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.

It's that time of year when I transform into DJ Wassail Watkins! I have a great collection of rare, fun, and cool holiday music on vinyl and shellac that will change any music snob's mind about Christmas tunes! I still have a few slots open, but contact me soon.

If you don’t want to take my word for it, check out these quotes about my Christmas sets!

“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

“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

See a sampling of some of my favorite Christmas records below!

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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'll be launching my new "victrola" service at several events starting this Sunday.  I can now 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 wonderful 1920s and 30s dance, jazz, international,  Hawaiian, hillbilly music and more, all on 78rpm records. See pics from a private party below.

If you want to hear for yourself, I'll be cranking it up at the Encino Farmer's Market this Sunday, August 26th, and at the Topanga Vintage Mart on November 25. 

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! 

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