The Lightning That Struck in Amsterdam
Celebrating the life and legacy of Gino Lightner—Pioneer of House, Techno, and the underground rave scene.
About DJ Gino Lightner
Gino Lightner, a pioneering force in Amsterdam’s house music rave scene in the late 80s and early 90s, was more than just a DJ. He was a visionary and shaman, using sound and movement to create transformative experiences. Gino’s influence spanned underground house, techno, and festival circuits. He played music all the way up until the age of 57, performing at all types of venues. It didn’t matter if it was rock, raves, or old-school house—Gino just loved to play. His unique ability to connect with the crowd allowed him to transform any dance floor into a vibrant, electric space.
Though he passed in 2024, his legacy lives on through the Gino Lightner Foundation, which strives to preserve and expand his groundbreaking work in music, teaching, healing, and community building.
Our Mission
The Gino Lightner Foundation is dedicated to honoring the legacy of Gino Lightner, a visionary who was the lightning that struck in Amsterdam during the late 80s and early 90s, shaping the house music rave scene and pioneering one of the greatest festival circuits in House and Techno. From underground parties to transformative global events, Gino’s innovative spirit opened new pathways for sound, movement, and community. The foundation continues his work by promoting the healing power of music, dance, and sound frequencies through education, festivals, and creative expression, empowering future generations to harness these tools for transformation and well-being.
Vision statement
Our vision is to teach the next generation of sound and movement shamans how music, dance, and sound are powerful tools for transformation, healing, and spiritual awakening. Through the Gino Lightner Foundation, we will cultivate a global community of artists, healers, and innovators, empowering them to harness sound frequencies and movement to open portals of creativity and consciousness. By building on Gino Lightner's legacy, we strive to inspire future leaders in music medicine and dance, ensuring his pioneering spirit continues to resonate throughout the world.
Core values
1. Authenticity
Gino Lightner believed in staying true to his craft, even when it came at the cost of fame and recognition. He stood by the principle that DJs and artists should always have complete control over what they play and how they express themselves. The foundation promotes authenticity, encouraging artists to prioritize their creative vision over commercial pressures.
2. Artist Empowerment
Gino was taken advantage of in contracts and finances, but his experiences taught the importance of empowering artists to take full control of their careers. The foundation is dedicated to teaching emerging artists how to manage their artistry, finances, and contracts, ensuring they have the tools to protect and maximize their creative rights.
3. Creativity & Innovation
Like Gino, who transformed every dance floor with his innovative style, the foundation encourages creativity without boundaries. We believe in pushing the limits of music, sound, and dance, using them as tools for healing, expression, and community building.
4. Community & Healing
Gino’s connection to his audience and his use of music as a healing tool is a cornerstone of the foundation. We believe in fostering strong communities through music, festivals, and education, providing spaces where sound and movement can create transformative experiences.
5. Legacy & Preservation
The foundation is committed to preserving Gino Lightner’s legacy by educating future generations of DJs, musicians, and artists. We honor the history of underground music culture while ensuring that Gino’s values of authenticity, empowerment, and creativity live on.
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Gino Lightner Global Academy
Our global academy is where the next generation of music shamans will be born. Through our innovative programs, we will teach students around the world how to use music, dance, and sound frequencies to create change, open new dimensions of consciousness, and lead the way in music medicine.
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Upcoming festivals
Experience Gino Lightner’s legacy firsthand at our upcoming festivals, which fuse music, dance, and healing in a dynamic and immersive environment.
Explore our festival calendar and join us for an unforgettable journey.
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Photography books series
A curated series of Gino Lightner's personal photography, capturing moments from his journey through the global music scene. Each book offers exclusive access to previously unreleased photos and stories from Gino’s life.
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Films and Documentaries
A series of films and documentaries that take us through different segments of music festivals, DJ Gino’s life, and the evolution of the underground music scene. These projects expand the combination of music and film, featuring movies that may utilize DJ Gino’s work as the soundtrack or are affiliated with music and the arts. While not every film will focus directly on Gino, they will include elements of his influence, connecting his legacy to the broader artistic landscape.
Get Involved
Whether you’re a DJ, dancer, producer, or someone who believes in the power of music to heal and transform, we invite you to get involved. Join our community and help us carry Gino Lightner’s torch forward.
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a Student
Donate to the Foundation