Many of you have probably already seen the little fliers floating around that say “Sundaze; A Deep House Experience.” For those of you who have not, it’s time you learned what they are for.
Sundaze was created in May by Christalyn Concha, who graduated from UNM in spring 2001. For the past five months, she has been putting together bimonthly shows featuring different local house D.J.s to benefit different charities and nonprofit organizations.
The proceeds from the 10 previous shows have gone to the Rape Crisis Center, Art Alliance and Youth in Transition, a homeless youth outreach program.
While the locations have changed, the next few are booked at Fourth Street and Central Avenue in the outdoor area near Raw.
Concha, also known as D.J. Chrystalline, grew up in Taos Pueblo and was inspired by the Tiwa tribal dances. So much in fact that Tiwa Productions is the name of her production company. She explained the traditional, ancient practice of dancing for her people.
“There is a vibration,” Concha said. “All the people are dancing to the same beat and this energy is being exchanged through the music. It’s spiritual. It’s the same thing, dance culture, it’s more technology based, but is the same concept evolved — the energy is still being exchanged through music. You can reach heightened levels of happiness. Walls get broken down. You don’t see people as so different from yourself. At that moment, you connect on your commonness. It’s a glimpse of heaven.”
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Conchas is working to present a view contrary to the view of electronic dance culture cultivated by most media.
“My goal is to bring it out of the club and the night thing and bring it back to its roots —music,” Concha said.
She explained how the new outdoor venue is very beneficial because it brings everything out into the light. She recalls a moment when some policemen drove by, smiled and waved as she waved back. She believes people are less afraid when something is not held behind closed doors.
“We’re exposing the community to dance culture in a positive way,” Concha said. “It’s about music and dancing and connecting through music. It involves the community and benefits the community and it’s not just for young people. I feel comfortable having my mom or grandma come.”
Sundaze is not only benefiting the community by donating to charities, but also is a showcase for local D.J. talents.
“I bring in as many local D.J.’s as I can. I try to involve them, just to support them,” Concha said. “It’s evolving. It started small and it just keeps growing and growing. More and more people want to be involved.”
All of the D.J.’s donate their time and she also insists on showcasing at least one female D.J. at each event.
She also is taking classes at TVI to learn how to put together her interactive Web site www.ladydjs.com.
It will be a forum for female D.J.’s to ask each other questions, share music and ideas and post live sets.
“It’s not anti-men at all,” Concha said. “It’s just a support group for women doing their thing.”
She hopes the Web site will help to build a network of local female D.J.’s and Sundaze will give them an avenue for exposure.
The next “Sundaze; A Deep House Experience” will be held Sept. 15, from 7-11 p.m., at Fourth Street and Central Avenue. The event will be outside, showcasing D.J.’s Chachi, Kryst and Chrystalline. Donations are encouraged.
