DJ Ray Velasquez has big plans for Kansas City

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In the 1990s, Ray Velasquez was the DJ you wanted in your venue, at your party, running your show. From 1993 to 2003, he was the voice behind popular radio show Nocturnal Transmissions, on what was then the Lazer (KLZR 105.9). Before that, KC’s house-music authority had been on KKFI 90.1 and KJHK 90.7. And after, Velasquez moved to New York City.

Following 15 party-filled years away from his hometown, though, Velasquez moved back in October. It hasn’t taken long for him to get down to business. Monday, December 8, Velasquez debuted a new weekly DJ night at MiniBar (he calls it Rebel Rebel), and Friday, December 19, he introduces another weekly gig at the same venue.

The Pitch: What prompted the return to KC?

Velasquez: Family, really. I’d been away from them long enough, and that’s the main reason. Just wanting to spend time with my family. It’s great to be able to see them whenever I want.

I imagine moving from a market like Kansas City to New York was a huge adjustment. How were your music and your career affected by the change?

To tell you the truth, I sort of hit the ground running when I arrived in New York. I was already prepared — musically, at least — to sort of meet the demand. Of course, it’s important to always remain curious and to keep learning, and you can do that anyway. And I did that here before I left, and I’m continuing to do that here. The stuff I learned, that came from the actual experience of just living in New York City and understanding the history of nightlife. You understand it better just by being there.

In terms of my career, there were some very interesting opportunities that came up there. Opening up for Bebel Gilberto at the Central Park SummerStage [in 2001], that was incredible. Being able to open up for legendary punk band Suicide at the Knitting Factory [in 2005]. Opening for Moby at the Hammerstein Ballroom — I had performed with him before, but being able to do it in that space, at that time [in 2000], was really special.

Being able to do those interesting things did broaden my horizons. These are the cool things I was able to do, performance opportunities that I would never have had if I had stayed [in Kansas City]. I see coming home as just another part of my life, another chapter.

What do you make of the scene here now?

First off, I’m incredibly impressed with the cultural, musical and artistic renaissance that Kansas City is going through at the moment and in recent years. In many ways, there’s been a maturation of the culture.

But there’s also a lot of work to be done. I really want to provide a musical environment for the underserved. It’s easy to find certain things here. I had a blast here during the [Royals] playoffs, and there are plenty of club-music spots, but not that many places exist here to hear interesting music outside of the same 100 songs any given night in any Top 40 place. It’s almost like going to a wedding reception every night.

There seems to be an enthusiasm for something fresh. Also, I’m excited about the talent I’ve met. I’ve met some talented DJs and very cool musicians since I’ve been back, and they’ve welcomed me graciously and with open arms.

You have two brand-new gigs at MiniBar. Tell me about those.

On Monday nights, we’re doing a rock-oriented event called Rebel Rebel. Steve [Tulipana, co-owner of MiniBar] and I decided we wanted to do something on Monday night to attract the service industry, and maybe for people who don’t have things to do on Monday night. What I’m trying to do there is connect the dots from 50 years of pop history. I’ll play something from the Beatles to the Chemical Brothers, then music from Primal Scream or the Clash. Just connecting the dots historically and in a way that feels right.

Then there’s a proper club-music night on Friday nights — beginning on December 19 — called Deep, happening upstairs in the Disaster Room at MiniBar. That was a concept that I came up with when I was still in Kansas City. I put it together in an abandoned warehouse in downtown KC, and we’ve sort of resurrected that concept. It’ll have more of a global feel to it. Most of the music I’ve heard around town is like booty house — that’s what I would call it — and this is much more global, stuff you might hear in New York or Europe. I’m very excited about that.

I know you have a few other things in the works, too.

I would like to be able to find a more sophisticated lounge environment or restaurant to do an after-work, happy-hour sort of vibe, with more jazz-oriented music. Jazz-infused house music or downtempo stuff that’s fit for conversation. After-work events are very popular in New York because not everyone can stay out until midnight or later, or they have other plans. So I love the environment where people can get off work and meet friends for a drink and listen to some cool music, something different, with a more sophisticated environment.

Eventually, I’d like to bring in some outside talent — I’m friends with some prominent DJs around the world, and I’d like to get them here. The endgame for me, really, is just to add to and grow the culture here.