Compton Turns the Tables was a free beginner’s DJ course for young adults age 15-21 held at the Compton Library in February 2017. It was the first of our “City Turns the Tables” DJ lab series.

Funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant, the 10-week DJ course was taught by a professional DJ and Cal State LA professor Lynnée Denise. Students learned DJ skills, music history, and received business training.

The course concluded with a live community concert showcase celebrating student achievements, featuring celebrity panelists and performers. The concert provided an additional learning opportunity for the students—performing live in front of an audience, as much of the DJ experience has to do with reading the crowd—it was also an opportunity for students to receive valuable feedback from industry professionals.

Each student DJ’d a 10-minute set and then received feedback from the panelists—actress Dawn Lewis from “A Different World,” Tyler Perry’s music scorer, Elvin Ross, Rayan from boy band group Mindless Behavior, and actor Mandell Frazier from “If Loving You is Wrong.” All feedback was constructive and intended to help the students continue to build on their talents.

Between the student sets, the concert featured performances from local musical artists—pop sensation Kay Dee, rapper Lee Lamaj, R&B heartthrob Anthony Lewis, and hip-hop legend and actress, Yo-Yo. The Westbrooks Sisters from BET’s series #The Westbrooks were also on site to wish the students success. Students, musical guests and celebrity panelists were all interviewed during a special pre-show red carpet by host Melanie Eke. The concert itself was hosted by KJLH 102.3 Radio DJ Lon McQ.