Join host DJ Red-I as she dives into the 14-track Cleveland dance music compilation Phamily Reunion.

Rooted in a love for house music and the culture built around it, Phamily Reunion is music made to move to. The release features local producers and artists making funky, soulful, house-leaning electronic music with a hip-hop-adjacent feel. Built for listeners, dancers, DJs, and collectors, the compilation highlights a Cleveland music community creating groove-driven electronic sounds on its own terms.

Brittany Benton, also known as DJ Red-I and Phamily Foto, is a Cleveland-based DJ, DJ teacher, producer, entrepreneur, community builder, creativity advocate, and sound designer. She is the owner of Brittany’s Record Shop, an independent shop rooted in hip-hop, reggae, soul, and physical music culture, as well as the founder of YES PLS Records. A 2009 Ohio University graduate whose studies combined Spanish and media, Benton has spent more than a decade creating spaces where DJs, producers, artists, collectors, and listeners can connect. . 

Drop the Needle is a unique community listening experience that celebrates the art and history of vinyl records. Each session features a guest expert who delves into the story behind a chosen artist and their iconic album. The expert will guide us through the artist’s career, creative process, production techniques, and the cultural context surrounding the recording of the featured album. After the discussion, we “drop the needle” and listen together to Side A and Side B of the album in its entirety, savoring each track as it was meant to be heard. This shared listening session fosters a deeper appreciation of the music and invites participants to experience the album as a cohesive work of art. Following the listening session, we open the floor for a community discussion. Attendees are encouraged to share their reactions, insights, and questions, making this an interactive and enriching event for music lovers of all backgrounds. Whether you’re a long-time vinyl enthusiast or new to the format, “Drop the Needle” offers a welcoming space to explore, listen, and connect through the power of music.

This event is free and open to the public.