Rick Wilhite, Marcellus Pittman and Jamie 3:26..or The Night Motor City Wine became a House Revival..

I have often said the House music scene is kinda like what I remember growing up in the church. I attended Apostolic Faith Temple. For those of you in the know aka.. black folk. Apostolic Faith is C.O.G.I.C ( Church of God In Christ) on Bible overload.

As a kid I remember being in church for hours...and I DO MEAN HOURS! We got to church at 8AM and did not leave until 4:30-5 ... yes that's PM, most of us don't like those hours now, and we have to work them if we want a paycheck. Imagine a kid having to go through that!!! UGH, but I got to spend time with my cousins and would often sneak away to the store down the street with my cousin Tiffany.

..My grandmother was not only the Mother of the Church but also the church pianist, so it was easy to slip away unnoticed! Or so we thought, until we got in that church van for that 6PM ride home. Grandmomma got that, "granny pinch" on Tiffany and I, and if you have EVER been pinched by your grandmother you KNOW that is the worst pain you can experience as a child... "AND YOU BET NOT CRY" ( all you could do was, wish God sent down spirits to beat this old lady that just pinched the shit out of you to hell...)-BTW, I'd like to mention that my grandmother..was born in 1898 and a graduate from what is now Tennessee State University, Owned her own grocery store in Chicago..and a small restaurant in Tennessee.. and lived to be 105 years old. She also knew Jesus by his nickname...matter fact she is the one who gave Jesus his nickname.

The only time I liked being in church was during Revival, the other churches would come and praise together. The visiting preachers who were just as boring as the Pastor of our church would give that same tired sermon. What I like were the new kids I'd get to meet, and the fun we would have.  Making fun of people shoutin (.. for those of you NOT in the "know", that's the Holy Ghost)- Its a staple in most black churches, and makes for the best jokes and memories later in life. )

The House Music thing is kinda like church, you see the same people, you laugh joke and listen to the musical sermon. If your are lucky, which most of us are.. you know both the home and visiting DJ. While we love our Detroit DJs its always good to have a visitor.

On a Beautiful Sunday, our guest minister...er'..DJ was Jamie 3:26. I had heard this Cat once before and if memory serves..(and right at this moment my memory ain't worth two dead fly's) he was good then..but on this past Sunday night Rick Wilhite, Marcellus Pittman, and Jamie 3:26 turned Motor City Wine into a House music sanctuary...and WAIT to I tell yall who, "caught the Holy Ghost" in that musical sanctuary. (ohh the visual)

Walking into the, Motor City Wine is like walking into minimalist, club/wine bar purity.. understated, yet classic. Warm appeal not to mention a wide variety of wine! If you have not been to Motor City Wine I HIGHLY suggest you put it on your, "to do" list. I have heard some of the BEST play here.

Rick had the floor on "bump" when we walked in. His set was nothing less than perfection. You could tell he was really in his element. Playing to the people he loves, in the city he loves, playing the music he loves.

Marcellus Pittman...GOOD LORD THAT MAN CAN SPIN!!! Another Detroit original., and I have NEVER heard Marcellus play the same set or the same style of House.. like, EVER!!! You can not put Marcellus into a, "House" box. This man is great at whatever genre of House there is to be played. He is more than three dimensional.. He is a MASTER DJ, an accomplished producer, and he is my Friend! ( hey, in my world "friend" is a proper noun)

If you have yet to hear Marcellus play, shame on you! He is NOT your common ordinary House Cat ya know! I thought Chocolate Thunder (aka Marcellus Pittman) threw down at the 1st Late Nite Unlimited gig.. last night, Marcellus lead the church..er' patrons of The Motor City Wine into the praise and worship part of the House music revival.

 He amazes me every time I hear him. He educates me, and this past Sunday, he danced with me. (..but more about that later).

Marcellus came in like a quiet storm, that rolling thunder off in the distance. That kind that cools you off on a hot summer day, curtains blowing in the breeze, giving you just enough heat, mixed with just the right amount of cool. But a storm nonetheless.

Never underestimate the power of a storm, never underestimate the prowess of Marcellus Pittman. He was born to spin. God's gift to him, for us.

Then..( Lord, Hold my mule while I SHOUT), the visiting Minister/DJ.. ah, Jamie 3:26 yall.. ( insert applause/Amen)

What can I say about this Cat!?!?! Oh, ok... I got it! He beat the BREAKS off us last night. He came in and turned it O-U-T!! He got up there like a good visiting Minister and started off with something to give you something to think about. ( yall don't hear me talking) #BLACKCHURCHREFERENCE

Jamie, came in that building and blew the doors off that place! Jamie took us to places I never thought I'd go/revisit. That man went from., the club, the basement parties, picnics, backyard barbeque's, Chicago disco Chicago House, Detroit House, deep soulful House, this man built up a kinda of crescendo. What you thought was the climax was just a tease.. there was another crescendo to come.

When I saw David A-P's ass on the dance floor I KNEW it had to be some kinda special. This man..( well I have never seen him dance) his lil ass was on that floor damn near all night. I was amazed...and somewhat amused.

Earl came in, and he said it best! " Jamie beat that box like it had cussed his momma out"

Now going back to the church reference... here I was standing next to 3 deacons ( so to speak) Jon Easly, Earl McKinney, and RayBone Jones)- like good Deacons they were there to encourage and hear what that visiting DJ had to play, and they were Amen'ing everything Jamie played. I watched Marcellus gig his butt off...at one point I was dancing with him and one of the Deacons..(yip, ya girl handled them both with ease).. PirahnaHead and Mondo Blaze were there also up on their feet. I mean it was like a good ass sermon. The people were on their feet with praise..

People danced, hell!! I think I saw Nancy Gavoor in another state of mind speaking in tongues.

As Jamie played some sat down to rest others stayed on their feet. Now remember I told you I was standing in between Jon, Earl and RayBone. Well Earl left, Jon left.. just before Jamie dropped some sho nuff FIYAH!! All of a sudden I look and see The Butcher on the dance floor. This Cat came from the back and got his ass on the floor!! AND WAS GIGGIN HIS ASS OFF!! For those of you who know The Butcher., he is an observer. You not going to see him on NOBODIES dance floor unless that DJ is bangin!!

Jamie then proceeds to drop another banger, I look up to see Deacon Jones ( the DJ not the football player)- doing what could only be described as some short of strange Holy Ghost like dance. That Cat was burning the floor up!.. HE too was giggin his ass off!

Ok.. remember when I said, as a kid I like seeing people catch the Holy Ghost. Now, for those of you raised in a black church. Remember when someone would, "catch it" and the other church members would encourage that spirit! Welp that is just what happened with RayBone Jones.

THAT DJ was moving like he was 18 again. Bet you Obama's salary he was sore as hell the next day! Marcellus was filled with the spirit as well! At one point I don't even think Marcellus knew where he was...oh, yes he did.. He KNEW he was in a state of euphoria!

I mean Jamie was ALL THAT! Marc King, damn near past out! We almost had to send someone in with a church fan!

I think they opened the doors of the church that night. Because if it was any ones first time there, first time hearing House.. they walked away a member of House.

Revivals always awaken you, fill you with joy and happiness, renew your hope, they stir you soul and make you  lift your hands. Revivals make you dance and sing praises.

Now some may be offend because I used the church as a talk off for this BLOG!! to that I say, SO! My Blog MY thoughts. Truth is God is EVERYTHING.. music, good feelings, togetherness, joy, and joyful dancing. He blessed these DJs...some with a gift others with a talent.. but he gave these blessing to them for us. Something to be thankful for.

A few days ago, I tried my hand and learning how to DJ..yeah, it ain't easy. People do NOT know how hard it is to catch the beat to blend one track to the next. I will stick to being a fan/member/Blogger/part time wannabe party promoter. I will continue to go the the House music sanctuaries, I will lift my hands and be thankful!

I can't wait to see what the next Beautiful Sunday line-up will look like. The 1st two have been OFF THEE CHAIN! The venue is, in a word...sexy, the wine..plentiful!!! Now this is a gig worth going to every time.. you will be moved! Its a perfect segway into the Late Nite Unlimited gig (shameless plug)

Rick, Marcellus and Jamie 3:26 (how come he just can't be 326) - turned, The Motor City Wine into a House Revival...the people danced and the DJs....

Let the Music Play,

P~

2013 A year in review, an apology to Delano..and shout out's to those who keep this thing of ours HAWT!!!

So here we are... 2014 I welcome the new year and all it has to offer. Hoping all of you find whatever you want and need in the coming months...

Ok with that being said, my last Blog was some time back in November. I had EVERY intention to write about Delano Smith's birthday. Computer issues and endless supplies of liqour made me put it off until now. So Delano, I am SO VERY SORRY....

So here we have a Cat born in Chicago raised in Detroit.. stepped away from the tables, and came back with a vengeance. This is the brief history of Delano Smith. Now, I'd always heard of this Cat but like many  others he was just another DJ in my book(boy was I wrong) At any given moment Delano can be here in Detroit or off on some whirl wind DJ adventure abroad, but where did he decide to spend his birthday...HERE in Detroit, where it all began. For someone to have a birthday in October, a cool autumn night it sure was HOT inside and out of TV lounge. It takes a special kinda of DJ to pull in crowds of folks from all walks of life. Im sure the fact that Norm Talley was spinning was another draw. ( Ok, yall KNOW im a Norm Talley FANatic) so you know I was going to give him a shout out.

....so back to NOT about Norm, lol. 

The music was just right...real right even, the people danced and that is really what its all about.  Delano gave us all he had to give and then some. It was HIS birthday but we all received the gift of his above exceptional talent, skill, and craftsmanship. That night I learned.. Delano Smith is a helluva NICE guy. whoda thought it. Real talk... I thought the man was a snob. Sorry D, but I did. I'd love to hear Delano spin more at home, but he is wanted around the globe and im not selfish.. so continue to fly my friend but can a sister get a shot glass or something the next time you travel..DAMN man!

The Sonic Natives..( and I am a part of this FABULOUS) group of men.
What do you get when you cross two Detroit legends and one Boston Banger..oh and a chick who keeps em all together... You get The Sonic Natives.. The brain child of my lil big brother Earl Mixxin Mckinney, together with Al Ester, and Chris Habibian.

I've written about both Al and Earl, but never Chris, he came to Detroit for the love of a woman, and WE fell in love with him. This man plays on a level that most Vets have issues with..( and I have heard enough of you all to say that with NO hesitation) Someone once told me its hard to spin Disco and blend House ( like I so dont have a clue so it was like...blah, blah, blah to me) but this Cat does it with ease.

As luck would have it, and the fact that I am at L!V damn near every Thursday night I happenend upon this lil dude and he was BANGIN!!! and I DO MEAN BANGIN!! This boy pulled out records that were made before he was born and he KNEW how and when to play every tune. ( I'd LOVE to see him and Pablo Diskobar do a set together) -those two...oooh boy that would not be fiyah... those two would be an INFERNO!!!

...and back to NOT about Pablo!

Chris knows his way around some slamming ass tunes and always has the perfect pitch, beat matching skills are more than impressive, blends...flawless, tracks dancable..groovable(yeah I just made that word up) everything that kid plays will have your feet pounding the floor. Look for Chris to do BIG things.. I see him traveling the globe DO NOT sleep on this Cat..more over, I love him as if he were blood. Earl always knows whats right and he did a superb job on including Chris as a Sonic Native... Oh( shameless plug) he also did a superb job of appointing ME as the C.O.O. ( Chief Operating officer)

Thank you to Troy and The Grasshopper Underground for showing us love. We sincerly appriciate you. Dom Snuggle.. if you ever need me, Im here. Look for more Sonic Natives sightings soon.

That damn Tracey Marvin, aka lil pistol starter..she never stops, even the enegizer bunny runs out of energy at some point.. she can run cirlces around him. As an individual or with HEAT, BPT, she continues to bring some great events to the House community. She is not only my big sister alMIGHTy..she is my mentor and friend. ( there are days we want to beat the hell outta each other..but hey, that's how families operate)- keep soring baby girl.  #PROUD!!!

I feel like im missing a party or two..

On to the shout outs.. Kevin Dysard, Todd Johnson (no relation), Rick Wilhite ( you know he ALWAYS gets a mention), Al Heath, Steven Dunbar, Ron White, TJ Dumas, Karl Lucas, Tink (my VERY 1st boyfriend) Thomas, Nervous Breakdown, Terri WHODAT McQueen, Detroit Hank, Shawn Michaels, Aboudi Issa, Jon Easley, Boo Williams, Allan King( here is something he did not know...his post are a continued source of inspiration-he is someone I hold in VERY high regard)- take a clue learn from a legend. MzNicky...The D'Vine1, her Boo..Brett Morrison, Andre Murph ( MEARFFFFFF) his Boo Christa Schrupp, Jennie LaFemme, that damn Marcellus Pittman, that damn Glenn Underground..- yall, Glenn will have yo side hurtin.. not ONLY is he a phenomenal DJ/Producer..but the man needs a stage, mic, and an audience.. he is FUUUNNNEEEE!!! I love that Cat! DeeJay Alicia, JMJ ( the edit king) Titian Davis, Anji Stone, Wayne Williams.. oh lord its so many of yall.. Josh Milan, Doc Link, Pablo Diskobar-if you didn't know.. you should! he is INCREDIBLE!!! INSANE!!! A BEAST!!! I'll put him up with Norm- oh wait... humm, him, Norm, Chris.. now I'd pay GOOD money to see those three BANG! Terry Hunter, Mike Dunn, a HOST of others out of Chicago- Gari Romalis, Taz, Piranha Head.. John Michael Clees, Rick Ranger, Jay Garcia, Jay Ramsey, Adam Fres..aww hell, I cant spell his name.. you know who I'm talking about- the lil dude from the House Gallery, D Wynn, Los Hermanos- who I did not know was Gerald Mitchell..( how come yall didn't tell me)- his cut on the In the Dark II compilation is simply put pure genius. track 6&12..INfregginCredible)..  DJ Lynda Carter, my politcal bad ass Todd Weston and my Late Nite Unlimited... partner in crime RayBone Jones.... congrats dude your track on that compilation CD-you know the one with Jon Easley.. is the hottest seller on the CD! - I KNOW I failed to mention a helluva lot of you! ( LOOK its 4am, I should be sleep so don't be mad)

...ANYWHO!!!

Making Our House into a HOME!! My wish for 2014.

Ive said this on many occasions. There are many rooms in Our House whatever door you open you will NOT be disappointed.

I understand we are all older and have adult things to do. Lets start acting our age. Let's put aside stupid beefs and hateration that we have. Do you all realize what we have with this.. WE(HouseNation) are the hottest thing smokin. WE are a powerful movement( I mean we have three...3) festivals coming in the summer. Charivari is BACK.. and they got some SHIT planned for US!(they wont tell me about it...but once I find out, I'll write about it). The world looks at US.. Detroit AND Chicago ( but im speaking directly to the folk here in Motown)- support your people...

• There is NO reason absolutly NONE why certain DJs get paid STUPID amounts of money to travel overseas only to come back home and play to a handful. 
• STOP looking for a handout.. parties don't throw themselves.. PAY the cover., venues and DJs have to get paid for US to have a good time.
• SUPPORT Dysards spot.. heck of a great venue, why dont I see more people there! When you work from quit to caint at a plant only to come to a spot that you opened for US to enjoy( and don't see your core peer group more often)--thats a concern! However.. Thats also LOVE... THAT's dedication!-Kevin put his money where is mouth is...good shit Dysard!! Support the venue Keep up the good work Dysard!
• L!V.. um did you all know it cost to run a club, them bottles aint free.. PAY THE COVER! and for all that is holy please TIP Chris! She is the baddest bartender in town.. Sorry Dom Snuggle this chicks got ya beat!
• The Mars Bar.. swank, cozy, top shelf spirits, SUPPORT IT!!!

One day you(WE) are going to look up and all this will be over so to speak.. Yes the music will continue but we are going to emplode.. dont let that happen.-and im speaking to the colored House Heads!

DJ's whatever beefs you have with each other.. FIX IT! At this point we have more years behind us than we do in front of us. Keep this in mind, there has only been ONE man to walk on water.. and NO ONE owns House.. keep the cockiness to a minimum! Its unbecoming, and plain and simple.. it just aint cool!!!

My House sisters, minus 1..ok minus 2, aww who am I kidding, minus 3.. lets party together without the side eye and and wispers to other ladies around.. its about the music!!! Lets just have fun with it. well... um, I guess I have to include myself in that too... but this bitch(part of that "minus" group I mentioned) got, one mo gin( hard "G") to try me and its SO not going to be nice.. its starting to wear thin and my patience is short, my fuse is lit..stay in your lane! ( the devil in me wants to say more)-...but I digress! Say, Hi to each other once in a while you may find someone you thought you did not like is someone you can love!

There is so much we have to offer one another..if the music and the scene is about love.. show it! Be it! Believe it!

I usually start my Blogs with insight about ME.. im goin to end this one that way.
One year ago today, I lost everything I ever owned.. everything I worked for.. memories I will never get back.( pictures of my children)- I never ask for a handout, I never ask for support. There were a few that kept me from going out of my mind.. God, my children, the love and support of 3 VERY special people( my besties).. the music and this Blog. 2014 I started off with a new job, a new, albeit used vehicle..and the love of a person who means more to me than anyone will ever know and one of the best teachers I ever had..I thank you!

A special shout out to Cedric Hesley..he taught me to stand my ground and don't take no shit off nobody, Sierra Donovan, she taught me to LOVE/LIVE what and who I am... Tracey Marvin... who taught me to get and keep my hustle up! Al Health and Karl Lucas.. they gave me an education on the history...I thank you! Earl Mixxin McKinney, my rock! My brother, and yes...my boss! ( I mean I do work for the dude) Goddess Stephanie..my muse! Todd Johnson(no relation) I can't even begin to tell you all the wonderful ways he has inspired me...taught me... schooled me, I thank you! I lost a lot in 2013 I gained a lot in 2013...and the one thing that kept me going( ...as it should do for you ) is to....


Let The Music Play

P~