What started as a small group sharing a love for dance music has grown into a decade-long movement. This year, DMI celebrates its 10-year anniversary! The organization officially incorporated as a nonprofit in February 2016, further strengthening its mission to foster dance music culture through community service and education. Fun fact: the folks behind DMI have been hosting their famous free DJ lessons since 2010. Since then, more than a thousand students have gone through the program and the momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
In other news, the collective has launched a new residency in Long Beach, CA and is also welcoming new leadership as it enters its next chapter. Onward to the deets!
Upcoming Events
Saturday, March 14
Underland Radio is hosting their five-year anniversary party at an underground LA warehouse this Saturday. These guys have been supporting DMI for years now and we can’t thank them enough for frequently featuring many of our graduates on their podcast. Drum & Bass, food, and vendors will be in full effect. Underland’s residents Madd Hadder, MixPhix, Chief Mapache, and Timid are not to be missed! Grab your ticket here.
Sunday, March 15
DMI is co-hosting a birthday party for community member Chris Mindel. Join us at Midnight Oil in downtown Long Beach for an evening of well-blended house music and dancing. Rumor has it that DMI’s Holliday and BChang will make an appearance behind the decks. Free event, 6pm-11pm behind the red speakeasy door. If you don’t see it at first, tap on the wall with the thumping bass.
After-school DJ Program
Both Gordon H. Beatty Middle School and South El Monte High School have renewed their after-school DJ lessons with DMI. Check out the videos below of the kids in action!
Residencies
Tuesdays at Midnight Oil in Long Beach, CA
Each week, DMI curates a proper dance music event series dubbed “Together Tuesdays” at Midnight Oil, a Chinese-themed bar in downtown Long Beach. The venue features two speakeasy-style rooms: one showcasing a mix of deep, tribal, and soulful house music every week, while the other hosts a rotating vibe. Resident DJs BChang, Holliday, and PACE join forces to share their unwavering love for the music community.
Pull up, bring your crew, and come experience the vibe for yourself.
Badcat.fm returns this Spring!
Some of you got to experience the delight that is Badcat.fm in 2025. The hosts of this Ibiza / Balearic inspired party are planning the 2026 season and have some exciting upgrades to unveil. This time around you’ll see a lot of favorites from last summer as well as some newcomers, many of which are DMI DJs. Make sure you subscribe to the mailing list to find out when this party kicks off.
A New Director Joins the Board
Michael Gamboa has graciously stepped down from DMI’s board of directors after serving five years. He will always be remembered for his contributions to DMI, and we wish him the very best in his future endeavors.
With that, DMI is excited to welcome longtime contributor Wendell Noel to the board. Noel, also known as T.A.B.U, has been a frequent instructor, guest speaker, and event producer within the DMI community. We look forward to the experience, perspective, and energy he will bring in this new role. His full director bio is available here.
New Graduate
Blume
Brandon Pon graduated from the DMI program last year as its 22nd graduate. His desire to perform his original music grew as he started exploring more EDM. Once he found DMI, he honed his skills and turned that dream into a reality. When it comes to mixing, he enjoys upbeat, funky house which he says, “usually sets a pretty good mood and energy level.” Pon’s favorite producer is ’Said The Sky’. When he’s not DJing and producing, he enjoys snowboarding.
Annie’s Select
The track I chose for this month is Sacred Circle produced by Danny Faber. He’s the founder of record label Sounds Of Sirin based in Berlin, Germany. What caught my attention about this track are the vocals and the flow of the melody. Every listen brings me back to enjoying the last bit of warmth from the sunset on a beach.
Adios!
Over the last few months, DMI has been drawing in people who just want to connect through music. This is largely due to free DJ lessons on Mondays and Together Tuesdays. With everything happening in the world today, one truth stands above the noise: music has the power to bring us together and carry us through even the most difficult times.
As always, make sure you’re a member of our Facebook group to get more frequent updates on events and discussions.
♫ Annie, Dance Music Initiative volunteer and music aficionado.
Dance Music Initiative 