DJ Seith tends to do things outside the norm.
An upcoming performance this coming Friday, June 9 at the Moose Lodge (543 Trunk Road) once again showcases that uniqueness.
“RAPP BNGO is an interactive performance that combines the art of the hip-hop DJ with the game of Bingo,” says Seith.
“Audience members will be seated and tabled at the show, and will be provided special RAPP BNGO cards to play along with that contain words and phrases from the songs being mixed.”
It is a fusion of DJing and “stakes-free” Bingo, where the music makes the call.
Roll back the tape to 2021, Seith created a “Tape Club” where he would deliver a new mix tape each month to fans.
When his partner started playing online bingo with some friends, he asked her to show him how it worked.
The DJ thought to himself, ‘How ridiculous and stupid would a bingo-themed rap mix-tape be?'"
Of course, he went forward with the idea.
Fast forward to Seith’s upcoming show, the concept has now moved into the live performance realm.
“As I mix the records, the calls for the Bingo game will happen in real-time, with a visual callboard display to show the calls as they happen,” he says.
“There is a small intermission at the half-way point of the show.”
Seith is clear that there are no prizes for winners and that it is a "stakes-free, for-fun" game of Bingo that focuses on the performance aspect.
“It's dabbers with rappers, essentially,” laughs Seith, noting that this is the second time he has put on RAPP BNGO.
“The first time was the 2022 Fringe North Festival, and not only did the show sell out, it won the third place Fantastic Fringer Award for the Live Category,” he says.
Seith will be also putting on a RAPP BNGO on July 7 in Desbarats, ON for their “Community Days,” as well as at this year's Fringe North Festival on August 17-18.
Anyone can come and participate in RAPP BNGO, although Seith typically suggests it be treated as a PG-13 show.
“Last year's Fringe North show saw attendance from folks of all walks of life, from as young as 13 to as old as 65, and everyone came out with positive things to say about it,” he says.
“We also lend out highlighter markers for those who may not have the funds to purchase a dabber or don't have one to bring, so that everyone who comes can play.”
Those with their own can bring their own lucky dabber or Bingo chips to the show, or purchase a customized RAPP BNGO dabber from the merchandise table.
“There will also be "take-home" editions of the game for sale at the show exclusively,” he says.
RAPP BNGO received funding from the Arts and Cultural Assistance Program (ACAP).
“That funding helped to cover some of the additional costs that came up when putting together this interactive performance, which I am very grateful for,” says Seith.
RAPP BNGO may just be the most entertaining event a person can decide to do this Friday night.
“We also have two remarkable supporting acts for this show that are sure fire through and through,” says Seith.
“Starting the night off with Sawbé and Stoneburgh, two versatile emcees that represent for No Filter Records. I've been watching these guys making moves in the rap sphere and each release they put out has been consistently impressive. They keep it right, always.”
The opening acts will be followed by a performance of Planet Rock, which is Seith and St. James, a duo that taps into the “true-school sensibilities with tight cuts, engaging lyrics and drum-heavy beats.”
Planet Rock will be followed by the main attraction, RAPP BNGO.
“This is quite possibly the strangest idea for a performance I've had yet,” says Seith.
“I've fine-tuned the selections from my vinyl collection, focusing in on the most heartfelt and impactful songs by some of my favourite underground artists.”
Ticket are available on the Eventbrite page as well as on DJ Seith’s website (click on "Events" at the top to purchase tickets).
Admission can be paid at the door. Seating is limited. Doors open at 8 p.m.