Pete Tong has steered BBC Radio 1’s weekly Essential Mix for the past 20 years, and now, he’s announced the launch of an eponymous live series, which will kick off in Los Angeles next month. “The Essential Mix has always been about championing what’s new and next,” says Tong. “So much has happened to electronic music in America in the last five years, and much of that change has been born out of LA, and the community of artists and industry professionals that live here.”

Richie Hawtin has been confirmed for the first event, which takes place at LA’s Exchange Club on January 22 with support from Lee K and Tong himself. Details of future events have yet to be released. Hawtin recently spoke with XLR8R about his upcoming LP; more on that here. (via Resident Advisor)