Meet Zeke Thomas, Open Format DJ and Producer -- the man Cosmopolitan Magazine calls “insanely cute and overwhelmingly talented.” As a 25-year-old entertainer with a degree in music from Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music, Zeke’s longevity and knowledge of the music industry is both impressive and remarkable.
image: Jon Stars
The son of NBA Hall of Fame player, Isiah “Zeke” Thomas, Zeke was born in the heart of Motown, Detroit, and his urban roots heavily influence his musical passion and talent. At the early age of 14, distinguished on-air personalities, such as Guy Black, Angie Martinez and Grammy-winning Fatman Scoop became Zeke’s mentors. After observing and learning everything he could about the music industry, he worked to become the youngest assistant programmer at HOT 97.1 FM in NYC.
In 2010, the NBA Players Association named Zeke one of the official DJs for All-Star weekend. In late 2013, Zeke signed to Tommy Boy Entertainment and simultaneously launched his own label, Gorilla Records, Inc. He continues to entertain and take on high profile roles with residencies in NYC, LA, Orlando, Miami and Chicago.
Zeke has collaborated and shared the stage with numerous celebrities including: former NBA player and DJ, Dennis Rodman; America’s Next Top Model winner and drummer, CariDee English; artists Snoop Dogg, Ludacris and Pitbull; and actor Wilmer Valderrama to name a few. He's been featured in many high profile media outlets, such as Good Morning America, OK! Magazine, Sirius XM Radio and more.
In addition to entertaining, Zeke utilizes his passion for music by supporting various non-profits like GlamourGals, Mary’s Court, Many Hopes and Falling Whistles. According to world renowned fashion designer Kenneth Cole,Zeke "transcends into all he believes and he supports many philanthropic causes. His clear messaging inspires music fans of all ages.”
Zeke currently resides in New York City, where he continues to make strides in the music industry as an entertainer and producer.
Now, here are Zeke's picks for the best clubs for celebrity sightings!
[new page = The Underground Chicago]
The Underground Chicago
The Underground Summer Music Series from Rockit Ranch Productions on Vimeo.
Described by Cosmopolitan Magazine as one of the "sexiest places in the world,” and “One of America's Top VIP Lounges" by Playboy Magazine, The Underground is one of Chicago's top celebrity hangouts. On any given weekend, you can spot a gamut of celebrities from Hip-Hop artists Cee Lo Green and Drake to television and movie stars such as Aaron Paul and Lindsay Lohan.
[new page = Studio Paris]
Studio Paris
Named Chicago's No. 1 celebrity hang out of 2013, Studio Paris hosts some of the biggest names in EDM – think Tiesto, Avicii and Calvin. Electronic music lovers, such as Miley Cryus, Ellie Goulding, Jenny McCarthy and Olympian Shaun White can be found partying beneath Studio Paris's glass roof regularly.
[new page = Liv Miami]
LIV Miami
Miami Music Week 2014 at LIV:
Tiesto 2014 at LIV:
Recently named ones of the "World's Top 10 Nightclubs" by Reuters News Agency, LIV Miami is an exclusive and high-energy nightclub frequented by celebrities and VIPs, including Kim Kardashian, who held her 32nd birthday party here. Lebron James, Kate Hudson and Jay-Z are just a few of the other celebrities who can be found partying at this luxurious dance club.
[new page = FINALE]
FINALE
ZEDD:
Juicy J:
This NYC nightlife destination has a unique style and sound system unlike any other club, drawing the attention of A-List celebrities for their newest weekly party #IHEARTSATURDAYS. At the former SL EAST space, Jamie Foxx, Marc Anthony and Heidi Klum have been spotted enjoying this indoor and outdoor ultra chic setting.
[new page = Beauty and Essex]
Beauty & Essex
ASAP ROCKY
Live! with Kelly
Champagne Brunch Sundays with DJ Danny Estrella
Beauty & Essex is the IT place for dining, drinking and celebrity sighting daily in New York City. You’ll spot every kind of celebrity at this Prohibition theme club – from superstar musicians like Prince and John Mayer, popular socialites like Kim Kardashian and nightlife lovers such as Ashley Olsen, mingling while sipping house specialty cocktails.
[new page = Shrine]
Shrine
The Shrine EPK from The Shrine on Vimeo.
Ranking among the most elite competitors in Miami, Las Vegas, NYC, and LA, Shrine Nightclub offers some of the most exclusive entertainment and lavish VIP treatment, topped with a sophisticated Asian poise. Named Connecticut's #1 nightclub by Connecticut Magazine in 2013, Shrine nightclub hosts some of the most prominent music artists stretching from Alesso and LMFAO to Trey Songz and Lil' John.
[new page = Southampton Social Club]
Southampton Social Club
Sarah Charness
A weekend-must for vacationers, The Southampton Social Club provides entertainment from some of the hottest DJ's out right now. Astound chef Scott Kampf, who has served as a private chef to many celebrities, offers his lavish French-American cuisine while superstar athletes such as Amar'e Stoudemire and Rory Mcllroy party at this swanky and sophisticated spot.
[new page = Greystone Manor]
Greystone Manor
Afrojack:
DJ Pauly D:
The Game:
An exclusive supper club in West Hollywood, Greystone Manor offers top-notch entertainment with VIP allure – think twenty-foot ceilings bustling with hot dancers, Aerialists and a banging state-art-the-art sound system. In keeping up with their prestigious reputation, you’ll spy the hottest celebrities like Paris Hilton (who just celebrated her birthday here) to Zoe Saldana and Bradley Cooper.
[new page = 1 OAK]
1 OAK
Major Lazor:
Tyga with Mally Mal:
J.Cole:
If you're looking for a huge party scene and celebrity hotspot, then the 1
OAK Nightclub in Las Vegas is the spot for you. With their New York style
spin-off mixed with its Vegas atmosphere, this spot is guaranteed to be
filled with top-fashion, style, and great musical entertainment.
Performances from Kanye West to Snoop Lion, and Future to Katy Perry
create this ecstatic scene. Not to mention, celebrity appearances from Kim
Kardashian to Jenny McCarthy, this spot is a guaranteed thrill.
[new page = Bleu Detroit]
Bleu Detroit
Three-year anniversary:
Paul Van Dyk:
The hottest and most prestigious venue for clubbing in Detroit, Bleu offers the perfect scene for house and electronic music. With musical appearances from Lady Gaga's DJ, Lady Starlight, to DJ's such as Butch Clancy and Kill The Noise, this place is constantly echoing with the hottest club and rave music.