"IT'S UNFORTUNATE that clubs/events can be so segregated racially and musically, so we set out to change the rules," explains Jamie Strong, co-founder of the Do-Over. With this simple premise, Strong, Aloe Blacc, and Chris Haycock launched the Do-Over and since its original inception six years back, this Los Angeles event has quickly become an indispensable SoCal summertime experience that has reinvented how Angelenos have a good time. The Do-Over is more backyards, BBQs, and sunshine than bouncers, disco balls, and velvet ropes; a simple yet stunningly effective concept that condenses the sheer thrill of an unforgettable afterhours party with big-name talent, into a shorter, daylight-friendly event open to all comers.

"We wanted a very organic backyard BBQ/house party vibe with no pretension," says Strong, discussing why the Do-Over takes a stubborn pride in being the antithesis of what people expect from a secretive Los Angeles party. There are no pompous VIPs or exorbitant cover charges that await you at the door, just an open invitation to sangria and sun, plus a bumping soundtrack. The Do-Over is dedicated to hijacking the most exclusive of DJ events and returning them to the masses. "Most of the daytime events are pool parties where it is all about being seen and we wanted the exact opposite," says Strong. "We wanted a fun-filled outlet for all of these worlds to clash with music as the core element and Sunday was the one day out of the week that most of our friends were available. So we thought, 'Hey, do your weekend all over.'"

After a lengthy winter hibernation, the Do-Over not only returned to their usual Hollywood digs, but starting last month, they branched out with their first bit of regional expansion, taking over the impressive new Produce Row Café patio for a trio of monthly dates. As always, the figures behind the decks remain a top secret until showtime, but in previous afternoons they've lured hotshit turntable talent, like A-Trak, Madlib, Mary Anne Hobbs, Spinderella, Flying Lotus, Jazzy Jeff, and Mayer Hawthorne, who have all made their presence known at the Do-Over. For July's inaugural show in Portland, the surprise guests were none other than the enigmatic and spastic Gaslamp Killer along with Stone Throw's J.Rocc.

The Do-Over resident DJs (the three founders) plus their mysterious big-name guests strive to create a seasonal event that takes advantage of these long sun-soaked days and offers up a vast selection of summertime jams as well. "You can expect the unexpected," explains Strong. "Disco, jazz, dubstep, reggae, house, funk, hiphop, Latin, and beyond all make sense at Do-Over. We're all about pushing the envelope musically and having a grand ole time doing it."

"Since we're a free party and don't promote anyone's names, we don't have the greatest budget in the world so it's all about the music and guests really appreciating the opportunity to have that creative freedom to an audience that embraces it. It provides guests with an outlet to expand their horizons... and that's what excites us the most," says Strong. "Our mystery guests are your favorite DJs and their favorite DJs."