History, The present, the Future, my mother and the music!

As most of you know I lost my mother September 19th funny how my last Blog was one about my life., and the affect she had on it. 

Our history was not the loving one that I share with my own children, BUT it made me the woman I am today, for that I'm thankful. I don't write half as well as she did..my words don't flow effortlessly. But the passion behind what I believe in is a direct result of Anita Johnson being such a big influence on my life. Good and bad! 

So I dedicate this Blog to my mother, my nemesis, my hero- you will be forever in my heart, I love you and am very proud to be your daughter, again.. sorry I did not live up to the woman you wanted me to be.. I did not become the dancer, the pianist, the singer, the violin player that you wanted.. You did leave me the gift of writing the ability to have my words reach people. My speech, not as eloquent as yours, my diction..needs improvement lol but like you I have something to say. Not on world events, injustices both in history and present times... my love for writing falls in the realm of the world of music and the DJs that play!

Like you, if I don't like something/someone I say/show it ( although I never mastered the art of cutting someone down with ONE look) or the ability to make someone feel like cash shit without uttering one swear word. (im going to work on that). If I believe in something/someone I support it/them 100% like you!

My mother actually liked House music- one DJ in particular she loved- heffa wouldn't even give me the CD back and got mad as hell when I took it back! She liked Delano Smiths mix that I had (before they stole my CD collection) - Terri Johnson had made me a CD full of his mixes.

Before I go any further let me thank those who kept me sane ( musically that is) Earl Mixxin McKinney, Wayne Williams, Brett Morrison, Rick Wilhite, and Jon Easley but mostly it was Alan King- thank you thank you thank you ! After my mom passed I FINALLY got my car back, and I happened to play a CD that I'd gotten from one of the Charivari Detroit crew members- who was a very good DJ back in the day. Judging from the CD I have he still is. Steve Dunbar I must have played that CD 150 times..please make another ASAP!!!

Ok, I'm going to get to the heart of the matter, just allow me a little latitude for a moment! 

I ran across a stat today by Craig Loftis- Nu Bang, in that stat he talked about history..I'd commented on the stat and what I said in a nutshell is, history in short is the truth as individuals see it! We may have shared experiences but our individual view of history is bias based on what it meant to us.
My view on the history with my mother is different than others different than her own opinion-but it was history none the less. Interpretation is based on ones own perception/experience. 

She taught me to NEVER let anyone write YOUR history! So to those of you who were at the forefront of, "this thing of ours" we thank you! Write the history tell us the story, but remember new stories unfold daily.  For those of your who are recent to the DJ/Party goer game..make up your own history but do NOT dismiss or diminish the history of those who came before you. Understand they took something from EVERYTHING and turned it into a musical genre that has spanned more than 30 + years. To the vets I say, give the youngins their props ( but ONLY if they are good)- if someone scews the history call them to the carpet, but do it with respect and love for the music..

I didn't go see my mother in the hospital before she got to the point of no return.. HOLD ON I know you are thinking, "what the hell is wrong with you"?! "HOW DARE YOU NOT GO SEE YOUR MOM"?!...well I'll tell you, we had such a strained relationship that I did not, was not going to be the reason my mother would stroke out. I just figured I would see her when she came home..but she didn't. In the end, I was there and she knew it. My mother (prior to her taking that long walk to meet the Father) told my son she loved me. I can count on one hand and three fingers how many times my mother told ME she loved me. Although I know she did!

In the end none of that mattered. She knew I was there, and it was me that uttered the words, "let her go" it was me that prayed/begged for a miracle as I watched her heart rate slowly fade..it was me who helped prepare her body to be walked to the morgue and said how proud I was of her and that I loved her., and it was me who walked with the staff as I said my last goodbyes to the only woman who was strong enough to take me and all my madness, who never understood my humor/wit and love of people. Even though I tried my hardest not to, I DID understand her! I didn't like her but I loved and respected her.

You may not like the people in this circle but you should respect them, and I'm talkin to the youngins here! They are the REAL reason YOU are! This is your "present" DO NOT lead into the future with negativity. Add your history but don't subtract theirs.

I said that to say, no matter how scewed our history was our present at that time was one of forgiveness, love and blessings. Make your present count!

 I don't really know who the "yougnins are" BUT... IMO, if you started DJing AFTER 1990 you a youngin, and I could be dead ass wrong, but that's my story and Im sticking to it!

The future, not sure what my future holds I DO know that I will walk a little differently, because at the time she passed over it seemed as if all she wanted me to be, I became. I got her strength, I got her dignity, Cause you got to be a strong muthafucka to tell the Dr's to let your mother go! 

The youngins are keeping, "this thing of ours" relevant, vets...LET THEM! but pull their coat tail if they fuck up! Call em to the carpet if they speak on history that they were not a part of. Teach them/us.

Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, Ken Collier, Dwayne Montgomery, Aaron Carl.  Those brothers shaped and molded the music as my mother shaped and molded me. They are no longer here. She is no longer here.. but they all live on in us! It would be a shame if we let all they did go for not! Know the history, make new history, dance in the present...consider the future, and make it better!

Music is the diary of our lives, let the memories be fond, allow the beats to bang, tell the people who and what they are and why they are., and as Always

Let The Music Play!!

P~

PS., I love you mommy

Vacation Day with Osunlade

Vacation Day with Osunlade

Charivari Picnic- let the new era of summer fun begin!

We are now, about three weeks in since the Charivari Picnic and I have to say, I should have written this Blog just after..but I'm human and honestly just wanted to let it all sink in.

Gotta say, the folks that threw this all together did one helluva job. - Shouts out to the DJs who "MADE" the picnic they will be addressed later in the Blog. 

If you want to know the story of Charivari you'll just have to read my last Blog..( well it was copied from Todd Johnson with a forward by yours truly) cause honestly its too long to rehash the story... anywho just read it!

 A group of now mid 40ish men and women who were at the forefront of the party scene here in Detroit decided they wanted to showcase who they are and what made this scene what it is today. We are the party generation.. yeah we are some pretty cool middle aged folks..(don't trip! its the truth) 

The feeling was electric..the musical vibe was right on point, and the people danced! They enjoyed each other, they enjoyed the music, the park.. the kids even had a great time. 

--I have to sidebar here and say, one of the things I liked best about the picnic was the fundraising that took place for our very own angel Ms. Angela Patillo-Burns, it showed me that we do look out for our own.. hats off to everyone who contributed!-smile

When my, top 40 music loving daughter had a great time. ( she is STILL talking about it) and has stated SEVERAL times she can not wait until next year... I KNEW they had a hit. 

The face of the event was Steve Dunbar, Todd Johnson and Teresa Hill but there are so many more. Kevin Bledso, Grant Grey,Al Heath, Hasan Nurulla(lord I hope I spelled that right)  and countless others.. sorry I don't know all of your names. The volunteers.. the support of others who believed in this just as the Charivari Detroit team did. We pulled together to make this event all about US ( you, me, them, black, white, young, old) ! Street teams, other connections banding together for the greater good! The sponsors, very well put together sponsorship package.. this was no fly by night event! Many man/woman hours were spent to make this thing jump.

You all DID IT!! and did it well! From the after parties to the picnic it was a just a fabulous time had by all. 

The look on Tamar Dunns face when she said, " I haven't seen some of these people in 30 years" she was damned near giddy.. we had the perfect spot.. the set up as well as the weather was perfect. God surely blessed this event.  The focus was Detroit DJs, but being the forward thinkers that they are they also brought in others. The stand out was a twelve year old girl., DJ Young 1 she was the highlight of the event.  The music lives in her and our children.. and she wants to learn how to play vinyl..DIG THAT! DeeJay Alicia came in to show that Chitown love and as she always does... she turned it out!

DJ Roach, Jason Garcia, DJ Psycho, and a helluva set by Earl Mixxin McKinney ( more about him later)! Mike Clark, Gulf Clap, D. Wynn, Kevin Dysard the list goes on and on.. I mean they thought of just about everyone. 

THIS is another reason why I loved this event.. the focus was on "our own" Detroit LOVE! Don't compare this to MOVEMENT..its Charivari! Don't compare this to The Chosen Few.. again, its Charivari its its own entity..competing for nothing and no one, all inclusive love, but they wanted to show love 1st to home! Righteous y'all... real real right!

Now, listen.. I know y'all think I'm bias, and perhaps I am..but when Earl...and I do mean as SOON as he hit the stage he took over..people came from EVERYWHERE to hear him.. it looked just like that scene in the Color Purple when everybody left the juke joint and headed over to Ms. Shug Averys daddies church! hell maybe God WAS trying to tell us something. He hit us with a track, Now this is how it started. BUT!! I have to give credit where credit is due.. it was Al Ester who played it the night before at TV.  DJ Psycho and Gary Chandler had me under their musical spell! Tom Linder.. BOY!!! YOU DID THE DAMN THING!

When Delano ( who was at TV) jumped to his feet and said, "man where you get that" I KNEW it was a hit.. not just because Delano had turned into a kid at Christmas but also by the reaction of the people. Al had the crowd in the palm of his hand that night and Earl had the crowd in his hand the next day.  That song and that song alone was the theme of the event!

When you see a DJs eyes light up you know you working with a monster! Norm, followed The Sonic Natives., and you know I sat there mesmerized by what I heard before and what I was hearing from him. Rick followed Norm, and he had just gotten back from somewhere overseas..but he played like he had rested for days. Both Norm and Rick's set was perfection.. I don't expect any less from them! There I sat, behind The Sonic Natives, Norm Talley, and Rick feeling like a proud mom.. saying, "look at my boys"!

I did not get to hear Moody's set.. I'm sorry KDJ Jr. you know I loves me some YOU but I'll catch you on the rebound lil homie! WAIT!! I didn't get to hear Delano either..damn, I'm so ashamed!

Point is these DJs played with SO much enthusiasm.. they were so happy to be there and we were just as happy to hear them. In my opinion they played so well because the focus was on THEM! ( well some did not) -hears a clue.. if nobody was dancing then you were NOT playing like you should...another side bar. If I hear ONE MORE DJ say, " I started to REALLY hit em with some hot shit" I'm going to fucking shoot you! I don't care if you play for a crowd of 30 or 300 you PLAY!! all that, "I can't play for no hour" is BULL---SHIT!! yo ass KNEW you had an hour to play when they ask you! and another thing.. if you didn't like your time slot, ya punk ass should have respectfully declined instead of whine.. It was up to YOU to select a BANGIN ass set.. sucks to be you if you didn't! Save all that smack for someone who doesn't know any better!- and any DJ that doesn't care if people are dancing to what they are playing is a special kinda stupid!

I got to meet some of my new Facebook friends.. Shane Cox- he is such a cutie! Pretty bummed that I did not get to meet Bryan Bright or that Adam Francesconi or Gari Romalis did not get to play. ( um, Charivari crew TRUST me on this.. Adam, Gari, Marcellus, Huck, and Theo should be on the bill next year)- are there some I would say should NOT play next year, but of course I think there are..but out of respect to both the organizers and the ( in my opinion) lack luster DJs I will reserve my comment.  They are some pretty smart Cats so they know what to do!

Over all it was a COMPLETE success.. a standing ovation is needed, and not just for the organizers, but also for their partners, who I am SURE endured massive headaches, late nights, long phone calls, endless meetings, running arounds, and husbands/wives who went AWOL.., but THAT is the sign of a GREAT partnership.. when you have someone who has your back 100 % and your dreams are their dreams.. you're working with winners., so for the wives.. girlfriends and boyfriends, hats off to you! - and anyone who does not understand and recognize that their dream is your dream and they are willing and happy to share you with others is INCREDIBLY STUPID! but stupid is as stupid does!! but I digress... 

My prediction, ya going to out grow that park.. sad but true! You all kept it 98% Detroit, and that's more than I can say for some. You gave back..and yes there are some who feel you don't play well with others ( not everyone is going to love/like you) here is one thing NO ONE can dispute, the turn out and the vibe was phenomenal the music was top notch.. you showed us, you made us remember the feeling we all had when we 1st feel in love with this thing of ours!

No clicks, no hate ( well..I mean..) not from those who REALLY matter.. all others were peons so fuck em! No one had that, "Look at me, I'm the best" attitude..well, one  or two did but again.. not everyone can see the greater good!

Keep up the good work peoples... this event will go on and on and on! The music lives on, as is evident in our children who ALL had a wonderful time., and that's what its all about!

Let the Music Play

P~

http://www.charivaridetroit.com/

Spin Cycle #11 - Bruce Bailey, Gruv:Detroit Eric Johnson, Tony Dennis, D...

Let the music play… PJs story!

Im going to share who I am,  why I started writing, and what almost stopped me from writing. 

This is my story...

I write about everyone because for the most part, I put others before myself... ITS MY TIME TO SHINE!

From the time I can remember I have always yearned to be accepted. 1^st by my mother who joyfully explained that when I was born, not only was I the funniest looking "THING" out of all of her kids but also just as gleefully explained that she faked being sick so that she would not have to be bothered with me the first 5 days of my life!

Growing up wasn’t all that great either, while I had the BEST dad a little girl could ever wish for. I also had two sisters that hated the fact that I ever came into the world, and they made damn sure I remembered that every day of my childhood.  No matter what, I tried my best to get them to love and accept me to no avail.  From, allowing other neighborhood kids to pick on me for being the funny looking little girl with the reddish blond hair, the chubby but always cute as a button kid.  To letting me know that I was not the little sister they EVER wanted. Guess they did not want to share our father. Too bad, I was here and always tried to keep a sunny disposition most important I always tried to get them to accept me.  Was I a brat…ya damn skippee, was I spoiled, indeed I was. Did I have the BEST of everything, you KNOW it! But behind closed doors I was the outcast. The sister that wasn’t wanted and the daughter that my mother decided at the VERY last minute ( April 13, 1968) she did not want to have.  The kid that blended two families together.  I was nobodies’ child. 

In our neighborhood soul and funk was the music that drove us., but I also liked Elton John, The Eagles, Santana, The Doors, Patsy Cline.. I was indeed different!

Then came Disco..WOW I was blown away, it blended the music that  I loved funk, soul,  jazz and at times..pop! I was a happy camper. By this time my eldest sister had gone off to college and I was left with the other two ( I have 3 sisters just in case you can ‘t do simple math)

The kids in my neighborhood use to tell me I didn’t belong on Soul Train I belonged on American Band Stand. It’s funny now, but back then it was meant as a taunt did my sisters EVER come to my defense..ABSOLUTELY NOT!- but just so I don’t make them out to be total assholes they were older than me and who has time for their bratty little sister?! I just remember feeling like “I wish they would defend me” (this would change as we got older).

Time passed and we moved out of our old hood ( cause by this time it had ceased to be a neighborhood)- here I was stuck on 7 mile and Livernois, smack in the heart of the upwardly mobile, affluent black community. Snobs who again- treated me like trash cause I was the new kid who did not fit in I did not attend Gesu( Newsflash)- the school I did attend was FAR more affluent than punk ass Gesu.lol

 The music turned Progressive and I felt like I was in some kinda musical heaven/ haven.  Around 81’ 82’ I discovered this club on E. 7 mile and John R.  It was dark, big, and loud and I could get lost.  In myself in the music., it soothed my soul,  it made me happy.  I can’t tell you who worked the door, or what DJ was playing that wasn’t my concern. I was there for the music.  I didn’t want to know the players cause in my mind they were just a bunch of snobby kids- or maybe I just had a chip on my shoulder..naaaw them niggas was S-N-O-B-S!  Point is I didn’t have to be accepted by anyone. I understood the music, and it accepted me.  Of course me being who I am I still tried to cultivate friendships- nameless faces of people I can’t remember.

Then my world came crashing down on me. My beloved father passed away right in front of me and there was nothing I could do to save him. – A story I won’t share but you get my point! Prior to my fathers passing he and my mom ( who I still shared a very shaky relationship with) had purchased a 36’ cabin cruiser both it and I were the love of my father’s life.  Not to say that my sisters was not as loved., they most certainly were., but I was the baby. “The last button on Gabriel’s coat” as my father would say.  He loved us all equally we were all daddies girls. I just happened to be born last and they were old so intern I was spoiled.  My mom decided to keep the boat after my fathers passing and in the summer that left me ample time to be alone and party..if not at my house where a few high school friends would gather.,then elsewhere in the neighborhood.  It was the time of Progressive and I like to say the beginning of House.  Through it all there was the music. Rap was in its infancy and of course I LOVED it! But being a Disco fanatic, this new  Progressive form of music had me, hook, line, and sinker.

I never really “hung” with a particular crowd in high school because most of the kids had known each other for years. Here I was coming from an affluent school located in Bloomfield Hills. I gained a few friends, discovered a family member or two..but once again, I was an outsider.  What brought us together was the music.  Tommy Martin, the DJ, we through a few parties together.  I mean we were by no means the club kids but we fared pretty well.

Then in the summer of ’84 I met the man who would not only change my life but gave me the 1^st of my greatest gifts.. a backyard party in Southfield., Marla Woodford’s house. I met my 1^st true love.. and the father of my son.  Once again, it was the music that brought us together.  He had on the entire outfit from RUN DMC’s 1^st album( including the hat)- he was from off 8 mile and y'all know how they rolled… and you could not TELL ME this man was not fine as wine!  He was Addias from head to toe.. (i've always loved a well put together man)- He went to Mumford.. I went to Bene, I remember all too well girls not understanding how this chubby chick could land a dude like Bernard Foreman..it was simple my personality, charm, and wit! He never understood why I liked this kinda music. However, he was the one who introduced me to Cheeks nightclub on 8 mile Rd. Where, I got to hear, Allan Ester and Hotwaxx Hale for the 1^st time.  He would take me to Studio 54 and parties out in Livonia( whatever the name of that hall was). For the 1^st time I did not feel like an outsider.

Since we had a great family structure with our son ( by the time Brandon was 2 we had broken up) I was able to party.. yeah I went to all the local hot spots..that’s where I first heard of this DJ Bruce Bailey. Id already heard of Vernon English.. I was HOUSE by this time. Id heard Earl, Dwayne, Kevin, Delano, and countless others.  And y'all not gonna believe this but for the life of me I cannot remember where or when I 1^st heard Norm Talley..scuse me, that’s The Illustrious Norm Talley-in my church lady giving the announcements voice.

Time went on and in 91’ I got a niece, Lauren and my bond with my sister grew.  I was finally getting the love and acceptance I always wanted from that particular sister. I felt like I finally fit in.  ( oh wait,, I think the whole Bruce thing came after 91’) ANYWHO., it was short lived. She got married, I got married. I stopped going to parties in fall of 2000 I know cause I got pregnant with my daughter right after that.  I was on the outside again. 

Fast forward..( I know this is a long Blog but it only gets better I promise) Tomika Murry starts taking me to this club called LoLa’s ( the ink wasn’t even dry on my divorce papers yet)- that damn Thelma lol and back in the House scene again.  It was 246 to me.. the Music Institute, The Club House Tavern.  It was Gables, Snobs , Brats, Charivari. (everything I remembered growing up) I knew the faces but not the names..an outsider.

Then came L!V now M!X.. a job lose and a sick son..a still horribly bad relationship with my mother., and my sisters and I just were  not close. Music became my drug( good thing jobs don't test for partying too hard) I took a deep dive cause I needed an escape. and I found the perfect pusher. The pusher and I clicked like nobody’s business, inseparable the Yin to the others Yang.. for the 2^nd time in my life I was head over heels in love and I finally fit in.  I was no longer an outsider, I felt accepted by someone.  I found friends I considered sisters..  I found music and places that made my smile through ALL the bullshit I was going through. I got to meet and become friends with DJs that I had heard. I met Al Ester, and Hotwaxx and Delano, and Piranha,  I got to know Rick as someone more than just an alum.  I was just going through SO MUCH SHIT!! The only thing that kept me together besides my kids… was the music and the pusher.  So one day I decided to write., and the Blog was born. Id found my place.  What I did NOT count on was the backlash that would come with it. My thought was that EVERYONE can get along. I was friendly with everybody.. we were going to sing and hold hands and dance. WRONG!!! WRONG!!  What I found was that things I shared(about MY life) got twisted, talked about, shared with others, laughed at! I shared because I thought I could trust. I was naïve.. you see that little girl that always wanted to be accepted, wasn’t., she was a grown woman..and she (I) looked for acceptance/love. (I) still loved with the same vigor as(she) I had when I was a child. Only to be looked down upon.  Laughed at and talked about.  Now I have to admit, had I not shared, then maybe no one would have anything to say about me( but folks are folks and what they don’t know they will make up). So I hold accountability too.  So here’s the thing.

Your past shapes and molds who you are..but does it define you? In some instances, yes! Only YOU have the power to change and let it go. By any means necessary. ( mine was House music and Blogging) I truthfully let it define me., and I let the music and the DJs take me away from all the madness that was going on in my life.  All I need are my children and my TRUE friends/sisters.  Let me say this..before you open your punk ass pie whole about ANYBODY make damn sure you have NEVER been in a fucked up situation or way. Have some fucking compassion for others., instead of flippin yo lip and pointing fingers., keeping up shit, trouble making.  Some of you act like you are still in fucking grade school and my dumb ass fell for some of your bullshit and shenanigans – my fault my bad! For trusting.- but them beats was bangin oh, the music!

Thank you Goddess Stephanie aka Stuff the Puff for showing me that despite it all still love, but from a far. Thank you Piranha for the Remix of A Mothers Love., that got me through the toughest times of Brandon’s illness. Thank you Taz for always playing that song when I was in the club..   Thank you Tomika for NEVER EVER leaving my side, having those “Come to Jesus meetings” where often times you played the role of Jesus,  and loving me for exactly who I am. You are the BEST friend anyone could ask for. Thank you Ron Spears for your poetry, Thank You Marcellus ( that’s my own baby crying) Pittman- you know why. Thank You Sean Tate for helping me reaffirm my love for the Lord in the lowest of times. Thank you, Jon Easley for being an ear you are truly my brother from another mother!. Thank You TJ Dumas for the same. Thank you Tracey Marvin for pushing me to promote.,  Safe travels to you.  Thank you Delano for this one track you made that I play over and over and over. It has a voice over of an Al Sharpton sermon- it’s my motivation, sorry I don’t remember the name.  Thank you Angie Vincent-for a host of things. Thank you Dee-Jay D Former you are forever my brother.   Thank you Earl for trusting me with the Sonic Natives. Thank you Todd Johnson for, well.. just about everything! Thank You Ms. Iris Renee Cole a true source of inspiration..I LOVE YOU! Thank YOU Kellie Talley- our conversation did not go in one ear and out the other! Now if you could DJ Norm would no longer be my fav lol! Thought I was going to break down that night and you kept me together with your kind words and friendship. thank you thank you thank you! Jackie Lewis you too! Lori Wilson ya helped me find the strength that I'd lost for a hot minute! thank you! Darryl Sanders. Thanks for those affirmations, I read them daily.

  I DO fit in.. I am not LOST! i'm accepted because I..ME ..PJ accept who and what I am, flaws and all! I'm NOT weak, or have low self-esteem. I hurt but I heal! I AM somebody’s child... God's. I’m better for the experience.  I learned that not everyone is smart enough to know what real love and friendship is. Ive learned that you can have someones back 500% and they have yours 25% Not everyone knows how to appreciate what they have. I learned loved is accepted but not respected and for the selfish and confused often rejected.  You taught me to listen and I heard you loud and clear.  Now, let me make this perfectly clear. Do NOT ever expect appreciation from me., not a conversation, not a nod, NATHAN!! Call it a character flaw, but once I’ve been treated as if I NEVER mattered then you can be on the side of the road dying and I will walk over your soon to be rotting corpse and not think or blink twice. I am no longer that little girl trapped in a grown woman’s body!  I got over my father dying and loosing people very close to me.  My job, my home, my standard of living, everything I have ever owned. Still I rise! Why, because I, Paula Michele Johnson..am a PHENOMENAL WOMAN!

I’m still gonna party, I’m still gonna write, I still hate those 3 bitches.. I'm still gonna smile.. I'm still gonna

Let The Music Play

P~ 

Motor City Wine..Good Vibrations, Did I mention they have WINE!!

With all the hustle and bustle that is/was MOVEMENT weekend the last stop I made was at one of my favorite hunts... MCW.  It was there that I got to hear some of the most talented international DJs.  Thomas Detune (Belgium)- this kid is going places, my brother Deejay D-Former (France)-flawless DJ, Rennie Foster (British Columbia)- his mixes and ear for music is top notch and Claus Bachor (Germany)- I have to stop here and mention, not only is Claus one helluva DJ but that man.. SWEET JESUS- while he aint bad lookin now, but back in the 80/90's he was so damn good looking he could have been a Hollywood A-lister. I may not have understood one word of German, but his ass was so damn fine I would have just smiled and nodded- and to think, I thought only German cars where a thing of beauty.  My Detroit favs.. The House Gallery,  Jay Ramsey ( new father and keeper of the Afro) Jason Garcia ( tune selector extraordinaire) and the one I have coined Bruce Banner aka Adam Francesconi. ( don't let that mild manner exterior fool you) once Adam gets behind the tables he turns into a formidable BEAST!  The incredible Jeff Arthur, Derrick Thompson and DJ Raybone,  You couldn't get more of an international flavor if you were are Ihop., and all for FREE!!!

That day was just like the absolute best for so many reason's one of them being the venue. I've spoken about the Life that is L!V now M!X, the underground feeling that is The Grasshopper.. The system that is TV! With the MCW you get, understated elegance, fine wine, good vibes and awesome host.
I can imagine what's on the club/bar minds., and this goes for all of them, Tree, Angie, Troy and the A-P's.. it must be a pretty heavy load.. but with good music, a stellar staff, and regular crowd maybe is puts the mind at ease.

  Raven and James behind the bar.  David and Melissa keeping watch, and if the DJ is real REAL rite.. you will see one of the coolest dudes to ever grace the planet DANCE.  The Cat I'm speaking of is the owner of this swank lil place I call home. David and his fireball of a wife and the life of any party Melissa A-P

-- ok I have to take pause, cause I now have like several homes.. and I love them all., but when I want to chill with my sisters, Tracey, Tomika, Lori, Laurie, Em, Dora, Stephanie, LaRhonda, Che, Lisa, Biggie Smalls (damn its a LOT of y'all heifers) THIS is the place I like to be. By the time we leave that place the fun times are ingrained in us all. Not to mention the MANY bottles of wine we have managed to guzzle down!

They started on Jefferson just above Forans, from its inception this is the place where vinyl SHOULD be played. These two folks ( hereto and henceforth known collectively as the A-P's or Dave and his Boo Thang or Melissa and her Stud Muffin)- well those two have carved a spot in the House community and built both the 1st and the new location with love, a good 5-10 plan, and hours upon hours of sweat equity. Maybe that's what endears that place to me so. 

Now, with David what you see is not really what you get., yeah he IS quiet, and seems to be a bit standoffish, but if you work from quit to can't and you have a wife that is on 1000 like 24 hours a day hey, it's what works for him. He smiles, he dances, he loves what he does and has, everyone has a chance with him.. (well not everyone) but you understand. Not to mention...he's Canadian lol... Funny story: I did NOT think he was a real person- cause I never saw the dude. When I DID finally meet him, I had the same reaction as the M&M's did when they met Santa for the 1st time. - (Christmas commercial reference)


Dave's Boo Thang,. Here is a person that is a human rainbow, flower, unicorn, cotton candy, she is everything that is beautifully human.. everything that little girls are made of all wrapped up in one itty bitty package covered in 100% pure goodness. She couldn't be more sweeter if Willy Wonka made her himself.  Don't be no fool however, she is smart as a whip and is the Yin to his Yang.  There are times I wonder, "where in THEE hell did those two hook up and just WHO did the hookin"? cause they are so different. I guess Opposites DO attract and I'm glad they did.

Together they have (again) built a solid foundation for House and Jazz, the people that walk in there are from all walks of life. Uptown, downtown, otha towns, and its something for EVERYONE! From Whodats vinyl sets, Scott Ashleys, Jazz, The white militant midget ( Good Times reference) aka Todd Weston ( The Hot Pot), the smiling Huckaby,  Criag.. Rick Wilhites, Beautiful Sunday...its just THEE "in" spot!- its no passing faze they are here to stay!

Along with a wide selection of wine, you are bound to hear or run into some of the BEST House has to offer.. and none of these people need a last name. Delano, Cordell, Tom Linder, John, Scott (Grooves- ok I needed to differentiate) Carl Craig...and my all time FAVORITE -say it with me people... the ILLUSTRIOUS Norm Talley ( in my church announcers voice) Alton, Mike ( oh damn-guess they DO need last names) Huckaby and Clark, Malik, Marcellus, and two of Detroit most understated DJs Jon Easley and Sean "The Butcher" Tate- now I don't know what all those knobs and buttons do, but the night The Butcher played I can honestly say I have never heard a DJ freak those buttons and knobs like he did- we need to hear him play more. Ive seen that place turn into a revival - see Jamie 326 Blog. When Jamie played I don't think I saw David leave the floor. We enjoy the cozy comfort of the patio the warm rich sounds that emanate from the system.. The night my lil big brother Earl banged a vinyl set that was so hot we all left in the dead of winter without coats on.  The list goes on and on.. its a slice of heaven right on Michigan Ave. Its a place where your mind can be clear, its a place where the dance floor is open and inviting..its safe, its warm, its cozy...

I'd like to see where the MCW will be in 5-10 years, the new flooring that's going down on the patio, the wall made of empty wine bottles, the synergy!

A few Blogs ago I wrote about whites leaving the club when the good colored folk come in the door.. NOT here we are ONE in this spot and that is such a beautiful thing.

Here are a few things I've observed about the MCW, you're NOT going to get a full menu- who needs one when they had the keen notion to help other entrepreneurs with the pop up restaurant(s)-people helping people, you may not see David smile a lot but when he does it's so sweet- hell he doesn't need to Melissa has a smile that could melt the polar ice cap, you're not going to get a Long Island, why... CAUSE IT'S A WINE BAR SILLY! You WILL get great "wine" snacks.. ecofriendly owners, fantastic talent, and relaxed atmosphere. 

Look for more Beautiful Sunday's, more Jazz and vinyl club, more wine, more smiles, more music.

Here are a few things I'd like to see - in order of importance!
A. David to grow his hair back. -yep, I said it!
B. More cook offs- that was fun.
C. The new sound system that's going outside.
D. Craig and Mike Huckaby to play together- I just think it would be cute.

I have many favorite spots, and I simply adore the owners and staff but this place is special.. here you have two very different people with a love for music, fine wine and people. Simplistic beauty.  As Melissa would say, " That's pretty friggin awesome"- as I end this and say goodnight I can see Melissa's smile, and its the best smile I have every had the pleasure of seeing. Because its genuine- and full of love and it just don't get no better than that! Mama and Papa Vino-you two birthed greatness!

Let The Music Play

P~

...and they were just kids The story of Charivari

This Blog is just a Forward by ME...Yours truly PJ. My 1st experience with this whole party scene of ours was at l'uomo's ( yes dammit I know I spelled it wrong)- sue me. Not the one on 6mile where Al Ester and Earl McKinney use to sneak off to but the one on 7 and John R. I was in the 7th or 8th grade. What I remember is a big dark club where the music just saturated your core. I didnt know the DJs or the ones hosting the party, I just knew I was going...and I did, and I LOVED it! There were other parties at other venues but the ones I went to always seemed to be at the Y(mca or wca). I do remember the flyer's and seeing people like Kevin Dysard, Al Heath etc etc...

I did not know the movers and shakers but I heard the names on the street. Kevin and Brian Bledso, Steve Dunbar and the like. I thought these Cats were like WAY older than me., but they weren't. The one I never heard of was Todd Johnson...little did I know I would come to meet the man who continues to be a source of inspiration and on some days perspiration he will work you like a Hebrew slave.. but he's funny so the work aint that bad. All in all he is a pretty good boss. He is my mentor and my friend. He also has a wing span of 80 inches...( I ask him that question..THATS how I know). I can't tell the story like he can. What I can tell you is this.

The 1st time I met Al Heath was at TV..I remember people coming up to this man like he was the Dom ( or something close to it) I was in total awe. The 1st time I met Steve Dunbar was at the Grasshopper- he seemed like a pretty shy guy but all business..I was a bit intimidated with that one. I met Todd via Facebook and I have been a fan ever since. He too is a writer ( Nasty As I Am)- pick your copy up today! Of all the ones I have mentioned I know Todd the best and I really don't know him at all.

What I like about these Cats is still after all these years, they remain relevant. This summer they will be hosting what is sure to be the most talked about event of 2014. What they have planned for you is nothing short of amazing.

These dudes were just KIDS and they made money damn near better than any CEO of a fortune 500 company. I can not tell the story, BUT I know someone who can.

Ladies and Gentlemen...the story of Charivari-yep I A'hem.. "borrowed" it from Clark Drive only he can tell the story of what made them great. I can tell the story of what made the picnic great..( but you will read about that sometimes in August) Pictures stol...um borrowed from Kevin Dysard, Kevin Bledso, Steve Dunbar, Al Heath, and Clark Drive.

Charivari

June 14, 2013 at 6:22pm

In my opinion, Charivari over all other clubs, symbolizes the best of the popularity, success and failure of the early 1980's party era.  The humble beginnings of Charivari start with a young group of high school kids out of Detroit Public School's Mumford High who organized some rambunctious outings to the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Charles “Chucky” Clark decided he would like to start a party social club to rival the success of GQ, CharlesLove and the Funtime Society, Plush and Dwight & Company. The elder and most successful party clubs of the time. He enlisted classmates Darryl Harvey and Brian Bledsoe. Clark figured Bledsoe was a master planner and visionary and Harvey was key, as he had previously formed the Ritz Sound Company, which featured the talented, and charismatic Darryl Shannon. That would mean they wouldn’t have to pay for music.

Charles Clark was a wide eyed, energetic ball of energy. He had an infectious smile and a appetite for adventure and spirits.  I was introduced to Clark by a mutual friend, guitarist Randall Jacobs. I reminded Clark we had met briefly the winter before, as he was the last guest to leave the annual New Years Eve party I gave along with Tim Slater and Hassan Nurullah. We found Chuck drunk but friendly while cleaning up, laid out on the basement couch at the end of the night. Clark shared with me the story of his first Charivari party. He wanted me to listen, offer comment on his plans and design a flyer that would be different than the competition. Clark spoke passionately of his vision and where he saw his club's future as membership was increasing. I asked,“What do they get for membership?” Clark answered bluntly with a sly smile, “GIRLS!” He spoke proudly of his team and his partner, Brian Bledsoe and Darryl Harvey. I told him I would help him but only talk to him, Brian or Harvey. I’m not in the club and don’t need the membership perk. But I wanted all the equipment rental loot and to do an occasional flyer.

Brian Bledsoe was the dreamer and thinker. Brian came up with the clubs name from the iconic Charivari clothing store in NYC founded by Selma Weiser after reading GQ Magazine. The Charivari store was New York’s first avant-garde multi-designer boutique and was legendary. Brian saw the group as an avenue to bigger and better things. He wanted to write, influence fashion, produce films, and travel the world. Brian was interesting and easy to talk to. I talked to Brian for hours.

One particular afternoon discussing ongoing business at his mother’s kitchen table on Hessel, his brother Kevin never joined from the couch but did add at one point, “why do we need you?” My answer, you don’t. But a healthy Charivari means I make more money giving you lights, music, flyers and even funding. So why not help you. It’s to my advantage. We had already enjoyed a good working relationship over the months and I sweetened the pot when I explained I would fund the upcoming Christmas party at the Park Avenue but I want to do the flyer, decoration, dj, music and lighting setup,  everything.

My split at the end of the night would be $500.00 and whatever I put up returned. I explained in my opinion, “ Charivari, could be more than just a party club, you guys are actually a brand and should treat the business as such.” And it was after seeing this group in action that I coined the phrase that would become their official slogan. Our parties will keep you together while you let yourself go!

Darryl Harvey was the businessman and strategist. Harvey considered himself an innovator and was always looking for the angle. Harvey spent many an afternoon at Northland skating rink with friends Danny Lee and Jerry Duvaull. There he would meet Mike Brown who he would go on to successfully pair with Darryl Shannon to start their own DJ company – The Ritz Sound Company. So named by a member of the party group GQ that they wanted to work for. Though that opportunity never materialized, as luck would have it another Man Oh Man coworker Jonathan Webb would share with Harvey that he and some friends were starting a social club and wanted them to do the music. That club, the popular Lettermen with members ( Jonathan Webb, Rick Benson, Marshall “Skip” Howard), put the Ritz on the map with their first major exposure to the party set. 

Luckily for the trio, Brown had a driver’s license and was able to load and drive the equipment in his car. They were later joined by Joe Davison as he had built his own light show and had much needed technical savvy. Shannon brought in Davison with a phone call. “You ready? You need to get with us, bring your lights and we are doing the first Charivari backyard party.Though Shannon did not join Charivari, instead wanting to just be the DJ,  Harvey saw the definite synergy between growing his music business and creating a loyal party clientele with a popular party club. Harvey had a party side but he was the most pragmatic of the bunch. He was the last of the trio to come aboard once completing the unusual initiation designed for all potential members in the beginning. Attend and participate in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, watch Animal House in its entirety and be able to hold your liquor. No problem for Harvey and he received the standard, “your in!”

There was more than coincidental overlap with this bunch. Many had been together since Elementary school. Many grew up on or near Appoline Street on the cities Northwest side. But pivotal to their future success were jobs at Northland Mall. The center of flyer passing and networking for most party hosts. Northland Mall, situated in the southeast corner of Southfield, Michigan was the areas most popular shopping destination for African Americans. This mall had Bledsoe and Clark at Father and Sons shoe store and Harvey at the popular Man Oh Man clothing store along with Kevin Mallard, Darryl Shannon, Brian Fuller and soon Jonathan Webb, William Phelps and Dwayne Gill.

A frequent customer of the store who volunteered his services as security free of charge just to hang out would also later become Detroit party history himself, Dwylan Spencer. Northland was a Charivari party nexus.The parties were drawing so much clientele the owners of Man Oh Man would eventually put up money to fund the functions in return for the blow back in sales they were enjoying in the store. Sponsorship before anyone understood what it even was.

Rounding off the rest of the hard partying cast, Kevin Bledsoe - older brother to Brian and mostly an outside advisor in the beginning, due to his involvement in the clubs, Fifth Avenue New York, J’Carrand the Key Club, Charles Holsey, Billy Shanks, Lloyd Yancey, Darnell Smalls,William Phelps, Shaun James, Greg Odum, always steady Grant Grey, Reggie (YuckMouth) Brown, Morris Dunbar, Steve Dunbar, Danny Lee, Marc Brogdon, Kenny Bryant, Reynard Hines, Chris Duboise, Tony Bowen, Darryl (Duck) Scott, Joe Davison, Darryl Sanders, Shawn McDaniel, some dude named Hassan/Toiussant and probably more I don’t know about. Not known to most, one of the original members was Anthony Claxton who could attend all the club meetings but not the parties as he was destined for the ministry. He is now a pastor at the Life Line Christian Center Church in Detroit.

Charivari member, Danny Lee recently reminded me he was originally a member of Courtier recruited by friend Jimmy Gibson. But joined Charivari as these were the guys he grew up with. Lee who helped me organize Gables recounts that back then the more clubs you were in, the more status you had with women. And in his own words, “It was all about the women!”  Lee along with Chuck Clark and many others would agree that membership did have its privileges.

This group was fearless. One of my favorite stories being the group entering Benedictine High, a small Catholic High school in Detroit. And did I say private which didn’t stop the group from sneaking in, entering the lunch room, Charles Clark jumping on a nearby table to loudly announce,  “Hey, can I have your full attention? We are Charivari and we are having a party this weekend at the YWCA. And you need to come! That it all!” And that was all after being chased from the building by approaching school security.

The parties got bigger, the money box filled. The Roostertail. The Park Avenue Club. Ten thousand large at Luomo Seven Mile.  Renting an entire floor of the Michigan Inn. The boys were on fire and success brought about excess as membership swelled with affliates brought on from everywhere.  Member William Phelps was popular from his Cut Above barber business in high school. Member Kenny Bryant was recruited because girls loved his ponytail and he wore safety pins down his Levi’s.

The Charivari model was that every member would have a particular purpose. Grant Gray and Greg Odum were artists and oversaw flyer design. Darryl Harvey and Kevin Bledsoe were the wordsmith, Joe Davison had access to a large motor home/van appropriately named the Love Den. Members would kick in $2.00 each for gas and they could drive all week in their own mobile party transportation. Unfortunately, the businessmodel of most party social clubs of the time was very much George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Everyone was equal but some more equal than others.

Chucky Clark original membership perk of “girls” also included props, jackets, buttons,handfuls of flyers, and a growing extended family. It didn’t always include a split.  This would prove to be a sore spot for the group and some of the members. The first to depart over proper compensation to competing clubs was William Phelps who would briefly join the soon to be started Gables and go on to great future success with partners, Wil French (Will and Wil), Rodney Howell and Darnell Smalls,(Upfront), the Network crew (William Phelps, William Tandy, Wil French, Ron Scott. Roger Yopp) and his current solo endeavor, Will Phelps Global and its many offshoots. 

Next Mark Brogdon would follow. And they did leave with their proper split after a brief confrontation and some negotiation in the Bledsoe family home. (In Marc's own words) That's only part of the way it went down. When we started Charivari, the rule was only 7 members at even given time. We were probably the most successful of the clubs in Detroit at the time. I never saw any money up until that point. I was the youngest in the group, so I didn't know any better. LOL.

You somehow got involved with Charivari and the group dynamic changed. It became more of a business. There became two factions. It wasn't the Charivari I help build. 

When Phelps and I heard how much money was being made, we went to Bledsoe's house to talk about it. He said, " Y'all aint' getting anything.

He pulled out a huge knife and sat on a table and starting stabbing the wood table with the knife.

They eventually went into the bedroom and came out with a wad of cash. Gave Will and I some money to quiet us, and it was done. 

I didn't go to Snobbs or another club, I started Peeples.

Everyone was trying to live up to that Charivari/Gables vibe, but it was done for me. I left for College after that and they tried to recreate Charivari with a younger crew, but to me it didn't work. There was a fight or shooting and it was a wrap.

There it is...that's the story.

We tried to film a Charivari movie telling the whole story, but it obviously never happened. Would be great though. Lost boys meets the Outsiders.
Even Harvey himself was kicked out of the group after suggesting they pool their earnings together and form an investment club. Pretty cutting edge for an 18 year old.  Perhaps having a father that was an Economics teacher rubbed off. Or perhaps it was some jealousy brewing underneath as him being one of the main faces of the club brought whispers of people calling the group, ChariHarvey. He would be approached soon after this dismissal by rival club Courtier head, William Tandy to join with them. Harvey declined.

My close dealings with Charivari as well as the other party social clubs (Raphael, Courtier, Remnique, Next Phase, and GOG – an obscure but profitable group out of Cooley High and more) revealed by my conservative estimation, these combined groups were taking in over $50,000 monthly from 1980 thru 1981. And that’s CASH as I’m sure the statute of limitations of the IRS does not apply to minors and undocumented income generated over thirty years ago. This does not include the financial impact this party clientele created for Northland Mall (Donna Sacs, Man Oh Man, etc) Dennys, the Greektown arcades,record stores, printers, button makes (A Day Badge Company) and more. There were real dollars exchanging hands and I realized that the door or many doors was what you wanted. (That is another story) Back to Charivari…

I was currently persona non gratis with Charivari and some of the others as I was club competition with my recently started Gables. We went heads up a few times on the same night and efforts were made to extinguish my presence or influence on the scene. Steve Dunbar recently explained the walking orders that were popular at the time, “Todd Johnson is the enemy, taboo and those bullshiting ass Gables.”  But at Charivari central, I was the least of their problems. The core shake up continued as founding member Charles Clark had enlisted in the United States Army in April. Followed later that year under the buddy plan, Brian Bledsoe and Morris Dunbar.

Kevin Bledsoe took over full lead and Daryl Harvey was returned to the fold. . The club was in turmoil but that didn’t stop the momentum. A meeting was called to announce major changes as Charivari was getting out of the high school party business as membership had aged to the bar crowd but to some members surprise they were told, “some of you can’t make the transition.” The cuts were deep but the group was leaner and more efficient. Legend has it that the early techno classic, Sharevari, released by Capriccio Records from group A Number of Names (Paul Lesley, Sterling Jones, Roderick Simpson) was based on the party club Charivari but changed the spelling to "Sharevari" to avoid any possible conflict with the Charivari party promoters. A lot of party promoters in Detroit around this time (including Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson with their Deep Space parties) were just teenagers, but were still raking in the cash. The song "Sharevari" sings the praises of cars, as well as L'Uomo Vogue,GQ, car cassettes, cigarettes, bread, cheese, fine white wine, and may thingsNorthwest Detroit party boys aspired to in 1981. A quote from Dan Sicko's Techno Rebel, "during the late 1970s/early 1980s high school clubs such as Bratts, Charivari, Ciabattino, Comrades, Gables, Hardwear, Rafael, Rumours, Snobs, and Weekends created the incubator in which techno was grown. These young promoters developed and nurtured the local dance music scene by both catering to the tastes of the local audience of young people and by marketing parties with new DJs and their music. As these local clubs grew in popularity, groups of DJs began to band together to market their mixing skills and sound systems to the clubs in order to cater to the growing audiences of listeners. Locations like local church activity centers, vacant warehouses, offices, and YMCA auditoriums were the early locations where underage crowds gathered and the musical form was nurtured and defined." Techno legend Eddie Fowlkes in his official bio stated, "I saw Darryl Shannon at the first party that I attended with my sisters at the Park Avenue Club in Detroit. Off the top of my head, I remember that he was playing B-52’s and Martin Circus` “Disco Circus”. He made the music sound seamless. The music was never ending until the party was over." This was a Charivari party. Never ending...

There were the spin offs such as girl group Shiaparelli, Kevin Bledsoes Taxi and Steve Dunbars Hardware. The most successful of the three being Hardware. Hardware’ name was conceived by Kevin Bledsoe but saw its fruition after the transition under the business plan of Steve Dunbar. Dunbar stated to Charivari membership “I’m Charivari but you are leaving some grand money on the table. The high school loot is far from over. Many of my friends are now in the new group Snobbs and they're being funded and helped by Todd Johnson. Let me put together a crew under the umbrella of Charivari and I’ll make it happen” Steve assembled members (Lonnie Peek, Edlin Turner, Lou Allen, Pat Bell, Tony Ellison, Tommy Longest, Chris Simpson, Mark Jefferson, James Shipp, Steve Banks, Lamar Irvy) $50.00 got you in.

All members after a function split the profits evenly - $50.00 kept you in or you could reinvest more for a bigger split.  Hardware's first party was a backyard party on Stout off 8 Mile. It was a huge success. But to Charivari's surprise it was further announced that night that Hardware is now its own thing. They would be a self contained unit.

Though I was taboo with Charivari core and affiliates, mutual friend Alan Heath brought Steve Dunbar to my house and he said he was looking for better sound.  He explained any beef was not with him. Steve Dunbar was an up and coming DJ in his own right. His first records were a gift from Darryl Harvey and DJ equipment was bought by Charivari’ Kevin Bledsoe with a check that is probably still bouncing somewhere.

But we were kids; some got it done however you had to back then.This party was my first Hardware party as well as when I met DJ Al Ester on his first real gig. A shooting that night and a chance encounter with Darryl Harvey cradling the injured young lady until help arrived brought us to a realization that our squabbles were perhaps small when compared to bigger things. And all of us somewhat united as friends or maybe just friendly was more profitable than always being at odds. Some of the rivalries were beginning to turn violent. 

There was a pivotal incident at the Knights of Columbus John R. where an opportunistic gunman with a shotgun thought youngsters would make easy pickings. His demand of,  “give me the damn cash” yielded “I don’t think I can do that” from admission taker Kevin Bledsoe with Greg Odum looking on. To his surprise, two pistols on each of his ears in the hands of Darryl Scott and Steve Dunbar dashed his quick cash plan. But the incidents continued and ultimately were bad for business as there were numerous fights and threats, price wars, lowering admission down to a dollar, parents denying permission to attend some functions depending on the location and the clientele was starting to divide along lines of allegiance. Most clubs quickly realized there was no fun in the dwindling profits and exposure to escalating violence.

Charivari endured and continued throwing parties over the years with an ever changing and returning membership lineup and to this day, most members remain in touch and close. We have long since patched up any of our differences wink, wink. Various members will usually gather for a casual get together, sharing some cold adult beverages or another party at least annually.

I truly believe there is no such thing as an ex-Charivari member. There are just those who were absent when the current attendance was called. But nothing has ever rivaled the pure energy of the core group of the early 1980’s. Charivari was a force of nature! And in their own words… “What was IT about Charivari that made the experience so special?” The answer holds true for all social clubs who made their mark during that era. The "It" is the culture of the brand. Charivari’s culture was, has and will always be the energy, spirit, style and rhythm of the group. Our parties will keep you together while you let yourself go, is not a mission statement for us, it’s a way of life - Live it! As Kevin Bledsoe states emphatically, “Pure friendship! I love these guys.” In a recent Spin magazined article with new sensation Kyle Hall - "Detroit techno fans have long spoken of the movement's first, second, and third "waves" of artists who came along in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but Kyle Hall represents its second generation, literally. His father ran with the West Side's "preps" scene of middle-class kids who dressed in GQ-inspired fashions and gave their parties names like "Charivari," after a New York boutique dedicated to avant-garde European fashion." Spanning generations from father to son. One of Halls earliest Detroit party experiences. Charivari!

Update Thanksgiving 2013 - Let the adventures continue…. Join the Party! www.charivaridetroit.com