TAMPA BAY – Florida weekends are supposed to be about sun and fun. But, for many, coronavirus has put an end to group entertainment. So, some folks come up with their own, unique Plan B.
“All of a sudden, there’s this ‘no group gatherings,’ and as a DJ, you rely on these large group gathering,” part-time DJ from Florida, Michael Johnson, said.
Coronavirus has events dropping off the map.
“It’s pretty catastrophic for DJ’s who have kind of tried to make this their main thing,” Johnson said.
Dj Archie DJ’s for a living, playing Afro-Latin music like Kizomba and Brazilian Zouk.
But, he says he didn’t get discouraged.
DJ’s from all across North America turn the tables and keep their music alive.
“And, one of the guys came in, and they were like, ‘Yo, we should do a Kizomba, online Facebook live event, like a social online,'” full-time DJ from Texas, DJ Archie, said.
More than 30 DJs came together for one event.
“I think a lot of people are just really hungry for wanting something that’s going to uplift them and encourage them still, in the middle of all this craziness,” DJ Archie said.
All coordinated in a matter of days.
Two DJ’s play at the same time from their personal page or profile. And then it’s shared on the event page for people to choose which DJ to listen to.
“You can do watch parties, so people can share the link,” DJ Archie said. “As a watch party or they can just share the link as it is itself. But, we post all of those links and create those watch parties in the event page.”
Dancer, Courtney Taylor, says these are tough times.
“Dance is my therapy,” dancer from Tennessee, Courtney Taylor, said. “If I don’t have it, I’m like (twiddles her fingers).
Taylor spent her weekend grooving to the music with her son. Taylor says she loves how easily accessible the music is.
“I am completely happy somebody thought of the idea,” Taylor said. “Even though we have to be aware of it, we still have to maintain our sanity and create that happy place.”
The DJ’s play their music for free, but donations are welcome.
If you’re looking to find a way to keep yourself entertained, there are many groups online to join. Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms offer opportunities for people to go live. Search for those things you love.
