite DJs Rich Medina warming up the crowd between sets. Governor’s Island is absolutely great. Felt good to rip around the island on my bike without worrying about cars! The houses are really beautiful as well. I definitely recommend heading out there before the summer ends-especially you staycationers!

And it still doesn’t stop! This weekend is a bit action packed, as I’ll be DJing both Friday and Saturday in Brooklyn. Friday night I’m teaming up with Never Leave Brooklyn:

NLBKLYN is proud to present the One-718 Jump off at Public Assembly. This event celebrates the digital age by honoring bloggers and any other forms of digital communitcations and entertainment.

Hosted By Disko D, Rlfnowhere
Photos by Rule4080.com

DJs:
Tony Tantrum
DJ Brainchild (The Roots Jam Sessions / Gordon Gartrell Radio)
DJ Tara (Rare Form / sugarcuts.com)

Special Guest DJs throughout the night

Free with RSVP/ $5 without
*RSVP to: nlbklyn@gmail.com

Doors Open at 10pm
Public Assembly
70 North 6th Street
Williamsburg| Brooklyn, NY

*****

I’m also DJing the farewell party for the talented poetess, Aja Monet. She is the youngest ever to win the Grand Slam @ Nuyorican! I’ll be DJing alongside Jasmine Solano, who is ill in her own right (she DJs and MCs!), and there will be additional performances from folks such as Amanda Diva, Oveous Maximus, and Miss Angelina.

Boy! This post was a mouthful. Promise not to stay away as long as I have and I’ll keep plugging away at the site! Thanks for checking in!

(DJ)Tara