I was excited to see my talk on the history of 78 rpm records at the Sturgeon Bay Library get a shout out from The Peninsula Pulse! The talk was well attended and everyone was so engaged and asked so many great questions that we went almost hour over the scheduled time! If you’d like to see one of my talks or listening parties, check out the full list of upcoming events here or below.
Fifteen years ago, I 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. I was lucky enough to study with many legends of slight-of-hand magic. Since then, I have performed close-up magic as Mysterious Watkins at private and corporate events.
I've been delighted to perform in my home town of Sister Bay twice this summer! I had a great time performing several sets at Northern Door Pride's Circus themed event at the Sister Bay Village Hall on June 13th, and then at the Sister Bay Library on July 18th. See some photos below.
And you can see The Mysterious Watkins in Fish Creek on October 28th for their Jack O' Lantern Days Halloween celebration!
What a fun afternoon! The weather could not have been nicer and we even had a dance floor going. Thanks so much to Al Johnson’s, Bryn, Chase, and everyone who came out to hear me spin some classic sixties soul 45s on August 6th at The Stabbur at Al Johnson's Swedish Restaurant, one of my favorite places in Door County -- or anywhere! I hope the goats enjoyed it as much as. I did.
I’m delighted to announce a series of gigs at one of my favorite new Door County traditions, the magical Chistkindlmarkt at Sister Bay’s Corner of the Past Museum. I’ll be spinning crowd-pleasing favorites from my collection of rare holiday music on vinyl and shellac. Come join us from 3-5pm Friday November 25 & Saturday November 26, Saturday December 3rd, and Friday December 9 & Saturday December 10.
Learn more about the Christmas market at www.doorcountychristmasmarket.com
Wassail!
On September 28th, I was honored and delighted to be part of the centennial celebration of the newly restored Bayside Tavern in Fish Creek, Wisconsin. The MacDonald family, who have owned the beloved bar since 1975, recently removed the ‘70s-era mansard roof to reveal and restore the original facade of the historic building, which was originally a school house, then an ice cream and soda parlor, a pool hall, Bill’s Tavern in 1934, eventually becoming the Bayside Tavern.
I played 1920s jazz on 78rpm records and the Cherryland A’s brought out their awesome collection of Model A cars. There were historic photos and artifacts and great stories that illustrated how the building and the tavern have been the heart of the community as a gathering place for many generations.
Thanks so much to the Bayside Tavern, Bobby MacDonald, Town of Gibraltar Historical Society, and everyone who came out to celebrate 100 years of the Bayside Tavern building. It was a truly fun and heartwarming event!
David Watkins DJ playing 1920s jazz at the Bayside Tavern Centennial with a 1920s Model A from the Cherryland A’s
What a blast to open the season with an outdoor gig in front of a beautifully restored vintage trailer! I got to spin an all 45s set on May 6th for the open house and flea market at Heather Weasler’s gorgeous Drömhus office and event space in Sturgeon Bay, WI. Drömhus is a lovingly remodeled church in the heart of Sturgeon Bay. You can see pictures of the interior here. Thank you Heather and everyone who stopped by!
Well folks, spinning 78s at the legendary Hollywood Palladium for The Growlers was the biggest Halloween thrill I could ask for.
I feel lucky to have played some of the most historic places in Los Angeles, and being on that iconic stage is something I'll never forget! You can see video below.
Happy Halloween! I'm excited to announce I'll be spinning 78s for The Growler's Beach Goth Halloween show at the legendary Hollywood Palladium on Saturday, November 2. Tickets are still available.
It's been a busy fall so far. I had an absolute blast DJ-ing at Soap Plant / Wacko at the launch party for Charles Phoenix' awesome new book, Holiday Jubilee. I played a mix of vintage styles at a fun private art opening and got out the 1920s & 30s shellac for the Heritage Square Museum's 50th anniversary party. The museum is a Los Angeles treasure and they have Halloween tours coming up, so be sure to visit.
You can see photos from recent events below!
Planning a winter holiday gathering? I have been collecting wild, weird, and wonderful vintage yuletide tunes for years and can bring my unparalleled collection to your party or event. Read more about my holiday sets here.
"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
I had a great time spinning ukulele and Hawaiian music from the 1920s to the 1940s on 78rpm at an anniversary party for the Jumpin’ Flea Circus, a group of ukulele enthusiasts who’ve been meeting to strum their ukes in Sherman Oaks for 15 years! Thanks to all the fleas for the warm welcome and the chance to spin some of my all time favorite records. The joint was jumpin’!
I had the opportunity to work a lot of great events this spring, including spinning a swinging all-45rpm set for the incomparable Charles Phoenix at the spectacular Valley Relics Museum in May. The cars, the neon, the Kodachrome! An outrageously fun time was had by all.
Other cool gigs included Ladies Night at Playclothes Vintage Fashions in Burbank and a private party and performance on Museum Row in L.A.!
Check out the photos below.
I’m available to bring my collection of rare vinyl or shellac (78rpm records) to your event, and can spin on modern gear or on two wind-up Victolas. See my sample set lists to inspire ideas for your spring or summer bash!
Happy New Year! 2018 ended on a high note with a flurry of great gigs, and I’m looking forward to more in 2019. First of all, I have the coolest clients. It’s always a blast to create sets for their unique events.
I was honored to close out 2018 at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, spinning swinging tunes at their New Year’s Eve party. The theme was Casino Royale and I had great fun creating an all-vinyl set of 1960s soundtracks from classic spy films. Of course, I had to wear my gold 60s suit jacket and Sansabelt slacks while I played Goldfinger! The set was so well received, I’ve added it to my list of offerings. (Plus a new one called Rhythm & Burlesque. Check them both out here.)
Perhaps equally thrilling was being invited to create a soundtrack for Charles Phoenix’s annual Holiday Show. I provided a series of weird and wonderful Christmas tunes to open and close his famously fun retro slide show.
It’s become an annual holiday tradition to bring my collection of rare Christmas music to Amoeba Music in Hollywood. See photo below!
In November, I brought my dueling victrolas to the Topanga Vintage Market to entertain the holiday shoppers at their last show of the year. I love playing for other vintage enthusiasts, who always have great questions about my equipment and 78s, and lots of knowledge to share.
Thanks so much to everyone who invited me to their events. Here’s to more musical adventures in 2019!
Spinning a Casino Royale themed set at The Magic Castle on New Year’e Eve. Photo by Taylor Wong.
We had a blast at the grand opening of Ruby’s Shake Shop in North Hollywood, a classic hamburger stand with delicious shakes, burgers and fries. I played a selection of rockin’ 1950s and 60s 45s for a very happy (i.e. full) crowd. Thanks, Ruby’s! It was my tastiest gig yet.
My new "victrola" service is up and running. I can DJ your event on two wind-up record players from the 1930s -- no electricity required. It's a fun, portable, and highly engaging show. (I have to crank the players and change the needle between each song!) It allows me to bring music almost anywhere. Sets include wild, weird, and wonderfully evocative 1920s and 30s dance, jazz, international, Hawaiian, hillbilly music and more, all on 78rpm records. See pics below or more photos and video here.
If you want to hear for yourself, I'll be cranking it up at the Topanga Vintage Market on November 25.
I rang in the New Year in my straw boater with the Great Cardini playing a four hour all-78rpm set from the 1920s at one of my very favorite places in the world -- the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood -- for their roaring 20's New Year's Eve celebration. What a way to begin 2018!
Photo by AMA photographer Taylor Wong.
In December I DJ'ed two all vinyl and shellac Christmas sets from my collection of rare holiday LPs, 45s, and 78s at Amoeba Music in Hollywood. You can see some pictures below, including a visit from the great DJ Lance Rock!
I don't know if I can adequately describe the joy that a DJ takes in making a crowd dance. It's possible there are no more tireless or inventive dancers anywhere than the legendary Bob Baker marionettes! Getting to be part of the landmark LA theater's gala fundraiser was an honor I won't soon forget. I even got to go through Bob Baker's records and include some in my set. Check out the pictures below to see what I mean. And please visit the Bob Baker Marionette Theater soon to see a show and support their amazing work. It's always a magical experience!
I was honored to get a peek at the epic record collection of legendary puppeteer and puppet maker Bob Baker. I'll be DJing at Bob Baker Marionette Theater's "In L.A. to Stay" Winter Gala hosted by Charles Phoenix on December 2nd! I'll be spinning my own records plus sides from Bob Baker's personal record collection. Tickets include food, drink, music, and an amazing variety show. Proceeds help to keep the legendary theater in Los Angeles for good!
Visit here to learn more and get tickets. Hope to see you there!
I was thrilled to DJ for the Ambassador of Americana, Charles Phoenix, at the release party for his amazing new book, Addicted to Americana. I played a set of rare and groovy 45s from the 1950s and 1960s. The party was at the astonishing Modernica Props in Atwater Village, which houses one of the largest collections of midcentury modern furniture in the world.
Special guest entertainment was provided by classic Bob Baker Marionettes, and Mr. Phoenix served up some of his signature jaw-dropping desserts. As a longtime fan of Charles Phoenix, it was truly a dream gig.
He also gave me a really great quote: “The party rode on the wings of David’s sensational selections, setting the perfect mood for the fab festivities!” An amazing time was had by all. See some pictures of the fun below!
