DJ and magician David Watkins specializes in 20th century R&B, blues, jazz, country, old-time, rock, exotica, Hawaiian, international, and rare Christmas music. Watkins spins his thoughtfully curated sets from real records (78s, 45s, and LPs) on modern equipment, bringing an analog feel to a digital world. Hear sample sets here.

David worked in west coast record stores from the age of 15, gathering deep knowledge of vintage music and an amazing record collection. His annual Christmas compilations and DJ sets are legendary among serious music fans for unearthing overlooked classics-that-should-have been. He’s researched and found music for film and theatre, and created compilations for high-end retail stores. He introduced a mobile DJ service in Los Angeles to bring his unique collection to world-class venues and events. Clients include Charles Phoenix, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Live Nation, and The Magic Castle. In 2019 he had the honor of spinning 78rpm records for a capacity crowd at the world famous Hollywood Palladium at the Growler’s annual Halloween show. In 2020, he settled with his family in beautiful and historic Door County, Wisconsin where he can be seen spinning at Donny’s Glidden Lodge, Door County Christkindlmarkt, and for many special events. He regularly gives music history talks and demonstrations at local libraries.

Fifteen years ago, David fell in love with the artistry and history of close-up magic and became a magician member of the Academy of Magical Arts at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. He was lucky enough to study with many legends of slight-of-hand magic. Since then, he has performed close-up magic as Mysterious Watkins at private and corporate events, and has been delighted to perform at Door County events and library shows.

What People are saying

"The party rode on the wings of David’s sensational selections, setting the perfect mood for the fab festivities!"

-- Charles Phoenix, The Ambassador of Americana

"I have had the pleasure of being the recipient of David Watkins' Christmas CD mixes for the last 15 years, and it truly one of the few things I anticipate getting over the holiday season. David's taste in music spans the entire 20th century, with an emphasis on the first half, and he puts so many amazing Christmas musical gems you've probably never heard before together in one collection. Yet, the songs feel immediately familiar, and lend themselves to repeated listening. If you want an eclectic mix of Christmas music that is fun and varied all full of holiday cheer, you should check out David Watkins. He is… Awesome!

-- DJ Lance Rock, Yo Gabba Gabba

"When it comes to the holidays, David's musical selections remind us that holiday music doesn't suck. His Christmas compilations make the season worth celebrating."

-- Rob Zabrecky, Possum Dixon front man, magician, and actor

"It’s not just that David Watkins has the biggest record collection of anyone I know—which he does, by a long shot—but that he listens to and knows what’s in the grooves of every one of those slices of wax. His knowledge of music is impressive, as is his ability to mix different genres, artists and eras into one seamless groove. And if you put him anywhere near a pair of turntables in December, David will conjure a Christmas mix that’s guaranteed to send holiday spirits soaring to the top of the tannenbaum." 

-- Vince Waldron, co-author with Ronnie Spector of Be My Baby: My Life as a Fabulous Ronette.

"When I needed to select perfect background music for the ARTĚL CONCEPT STORE, I contacted Dave immediately. I wanted musical soundtracks that would accentuate the unique aesthetic of our brand. With his encyclopedic knowledge of vintage music and impeccable musical taste, Dave curated a brilliant selection of soundtracks that greatly exceeded my expectations. Our customers frequently go out of their way to comment on how much they love the music in the store, and how original it is. Dave has also created annual holiday compilations for me for the past several years, and each one has received rave reviews - needless to say my holiday cards have now become highly anticipated. Just give Dave a favorite genre - or a mood that you're trying to create - and he will surely deliver exactly what you want to hear."

-- Karen Feldman, Founder-Director ARTEL Glass, Prague