Museum Sessions

For this Free First Thursday, DJs from Basement Sessions will curate sets inspired by themes found within the museum’s collection — interpreting artworks, moods, histories, or visual energy through sound.

What are Basement Sessions?

The Basement Sessions is a monthly web series hosted by DJ Rejekt and DJ Chris The Dad, inviting DJs in the Portland metro area an opportunity to showcase their DJ skills and music curations for one hour. This includes friendly discussions about music, trading DJ tips and tricks, and observing and appreciating each other’s styles, selections, aesthetics, and skills. Each Session takes place primarily in DJ Rejekt’s basement, but has now expanded to include other friends’ and DJs’ basements, as well as venues willing to host the Sessions. The Sessions are vinyl-only affairs, featuring two turntables, a mixer, and speakers. The Sessions are live-streamed via Twitch and recorded and uploaded to YouTube for public viewing.  

Who are Basement Sessions?

The Basement Sessions are hosted by DJ Rejekt (Jesse Johnson) and DJ Chris The Dad (Chris Hanson). Regular guest DJs include DJ Dali and DJ LeMix, both from Portland. We’ve also had the pleasure of hosting respected Portland DJs, including DJ Narcissus, DJ Wags, DJ Radical John, DJ Residual Sugar, and DJ Susan Suranwrap, at the Basement to showcase their talents.

Why?

The Basement Sessions was created to contribute to and preserve the long art legacy of vinyl-DJ record playing, which has existed for nearly eight decades. This legacy includes early 1940’s radio DJs using single turntables to play on the air or at parties, and the advancement of sound systems and modern DJing, thanks to Reggae and Hip-Hop artists in the 60’s and 70’s. Contributing to this culture means sharing through playing, which is why the Sessions is open to all music genres and DJ skill levels. We believe that music connects people and helps us learn about one another, thereby promoting cultural diversity.