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Community Highlights: Meet Topper of Rarin’ To Go! LLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Topper

Hi Topper, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started DJing at a small club near East LA when I was 19, just trying to share my love for Rockabilly and 1950’s music. About a year later, a festival host from Las Vegas noticed me. He invited me to DJ his Rockabilly weekend event, and while I was there, a UK promoter named Jerry caught my set. Jerry not only brought me to DJ at the biggest Rockabilly festival in the UK but also became an amazing mentor and friend. His encouragement helped me dream bigger and eventually inspired me to host my own event.

For nearly eight years, I had the amazing experience of DJing across the USA and Europe, making friends and connections all along the way. Then, an opportunity in another field pulled me away from DJing for quite some time. But a few years later, Jerry invited me back to his festival in the UK. I accepted, and just like that, my passion for the Rockabilly scene was reignited. It felt like it was time to bring that energy to my own event, and that’s how the idea for a three-day festival in California called Rarin’ To Go! was born.

Along the way, another mentor of mine, Justin, also had a big influence on me. I’d worked with him in my full-time career, but he was also known for organizing popular music festivals in Long Beach. Justin’s work ethic, his dedication, and the way he brought people together really inspired me. With my own event, I want to focus on celebrating the Rockabilly and 50s Rock ‘n’ Roll that we all love and creating a space where that passion shines through for everyone involved.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The love and passion I have for Rockabilly music have always come naturally, and I owe that to my parents and the music they shared with me growing up. However, the road to organizing a three-day music festival hasn’t always been easy. When I started DJing in the LA scene, I was the youngest DJ around and didn’t always wear vintage clothes. Some folks didn’t take me seriously at first, but the music spoke for itself. I found my way to various clubs on the West Coast and even overseas, proving that my passion for the music and the dance floor was what truly mattered.

Navigating the politics of the Rockabilly scene hasn’t been easy, but I’ve learned that a strong work ethic, positive energy, and a genuine love for getting people dancing can make all the difference. When you step on stage and give it your all, the audience tends to overlook things like what you’re wearing or even the hairstyle you have. The promoters who really love Rockabilly focus on your performance and how you keep the crowd moving, and that’s what keeps me motivated to keep the spirit of the music alive!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Rarin’ To Go! LLC?
Rarin’ To Go! LLC is all about bringing the joy of live music to life with our unique Rockabilly and Rock ‘n’ Roll events, mainly in Southern California. We specialize in Rockabilly shows and multi-day festivals, showcasing some of the most talented acts from around the world. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to prioritizing music above all else—because we believe that when music is the heart of the event, people will not only come but will also keep coming back for more!

We take great pride in creating connections between lifelong Rockabilly fans and those who are just discovering the genre. Our brand is built on a genuine love and passion for the Rockabilly community and its vibrant music. We also work hard to keep our events affordable, making it easier for everyone to join in on the fun. With each event we organize, our goal is to ensure that Rockabilly fans have an unforgettable experience filled with joy and great music!

So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
We always love a good collaboration! If you’re interested in working with our team, feel free to reach out at [email protected] or check us out on social media. You can find us on Instagram at @djtopparr and @rarintogoweekend. We genuinely appreciate and welcome your support!

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Image Credits
Fabian Fioto

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