Redbull’s annual deejaying contest returns, as DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ A-Trak and DJ Z-Trak lend their talents as judges.

Beginning in January, 130 deejays were enlisted to compete in the worldwide deejay competition, Red Bull Thre3Style. The qualifier round included events in 26 cities, with one DJ from each event advancing to the regional round that will be taking place throughout February.

The five regional events in February, along with the national championship in April, feature a panel of internationally-praised deejays – A-Trak, Jazzy Jeff, and Z-Trip. Relative to the event’s title, Thre3Style, the competition challenges DJ’s to implement at least three different genres of music into their 15-minute performance set. Additionally, the five criteria that the judges rate to determine a winner are track selection, creativity, mixing skills, audience response, and stage presence.  

“If you’re a one-directional DJ, this isn’t your type of battle,” DJ Petey C, winner of the Pittsburgh qualifier, told the Pittsburgh City Paper. “They’re looking for the guy that can rock the party, got some skills with the tricks, but the songs make sense. Yet, someone that has stage presence and can keep the crowd involved.”

Each of the five regional events will end with one winner. Five deejays will advance to compete in the national event in Los Angeles on April 5. That night will conclude with a Red Bull Thre3Style National Champion being crowned and presented with the opportunity to advance to the international championship round that is scheduled to take place in Toronto in December.

The first regional event takes place Thursday, February 7, at Voyeur Nightclub in Philadelphia. Doors open at 10:00 PM for the 21 and over event to be hosted by Rich Medina. Competitors for this East Coast regional event are DJ PHSH representing Philly, DJ Layzeeboy repping Boston, DJ Petey C repping Pittsburgh, Trayze repping D.C., and DJ Zeke repping NYC. More information on the other upcoming Red Bull Thre3Style events is listed below.

Regionals:

• February 7, 2013 – Philadelphia, PA at Voyeur (Free: Eventbrite RSVPs receive priority)

• February 21, 2013 – Chicago, IL at Mid

• February 22, 2013 – Miami, FL at Mansion

• February 23, 2013 – Dallas, TX at Trees

• February 25, 2013 – Seattle, WA at Foundation

Nationals:

•   April 5, 2013 – Los Angeles, CA

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