Debaser: DJ night parties to all things '90s

Michelle Broder Van Dyke, Published 4:00 am, Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Debaser is a bi-monthly DJ night that celebrates all things '90s. 

DJ Jamie Jams, born James Guzzi (shown), explains the origins for the party, which begins in 2001: "We wanted to do something that reflected our own experience of growing up, and figured the '90s would eventually come into style demographically speaking. The only problem was, at the time, no one really knew what 'the '90s' was. So, we spent the next four years talking to our friends, going through old mix tapes and testing the records out at parties."

The first Debaser happened in 2005. "But it was way too soon," DJ Jamie Jams says. "People still weren't in the headspace to get it. By the time we came back to try it again at the Knockout in 2008, they were ready."

Since the late Aughts, this night has been a hit with those who grew up listening to Nirvana, Soundgarden, Smashing Pumpkins, and Jane's Addiction. The night stays fresh by hosting sub-themes, like riot grrrl, shoegaze, R&B or grunge night. Next month, Debaser is hosting an emo night and a 420 hip-hop night. Friday marks the third anniversary of Debaser with a Fugazi cover band.

Lineup: Jamie Guzzi, a.k.a. DJ Jamie Jams; Matthew Davis, a.k.a. DJ EmDee; Chris Brennan, a.k.a. DJ Stab Master Arson

What music will you be playing?

We are going to have a hip-hop room in the front. ... In the back, we are going to do a mix of alternative cuts, mainstream and underground. ... Lately, I've been really into things like the Lemonheads, the Posies and the Gin Blossoms, so there'll be a lot of that.

What inspires you to DJ?

It's really great to see everyone singing along to something that they have only ever heard in their bedroom on headphones or on a mixtape their girlfriend or boyfriend gave them when they were 13. 

How has living in the Bay Area affected your musical tastes?

We have been really hyped on Bay Area hip-hop lately. When the Giantsmade it to the playoffs, we decided we would dedicate the next Debaser to all Bay Area hip-hop, and then they went on to win the pennant the very night of our event. So, we were all doing a thizz dance with our friends who were watching the game with us - it was great. 

When you're not playing music, where in the Bay Area can you be found?

I do grassroots organizing work for Fair Trade, so you could see me around your local coffee shops and grocery stores talking to people about how that latte they just bought is helping build schools and roads for people in the developing world. I also really like cooking and thrifting, so look for me at the Alemany Flea Market or Farmers' Market.

What's going to be new tonight?

We are really excited to have our friend Ryan McGee and his band Sporting Life over to perform the Fugazi cover band they prepared especially for the show. ... I hope it's going to be as epic as I remember. 

Check it out:www.debaser90s.com, sfg.ly/e2VzON.

Next gig: 9 p.m. Fri. $5 (free with flannel or baby-doll dress before 11 p.m.) 111 Minna Gallery, 111 Minna St., S.F. www.111minnagallery.com. 

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- Michelle Broder Van Dyke, bandwidth@sfchronicle.com

Photo by Chris Brennan