For DJ Rockstar Aaron, longevity has come from creating experiences, not just playing records. What started as a solution to empty weeknight bars became Forbidden Bingo—a free‑to‑play, high‑energy concept that’s survived imitation, gone virtual, and now tours nationally with stops like City Winery. Balancing immersive shows with tightly curated themed dance parties and major festival stages, Aaron is leaning into niche audiences, safe‑space energy, and intentional programming as he expands new projects like Haus of Dance and heads into a packed 2026 touring year with fresh representation and momentum.
Aaron, you’ve built a career that’s evolved from club DJ to creator of original event concepts like Forbidden Bingo—can you walk us through how that idea came together and why you think it’s had such lasting appeal?
When I first started DJing, I was playing a lot of empty bars during the week and quickly realized that wasn’t sustainable. So I decided to create something totally different – a concept no one had done before. That’s how Forbidden Bingo was born. Sure there were bar room bingos, but this was different. I’ve always believed contrasts create buzz, so launching it inside sports bars ended up being the perfect, unexpected fit. We really do well at live music venues.
Forbidden Bingo has survived imitation, gone virtual during COVID, and is now touring with shows like the upcoming stop at City Winery—what’s been the biggest lesson in keeping a concept fresh while staying true to its roots?
While we always stay true to the core concept – free to play and win top-quality adult prizes – we’re constantly adding new elements to keep it fresh. From hosting a pre-show listening party for Hilary Duff’s new album to introducing new sound effects or custom themed music, we’re always experimenting. Most ideas work, some don’t – but we’re not afraid to try new things as long as we stay true to the heart of the show. During COVID we went virtual – and still have an audience who play with us every Thursday night! I am always blown away that we will have 50 people sign up to play with us.
You balance Forbidden Bingo with touring as a featured DJ for themed dance parties and large festivals, including your long run at EDC Las Vegas—how do those different audiences shape the way you approach a set?
Forbidden Bingo is a full show. While there’s a DJ element, the music isn’t the main focus – it’s the overall experience, the production, the energy… and of course, the prizes.
When I’m DJing a set, it’s all about preparation and intentional music curation. The traditional club scene isn’t what it used to be – now it’s driven by niche, themed experiences. I still love spending time in clubs, but in Denver especially, local bookings are limited. There are so many DJs willing to play five-hour sets for very little pay. I understand venues have major overhead, but the reality is clubs are often paying less now than they did back in 2010.
That’s why curated shows are thriving – people want clarity. They want to know exactly what experience they’re buying a ticket for.
If I’m DJing a Heated Rivalry party, you can expect a full night of 2000s club bangers and a safe space for fans of the show to come together. A Harry Styles night might start with the album played front to back, then transition into One Direction favorites. It’s curated. It’s intentional, but no two shows are the same. I am still reading the crowd, looking at the door to make sure everyone that has bought a ticket has arrived before I play the hits.
EDC Las Vegas was an incredible five-year run – I’ll always love playing festivals.
With themed nights like Heated Rivalry at Ophelia’s and pop-driven parties tied to artists like Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, what do you think makes a themed party really work beyond just the music?
It really goes back to the people, there’s a safe space vibe when you’re around other fans. Everyone knows the assignment, so nobody stands there trying to make requests on their phone. Most people are in the moment. It’s really great, every time I DJ my first themed night I always feel it’s my favorite one. We did a Pitbull Party recently in Denver and it was spectacular!
Now that you’ve signed with new agents and 2026 is shaping up to be a big touring year, what are you most excited to expand or experiment with next in your career?
I have an incredible team of promoters who curate these dance parties, and the calendar is packed with fly-in bookings every weekend through the end of April. I’ve also been working closely with the fabulous Cherie Lily of Chervana Music to take Forbidden Bingo on tour. It’s been about a year in the making, but we finally locked our first date at City Winery in NYC on March 13th.
At the same time, I’ve been developing a new project called Haus of Dance – an LGBTQ+ dance party featuring a touch of drag, lots of glam, and rotating themed DJ sets. We just wrapped our first run in Portland a few weeks ago.
After a two-year search for the right fit, I signed with Music in Demand, an LGBTQ+ agency founded by Logan Lynn and Todd Murray. I’ve been keeping my new agent, Megan Collins, very busy.
There’s a lot in motion for 2026.
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Image Credit:
Promo photo 1: Jason Siegel Promo photo 2 credit: Jonathan Shoup
