Mayer Hawthorne, King Britt and Jay O @ The Hard Rock Cafe.
Text and Images by Jumah Chaguan.
Sometimes a moment is more than a moment. It’s not until much later that one realizes the value of what occured before one’s eyes.
On Saturday, that moment came in the form of an amazing DJ lineup at the Hard Rock Cafe.
The venue brought together two powerhouses of the DJ scene, King Britt and Mayer Hawthorne. Although many know Hawthorne for his neo-soul crooning, he started his music career scratching vinyl.
The night started with DJ Jay O, who got the crowd warmed up with disco. Those who arrived early to await the headliner, Hawthorne, got a real treat after DJ Jay O ended his set. King Britt, the legendary music producer who’s composed soundtracks for films and shows including the film “Miami Vice” and “True Blood,” got on stage.
King Britt was the ultimate musical curator. His playlist and mixes were a well-crafted guide of musical gems from the 70s until now. Before King Britt, the crowd formed a circle and breakdancers took the floor. Guys spun on their heads while others danced freestyle. One girl clad in black vogued.
Hawthorne finally took the stage and the mic. He played “Personal Jesus” by Depeche Mode and dedicated it to King Britt. Britt chuckled, hugged Hawthorne and made his exit.
Unlike Britt’s laid-back style, Hawthorne worked the crowd with the mic. Suddenly, the place turned into an underground house party. Hawthorne made the crowd jam to James Brown’s “Get on the Good Foot” and without effort, mixed East Los Angeles’ Cypress Hill with a bit of the East Coast’s Pharcyde.
He sang along with the crowd and included some of his musical hits including “Maybe So, Maybe No.” Hawthorne’s music selection gave you the feeling that the night was never ending. It was stuck on the play button. The jams just kept on getting better and he even included the 70s hit “Jungle Boogie.”
If there was one underlying theme that tied the DJs together it was this – good music can be found in the past and in various forms. It was a night which knew no musical boundaries. All genres, from electronica to nudisco and even Motown, were allowed equal play.
Philadelphia was very lucky to have had this DJ moment. Hawthorne was in the region singing at Musikfest. Later, after his show, he headed to our city to do his other passion – mixing music. Even King Britt had just returned from a gig at Ibiza.
It could have been just another boring night in Philadelphia for this gal but last night, the DJs saved my life.
Mayer Hawthorne will be back in Philadelphia at Union Transfer on September 10th promoting his new album.
JUMP: The Philly Music Project 
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