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Marissa Cetin
10 January 2023, 19:25

New York DJ and club fixture Dino Calvao has died

The 63-year-old, who'd been active on the NYC dance scene since the mid-'70s, was beloved for his enthusiastic presence, consistent support of the clubbing community and championing of new talent

New York DJ and club fixture Dino Calvao has died

Dino Calvao, New York DJ and club scene figure, has died.

Calvao passed away on 4th January after suffering a heart attack, his son confirmed the news to Resident Advisor. He was 63 years old.

Dino Calvao had been a fixture of New York City's nightclub since 1976 and started DJing not long after at 18. In 1983, he landed his first professional gigs at the now-closed Cat Club. 

More than his career behind the decks, Calvao was a frequent figure on the city's dance floors, with Good Room claiming he could be seen dancing there every weekend in a 2016 interview. He was beloved for his enthusiastic presence, consistent support of the clubbing community and championing of new talent. 

Outside of music, Calvao had been serving as resident caretaker of the 'Eschaton' show at The Lower Draw contemporary art gallery on the Lower East Side. 

Read Calvao's interview with Good Room where he talks about his "outrageous" time at Studio 54, DJing, the ever-evolving NYC club scene, favorite party ever and more.

Listen to a 2016 DJ set by Calvao at Good Room, and read tributes from social media.