Phil Lee DJ 2021-07-10 074
Local News

Phil Lee believes everyone is a DJ at heart. 

Phil Lee, left, shows Ashley Armstrong how to work the console in preparation for the celebration of Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery’s 25th anniversay celebration on Saturday, July 10. Ashley and her sister, Sarah, were guest DJs for the event. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle)

That includes Mayor Michelle Nelson, who’s slated to man turntables at Flossmoor Station on July 17. It’s part of an idea Lee, a longtime DJ, came up with, partnering with the restaurant’s owner to play music with a guest DJ to join him. 

The first guest was Rich Township Clerk Arlene “Sugar” Al-Amin on July 3 at Flossmoor Station and Brewery. She brought her own playlist and really enjoyed the experience, Lee said. 

“It got to a point when Sugar was like ‘Oh they’re going to go crazy when I play this song by so and so’ or ‘If I hit them with this Michael Jackson it’s going to be great,” said Lee, a DJ for over 15 years and a Flossmoor resident. 

July 10 saw daughters of the restaurant owner, Carolyn Armstrong, serving as guest DJs from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Lee is used to playing house music at events he’s DJed in the past. This experience has allowed him to be more versatile and to see novice DJs involved in one of his passions. Though there have only been three guest DJs so far, the community has responded positively. 

“It was never set up to be like a dance club with a dance floor but people have stood up in their own little area and danced,” Lee said. “It’s just kind of fun. When you get a chance to put on headphones and cater to a crowd, it can be intimidating but once Sugar got into a rhythm, she was just on 10.”

Lee said the project started when he brought the idea to Nelson. They became friends after they both served on the Homewood Science Center Board. He thought the brewery would be a good place for the project because of its nice environment. It’s also secluded enough for the music not to encroach on other businesses. He also wanted to help promote the business. 

Since he proposed the project, it has taken on a life of its own. There’s been a community-wide effort to market it. 

“It’s so new that we don’t even have a name for it,” Lee said. 

Lee said he hopes to continue the project, inviting more people from the community to DJ with him. Nelson’s time on the turntables should help with that. 

“It’s not everyday that you go to hear your mayor DJ, so it’s kind of fun,” he said. 

Ashley Armstrong, center, is getting with the beat as Phil Lee, left, shows her and her sister, Sarah, right, how to play their music during their stint as guest DJs. (Eric Crump/H-F Chronicle) 

 

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