A new group of DJs on the Route 1 corridor have joined forces to recreate the house music scene of their youths and bring back the beat.

Calling themselves the Hy-Fi Groove Society, the collective held an informal gathering with friends in February and soon after, Maryland Meadworks owner Ken Carter suggested they hold a dance party at the meadery in July.

Since then, the group has played at Hyattsville PorchFest, the creĀDDive solo art show, Sangfroid Distilling Co., Green Owl Design and an end-of-summer barbecue jam in Takoma Park.

Member Randelle “Ray” Ripton told the Hyattsville Wire that the group is mostly focused on “crafting a great scene” with hip hop, house and techno music with other members like Tag Gieselman, who was a semi-professional DJ a decade ago, but said he now does it for the love of the music.

“It’s more fun to do it because it’s a passion, and not for a paycheck,” he told the Wire.

Apart from Gieselman and Ripton, who reside in Hyattsville, the main members of the group include Robert Porter, Chelsea Champlin and Colin Eustis, also of Hyattsville; Kristen Gardner and Everett Newton of Cheverly; and Nick Van Brunt, Adam Straus and Nicole Entwistle from Takoma Park.

But Ripton said that the group is open to collaboration with other DJs and artists and others who aren’t DJs but just want to contribute ideas.

The Hy-Fi Groove Society will be playing from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 30, at Streetcar 82 Brewing Co. in Hyattsville for its “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve Eve Party!” and is also planning another event at the Lustine Center in Hyattsville’s Arts District.

“Partiers have loved the vibe, which has led to increased interest and opportunity,” Ripton told the Wire. “It’s really great to see how Hyattsville comes out to support people who live in our community.”

For bookings and inquiries, you can contact the Hy-Fi Groove Society on their Instagram page.

Support the Wire and Community Journalism
Make a one-time donation or become a regular supporter here.