ABOUT AUNTIE JAMZ

Kristian Smith and Rosegawd are the dynamic duo behind Auntie Jamz, a party series that celebrates the music, culture, and memories that have shaped their lives. Kristian, originally from Baltimore, moved to Los Angeles a decade ago. The idea for Auntie Jamz first began to take shape in 2016 when Kristian created a playlist inspired by the music of his youth, including the vibrant sounds of Silver Shadows, a legendary Baltimore club that played a major role in shaping his love for music. Kristian dreamed of creating a space where Black people, especially Black women, could come together, dance, and celebrate the soundtrack of their past without judgment.

After years of holding onto the idea, Kristian connected with Rosegawd in 2021 when he attended one of her Aaliyah tribute events. Rosegawd, a DJ and the creator of Ladera Hearts, had already begun making waves with her unique blend of music and fashion events, starting in Harlem in 2017. She brought her vision to Los Angeles by 2019 and, despite the challenges of the pandemic, found innovative ways to engage her audience—such as paying tribute to artists like Toni Braxton, Dawn Richard, and Mariah Carey on her Twitch channel. Her Club Renaissance events, which celebrated Beyoncé’s Renaissance album, became a massive hit and even caught the attention of Beyoncé’s own family.

When Kristian approached Rosegawd with the Auntie Jamz idea, it was a perfect match. The first event, held in April 2023 at The Mermaid in Downtown LA, was such a success that they quickly moved to a larger venue at Hilltop's DTLA location. Auntie Jamz has since grown, celebrating the music that defined the '70s, '80s, ‘90s, and even early 2000s, from R&B anthems to hip-hop classics, with a focus on uplifting Black women and their contributions to the culture. Their events create an inclusive space where people can relive the soundtrack of their youth, sing along, and dance the night away with a sense of community and joy. Their work has garnered attention from news outlets, with features in the LA Sentinel, CBS News Los Angeles, and Ampersand Magazine.

With each event, Auntie Jamz continues to grow, blending the energy of the past with the vibrancy of the present. It’s a testament to Kristian and Rosegawd’s shared love of music and the power it has to bring people together.