Local DJ Witnes (a.k.a. Michael Zapata) made moving forward his New Year’s resolution. He says the closing of The Proletariat, where he has been holding his weekly dance installment Rock Box, was the push he needed. “It’s kind of like a blessing in disguise that [owner Denise Ramos] was ready to move on with her life…and the same with myself,” he says. “I guess I just hit a tipping point where I’ve just done as much I can [in Houston].”

This wasn’t an easy decision. Witnes has been a part of many successful DJ nights in Houston, which is why we gave him the award for Best DJ in our Best Of Houston® 2005 edition. Witnes says all the work he’s done made it hard for him to leave. “I was scared of letting go of everything I’ve built for myself down here,” he says. “[But] I can’t worry about what’s going to happen here in the scene,” he says.

For those who are worried, fear not. Rock Box’s other resident DJs, Dayta and Squincy Jones, will host Speaker Box, a spin-off event at The Backroom. Witnes says he hopes the scene continues to grow, because he owes his success to it. “If it wasn’t for all these people that have been supporting me, there would be no me, there would be no Rock Box.” 9 p.m. 903 Richmond. For information, call 713-523-1199 or visit www.theproletariathouston.com. Free.

Thu., March 24; Thursdays, 9 p.m. Starts: March 24. Continues through Feb. 8, 2005

This article appears in Jan 31 – Feb 6, 2008.