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Chicago DJ calls Miley Cyrus gig a career high

The first thing DJ Dante the Don thought when he woke up the morning after DJing at Miley Cyrus’s concert at the United Center was “Did last night really happen?”

Dante – who called Thursday’s gig “without a doubt” the biggest of his career — kicked off his set with the Alan Parsons Project’s “Sirius” (aka the Bulls’ starting lineup song). He said Cyrus’s handlers allowed him to have free rein and didn’t give him any instructions.

“It was kind of weird,” said Dante (real name Dante Deiana) by email Friday. “They were really hands off. Literally set my stuff up and (they) said ‘Go kick (butt).’ Obviously, I wasn’t going to play any of her songs, but I tried to play a bunch of stuff I know she likes that’s current.”

What was the highlight of the night for Dante?

“Probably when the lights at the United Center went out and I walked onto the stage and the crowd just went nuts,” Dante said. “It was such a surreal feeling and one I’ll never forget.”

Dante has DJed alongside artists such as Jamie Foxx, 50 Cent and Kid Cudi in the past. The Chicago resident can also be found spinning on 103.5 Kiss FM and at clubs and bars around town. He met Cyrus in March while spinning at The Underground, where he DJs every Wednesday and Friday.

“She came to Underground with her entire crew and she requested a ton of rap,” Dante said. “They loved everything I played. One of her managers got my number and asked me to do a couple more of their after parties. I was supposed to play their tour close out after party … in Connecticut but she got sick and canceled her last leg of shows, including that one, so it never happened.”

Live Nation contacted Dante’s manager at The Music Trust a couple weeks ago to book him for Cyrus’s United Center gig. Dante was so appreciative, he bought a Cubs onesie from Tails in the City for Cyrus’s new baby pig, Bubba Sue.

“She thanked me for the gift I got her,” Dante said of their backstage interaction Thursday. “I thanked her so much for letting me open. She was running around like crazy. You could tell they were really worn out from touring. Her shows are exhausting.”

 

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Luis Gomez, Chicago Tribune
August 17, 2014
www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/celebrity/chi-miley-cyrus-dj-dante-the-don-20140817-column.html

shakeitrender

New Bar’s 80-Seat Patio on Damen May Rival Big Star’s

 by Dante  Press

Big Star won’t be the only restaurant on Damen Avenue with a large patio if plans to open a new burger bar go through for 820 N. Damen Ave. A Cleveland-based group wants to convert Grace Auto Clinic into a new restaurant/bar with milkshakes, burgers, and pizza. The plan was discussed last week at an East Village Association board meeting, as reported on its website.

A rendering shows the name “Shake-It,” but it’s unclear if that’s a working name. (See the update below) The image also shows a pick-up window and plenty of covered, outdoor seating. The dining room would have room for 79 with another 80 seats outdoors. Add in standing-room occupants, and there’s room for about 200, according to the proposal. The owner wants to also keep it family friendly with an “extensive” children’s menu. They also intend to serve weekend brunch. Details are few, but the music looks like it will feature lots of Motown.

The restaurant’s operators, Forward Entertainment Group, weren’t immediately reached for comment. Their Facebook page mentions a forthcoming “exciting 2017 Chicago project” They’re new to the Chicago market, but have restaurants in Ohio and Colorado.

Will this new bar help cut down the long waits for a patio seat at Big Star, located less than a mile north? Check back later for more details about the project.

UPDATE: One of the co-owners, Dante Deiana, called back with a flood of new details on the project. Shake-It is the permanent name for the restaurant, and if all goes well they’ll open “on the first warm day of next year.” Deiana has lived in Chicago for 16 years, and was part of a group that had plans to open a restaurant in 2007 in the current Celeste space in River North. Deiana’s been itching to open a restaurant in Chicago. Forward Entertainment Group run two clubs in Cleveland, FWD Day + Nightclub and Magnolia.

“I’ve been getting sick of having to go back and forth to Cleveland every other week,” Deiana said.

Shake-It will feature 20 shakes, including spiked flavors with alcohol. The menu will include rotisserie chicken, burgers, salads, wood-fired pizzas, and griddled burgers. One of Forward’s partners runs Flipside Burgers, a chain with six locations in Ohio and one in Colorado. Some of Shake-It’s inspiration comes from them.

As far as the Big Star comparisons, Deiana said that came from a residents at the neighborhood board meeting. The patio’s size may be similar, but he wants to keep the spot more family friendly. When Chicago’s temperature drops, the outdoor area will be repurposed. Fall will see more of a Halloween feel with a pumpkin patch. They may sell Christmas trees during the winter.

The Motown theme comes from the auto repair shop, Deiana said. They wanted to keep a bit of the old with a reference to the Motor City in Detroit.

Ashok Selvam, Chicago Eater
August 22, 2017
https://chicago.eater.com/2017/8/22/16186352/shake-it-damen-patio-chicago-grace-auto-repair

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Let’s hear it for unsung Cubs heroes: From Jim Hendry to Steve Goodman

Hundreds of individuals deserve credit for the Cubs’ success, from Chairman Tom Ricketts, whose decision to bring in Theo Epstein as president changed the course of the franchise, to the front-office personnel, scouts and coaches Epstein brought in over the years.

The players, of course, are the main reason, but they realize they couldn’t have done it without being surrounded by the right people.

“I look at it as Theo, (general manager Jed Hoyer), the front office and Tom had a belief,” Jon Lester said during Saturday’s pennant-clinching celebration on the field. “And I believe in that belief.”

As the Cubs prepare for their first World Series game in 71 years on Tuesday night in Cleveland, a doff of the chapeau goes out to everyone involved.

But there were others who made contributions along the way, whether big, like signing NLCS co-MVP Javier Baez, or small, like providing the soundtrack to the Cubs’ party.

Here are a few of those unsung contributors.

Jim Hendry, former general manager: Hendry changed the mindset of Cubs fans, making them settle for nothing less than winning. In the end it worked against him, but the Cubs won division titles under Hendry in 2003, ’07 and ’08, the most of any GM in franchise history. Not being able to win it all hurt Hendry’s image, and mistakes like the Milton Bradley signing overshadowed deft signings like Willson Contreras.

Hendry takes no credit and harbors no bitterness as to how he was treated by Cubs fans at the end.

“We really thought we could’ve won it in ’03 and ’04, and then we of course took a different path with the club going on sale in ’07 and ’08,” Hendry said. “I felt like if we didn’t do it by ’09, it was going to be hard, that things were going to have to change economically. So I don’t look at it like ‘Oh, poor me,’ but that we had two or three real good runs at it, did well and didn’t get over the hump. They will now, and I think they’re going to be the best team in the game for a few years.”

Tim Wilken, former scouting director: Wilken was the one who decided to draft Baez in 2011, when some thought Baez could not be harnessed.

“If Tim Wilken would’ve wanted to take somebody else, that’s who we would’ve taken,” Hendry said. “That’s the way you did it back them. It’s changed now. GMs are more involved in the draft than they used to be. That’s the way I learned, so Tim kept me posted.”

Tim Buss, strength coach: Buss has been around forever, but manager Joe Maddon let him do whatever was necessary to keep the team loose. Buss was central to the wacky spring training skits and gets players to bond with his group “kumbaya” encounters before games. If you can’t laugh at yourself once in a while, you’re probably a lousy player. Buss keeps everyone laughing.

Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam frontman:Pearl Jam’s concerts at Wrigley added to the team’s revenue. The more money the Cubs had, the more they were able to spend on drafting and signing players. Like Hendry, Vedder declined to take any credit.

“Absolutely not,” he said with a laugh. “I contributed a big hole in center field that one of our guys stepped (in).”

Well, perhaps one concert helped sign a free agent?

“I’m maybe responsible for like, two Aroldis Chapman fastballs,” Vedder said. “I’ll take that. That’d be great. Every little bit. Whatever I can do.”

Dave Knickerbocker, Banner Collective founder: During a seminar at the 2009 Cubs Convention, former director of sales Matt Wszolek asked fans if they wanted a jumbo-sized video board at Wrigley Field. The crowd roundly booed him, and he quickly told them no plan was in place. The Cubs did not mention installing video boards during their initial discussions of the Wrigley renovation plan, apparently believing there would be some backlash.

There was a little, but not much. After an inconsistent first year of the video board in 2015, the Cubs figured it out in 2016. Knickerbocker’s creative pregame and in-game videos were a big reason why.

The videos helped pump up the crowds during the postseason, and it’s hard to imagine Wrigley Field without the video board now.

Dante the Don, Wrigley Field DJ: Anthony Rizzo brought the Wrigley DJ into the clubhouse to do his thing during the postgame celebration. The post-win party is central to the Cubs players’ state of mind.

“When you get the celebration music, it’s always better to get someone who knows how to play the music, rather than just having the full song playing,” Rizzo explained.

Whether you like the music “the Don” played or not, the players wanted a soundtrack for their victories, and he created the groove.

Steve Goodman, late folk singer: “Go Cubs Go” may not have been Goodman’s greatest song, and some find it annoying. Kids, however, love it, perhaps because it’s catchy and easy to learn.

When the entire ballpark sang “Go Cubs Go” after the Game 6 victory Saturday, it was almost as if Goodman wrote it for that specific moment.

 

Paul Sullivan – “Title of Post.” Chicago Tribune

October 23, 2016

chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-sullivan-cubs-unsung-heroes-spt-1024-20161023-column.html

psullivan@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @PWSullivan

gronkparty

How this DJ became Gronk’s No. 1 party guy

Dante Deiana had just arrived at a tiki bar in Tampa, Florida, on an April day in 2013 when his phone rang.

It was a 617 number.

It was Rob Gronkowski.

The New England Patriots’ All-Pro tight end wanted Deiana, a professional DJ raised in Worcester, Massachusetts, to preside over a party he was throwing nearby that night.

“It was like he was asking a girl out to prom, he was all nervous,’’ Deiana said. “He was like, ‘Hey Dante, this is Rob Gronkowski. You’re friends with my brothers, and I was wondering if you wanted to come to my house and DJ tonight?’ I was like, ‘Done, I’m in. Let’s do it.’ I couldn’t say yes fast enough.’’

Deiana had partied alongside Gronkowski’s brothers a few months prior, but hadn’t yet been out with the NFL star himself.

A little confused after Gronkowski abruptly ended the phone call, Deiana called back to get the details for the party. This time Gronkowski’s oldest brother, Gordie, answered and took over the planning for what Deiana described as one of the craziest parties he has ever worked.

As requested, Deiana pulled into a gated community pulling a trailer loaded with a sound system and black lights.

When he walked into Gronkowski’s offseason home for the first time, he said it like walking into a scene from the movie Boiler Room.

“It’s like the part where he goes to Ben Affleck’s huge, beautiful house and there is no furniture inside. And he asks, ‘Oh did you just move in?’ and he says, ‘No, I’ve been here 10 months.’’’

The mansion, as described by Deiana, was filled with champagne-colored marble and was sparingly furnished apart from a single, cracked flat-screen TV hanging on the wall. There was also a saltwater fish tank.

“He had a bus pull up with two sororities’ worth of girls,’’ Deiana said.

With the house full of people, Deiana began playing music. Deiana played EDM for Gordie. There was hip hop for Gronkowski’s childhood friends from Buffalo. For Rob, Deiana spun some Top 40.

“Dante’s a man that can turn a library into a zoo, a man that can bring a cemetery to life,’’ said WWE professional wrestler Mojo Rawley, a friend of the Gronkowski brothers who was at the party.

The following day, Gronkowski and his brothers resumed partying at Deiana’s show at a Tampa bar. Gronkowski brought a surprise with him after Deiana refused to be paid for playing the party the night before.

Rob and Deiana at their Hogan’s Beach show in Tampa. —Dante Deiana

“He shows up and he is, like, giddy, nervous with something behind his back. If I was a girl, I would say it was pretty cute,’’ Deiana said. “And he comes up to me like ‘Hey man, I got something for you.’ And he pulls out this jersey that he signed to me.’’

The inscription on the jersey: “To my DJ.’’

“Whenever Dante is rocking the DJ set, it’s always a good time with all the music he knows,’’ Gronkowski told Boston.com in an email. “Dante has been a good friend.’’

DJ DANTE

After sneaking a radio into his childhood home, Deiana would save up to buy cassettes and CDs to add to his collection. Now he has opened for and shared the stage with artists like Miley Cyrus, Jamie Foxx, 50 Cent, and Kid Cudi.

Deiana played alongside Miley Cyrus. —Dante Deiana

Growing up, Deiana didn’t try his hand at mixing music until getting to St. John’s High School. Even when he was playing at school dances and friends’ parties, he never saw DJing as a career path. He moved to Chicago to study pre-law at Loyola University. After graduating in 2005, Deiana continued working 60 hours a week as a clerk at Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, a corporate firm in Chicago where he worked full time his senior year.

“I wasn’t making good money at all and with student loans, I was getting my ass kicked,’’ Deiana said. “I thought, ‘Man, I need to start DJing again.’’

Tony and Nick Dimassi, owners of Reserve nightclub in Chicago, took a liking to Deiana, giving him a couple of nights a week, including a spot opening on Thursday nights when they would rotate in higher profile DJs, like DJ AM.

“It was basically like taking batting lessons from Mickey Mantle,’’ Deiana said. “To work with these guys, to watch them, to learn every night, to network with them, and to build relationships and trade music, it was just incredible. I would be nowhere if it wasn’t for those days. I got fast-tracked in the DJ circuit that way.’’

After gaining experience and building industry relationships in Chicago, Deiana began finding opportunities to bring his act to the Boston area, working shows at places like Hurricane O’Reilly’s and Julep.

“I remember at that time, we had turn tables for scratching—or whatever you call it—for all the DJs we had come through, but he was really working them,’’ Sheldon Cohen, operations manager for the Glynn Hospitality Group and general manager of Hurricane O’Reilly’s until 2013, said. “I remember going up to the DJ booth and he had a sweat going. He was really into it, and the crowd loved him. And the crowd back then was a lot busier than it is now. It could hold up to 600 people and the place was packed.’’

In 2010, Deiana got a call from David Portnoy, the founder of Boston-based Barstool Sports. The popular website was launching its first “Blackout Tour.’’ Up-and-coming Boston rapper Sammy Adams was the headliner for that inaugural run, and Deiana was invited along for the ride.

Over the three years that Deiana participated in the concert series, he travelled to college campuses across the country for more than 150 shows, and he’s working with Adams on the artist’s current tour.

Deiana and Boston rapper Sammy Adams. —Dante Deiana

“Dante’s knowledge of music databases and knowing what the crowd wants makes him a stand-out DJ,’’ said Devlin D’Zmura, then the tour’s social media and stage manager. “It’s a weird thing, but I have never seen anybody control a room like he does. He just always has the perfect track that gets people going and a lot of time it isn’t necessarily the newest Taylor Swift song, it’s like a DMX song from 1999.’’

In 2012, the youngest Gronkowski brother, Glenn, reached out to D’Zmura on Twitter for details about Barstool’s infamously raucous tour. After hitting it off, the 20-somethings exchanged video game screennames. D’Zmura said Glenn had a memorable one: “IgetChicks69.’’

Soon, D’Zmura was introducing himself over his headset the rest of the Gronkowski brothers, including Rob.

“I told Rob don’t worry about it. Whatever happens on the battlefield, stays on the battlefield,’’ D’Zmura said. “The game lasted a couple hours and we definitely got to know each other very well.’’

A few months later, Gronkowski’s four brothers met up with Deiana in Columbus, Ohio, at a “Blackout’’’ show, dressing up in mascot costumes and dancing on stage. Months later, Deiana would get that life-changing phone call in Tampa.

Aside from DJing for the Gronkowski family, Deiana has residency at a range of Chicago clubs, including Underground, Rockit Bar and Grill, and Parliament.

“His versitility makes him different because not many DJs can play the wide range he plays,’’ Arturo Gomez, President and Partner of Rockit Ranch Productions, said. “…Playing to such different crowds is not an easy task, and he does it at a high level.’’

Dieana has also worked with corporate clients including McDonalds, Playboy, Groupon, and Vita Coco, according to his official website. In August 2015, he opened a night club in Cleveland, FWD, a project he had been working on with his partners for over three years.

Their first event included 1,100 people dancing in the pouring rain, and ended with Deiana cannonballing into the venue’s outdoor pool.

“I mean, it’s a job, but I’m not going to lie and tell you it’s a job. I get to play music for a living. It’s a dream come true. Sometimes I have to remind myself how lucky I am,’’ Deiana said.

DJ for the athletes

Growing up, when Deiana wasn’t collecting music at his home in Worcester, he was the typical New Englander with a passion for all things sports.

“A lot of the DJs I work with will give me shit for liking sports,’’ Deiana said. “They say ‘All you tweet about is sports. I am ready to unfollow you.’’’

When Deiana crosses paths with professional athletes at clubs or restaurants, he makes it a point to go out of his way to make them happy, even inviting them up into the booth. That’s how Deiana came to DJ for Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler’s charity events.

It’s also how he met Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, and ultimately found out about an opening to run audio at Wrigley Field.

Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo and Deiana at The Underground in Chicago. —Dante Deiana

Deiana got the job and worked as the DJ for the Chicago Cubs for the 2015 season. Part of his responsibilities included taking requests and playing walk up music for athletes, like Rizzo.

“Rizzo and I were joking around about if we played Taylor Swift for him as a walk up. He texted me one day and said, ‘I want to do it. Let’s play Bad Blood.’’’ Deiana said. “So we did it. And, of course, the Internet went nuts. Obviously, I don’t want or deserve all the credit for that, but being involved in that is pretty freaking cool.’’

While Deiana lives in Chicago and has been cheering on Rizzo and the Cubs as they’ve advanced in the 2015 MLB playoffs, his football allegiance remains firmly with the Pats.

Deiana even made a playlist for the Patriots’ locker room before Super Bowl XLIX in February.

“Being able to cheer on your friend every Sunday is one thing. It’s another when he’s one of the best players of all time on your favorite team,’’ he said.

After the Patriots’ victory over the Seahawks, the DJ also celebrated with them at their party post-Super Bowl in Arizona.

“Watching Rob have a dance-off basically with Robert Kraft while Rick Ross was performing a few feet away was priceless and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,’’ Deiana said.

The DJ for Gronk Nation

Aside from Gronkowski’s personal parties, Deiana also DJs the NFL star’s charity events. Gronkowski has been involved with Friends of Carly , a Buffalo-based non-profit organization that raises money for children diagnosed with cancer and their families, since its inception. John Ticco, Gronkowski’s childhood friend, runs the charity’s events. He said Deiana has DJ’ed the non-profit’s two main events, the White Party and their Gift Gathering Christmas event, for over four years.

“He is the DJ of choice for our friends and for this charity,’’ Ticco said.

Dante has already played on Gronkowski’s party bus, and is scheduled to appear on his party ship during a three-day trip from Miami to the Bahamas in February. The cruise’s lineup includes Flo Rida, Waka Flocka Flame, Redfoo, Sammy Adams, and DJs 3LAU and Brooke Evers, as well as comedians, according to the event’s site.

“If we didn’t think [Dante] was a baller, we wouldn’t have him on the party ship,’’ Gordie Gronkowski said. “He was the first person we asked.’’

The Norwegian Pearl cruise, equipped with six stages, 13 bars and lounges, a massive spa, pool, hot tubs, fitness center, bowling alley, and 24-hour room service, is expected to host 2,500 partiers. Attendees will pay anywhere from $500-$3,500 for a room, a price that includes a photo with Gronkowski as well as an autographed item.

“Anytime you get that family together and throw in their friends, it’s wild,’’ Deiana said. “It’s gonna be a packed cruise ship of people that love to have fun and love to party.’’

It’s good to be Gronk

For Deiana, whether on a party ship or just going out to dinner, spending time with Gronkowski is always an experience. Gronkowski’s last visit to Chicago in June was no different.

On a Saturday night, Gronk and Deiana ended up in the kitchen at El Hefe, a Mexican restaurant and club.

“I got to talking to one the managers and when I turned around, Rob was in the back with the cooks making guacamole, and crushing a bag of tortilla chips,’’ Deiana said. “He was trying to ask the cooks how to say, ‘I need to carbo-load’ in Spanish.’’

Gronkowski then posed for pictures with the staff, before deciding to help wash dishes.

Rob Gronkowski washing dishes at El Hefe. —Dante Deiana

“Stories like that are par for the course with him, and everywhere he goes, he leaves everyone loving him,’’ Deiana said. “Everywhere he goes is a circus, but he’s the most humble and welcoming guy I’ve ever met, and he takes it all in stride with a smile on his face.’’

Megan McGinnes, Boston Globe.
October 23, 2015
www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2015/10/23/how-this-dj-became-gronks-no-1-party-guy
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New Bar’s 80-Seat Patio on Damen May Rival Big Star’s

This story has been updated with more details below from a restaurant co-owner.

Big Star won’t be the only restaurant on Damen Avenue with a large patio if plans to open a new burger bar go through for 820 N. Damen Ave. A Cleveland-based group wants to convert Grace Auto Clinic into a new restaurant/bar with milkshakes, burgers, and pizza. The plan was discussed last week at an East Village Association board meeting, as reported on its website.

A rendering shows the name “Shake-It,” but it’s unclear if that’s a working name. (See the update below) The image also shows a pick-up window and plenty of covered, outdoor seating. The dining room would have room for 79 with another 80 seats outdoors. Add in standing-room occupents, and there’s room for about 200, according to the proposal. The owner wants to also keep it family friendly with an “extensive” children’s menu. They also intend to serve weekend brunch. Details are few, but the music looks like it will feature lots of Motown.

The restaurant’s operators, Forward Entertainment Group, weren’t immediately reached for comment. Their Facebook page mentions a forthcoming “exciting 2017 Chicago project” They’re new to the Chicago market, but have restaurants in Ohio and Colorado.

Will this new bar help cut down the long waits for a patio seat at Big Star, located less than a mile north? Check back later for more details about the project.

UPDATE: One of the co-owners, Dante Deiana, called back with a flood of new details on the project. Shake-It is the permanent name for the restaurant, and if all goes well they’ll open “on the first warm day of next year.” Deiana has lived in Chicago for 16 years, and was part of a group that had plans to open a restaurant in 2007 in the current Celeste space in River North. Deiana’s been itching to open a restaurant in Chicago. Forward Entertainment Group run two clubs in Cleveland, FWD Day + Nightclub and Magnolia.

“I’ve been getting sick of having to go back and forth to Cleveland every other week,” Deiana said.

Shake-It will feature 20 shakes, including spiked flavors with alcohol. The menu will include rotisserie chicken, burgers, salads, wood-fired pizzas, and griddled burgers. One of Forward’s partners runs Flipside Burgers, a chain with six locations in Ohio and one in Colorado. Some of Shake-It’s inspiration comes from them.

As far as the Big Star comparisons, Deiana said that came from a residents at the neighborhood board meeting. The patio’s size may be similar, but he wants to keep the spot more family friendly. When Chicago’s temperature drops, the outdoor area will be repurposed. Fall will see more of a Halloween feel with a pumpkin patch. They may sell Christmas trees during the winter.

The Motown theme comes from the auto repair shop, Deiana said. They wanted to keep a bit of the old with a reference to the Motor City in Detroit.

 

https://chicago.eater.com/2017/8/22/16186352/shake-it-damen-patio-chicago-grace-auto-repair

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Patrick Kane takes over DJ booth at local bar

After Patrick Kane finishes his career in the NHL, he should really consider getting a job as a DJ.

Patty Kane took over the DJ booth at Rockit Bar and Grill in River North over the weekend. But you may be surprised by some of the tunes that were on his playlist!

https://www.youredm.com/2015/07/19/blackhawks-patrick-kane-turns-dj-plays-one-direction-at-chicago-bar/

https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/patrick-kane-takes-over-dj-booth-at-local-bar

http://97zokonline.com/patrick-kane-hijacks-dj-booth-at-chicago-bar-and-you-wont-believe-what-song-he-played-video/

https://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/patrick-kane-tries-his-hand-at-being-a-dj-with-an-unexpected-choice/

https://www.nbcchicago.com/blogs/madhouse-enforcer/Patrick-Kane-Spins-One-Direction-at-Chicago-Bar-317520621.html

gronkwaka

New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski Is Throwing a Cruise Party With Waka Flocka Flame

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski is throwing a cruise party with Waka Flocka Flame. You you didn’t read that wrong.

The party will take place Feb. 19-22, 2016, with the ship making its way from Miami to the Gronkowski’s private island in the Bahamas, which is appropriately called “Gronk Island.” Brooke Evers, 3LAU, Dante and Sammy Adams will also be joining the festivities. There will be six stages for musical performances, 13 bars, a spa, hot tubs, a gym and even a casino for  2,500 passengers who plan to attend.

The NFL superstar created a website for “Gronk’s Party Ship,” where he lays out the details of the trip’s itinerary.

“We’re throwing a 3-day vacation for everyone to come hang out with the family, listen to some music, play some games, and get crunk! You definitely don’t wanna miss this,” said Gronk in the promotional video above. From the looks of the video, the trip looks like one big three day turn up. Want to join the Rob Gronkowski’s on their party cruise next year? Check out the ticket prices below and catch the pre-sale tickets.

Are the prices too steep for your pockets? Not too worry, Gronk has payment plan options that will help lesson the blow. Partygoers can choose to pay the full sum upfront, have payments taken out of your account automatically over time with “Sixthman’s Automatic Billing Plan” or make payments over the course of time via “Sixthman’s Minimum Payment Schedule.” Peep the details below.

Read More: New England Patriots’ Rob Gronkowski Is Throwing a Cruise Party With Waka Flocka Flame – XXL | https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2015/07/new-england-patriots-rob-gronkowski-cruise-waka-flocka-flame/?utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral

drinkwith

A Drink With Dante

When was the moment you decided to make the jump and DJ full time? 

I was doing the whole law school thing and worked full time in a firm downtown for a couple of years but I was pretty much miserable. I had some coaching from people who told me to do what I like to do, to find something where someone will pay you to do what you actually enjoy. I’ve been DJing since my freshman year of high school and the stars just kind of aligned.

How did your parents take the news?

My mom is wicked supportive. My dad and I don’t talk so it was basically just my mom and she was 100 percent in my corner. Originally it was just a one year thing. I was going to take a year to make some money, save and then hit the law school track again. This was at the time the Reserve was the spot and people were going out and spending ridiculous amounts of money. The club scene in Chicago was on another level. I mean, Michael Jordan had his own table at this place. It was unreal.

How did you get your DJ name Dante the Don?

It was a high school nickname. Some kid started calling me that because I was this little tiny short kid that had all of these humongous friends and I had a huge mouth but never got beat up. I didn’t grow until I was like a senior in high school. I’m just Dante now. So many people think that is a made up name but it’s my real name.

You can hear your mixes at Bulls games too. How did you get hooked up with that gig?

Derrick Rose actually got me the job with the Bulls. I make mixes for him to drive around to. My friend used to coach the Bulls and he started handing off my CDs to Rose. He started liking them and asking the sound guy to play them during warmups.

Hardest part about trying to make it as a DJ?

Making yourself stand out. Especially nowadays when everyone is digital. When I first started it was CDs and records so you kind of had to build your library to advance which took money. Now anyone with the internet connection can download the newest beats. It’s really hard to make yourself stand out.

Favorite performance thus far?

Working with DJ AM and his whole crew was an experience of a lifetime.

Best party you’ve seen in Chicago?

We were partying with DJ AM and Travis Barker at the opening of Climax when R. Kelly showed up. Back in the day it was so different, celebs used to just come out to come out not because they were getting paid.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Hopefully not doing this anymore.

Really?

Yeah, this is getting harder and harder the older you get. You start to feel like a creep being around 20 year old girls being an old dude. But it’s good money, it’s something that I enjoy doing and it beats the hell out of going to work in an office so I’m not complaining by any means.

Are you in a relationship? 

Yep.

If you could have a drink with anyone, who would it be? 

Off the top of my head, Hunter S. Thompson.

http://adrinkwith.com/dante-the-don/

MILESTONE

DANTE THE DON: REACHING A NEW MILESTONE

He is arguably the benchmark in the Chicago Club Scene that has the complete package.  Recognized for his talent behind the decks as “2009 Best Chicago DJ” by Chicago Magazine and his partnership in Windy City Syndicate and involvement with Crooklyn Clan, his progression and productivity are nothing short of remarkable.  Since then, the renowned DJ/Producer has seemingly raised the bar with each new endeavor by not only aligning himself side-by-side with other members of Deckstar (DJ AM, Homicide, Kevin Scott, etc.) but establishing his own marketing and promotions firm “Premiere Event Marketing.” If you’re also interested in marketing, you can learn more about it by visiting joelhouse.com.au. Their Perth SEO specialist has a lot of marketing services to offer. If you don’t think that’s impressive enough, he’s also recognized as official tour DJ for recording artist Sam Adams and is also responsible for programming the music format for several Chicago bars and records bi-weekly mixes for the Chicago Bulls. Also, you can check this link right here now – WebDesign499 for more information.

Dante took a moment to share with us in his busy schedule some of the things he’s been working on and the new milestone he’s reached in his career.

READ AN INTERVIEW WITH
DANTE THE DON:

P7: Hey Dante – I couldn’t help but notice your Boston accent, which is one of the first things I remembered about you 7 years ago when we first met.  What was it like growing up in Worcester, MA?
DANTE: I didn’t grow up in Worcester, I went to High School there and it was one of the best 4 years of my life.  I went to an all boys catholic school.  It was a sports mega power, so that’s what everyone there focused on besides girls.  We had these legendary dances once a month that were open to girls from all over the state but only guys from our school could go.  My friend Mario and I somehow finagled our way into spinning one of them and were such a hit (and a discount) that they continued to have us back regularly.  From there we started getting other school dances, formals, proms, sweet 16’s etc.

P7: Nice!  So was that how you got into DJing?
DANTE: Going off what I just mentioned, ever since my first job I became obsessed with collecting music (CD’s and Cassettes) and baseball cards.  That’s pretty much what I spent all my money on when I was young and I still have a crazy collection of both.  Whenever I would be at one of our dances Freshman year and there was some 40 year old wedding DJ up on stage playing and everybody standing around bored, all I could think to myself was “I would be blowing this place up right now!”  My friend Mario had family that were in the business, so together we had the idea to combine my music collection (remember this was years before anybody even knew what an mp3 was) with his hookup on equipment and form a DJ team.  There was also this sick DJ a grade above us in High School (DJ Ross Rosco BK, NY) who we had help us out big time.  He always hooking me up with impossible to find vinyl and rare wax pressings.  I still remember he had “Be Faithful” on the original 12-inch it was pressed too.  I heard of Crooklyn Clan before hearing that but once I heard it was hooked on trying to make “regular” songs sound unique.

P7: That’s dope!  So what’s your favorite club in Chicago you play at right now?
DANTE: I love all our venues in Chicago, but I would have to say right now Stay and Proof are the tops for me.  The Friday night party at Stay I have been running for years now is still incredible.  The place goes from not even open to slam packed in less than 5 minutes and the crowd that shows up there comes to dance their asses off and go crazy.  It’s great!  Proof is also great because it’s new.  The staff is great!  They never tell me what to play, they let me do what I do and it’s getting better and better every week.

P7: I’d have to agree that Proof is a dope spot and it’s one of my favorites as well.  I know you’ve played at some of the top venues in Chicago, so what’s your favorite place in Chicago you’ve played at of all time?
DANTE: Easy question.  Reserve!  All the people that never got to experience it or visit it back when it first opened have no idea how ahead of it’s time it was.  No club in Chicago since has even come close to replicating what we had going on over there.  All the bad shit aside, I have never been apart of a club that was run better or tighter.  The staff was the best of all time from the GM down to the bar backs.  They began the whole guest DJ thing believe it or not that was eventually beaten to slow death and on life support right now.  They were essentially the first NY style bottle service club in Chicago.  All these spots that have opened since and continue to open are basically trying to emulate Reserve.  Some spots get it popping and can get VIP’s to blow it out like nobody else could but the combination Reserve was able to pull off of people spending insane money along with throwing an incredible party for the regular club goers and combining the two under the same roof were unmatched.  Throw in a guest DJ that was actually worth spending the money on and it was prime time.  Every night there was like an event.  It sucks looking back because that was my first “real” gig in Chicago; my first residency.  I was spoiled as hell at the time and had no idea. Haha.  Without a doubt I would never be where I am today if it wasn’t for Reserve, the staff and people behind Reserve, and the opportunity’s I had there and relationships I formed.

A close second would have to be Crescendo the first time it opened up.  The same group that ran Reserve ran it if you remember and it was so dope when they first opened.  It was a late night spot that would have lines down the street at 10 PM.  That is unheard of even for some 2 AM spots.  We did Wednesday’s over there and every week it seemed we would have somebody huge like T.I. dropping unannounced to party with us.

P7: Speaking of the 2 clubs you previously mentioned, I know you’ve worked with some of the biggest DJ’s in the game at both of those spots, so what was the biggest take away working with Deckstar DJ’s such as AM, Homicide, Kevin Scott, Spider, Aoki, Fashen?
DANTE: It would take half the day to answer this question, but I can’t put into words how lucky I am to know these guys.  To break onto the scene and learn from these guys was invaluable and something you could literally never put a price on.  Aside from the tricks and tips these guys gave me, the knowledge of what bad habits NOT to develop were probably some of the best things picked up.  Without a doubt though the thing I most value about learning from the original Deckstar guys was how to carry yourself.  The craziest thing I would always think to myself when working with them was “Wow these guys are some of the best in the world at what they do.”  But when you talked with them you would have no idea.  They carried themselves so humbly and professionally.  They let their DJing do the talking for them.  That was the coolest thing ever to me.  They were also all so willing to go out of there way to help me out.  We would do dinner before work, get breakfast at Michael’s or Tempo after work and just talk shop for hours.  To them it probably didn’t even register but those are conversations I will remember forever.  Maintaining relationship with guys like Kevin, Scene, Spider, and Fashen also means I have some of the best friends anybody could have.  Those guys are legit!  Always there for you with the biggest and smallest thing and always willing to help in anyway they can.

Having the opportunity to open for AM all those times and stand there next to him watching him do what he did better than any other person living on the planet was like setting a pick at the free throw line for Michael Jordan or blocking the back field for Barry Sanders.  I think back to those times and the biggest thing I can remember is how blown away and literally “awe struck” I would be the entire night.  Some of the happiest moments of my life were when I would ask him for some crazy song he played in his set and wouldn’t hear from him for days.  Then out of nowhere 4 or 5 days later there it would be in my inbox.  I felt like a kid in Christmas!  AM was without a doubt the best of all time.  There will never be another AM ever!

P7: Dude is definitely a pioneer of the industry and will always be remembered for his talent and willingness to help others.  So what’s your thought process when putting transitions you use in your club sets?
DANTE: What do you mean?  Like transition edits?  I only use them if I need to get low to high really quick or vice versa.  This usually happens when a club owner or manager is on my ass to switch tempos or genres really quick to please somebody that is spending big money.  For that they are incredibly useful an helpful.  When I am out and I hear DJ’s just playing one transition into another and even 3 or 4 or 5 back to back to back it makes me cringe and shake my head.  Keep your day job kid!

P7: Lol.  Oh geez!  So how do you handle song requests?
DANTE: It’s definitely got a lot better lately.  9 out of 10 people that approach me now with song requests do  so with money in their hand.  My rule now is if the song they ask is flat out horrible I will tell them politely I won’t play it but if they have something better in mind I gladly will.  If the song requested is borderline but playable I will take the money and thank them and work it in at as good a time as I can.  If the song is great or it’s something I haven’t thought of playing in a while I will tell them keep their money and work it in as soon as possible.  It’s cool when you get asked to play something you haven’t dropped in awhile or forget about.  People surprise you sometimes and that’s always good.

P7: I know that song requests can sometimes throw off the direction of your set and some DJ’s are total d*cks when it comes to it, but what do you think is the biggest downfall of most club DJ’s?
DANTE: Becoming too comfortable, becoming easily rattled, kind of like anybody else doing any other job.  Always remember “everything in moderation.”  You will never be able to please everybody in the club.  But figure out who the most important people on THAT night are and be sure to please them first and foremost.  Sometimes that the owner or GM, sometimes it’s the bachelorette party crowded around a small table.  You get the point.  From there go down the list and find a way to make everybody happy with yourself being at the bottom of the list.  It’s easier said then done but there’s always a way to make everybody happy by playing music they like and send them home pleased.  One thing most DJ’s fall into the trap of is thinking “I’m the DJ, I’m the artist.  I’m sick.  I can and will play whatever I want if people don’t like it f*ck them.”  Wrong!  Unless you are DJ Vice or Aoki or on that level you are replaceable.  And believe me there are a million rookies looking to take your job.  Don’t give anybody any reason to replace you.  You’re an independent contractor and it’s your job to do the service you are contracted to do.  I evaluate myself on how well I am able to 1 – bring a crowd in and more importantly 2 – how long I am able to keep the crowd in the venue.  I always know I did a good job if the place stays busy until the lights come one and tabs are closed.

P7: Who are other club DJ’s in Chicago who you think DJ well?
DANTE: Chicago is awesome man because we have so many DJ’s and they’re all so different.  It’s not really like that in other big cities.  Either it’s a small group of the same guys running everything or it’s a ton of guys all over the place that all kind of sound the same.  We also have some of the most amazing House DJ’s in the country that are playing right in our backyard.  I am the biggest Tony Arzadon and Nathan Scott fan in the city.  Those two guys are stupid good!  Victor R is also amazing!  He plays stuff that NOBODY else in Chicago could get away with playing and has an incredible ear for breaking new songs.  Big Once is mad under rated and super talented.  Plus a super good dude.  Jem and Jordan V are also dope open format guys who stay on the house die for the most part and continue to get better and better every time I hear them.   You got Wicker Park guys and girls like Skyler and Dani Deahl who are great because they play stuff you’ve never heard before and have no problem experimenting and trying out new stuff.  They also share sick music.  Guys like yourself (Dj Fixed), Jesse Seely, my guy Bobby Lite, Gordo and Sye Young all dope DJ’s that will eventually break out and become household names.  Guys like Rock City and Pullano that have been around for awhile will continue to stay on top because they’ve got talent.  At the end of the day that’s what separates the men (and women) from the boys (and girls).  You can buy the best equipment in the world, spend the most money on music you possibly can, and land the best clubs in the city or even in Casinos where people go to gamble and play poker, although for those looking to gamble online, they can visit sites as http://209.97.174.116 to find the best poker games for this.  You can also practice every hour of every day and try and fake the funk as best you can.  But if you don’t have talent and aren’t in the business for the right reasons you’ll eventually be exposed and people will figure you out.  Trust me.   All the guys that want to be DJ’s for all the wrong reasons and are somehow able to get their feet in the door all fizzle out the same way.  I see the same thing every year.  They’re kind of like annual flowers.  Or weeds rather.  As long as you have talent and work harder than anybody else you will always come out on top.  Always!

P7: So you’re in this group Windy City Syndicate, which is featured on CrooklynClan.net, what can others plan to see from you guys in the future?
DANTE: We’ve both been so busy lately its kinda sucked in terms of being able to put out new edits and remixes.  I’m working on getting Bobby Lite more involved on the original production side of things and trying to team him up with some artist.  He has been honing his skills with Logic and mastering project now too.  I would like to eventually get to the point where we can start releasing more work on our own through free sites like soundcloud.com/windycitysyndicate or our own blog www.windycitysyndicate.com and putting out a monthly installment of our mixtapes.  For now thou you’ll have to stay tuned to crooklynclan.net/dantethedon

P7: What are your 5 most favorite tracks of all time?
DANTE: Damn.  My all time list is HUGE.  Off the top of my head here are 5 good ones though.
1. Guns n Roses – November Rain (Greatest song by my favorite band.  Such a shame they were so short lived)
2. Oasis – Morning Glory (My favorite band when I was in middle school.  1st concert I ever went to and when the performed this song it was a focal point of my life).
3. Bruce Springsteen – One Step Up (I have a million Springsteen songs that are my favorite.  He is the greatest song writer and story teller of all time. Hands down!)
4. Notorious B.I.G. ft. 112 – Sky Is the Limit ( Absolutely amazing song by the greatest rapper of all time.  I listened to this song on repeat when Life After Death came out and I still listen to it on a regular basis to this day.)
5. Michael Jackson – Human Nature (I used to run around my house when I was wicked young singing every song on Thriller but my family would get the biggest kick out of this one because I would get so into it.  I still think its one of the best Michael Jackson songs ever and love it whenever I hear it somewhere.)

P7: So I gotta ask so all the ladies know what to do when they read this one…What do you drink while at your money gig?
DANTE: Coffee Patron.  DJ Klutch got me hooked on this stuff when I was spinning in New Jersey a few years ago.  We did a couple shots and I was like “Yoooooooo!”  So many people used to be like “Dude that stuff is disgusting, what are you drinking?”  Then I would have them try it (Chilled! Always have to be chilled otherwise its rough) and they became hooked.  My guys in Iowa City go through a case on a regular basis at their house alone ever since I got them on it.  Stuff is fantastic!

P7: And since you’re a huge sports fan, do you think the Bulls are going to win the championship?
DANTE: Yup. Bulls over OKC.  I predicted it back in February!

P7: Well Dante, it’s been a pleasure sharing the decks with you in the past and talking with you now, so before we close out where are your residencies and how can people follow you?
DANTE: My current residencies are Cuvee, Bull & Bear, Proof, Sub 51, Manor, Stay, Horseshoe Casino and you can find me at Dantechicago.com, PEMChicago.com. WindyCitySyndicate.com, Facebook.com/DanteTheDon, Crooklynclan.net/DanteTheDon, SoundCloud.com/DanteTheDon, Twitter.com/DanteTheDon

P7: Thanks for all your time Dante and I’ll catch you out sometime soon!

 

DANTE THE DON: REACHING A NEW MILESTONE