Photo courtesy of Sasha Lee The ladies of Gold Dust: (L.) Jody Orsborn, (c.) India Brookover (r.) Sasha Lee
You deserve a stiff one. Who better to have it with than Sasha Lee. She’s co-founder of Gold Dust—the best new DJ night to hit the Los Angeles bar scene. While everyone else continues to spin the same tired remixes and thumping club jams (enough with the Lady Gaga, already!), she and her partner in crime are giving the good ol’ boys a huge run for the money. And…they’re doing it all with a wink, a smile and some serious feminine wiles. “[Jody Orsborn] used to DJ at Little Joy for country night and invited me to DJ with her, but it just ended. So we decided there needed to be a new honky tonk in town,” says Lee. “I suggested my neighborhood waterin' hole, Footsie's. Jody met with the owner, and Gold Dust was born!” Lee and Orsborn have gotten by with a little help from their friends, adding a few other lovely ladies to the mix. “Victoria is a long-time friend and fellow 'bandita,' with an insane record collection and impeccable taste in just about everything. She DJ's regularly in Los Angeles and runs her own business--a true fire sign!” explains Lee. “Jody's friend, India, is an amazing photographer and does all of the photo shoots and pictures from the night. The latest addition is also my best friend, Jen, who'll be sitting in with me on my set. She plays guitar in our band, Mountains of California.” But the road to bringing down-home, bar-brawlin’ good times to L.A. wasn’t without its initial obstacles as Lee explains: “Apparently there was certain 'doubts' from people we pitched the idea to about girls DJing not being 'flakes,' so we decided to go whole hog and make the entire night run by hot country babes, just to prove a point. We came up with the name from the Fleetwood Mac song, "Gold Dust Women," and liked it 'cause it captured the thrill of the wild west California gold rush with a touch of magic. That and we want to do a photo shoot in gold hot pants and glitter eventually!” Since its inception, Gold Dust has brought out scores of patrons in the all-important 21-34-year-old demographic, despite the current economic situation. “Our first night was actually an overwhelming success-- I think people just wanna forget about their sorrows, dance, have a great time, maybe even meet a cute lady or gent to take your mind off dire times,” admits Lee. The women of Gold Dust promise an evening filled with great country tunes by Lefty Frizzell, Merle Haggard as well as blues-based, classic rock from Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thin Lizzy or even Tina Turner. The soul purpose is to get patrons hooked on “anything that makes you wanna kick up your heels!” If that sounds like your kind of hootenanny, then mosey on over and sit a spell. You can even treat Lee to her beverage of choice: a shot of whiskey and a beer.¤
Gold Dust will return Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Footsie's, 2640 N. Figueroa, Los Angeles, CA 90065 from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. (21+).For more information on Sasha Lee, visit www.halcyonmagazine.com .For more information on Jody Orsborn visit www.whenyouawake.com .
