What if we told you there’s a diverse bubble of DJs hidden here in Boston, all worthy of cult club residencies and celebrity endorsements? And that it’s all coming up ’cause Misdemeanor said so? Well, you know what to do. Put your thing down, flip it, and reverse it.
Say hello to #mood. The monthly pop-up dance concept takes hold of the Sinclair this Saturday for the first time ever. Presented by Laced Boston, Booger Money Worldwide, and ShanaeTandrell.com, #mood focuses on different genres each month as curated by DJs, hosts, local sponsors, and promoters solely with the goal of changing Boston’s mood toward dance music. To kick things off, the inaugural event revolves around the one and only Missy Elliott. Did we mention it’s free and there’s a free swag-bag raffle?
When Bowery Boston approached DJ LeahV about doing a dance party in the restaurant portion of the Sinclair, she didn’t expect it to evolve into something so spirited. “We have some of the most talented DJs in the country, and I don’t feel like there’s enough spaces willing to work with the DJs that make our community so special,” says LeahV. “#mood is not only about being about a different genre, era, or theme; it’s about creating a space for patrons to have fun and feel safe, and for the DJs who specialize in those genres to come showcase themselves. They’re ready to provide something different each time we put this on. We’re not talking same thing, different week. We want to change the #mood of our nightlife community entirely.”
As the lead coordinator, talent and music curator, co-promoter, and resident DJ, LeahV is the head multitasker behind the entirety of #mood. The last three months were spent contacting sponsors, designing flyers, handling press, creating the perfect playlist, and scoring a secret DJ (we won’t tell you who, but trust us when we say it’s worth staying the whole night for). With all the stress on her shoulders, she’s been surprisingly put together, but nerves are getting the best of her before she falls asleep each night this week. “I want to keep doing this event, and since I got word of the opening for it about a week ago, I’m on a serious time crunch,” she admits. “This is the fastest I’ve ever thrown an event this big together. I just want it to open well and I really want people to leave feeling like they just had the best night ever.”
Kicking off the monthly series with medleys of Missy Elliott tracks draws those hung up on throwbacks as well as adults still bumping old school hip-hop. Beyond that, it’s an homage to the woman who revolutionized rap with “Work It” and “Get Ur Freak On” while silently dropping “On & On” and “Wake Up.” From production to videos, Missy Elliott keeps it fun and insightful, all while owning every aspect of herself. “She’s sexy and beautiful, and did that in a much different way than other female MCs,” says LeahV. “I think she represents all women. No matter how you identify, she’s got you.” That’s because she keeps things nondescript enough for universal adaptability. Rap to her music. Dance to her music. Forget feeling out of place. The body positivity of Missy Elliott’s style inspires through action, not word, positioning her as a witty, positive, confident role model still standing in 2015. “Name another female MC who’s as relevant and timeless as Missy,” says LeahV. She grins. “I’ll wait.”
#MOOD: MISSY ELLIOTT. SAT 12.12. THE SINCLAIR, 52 CHURCH ST., CAMBRIDGE. 9PM/18+/FREE. SINCLAIRCAMBRIDGE.COM.
