By Maria Esteves – August 18, 2012

The 2012 DJ Expo (DJExpo12) presented by DJ Times magazine were held at the luxurious Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ, August 13-16, 2012. Keynote Q&A session with world renowned artist John (Jellybean) Benitez moderated by editor-in-chief Jim Tremayne, DJ Times magazine, commenced Wednesday, August 15, 3:30 PM.

Jellybean Benitez is owner of Jellybean Soul & Jellybean Music Group, programmer of Sirius XM Studio 54 Radio, producer, and DJ.Keynote speaker Benitez discussed his earlier career as DJ in the mid 1970s; music supervisor/film score contributor for Carlito’s Way, Flashdance, Footloose, Top Gun, and others; producer for popular culture artists such as Madonna; his successful record label Jellybean Soul and music publishing company Jellybean Music Group. Tom Moulton’s latest remix compilation (triple CD collection) to air on Sirius XM Studio 54 Radio in November 2012. DJExpo12 Closing Party presented by Pioneer DJ featured a special live DJ set with Jellybean Benitez at The Casbah, Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ, Wednesday, August 15, 10:00 PM.

Experience the musical journey of Jellybean Benitez live at Feel the Spirit Boat Ride with Circle Line Cruises at Pier 86, New York, Saturday, August 25, 8:00 PM.

Attendees at the DJExpo12 Keynote Q&A with Jellybean Benitez included industry executives, producers, promoters, performing artists, recording artists, sound engineers, DJs, remixers, technologists, and media. Questions posed by moderator Tremayne to Benitez included: Do you remember what the first music was that you remember enjoying at the club that really impact you? Can you explain the scene in New York at that time for clubs and DJs? What was the process of getting gigs in Manhattan clubs? Explain the difference between Studio 54 and Paradise Garage? As producer, did you have someone to help you initially? Which DJs till this day impress you to go see? What do you say to someone who really wants to do this?

2012 DJExpo Keynote Q&A, Jellybean Benitez, center, with director Jackie McCloy, New York Music Pool, right, and DJ Jeff Yahney,
president, Yahney Entertainment Group.