Call the People, Are You Ready?

sintalentos - obama (are we ready for a black president?) (.zip file)
(please show your appreciation by making a contribution to the obama-biden campaign)

(intro from our sponsor...)
2pac - changes
will.i.am & the a-b-c-d list all-stars - yes we can
john legend - if you're out there
janelle monae - mr. president
joell ortiz - message to obama
(words from our sponsor...)
mavado - we need barack
ludacris - politics
young jeezy - my president is black (feat. nas)
prinz - barack obama freestyle
cocoa tea - barack obama
big boi - something's gotta give (feat. mary j. blige)
the roots - master of war (live)
(more words from our sponsor...)
kam moye, probz, royce da 5'9" - change
nas - black president (feat. johnny polygon)
common - the people (feat. dwele)
kidz in the hall - work to do (obama for america)
(outro from our sponsor...)

Daily Monthly Bi-monthly Twice-annual updates doth not make the popular blahg. But, hey, I've been doing my part for the team:



Wax Poetics #30, "Back in Black" (interview with VC Veasey of Black Merda).









Made a decent splash on DIGG with my Detox "prequel" piece (also did similar pieces on Q-Tip's The Renaissance and Raekwon's Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II).




Several nice weddings for several nice couples.







Donated the aforementioned mix for my friend's Obama fundraiser (which you should not feel shy about supporting).








Landed a gig DJ'g Park Slope's best cat-themed, bloodbath of a monthly dance party aptly named "Cheryl." Hope to see you every third Thursday at Royale.

And wrote some other stuff that I've lost track of.

And the wild part? There's still more to come:

* Another installment of my Call & Response column for PopMatters about Obama and the myth of the hip-hop Achilles Heel (should post the week of October 27);
* Playing the role of "Music is included" at MoMA's Free Teen Nights on October 31;
* And DJ'g an upcoming PopRally event.

PS - Have you registered yet?

Weddings

Credit: Anthony Rodriguez

[updated October 2016]

I've been DJ'g weddings since 2006. I've DJ'd across the country in venues large and small, indoors and out-, rustic and fancy. Everywhere except a boat. So far.

What I enjoy most about DJ'g weddings is the opportunity to help a couple during an important moment in their new lives together with something that I love -- music.

Couples often ask, "What kind of music do you spin?" To which I respond, "What would you like to hear?" This is my approach to weddings (and other events I DJ): to spin what people want to hear. That said, some people like sample mixes, so here are a few short ones (click the link; click the 'play' icon). Just remember, if you hear a song you don't like, just let me know -- I won't play it:

cocktail

dinner

dancing

To sneak-a-peek at me (and some happy folks), click here.

My rates depend on several factors, like venue/location, transportation, equipment and time. To get a quote, or if you have any questions, or if you just want to know, "Dan: adobo or masala?" please contact me.

---

Wedding Links

Along the way I've picked up a few friends. So, if you'd like to...

Venue
Down Town Association: A true gem located in the heart of Manhattan's Financial District. Valerie and her staff put others to shame, and the spaces breathe New York history.
Glasserie: Overlooking the Newtown Creek from the northern tip of Greenpoint, Glasserie has a mouth-watering kitchen and a genuine team that will pamper you.

Eat
Raging Skillet: Chef Rossi and her a-plus staff are hands down the most professional, compassionate and creative I've worked with. Not to mention their range and command of food.
The Works: The Housing Works-affiliated catering service is most notable for its connection to the charitable book/clothing/furniture stores across Manhattan and Brooklyn, but don't sleep on the food and service -- delicious food served with a big heart.
Xaviers Restaurant Group: Does Chef Kelly look familiar? Let me tell you: he lives up to the hype, and then some. Home-cooked quality food served by a friendly, funny staff.
Joyce: Brooklyn's finest baker does cakes, pies and other goodies.

Drink
Gramercy Park Wines and Spirits: Mike is the man. Earthy, reasonable and responsible.

Floral
Saffron: Kana and Tetsuji take an elegant approach I have not seen in any other wedding. It is subtle, well-crafted and always highly considerate of the couple's tastes.
James's Daughters Flowers: Lisa is the daughter in question and her eye is remarkable. Her site has visual proof, but you can also check out her Instagram.

Officiate
Marigold Ceremonies: Amy Benedict describes herself as a "celebrant," which is an apt snapshot of her energy and an ideal to seek out for your ceremony. She's based in New England, so if yr in that hood...

Play
Ben Holmes: trumpet player and band leader. Can put together a killer combo. Highly recommended. E-mail him at bdholmes@gmail.com.
Lucas Pullin: classical and jazz guitarist. Holler at lrp2@juilliard.edu.

Shoot (still)
Andy French: Down-to-earth, and he shot my wedding. Holler for contact info, etc.
Michael Meyer: Consummate professional.
Photo Pink: Liesl, Randy and Megan are an ease to work with and have keen eyes for the shots.

Twah Dougherty/Style Art Life: Twah's shoot are fun, fun, fun. Make sure to peep her frequently updated F-book for the latest.

Shoot (moving)
Fred Lee: Works quick and quietly and the results are beautiful.

Stay Sane
Ned Kelly and Co.: Ned does a lot. And that counts when you need to keep all the moving parts of a wedding in order... and happy as a Smurf.

Bio

photo by dirtystylus

[updated August 2014]

Call Dan Nishimoto ("sintalentos") your “right-and-left-brain” DJ. Since moving to New York from Los Angeles in 2003, he has planned performing arts events, led school tours and balanced budgets for various cultural organizations. At the same time, he has been writing about music and DJ’g weddings, clubs, radio and the occasional fashion show. In his off time, he studies martial arts. These days he's a digital archivist at Condé Nast. And he still DJs

Here are some other vittles about him:

• His name is pronounced "Don." Long story, but ask him. He's happy to explain.
• His first turntable was his dad's... which he used as a step-stool when he was a baby.
• His second was a portable Fisher Price player for kids. Star Wars, Looney Tunes and Michael Jackson were his favorite records.
• These days he takes his music in all formats: LPs, tapes, CDs, MP3s...
• ...but he'll still dig in a rat-infested basement of cheap vinyl.

To peek-a-boo: Flickr.

To see what he does: Doing (And Done).