Philly DJ Marty Geez will bring the party to the polls on Election Day

DJ Marty Geez, aka the Hands that Rocks the Tables, is excited about the opportunity to turn Nov. 5 into a celebration in Philadelphia, by working with the nonpartisan group DJs at the Polls to bring music and a party atmosphere to polling locations around the country on Election Day. He says he’ll figure out what kind of music to play once he sizes up the crowds.

“I’ve got something for everyone, from Spanish hip-hop to R&B to Top 40,” says the native Philadelphian, whose own favorite song is “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now,” by Philly R&B legends McFadden and Whitehead.

A Long History at the Turntables 

DJ Geez hasn’t slowed down since he started “messing with turntables” while still in elementary school, inspired by his DJ dad and uncle. Today his career has taken him all over the country, performing at venues and events, and often working with his scientist uncle Tyraine Ragsdale, also known as “Grand Hank,” who teaches STEM skills to students in and outside the US.

DJ Geez combines his music work with printing t-shirts and running a photobooth company, and is helped out by his five kids, aged from 12 to 23.

“I love the people in my city,” he says. “When we get together, it is all fun and laughter… 

“We’ve got to get people out, you know?” he continues, speaking about Election Day. “We need as much participation as possible, and music is the one thing that everybody likes. It brings everybody together, no matter what you believe and whatever religion or race you’ve got.  If you play a good song, everybody’s into it.”

From Inaction to Action 

DJ Geez began working with DJs at the Polls more than a decade ago, after overcoming his initial lack of enthusiasm about politics. (The organization is strictly nonpartisan.)

“We’ve got to do something. We’ve got to start somewhere,” he now believes. “Standing back and waiting for someone else to do something is not the answer.”

He adds that he hopes voters won’t stop at choosing a president, but will also make informed choices about local politics. “Make sure you learn about who’s in charge in your city and your state, and hold them accountable,” he says.

Philly voters can find out where DJ Geez will be mixing on Nov. 5 by following him on Instagram.