The DJ
With over a decade behind the decks under his belt, DJ Simple has sent crowds rushing the dance floor at clubs & bars across New York State, the US and Europe. A man of diverse interests, Simple decided to pursue his passion for music full time after earning his degree in geology from SUNY University at Buffalo (NY). DJ Simple’s talent was soon recognized by a Red Bull executive, who booked him for major Red Bull events and parties. He has held residencies at numerous clubs, including Stillwater (voted Buffalo’s best upscale bar 3 years running) and 4-Play, in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Simple has also provided the beats for the monthly Battle @ Buffalo, an all ages breakdancing and urban dance competition, for the last 5 years, making him a staple in the city’s Hip Hop community. In 2010, he was voted among the top 5 best club DJs in Buffalo. DJ Simple has a style all his own, however, he has been compared to legendary DJs such as Z-Trip and the late DJ AM. His style is reminiscent of classic party rocking Hip Hop DJ’s using music from many different genres to create a positive, fun atmosphere that gets people moving. His influences are DJ Shef, Colors, Z-trip, Babu, AM, Cool Herc, Africa Bambata, Grand Master Flash, Scott Down, Optimus Prime, Cutler, Lopro and many more.
The Dancer
J.R.’s first memorable experience with dancing was during a middle school dance when he was watching some of the other kids. He quickly became that kid in the corner trying all the moves he saw other people doing. At age 16, he started frequenting an under 21 club in Latrobe, PA where he continued observing, trying, and learning.
J.R. soon found his way into the rave scene in 2001 while stationed at Fort Bragg, NC. This is where he was re-introduced to breakin’. He had seen it as a kid but never knew anyone that did it so he forgot about it until then. Around that same time J.R. decided to try DJing. J.R. bought a complete set up and what was once a hobby had turned into an obsession. Following his tour at Fort Bragg, he was then stationed in Aviano, Italy. There he met up with Dave Lam, Kallani Calles, Brian Sheffield, and Ruben Rivas. These were the members of his first crew, Mixplate Ohana.
Dave, Kalani, and Ruben schooled J.R. on b-boying/breakin’ while Brian helped him with his DJing. Brian and J.R. would frequently DJ at house parties and cook outs that friends hosted. They would supply the music while the rest of Mixplate would get down. Even though the Mixplate Ohana has dispersed they continue to keep in touch and support J.R.’s efforts.
DJ Simple at Battle @ Buffalo
In 2005 J.R. eventually moved to Buffalo. He moved there toward the end of his service in the Army to pursue a college education. Not long after arriving in Buffalo he was introduced to Shane (B-boy Depree) and The Verve Dance Studio. The studio quickly became his second home. Music and dance continued to be a source of motivation and inspiration throughout his time at the (SUNY) University at Buffalo.
While at the University of Buffalo J.R. also started (2007) a B-boy/B-girl club on campus (Rhythm Renegades) in order to get more people involved in the hip-hop culture. The club continues to grow in size and skill level and they perform at various university events.
In 2006, Shane and J.R. decided to come together to form a monthly event, called Battle @ Buffalo. The event would fuel the growth of the dance scene in Buffalo. Since it’s inception, Battle @ Buffalo has succeeded in bringing dancers together and has gained a reputation for being a fun family/community event.
In 2007 J.R. started taking hip-hop classes and teaching b-boying/b-girling at the Future Dance Center. At the Future Dance Center he also became acquainted with the owners, Gino and Denise Vaccaro.
After graduating from UB in December of 2008 with a B.S. in Geology, he decided to take steps to turn his passion for music and dance from a hobby into a full time career. With the help of Shane (The Verve Dance Studio), Gino and Denise Vaccaro (The Future Dance Center), and all the members of DFC and Future Funk Alliance, he has been able to put himself in a position to achieve this dream. J.R. would like to thank everyone that has had a helping hand in bringing him to where he is today. People that have and continue to inspire him are: his mom, family, close friends, Mixplate Ohana, Shane, Gino, Denise, Ryan, Paul, T.J., Pete, all of the WNY b-boys and b-girls that he has danced with or DJed for, and of coarse all of the famous people he has watched growing up (i.e. MJ) and anybody on b-boy and DJ videos that he has watched on youtube or DVDs.
