Eli Escobar with Ben Spalding

The quintessential NYC DJ Eli Escobar makes his Portland debut! With local party mainstay Ben Spaulding and lighting by Summer People.
Eli Escobar, a quintessential New York City DJ, producer, and vinyl enthusiast, has been a pivotal figure in the city’s nightlife for over two decades. Known for his deep-rooted passion for all things dance music, Eli’s music embodies the grit, soul, and energy of the city that raised him. His releases on labels like Classic Music Company, Permanent Vacation, and his own Night People imprint have cemented his reputation as a go-to artist for those seeking timeless club music.
In 2024, Eli’s output showcased his evolving artistry with a string of notable releases. The Fixed Our Love EP, a collaboration with Queenie, brought together house and nu-disco elements in tracks like“Mon Amour” and “Drown.” Later in the year, his Too Tired to Sleep / Awake release demonstrated his versatility, featuring the standout track “Hollow Girl” with a remix by AceMo. October saw the release of The Airplane Album, a deeply personal project that highlights Eli’s innovative approach toelectronic music, with tracks like “St-Nazaire” and “Sugar Plums” featuring Cor.Ece.
Behind the decks, Eli’s sets are raw, soulful, and unpretentious. A beloved fixture in the New York nightlife scene, he continues to electrify dance floors through his residencies at House of Yes and Gabriela—a venue he opened in December 2023 to create a space for community and music. Whether in the studio or on the dance floor, Eli Escobar remains a relentless force, doing what he’s always done: keeping the music alive and the parties unforgettable.
DJ Ben Spalding, a champion of the queer dance scene in Portland, always brings undeniable energy. House, techno, disco, electro, his mixes have it all, often on wax. A DJ who lives by the motto “dancing in community is a public service”, Ben brings these words to vivid life at his own Loverboi night and countless more.