Our story

Hush Hush Headphones was born out of a dream in 2015 when David was booking performers and bands for live shows at various venues in Athens, GA. To amplify and benefit live performing artists, David acquired silent disco headphones to create an underground, pop-up performance venue unlike anything seen before. From experimental electronic music played live in a fast food restaurant to genre-bending artists performing in the middle of a rural field, Hush Hush Headphones highlighted musical talent in a uniquely immersive experience.

From there, Hush Hush Headphones' services naturally extended to regular silent dance parties, soon becoming a fixture of local Athens night life.

In 2017, David partnered with Cory, a third generation Jacksonville native, to manage weekly events and grow community engagement. Together, they moved to Jacksonville in 2020 to bring the culture of silent discos and shows to Cory’s hometown.

Now, Hush Hush Headphones is the premier provider of silent discos in Jacksonville, hosting monthly dance parties at Downtown Vision’s Sip & Stroll, weekend dance parties at Root Down in Jacksonville’s historic 5 Points neighborhood, sunset silent discos at the iconic Jacksonville Beach Pier, and hundreds of other events all over town. In fact, Jacksonville is now the #2 city in the entire country searching for silent disco events, just behind Buffalo, NY.

meet the team

  • David Phoenix McCracken

    Pronouns: any
    Owner/Manager
    The founder of Hush Hush Headphones, David is the wand behind our music curation, the pen behind the flyer illustrations, and the dance moves that captivate the masses. When David isn’t working, they enjoy many forms of creation and play, including making music, cooking incredible vegan food, reading graphic novels, and making zines. Fun fact: David starred in a feature-length zombie movie called A Plague So Pleasant. If it were up to David, this is all their bio would say: β€œI am a regular human being, you know, just a boundless access point to the truth of this moment–of which we are all an individual aspect, inextricably tethered together.”
    🎢 fave track: My Current Fav - Nunya Biz
    🍟 fave snack: bodies

  • Cory McCracken

    Pronouns: they/them
    Owner/Manager
    Cory is a Queer, Non-binary artist, community organizer and resident VJ. The heart of Hush Hush, Cory is behind the scenes producing systems, cultivating partnerships, and leading the team. Their work is guided by a mission to bring the community together and provide resources for local artists. A third-generation Jacksonville native, Cory has a BFA in Sculpture from UNF and an MFA from the University of Georgia. Prior to moving back to their hometown, Cory led two artist collectives: Athens Free School, a grassroots alternative education network, and SEWW, a theatrical feminist wrestling group.
    🎢 fave track: Dancer - Orion Sun
    🍟 fave snack: salt and vinegar chips

  • Josie Danese

    Pronouns: she/her
    Communications Manager
    Josie is the first point-of-contact for Hush Hush clients. From the beginning, Josie went to Root Down silent discos every weekend. From coordinating communications and charging headphones to handing them out on the dance floor, Josie is a full time disco girl boss! Off the dance floor, Josie is a trendy girl that loves cats & all things girly––make-up, hair, nails, you name it. Josie also loves reading and playing video games.
    🎢 fave track: The Way I Are - Timbaland
    🍟 fave snack: french fries
    Instagram: @josiereneed

  • Dalton Miller

    Pronouns: she/her
    Production Manager
    Dalton is a music producer and DJ with a degree in Music Production and Engineering from Berklee College of Music. As Production Manager, Dalton handles stage set-ups for live shows and all of the Hush Hush details that happen behind the scenes. A Jacksonville native, Dalton grew up listening a wide variety of music which is reflective in everything she does. When Dalton isn’t working a silent disco, she’s usually making music, checking out local DJs, cooking, and working out.
    🎢 fave track: Brokey - Latto
    🍟 fave snack: anything spicy
    Instagram: @d__alt

  • Simmy Gillespie

    Pronouns: she/they
    Music Technician
    Simmy is a Trans hottie trying to have fun in this small world. Simmy is one half of the dreamy Queer musical duo SOFT (@musicbysoft) with her partner Ariel. Simmy makes a splash with her fashion sense and book smarts––you might spot her around town at local shows and community events. When she’s not working a silent disco, she’s usually twerking.
    🎢 fave track: Ler Her Be - Maina Doe
    🍟 fave snack: hot cheetos
    Intagram: @simeyon

  • Ariel Salgado

    Pronouns: she/they
    Music Technician
    Ariel is a Queer Black & Hispanic femme with a passion for plants, horror movies, and music. If you’re looking for movie or TV show recommendations, Ary is your girl. When she’s not working a silent disco, Ary is usually hanging out with family and friends, napping, or performing with her partner Simmy in the dreamy Queer bedroom pop duo SOFT (@musicbysoft). You might see Ary serving striking looks while out and about in Jacksonville for karaoke nights or live shows.
    🎢 fave track: Ain’t Nobody - Chaka Khan
    🍟 fave snack: extra cheesy goldfish
    Instagram: @arielmargarita

  • Joshua Dunn

    Pronouns: he/him
    Music Technician
    Dunn, who goes by Big Dunn, is a self described anarcho punk rocker freak. Big Dunn sees music and dancing as a liberating act––it’s the best way to disconnect from reality and sweat out the trials and tribulations of the day. Big Dunn loves swimming and traveling to new places. If he’s not doing either of those, he’s probably reading a book, screen printing t-shirts, crying, or all of the above.
    🎢 fave track: Love Will Tear Us Apart - Joy Division
    🍟 fave snack: pierogis
    Instagram: @smokemeowtshirtsandstuff

  • Adrianna Getsinger

    Pronouns: she/they
    Music Technician
    Fun-loving curator of nightlife experiences, dedicated to crafting unforgettable adventures. With a background in DJing and curating and promoting shows, Adrianna’s goal is to curate an experience––an auditory adventure––that reflects her love and commitment to the audience.
    🎢 fave track: TABAC - SWORRA
    🍟 fave snack: mini soft pretzel bites (salted obvi)
    Instagram: @_starsticker_

  • Rachel Butterfield

    Pronouns: she/her
    Music Technician
    With music and art at the forefront of her life, Rachel is always expressing herself in everything she does -whether it’s a fire fit, a cool photograph, or vibey vinyl playlist. She is transparent about who she is and what she stands for, and naturally gravitates towards others who dance to the same beat. Inspired by photography, especially film/analog photos, you can find Rachel taking walks with her camera(s), shopping for vinyl records, thrifting treasures, or just bopping around town! 
    🎢 fave track: In Ha Mood - Ice Spice
    🍟 fave snack: Pain au chocolat and espresso
    Instagram: @rachel_elizabeth_b

OUR PARTNERS

~

OUR PARTNERS ~