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DJ ILLTRAXX CROWNED NATION’S
TOP UNDISCOVERED DJ
— San Jose’s Allan Dancel spins his way into the spotlight
—
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA, October 4, 2005 —
Tablists, hip-hop moguls and music fans alike brought down the house
when San Jose’s DJ ILLTRAXX (Allan Dancel) was named the nation’s
best undiscovered DJ during Guitar Center’s 2005 Spin Off grand
finals. Guitar Center brought together performances by the nation’s
top amateur DJs along with superstars Common, Talib Kweli and surprise
guest Kanye West to create one of the hip-hop community’s most
prestigious events, according to Jack Sonni, vice president of marketing
communication for Guitar Center.
“I think it’s safe to say that Spin Off was
one of the hottest places to be, from the incredible DJ showcase put
on by our grand finalists to one of what must be classified as a legendary
hip hop show,” said Sonni. “Thanks to the strategic relationships
we’ve forged with our partners, the 2005 Spin Off grand finals
was far and away one of Guitar Center’s largest, most successful
events.”
Representing San Jose, CA, 21-year-old Dancel has been
spinning vinyl for over eight years. He said he fell in love with everything
hip-hop and found his voice through the turntables. Dancel started to
compete with other DJs about five years ago; this year he was selected
from more than 3,000 undiscovered DJs nationwide to participate in Spin
Off’s store, district and regional competitions that began in
May.
“I’ve battled with other DJs at Guitar Center’s
Spin Off competitions for four years now, and it feels really good to
win this time,” said Dancel. “I would have been happy if
one of the other DJs won, because I know what these guys can do and
I have a lot of respect for them, but it’s pretty dope to walk
away with the honors…not to mention a new car!”
In addition to a 2005 Scion xB and the coveted title as
the nation’s top amateur DJ, Dancel took home a pair of Technics
DZ SL 1200 digital tables, a Boost Mobile i860 Tattoo phone, five i215
phones for his crew, and thousands of dollars in other prizing.
The 2005 Spin Off grand finals supported the Jam Master
Jay Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing funding
and resources to support free public school music education programs,
by presenting the organization with a check for $10,000.
Photo File: DJ_ILLTRAXX.JPG
Photo Caption: San Jose’s DJ ILLTRAXX (Allan Dancel) was named
the nation’s best undiscovered DJ during Guitar Center’s
2005 Spin Off grand finals.
Photo File: Talib_Common_Kanye.JPG
Photo Caption: Pictured (left to right) are Talib Kweli, Common and
surprise guest Kanye West, performing at Guitar Center’s 2005
Spin Off grand finals.
Photo File: JMJ_Foundation.JPG
Photo Caption: Pictured (left to right) are DMC, Jack Sonni (vice president
of marketing communication for Guitar Center), Erick Blam (board member,
DMC manager), Rob Principe (Scratch Academy, JMJ board member), Dustin
Hinz, and Luke Marquez.
…ends 371 words
About Guitar Center
Guitar Center is the nation’s leading retailer of guitars, amplifiers,
percussion instruments, keyboards, live-sound/DJ and recording equipment.
We presently operate 151 Guitar Center stores, with 121 stores in 48
major markets and 30 stores in secondary markets across the U.S. In
addition, the Music & Arts division operates 77 retail locations
specializing in band instruments for sale and rental, serving thousands
of teachers, band directors, college professors and students. Guitar
Center is also the largest direct response retailer of musical instruments
in the U.S. through our wholly owned subsidiary, Musician’s Friend,
Inc., and its catalog and web site, www.musiciansfriend.com.
More information on Guitar Center can be found by visiting the Company’s
web site at www.guitarcenter.com.
The Guitar Center logo is a registered trademark of Guitar
Center, Inc. Other brand or product names may be trademarks of the respective
companies with which they are associated.
MEDIA CONTACT: Robert Clyne, Neilson/Clyne at (615) 662-1616