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Vinyl records, roller skates, and a whole lotta disco is what you’ll find at any monthly Vinyl Nights roller jam at Xanadu Roller Arts.
We chatted with the founder of Vinyl Nights, Rebecca Lynn, about the music, the community, and why skating to old-school vinyl just hits different…
For anyone new to Vinyl Nights: what is it that you do, and how did Vinyl Nights come to be?
I started Vinyl Nights 10 years ago because NYC needed an all Vinyl Dance Party: Dance to the Hits that Shaped NYC Club Culture.
I always say, I do everything except DJ. I find the venues, create theme concepts, design the flyers, hire the artists, work on all publicity, host the party, buy party decorations.
Whatever needs to be done, I will do it. Vinyl Nights was inspired by an all 45's Vinyl Night which I was helping organize & promote called Mobile Mondays! I really wanted a Vinyl Disco Dance party where we can hear all the Dance Classics that I grew up to, running around NYC as a Club Kid in the late 80's, early 90's. 10 years ago you really couldn't find many places that played all the great music from that era & on Vinyl. I discovered an outdoor plaza in front of Madison Square Garden & for 3 summers every Thursday we danced our hearts out, in the middle of NYC. Now we move all around NYC & Brooklyn at different venues.
I started the Vinyl Nights Roller Jam when Xanadu opened in the Summer of 2024 & it's been a dream come true.
I have a Vinyl Crew of really amazing DJ's that I have worked with for years - DJ Misbehaviour, Operator Emz, Money Mike, Raw Q, DJ Woof & we invite so many friends to play too. Also DJ Misbehaviour has been playing for the Central Park Roller Skaters for over 25 years.
What is your favourite part about Vinyl Nights events?
The music, the DJ's & everyone losing their minds hearing all this music that NYC was known for and absolutely love the monthly Roller Jam at Xanadu. Since Vinyl Nights has always played all the Roller Skate Music, it was a pretty natural progression to do a Roller Skate Jam. Our following consists of Native New Yorkers, Artists, Music Lovers, DJ's, Skaters & so many clubheads that went to Studio 54, Paradise Garage, Limelight etc. & it's so great to introduce the younger generation to real music from the 70's-90's. It's also an experience to hear the DJ's play Vinyl & very entertaining to watch & see what they will play next.
In three words, how would you describe the Vinyl Nights skate nights?
Classic, Fabulous & Fun
What are the top three essential records for a Vinyl Night event?
For a skate Night
Behind the Groove
Harmony - Suzi Lane
Hollywood Swinging - Kool & The Gang
For a Dance Night
Get up off that Thing - James Brown
Do it to the Music - Raw Silk.
Love is the Message - MFSB
What do you think it is about music and skating that makes them feel so naturally connected?
Hearing great classic dance music, can give you such a natural Euphoric High & then Roller Skating to it, it's like you're flying. We just did The Butterfly Disco night at Xanadu & we wore butterfly wings & I have to say to dress up as a Butterfly & roller skate was next level. We were so happy & full of so much JOY. Also, skating at Xanadu is out of this world. NYC never had a Roller Skate Disco quite like this, with a state-of-the-art sound & lighting system. It feels like a movie set, like the scene in the Xanadu movie where Olivia Newtown-John is skating on a sound stage movie set but even better!
Looking ahead, what are you dreaming up next for Vinyl Nights? Can you give us any teasers?
For our Skate nights, more campy, fun themes & the more outrageous the better. Our crowd & myself really love the costume element & to escape into another reality. Every month at Xanadu is like a dream & every theme leads to another magical idea. Rolling is Magical with Vinyl Nights!
And want to send a big thank you to Impala for being such amazing partners. For a year, we have collaborated on some pretty incredible Roller Skate Jams! Barbie Night, 24K Gold, Club Tropicana, Wicked Night, Butterfly Disco & Disco Jungle. Xoxo
FOLLOW REBECCA AND VINYL NIGHTS ON INSTAGRAM
