Creatives Diamora “DJ Rosegawd” Hunt and Kristian Smith host monthly R&B listening events called “Auntie Jamz” in downtown Los Angeles. They chose Hilltop Coffee, co-owned by Issa Rae, as their venue. DJ Rosegawd has experience with themed parties, including a tribute to Aaliyah. Smith came up with the idea for an Auntie-themed party after moving to L.A. from Baltimore. He wanted to highlight the Black community in Los Angeles.
The Auntie Jamz parties honor a nostalgic part of Black culture—watching family dance in the living room. The events start at 7:00 p.m. and end around midnight, catering to those who prefer early nights. They have gained significant attention, being featured in the Los Angeles Sentinel and CBS News Los Angeles. The parties successfully celebrate “auntie” culture and are growing in popularity.
The first Auntie Jamz party took place at The Mermaid in April 2024, attracting over 60 guests. Afterward, Rosegawd and Smith moved the event to Hilltop Coffee for more space. The September party saw 150 attendees, with a line out the door.
For October’s theme, they recreated a Soul Train night, inspired by the iconic TV show that celebrated Black music and dance in the 70s. On October 18th, around 400 guests packed The Echoplex. They danced to hits from artists like Cheryl Lynn and Chaka Khan, alongside gospel tracks from Kirk Franklin. DJs Dirty Dell, Blue The Great, R-Tistic, and DJ Rosegawd provided the soundtrack. Smith served as the MC, bringing humor and energy to the event.
What are the key themes celebrated at Auntie Jamz events?
Interview with DJ Rosegawd and Kristian Smith: Curating “Auntie Jamz” in Downtown LA
By: [Your Name], News Editor, NewsDirectory3.com
Date: [Current Date]
In the heart of downtown Los Angeles, the vibrant beat of R&B is brought to life through a unique monthly listening event known as “Auntie Jamz.” Hosted by creatives Diamora “DJ Rosegawd” Hunt and Kristian Smith, this gathering celebrates the rich history of R&B while creating a nostalgic and inclusive space for music lovers. We sat down with DJ Rosegawd and Kristian to discuss the inspiration behind Auntie Jamz, their choice of venue, and the journey leading to this exciting event series.
News Directory 3: What inspired you both to start “Auntie Jamz”?
Kristian Smith: The idea came to me after I moved to L.A. from Baltimore. Back home, we often celebrate the music and culture that shaped us, and I felt that L.A. was missing that communal experience. I wanted to create a space that felt like a family reunion, where everyone could come together, vibe, and share their favorite R&B tracks. The name “Auntie Jamz” speaks to the women in our lives who held us down with love and music — our aunties, mothers, and older sisters.
DJ Rosegawd: Absolutely! I’ve always enjoyed themed parties, and the tribute I hosted to Aaliyah showed me how powerful music can be in bringing people together. Kristian’s concept for an Auntie-themed party was a natural fit. R&B is a genre that evokes emotion and nostalgia, making it perfect for creating a space where everyone feels welcome and connected.
ND3: Why did you choose Hilltop Coffee as your venue for the event?
DJ Rosegawd: Hilltop Coffee is not just any venue; it’s co-owned by the incredible Issa Rae, who has been an inspiration to so many creatives, myself included. The space has a unique vibe that encourages community gathering. Plus, the atmosphere is laid-back, which is perfect for our audience to relax and enjoy the music.
Kristian: We also really wanted to support local businesses and promote community engagement. Hilltop Coffee aligns with that vision. It’s also compact enough to create an intimate setting, which is important for fostering connections among attendees.
ND3: How do you curate the music and atmosphere for Auntie Jamz?
Kristian: It’s all about diversity and resonance. Every month, we showcase different eras and styles within R&B, from classic hits to emerging artists. We also encourage participants to share their own favorite tracks, making it a collaborative experience. It’s about creating a playlist that speaks to our shared memories and experiences.
DJ Rosegawd: I love to weave in storytelling with the music. During our events, I often share the backstories of certain songs or artists, which adds meaning to the music we all love. It’s important that the atmosphere feels celebratory. We want to empower everyone to just let loose and enjoy the moment.
ND3: What do you envision for the future of Auntie Jamz?
Kristian: Our goal is to grow this community. We plan to host special themed nights, highlight local artists, and possibly collaborate with other creatives within the industry. We want to build Auntie Jamz into a platform for more than just music — a space where art, culture, and conversations can flourish.
DJ Rosegawd: Yes! The vision is to create a movement that resonates with many. Whether you’re dancing to your favorite R&B hits or just soaking in the atmosphere, Auntie Jamz should feel like home — a space where everyone is welcome and celebrated.
As we wrapped up the interview, it was clear that “Auntie Jamz” is not just an event; it’s a celebration of community, shared experiences, and the everlasting power of music. With DJ Rosegawd and Kristian Smith at the helm, the people of Los Angeles have a monthly chance to reconnect with their roots and enjoy the sounds that shaped their lives.
Stay tuned for the next Auntie Jamz event this month at Hilltop Coffee!
Guests dressed in vibrant 70s attire, fully embracing the theme. People of all ages participated, enjoying nostalgic dance moves and phrases from the era. The night culminated in a Soul Train line, with guests showcasing their best moves. Smith noted that attendees often leave with new friends, creating a community around the events.
Looking ahead, Rosegawd and Smith plan to expand their events. They hope to host block parties and mini-festivals, incorporating live performances and vendors. Their dream is to partner with festivals like Coachella, affectionately nicknamed “Auntie-chella” by Smith.
As they continue to build their vision, they remind attendees, “As always in parting, we wish you love, peace…and SOUL.”
