Purple Party weekend is widely known for the superstar DJs it brings to its thundering collection of dance parties each year, but the event has now become equally known for showcasing Dallas DJs in its opening sets.
“It’s worked out really well,” Blake Baker, Purple Foundation board president, says.
“Having local DJs open the parties not only gives them exposure, but also helping to promote the events.”
DJ Paul McElroy will kick off Ignite, Purple Party’s Friday night opener at S4, for headliner DJ Abel Aguilera. McElroy proudly claims S4, where he is a resident DJ and lighting engineer, as his own playground.
DJ Benson Wilder opens Saturday’s pool party for DJ Grind. Wilder is a self-professed longtime lover of house music. “I have always hoarded music,” he says, “and am proud of the tracks I have collected over the past 16 years.” Wilder is equally passionate about sharing his love for music with the dance floor.
DJ Brandon Moses will man the VIP room at Saturday’s main event. “I love music, I love to dance and I love making people happy,” says Moses, a rising talent whose fanbase now reaches well beyond Dallas.
DJ Michael Tank, pictured, opens for the Purple Party’s DJ Isaac Escalante. Tank cut his teeth spinning in Texas clubs (The Brick, among others), and his hard work has paid off: Now a resident of Fort Lauderdale, Tank has earned his status as an in-demand remixer and headlining circuit DJ.
DJ Aqualight will open Sunday afternoon’s tea dance headlined by DJ Alyson Calagna. Aqualight is perhaps best known for his energetic tribal sets as a former resident DJ at S4.
DJ Mike James, a former resident DJ at the Brick, will open the closing party, headlined by Danny Verde.
— Scott Huffman
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition May 9, 2014.