Introducing the DJ Action Slacks Dance Hall of Flame!

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We live in an exciting era for music enthusiasts! The internet, and particularly streaming services, have generated a reality in which the concept of music history is ever-evolving. No longer is it cemented in books, written by the few. 

 

The artists from the golden era of the recording industry (1950s-1970s) are getting a 2nd, 3rd, 4th (possibly infinite) shot at reaching new audiences. With increasing frequency, music-makers of the past are influencing the music of today.  This means there is no definitive, static history of music, because music of the past is now reaching forward to find relevance today.

 

The DJ Action Slacks Dance Hall of Flame aims to contribute to this trend by spotlighting vintage artists whose music has been embraced by modern audiences. Pacific Northwestern dance party attendants have enthusiastically danced to their music, even if they didn't know their names.

 

I'm here to make sure you know their names.

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This is my way of formally thanking & acknowledging the musicians & recording artists who have repeatedly ignited my dance floors since the dawn of my DJ career in mid-1990s Olympia, WA.

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This project is a result of my visit to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame in 2023. While it was really cool to see some of the artifacts they had on display, it was also heartbreaking to notice how many folks were omitted or poorly represented.

 

I spent a lot of time thinking about how this could be corrected. Upon reflection, I realize that if those in charge of the Rock Hall actually wanted to be inclusive, they would've already righted what's wrong. Also, it's kind of ridiculous to rank the importance of musicians based on influence because, as most of us know, some folks get/got greater exposure because of certain advantages (see the payola scandal for just one example).

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So, rather than wasting time & energy trying to get the powers-that-be to sway towards reluctantly doing the right thing, I'd rather focus on shining my own spotlight (tiny as it may be) on the music-makers who've delivered joy to me and my dance floor. Unlike the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, I'm BEGINNING by inducting artists who have been traditionally been marginalized by the music industry.

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As I quickly approach the conclusion of my 3rd decade (& final era) of DJing, it feels very important to me to officially express my gratitude to these entertainers who have often been under-celebrated by the mainstream. Going forward, I'll be inducting multiple artists at most of my Kenton Club dance parties.

 

The party guests who attend these events will receive trading cards for each of these artists to take home so you remember their names. These cards will ONLY be available at these events & I'll have a limited supply so, the earlier you arrive at the party, the better. I hope you'll try to collect them all.