DJ Mr. Chips: Adding Funk to the Festivities at Hullabaloo 2015!

It wouldn’t be a party without music and though Danielle is known for her super-fresh playlists, she’ll be busy running the show during Hullabaloo!

With that in mind from the start, we went to our favorite professional: He’s lauded around town as the guy who does the classic hip-hop dance parties at The Anchor and other local watering holes, but you might also know him as Hullabaloo’s official DJ—Andrew Nelson, aka DJ Mr. Chips. We’re pleased to announce that he’ll be back at it, spinning at Hullabaloo as he has since the beginning!

DJ Mr. Chips not only has a talent for creating some pretty sick mash-ups (someone on social media once reminisced about his at-Hullabaloo mash-up of Led Zeppelin with the theme from Star Wars), he’s also got impeccable taste in old school hip-hop, funk, soul, indie rock, and holiday tunes you’re NOT sick of hearing…all of which will come together to form the perfect shopping soundtrack!

But perhaps you haven’t noticed this under-appreciated talent (case in point): He’s also got a knack for keeping the music at juuuussstttt the right level (as in, you’ll want to bust a move, but you’ll be able to talk to the artist about the one-of-a-kind gift you’re buying). What a guy!

We know you’re as psyched about DJ Mr. Chips’ return as we are, so start working on your (family-friendly) requests now…we know Danielle will be! 

Vendor Spotlight!: Field Guide Design, Jay Teske Leather Co., Hawk Dance Farm, Ehstern, and Wishbone Letterpress.

Field Guide Design – Darbie Nowatka, from Kingston, NY is returning to Hullabaloo for year two! You may know Darbie from her band Bishop Allen, but did you know she makes super-cool pet rock necklaces and DIY geometric ornament kits, and has an awesome vintage clothing Etsy shop too? Her necklaces harness the power of various stones to bring you luck in various aspects of life and come beautifully packaged with an explanation of the stone’s significance. She’s got awesome taste in vintage clothing and accessories too, so check out her double spot at Hullabaloo to see both her handmade designs and her vintage finds!

Jay Teske Leather Co. - Jay is the owner of Pirate Upholstery on the Rondout in Kingston, where he makes custom motorcycle seat upholstery. With Jay Teske Leather Co., he offers smaller leather products like key fobs, wallets, portfolios, luggage tags, and airplant holders (for the friend who literally has everything, except time to care for high-maintenance plants!). Jay is based in Kingston, and uses hides from the remaining two tanneries in the country that specialize in bridle leather. He finishes his handsome pieces with solid brass, stainless steel, and nickel-plated brass hardware. Great gifts for guys are hard to find, but look no further than Jay’s table at Hullabaloo!

Hawk Dance Farm - In addition to heirloom vegetables, herbs, and flowers, which they sell at farmers’ markets, to restaurants, and at natural food stores, the folks at Hawk Dance Farm in Hillsdale also make these beautiful candles that they’ll be selling at Hullabaloo! Made from 100% beeswax, they remind you of a traditional, cozy holiday and make great gifts for hostesses, friends, teachers, and gift swaps. Welcome to Hullabaloo, Hawk Dance!

ehstern - Kingston-based Emilia’s jewelry begins with silk that she dyes in small batches using a Japanese process called shibori. She cuts the silk into strips, and uses her sewing machine to wrap thread around the strips to create cords, then incorporates beads and other elements to create colorful, casual statement pieces.  Stop by Emilia’s table and welcome her to her first Hullabaloo!

Wishbone Letterpress – Hullabaloo founder and co-organizer Danielle Bliss and her husband Joe Venditti combine an antique process with fresh modern designs and their signature edginess and wit—their awesome letterpress cards, coasters, calendars, and other products are hand-printed on their antique presses in The Shirt Factory in Kingston.  They wholesale to small boutiques and national chains such as Urban Outfitters (have you seen their “rad” cards there?), and their studio in the shirt factory was recently featured on Design*Sponge. They also offer wedding invitations, business cards, and other custom pieces.  Their selection of holiday cards includes both traditional and quirky options, and some everyday cards too! Oh! And coasters for all your holiday entertaining needs!

Makers Spotlight!: Boneshaker Print Shop, Fruition Chocolate, Pulp Sushi, Tivoli Tile Works, and Vernacular Design.

Boneshaker Print Shop – You wanted one of those old-school uptown Kingston map t-shirts too, didn’t you? Steve’s locally-inspired t-shirts were a huge hit at last year’s Hullabaloo, so visit his table early this year before he sells out!  In addition to his awesome shirts, Boneshaker Print Shop in Kingston designs and screen prints awesome album packages, show posters, and more.  He specializes in custom work, so ask him about getting some swag printed for your business!

Fruition Chocolate – Bryan Graham and his award-winning “bean to bar” chocolate have received accolades in numerous local and national publications, including being named one of the “Top 10 Chocolatiers in North America” by The Dessert Professional. In his workshop in Shokan, he slowly roasts and stone-grinds hand-selected organic, fair trade cocoa beans to create chocolate bars, chocolate coated nuts and dried fruits, brown butter  bourbon caramels, and the incredible dark chocolate coated jalapeno dusted corn nuts. Buy two of whatever you decide to give as gifts—because the first won’t make it home! We’re so excited that Fruition will be returning to Hullabaloo this year!

Pulp Sushi –Marilyn is returning to Hullabaloo with her “haunting handmade” jewelry, inspired by Gothic, Retro, and Victorian styles (“a time machine gone haywire,” she says!). She uses new materials like charms, beads, and pearls, along with found vintage materials, in her modernly nostalgic earrings, bracelets, and necklaces.  Her pieces make great gifts and stocking stuffers for anyone who appreciates any of the styles that influence Pulp Sushi’s trendy-but-timeless designs. Marilyn is from Fishkill, NY and is a leader of the Hudson Valley Etsy Team. Stop and say hello!

Tivoli Tile Works Caroline splits her time between Rhinebeck and the west coast of Ireland, and we’re glad she’s in town to join us at Hullabaloo for the first time! Trained in sculpture and painting, Caroline finds pottery to be “the perfect synthesis of her two loves.” She creates fine, collectable hand-thrown pottery and functional art such as bowls, mugs, pitchers, plates, vases, and other pieces that are simultaneously colorful and lively, but seem straight out of quaint country farmhouse.  She also has a gorgeously understated “Snow White” collection and some pieces painted with birds and other designs. Imagine them on your holiday table…totally Instagram-worthy!

Vernacular Design Growing up in the Hudson Valley, Jack developed an appreciation of historic architecture and went on to study historic design principles, patterns, and tools. He applies this knowledge, and the skills he honed renovating his 1790s farmhouse, to build gorgeous custom furniture, and do restoration work. He’s bringing his smaller, giftable pieces—like cutting boards, knife blocks, and other home accessories—to his first Hullabaloo…Pick something up for the gourmet or the home owner who appreciates fine craftsmanship!