SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - A DJ who has been hailed as a hero for saving lives during the Pulse Nightclub shooting in 2016 will perform as part of the San Diego Pride Music Festival this weekend.
Ray Rivera, who goes by the stage name "DJ Infinite," will use the performance to start a nationwide tour to honor the 49 people who died in the Orlando shooting.
"Music can take you on a journey," Rivera said. "So, for the 2 or 3 hours that I'm doing my set, everyone can forget about the troubles they have and have a good time."
Rivera said performing has helped him work through the trauma of that night. So has the support of the gay community, which embraced him following his heroic acts.
When the shooting started, Rivera helped people hide behind and underneath his DJ booth. During breaks in the gunshots, he helped them escape out of the building.
"I kept thinking, 'Is this really happening? What's going on? Is this a joke?'" he said. "But when there was a break in the shooting, it was just, like, 'Come on, let's get out.'"
Rivera said the shooting didn't make him afraid to get back on stage, but it's changed the way he approaches every set.
"After something like this happens, you pay attention to your surroundings a little bit more. I'm looking around, where the exits are, where the security guards are, stuff like that," he told 10News.
Still, Rivera is looking forward to Pride Music Fest this weekend.
"I'm humbled to be offered to come down and DJ for everybody in San Diego," he said.
Tickets to the day-long music festival are still available. General admission costs $20 and can be bought at sdpride.org/festival.
