Hallmark beware – a few DJs from the Atlanta party scene have come to change the conventional notions of Valentine’s Day. Tonight, they’re starting with the 40 Watt.

University alumnus Kellen Crosby (“DJ Kellen John Kid Danger”), senior Sami Promisloff (“DJ Flirtation Device”) and Georgia State University sophomore Chris Merkle (“The Midnight Socialite”) have put their headphones together to kick off Striped Socks, an avant-garde dance party, to bring what they think is a much-needed medium for Athens partiers.

“(Valentine’s Day) is so full of this boyfriend/girlfriend propaganda,” Crosby said. “Every other holiday, there are big parties and this is something fun for people to do instead of just sitting around.”

While Striped Socks is an effort to revolutionize a typical Valentine’s evening, it doesn’t end after tonight’s party.

“Ninety-five percent of a dance party is the people that are there,” Crosby said. “My only goal is to get people to freak out, jump around and get happy when I’m picking out what music to play.”

The idea behind Striped Socks began when Nick Ledner, a senior majoring in journalism and religion, asked Crosby to DJ at his house parties in Athens. Crosby currently DJs a weekly spot at Lenny’s in Atlanta and has been making a name for himself by sharing bills with the likes of the Black Lips, Snowden and the Selmanaires.

“It’s just a really cool concept because there are so many different people (who come to the parties),” Ledner said. “And with all three of these DJs – it’s going to be a great combination.”

Ledner and Crosby agreed that it’s the diversity of the party, people and music that makes it so successful.

“It isn’t about preppy kids or rock and roll kids. It isn’t about black kids or white kids. It isn’t about people who wear a certain brand of shoes,” Crosby said. “It’s about everyone being themselves and dancing.”

Because of this, everyone involved with Striped Socks is looking forward to the amount of self-expression at the party.

“Wear something thought-provoking,” Ledner said. “Wait, that sounds a little weird – but basically, people should just do whatever the hell they want.”

The Striped Socks MySpace.com Web site claims they’re looking for “sauced-up kids” and Crosby emphasizes that the phrase simply means to be expressive.

“You wanna dress up? Dress up crazy? Get naked? Then fine, get naked!” he said.

If that’s not enough to persuade people to come out, the party clan isn’t even doing this for profit – tickets are $2.
“When you charge a big cover, you start to not care if the crowd has any fun, because you’ve already made your money,” Crosby said. “We’re more interested in having a packed place and getting people to come out and jump around.”

But Ledner has other plans.

“If any money is made, it will probably just be spent on more alcohol,” he said. “Either that, or I’ll take the money and fly to Bangkok.”

While the crew isn’t anticipating much profit tonight, they are expecting a big turnout.

“This whole thing is way bigger than we ever thought it would be,” Crosby said.