The Rave Vine
The Rave Vine
November Edition
Published Nov. 15, 2024
Published Nov. 15, 2024
Hello Ravers!
Welcome to November at The Rave Vine. We’re hyped to drop this month’s must-reads featuring GeXella, The Wub Tub, and a recap of the ((out there)) + Lucky’s collab that’s sparking buzz!
Plus, check out our new Google Calendar — now easy to save with ticket links for all the hot upcoming shows in Jax. Dive in, discover, and dance on!
Featured Experiences
Unapologetic Frequencies: GeeXella's Movement for Inclusive Dance Spaces
Interview by Alex Skinner
From Jacksonville to Atlanta, Graciela Cain—better known as GeeXella—has carved a fearless path as a DJ, sound healer, and advocate for marginalized communities. In our conversation last month, GeeXella shared their evolution from singer and rapper to workshop leader and self-taught DJ. They spoke passionately about Duval Folx, the movement they launched in 2018 to create unapologetically safe spaces for black and brown trans folks. With every beat and every set, GeeXella challenges the rigid norms of a cis-dominated industry, inspiring others to rise and reclaim their place. Dive into the full interview below.
Hi Geexella, feel free to go ahead and introduce yourself.
My name is Geexella, I use they/them pronouns. I’m from Jacksonville, Florida, originally. Right now, I’m currently located in Atlanta, Georgia.
I’d love to hear about your journey. Your Instagram bio mentions you're a DJ, facilitator, and sound healer. How did these roles come together over time?
How did all these things come together? Child, let me see. I originally started as a singer and rapper and got introduced to this music rock camp called Girls Rock. It’s an international program where music is used as a tool for political education. Through performing at Girls Rock, I found out about this week-long summer camp, and there are different versions of it all around the world. While participating, I was introduced to facilitation. We’d run different workshops like songwriting, intersectionality, and stage presence. Over time, I traveled to various camps like Girls Rock Santa Barbara and Girls Rock Charleston but stayed rooted in Jacksonville, doing Girls Rock for about eight or nine years.
Being around different musicians and artists was inspiring. I don’t know if you’ve been to the Walrus, but Alex E., the owner, and I go way back. He let me borrow his controller and encouraged me to try DJing. I taught myself from there. Sound healing came about two or three years ago. I started doing work around mental health and thought about ways to bridge my music with mental health. Now, I’m in a space where I’m blending soundscapes, interviewing Black women DJs over 40, and mixing sound bowls with their oral histories.
In Jacksonville, I also facilitated DJ 101 workshops at libraries post-Girls Rock. Since moving to Atlanta, I’ve been doing similar workshops in libraries, bookstores, and community centers. It’s a labor of love; I donate my time to teach people because that’s my contribution to the movement.
That’s amazing. I think I may have seen you DJing for a drag show at the Walrus in the past.
Yeah, I like to tell people that drag queens taught me how to DJ. My first residency was at InCahoots in Jacksonville. I really finessed my way in, saying I knew how to DJ when I hadn’t done it before. While supporting the drag shows, I learned so much from the queens—whether it was changing an entire set 10 minutes before the show or troubleshooting five minutes before going live. Those moments taught me to stay on my toes and adapt quickly.
You’ve done incredible work through Duval Folx. How do you balance your music with activism?
Duval Folx started in 2018 as a response to violence against Black trans women in Jacksonville. At the time, Jacksonville was the number one site for Black trans women being murdered. No one in the city’s queer club scene was addressing it. I wanted to create a safe space where Black, queer, and trans folks could gather without financial barriers or safety concerns. That’s how the first Duval Folx event came about. It was at the back of 1904, and by midnight, the bar ran out of liquor. It was packed wall-to-wall.
Since then, we’ve hosted events raising funds for mutual aid, abortion access, and Palestinian solidarity. Balancing music with activism hasn’t been difficult because both are central to my work. Everything we do amplifies marginalized voices and supports community needs.
What challenges have you faced as a non-binary artist in a predominantly cisgender industry?
Early on, I struggled to find mentors. I’d ask people to teach me how to DJ, but either they didn’t have time, or they’d say yes and never follow through. Shoutout to my late mentor, Payton Lock, a hip-hop legend in Jacksonville, who first taught me how to DJ on vinyl.
After that, I taught myself. The music scene in Jacksonville wasn’t encouraging, especially for femme-presenting folks. The industry has rigid aesthetics that I don’t fit—I’m fat, Black, wear big curly hair, and my music reflects my Black and Hispanic heritage.It was hard to find my place in traditional spaces. So, I carved out my own through Duval Folx. That experience taught me the importance of creating spaces where people like me feel welcome and empowered.
You’ve made such an impact. What do you hope people take away from your work?
It’s wild to think about legacy, but it’s something I’ve been reflecting on. I hope people see that Duval Folx isn’t just about me. It’s a platform where others can learn, grow, and build their skills. In recent years, I’ve shifted focus to mentoring. I’ve hired DJs, supported their first gigs, and taught them how to send invoices and negotiate. My hope is that people remember me as someone who fostered community and gave back.
How do you ensure Duval Folx remains inclusive?
Feedback is key. I use surveys to understand what works and how to improve. Sometimes I get it right; other times, people call me out, and I learn from it. I’ve always centered community needs, whether through sliding scale tickets or sober spaces. Volunteers have been crucial in making this happen—checking on attendees, creating safe zones, and ensuring the space is accessible.
Can you share any memorable moments of community support?
One of the most memorable events was our first Halloween party. It was packed, and by the end of the night, we raised enough funds to send the Jacksonville Community Action Committee to Chicago. Another moment was when we pivoted an entire festival due to rain. Despite the last-minute venue change, it was still a full house. Those moments show the resilience and dedication of our community.
Are there any upcoming projects or events you’re excited about?
Yes! I’m venturing back into singing and rapping, inspired by artists like Kalina Zanders. I’m also graduating this semester and working on a soundscape project featuring Black women DJs.In January, I’ll be touring Europe, with stops in Berlin and Paris. I’m excited to connect with new audiences and continue growing as an artist.
Published Nov. 15, 2024
Follow GeeXella and Duval Folx on Instagram, and don’t miss their next event. It’s more than a party—it’s a powerful space where music bridges marginalized communities and honors the roots of dance music: born from the brilliance of Black queer pioneers. In these spaces, everyone is reminded of the transformative power of community. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and culture that refuses to be silenced. Whether you’re there to dance, connect, or simply exist in a space where you’re seen and valued, Duval Folx offers a reminder of what dance music has always been about: liberation.
Dip Your Toes in The Wub Tub
Written by Seth Herrick
This month, we’re dipping into the bass-heavy heartbeat of Jacksonville’s underground scene with an exclusive look at The Wub Tub at Studio 444. Offering an escape twice a month, this hidden gem is quickly becoming a sanctuary for bass lovers.
Ten minutes south of downtown Jax and a block off of I-95 you’ll find Studio 444 tucked into an unassuming Florida strip mall - home to a bass scene more akin to Wakaan or Tipper & Friends than your typical Jacksonville faire. Pay at the door and enter into fog and lights that pulse with the energy of a crowd united by a common need for music felt from the tip of your toes and deep in your chest. The lowest frequencies resonate into the highest vibes with an audio-visual experience combining multiple genres into a sensory bath that could belong to Miami clubs or Suwannee festivals, but live right here at home.
Whether it be touring acts or local favorites, The Wub Tub brings it and the crowd follows: any given Wednesday you can show up expecting a swath of like-minded folks looking for the deeper side of the scene. The space boasts of a full bar, a dance floor (naturally), and an intimate back lounge with speakers piping music from the main room for those who want to rest their little feetsies or cuddle up to a partner while riding the waves coming from the stage.
Wub Tub Wednesday comes from brothers Logan and Landon Byers who perform and produce respectively as Wook Doctor and Stupid Thick - say hi if you see them! Music starts at 10pm with three to four DJs trading quick sets until 12am and then repeating the lineup, so you can still see all the artists and make it home at a decent enough hour, catch them a little later after getting off work, or just rage through. With admission at just $10, access to a full bar, and a crowd ready to welcome you, The Wub Tub at Studio 444 has everything you need if you’re a basshead or looking to become one.
Published Nov. 15, 2024
Check out our event calendar at the bottom of the page to find your next opportunity to experience The Wub Tub!
In case you didn't hear…
Get ((out there)) and Get Lucky
Written by Connor Hennessy
A new vibe is being set in Jacksonville Beach. Join us as we dive deep with Max Danger on a brand new collaboration between ((out there)) and Lucky’s, a beach bar freshly opened five steps from the Atlantic Ocean.
In an emerging market like JAX, any given weekend is a mixed bag. While amazing music floods the rooms of fantastic venues all across town, it’s often difficult to know what to expect unless your finger is firmly on the pulse. It’s not explicitly a problem - after all, variety is the spice of life - but in a time where options seem to outnumber people, having something you can count on, week after week, is more precious than gold. ((out there)) Invades Lucky’s might just be that something.
This past February, ((out there)) officially began as a house-centric event curation service - the brainchild of local DJs Max Danger and Disconap - but its history stretches all the way back to 2019 when the pair began playing for friends at parties and small events. “I always do everything with my community at the forefront of the experience,” Max told us, “I like to play for the people that I live around, and the people I live around are such great people.” Keeping the local community front in center would prove to be essential in the eventual conception of ((out there)). It was in early 2021 that Max met Daniel Ballesteros, resident ((out there)) DJ as of March, and Grace Forgette, who is now quietly the operation's art director. Every piece of the ((out there)) pie is home grown.
By fall of 2023, Max and co. had firmly established themselves as both vibe setters and community gathers, setting the stage for a one-of-a-kind partnership Atlantic Theaters. Operated by co-op Beaches Vineyard, the venue boasts a rich history and at present is a community-centric church in the heart of Atlantic Beach. “If you told me five years ago that I’d be throwing parties in my neighborhood church, I don’t know what I would say to you. I’ve never been a religious person, I’ve never thought of myself as belonging to any sect or anything that put me in any type of category, but what we found at the Atlantic Theater was purely community.” Since the first show at the Theater to the most recent collaboration with Disco Dreamland (Disco Rodeo on Nov. 1), Max and ((out there)) have had exclusive access to throw shows at the venue - the result of genuine community cultivation.
Kicking off this past New Years with an electrifying collaboration with Chris Bilezikian of Harpoon Media, conditions truly took shape for ((out there)) to debut and develop the expertise and reputation to forge a partnership that will give new audiences an opportunity to join this vibrant community. “Being the type of people we are and having Daniel on board, we’re pretty close friends with a lot of the people that are trying to elevate the Jacksonville bar scene. And at the end of the day, it does help to know certain people, as it always does, but what they (Lucky’s) recognized was our ability to curate events that people enjoyed. The thing is, everybody leaves our parties feeling good about being there and feeling good about deciding to be there over other events of the same night.”
Newly opened and determined to set themselves apart from the rest of the bar scene, Lucky’s has entrusted ((out there)) with a two-night weekly residency at their location off of 1st St N. On Friday and Saturday from 10PM to 1:30 AM, you can catch Max Danger, Disconap, and Ballesteros on the decks and dancefloor ready to welcome you. “What we’re doing right now is putting all our focus into these next six weeks. We’re doing extended sets, just me, Daniel, and Bianca (Disconap) as we kind of craft the sound and vibe we want to bring. And hopefully, moving forward, we can continue to expand with other local DJs that can then represent our brand, which is a huge step for us.”
The next time you’re scanning the Jacksonville Beach bar scene looking for a night to remember, consider getting ((out there)) and getting Lucky. You might just find a second home.
Published Nov. 7, 2024
Unapologetic Frequencies: GeeXella's Movement for Inclusive Dance Spaces
Interview by Alex Skinner
From Jacksonville to Atlanta, Graciela Cain—better known as GeeXella—has carved a fearless path as a DJ, sound healer, and advocate for marginalized communities. In our conversation last month, GeeXella shared their evolution from singer and rapper to workshop leader and self-taught DJ. They spoke passionately about Duval Folx, the movement they launched in 2018 to create unapologetically safe spaces for black and brown trans folks. With every beat and every set, GeeXella challenges the rigid norms of a cis-dominated industry, inspiring others to rise and reclaim their place. Dive into the full interview below.
Hi Geexella, feel free to go ahead and introduce yourself.
My name is Geexella, I use they/them pronouns. I’m from Jacksonville, Florida, originally. Right now, I’m currently located in Atlanta, Georgia.
I’d love to hear about your journey. Your Instagram bio mentions you're a DJ, facilitator, and sound healer. How did these roles come together over time?
How did all these things come together? Child, let me see. I originally started as a singer and rapper and got introduced to this music rock camp called Girls Rock. It’s an international program where music is used as a tool for political education.Through performing at Girls Rock, I found out about this week-long summer camp, and there are different versions of it all around the world. While participating, I was introduced to facilitation. We’d run different workshops like songwriting, intersectionality, and stage presence. Over time, I traveled to various camps like Girls Rock Santa Barbara and Girls Rock Charleston but stayed rooted in Jacksonville, doing Girls Rock for about eight or nine years.
Being around different musicians and artists was inspiring. I don’t know if you’ve been to the Walrus, but Alex E., the owner, and I go way back. He let me borrow his controller and encouraged me to try DJing. I taught myself from there.Sound healing came about two or three years ago. I started doing work around mental health and thought about ways to bridge my music with mental health. Now, I’m in a space where I’m blending soundscapes, interviewing Black women DJs over 40, and mixing sound bowls with their oral histories.
In Jacksonville, I also facilitated DJ 101 workshops at libraries post-Girls Rock. Since moving to Atlanta, I’ve been doing similar workshops in libraries, bookstores, and community centers. It’s a labor of love; I donate my time to teach people because that’s my contribution to the movement.
That’s amazing. I think I may have seen you DJing for a drag show at the Walrus in the past.
Yeah, I like to tell people that drag queens taught me how to DJ. My first residency was at InCahoots in Jacksonville. I really finessed my way in, saying I knew how to DJ when I hadn’t done it before. While supporting the drag shows, I learned so much from the queens—whether it was changing an entire set 10 minutes before the show or troubleshooting five minutes before going live. Those moments taught me to stay on my toes and adapt quickly.
You’ve done incredible work through Duval Folx. How do you balance your music with activism?
Duval Folx started in 2018 as a response to violence against Black trans women in Jacksonville. At the time, Jacksonville was the number one site for Black trans women being murdered. No one in the city’s queer club scene was addressing it. I wanted to create a safe space where Black, queer, and trans folks could gather without financial barriers or safety concerns. That’s how the first Duval Folx event came about. It was at the back of 1904, and by midnight, the bar ran out of liquor. It was packed wall-to-wall.
Since then, we’ve hosted events raising funds for mutual aid, abortion access, and Palestinian solidarity. Balancing music with activism hasn’t been difficult because both are central to my work. Everything we do amplifies marginalized voices and supports community needs.
What challenges have you faced as a non-binary artist in a predominantly cisgender industry?
Early on, I struggled to find mentors. I’d ask people to teach me how to DJ, but either they didn’t have time, or they’d say yes and never follow through. Shoutout to my late mentor, Payton Lock, a hip-hop legend in Jacksonville, who first taught me how to DJ on vinyl.
After that, I taught myself. The music scene in Jacksonville wasn’t encouraging, especially for femme-presenting folks. The industry has rigid aesthetics that I don’t fit—I’m fat, Black, wear big curly hair, and my music reflects my Black and Hispanic heritage.It was hard to find my place in traditional spaces. So, I carved out my own through Duval Folx. That experience taught me the importance of creating spaces where people like me feel welcome and empowered.
You’ve made such an impact. What do you hope people take away from your work?
It’s wild to think about legacy, but it’s something I’ve been reflecting on. I hope people see that Duval Folx isn’t just about me. It’s a platform where others can learn, grow, and build their skills. In recent years, I’ve shifted focus to mentoring. I’ve hired DJs, supported their first gigs, and taught them how to send invoices and negotiate. My hope is that people remember me as someone who fostered community and gave back.
How do you ensure Duval Folx remains inclusive?
Feedback is key. I use surveys to understand what works and how to improve. Sometimes I get it right; other times, people call me out, and I learn from it. I’ve always centered community needs, whether through sliding scale tickets or sober spaces. Volunteers have been crucial in making this happen—checking on attendees, creating safe zones, and ensuring the space is accessible.
Can you share any memorable moments of community support?
One of the most memorable events was our first Halloween party. It was packed, and by the end of the night, we raised enough funds to send the Jacksonville Community Action Committee to Chicago. Another moment was when we pivoted an entire festival due to rain. Despite the last-minute venue change, it was still a full house. Those moments show the resilience and dedication of our community.
Are there any upcoming projects or events you’re excited about?
Yes! I’m venturing back into singing and rapping, inspired by artists like Kalina Zanders. I’m also graduating this semester and working on a soundscape project featuring Black women DJs.In January, I’ll be touring Europe, with stops in Berlin and Paris. I’m excited to connect with new audiences and continue growing as an artist.
Published Nov. 15, 2024
Follow GeeXella and Duval Folx on Instagram, and don’t miss their next event. It’s more than a party—it’s a powerful space where music bridges marginalized communities and honors the roots of dance music: born from the brilliance of Black queer pioneers. In these spaces, everyone is reminded of the transformative power of community. It’s a celebration of resilience, creativity, and culture that refuses to be silenced. Whether you’re there to dance, connect, or simply exist in a space where you’re seen and valued, Duval Folx offers a reminder of what dance music has always been about: liberation.
Dip Your Toes in The Wub Tub
Written by Seth Herrick
This month, we’re dipping into the bass-heavy heartbeat of Jacksonville’s underground scene with an exclusive look at The Wub Tub at Studio 444. Offering an escape twice a month, this hidden gem is quickly becoming a sanctuary for bass lovers.
Ten minutes south of downtown Jax and a block off of I-95 you’ll find Studio 444 tucked into an unassuming Florida strip mall - home to a bass scene more akin to Wakaan or Tipper & Friends than your typical Jacksonville faire. Pay at the door and enter into fog and lights that pulse with the energy of a crowd united by a common need for music felt from the tip of your toes and deep in your chest. The lowest frequencies resonate into the highest vibes with an audio-visual experience combining multiple genres into a sensory bath that could belong to Miami clubs or Suwannee festivals, but live right here at home.
Whether it be touring acts or local favorites, The Wub Tub brings it and the crowd follows: any given Wednesday you can show up expecting a swath of like-minded folks looking for the deeper side of the scene. The space boasts of a full bar, a dance floor (naturally), and an intimate back lounge with speakers piping music from the main room for those who want to rest their little feetsies or cuddle up to a partner while riding the waves coming from the stage.
Wub Tub Wednesday comes from brothers Logan and Landon Byers who perform and produce respectively as Wook Doctor and Stupid Thick - say hi if you see them! Music starts at 10pm with three to four DJs trading quick sets until 12am and then repeating the lineup, so you can still see all the artists and make it home at a decent enough hour, catch them a little later after getting off work, or just rage through. With admission at just $10, access to a full bar, and a crowd ready to welcome you, The Wub Tub at Studio 444 has everything you need if you’re a basshead or looking to become one.
Published Nov. 15, 2024
Check out our event calendar at the bottom of the page to find your next opportunity to experience The Wub Tub!
in case you didn't hear…
Get ((out there)) and Get Lucky
Written by Connor Hennessy
A new vibe is being set in Jacksonville Beach. Join us as we dive deep with Max Danger on a brand new collaboration between ((out there)) and Lucky’s, a beach bar freshly opened five steps from the Atlantic Ocean.
In an emerging market like JAX, any given weekend is a mixed bag. While amazing music floods the rooms of fantastic venues all across town, it’s often difficult to know what to expect unless your finger is firmly on the pulse. It’s not explicitly a problem - after all, variety is the spice of life - but in a time where options seem to outnumber people, having something you can count on, week after week, is more precious than gold. ((out there)) Invades Lucky’s might just be that something.
This past February, ((out there)) officially began as a house-centric event curation service - the brainchild of local DJs Max Danger and Disconap - but its history stretches all the way back to 2019 when the pair began playing for friends at parties and small events. “I always do everything with my community at the forefront of the experience,” Max told us, “I like to play for the people that I live around, and the people I live around are such great people.” Keeping the local community front in center would prove to be essential in the eventual conception of ((out there)). It was in early 2021 that Max met Daniel Ballesteros, resident ((out there)) DJ as of March, and Grace Forgette, who is now quietly the operation's art director. Every piece of the ((out there)) pie is home grown.
By fall of 2023, Max and co. had firmly established themselves as both vibe setters and community gathers, setting the stage for a one-of-a-kind partnership Atlantic Theaters. Operated by co-op Beaches Vineyard, the venue boasts a rich history and at present is a community-centric church in the heart of Atlantic Beach. “If you told me five years ago that I’d be throwing parties in my neighborhood church, I don’t know what I would say to you. I’ve never been a religious person, I’ve never thought of myself as belonging to any sect or anything that put me in any type of category, but what we found at the Atlantic Theater was purely community.” Since the first show at the Theater to the most recent collaboration with Disco Dreamland (Disco Rodeo on Nov. 1), Max and ((out there)) have had exclusive access to throw shows at the venue - the result of genuine community cultivation.
Kicking off this past New Years with an electrifying collaboration with Chris Bilezikian of Harpoon Media, conditions truly took shape for ((out there)) to debut and develop the expertise and reputation to forge a partnership that will give new audiences an opportunity to join this vibrant community. “Being the type of people we are and having Daniel on board, we’re pretty close friends with a lot of the people that are trying to elevate the Jacksonville bar scene. And at the end of the day, it does help to know certain people, as it always does, but what they (Lucky’s) recognized was our ability to curate events that people enjoyed. The thing is, everybody leaves our parties feeling good about being there and feeling good about deciding to be there over other events of the same night.”
Newly opened and determined to set themselves apart from the rest of the bar scene, Lucky’s has entrusted ((out there)) with a two-night weekly residency at their location off of 1st St N. On Friday and Saturday from 10PM to 1:30 AM, you can catch Max Danger, Disconap, and Ballesteros on the decks and dancefloor ready to welcome you. “What we’re doing right now is putting all our focus into these next six weeks. We’re doing extended sets, just me, Daniel, and Bianca (Disconap) as we kind of craft the sound and vibe we want to bring. And hopefully, moving forward, we can continue to expand with other local DJs that can then represent our brand, which is a huge step for us.”
The next time you’re scanning the Jacksonville Beach bar scene looking for a night to remember, consider getting ((out there)) and getting Lucky. You might just find a second home.
Published Nov. 7, 2024