One of the places you can find me deejaying at is this little downstairs lounge at a spanish restaurant called Xochitl (408 South Second St.). In a previous life, Xochitl was known as Filo's, which was one of Philly's favorite places to grab a drink and hear the best djs in the city. I've been playing records there every other weekend for the past 3 or 4 months. When I first started, there was a great crowd coming through that would drink, dance and just have a fun time. As it started to get deeper into the summer, the number of people showing up started to drop.
Playing music for a empty room can quickly take it's toll on any dj. But just as soon as all hope was lost, the management pulled out an ace card. I showed up to the venue this week expecting another slow night, and it was for a short while. I just started playing my usual mix of afro latin grooves and classic funk breaks hoping to at least get a little positive response from the few people that were there. All of a sudden, the place started to fill up with people. What conviced these people to show up? Late night happy hour from 10pm through Midnight! Genuis!!! The margaritas at Xochitl are easily the best in the city and to get them at half price could make anyone weak in the knees. All that was left was for me to provide the mood.
See I'm one of those djs that feed off the energy given off by the people in the room. The more they are enjoying themselves the better I play. Thanks to all the good vibes in the place, I somehow found myself going from Fela to The Clash to Hector Levoe to Stevie Wonder, but it all blended perfectly and the crowd ate it up.
This is the start of something good!
Comments (6)
Since it's a restaurant, it's all-ages except for the bar area - right!?!?! I'm only a few months away from turning that *magical* age but I hate going to the clubs because I'm afraid to get dance-****d by the type of strangers that frequent them. So do you have good news for me?!? ;)
Posted by Suzanne | August 7, 2007 9:34 AM
Posted on August 7, 2007 09:34
I'm sure if you are going to eat and you stay away from the drinks, it probably won't be a big deal. That is just one of those gray areas where you would have to test the waters.
Posted by Dave Adams | August 7, 2007 9:52 AM
Posted on August 7, 2007 09:52
i used to kick it at filo's about 5-7 years ago. glad something is there again. what night's do you spin there? what nights are the late night happy hours?
Posted by justin | August 7, 2007 10:55 AM
Posted on August 7, 2007 10:55
Right now it's me and four other djs rotating on Friday and Saturday nights. Who is spinning on which days can be kind of random. The next time I'll be there is Friday the 17th. The djs are Botany 500, DJ Junior, and DJ Rehab.
Posted by Dave Adams | August 7, 2007 2:47 PM
Posted on August 7, 2007 14:47
Oh yeah the happy hour is Thurday, Friday, and Saturday. From 10pm - midnight.
Posted by Dave Adams | August 7, 2007 2:52 PM
Posted on August 7, 2007 14:52
cool. would spin my gigs back in the circa/rococo days!
Posted by justin | August 9, 2007 12:42 PM
Posted on August 9, 2007 12:42