The BABBLE DJs
Red Jenn Shortway (DJ Coordinator)
Red Jenn (NJ) got her start djing in 2009 at Jookjoint Shimmy Blues in New York City. She has also spun at such venues as Frim Fram, Swing Remix, Philly Lindy Love, Baltimore Blues Summit, Midsummer Night Swing, etc. When she asked her friends for assistance in writing her bio she got: “Jenn is awesome and plays great music when she DJs.” and “Jenn has nice hair.” Both of which she feels are important things for people to know about her.
Whether it is swing or blues Jenn enjoys mixing it up and offering something for everyone. She focuses on playing music that is energetic, dynamic and danceable. She has a soft spot for female artists including Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Ruthie Foster, Aretha Franklin, and Big Mama Thornton.
Ryan Swift
Ryan (NYC) has been swing dancing since 1998 and has been DJing for over a decade.
He has had the privilege of spinning for numerous exchanges, dance camps, weekend
workshops, and competitions, including national events such as ILHC, ULHS, Rhythmic Arts
Festival, Southwest LindyFest, Swing Out New Hampshire, the Basie Centennial Weekend &
Lincoln Center's Midsummer Night Swing.
Ryan is also music coordinator & house DJ for Yehoodi.com's weekly Frim Fram Jam,
Thursdays in NYC.
Dawn Hampton
To many people in the dance community, Dawn is an inspirational figure. She is a high-spirited speaker, an amazing role model, and though she claims not to be a dancer, one of the most entertaining and musically intuitive people you will see on the dance floor.
Dawn received the "Lifetime Achievement in Cabaret" Award from New York's Private Lives and, in 1988, was nominated for the "Distinguished Achievement" Director and Composer Awards by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets.
More recently, Dawn has pointed her golden slippers towards the swing dance world where her smooth style and theatrical presence have brought her international acclaim. Dawn appeared with Frankie Manning as a dancer in the Spike Lee film "Malcolm X.”
These days, when not an honored guest at swing and Lindy Hop events around the world, Dawn can be found in New York City dancing and listening to some of the best swing bands around. Watching Dawn dance heightens the experience of merely listening to jazz and reunites the relationship between music and movement. In Dawn's own words, "The light IS on!"
Dawn received the "Lifetime Achievement in Cabaret" Award from New York's Private Lives and, in 1988, was nominated for the "Distinguished Achievement" Director and Composer Awards by the Manhattan Association of Cabarets.
More recently, Dawn has pointed her golden slippers towards the swing dance world where her smooth style and theatrical presence have brought her international acclaim. Dawn appeared with Frankie Manning as a dancer in the Spike Lee film "Malcolm X.”
These days, when not an honored guest at swing and Lindy Hop events around the world, Dawn can be found in New York City dancing and listening to some of the best swing bands around. Watching Dawn dance heightens the experience of merely listening to jazz and reunites the relationship between music and movement. In Dawn's own words, "The light IS on!"
Heather Flock
Heather Flock (NYC) is an avid social dancer, award-winning choreographer and popular DJ. She discovered Lindy Hop in 1999 and quickly became a leader in the Lindy Hop community. In addition to teaching the "Cram Session" every Thursday night at Yehoodi.com's Frim Fram Jam, she is choreographer and leading member of Coney Island Mermaid Parade’s “Winningest Group in Parade History,” the Brooklyn Bombshells, which most recently won the highly coveted ‘Judges Choice’ award. She was also a member of the renowned troupe the Big Apple Lindy Hoppers for many years. Heather likes all kinds of swinging jazz and blues, but does favor female vocalists and has a soft spot for Count Basie, Artie Shaw, Johnny Hodges, Cozy Cole, Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman. Heather can be heard regularly at Yehoodi.com’s Frim Fram Jam in New York City, and has played around the country at Lindygroove, the 9:20 Special, Girl Jam and Yehoodi Radio.
Daniel Repsch
Dan is a Baltimore resident whose obsession with music has been life-long. He’s taken to DJing because he loves sharing his music, inspiring other dancers, and guiding the energy of a dance. He’s constantly challenging himself to bring new material to his fellow dancers and works hard to offer a variety of music in his sets that stays true to the roots of the dance. He loves all styles of music and his sets tend more toward vintage and authentic styles, but he can bring the funk if the dance calls for it.
Dan regularly travels to teach and DJ at exchanges and is always looking for the next travel opportunity.
Alfredo Melendez
As a blues DJ, my library has fantastic examples of a variety of different blues styles and artists. My own preference ranges from early R&B from the mid late forties through the fifties, Chicago blues, and vintage blues. My non-blues repertory is quite eclectic. I enjoy exploring songs that inspire the blues mood and flow.
I have DJ’ed blues for Friday Night Blues, Mala Leche fusion. I have also DJ’ed other dance styles such as Argentine tango and west coast swing.
One of my favorite songs to dance/play: “After the Lights Go Down Low” -Al Hibbler
Steve "The Troublemaker" Rehkler
Steve "The Troublemaker" Rekhler was hooked on music since the age of 5; always tapping his feet or clapping his hands or trying to imitate other dancers and singers. In high school he finally decided to try out partnered dancing getting instantly hooked on Latin Ballroom. Dancing at a competitive level for 2 years exposed him to the community of like-minded peers, and strengthened his love and respect of dance and music.
In early 2008 a friend suggested that he check out a local NYC Jazz event called Midsummer Night Swing, it was there that he got his first taste of Swing dancing. Instantly hooked on the playful and energetic sound, he has been dancing Lindy, WCS, and Blues ever since. He has also tried to give back to the dance community by running summer dance socials such as Washing Squared Swing, Flatiron Blues, and Wednesday City Blues.
You can find this Troublemaker dancing every Friday and DJing monthly at Blues Village’s FNB.
