Much Respect | DJ Phillip Kimball (NYC)

Hi there disco boys and girls-

There are times when a great night out becomes unforgetable thanks to the talents of a DJ connected with his community.  I was lucky enough to have one of those nights thanks to the talents of DJ Phillip Kimball.  

A couple years ago while on a trip to New York, after an already exciting night in the Village, my partner and I happened upon the historic Stonewall Inn.  As we walked in, the historic place came alive with a beautiful set of music being spun by Phillip.

Surrounded by a large group of enthusiastic flaggers, (always a good sign), Phillip brought the dancefloor to life.  His music was eclectic, unconventional, and yet beautiful and uplifting - a perfect set of music to celebrate the historic and important place we were lucky enough to find.  In just a few hours, Phillip spun classic disco tracks, soulful house, ethereal trance and techno together seamlessly to create an beautiful experience.  It felt like magic.

Phillip has had a long career in the gay dance scene crafting his skills.  He began his journey as a DJ in 1990 in Honolulu at Fusion Waikiki. After only three months of training, he was thrust into the spotlight when one of the resident DJs departed for greener pastures. With his skills and talent blossoming and his reputation growing, Phillip was urged by his friends to take a leap of faith. So in the fall 1991, Phillip leapt from the isle of Oahu to the isle of Manhattan.

In 1992, Phillip began his long association with the Saint-at-Large. Working with the original management of the Saint & being part of the this organization allowed him to gain a deeper understanding of the musical journey and the story telling involved, all created by the incredibly talented DJs the Saint-at-Large hired.

Phillip’s first public performance was at the New York Lesbian Gay Bi & Transgender Community Center’s “Dance 208” in 1996. These bi-monthly dances are a wonderful local tradition which gives up and coming DJ talent the opportunity to shine.1997 and 1998 found Phillip spinning frequently at lounges, bars & other events throughout New York. A chance meeting with DJ Andy Fuentes in 1999 led to two years at Cherry Grove’s legendary Ice Palace. Andy Fuentes was also instrumental in granting Phillip’s wish to play in the Pines on Fire Island. His guest spot at the Island Club aka “Sip ‘n’ Twirl” was so well received that management gave him the coveted weekend slots the entire 2001 season. Coming back for the summers of 2002, 2003 & 2004 seasons Phillip continuously kept the Island Club full of happy and joyous revelers.

Phillip’s talents have benefited the American Foundation for AIDS Research by DJ-ing for the “TRIBE” parties in 2000, 2001 & 2002. He was also honored to have been selected as the DJ for Heritage of Pride’s Official After-Parties in June of 2003 and 2006. From there he went on to be selected as an opening DJ for the Dance on the Pier 23 which was also the 40^th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.

2010 was one of Phillip’s busiest years with numerous Sassy Bitch Productions (SPB) events and his exciting return to Fire Island. After two years each as House DJ at The Ice Palace and Sip-N-Twirl, DJPK took a hiatus from Fire Island. DJPK’s return was “record breaking” as he was the first DJ ever to play Fire Island Pines & Cherry Grove throughout the same season. In the Pines at the Blue Whale, DJPK spun several knock-out sets for Low Tea and also kept them on the dance floor til 4AM at Sip ‘n’ Twirl. In the Grove, Cherry’s came alive in a whole new way prompting a club manager to say, “The music was so good, I thought it was a CD!” 

DJPK’s unique ability to be in tune with what’s happening on the dance floor, and the energy being exchanged between the dancers and him, is what sets him apart from many others. This has always allowed him to play the type of set that is right in the moment, and for the moment.  

I believe Phillip has a special gift to spin music that connects our community and history, and that makes his music so much deeper.  I was very lucky to experience a night of Phillip's music.  I look forward to many more.  Phillip, much respect, and thank you for giving me a truly incredible night.  You can find out more about DJ Phillip Kimball at his website, his Facebook page, and can hear his music at his Podomatic page.

With much respect,

DJ Craig Gaibler

Much Respect | DJ Christopher B (SFO)

Hi there disco boys and girls-

I love bonding with other DJ's over our shared passion of music.  I quickly knew DJ Christopher B and I were going to be friends when I first saw him DJ the world-famous Flagging in the Park two years ago, and every song I heard made me want to sing along!  We connected shortly afterwards, and have become great friends.  And this month, he is a finalist in the G.I.R.L. Radio contest to spin at the opening LIQUID pool party during the "gay invasion" of Walt Disney World this summer!  Find out more details about how you can help him win here.

Christopher and I DJ well together because of our shared love of uplifting, melodic dance music.  Over the past two years, we have collaborated on a podcast together, spun together many times, and I'm spinning with him again next month at his and DJ Brian Maier's weekly party PLEDGE: Fraternal Fridays at Rebel in San Francisco, CA.

DJ Christopher B fell in love with electronic music as a teenager, shifting from classical piano lessons to sound-smithing on his synthesizer. Then in college, while studying abroad in London, he truly became obsessed, especially with 90s house music, returning to the US to find house music exploding on the gay party circuit.  He began following great DJs like Junior Vasquez, Frankie Knuckles, and Susan Morabito.  In 1999 at Winter Party Miami, he connected DJ Julian Marsh, who invited Christopher to hang out in the booth with him at SPLASH BAR in NYC.  Watching Julian make magic on the decks absolutely blew his mind, and he wanted in. 

For the first few years, Christopher played occasional private events and community fundraising parties.  Then, in 2008 he began getting more plugged in to the club and bar DJ scene through a DJ contest at LOOKOUT and later got a big break from Mike Lane and Janine Shiota, creators of FRESH at Ruby Skye, spinning a new party for them called SWANK.  Over the years, he's had the honor of working with other top-notch promoters like Gus Bean, P Tyrone Smith, and Locoya Hill.  And Christopher has worked the decks at some amazing San Francisco venues, such as The EndUp, The Stud, Mezzanine, and BeatBox.  In 2011, he traveled south to headline Friday nights at San Diegos Hillcrest hot-spot, EDEN. 

Most recently, DJ Christopher B returned to FRESH to open on the main stage for DJ Kimberly S as part of the legendary tea-dance's countdown to an epic 10 year anniversary finale.  And he's the proud creator of San Francisco's hottest weekly "flirtatious fundraising" party, PLEDGE: FRATERNAL FRIDAYS, now at REBEL.  PLEDGE celebrates and benefits organizations helping the SF LGBT community thrive, featuring amazing guest DJ's, gorgeous PLEDGE Brothers slinging ABSOLUT shooters, PLEDGE paddle photo ops, and hot gogo guys dancing for donations.

DJ Christopher B is followed around the world by lovers of upbeat, soulful dance music.  And this summer global circuit partiers may have the chance to hear him live in Orlando at the kick-off of Mark Baker Events' LIQUID pool parties, thanks to a national GayInternetRadioLive.com DJ competition in which Christopher is a finalist. 

Wherever he plays, DJ Christopher B is all about passion - discovering it, sharing it, and inspiring the crowd to experience it with him.  I am so proud to work with him, and to get to listen to him spin often!  He is inspiring, positive, and a great friend.

If you want to learn more about him, you can visit his website or his Facebook page.  And please be sure to click on the following link and help him get his own pool party this summer!  I know he deserves it!  Much respect!

DJ Craig Gaibler 

Much Respect | DJ Russ Rich (SFO)

Hey there disco boys and girls-

This month's Much Respect posting features one of my favorite San Francisco DJ's, and someone who has become a very close friend over the past two years - DJ Russ Rich.  Russ and I met while DJing together, and we quickly bonded over a shared love of sexy, vocal dance music.  Russ has had an incredible influence on me, and we have spun together many times and even collaborated on a recent podcast together - one of my favorites, if I do say so myself.

If you've ever heard Russ spin, you've probably left the dance floor with a smile on your face. That's because the music he loves to play is big, happy, vocal house, with a touch of gospel, progressive, tribal and tech thrown in to keep things moving. Russ has been inspired by artists like Prince, Everything but the Girl, Madonna, and Peyton, as well as producers/DJ's the Freemasons, Moto Blanco, Victor Calderone, and Tony Moran.

Originally hailing from Minneapolis, Russ moved to San Francisco in 1997, and became immersed in San Francisco's dance music scene. Institutions like Club Universe, Mass @ 1015 Folsom and the End Up showcased some of his favorite DJs, like David Harness, Neal Lewis, and Phil B. A few years later, with clubs like Industry and Matinee emerging, Luke Johnstone and Jamie J. Sanchez became two inspirations, and Russ began venturing into the scene as a DJ.

Over the past few years, Russ has become quite an influence in the SF scene.  He's recently headlined parties such as PLAY T-Dance at Lazy Bear, I Just Wanna F*ckin' Dance, Rub, Epic, and has been regularly seen spinning with the likes of The Freemasons, Hector Fonseca, Dave Aude, and other dance legends.  He'll soon be spinning the new party Sauna with DJ Lee Decker on February 4th.

Russ has become an incredible mentor, a partner-in-crime, and an amazing friend over the past few years.  He continually inspires and challenges me to become a better musician.  I am truly honored to show Russ some well-deserved respect this month.  You can find out more about DJ Russ Rich on his website and Facebook page.  Much Respect, my friend!

DJ Craig Gaibler

Much Respect | DJ Bryan Reyes (FL)

Hey there disco boys and girls-

Every once in a while when we go out dancing, everything seems to come together and represent a perfect night.  This month's Much Respect posting is all about the DJ who made this year's Real Bad party during Folsom Street Fair weekend one of those incredible nights - DJ Bryan Reyes.

I have been a huge fan of Bryan for years.  He shows a true understanding of the structure of great dance music, and his studio work has so much of what I look for in good club music - it's sexy, layered, and always keeps strong melody as a focus.  And man, can it make you move.

Bryan Reyes is now becoming a household name known for his remixing style, a style that has many elements of house music, from the Old school, to the Big Room sound and Circuit tribal influence.  He has recently created amazing remixes of Adele, Kelly Rowland, Tony Moran, Lady Gaga, and more.  You can hear many of his mixes on his Soundcloud page.

When I heard Bryan Reyes was selected as this year's main room DJ for Real Bad, I had incredibly high expectations.  He seemed like a perfect fit for the sexy unofficial closing party for the Folsom Street Fair in San Francisco.  But what he brought to the main room that night was amazingly inspired.

Bryan took an epic nine-hour party that starts as a tea dance, and slowly moved it into a sexy late night leather party, all while surprising and exciting the crowd.  I looked around the main room that night, and he was moving the crowd in a way that was electric - every DJ's dream.  Bryan's journey that night, combined with excellent production by the Real Bad working group, and the incredible music in the downstairs room by DJ Steve Sherwood, created one of the most inspiring nights out dancing I have ever had.  And to top it off, the party raised $180,000 for local San Francisco charities.  Now that's a party to be proud of.

Months later, I continue to look back at that night as an inspiration for whenever I DJ.  His excellent mixes and production continue to add to his incredible star on the rise.  And to top it off, he's an amazingly friendly and approachable guy.  Bryan, I look forward to seeing you become an even bigger star than you already are.  Much Respect!

For more information on DJ Bryan Reyes, please check out his website, his Facebook page, and his Soundcloud page.  And for more information on the incredible party Real Bad, which raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for very deserving local San Francisco charities each year, please visit their website and their Facebook page.

DJ Craig Gaibler

Much Respect | DJ's Corey Craig (NYC) & Saul Ruiz (Mexico)

Hey there disco boys and girls-

This month, I wanted to show some respect to some amazingly talented men I've been lucky to get to know over the past couple years.  DJ's Corey Craig and Saul Ruiz are DJ's and producers that have truly become important influences on much of my sound.  After being turned on to their podcasts by shared friends, I was fortunate to meet both of them during my travels in 2010, and we have stayed close ever since.  When Corey and Saul spin, it truly evokes happiness and joy that many other DJ's seem to miss.  And isn't that why we all do this?

Not only do Corey and Saul DJ, but they have become a production duo creating some amazing mixes.  They are not only incredibly talented producers, but wonderful and sweet men.  See below for more info on Corey and Saul.

DJ Corey Craig’s award-winning signature mix of Soulful, Progressive and Tech House has launched him as one of the hottest most sought after talent across the globe.  His New York residencies include Rockit @ Quo, Club 57, Sip N Twirl, and the Fire Island Pines.

His special guest sets include Pines Party with Moto Blanco and on Governor’s Island with Freemasons.  Headlining work includes the 2009 NYC Pride Pier Dance, Out at La Ronde (Montreal), Black and White Ball 2010 with Deborah Cox, Big Chill Gay Ski Weekend 2010 and Ascension 2011

Globally, Corey Craig has performed special sets for XXL (London), Parking (Montreal), S4 (Dallas), during Sydney’s Mardi Gras, Matinee: La Leche (Sydney), Sandblast Asbury Park, Atlanta Pride @ Georgia Aquarium and Halloween’s in New Orleans. 

Corey has also provided live sets for “National Underwear Day”, Diesel, Perry Ellis, 2Xist, Marc Ecko, Loris Diran, GLAAD Media Awards, OUT 100, Revel, Empire State Pride Agenda and Saint At Large.  His wildly popular podcasts are featured by taste making A-list blogs and venues all over the world. 

DJ Saul Ruiz, born in 1982 in Guadalajara, Mexico, started getting involved with music at the age 10. Childhood piano lessons sparked an early interest in music and after experiencing a sound check at his uncle's nightclub during a day visit, an instant connection to "Dance" music was made.

Love for music also led Ruiz to join his school-band for five years. Here, he learned to play the tenor sax.  Armed with pair of handed-down turntables from his dad and a huge disco record collection from his mom, Ruiz started to his music mixing journey. Much practicing and polishing of his mixing skills, led Ruiz to became a part-time Deejay at the age of 17.

His involvement in his school band continued into high school where he switched out the sax and started to play the bass guitar. 

After starting a web-design company, he thought it would be a good idea to produce web pages with original music. In 2007 he then joined Nopal Beat Studios for an electronic music production course that changed his life. He discovered his dream and also a way to pour all those ideas that had been flying inside his head. It didn't take long for his first release "Tell Me The Truth" (a hidden meaning behind the title some say) under Bearlin Records. Leaving all that behind, he moved to New York City to pursue his dream of becoming more involved in music.

In 2008, he decided to sign-up at The Institute Of Audio Research in NYC for the Audio Recording and Production program. Graduating with honors and as a mentor, Ruiz kept producing and remixing, but now with Audio Engineering skills under his wing. His mixes are now being played at many clubs and in different countries. Ruiz is now a full-time producer, re-mixer and audio engineer.

Ruiz met Corey Craig at a local NYC nightclub in NYC in 2007. After a few years of planning they got together and launched the remixing duo "R2C2". Their sound is a well crafted mixture of Progressive House, Electro, Tropical Disco and Post Circuit upbeat harmony.  

Ruiz and Craig have had various hits like "Kelis - Acapella", "Alexis Jordan - Happiness" and their most successful remix "Robyn - Indestructible". R2C2 is currently working on new projects for 2012 as well as a joint podcast. Stay tuned! 

After getting to know these two men, I feel so lucky to be a part of such a collaborative and positive community.  It's just one more reason to show much respect.

For more information on DJ Corey Craig, please check out his website, his Facebook page, his SoundCloud page, and his Twitter feed.

For more informaiton on DJ Saul Ruiz, please check out his website, his Facebook page, and his Soundcloud page.

Much love boys, and much respect!

DJ Craig Gaibler