DJ Nina Flowers returns to Hydrate for H2GLOW over Market Days weekend

George Flores, pka, Nina Flowers fell in love with DJ world at age 9 as his dad had a co-worker who was a mobile DJ and served as the DJ for Flores’ sister's Quinceañero.

“From that moment on, my birthday and Christmas, presents were related to DJ equipment,” said Flores, now 50, with 34 years of experience as a professional DJ. He started playing at age 12.

“I started DJing events at school, parties in the neighborhood, and within a year, I was doing weddings, quinceañeros, corporate and private events. My dad used to drive me to the events and help me set up the equipment. I would DJ, and later he would show up to help me bring everything back into the car and back home. My first DJ residency at a nightclub was at age 16. That'’ when I started to focus fully on music. It changed my life.”

Now living in Grand Prairie, Texas, Nina Flowers has several residencies in the U.S., including The Manor in Ft. Lauderdale, LPN in Miami, Xion in Atlanta, Meat in NY, Legacy in Boston, Pervert XXL in San Francisco, Bunker in DC, Reload in Los Angeles and Hydrate Nightclub in Chicago.

He returns to Hydrate for H2GLOW over Market Days weekend.

“My last year (spinning during) Market Days was simply epic,” Flowers said. “This was the Market Days right after the pandemic … it was beautiful. The energy was incredible after coming from such a dark period. It’s always fun in Chicago, (a city) that has long known good music.”

Flowers said Market Days is “one of my favorite weekends of the year, with so many people from all over the U.S., and everyone is in great spirits throughout the whole weekend. It’s amazing.”

Flowers was DJing at Hydrate this past May. His Hydrate residency brings him to Chicago four times a year.

“I love Chicago. Over the years, I’ve created a beautiful fan base, and my chosen family has grown significantly. I have a lot of friends in Chicago, so I’m always looking forward to returning to see everyone and make new memories,” he said.

Flowers illustrious career includes playing at Circuit Festival in Barcelona, which he tagged as a “groundbreaking” event for his musical journey, “and a big dream made into reality.”

He added: “That was a great night for me.”

Flowers, returning to Market Days for the first time since 2021, said the annual summertime showcase event is always fierce, “and I’m ready to be a part of it.”

Flowers delivers energy mixed with flavor from his native Puerto Rico. Yep, he offers that distinctive Latin and Caribbean sound.

He labeled his DJ style as “fun and edgy with lots of rhythms infused.”

“I love to incorporate international flavors into my beats. I love tribal and cha-cha, and these are all about flavor and energy,” Flowers said.

NOW SPINNING … DJ Nina Flowers

Inspiration: “Those who came before me and are still banging their drums. They know who they are. I’m inspired by uniqueness and by those who aren’t following trends that have already been done.”

Favorite DJs: Abel Aguilera, Ralphi Rosario, Tom Stephan, Ennzo Dias, Tony Moran, Renato Cecin and Erick Ibiza

Three DJs To Watch: “I have more than three – Bio Zounds, Cesar Hernadez, Ed Wood, Rue D, Vicky Kuva, Tyler Moore, Mark Oz, and many more. This new generation is very hungry and determined.”

A Good DJ: “Fresh and new music material, having a basic understanding of music theory, to prevent the horrors we are facing today – a pandemic of mashups that are completely off-key. Clean transitions are a must. Social media and social skills play a big part these days. The way you relate to others is extremely important for how your career will evolve. Most important is the ability to read a room and adapt, making sure we offer a unique experience.”

All-time Favorite DJing Gig: “That is impossible to name, as there have been so many. I’ve played many festivals over the years and each one has been a unique, memorable experience. I mentioned Circuit Festival; another amazing experience was Songkran in Thailand. I had the opportunity to be invited to Songkran 11 in 2017, and it was a life-changing experience. The production level they put into this festival is unparalleled, not to mention the incredible way they treat their talent. Truly amazing.”

Cheers: “I like my cocktails … Vodka Cranberry is my go-to.”

Favorite Actors: Anthony Hopkins and Meryl Streep

Favorite TV Show: “I love time-period pieces like Harlots, Gladiator and Rome. My favorite comedy show is Everybody Loves Raymond.”

Favorite Movie: The House of the Spirits

Favorite Sport: “I don’t practice any sports, but I enjoy watching gymnastics and ice skating.”

Hobbies: “I enjoy making things with my hands, arts and crafts, going to the movies, theater, and cooking.”

Little-known Fact: “I was a DJ before I started doing drag - music has always been my true passion.”

If I Wasn’t a DJ: “I would be a photographer.”

Boxers or Briefs: “Boxers … I like the freedom they provide and feeling loose.”