Welcome to the zone! The Poizone!

Poizon Ivy the DJ, a music enthusiast from a young age, has channeled her musical talents in a myriad of methods. After playing both the piano and cello for over 15 years, at the age of 19, Poizon Ivy discovered a new type of musical instrument: turntables. After watching DJ Adamocity spin at several college parties, she convinced him to teach her the craft.
During her junior year at Marquette University, Poizon Ivy embarked on yet another new endeavor. She began her self-titled weekly online radio show, “Poizon Ivy After Dark.” Using a targeted heavy social media campaign, the show rapidly gained popularity. In just six months, Poizon Ivy featured a majority of Milwaukee’s urban artists on the show and even featured interviews with major artists such as Lupe Fiasco, J. Cole, Travis Porter, K. Michelle, Musiq Soulchild, B.o.B, and Diggy Simmons just to name a few.
In the Spring of 2011, local rap phenom Prophetic approached Poizon Ivy and asked her to DJ his set during WMUR’s Spring Concert which featured XV and Machine Gun Kelly. That was the first time she shared the stage with an artist and thereafter, Prophetic dubbed her his official DJ.
After getting a chance to DJ a few college parties on her own, Poizon Ivy quickly became a favorite in the college party scene. In only two years, she has already graced some of the city’s largest stages and events alongside some of music’s biggest names. Most recently, in 2011, she opened for Wiz Khalifa on the Harley Davidson Stage at Summerfest in front of 23,000 people; the largest crowd ever at a Summerfest free stage. When asked about her love for performing and entertaining crowds, she describes the feeling as an “unexplainable adrenaline rush.” I love how music has the ability to move crowds and that I can captivate so many people with the right music selection and infuse them with energy.”
She describes her DJ’ing style as unique because of the way she uses her voice and turntables in tandem. Her inspirations and role models include MC Lyte, DJ Diamond Cutz, Fatman Scoop, Doug E. Fresh, Kid Capri, DJ Dimepiece, DJ EQue, DJ Spinderella and DJ Cocoa Chanelle.
Born Ivy Awino in Nairobi, Kenya, Poizon Ivy is the eldest of three. She moved to Dallas, Texas, at age 9. Poizon Ivy is a graduate of The Hockaday School and is currently a senior at Marquette University majoring in Corporate Communication with a minor in Advertising. She is also a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
In her spare time, Poizon Ivy enjoys being with family and friends, travelling, shopping, and listening to music. “I admire and foster the entrepreneurial spirit. Therefore, I love discovering independently owned businesses in various cities. Boutiques, specialty stores, nightclubs, those kinds of things. I actually see myself owning such establishments in the future.” Poizon Ivy aspires to eventually tour the globe, showcasing her talents from city to city. “The fact that my talents can allow me to see the world is a blessing. I one day hope to be able to play the largest stages, clubs, and events around the world. You know, the Madison Square Gardens, the O2’s, the Amnesia’s.”
In addition to her professional endeavors, Poizon Ivy has a deeply rooted belief in giving back and working with young children, especially young girls. “I love how what I do inspires young girls to achieve in whatever field they endeavor. When it’s all said and done, the only thing that should matter is how well you do the job, and not your gender.”

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