Everyone, in one way or another, is a tour guide for the city. When we entertain or make room guests, we not only build up our reputation as an open and welcoming community, but also create ambassadors of our "cool" when these guests departs.
One person who has been tearing it up as she blazes a trail of beats is Super Dre, who hosts BassBin, a weekly guest DJ night at Billy's Lounge in Eastown.
Not only has 'Dre offered this platform to showcase the diverse music of our local DJs each Monday night, but often, DJs passing through make a point to stop and drop some beats to a very grateful group of EDM (electronic dance music) lovers.
This upcoming Monday, she welcomes back crowd favorite Sean Boney (who will be joined by DJ Slim Tim) as he celebrates his birthday with the audience.
Like 'Dre, Boney has been steady in his community-building approach over the years with our EDM scene. He has become a key player in booking EDM acts at area venues like Firekeepers Casino's Kaberet and their soon-to-debut Binglo game-infused music programming. He has also been able to find time to spin as a DJ around town.
Locally, Boney has hosted DUBBOWL, a guest DJ event at the West Side's
Wengers Bowl, which just marked its third anniversary this past February. (The last DUBBOWL before summer break is May 14.)
"It has been an honor to be able to spin on the same (BassBin) stage that has had great artists like Terrence Parker, Ana Sia, Eliot Lipp, and Detroit's Kenneth Thomas. I have been fortunate enough to be able to perform there about every six months," says Boney. "This time, I am planning on playing a lot of tunes I heard at the 2013 Ultra Music Festival in Miami as well as some of my favorite tracks from the past several years."
Also celebrating her third anniversary at the helm of BassBin will be Super Dre, who encourages guests to return a week after Sean Boney's April 29 birthday event to commemorate with a night full of the best tracks 'Dre can spin.
"I get submissions from booking agents all over the country for BassBin. I've had artists tell me that it's almost unheard of to have a Monday night be so popular," says Super Dre. "Frankly, I wasn't sure that it would work in Grand Rapids either when I first started it, but I've gotten amazing support from everyone. Also, BassBin allows us the chance to support local artists (by) giving them a platform for audiences to hear their music -- both beginners and veterans."
One beat at a time, the folks in our EDM scene are changing the heart of our city for the better. It's all blue skies, flashing lights, and sometimes lollypops. Get into the groove.
Admission: No Cover for BassBin...Ever!