•home


Photo Files
(Click for high-res
JPG images)
Photo Caption

Photo Caption

Photo Caption

 


(Click to download full press release in Microsoft Word DOC format)

Return to Guitar Center INDEX


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


Copyright ©2005, Neilson/Clyne, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Contact: info@neilsonclyne.com