Intro to DJ'ing Workshop

(DO NOT BOOK THIS EVENT ON THE SAME DAY WITHOUT CONTACTING THE ORGANIZER)

Have you ever wanted to scratch on vinyl records and make a party crowd dance?

Join WBL for a single hour an a half introduction to the art of turntablism (DJ'ing). First, we'll cover a brief history of hip-hop. Next, you'll learn how to properly set up and use DJ equipment like Technics 1200 turntables and mixers to play the old skool way- on vinyl! Choose from our hugely diverse record collection to start scratching and blending right away. From Marvin Gaye to current hits, you'll quickly be mixing your favorite tracks like a pro.

About the Event Host

This workshop is hosted by Words Beats & Life (WBL), a community based nonprofit whose community work over the past 17 years has helped preserve and promote hip-hop culture for people of all ages. Comprised of unapologetic advocates for hip-hop culture and art forms, WBL is proud to welcome youth and adults to our headquarters in Columbia Heights for an unforgettable educational experience. Since 2002, we have offered free classes for young people in schools, librarires, places of worship, and community centers. Your participation in this Intro to DJ'ing Workshop helps us to continue our legacy of offering programs free of charge to those who cannot afford or lack access to arts education. 100% of your ticket fee goes to increasing our social impact. Your money is a direct investment in the next generation of DC artists, and your purchase helps keep free arts programming alive for DC youth.

About the Artist

Ron Brown aka DJ RBI is an arts and entertainment professional with more than a decade's worth of experience in DJ'ing, radio programming, music production, stage performance, and visual art. Also a longtime youth development specialist, RBI has taught and mentored students in partnership with the DC Commission of The Arts & Humanities, Words, Beats & Life, and Guerilla Arts, among others. Recording artists like Kev Brown, yU, Priest Da Nomad, and Surock are amon RBI's renowned collaborators. He also regularly tours and performs with other highly sought after artists, including Dumi Right & Zimbabwe Legit, Asheru, Ethan Spalding & The TrapRock Family, Sound Of The City Band, and '90s hip-hop legend YZ. Hip-Hop Theater is another one of RBI's passions, leading to work with Hueman Prophets and presentations at the Hip-Hop Theater Festival/Hi-Arts and the Kennedy Center's One Mic Festival. In the radio and nightlife circuits, he has worked as producer/DJ/host of 89.3 FM WPFW’s “ILL Street Grooves” and “Capitol ILL”. RBI is a principal member of the DMV-based DJ collective, Diamond Cutterz.

FAQs

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

No minimum age requirement! All ages and ability levels are welcome.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

There is limited parking at our headquarters. However, the building is conveniently located on numerous metro and bus lines, and is a short walk from the Columbia Heights metro station. For directions via public transport, please visit www.wmata.com to plan your trip.

What should I bring to the event?

We will provide water and all DJ supplies, including turntables, mixers, laptops, and viny records. You should wear closed-toed shoes and comfortable clothes. We encourage you to bring friends and family- this workshop is very enjoyable for groups!

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Please e-mail mazi@wblinc.org if you are interested in setting up a private lesson for four or more people, or with any additional questions or concerns you have about the workshop.

What's the refund policy?

Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance of workshop. Refunds are not available, but tickets can be exchanged for another workshop, based on availability during 2019.