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2015 Chew The Scene - Corky McMillan Events Center

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Chew the Scene is the the official kick off event for the 2015 San Diego Asian Film Festival.

Chew the Scene is the the official kick off event for the 2015 San Diego Asian Film Festival.

San Diego DJ Justin Kanoya spins tunes at Chew the Scene, the kick off event for the 2015 San Diego Asian Film Festival.

The 2015 San Diego Asian Film Festival season has kicked off and is in full swing. The event that launches this month long celebration is Chew The Scene, which took place on October 1, 2015 at the Corky McMillin Events Center in Liberty Station.

At Chew the Scene, festival organizers presented previews of this year’s films and also put together a silent auction of prizes donated from local businesses. But the real feature of the event is the food. More than 20 San Diego based restaurants were on hand to provide bites of their fare.

It’s the perfect blend of food and film.

Here’s the setlist from my soundtrack for the evening.

  • Angelo Ferreri - Revolution  
  • Cosmo Klein ft YNOT - When Doves Cry  
  • LOVRA - Love Sensation (Leave Remix)
  • Lillywood & Robin Schulz - Prayer In C (Robin Schulz Radio Edit)
  • Cazzette ft Terri B - Blind Heart
  • Ariana Grande - One Last Time (Gazzo Remix)  
  • Pharrell ft Jay-Z - Frontin (DJ Miles Isla Bootleg)
  • Tinashe ft Iggy Azalea - All Hands On Deck (Buck Rodgers Remix)  
  • The Bucketheads - The Bomb (Select Mix Remix)
  • The Gap Band - Party Train (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Michael Jackson - Working Day and Night (Hot Classics Mix)
  • Peaches & Herb - Shake Your Groove Thing
  • Demi Lovato - Cool For The Summer (Cahill Remix)
  • Gorillaz - Feel Good Inc (Joe Maz & Adam Foster Remix)  
  • Zedd, Selena Gomez - I Want You To Know (Select Mix Remix)
  • Bastille - Pompeii (Promo Only Audien Intro Edit)
  • Florence & The Machine - Ship To Wreck
  • Elle King - Ex's & Oh's
  • Ella Henderson - Ghost (Oliver Nelson Remix) 
  • Heavy D & The Boyz - We Got Our Own Thang (Select Mix Remix)
  • De La Soul - Me Myself & I
  • Coolio - 1-2-3-4 (Sumpin' New) (Select Mix Remix)
  • Mariah Carey - Emotions (Select Mix Remix)
  • Duran Duran - Union Of The Snake (Edge Remix)
  • The Whispers - Rock Steady (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Chris Brown - Fine China (Instrumental)
  • Timeflies f./Natalie La Rose - Worse Things Than Love 
  • TLC - Creep (Remix)
  • Taylor Swift vs Lauryn Hill - Blank Space (DJ Skillz Throwback Blend)
  • Lauryn Hill - Doo Wop (That Thing)
  • Tori Kelly - Nobody Love (Select Mix Remix)
  • Years & Years - King
  • Jess Glynne - Hold My Hand
  • Afrojack f./Mike Taylor - SummerThing! (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • De La Soul - Ring Ring Ring (Sax Mix) 
  • Kid N Play - Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody (Select Mix Remix)
  • Matthew Wilder - Break My Stride (Select Mix Remix)
  • Stevie Wonder - I Wish (16b Intro Clean) (DJ Joey C Extended Edit)
  • Real McCoy - Come & Get Your Love
  • Luther Vandross - Never Too Much
  • Johnny Gill - Rub You The Right Way
  • Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor - Marvin Gaye (Select Mix Remix)
  • The Weeknd - Can't Feel My Face (Select Mix Remix)
  • Iggy Azalea f./Jennifer Hudson - Trouble (Promo Only Intro Edit)
  • Positive K - I Got A Man
  • R. City f./Adam Levine - Locked Away
     
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The Perfect Groom’s Speech - San Diego Wedding

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Joshua and Jonathan were married on September 1, 2015 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

Joshua and Jonathan were married on September 1, 2015 at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

I know saying “never” is, ahem, never a good thing. But in this case I hope to hold to that promise.

Today I am writing about a same-sex wedding, and I’m promising to “never” write about it again. Especially to never categorize a wedding as “same-sex," since after all, it’s a wedding, no labels needed.

When I served as a wedding DJ for my first same-sex wedding, I decided to write about it because the experience made me realize seeing two people on their wedding day essentially looks the same regardless of gender. And I just wanted to document that. That’s really all I had to say on the matter.

But then I DJ’d Joshua and Jonathan’s wedding and it was even more, dare I say, “unusual.”

In paraphrasing Joshua’s own words, it was a same sex, interracial wedding taking place on a military base …. on a Tuesday.

I had actually made that observation in my head early on in the evening, but when it came time for the two of them to address their guests, Joshua delivered one of the most perfect grooms speech I’ve ever heard.

And I wanted to make sure you heard it too.

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#NPSummit 2015

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Traveling to Utah for miles, smiles and hugs

Sheila and I on the podium. We didn't win, but that doesn't mean we can't pose on the podium.

In August 2014 I attended my first November Project - San Diego workout, which is a free fitness group, started by two guys in Boston in 2011. NP is now comprised of tribes in 25 cities across four time zones in the United States and Canada.

I’ve written about it before, so no need to rehash on why it was one of the catalysts for change in my life in this past year, but yes it’s been wonderful meeting new people and gaining new experiences.

One such experience is the feeling of being a part of a team when training and competing in various races. Before joining NP, I used to run races, not necessarily alone, but feeling like just another face in the crowd, another pair of legs running miles. Joining a run club/fitness group is one way to gain an immediate support system, both on and off the course.

Now when I race I have this comforting feeling seeing people I know running alongside me. Or hearing a spectator yell my name as I pass them. And then there is the person that does not even know me, but knows my tagged, “grassroots gear” shirt that reads “November Project,” and I hear  a hearty “Go NP!”

Before NP I also had never run a race outside of San Diego. Now, in the past year, I’ve participated in the Ragnar SoCal Relay Race (Huntington Beach), Mammoth Half Marathon, Lululemon Seawheeze Half Marathon (Vancouver) and most recently the Park City, Utah stop for the North Face Endurance Challenge Series.

One would think that these destination races would mean an absence of all the great things I mentioned. But it’s actually quite the opposite, because each of those trips/races has been taken with November Project - San Diego friends and meeting new NP friends at those destinations. However, none have been more bigger than the Park City Trip.

This race was the designated location for November Project’s annual leadership summit. A gathering of the leaders of all the NP tribes. This alone generates more than 50 motivating and selfless individuals. Additionally, those leaders brought with them representatives from their 25 respective tribes. In total there were well over 400 … maybe 500 grassroots gear wearing people.

November Project Boston poses for a group photo.

November Project Boston poses for a group photo.

Every Monday and Wednesday morning in San Diego, It’s always amazing for me to see an average estimate of 75 people showing up on early mornings to have their heart rate stretched to capacity. But to see this gathering of hundreds from all over North America was moving.

At one point, after I finished my run, I was sitting in the middle of all the chaos (which in this case was smiling faces, arms hugging, legs dancing and overall euphoria).

I observed all of these happy and supportive human beings and was hit with this crazy realization: This is all because two people, Brogan Graham and Bojan Mandaric, wanted to stay in shape and workout during the month of November a few years ago. Just two guys, issuing a challenge to one another and growing it into continent wide community.

It’s a testament that we are never alone. That there are always people within the race and along the sidelines cheering us on. That there are hundreds of people waiting to join whatever movement you want to bring forward.

And that our hopes and dreams are worth exploring, because one day they might actually amount to something.

5 Things I Love This Week - Episode #2

A Disney parade, a drumming video, a sweet banana treat, a Toto cover and a DJ mixer

1. Light The Night
Somehow we managed to not bring our daughter to Disneyland for the past 7 years, but we made up for it Labor Day weekend when we spent just around 12 hours at the glorious park. The night was capped off with the spectacular “Paint The Night” parade and fireworks.

There are a few of the images I took … all unprocessed straight from my Nikon P7700.

2. Famous Drummers Talking About Ringo
When I think of a rock and roll drummer, an image of a sweaty, long-haired dude seemingly having a case of temporary insanity with arms flailing all over the place is what comes to mind.

And then there is Ringo Starr, the complete opposite picture of what I’ve just described.

The legendary Beatles percussionist, and his equally legendary four-drum kit, is now on display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland. Prior to permanent display, the video below was shot, giving the opportunity for modern day drumming legends such as Dave Grohl, Max Weinberg and Questlove the opportunity to “drop a beat” on Ringo’s minimalist drum set.

These guys are mesmerized, in the way someone like Tony Gwynn was when holding a Ted Williams bat. This is cool!

3. Allnana Nice Cream
Do you love ice cream but aren’t a fan of all the calories and fat grams it comes with? Then Allnana, an alternative to ice cream, is just for you. It’s a frozen banana delight, minus the dairy and sugar. My friend, Jessica, is the creator, manufacturing it grassroots style, in her own kitchen complete with hand written ingredients on pint containers.

In addition to plain banana, other flavors include vanilla, chocolate walnut, peanut butter and piña colada. For more information, look up “Loveallnana” on Facebook and Instagram.

4. Mike Massé’s Cover of “Africa”
This Colorado-based musician has some pretty amazing covers on YouTube. This is one of the best. Oh, and he also looks a lot like Louis CK.


5. Rane 64 DJ Mixer
My DJ gear of choice has consistently been Denon DJ for so many years. But with my foray into the world of vinyl DJing, I decided to finally make the leap to Rane, a leader in the DJ industry when it comes to  top quality gear. I debated for several weeks between different models, each offering various pros and cons. In the end, I chose the Rane 64 and am glad I did. With onboard MIDI mappable buttons, a scroll wheel so I can navigate my computer directly from the mixer and a host of other features complements my workflow when I am DJing.

It’s the first time I’ve bought a piece of DJ gear and not said to myself, “if only it had this, it would be just right.” Because it really is, just right.
 

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Larry’s 50th Birthday Dance Party

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The DJ and the birthday boy. Happy 50th Larry!

The DJ and the birthday boy. Happy 50th Larry!

When I was booked to be the DJ for this 50th birthday party, I knew it was going to be a great night of old school jams. The 45-55 age range is one of my favorites to DJ for. Consider that this is a group of people that grew up in the 70s, went to college in the 80s and spent early adulthood in the 90s … all great music decades.

Larry had a great time celebrating with family and friends.

Here’s the setlist:

  • Chaka Khan - Ain't Nobody (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Gwen Guthrie - Ain't Nothing Goin' On But The Rent (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Brick - Dazz (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Bee Gees - Night Fever
  • Morris Day - Fishnet (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer
  • Sly Fox - Let's Go All The Way (Edge Remix)
  • Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days (Edge Remix)
  • Mary Jane Girls - All Night Long
  • Rick James - Mary Jane (8b Intro Clean) (19Sixty Quick Hitter)
  • Shanice - I Love Your Smile (8b Intro Clean) (DJ Joey C Short Edit)
  • Paula Abdul - Straight Up (Select Mix Remix)
  • Milli Vanilli - Girl You Know It's True (Select Mix Remix)
  • Soul II Soul - Back To Life (Ultimix)
  • Mariah Carey, Da Bratt, Missy Elliott - Heartbreaker
  • Earth Wind & Fire - Shining Star (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Stevie Wonder - I Wish (8b Intro Clean) (DJ Joey C Edit)
  • Nenah Cherry - Buffalo Stance (Hot Classics Mix)
  • Kid N Play - Ain't Gonna Hurt Nobody (Select Mix Remix)
  • Carl Carlton - She's a Bad Mamma Jamma
  • Johnny Gill - Rub You the Right Way (Select Mix Remix)
  • Johnny Kemp - Just Got Paid (Select Mix Remix)
  • Mariah Carey - Emotions (Select Mix Remix)
  • Janet Jackson - The Principle Pleasure (Clean) (Radio Edit)
  • Hall & Oates - Out Of Touch (Extended)
  • Coolio - 1-2-3-4 (Sumpin' New) [Select Mix Remix]
  • O'Jays - For the Love of Money
  • Babyface - It's No Crime (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Boyz II Men - Motownphilly
  • Michael Jackson - Billie Jean
  • Taylor Dayne - Tell It To My Heart (Freestyle Classics) (Short Edit)
  • The Commodores - Lady (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Whitney Houston - So Emotional (Edge Remix)
  • Commodores - Brickhouse
  • Cupid - Cupid Shuffle
  • Kool & the Gang - Celebration
  • Jackson 5 - I Want You Back
  • Natalie La Rose f./Jeremih - Somebody
  • Nelly - Hot In Here
  • Temptations - My Girl
  • Silento - Watch Me
  • Sister Sledge - We Are Family
  • Michael Jackson - Off The Wall (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Donna Summer - Bad Girls
  • Maroon 5 - Sugar (Select Mix Remix)
  • OMI - Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Radio Edit)
  • Usher f./Nicki Minaj - She Came To Give It To You (Promo Only Clean Edit)
  • Earth, Wind & Fire - September
  • The Gap Band - Party Train (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Chaka Khan - I Feel For You (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Afrika Bambaata & The Soulsonic Force - Planet Rock (Select Mix Remix)
  • MC Hammer - U Can't Touch This
  • Marcia Griffiths - Electric Boogie
  • Bee Gees - Stayin' Alive
  • Stevie Wonder - Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours (70s Classics)
  • Wild Cherry - Play That Funky Music (Hot Classics Remix)
  • Boston - More Than A Feeling (Intro Clean)
  • Luther Vandross - Never Too Much (Radio Edit)
  • The Spinners - I'll Be Around (70s Classics)
  • Billy Ocean - Caribbean Queen (Clean) (Short Edit)
  • Patrice Rushen - Forget Me Nots (Clean) (Short Edit)
  • The Whispers - Rock Steady (Radio Edit)
  • DeBarge - Rhythm Of The Night (Select Mix Remix)
  • Michael Jackson - Thriller