A Poseidon Adventure with DJ Manny Lehman
The iconic Queen Mary luxury liner undertook its maiden voyage in 1936 and has been moored in Long Beach since 1967. For the second year in a row, she will host the major dance party event of Long Beach Pride weekend, as Poseidon rages on the ship's decks the night of Saturday, May 18 from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m.
Named primarily for the classical Greek god of the sea, the party's title also makes a nod to the role played by the ship in the 1972 disaster movie, "The Poseidon Adventure," when Gene Hackman, Red Buttons, Shelley Winters and Stella Stevens walked her historic decks during the film's pre-capsizing, outdoor scenes.
This year's Poseidon event boasts a choreographed laser show and a Hunky Sailor Contest and all guests are encouraged to dress in nautical-inspired costumes. Returning to spin at Poseidon his second year is world-renown DJ Manny Lehman. He is joined by Ryan Kenney and the two will no doubt set the night on fire, with boat-rocking party anthems. Lehman recently chatted with The Rage Monthly from a stop on his many international travels.
You've been on the Queen Mary before, what excites you most about playing this year's Poseidon event?
I've been onboard quite a few times; I just love the history of that ship. I happen to be a huge "Titanic" fan and this falls into that passion I have for ships. I am excited about playing some great music on a historical ship-there is nothing like it.??
Have you noticed anything unique about SoCal's LGBT population compared to other parts of the United States or the world?
I love the Long Beach Pride festival. The aesthetics work so well and it's really well situated and organized. It feels like an event as opposed to just a simple, thrown-together festival.??
What are some of your other favorite cities around the world?
New York will always be first in my heart but Los Angeles is home; I have been in L.A. many years now. I have had the opportunity to travel the world and been in many great cities, something I would never have imagined would happen. My favorite cities are N.Y.C., San Francisco, Miami, Chicago, Paris, Barcelona, Amsterdam and Rio.
You have worked with some amazing singers: CeCe Peniston, Cher, Madonna, Sarah Brightman-what have been your favorite collaborations or songs?
I've done many fun remixes and production for divas we love and know and some we don't yet know we love - but one of my favorites had to be Cher. It was the first big name I was able to remix and it was so exciting. "What do I do? Is she gonna like this?" All those questions are always prevalent when you do a remix, but that was the first big one so I was hyper-sensitive.?
How have you seen dance music grow and develop over the last 20 years? Are there any current movements or artists you are especially excited about?
Dance music went from the underground, to a random hit-making machine, to a huge industry worldwide right now - Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is so huge. I'm excited to reignite the gay perspective. We need artists and songs that emerge from the gay underground subculture, not to just embrace radio artists. I look forward to working with the next new breed of this type of artist, as well as continuing to work with incredible artists like the Rihannas and Beyonces of the world. One of my biggest wishes was to work with Donna Summer, but due to her passing, I was never able to.??
What would you say are the key factors or lessons that have helped you succeed in the music industry? What keeps you going??
My love of the creative process and passion for music keeps me going - all I can say is know and feel your music. Anyone can slap some tracks together, but if you feel it and take your passengers on an emotional journey, then you are on the path to fulfillment as a music person.??
What can your fans look forward to at Poseidon? Will you be debuting any new music or remixes?
People look for fun progressive and energetic music to celebrate gay pride. I always have a few new mixes that I have worked on to showcase, so be on the listen for something a little different popping in here and there.??
Have you noticed gay audiences responding differently to certain songs or music versus mainstream audiences? If so, why do you think that is?
That has always been the case. But I find as of late that there are a lot more songs in common in both communities. The whole pop, EDM and star divas have made it all more of a pop culture mash-up.
Beyond the DJ/Pride circuit, what are you working on for the near future?
I'm working on a few Manny Lehman singles, more remixes and production, as well as working to keep the DJ Manny Lehman brand strong!
In addition to Poseidon and other Pride-related events, the Queen Mary is offering special room rates during Pride weekend. To make reservations, for more information or to purchase Poseidon tickets go to
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