Skratchpad, an open turntable and DJ-centered Hip Hop event, was established in San Francisco in May 2003 . It was created by Celskiii and Deeandroid, with the help of DJ Amerriica, Jus Jones, and Winst-Oner, as an ode to SF’s late DJ weekly hosted by Derrick D., Beat Lounge. Local DJs as well as DJs from around the world would attend Skratchpad to showcase their skills and jam with DJs during the question & answer portion of the night. Skratchpad’s mission: To help preserve Hip Hop culture, elevating the art of Deejaying, and connecting the music, culture, and people.
From an open turntable format event to one which includes a Hip Hop show–with DJ battles and performances by Bboys & Bgirls, emcees, bands, producers, and drummers, Skratchpad’s supporters grew from a small intimate crowd in 2003 to a population that extends from the Bay Area all the way to Houston, Texas. Since 2003, Skratchpad has expanded into multiple cities including: Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Jose, Las Vegas, Portland, and Houston.
Skratchpad continues to organize events by a community of DJs in each city, creating these spaces for DJs out of a love for the art form. Most cities continue to host the Skratchpad night as a “No cover, just culture,” event, being free to the public.
Skratchpad has become a successful event due to the hard work of every DJ and artist who has contributed and continues to put in work to organize such a unique Hip Hop event. Each Skratchpad chapter is organized by a group of core members and resident DJs on a grassroots level. Many people leave a Skratchpad event, feeling inspired and having a sense of community.
Skratchpad SAN FRANCISCO
July 16, 2016 Saturday
Chai Bar
1019 Market St.
SF, CA 94103
All Ages
Skratchpad SACRAMENTO
TBA
The Blue Lamp
1400 Alhambra Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95816
21 & +
Skratchpad SAN JOSE
Skratchpad LOS ANGELES
TBA
The Grand Star Jazz Club
943 N Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90012
10pm – 2am
21 & +
Skratchpad PORTLAND
Every 1st Wednesday
Pub At The End Of The Universe
4107 SE 28th
Portland, OR 97202
7pm to 10pm (Wicked Wednesday follows)
21 & +
Skratchpad LAS VEGAS
Quarterly on First Fridays
1 Stop DJ Shop
222 E. Imperial Ave.
Las Vegas, NV
8pm – 12am
All Ages
Skratchpad Houston
TBA