by Marcus Ramos
Musical duo Gatekeeper during their set, photo by Marcus Ramos
The MoMA PS1 Warm Up concert series returned for its 26th season on July 12, and will be running every Friday until August 16 from 4-10 P.M. Continuing its tradition of celebrating diversity in the music space, the event will host a wide array of artists both local to New York and from around the globe.
This year’s lineup includes artists such as KIM ANH, a staple in the queer dance music scene here in New York; Johnny Dynell, a renowned DJ and producer in New York’s nightlife; Ash Lauryn, a rising star in the Atlanta house music community; and Kode9, the influential founder of the Hyperdub label. The event takes place in the museum’s courtyard space, with the steps leading to the entrance of the museum housing the stage where each DJ performs their set. This year the museum is open during the festival, allowing attendees to enter and view exhibits as they please.
The day one lineup consisted of DJ Miss Parker, a Brooklyn-based DJ known for their versatile sets; Gatekeeper, a musical duo known for their immersive audiovisual experiences; Johnny Dynell, whose career spans over three decades in the New York club scene; and KIM ANH, who brought her vibrant energy to end off the first night in high spirits.
Hundreds of New Yorkers attended, all expressing their love and appreciation for the art of music. Throughout the event, the attendees matched the high energy each DJ presented in their sets, dancing and celebrating well into the night. The vibrant energy in the air never faltered, with each artist receiving resounding applause as they closed their sets.
Photo by Marcus Ramos
The Warm Up concert series, while bringing in artists from across the world, remains a New York-based event at its core, dedicated to uplifting the city’s culture. As each of the day one performers hails from New York, they were asked to comment on what the Warm Up event means for the community.
DJ Miss Parker, photo by Marcus Ramos
DJ Miss Parker:
What does it mean to be part of an event that highlights the culture of New York’s music scene?
Parker: It is an honor to be part of the Warm Up series, an event that highlights artists cross-generationally and culturally. It means that my work is making an impact and is seen as a contribution to the culture of New York City. But most importantly I love the craft of DJing so much that it’s an honor to be able to play on the same stage as artists from past years that have influenced much of my music tastes and ways of sharing music, like NYC legends Afrika Bambaataa, Frankie Bones.
How do you think this event will support the music scene here in New York, do you think it would elevate Queens’ profile as a cultural hub?
Parker: This event has always had its finger on the pulse of what is happening underground in New York City and in online music circles, so I really think this event opens people up to new and revolutionary sound. I definitely think this event will help elevate Queen’s profile as a cultural hub. Queen’s is now one of the hottest places to hear dance music in the world and I see this more and more since Covid restrictions lessened. Artists are coming from all over the world to perform in Queens.
Do you think this event will encourage more and more young creatives to enter the scene themselves and express their identities?
Parker: It for sure will. I am team “representation matters”, especially within esteemed institutions. I don’t think I would be where I am as an artist if I didn’t see examples of other Black Queer artists doing the things I wanted to do. I hope there is a kid out there that sees me and goes wow I want to be able to express myself like them because not everyone has that growing up as a Queer child. Everyone has a voice that should be heard.
Johnny Dynell, photo by Marcus Ramos
Johnny Dynell:
What does it mean to be part of an event that highlights the culture of New York’s music scene?
Dynell: I moved to New York from a very small town. I immediately saw that this city was a very fierce lady and that she would spit you out on your ass if you were not supposed to be here. On my first night, I propositioned her. “If you let me stay here, I pleaded, I promise that I will add to your glory”. The next day I got an apartment and a job. From the late 70s on I have been a DJ at most of New York’s groundbreaking clubs. I feel that by playing events like this, I’m keeping my promise.
How do you think this event will support the music scene here in New York, do you think it would elevate Queens’ profile as a cultural hub?
Dynell: In 1976 I went to the opening of PS1. I remember thinking “Where in the hell is this place? Why Long Island City? Why Queens”? For the past few years, however, Brooklyn and Queens have become the center of creativity in New York. Alanna Heiss was ahead of the curve.
Do you think this event will encourage more and more young creatives to enter the scene themselves and express their identities?
Dynell: Yes, I certainly hope so! I think that things have been a little stale lately. Events like this will prove that we’ve still got it.
KIM ANH, photo by Marcus Ramos
KIM ANH:
What does it mean to be part of an event that highlights the culture of New York’s music scene
It means so much. MoMA PS1 has been such a long-standing cultural resource and pillar for the creative community, not just for New Yorkers but people who come here from around the world. I have many incredible memories at PS1, including the Warm Up series, so this feels like a full-circle moment.
How do you think this event will support the music scene here in New York, do you think it would elevate Queens’ profile as a cultural hub?
Warm Up is such a beloved and recognized cultural event there’s no doubt it adds to the fabric of an already culture-rich and diverse borough. Historically Queens has long been the home of many incredible artists and creative movements such as punk, jazz, and poetry. And MoMA PS1 has been so wonderful to consistently celebrate both established and emerging NYC artists.
Do you think this event will encourage more and more young creatives to enter the scene themselves and express their identities?
I do! The rapidly changing state of gentrification and affordability in NYC coupled with shrinking funding for the arts and education makes something like Warm Up extremely important. PS1 has been creating a safe and welcoming place to celebrate artists and our collective joy. I hope this will be felt by younger artists and that seeing representation of themselves and being part of a flourishing community sends them an encouraging and validating message.
Tickets are available online, with free entry for Long Island City and Woodside residents with proof of residency. General admission starts at $18 in advance and $22 on the day of the event. A season pass is also available for $75, allowing access to all dates.
For more details and to purchase tickets, you can visit the MoMA PS1 website.
