Internet.Hotspot Celebrates Lunar New Year with Asian DJ Lineup

On February 10th, the Internet.Hotspot dance party celebrated its second annual Lunar New Year event. The prosperous occasion took place at Phố Việt, a restaurant at 4941 N. Broadway, which happens to be owned by the parents of Internet.Hotspot's cofounder, Brandon Lee. Carrying the festive night, a lineup of exclusively Asian DJs took to the stage, infusing the celebration with an array of vibrant beats and tunes that resonate with their cultural heritage.

Embracing Cultural Heritage Through Music

Brandon Lee, also known by his DJ moniker Fefe, helped orchestrate this event as a homage to his cultural roots. Having grown up in the Uptown area and working at Phố Việt from a young age, Lee developed a deep connection with his Vietnamese background. Despite facing bullying and cultural shaming during his school years, he has since grown to embrace his identity with pride, a transformation that profoundly influenced his decision to throw this annual party.

A Platform for Asian Artists

Since cofounding Internet.Hotspot in late 2018 during his studies at DePaul University, Lee has seen the evolution of his event from its humble beginnings. The first party at Phố Việt was a hit, and although subsequent gatherings saw varying levels of success, the hotspot soon found its dedicated audience. Lee's venture has even caught the attention of international music platforms like Resident Advisor.

Giving Back Through Celebration

The Lunar New Year event featured other noteworthy back-to-back sets from Asian DJs such as NormalDrugs with DirtyMoneyBeats and Francine with Jaxx. The entry fee of $15, or $10 for advanced purchases, welcomed guests 21 and older. In the spirit of the Lunar New Year's generosity, a segment of the proceeds was dedicated to supporting the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.

LunarNewYear, DJ, Music