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!
DAVID WATKINS DJ: VINTAGE MUSIC - REAL RECORDS
"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
“If you want an eclectic mix of music that is fun and varied and all full of cheer, you should check out David Watkins. He is… Awesome!” — DJ Lance Rock, Yo Gabba Gabba
Specializing in unique and sophisticated vintage music in a wide variety of styles, as well as Christmas music people actually want to listen to, Los Angeles DJ David Watkins spins thoughtfully curated sets from real records (78s, 45s & LPs) on modern equipment, bringing an analog feel to a digital world. Clients include Charles Phoenix, Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Live Nation, and the Magic Castle.
Find me on Instagram here!
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
Hello Friends,
It's the hottest L.A. summer on record, so I've been breaking out the beach and BBQ tunes! I've got a variety of sets to keep your summer soirees cool including vintage Hawaiian music, classic R&B and blues, and 60s surf & beach instrumentals. As always, sets are all vinyl or shellac (78rpm). Check out my set lists here or email me for more details.
Best,
David
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!
