JESSE DE LA PENA, one of Chicago's premier DJs, not only creates a mood or atmosphere, he makes his own artistic statement through his unique ability to combine his many influences into a style all his own. Gracefully blending New Jazz, Funk, Soul, Broken Beat, Reggae, Drum'n Bass, Hip-Hop, Rock, Latin, 80's classics, House music, etc., DE LA constantly challenges his audience's expectations by taking them on a musical journey and pushing the boundaries of music.
Spinning records since he was 15 years old, DE LA?S roots in DJing can be traced to the B-boy culture of Chicago's Southwest side in the mid-80?s. Involved in the breakdancing and graffiti movements, DE LA?S interest in DJing was sparked by watching his friends spin back in 1985. After gaining his own experience spinning at parties, one of Jesse's mix tapes landed him his first gig at the world-renowned Smart Bar.
While working at Smart Bar, DE LA began experimenting with various Chicago musicians. These jam sessions eventually grew into the formation of the Grammy nominated Liquid Soul, a ten-piece, acid jazz ensemble incorporating DE LA PEÑ on the turntables. The group enjoyed success both locally in Chicago and at the national level. Liquid Soul was even invited to play the inaugural parade and 21st Century Ball during the 53rd Presidential Inauguration.
JESSE has been host to The Blue Groove Lounge, one of the nations longest running weekly hip-hop club nights, since 1994. He's currently a monthly resident at various clubs across the country. His current Chicago residencies are at: Darkroom every last Saturday, Sonotheque one Thursday a month for the Scion hosted event, and Moonshine every Sunday.
In addition to various guest appearances around the United States and Europe, DE LA currently hosts his own Internet radio show "DE LA PENA LIVE!" every Wednesday on www.smoothbeats.com (2PM - 4PM) Central time. He has been featured on Chicago's 106 JAMS weekly Saturday night radio show, WLUW 88.7 "Abstract Science" show, "The Soul Assassins" radio show in L.A. on 92 the Beat and 103.5 Kiss FM's Mix show.
He has held residencies at nearly every major nightclub, lounge or venue in Chicago such as: The Funky Buddha Lounge, House of Blues, Double Door, Wild Hare, Zentra, Le Passage, Sugar, Shelter, Elixir, Crobar, Smart Bar, Elbo Room, Warehouse, Kaboom, Neo, etc.
Also the featured DJ at various art openings, fashion shows, in-store promotions and corporate events across the country and locally for: The Steppenwolf Theatre, Banana Republic, the Museum of Contemporary Art's "First Fridays" monthly event, Armani Exchange, Agnes B, Louis Vuitton, GQ magazine, In Style, Marshall Field's Glamorama events (Chicago and Minneapolis), M lounge party for Moet & Chandon, and the Target opening (Downtown Chicago).
De La has been nominated "Best Club DJ" by various publications such as: Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, New City, UR Chicago, The Reader, City Search, etc.
Through Giant Step and the Groove Academy in New York, JESSE has appeared at New York Clubs such as Irving Plaza, S.O.B., Tramps, Wetlands, Nell's, the Supper Club, Shelter and various parties along with NY faves DJ Spinna, Jazzy Nice, DJ Smash.
JESSE also spins at:
Chocolate Bar & Firecracker (L.A.)
The Elbo Room and Bimbos (San Francisco)
Lava Lounge (Cincinnati)
Liquid (Miami)
Crobar (New York and Miami)
Rain (Las Vegas)
State of the Union (D.C.)
He?s also been featured in various TV commercials and radio ads for: Levi's, Mid West Stereo, Shure Microphone, Gemini Mixers and in the Illinois State Lottery?s "Player Have More Fun" campaign. Jesse's also been seen in the independent films "Sketches" and "The DJ".
De La Pena has been tour support for such artists as:
Sting at Madison Square Garden
A Tribe Called Quest
Pharcyde
Arrested Development
Jazzmatazz
Lost Boyz,
Black Sheep
Das EFX
High & Mighty
Mos Def
Large Professor
Funk Doobiest,
Black Star
Tina Marie
Sugar Hill Gang
Beatnuts
Wu Tang Clan
Common
Schooly D
Pete Nice Daddy Rich
KRS ONE
Ultra Magnetic
Jeru the Damaga
Wyclef Jean
Macy Gray |
Incognito
Massive Attack
Groove Collective
Down to the Bone
the Brand New Heavies
Smith & Mighty
Ronnie Jordan
Ben Harper
Jamiroquai
Chaka Kahn
James Brown
Poi Dog Pondering
Maceo Parker
Roy Ayers,
Bootsy Collins
WAR
The Mighty Blue Kings
Me'Shell N'degchello
Spearhead
Grand Master Flash
Mix Master Mike
Les Nubians
Three Doors Down
Etc. |
He's also spun at the JVC Jazz Festival and the Murs Jazz Festival in Germany.
DE LA has done various Studio work, production and remixes for:
The Brand New Heavies
Shahid
The Damage Manual
Poi Dog Pondering
Liquid Soul
Juice
The Baldwin Brothers
The Soul of John Black
P1
For further information or bookings contact:
Jesse De La Pena
858 W. Armitage PMB #348
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327 8439 home/office
(773) 549 1253 fax
(312) 420 0521 mobile