Picnic Basket Banter: DJ BRUCE

Welcome to the final installment of this year’s Picnic Basket Banter, a weekly series profiling Philadelphians who are participating in Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia 2013. This series puts volunteers and attendees of our event into the spotlight, asking a series of questions about their ideal picnic, favorite places in our amazing city and, of course, what they will be packing in their picnic baskets.

DJ Bruce spun the music at last year’s Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia and he is back this year by popular demand. Bruce Easley is a Philadelphia native, turned DJ and producer. He’s been a force in the Philadelphia nightclub club scene since the age of 19. Equipped with an advanced-for-his-age knowledge of music as well as an eclectic selection and presentation style heavily influenced by his home town, Bruce has become a respected name in many circles. Not only at home, but across the country. He is now based in Brooklyn, New York.
 

At last year’s Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia
Photo Credit: Albfor Photography
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: What is your favorite spot to picnic in Philadelphia?
BE: A secret spot along the River.
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: What’s your perfect picnic beverage?
BE: A nice bottle of wine.
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: Who would be the most interesting person- living or dead- you’d like to share a picnic with?
BE: I’d prefer the company of my friends. But, if the 1979 Meryl Streep happened to sit down with us, I wouldn’t be mad at that.
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: If you were creating the perfect picnic soundtrack what three songs would have to be on the list?
BE:
1. Stevie Wonder- Love Light in Flight
2. John Coltrane- Giant Steps (on repeat)
3. Roy Ayers- Everybody Loves the Sunshine
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: Do you have a favorite picnic memory?
BE: I don’t remember specifically, but I do remember who I was with. She’s a friend from high school- it was a beautiful day and I miss her dearly.
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: If you needed to put together a picnic basket for two in less than 30 minutes, what would you make or buy?
BE: Turkey and brie sandwiches on a baguette with some spicy mustard, fresh grapes and two bottles of wine.
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: If you were planning this year’s Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia where would it be?
BE: Along the river.
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: What was your favorite thing about last year’s Dîner en Blanc?
BE: Being able to share my music with all of the wonderful people and friends who attended. It was a very unique experience and I look forward to doing it again!
 

At this year’s Dîner en Blanc Preview Party at Williams-Sonoma at the Bellevue
Photo Credit: Sean Corbett Photography

 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: What’s your favorite thing about Philadelphia?
BE: It’s a cozy big city. It’s home.
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: What is your favorite restaurant in Philadelphia?
BE: Standard Tap
 

Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia: If you were to plan “the perfect day” of things to do for someone visiting Philadelphia for the first time, what would their day look like from start to finish?

BE: A big ol’ brunch at Jones on Chestnut to start the day. A walk down to Old City through the historical stuff and then onto the Race Street Pier/Penn’s Landing to look at the water, digest and maybe catch a Duck Boat. Then take a walk over to South Street for a Jim’s Cheese Steak-American with- for lunch. Stroll up South Street, then hop a cab back to wherever you are staying. A little rest, then maybe a stroll on the Parkway and some early-evening splashing in Swann fountain. Then to dinner at Porcini in Center City (make reservation). Then perhaps drinks at Franklin Mortgage Company before heading to Time or Chris’s for some jazz or, if you’re feeling adventurous, head down to Northern Liberties and find somewhere to dance.