Community Comes Together at Human I.T–Sponsored Event in Palo Alt

Last night’s Human I.T–sponsored community event in Palo Alto was a powerful reminder of what happens when people come together to support digital access and celebrate connection. Hosted at a local venue in the heart of Palo Alto, the event drew a long line of excited community members eager to receive free laptops and enjoy an evening of festivities.

From the moment doors opened, the energy was incredible. Families, students, and residents gathered not just for the technology giveaway, but for the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Guests were treated to cotton candy, hot cocoa, and delicious tacos—comfort food that set the tone for a night filled with gratitude and joy.

The event also featured special appearances from the newly elected Palo Alto Mayor and a state senator, both of whom spoke about the importance of digital equity and community-focused initiatives. Their presence highlighted the growing recognition of how essential technology access is for education, employment, and everyday life.

Originally scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., the event’s momentum carried well beyond the planned time. Our team began playing music at 6:00 p.m. and kept the vibe going until 8:30 p.m. Even after 8:00 p.m., people were still arriving to pick up their laptops, and we were more than happy to keep the energy high. The excitement and appreciation from the community made every extra minute worth it.

By the end of the evening, hundreds of people had received devices that will help them stay connected and empowered. The positive atmosphere, the generous support from Human I.T, and the incredible turnout made this event one to remember.

It was more than a laptop giveaway—it was a celebration of access, opportunity, and community spirit.

Bringing the Energy to a 7-Hour Soccer Tournament DJ Set

This weekend I had the opportunity to DJ a seven-hour soccer tournament, and it was an experience that really highlighted what it means to be prepared, professional, and connected to the crowd. The event included families, players of all ages, and a mix of cultures, so the music needed to reflect that. I focused on a blend of Latin music—reggaeton, cumbias, salsa, merengue, corridos, bachata—and mixed in some fun English tracks that kept the energy high and the environment positive.

Before the event, I asked about the previous DJ who handled the tournament in years past. I learned that the last two years he had arrived late—one year even showing up two hours behind schedule—and still needed extra time to set up. For an event as large and energetic as a soccer tournament, that simply isn’t acceptable. Music sets the tone from the first whistle.

We arrived at 7:20 AM for a 9:00 AM start time to ensure a smooth setup. The previous DJ used only two speakers to cover both a full soccer field and a basketball court. I knew that wouldn’t support clear, consistent sound. We set up four speakers and positioned them to ensure music and announcements were heard across the entire field. The difference showed immediately.

One of the best compliments of the day came from someone who said, “We’ve hired many DJs before and they all failed. You’re actually good.” That meant everything.

So what’s the secret to playing a great set? It’s simple: Look at your audience. Play music they know. When people hear songs that speak to them, they connect, they respond, and the energy becomes unforgettable.

 One of the most fun I have as a dj is playing at a retail store. The instruction is to play fun feel good music. This is as open format I can get. Open format is just a bit of everything. Typical djs stick with one genre. Open format djs cover a wide array of music to satisfy the diverse crowds. With Sherman Oaks I wanted to go with an old school disco 80s theme so I went that route. I feel Donna Summers was the biggest hits of that day. I was there for three hours and it was a good time.

  For Brea I went with a Latin theme and old school plus some feel good classics. It was for five hours. Typically, when I play I give out a card or two but today I gave out like 10 cards and two folks talked to me about doing their wedding in 2025. What made it different this time around? I just bounced all over the place with some Latin gems then going to some 90s dance hits then hitting the disco hits. I added some dance hits the past 10 years. I think I solved the puzzle for a cool retail store is to play songs people know and play the original song. Nothing really needs to be housed up. People want to hear songs they know the words to. Also its good to smile at the patrons when they pass by and not be too focused on what you are going to play next but enjoy the moment and it makes the dj more approachable.