22 local DJs hand-select your summer playlist!

ILLUSTRATION by LUKE MCGARRY

Some things were just made to go together: Tecates and limes, bikinis and sunburns, summer and music. To help plan your next summer mix, we interviewed 22 local DJs about their favorite local bands, and also asked for their most beloved summer jams (it varies), the songs they could go the rest of the summer without hearing (Sublime and Will Smith), the strangest spots to spin (inside a submarine—underwater) and memorable sets (a jungle in Costa Rica!). In the process, we learned two things everyone can agree upon: Long Beach rules the summer season, and the Black Eyed Peas are awful.

ELLE JAY (LINDA JEAN RUSSOM)
What’s your ideal summer cocktail? A warm Tecate that’s been freshly plucked from the kiddy pool—with lime and salt, of course.
What is one product you’d like to see invented for the DJ booth? Maybe a cattle-prod attachment for people who spill their cocktails on the dance floor, drunkenly bump into the turntables or even worse—request songs.
Any favorite local jams for the summer season? Tijuana Panthers’ “Crew Cut” or Dengue Fever’s “Ethanopium.”
What are the best records to spin during summer? My carefully-crafted summer playlist includes Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day,” Maceo and the Macks’ “Cross the Tracks,” Rod Stewart’s “Young Turks,” Althea & Donna’s “Uptown Top Ranking” and Marlena Shaw’s “Wade in the Water.”
How do you spend summer in Long Beach? Spending recycling money on tacos, trying to fit the octobong in the dishwasher, counting water-balloon fights as showers, incorporating my bikini top into virtually every outfit, laughing about electrocution, using my Tetris skills to place as many veggies on the grill as possible, adapting the very game of Ping-Pong to suit our warped table, expressing myself through tan lines.
What’s your most memorable set? Our Saturdays at the Pike are always pretty memorable, although the bartenders make sure little is ever remembered. But as far as the best night goes, it’s the next one—I can feel it. (Ellen Griley)

DJ Elle Jay and Professor B-Rad spin at the Tough Titties benefit at the Pike Bar & Restaurant. Sat., Aug. 15. 21 and over, free. (Donations accepted.) Drink specials and the “Tough Titty” cocktail all night. All proceeds benefit the Orange County Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the cure. teamtoughtitties.blogspot.com, ockomen.com

CRUCIAL SOUND SYSTEM: DJS GREGORY-G, VIRGINIA SLIM AND SONIC DREAD
What local bands are you listening to this summer? Gregory-G: The Divine Crime, “Here Me Call.” Some of the members are from Long Beach. They are just about to put our their first CD—a female-led band mixing rock, dub, pop and reggae. They are an amazing live performance! Virginia Slim: My friend Aaron’s slide-guitar duo. They do a song by Drug Store Cowboys. You can’t be sad listening to slide guitar; it makes me feel like an island vibe, but on acid.
Favorite record to play during summer? GG: Shaggy and Rayvon’s cover of Mongo Jerry’s “In the Summertime.” VS: I’ll give you a favorite song: “Sun Is Shining” by Bob Marley—the summer is my favorite time of the year. Sonic Dread: “Working Day and Night” by Michael Jackson. The groove just works, you know?
What’s the most overplayed summer jam? GG: I’m just tired of “Murder She Wrote” by Chaka Demus and Pliers. VS: That Sublime song, “Summertime.” It’s the Long Beach overplayed summer jam. I’m kind of over that.
What’s your most memorable set? GG: I recently played at a friend’s wedding in the jungles of Costa Rica—a seven-hour set, and I didn’t want to stop! VS: That’s hard. A lot of nights with Crucial, where you get into that zone where everything’s on point; those nights stand out. You’ve had the right combination of sleep and a shot of Bacardi. SD: Well, I had this really cool gig one time, maybe like three or four years ago when I met Jerome from the Time. I was DJing a party, and this girl I met . . . [he] turned out to be her stepfather. That’s kinda cool, right? (EG, Jenny Stockdale, Bryan Gerhart)

DJs Gregory-G, Virginia Slim and Sonic Dread spin at the Prospector the first Saturday of every month. 21 and over, call for cover. myspace.com/crucialsoundsystem

FRANKIE ALVARO
What’s your favorite summer song by a local band? Why? Definitely “Wig Slap” by Some Days. Mainly because it’s about trannies slapping each other with wigs.
Favorite record to play during summer? My favorite 45 would be “BBQ” by Wendy Rene. I’ve never eaten barbecue because I was raised vegetarian, but if and when I ever get the chance to I’m going to blast this record and go bobbing for ribs in a kiddy pool.
Best part about Long Beach in summer? Everyone having dinners and wine every night of the week. I set up routes accordingly. Also, a nice cruise on a motorbike down Ocean.
Most overplayed summer jam? No idea, but Michael Jackson is taking the cake this summer.
Favorite drink? Ketel One and tonic by the pint at the Secret Affair on the first Friday of every month at Alex’s Bar. You reading this, go check it out. And bring your younger sister. (Miles Clements)

Frankie Alvaro spins at the Secret Affair at Alex’s Bar on the first Friday of every month. myspace.com/thesecretaffair

DJ MIKEY BERNARD
What local band are you listening to this summer? Crystal Antlers. “Several Tongues” makes me buzz minus the drugs.
Best part about Long Beach in summer? Barbecues in Long Beach are a traditional summer thing. The drinking starts early, and you end up blacking out at the V Room by 9 p.m. Summer in Long Beach is all about friends, barbecues and girls between the ages of 21 and 50.
Where did you spend your Fourth of July? In Montreal, Canada, eating poutine with mayo, eh?
Does Canada even celebrate the Fourth of July? Not lately. This year, people shared their love for the USA by celebrating with public American-themed barbecues and club nights dedicated to the Fourth of July. I think this is credited to the strong approval rate of President Obama.
What do you drink during the summer? Anything on the rocks at House of Hayden or Que Sera. The bar staff is awesome, and the drinks are made with love. They are both dark, and I meet the most interesting Long Beach characters. I have made lots of friends over the years at both places.
Most memorable night DJing? Ikey Owens and Bitches Brew at Call Sick on Friday. Bitches Brew and Ikey have an amazing connection, and it felt like the party was more in the DJ booth than on the dance floor.
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? I know I’d never use it at a gig, but I stumbled on a generic Céline Dion Christmas CD at a Fingerprints sidewalk sale one Saturday. Quebecois pride, bitches! (Sarah Bennett)

Mikey Bernard founded and occasionally spins at Call Sick on Friday at the Que Sera. myspace.com/callsickonfriday

BILLGAZER (BILL ROSS)
Does anybody ever come up to you and request that you play a certain song? What record would somebody request that would make you play it for them? I don’t mind getting requests, as long as it’s a reasonable call. I once had a girl ask me if I had any Madonna. I told her no, and then she asked me if I had anything gay. I told her I had Judas Priest, and she just walked away after that. I’ll usually play anything for anyone if I have it with me, but I never have any Madonna, so don’t even ask.
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? My best score has to be a Slut Rock 7-inch from Charles Brown Superstar that I found in a clearance bin at Amoeba. I totally dig it. It came in a Ziploc baggie, which makes it cool in my book. I have a couple of other 7-inches in Ziploc baggies, but I paid way over a buck for them. The other cool thing about this 7-inch is that Bobby Hecksher from the Warlocks played bass on it, and I didn’t realize it until years later.
What’s the best record that you’ve lost? A Neutral pressing of Confusion Is Sex by Sonic Youth. I have no idea where that record went. I just got a replacement for it couple of months back, but I had to get the SST pressing from 1987 because that Neutral press goes for a pretty penny. Or should I say Benny?
Have you ever been too drunk to spin? Not in public. Come to think about it, I don’t think I’ve ever been too drunk to spin. It doesn’t take too much coordination to put a record on a turntable. My problem isn’t spinning, it’s about packing up at 2 a.m. when I have had one or several too many. I frequently wake up the next morning hoping that I packed everything up and got it into my car. Like a bonehead, I left my needles at the Prospector once. Thankfully, Tommy found them. I owe him big time! (Alex Roman)

Billgazer spins at the Prospector, the Art Theatre and the Que Sera. myspace.com/billgazer

DJ THRILLS (ERIC DE LA ROSA)
Where is the strangest or most unexpected place you have DJed? I would have to say in a submarine underwater. It was for a private event in Florida. This guy had a man-made lake built on his estate, and underwater he created a kingdom with a castle, caves, fish, a fake whale, mermaids and crazy lights. Kind of like the old submarine ride at Disneyland. The sub was an old submarine from like the ‘30s or ‘40s that was completely gutted. It was on a track that circled the entire lake. When you looked out the windows you could see this underwater voyage. Inside it was like a mini-club with a full bar, dance floor, TVs—the whole nine. Definitely it was a party I’ll never forget.
Who is your favorite local band to listen to in the summer? Anything by Sublime. Growing up in Long Beach, Sublime is kind of a staple summer soundtrack. It never gets old.
Favorite record to play during summer? “One More Time” by Daft Punk.
Most memorable night DJing? The Playboy Mansion at their Hot Summer Nights party. I’ll just leave it up to your imagination. (EG)

DJ Thrills spins every Friday at Saddle Ranch in Universal City and Saturdays at Shore Ultra Lounge. myspace.com/djthrills

HELEN BORGERS
What’s your favorite song for summer? The Edmund Velasco Quintet. Edmund is a fabulous multi-reed man, and also an exceptional composer and arranger. He has many originals—”Cat Walk” being one of my favorites. It was written to showcase his drummer, Jimmy Ford, who is a master of the brushes. It’s a terrific tune! His trumpet player, Kye Palmer, is heard regularly on The Tonight Show; a fine soloist! In fact, all the guys are great players. Mark Massey on piano is the swingin’est! Edmund has also done some WONDERFUL arrangements of Beatles tunes. They play out at Steamers in Fullerton a lot. I recommend them! I’m also proud that Edmund is a graduate of the music program at CSULB—my alma mater!
Favorite record to play during summer? Herbie Mann Live at Newport—best jazz flute disc of all time! It just sounds like summer. Captures the feeling of hanging out at the beach, playing in the surf and having fruity drinks at sunset!
Favorite drink? Decaf with LOTS of cream. At Parker’s Lighthouse, on the patio, watching the pelicans fish.
Most memorable night DJing? A coast-to-coast broadcast on New Year’s Eve from a jazz club that no longer exists (Donte’s, in North Hollywood). Jack Sheldon’s band was playing, and Harry Sweets Edison came by and sat in. WOW! And I was hosting the broadcast!
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? A Louis Armstrong anthology for 89 cents. It had a great assortment of Louis, and it was my real introduction to his music. It had three tunes from the 1928 Hot Five with Earl Hines. It had Louis singing “Honeysuckle Rose” with Velma Middleton from the ‘50s tribute Satch Plays Fats, and more! The disc changed my life. I stopped being merely a Beatles fan and became a stone jazz fan. (Sean O’Connell)

Helen Borgers spins for 88.1 KKJZ, America’s jazz and blues station. jazzandblues.org

DJ SCOTTY COATS
What’s your favorite local band to listen to during the summer? Blank Blue—specifically, “All the Shallow Deep.” I can imagine myself living on the oil island Grissom and playing this song really loud for all of Long Beach to hear, sort of like Neil Young does with his barn/house sound system.
Ideal record to play during summer? Mendes & Alcada, “Coaster” on Claremont 56 Records (M13). Thanks, Mudd!
Is there a record that should never be played during summer? The Jonas Brothers should never be played during any season.
What’s the most overplayed summer jam? I don’t really know. We could go with the cliché DJ Jazzy Jeff and Fresh Prince’s “Summertime,” but I like that song. Or maybe I just love Kool & the Gang’s “Summer Madness.” I haven’t decided yet.
What’s your favorite summer sipper? Boont Amber Ale at the Pike Bar. As [owner] Chris Reece says, “There’s always a party at the Pike!”
What’s your most memorable set? It would have to be PS1 at the MOMA in Queens, NY last summer. I played for four hours. When I started there were 50 people and when I ended there were 5,000 in the streets of Queens, with the sunset reflecting off the subway directly across the street. Glory! (EG)

Scotty Coats spins at M.E.S.A. in Costa Mesa on Thursday nights and Avalon Costa Mesa every Third Saturday. myspace.com/wescoats

DJ DESIRE.E (DESIREE MENDOZA)
What’s your favorite song for summer? “Lights and Music” by Cut Copy. My favorite version is the remix by Boys Noize. I like it! It’s got a dancey beat, makes you happy. It’s very upbeat, somewhat poppy and the lyrics are really catchy: “Lights and music on my mind/Be my baby one more time.” That’s actually pretty funny! Also, I like to kick it back a little bit, like some old-school ’90s hip-hop. I noticed that music is softer in summer. I like to play like “Summertime in LBC”; I think it’s the perfect tune.
That isn’t by Sublime, is it? No, hell no! Dove Shack! I like the stuff that people would play at their BBQs and pool parties.
Most overplayed summer song? That Black Eyed Peas song “Boom Boom Pow!” It’s so annoying!
Most memorable night DJing? Last year, LB pride, we were at Que Sera. Since it was opening night, we didn’t expect as many people. We had a line by like 9 p.m.! It reached capacity. Since then I don’t think I’ve ever spun in front of so many people! Also, one time I was DJing at this place on Broadway, and this guy wrote on a napkin asking me to play [mid ‘80s Prince protégé] Apollonia 6. I read the note, left the dollar there, and I didn’t play his song. I don’t take requests—most of the time I don’t have what they want, anyway. Like an hour later he comes up again with another note: it said “Play Apollonia 6, bitch! I left you a tip!” (Kevin Ferguson)

Desire.e spins at Indulge with DJs Soozee, Los and Lady on the Decks at Executive Suite. myspace.com/indulge_lbc

JOSH-ONE (JOSHUA NOTEBOOM)
What’s the best local band to listen to in the summer? Definitely Allensworth! I love his songs, and it’s not just because he and some of his band played on my record.
Best summer platter? The Sean Perry remix of “Doin’ Time” featuring Mad Lion.
Is there a record that should never be played during summer? Any “Winter Wonderland” remix probably wouldn’t fly.
Where did you spend your Fourth of July? I played a backyard party at a good friend’s house in Huntington. Something about a backyard, barbecue and some 1984 Cerwin Vega 15-inch speakers!
Most overplayed summer jam? “Summertime” by the Fresh Prince. I can’t say I haven’t done it, but it’s been a long time.
What’s your most memorable set? Ouch! I would have to say with Phife of A Tribe Called Quest at the Tiki Bar in Costa Mesa.
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? “Funky Drummer” by James Brown for 50 cents at the Goldenwest swap meet! (EG)

For more information about Josh-One, visit boomnotemusic.com.

DJ KNOCKOUT (KELLY OPDYCKE)
What’s your favorite song for summer? Icy Lytes’ “Chickenazo.” You can’t beat a song with a rooster crow in it.
Favorite record to play during summer? All Bangers and Cash songs, all the time.
Best part about Long Beach in summer? Well, it’s hard to beat San Pedro, but the other two Bitches Brew girls live over there, so I guess they are the best part of Long Beach in summer and all year ‘round.
Most overplayed summer jam and why? Probably anything by the Black Eyed Peas because they will never be good.
Favorite drink? Where to drink it? Kelly KoncocKtion at the Indian Room in San Pedro on Friday nights.
Most memorable night DJing? At Que Sera a few years ago on my birthday. It was for Call Sick on Friday, and people were buying me chocolate-cake shots, and they started taking off their clothes when I put on 2 Live Crew. Pretty hilarious.
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? The Beverly Hills Cop soundtrack. (SO)

DJ Knockout spins at Bitches Brew, Call Sick on Friday and house parties all over Long Beach. myspace.com/bitchesbrewsaturdays

LITHUANIAN PRINCE (VALDAS KARALIS)
Are you really royalty? My uncle, Valdas Adamkus, was president of Lithuania from 1998 to 2009, so I would have to note yes. It was quite a royal affair, and I am proud to have such an admirable uncle who has accomplished so much during a crucial rebuilding stage in Lithuania.
Who will be crowned king first: you, Arabian Prince or Prince? It should go by age and bodies of work in the music world. I would be third in the crowing rotation, if it did happen. Prince, then Mr. Arabian P. and, finally, Valdee.
If you could collect the royalties for a record that you play, which one would it be? Dana Gillespie’s version of “London Social Degree” by Billy Nicholls. It’s a groover. I would love to give the royalties to them to offer thanks and be able to fly to England for a chat and tea time with both of those two great musicians/songwriters.
What’s your favorite local band for the summertime? Greater California. They just released an introspective third LP, All the Colors. The track “Them Downs” sounds evil, dark and murky-beautiful. Plus, when I listen, I can hear the group harmonize, “They them downs cuh!”
What is your favorite summertime song? Cathy Saunders’ “The Heat Is On.” Don’t know much about this gal, but this 45 track is soaked in reverb and fem-bossy-seductive vocals.
What has been your most memorable night spinning? Bringing the tables up to Malibu for a friend’s Great Gatsby-esque house party. Being by the pool with records and the Pacific Ocean was just premium life deluxe. To top it off, Axl Rose’s house was right across the gully below. I knew he could hear the jams on his evening walk that night! (AR)

Lithuanian Prince spins at the Pike every second Monday. myspace.com/youknowapparitionsofthepast

DJ MANVNATURE (TOM CHILD)
What’s your favorite band for summer? Grand Elegance. No matter how hot it may be in the room, by the end of the set you will be covered in a refreshing shower of beer and sweat, and not necessarily your own. As for a song, I pick “The Rain Song” because it’s rain I miss the most during this interminable season.
Favorite record to play during summer? Creedence Clearwater Revival, Cosmo’s Factory. I don’t like sweating that much, but something about this album makes it appropriate and bearable.
Most memorable night DJing? I once DJed a Filipino cotillion at a Redondo Beach Cheesecake Factory. All I was told was, “Bring ballroom dance music.” I had absolutely no idea what exactly I was supposed to do, and by the end of the evening I had begrudgingly consented to a young man’s request to play Sir Mix-a-Lot’s “Baby Got Back.” The elders were unamused.
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? In Canada, I scored a slightly scratched album circa 1983 by a group of children singers called Minipops. They do pop covers, and it’s kind of creepy, but I discovered that if you put it on 45 rpm, it all sounds like happy hardcore, which takes me back to when I sat next to a raver in my drawing and painting class in high school. (SO)

DJ Manvnature spins at {open}, Kitsch Bar or department stores anywhere. myspace.com/manvnature

MASHED POTATOS: DAN KAWAI AND DAN BROWNE
Favorite record to play during summer? Dan Kawai: Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.
What’s the most overplayed summer jam and why? DK: “Day N Nite,” Kid Cudi. No offense to Kid Cudi—we’re guilty for spinning it—but it’s over.
Favorite drink? Where to drink it? DK: Washington Apples at Detroit. DB: Whatever and ice, at a friend’s place.
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? Wendy Carlos: Switched on Bach. (JS)

Mashed Potatos spin at V2O, Que Sera, Detroit Bar and Cinespace. myspace.com/mymashedpotatos

DENNIS OWENS
What’s your favorite song by a local band this summer? Free Moral Agents’ “North Is Red.” Why? Because I play bass in the band, and it’s our upcoming release. Shameless self-promotion!
Favorite record to play during summer? One of my favorite things to listen to while cruising around Long Beach during the summer would be Regulate….G Funk Era by Warren G. It catches the vibe and rhythm of the city perfectly. So good!
Best part about Long Beach in summer? The weather. It means that when I walk to Portfolio to get my tea, I’ll run into friends who are also out and about enjoying the great weather.
Most memorable night DJing? One of the most memorable nights that I’ve ever had spinning records was when me and DJ Nobody spun at a Mars Volta after-party in Austin, TX, last year. Holy crap. Totally off the hook! SOOOOO much fun! Thanks to Omar, Cedric and Ikey. You hooked a brother up!
What’s the best record you’ve scored for $1 (or less)? There’s two records that I can think of, off hand: Age of Electronicus by Dick Hyman, which features an amazing, Mooged-out version of James Brown’s “Give It Up or Turn It Loose”; and the Badfoot Brown & the Bunions Bradford Funeral Marching Band record, which is an obscure, out-there jazz/funk record from the early ‘70s. Bill Cosby (yes, THAT Bill Cosby) played electric piano on it. (KF)

Dennis Owens spins at the Good Foot at Que Sera. goodfoot.org

DJ ERNIE PEARL
What is your favorite summer record? “Summertime in the LBC” by Dove Shack.
What is the best part about Long Beach in the summer? The shirtless boys!
What’s your favorite drink? It has to be a pink squirrel [crème de noyaux, white crème de cacao, light cream]—and they make ‘em good at Ripples.
What’s your most memorable DJ moment? When I first played on the main dance floor at Circus Disco back in 1995. (EG)

DJ Ernie Pearl spins at Ripples, Circus Disco, Chico and Rage. myspace.com/djerniepearl

FREDERICK PHASES
So what have you been up to since you and the Minister Alvin X (Nobody) played your last radio gig? Unfortunately, we had to end the show a couple months back due to our time slot constraints, but we will be doing She Comes in Colours on dublab.com from time to time to help us justify our record collecting. We had a great run at KXLU and shared a lot of laughs, but we both agreed that the show had run its course. We had a radio show that lasted twice as long as the era we were covering.
What are your favorite summer jams? The Kinks’ “Sunny Afternoon,” Mungo Jerry’s “In the Summertime” or the Beach Boys’ “Disney Girls.” Summer songs always put me in a good mood and go well with a beer.
Since DJs often get paid in drinks, what’s your favorite drink to sip while you are spinning? It would depend on the number of drinks offered for the evening. If it’s an endless river, I’ll take a good beer anytime. But, a Long Island makes the most sense and produces the best results.
Is collecting records a joy or a curse? Nothing but joy, because I love my collection—just flipping through my records can make me smile. You can think of the money you’re blowing on them, or you can just tell yourself it’s the greatest free record collection you ever borrowed, because you can have your money back as soon as you’re willing to part ways.
What was your most memorable night DJing? It would probably be the Entrance Band show in Big Sur. Hearing my records played outside under the Big Sur sky and knowing I had a ride back to my sleeping bag was a good start. My set started in the sunshine with sounds of lollipops, daisy chains and love but went someplace very dark after the sun dropped with songs of cauldrons, the mentally ill and death. I enjoyed the idea of making people squirm under the dark, looming trees. I’m sure it was a strange place for anyone who attended, and the contrast from day into night was interesting. (AR)

Frederick Phases spins at the Prospector, Que Sera and on dublab.com. myspace.com/frederickphases

DJ LOU SCREW
Favorite summer song by a local band? “The Recipe” by the Commotions. It just exudes summerness: light, poppy and a little soulful.
Favorite summer record in general? This is a three-fer: “Summer Fun” by the Barracudas, “Here Comes the Summer” by the Undertones and “Can’t Slow Down” by Sloppy Seconds, all played in succession. They just exemplify good summer pop-punk fun . . . and drinking!
What’s your favorite summertime drink? Sierra Nevada Summerfest Ale at the Pike Bar.
What was your most memorable night DJing? Alex’s Bar on Halloween in 2002 with the Dragons, Throwrag and Calavera. The soundboard channel was fucked up and I thought it was my CD player, so I started cursing up a storm over the PA. Needless to say, I didn’t DJ there for a while. And I think I was carrying an unloaded Smith & Wesson snub-nose .38 Special as part of my costume, which Mario from the Dragons promptly handed over to Alex. (I retrieved it the next day, still drunk.) (MC)

DJ Lou Screw spins at the Pike Bar, Puka Bar and more. myspace.com/louscrew32

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