Da DJs promises to be an affair that will give DJs around the city their much-needed props. "It's just gonna be a big event that focuses on Houston talent," says Kung Fu Pimp, the headlining spin man. Some other area spinners include Jake Childs, Bruno B, Dave Arbiter and Noi-Zee. Apart from headliners Superstar DJ Keoki (Los Angeles) and Vicious Vic (New York), local and regional names also will be in the spotlight at the Jingle Bells party, including Houston's Chris Anderson and Jonathon Youmans and Austin's Berlin. The crew for Bells insists everything is on the up-and-up. "We encourage parents to attend our raves," says Bobby Rodriguez, who co-runs Bigtyme. "If a parent wants to come in and check on their kid, we let 'em in. If my kid was out at 6 a.m. in the morning, I'd wanna know where they are."
Anyone who donates a toy to the local Ronald McDonald House will get $5 off the ticket price. "Every time we do a rave, a portion of the proceeds goes to a different charity," says Rodriguez. "For this rave, we wanted to give toys to the House." Kung Fu Pimp, who held a Toys for Tots drive/party last Friday night at Club C2K, matches Rodriguez's belief in Christmastime charity. "When we did Toys for Tots last year, we received about 4,000 toys in four hours," says the Pimp.
Giving and goodwill aside, it's still about having a good time. And even though these parties are on the same night, neither one is feeling the pressure to bring in a warehouse full of ravers. "I welcome the competition," says Rodriguez. "I appreciate what they're doing, and I respect any promoter who wanna go out there and do it. But they're gonna lose that night." Music, toys and an intense rivalry for your holiday cash -- isn't that what Christmas is all about?