☀️ Summer Sessions: The Backyard Social + THIS Friday's Block Party 🥳
Bringing back the golden era of the neighborhood cookout with elevated sound, gourmet soul food, and pure joy. First up July, 17th!
Hey Familia,
There is a specific kind of magic that only happens in the heat of the summer. It’s the sound of dominoes slapping a folding table, the faint scent of charcoal and sweet peach cobbler drifting through the air, and a groove so deep it makes you pause mid-conversation.
Traditional nightlife has it’s place, yet we wanted something easy-breezy. A sanctuary where you can bring your cousins, your kids, or just your own good energy, kick back with a cool drink, and connect innocently.
That is why we built The Backyard Social.
THE MAIN EVENT: The Backyard Social (An Elevated Family Reunion)
This isn’t just a gathering; it’s a high-vibe cultural reset. We’ve brought together an elite lineup of curators to make sure the food is perfect, the music is flawless, and the energy is unmatched.
When: Sunday, August 2nd | 10 AM - 2 PM
Where: Private Residence I The Grove, Saint Louis
The Music: A flawless 4-DJ rotation featuring DJ AO, DJ Manifest, and two incredible secret guests keeping the soulful, open-format summer classics flowing all day.
The Eats: A legendary, top-tier soul food spread and signature desserts handcrafted by Meals By Milli.
The Vibe: Double Dutch workshops hosted by the incredible Kesha Kent, high-stakes UNO and Dominos tables, and a dedicated Mario Kart station for the kids (and young at heart).
It’s posh, it’s relaxed, and it’s remarkably affordable because community comes first. Adult tickets are just $12, and kids are $6.
THE SUMMER CALENDAR: 3 More Ways to Connect
The Backyard Social is just the tip of the iceberg. My summer calendar is filling up fast with curated block parties and neighborhood activations. Mark your calendars:
1. THIS Friday, July 17th (South City)
The Vibe: A high-energy, classic street-closure block party. Think food trucks, local artisan vendors, games, and live performances. I’ll be DJing, facilitating the line dancing, and creating kids & family vibes. Perfect before Music At The Intersection 🫶🏽
Where: Marquette Park & Plaza I 3-7 PM
2. Saturday, July 25th (The GROVE)
The Vibe: DJing at Handlebar with DJ Jillian (Another PUBLIC event, coincidently on the same day as the World Naked Bike Ride 😂)
Where: Handlebar I 9PM-1AM
3. Friday, August 21st (Block Party: Round 2)
The Vibe: Encore4Youth Summer Activations (PUBLIC - bring the whole fam!)
Where: Marquette Park & Plaza I 3-7 PM
4. Saturday, September 19th (Yoga, Arts & Movement Festival)
The Vibe: The Healing Arts Experience: Curated by SOÜLHAPPY (PUBLIC)
Where: T-Doggs Tattoos, Saint Louis (Spanish Lake)
👉🏽 FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE (Registration Coming Soon!)
Let’s Create Together 🎧
Between our private backyard activations, cultural festivals, these upcoming block parties and private events, summer is moving at lightning speed. If you are a brand, a community organizer, or an individual planning a high-end event or wedding:
My booking calendar for late Summer and Fall is now open, but dates are disappearing quickly!
Reply directly to this email or drop me a line on my socials to discuss your concept, check date availability, and get custom rates. If you love what we are building for the community, the highest compliment you can give is referring me to a friend or business looking for a professional DJ and event curator.
Make sure you’re following the journey for all the live track IDs, festival recaps, and behind-the-scenes magic.
👉🏽 Follow the journey on Instagram
Pull up this weekend. Let’s protect our joy, eat incredible food, and dance under the summer sun.
With love,
DJ AO
Lead Curator, The PreGame & Backyard Social Series