Every year, the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) brings hundreds of women together in the name of equality. On February 14, HRC’s Greater Washington, D.C. Steering Committee will host the 5th Annual HER HRC DJ Battle at Town Danceboutique. According to the Event Lead & Chair Megan McKellar, D.C. continues to be the largest Her HRC event in the country. She credits the support of community partners, organizations, DJs, and promoters for the success of the event.
“While the event itself is important, the reason I do this year after year is because of the organization. There aren’t many people that can say an entire organization has been there for them year after year, but I can,” explains McKellar. “HRC has introduced me to some of the best people that have a vision of what the world could be like when the mission is accomplished.”
McKellar and the other steering committee volunteers are responsible for organizing over 20 events throughout the year. Included in those events are Lez Sing Karaoke that takes place a month before Her HRC DC, and the Ladies Brunch at Hank’s Oyster Bar on February 15. Guests have the option of purchasing both general admission and VIP tickets with various perks.
The party starts early for VIP ticket holders. At 6 p.m., new gay bar Uproar DC will host the official Her HRC VIP cocktail hour, which includes a one hour open bar, vegetarian-friendly light fare, and a special meet and greet with D.C.’s favorite award-winning lesbian band, Wicked Jezabel. Founded in 2004 by Davi and Pauline Anson-Dross, the band is no stranger to the stage and female empowerment. Since their inception, the band continues to take their “lesbian bar on wheels” to diverse venues in order to reach LGBTQ community members and allies outside of the beltway. Following the VIP meet and greet, Wicked Jezabel will give a special performance at 7 p.m. on the main stage at Town.
“There is no other all female party band like us within the whole Mid-Atlantic,” says Pauline Anson-Dross. “You will hear hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and today in most genres. You will dance, laugh and cheer!” If you happen to miss Wicked Jezabel’s show, you can catch them on February 24 at JV’s Restaurant in Falls Church, VA.
DJ Jai Syncere will close out the evening for the DJ Battle
The main event will center on the DJ Battle featuring two returning and two new DJs on the turntables. Baltimore’s DJ Che Parlay will kickoff the evening at 8 p.m., followed by newcomer DJ A.Net. Returning for their second year are D.C.’s own DJ Jacq Jill and DJ Jai Syncere.
DJ Jai Syncere, who has been playing clubs and events across the country since 2004, is looking forward to supporting HRC’s community efforts while keeping guests moving on the dance floor with hip-hop, EDM, dance, pop, and more. “I love what HRC stands for and the difference that it continues to make,” says Syncere. “I’m just looking forward to having a great time, sharing my talents, and being able to play to a diverse crowd.”
And, the evening doesn’t stop there. With the event being held on Valentine’s Day, the organizers have added some surprise festive flare. In addition, the evening will be hosted by Miss Adams Morgan 2007, Barbara Ann Bushwacker.
“Each year we try to have an exciting, upbeat, and charismatic host. This year is no different,” explains McKellar. “We also wanted to try something different. We are happy to have Ms. Barbara Bushwacker as our host for Her HRC. I think guests will find her funny and entertaining.”
Throughout the evening guests will get a chance to vote for their favorite DJ. Located on the stage will be four buckets representing each DJ Battle participant. Party goers can vote for their favorite by putting cash in the appropriate bucket. Whoever has the most money in their bucket by the end of the night wins the 2016 Her HRC DJ Battle. All money raised will benefit the Human Rights Campaign.
Guests are welcome to keep the party going at the official after party at Nellie’s Sports Bar. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.hrc.org/events/dc-her-hrc-2016.
