Portland Maine Dance Club: Inclusive Nightlife, DJs, EDM, Hip Hop, Live Bands | Flask Lounge
Everybody's Bar: Flask Lounge — Where Portland's Heart Beats in Every Note. Celebrating 16 Years of Uniting Through Dance, Music, and Community.
Hey, beautiful souls! Flask Lounge is warmed up and buzzing as we dive into 2024, and it’s all thanks to you. Your energy and vibes keep our hearts beating. And as the seasons shift, bringing new light and rhythms, we’re here to amplify that warmth with a night that promises nothing short of magical.
Mr. Dereloid, the pulse of our music family, has been weaving sonic tales with more passion and soul than ever. This year, simplicity rules; it’s all about the essence of music, the joy of the mix, and the pure connection from DJ to dance floor. And, in keeping with that spirit of growth and intimate gatherings, we’re bringing a special twist this April.
The night kicks off with Mr. Dereloid laying down a tapestry of groovy, soul-stirring sets that beckon you to the floor with a slower, deliberate pace. Just as you find your groove, Jamie O’Sullivan (LOVE resident host) steps up, dialing up the energy and sweeping us into a more upbeat tempo. But that’s not all – Mr. Dereloid will return to guide us home, completing our musical journey with his signature flair.
Join us as we welcome spring, light, and the endless possibilities they bring. Let’s grow, celebrate, and dance together in Flask’s cozy embrace. We’re not just here for the music but for the moments, the memories, and the love that binds us all.
Join us for a transcendent experience on November 22nd as we dive into a night of mind-expanding grooves and consciousness-elevating visuals, featuring DJs Celestial Svvitch, Cybergiga, KTTNMTTNS, and DJ G-Force
Prepare to be mesmerized by original visual art created by the talented Ryan Marshall.
We’ll be exploring a diverse range of electronic music genres, including Techno, Trance, Drum and Bass, Bass, and Club beats.
November 22nd – THANKSGIVING EVE
9:00 PM – 1:00 AM
: $5
21+
Let’s unite for an unforgettable night of music and artistry! See you there.
Portland And Flask
LOVE Jamie O’Sullivan
Love is about to celebrate nine years at Flask Lounge. What does this milestone mean to you?
It means that Time Flies!! It also means it’s about to embark on its tenth year, and that makes me feel proud. Proud that the thing I started is still here, growing, and as much fun as ever.
How do you describe LOVE to a stranger?
It depends on if they’re an Enthusiast (a head) or not, but in general, I say it’s a dance party focused on underground electronic music with a very eclectic crowd. All ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, races, and socioeconomic statuses.
How does the Portland dance scene compare to other cities?
Portland has a rich history in the dance club and gay bar culture since the ’70s. Punk, rock, and dance club culture were prominent in the ’80s, and then rave hit Portland in the early ’90s. That’s considerably early in American rave history. It’s real here and has a unique personality that differs even from other New England states. It’s a wicked tiny community due to the population and popularity of underground dance culture.
Do you envision retiring or passing Love’s torch?
No. Not at the moment. My original goal was to try at least and make it ten years, which is coming right up. If there’s still a crowd and I’m still able, I’ll be here doing my thing.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I like to think I take ok photos.
Instagram.com/jamesalton
How can people connect with you?
For Bookings Contact Me @ 207.318.7895
What are your upcoming shows?
Live @ Flask Lounge
7/26
Voted #65 of TOP 100 DJs in America – National Sun Times 2015 &
Chicago Nightlife Awards – “BEST DJ” 2014
What are you most grateful for, today?
To be able to share good music with the people and support myself while doing so. Being a DJ holds serious responsibility, whether the DJ wants to admit it or not. Music has the power to unite, the power to change, and the power to reach people on a personal level. At a club or party, you will find people from all walks of life getting down together. The same people that may not speak to each other in everyday life. I thank the universe for helping me find myself through DJing and using it to connect with others.
How has DJing and electronic music changed in recent years?
For the past decade, it has been the same with the rise and fall of “EDM” and the culture associated with it. When I first started DJing in 98′, I came from the underground rave scene in Chicago and the midwest. Then it was all about the DJ and not so much about the producer. Many producers did DJ also, but there was more opportunity for DJs as you had to have a record collection to play out. CD players weren’t great at the time, so vinyl was the primary format. A DJ spent time, and money to build their collection, and that was a big part of their name and draw.
With the rise of EDM culture in the US, it made events more like concerts as opposed to “rave” style parties. The visual became a significant part of it with better technology in lasers, lights, and now LED walls. With the rise of EDM, it seemed dance music became all about the “build-up & drop.” I’m not knocking it as I do like a good drop, but every style of dance music became all about it, and I feel that took a bit of soul out of dance music. People danced differently as they would get hyped during the build-up, “go ham” when the drop hit and then waited for the next one, whereas electronic music of the 90s and early 2000s had more of a groove and soul to connect with and converse with through dance. I feel like the dancing in the 90s, and early 2000s was something everyone did, whereas, with the EDM culture, it was more like a fist pump, some headbanging and even moshing.
I’m not saying there is NO dancing now as I see a lot of good shuffling, but people do not dance as much. I think the fact that everyone has a recording device and social media can be used to make fun of people for letting go and dancing, may play a small part of it as well. Keep in mind this is all from my experience, my observation.
As a DJ, are you concerned with patrons safety at events?
Yes, and every DJ should be. Nobody wants to see anyone get hurt, OD, or something terrible like that. A party is about togetherness and connection.
One piece of advice for aspiring DJ’s?
Practice, practice, practice! There is a lot of technology taking the skill out of DJing and relies on algorithms to take on the work that should be part of the “skill” of DJing. Be yourself and be nice to people. Never burn bridges. Use DJing as a way to express yourself honestly. DJs should be different and should play different styles and genres. Make your style about what you like. That personal touch allows patrons to connect with your DJ style.
How has mentorship challenged you, and what’s your most rewarding experience to speak of?
I am able to help students progress farther and faster by teaching them from the mistakes I made and lessons learned. I hope to see my students push DJing farther than me and take the art to a whole new level.
I recently had an Autistic student who found himself through DJing. At the end of the semester, I received a letter from the student’s father thanking me as the student found something that he is good at and can connect with other people through. He had never felt that before, and now he practices every day and uses his craft to make new friends and communicate in ways he cannot do with just words. I’m also able to use my connections to help these students get their foot in the door. The scene here is massive, and there are more and more DJs coming out every day, so it can be tough for people to break into the scene and get gigs.
What’s something not many people know about you, not even your family or friends?
My middle name is actually “Zebo.” Most people don’t know where I got my DJ name from, or they don’t believe me. When I was younger, I was called J Z, as my first name is Jonathon. I tell people now my name is J Z and they think I’m trying to bite off the Rapper, Sean Carter aka Jay-Z. I’m taking my name back from him. I had it first!
Where can people see you next?
FLASK LOUNGE in Portland, Maine on Friday, July 26th.
Any of my various residencies here in Chicago at Sound-Bar, HQ, The Darling, Gold Room, or Underground. The next festival I’m at in Chicago is North Coast in August.
What’s the best way to connect with you?
Social media… My URLs all end with /djzebo
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or SoundCloud.