Your story will be told..this is. our HOUSEtory

We FINALLY got our night! TV One's Unsung episode was about this thing of ours. After years of being underground someone understood that House music is here to stay and has millions of followers.

From MOVEMENT, to Chosen Few, Charivari, House in the park...House music continues to make scores of folks from around the globe move with that 4 on the floor beat..it's the same beat we hear in the womb..it's our heartbeat!

With that being said I understand why some were a little upset that others were not mentioned in the one hour special. I get that..I do! I really really do!

...Let me pause here to advise I'm not speaking as a professional because I'm not one! What I am is a fan, a lover of the music and the people who dance to it. And it hurt my little House head heart to see so many people getting upset that others had not received a mention in the segment.

1st!!! It's an hour long show! 2nd!! We don't know what ended up on the cutting room floor post production. I'm almost 100% sure during taping those they DID interview made mention of Ron Hardy, Lil Louis, Chip E etc..etc.. Cause if I don't know NOTHING else I KNOW a DJs conversation. They LOVE LOVE LOVE to talk about, "back in the day"! The parties..who were the best in their craft at the time. Playful banter that, to those not in the know may sound like a full blown argument. But it's not...it's a DJs passion.

I get my House news source from a few people. But when I REALLY want to know something my most reliable sources are. Alan King, Mike Huckaby, Jamie 3:26, and Delano Smith. Why?? Because they are CREDIBLE sources..they state the facts..(I'm sure they may put their own spin on it...but whatever- the brothers are my source) and they've been around long enough to know.
So of course I went DIRECTLY to AK's page. He's like my NPR source..fair across the board sees both sides..eloquent in his dialogue and writing style.. It's a well known fact he and Frankie Knuckles had a close working relationship..they were friends. And since AK is who he is. I'm sure stories were told and AK is one of a few(no pun intended) left to tell Frankies story. To help continue Frankies legacy.
...and the brother is doing a fine job of it!

Jamie is my local in depth news reporter..he gives me the story with commentary.. kinda like Larry King! Hard hitting, fact giving..Take no prisoners. Delano is much the same. Huck educates me. My PBS, I learn so much from him..But for this Blog imma leave my Detroit players out of it!

Insert my sadness to see the post about the non-mention of Ron Hardy..look!! I dig it.. he was just as much a part of the history as Frankie..but IMO THIS was Frankie Knuckles story...and again, In My Opinion..WHO better to tell it than his friends. Now, ya didn't see AK talk much but that's because..he doesn't talk much( well he doesn't strike me as a big talker)..enter the more vocal one, Wayne Williams..sidenote: Wayne is simply ADORBS! like I want to be his BFF SO bad! He seems like he's a LOT of fun and has a permanent "happy face"! Eyes full of wonder and merriment. And Jessie with that cute lil lisp it's vague..but it's there!

ANYWHO...

I saw so many screaming foul about Ron and others...so I go check him out via the web! He was indeed a very important figure in our journey. But it wasn't Ron's story. I know he was mentioned..I just know it! But for whatever reason once the final cut was done he unfortunately didn't make it! His story WILL be told! Lil Louis story WILL be told. Chosen Few story WILL be told. MOVEMENTs story WILL be told! Charivari's story WILL be told! It just takes time and time, music, and memories are all we have!
Let Frankie have his just due without the negative. You took away some of the magic when y'all jumped on the, "complain train"! You all are looked at GLOBALLY! Don't show anyone any ill in this House!.

No one man owns House!
No one story will tell all there is to tell!
Many things have been left out of history. But here's the most awesome thing..our House history is still being written. And there will be many MANY more stories to come.

SO...get your facts together and Your stories about days gone by written down. Because one day a producer may come to you and ask for your input and it's your duty to tell the story!

But NEVER EVER minimise others for telling theirs.

Right now Ron and Frankie are in Heaven kickin it and I'm sure shaking their heads..

This music is about LOVE!!! Point blank PERIOD! Show more respect for the progenitors of it! They played for the love of it. They played for you! And their music and DJ stylings will live on. When it's time for Ron's story to be told..it will be! Cause from what I read and heard, the man was a BEAST!
So, tell the story..and

Let The Music Play

~P

X Factor or The Miseducation of a former DJ Princess

Yeah,,, the title alone already has a few tongues wagging, a few waiting with baited breath to read past this intro and then there are those who are reading this thinking, " who is going to think this is about "me" ( insert anybody) or as I like to call it.. To whom it  may concern.. but no worries it concerns  all of you, us we, you, he, she, me!

I belong to a few groups in cyberspace and someone ask a good question. " What do you do when one  woman has your heart and the other has your back? As I was deep into the conversation I realized. You go with the one who has your heart. Cause you will only shit on the one who has your back. 

Now you may  be wondering what in THEE hell this has to do with the House music scene.. well it has a lot to do with it. 
..as most of the people I deal with are in that scene and I have seen far too many tears from my sister's.

1st I'm going to offer an apology to The House Gallery Cats cause I had full intentions on writing about them for the next Blog. 

But then Lauryn Hill came on the radio and I had to listen as I always do to each and every word of that song.  I thought about that question.." who do you love? I thought about the conversations I have had with DJs both locally and globally who have said they had a woman who did not understand them who did not believe in them. Hell one DJ told me he and his then wife had actually drawn a line through the house all because if his love for the craft. "WOW how sad" was my thought. 

I've known DJs to get with and and marry some women who, once that ring goes on the finger or that comfort zone sets in, wants that dj to stop doing what he loves.

But then I thought about some of my House sisters who have understood and have had the backs of their men be it pseudo boyfriend or real..for real for real boyfriend/husband.

I thought about some of the beautiful sisters who have been so  disrespected.. - cause fellas we DO talk. We may not name names but the situation(s) are still the same. You fucked faced retards are all the same. ( and I say that in a loving way) The ones who used these sisters always cry that same bullshit, " I'm married to the music"! to that I say..."NIGGA WHAT"!! well.. the music ain't married nor is she faithful to your ass! ( and when I say NIGGA - Im talking to yall white boys too) 

I've known some of my House sisters that have helped you build your brand.. sell your wears.. promote ya parties, take you to gigs.. been your biggest cheerleader only to continuously get treated so so badly.. but your heart belongs to a woman who didn't or doesn't understand your passion. I've seen some of you use these women who want to see you get to that place you've been trying to go since you started spinning. 

But here's the thing once a man get's his heart hurt, he will take ALL his toys and bust up out the sandbox. Some of you are too silly and simple minded to see that with this woman who has your back.. who has put up with more shit than a little bit could build mountains together.. but no,  please by all means run back to the one you love the one who has your heart.. cause she is the one who rolls over your and makes you feel..less than however she is also the one who does not support or understand your dreams and passion ( yes this is a run on sentence) 


I was once a DJ Princess then I became a Queen and I have never known a Queen to need a Prince( yeah... marinate on that for a hot second) .. the key word is "NEED" sister's you are your own Queendom and if these middle ages boys don't appreciate all that you have done FOR them, then be done WITH them! You see they were so busy reaching for Jupiter they neglected to see Venus was right within arms distance.

I was disrespected on SO many levels  - wow how much I have grown... ( can't fully blame the dude cause this is MY life and when its YOUR life its up to YOU to accept or not accept bullshit! My point being we BELIEVED in y'all..ran you from gig to gig and in some cased city to city., only to have your utter disrespect for us thrown in our faces..

There have been public displays of stupidity.. I know cause I have been involved in one or two in my House head lifetime. 

Ya can't continue to treat good people like shit. You can't continue to bite the hand that LOVES you.. cause one  day... oooh one day all that shit you pulled with come back and bite you on the ass ( or other parts of your anatomy) - then want to yell.. " I brought her on the set" Yeah brotha.. and she helped elevate your sorry ass existence! So you need to be thankful and grateful and mostly...respectful!

One sister told me the DJ she was dating told her, " I have no more use for you" that hurt MY feelings and it made me realize Karma has every ones address and you WILL have a seat at the karma cafe and get EXACTLY what is being served! Some of you have nothing but a record collection., but you have a woman who is your Harriet Tubman your Sojourner Truth trying to get you to the promise land..but you want to stay on the plantation and continue to be a slave to madness. I guess the saying is true.., " hurt people., hurt people"! Are you hurt because you haven't been elevated to the place you feel you're supposed to be in this game? Are you hurt because the one you truly love can't or won't be your...ride or die..your..right hand high!? Or are you just a selfish prick! And Mr. DJ(s) if this beat I'm bangin makes you feel," some kinda way" then feel free to match that bitch up and spin yo ass on to the next one! One day when you're old and grey you will look back on the days when you made a good woman turn into a vicious vindictive crazy person. But you married to the music..news flash that bitch don't love you!  The ones who sacrificed her soul..who has let her pride down who loved a broken man and loved him with that agape type of love did..she had your back! She danced to your tunes when no one else in the room did! She protected you and your interest. And you foolishly let her go! I hope that brings you comfort when your hands no longer work. When you have no more gigs to play. When people only remember you in passing.

 It could all be so simple

But you'd rather make it hard
Loving you is like a battle
And we both end up with scars
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

Is this just a silly game
That forces you to act this way?
Forces you to scream my name
Then pretend that you can't stay
Tell me, who I have to be
To get some reciprocity
No one loves you more than me
And no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin', It ain't workin' (No, it ain't workin')
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy, this is crazy (This is crazy, uh-huh!)

I keep letting you back in
How can I explain myself?
As painful as this thing has been
I just can't be with no one else
See I know what we've got to do
You let go, and I'll let go too
'Cause no one's hurt me more than you
And no one ever will

No matter how I think we grow
You always seem to let me know
It ain't workin', It ain't workin' (It ain't workin')
And when I try to walk away
You'd hurt yourself to make me stay
This is crazy, this is crazy

Care for me, care for me!
I know you care for me!

There for me, there for me!
Said you'd be there for me!

Cry for me, cry for me!
You said you'd die for me!

Give to me, give to me!

Why won't you live for me?!

Sisters..hold yo head HIGH AND ALWAYS REMEMBER..YOU ARE THE BADDEST BITCH IN THE ROOM! Continue to love that brother because as much as I hate to admit it..we wouldn't be where we are in this game if it wasn't for them..but only from a far! They did not deserve the love you gave them. This is a game of chess not checkers. Protect the king..but ONLY if he treats YOU like the queen you are!!

Let The Music Play

~P

https://www.youtube.com/shared?ci=aB16IfZ6zwQ

Osunlade, and 2 from the Nu!

Once again TV was the backdrop setting for Osunlade. He graced us with his vast array of work and worked that room like he had complete control of our conciseness. As always... as it is with our Yoruba High Priest, the room was slaveship hot and we liked it just the way it was. Hot, steamy, sticky, freaky... 

.. let me precursor:  this Blog will get a little risque.. sexual in nature even. Please stop reading now if you are too delicate to continue on.

The one thing about House music as it was with Disco., is the sexual energy that's derived from it. Rather it be in musical content or the feeling you get dancing to it. Or perhaps...its the DJ, knowing what, when and where to drop it! (It. being the tune selection) and placement of said tune. 

When bodies are packed together in a room filled with a sexy base line, hard bottom, melodious highs..and someone easy on the eyes dancing just inches in front of you..that just makes for a hedonistic good time. The DJ., a good DJ knows this and he/she will play to his/her crowd like a good porn director, he/she wants to see where all of this will lead and make us wet( one way or an other)... and if the DJ is really doing their job it can be promising for them as well.

The original name for this Blog was The Blow Job set!- Cause that is exactly what each and everyone of the DJs that spun this weekend deserved from their significant other!

You see, when a DJ plays a good set AND if they have a girl/boyfriend they get just regular sex if they are NOT too tired from a night out...BUT!!! when a DJ plays a HELLUVA SET if their partner is there.. ( and TRUST ) me on this one... A Blow job is in order and should be given without hesitation.. don't wait until ya get home.,do that shit in the car on the way home... once you get home..again in the morning before work.. yeah that's how good those gentlemen played last night... each one of them deserved a standing ovation and a wee bit of skull action!

Trust me, it encourages them to make sure every time the play and you are there they play their best set ever! We all know how much men love a good blow job..its kinda their favorite thing besides the music! Ladies enjoy good head game too but they didn't play this weekend so I'm only talking about the menfolk! 

Beautiful Sunday... word had gotten around that Osunlade would be performing once again at Motor City Wine! - (That Rick Wilhite/David A-P  are something else ain't they- lil stinkers)!!


Surprising us with not only Onsunlade but his Nu Bang brothers.. Sensie Sweet Daddy aka Cordell Johnson(no relation) and Sensei Melee' aka Greg Gray (Greg, I hope I spelled that right) but you know who you are!!! and now Detroit does too!


ANYWHO!!!

My home girl and I, DJ Create Rogers aka Coochie had gone down to Mercury burger cause we were hungry as a hostage.. we knew Osunlade would be coming on by the time we had gotten back. So we did our thang swallowed up some good meat and made our way back down to MCW fully expecting Osunlade to be beating the box..but much to our surprise and delight is was 3rd Sunday resident DJ Rick (middle name unknown) Wilhite playing an edit or remix( hell I don't know the difference) of La Costa by Natalie Cole.. and the dance floor was packed! With our stomachs full we still got on that over packed dance floor and grooved our tails off. The energy was already high and again.. hedonistic.  The people were please and laughter good times and jovial behavior were the norm for the night!

Now...normally and it doesn't really matter who is playing, you will have people both in and outside enjoying themselves, but on this night we stayed inside cause, "Real Right" Wilhite was on some otha shit! Mr. Everything is gonna be Alright!! Yeah he deserved one of the aforementioned benefits as well! cause that bright smiled DJ was in a zone!

Onsunlade came and laid down some straight fiyah, and while I liked his set, I did enjoy his set the night before a tad bit more! MY BLOG.... MY THOUGHTS

Now, The Nu Bang Clan are a collection of DJs across the globe and include two of my favs. DJ Alan King ( who's Nu Bang name I don;t recall-and this is HIS baby)  and DJ Uchikawa., but last night Sweet Daddy and Sensei Melee' RIPPPPPPPPED IT!

I had the pleasure of hearing them both before and to tell you the truth the 1st time I heard them I was not really that impressed. I mean I thought they were good but that was back in the days before I became fully enlightened. My assessment of Cordell was ol' sexy drop top down, deep soulful tune selector. and Greg (IMO) back then, before I had become enlighten, well I thought Greg was just another Top 40 House DJ who could blend his ass off!


WRONG!!! WRONG!!!

WHEN I TELL YOU GREG GRAY CAME IN THERE AND SET THAT FUCKING PLACE ON FIYAH THAT'S AN UNDERSTATEMENT! 

That man tore us a new A'hole I can't name ONE track this kneegrow played but what I can tell you is each and every track was killer!! OMG!!! He misbehavied his ass off! 

Now a few Blogs back I told you a good indicator of how good a DJ is is to watch the club owner... if he/she stays on the dance floor then its pretty safe to assume that the DJ is hot as fish grease.. Normally, it's our human Unicorn that stays on the floor aka Melissa A-P for the last couple of sets its been David! and he danced all night! but back to, NOT about Dave!! 

In my opinion Greg owned last night.. NOT because he was any better than Osunlade or any worse.. but because he kept the crowed super ampt AFTER the headliners set was over! and... this mofo was so good Osunlade himself was in awe of Greg's power and prowess... somebody PLEASE give that man a blow job... hell swallow cause he deserved it! 

Then, when I posted on Facebook, Gregs ol'humble ass wanted to down play it! 1st off Greg is a Que and I have never ever met a "humble" Que! Second!! I wanted to get in my car. Drive to Chicago. Find Greg. Give him, " shakin DJ syndrome" get back in my car and drive home ( -quickly- cause it looks like Greg is pretty good at throwing hands so.. yeah)  for posting that foolishness! He blew the doors off with his set! Yeah Greg I said it and ain't a DAMN thing you can or will do about it! - Greg I was not taking away from the man of the hour, the great Osunlade.. but it takes a special kinda DJ to not only follow him but keep the crowed elevated.. Kinda like that Magic Johnson basketball analogy thingy we talked about - you are gifted my friend!


Then enter.. Sweeet Daddy, Cordell Johnson ( no relation) most in Detroit outside of the Nu Bang clan and their respective groupies know him for the Excursion parties he has every year at Dysards spot! 

To be honest by the time Cordell comes on I'm either too tired or too inebriated to give him my full attention but last night he COMMANDED my attention and I was fully engaged and became his, " speaker freaker"-  I'm so sorry Cordell, I missed judged you were completely disrespectful to those decks last night and showed NO mercy! ...and we loved every minute of your set!

Cordell took us on a musical odyssey. Most often with our age demographic (IMO) being the closing DJ is like Dinner Theater.. (no body is really paying attention) shiiiiiiid last night they did cause Cordell Johnson created some brand new funk! 

Cordell gave us some of the coldest tunes of the night and he even gigged a lil bit! Cordell is kinda shy behind the tables.. at least he has been whenever I've observed him! 

Osunlade fed us all with his special gift. He was a tributary so to speak each DJ that touched the tables last night. The sets they played are direct result of his greatness.. 

You see, the mid west was well represented last night.. 

I've always said DJs make other DJs bring their "A" game!! and when you follow someone like Osunlade anything other than your "A" game is foolish!

I know the blow job analogy was a bit much.. but I had to get your attention and make you understand! 

Ok and I wanted to get a little freaky with it.. nothing wrong with freakiness when you

Let The Music Play

~P

Warming up with the Midwest best! Taz..your time is NOW my friend!!

High off  the Moodymann birthday getdown and fresh off the Motor City Wine dance floor with Jeff Arthur aka DJ Taz, Omar S., and Norm Talley (who.. by the way just celebrated another full spin on this big blue ball November 16th) 

I can't express how lucky we are to be in the Midwest where House music is the underground soundtrack of our lives. It also saddens me a great deal since those who "claim" to be House heads are REALLY only House Heads pro tem. Meaning you ain't really down. Case in point - and I understand.. I "get it" music is universal it  knows no color- but people do! You say you love this music so much but the demographic at the events I've been going to show the exact opposite! 

Ive spoke on the crying that went on about the pricing of Charivari Detroit tickets.. but you will support MOVEMENT!! GTFOH...

....but I digress lets make this a happy Blog.. since, as of late I have been PJ the "mad as hell Blogger"

We have Osunlade coming up I urge all of you to not only listen to his music but his teachings as well. Now is the time for us to stand together. Unite in dance and hope the next four years pass quickly!

Now back on to Moody and the night he turned the Tangent Gallery into (insert ANYBODIES basement) circa 1980-2009! The Tangent was full of people that night and we grooved right along with Moody and his NYC guest. He always has great surprises for us. - I feel so bad I can not remember his name. Theresa will surely pull my coat tail for this I'm sure-lol

You know how that man does it... HIS way, and we LOVE it! His guest for the evening was a Cat out of NYC did his thang. It was enjoyable but honestly I would have loved to hear more of an NYC vibe..but that's just me. Once Kenny hit the tables he proudly proclaimed his birthday was in fact in January and that on THIS night it was EVERY ONES birthday. Then, SHE stepped on the stage, Ms. Norma Jean Bell-homegrown talent with Moody on background vocals

You see what I LOVE about KDJ is his funk'ta'tude( yeah, I  made that word up) the way he does things. You see, some were just born with a certain something and when the Dr. slapped that lil yellow booty, the world was set to know who Kenny Dixon Jr. was. He was going to make his mark. But he loves us so much that he takes us all along for the ride. 

While most of you dance to his music, that would be the music he produces, wear his gear the  lot of you won't come out and hear this man getdown! Thank God for airplanes and overseas appreciation. I wish I was more like Kenny cause from the cheap seats my assessment of the man is, your lack of support is fine with him, He is going to always be Kenny and he will always love each and every one of you!- afterthought, Kenny, to me.. and Harry Todd is like the Miles Davis of the underground. Now, Miles looked like a roach but his presence and power made you listen, made you love him, made you understand yourself a little more. Kenny makes you question what is what, what is this, why is that.. and so forth and so on!

Big mad shout out to Theresa Hill... you handle your handles baby girl! I am in awe of both she and Flossie Bohannon!

 I was finally able to hear Omar S spin at MCW, but we will get back to him in a second. 

No introduction needed but that damn Taz a/k/a Jeffery Arthur or the "other" Rick Wilhite KNOWS how to tell a story with his music coming on after the Sunday Jazz set he took us on a slow ride based on the BPM's from the jazz set and by the end of his we were all on the dance floor. I have seen Taz give 400% to a crowd of 2 or 2000. His DJ skills and music selection put him in the upper echelon of the Midwest best! Taz is on heavy hitter and should be seen as a step above the rest! I got to hear well, experience Omar S, both he and Norm A/K/A #myfav should not only collaborate more on tracks but also on them tables.. that night was ablaze with awesomeness... BUT!!!!! Them ninjas did NOT play, The scene was set.. I was sad about that! 

Once again the high priest Osunlade will grace us with his musical presents (yeah I know how I spelled it) his music is our gift! Wonder how many of yall brown House heads will show up for this one. Bet I can count on one hand the number of nigglets in the room. 

We have a rough 4 years ahead of us! now is the time for us to stand united- I said that already...my bad peoples...Come together, don't be a lame duck Househead.. We understand the top 40 DJs are what you are use to. BUT!!! Just as we have to get use to this walking Cheeto in the White House with a trollop as a 1st lady we can surely support people we know make us dance all of our troubles away!

Let the Music Play!!!

~P

The Summer of 2016 tents, festivals, parties, and you!

I’m going to start with an apology to my tall friend, Todd Johnson., I know the picnic was the beginning of August but I'm just now getting around to writing about it. My bad lil homie!

The weekend of Charivari.. well the week after I started a new job., one that I really love! I have been tired ever since. So to all of you I’m super sorry it has taken me so long to pen my latest Blog. I’ve either been too tired or too hung over to get my mind to function properly. ( thanks Melissa) I really appreciate you!

Pre Charivari was just as exciting as the actual event, Che's annual back yard shenanigans Como's before Charivari, the excitement was building. Watching all the post on Facebook.  People building brands and forming working relationships. It was a great time indeed.

Now you know how I roll so along with sharing the events of the summer I will be adding my own comments on the way I THINK things are. They may or may not be the case but from the spot where I rest my hind parts Im pretty sure all comments will be accurate.

I’m going to jump back a ways.. like January. Al Ester's birthday party.. wait, I think I wrote about this already.. ( ok, quick recap) Al's party started the year off with a bang nothing too big happened after that until May. ok on to MOVEMENT not just for the parties but to acknowledge some Djs I heard for the very first time. So I’m at this pop up party thrown by Kevin Dysard. ( more about the Col. later) I truly enjoyed Nigel Gieger and Noel, and also Vincent Intrieri ( good lord, I wonder how long it took him to learn how to spell his last name) anywho...The two Cat's from Kalamazoo came in and straight RIPPED it! They have a soulfulness that I did not think Kalamazoo could bring. Since that time I have grown very fond of Nigel and will continue to support his every move. He is one you want to watch!(Oh, I’m going to keep this on the new people I had the pleasure of hearing)

Surprisingly Big Phool aka Bam aka Jimmy "out cook yo momma" Drew.. maaan that brother knows how to control a crowd. I'd like to hear him out more often! Now on to Vincent., he brought something to the table that I was not use to... but his tune selections and dj stylings are in a word... perfect! The Sandman came through and put it down on the 1's and 2's ( that Cat needs to play one Beautiful Sunday)-Todd is the Sandman who NEVER puts you to sleep!

...and even though we are no longer speaking, and I SWORE I would not give him one iota of a shout out. I must admit. Earl Mixxin McKinney banged the SHIT out of EVERY party he played. Lil man needs to play like that more often. I know... I know... I said I would only talk about the new Cat's I heard, but that lil Swiper looking DJ deserved to be mentioned! ok..back to not about EMixxin! - insert big cheesy grin!

Ok, so back to the whole Charivari thingy.. and my view point as I see it.

Didn't team Charivari tell yall in English, French, and Sanskrit that there would be a limited time to get early bird prices.. but you kneegrows opted to wait until the very last minute and then have the unmitigated Gaul to be mad cause the price of the tickets went up. Listen, ya weed man don't supply ya high, the corner stores and bars don't supply your drink..unless you PAY for it! How could you NOT want to support an event that you wanted! These people gave you what you ask for!!

Then had the nerve to comment that it was better when it was free... ok, you kinda sorta get a pass cause everything is better when its FREE.. but you good folks have jobs and will sell one of your kids on Ebay to pay for MOVEMENT tickets only to hear people who don't know what the fuck a turn table is. Or how to beat match without the use of modern technology. Hey, I’ve tried this beat matching thing, I’ve tried it and it ain’t easy nor is it cheap.. with THAT being said. Folks can no longer afford for you (us) to party for fucking free!!!! Yes they had sponsors, they also had overhead.. so when you throw your event BIG EVENT let me know how letting every househead in free helps your pockets...mmmk!

If you walk away from a big event like that or MOVEMENT with a dime over poverty during the 1st 5-10 years consider yourself lucky! and I’ll consider you a drug dealer cause they are the only ones I know that can get away with stuff like that! Don't come to me talking shit about that team cause for 2.5 years we partied for free..

Now here are some things I would have liked to see at the picnic. I would have like to have been able to bring a grill. I would have liked to see your Tink Thomas’ and Nervous Breakdowns play. I would have liked not to pay the high price for a bottle of water. (but I learned, in some instances there are insurance and legalities involved and there may be no way around this since it is a state park) This does not work well when people have children that are always thirsty and waste water like they tend to do! Other than that it was a really superb event! It was hotter than a slave ship in July but it was worth it. It was superbly executed. They even thought about passage on and off the island. That's what a good project manager does.. Shout out to Theresa Hill cause I know how good she is about things of that nature!

The setting was phenomenal and each and every DJ brought their A game!

I wasn't going to miss being a part of that event no matter the capacity, be it guest, VIP, DJ...ok not DJ but you get my drift!

I’ve always said the people I know now, grew up in my neighborhood but I did not know any of them. So it was so nice to hear stories told by friends that have known each other since they were wee ones. Another family event to be enjoyed.. Shout out to Gary Chandlier who gave em da business as only he can, our comradely in the park gets you the, "uncle that always start shit at the family barbeque" award lol

Now on to the DJ's.. D. Wynn opened up the doors of the church.. that man played with so much fire. I looked around to see if there was a baptismal pool. Cause I was surely jumping in! Side note.. I had little to NO battery life the entire weekend so I will be going off memory!

Seth Carter..my lil bro, you mos def put it down with your tunage and blending skills.. way to come up baby brah.. ( we've talked about this so please don't act surprised)

Thomas Barnett.. you, my handsome BFF, my personal creation (insider)- do NOT get the credit you deserve. You took us higher and higher.. plus (..and this is for the ladies) there is NOTHING like looking at a good looking man while he plays for and with you! So Thomas.. you get the, "DJ with the most panties soaked" award! again...insert big cheesy grin!!!

Kevin Dysard, you made us remember why we started this partying thing in the 1st place. Thank you for taking us back to where it all started. BTW, did you eat anything with mustard on it?

ooh!!! ooh!!! the chick from Chicago, the one who has the magazine.. THAT heffa got mad skills yo! I honestly would remember your name but I have a bottle of wine that's half empty!

Every stage brought complete heat.. special special mention to that FIERCE feline DJ Minx, as I was passing through the crown watching people watching her. I heard one dude say, "WHO is THAT" to which his friend replied. "dude, thats Minx" the friend said.. " That's a girl?" his friend..,"No, that's Minx, 100 % woman!) I made it a point to remember that verbatim! They were in awe! but hey, its Minx the chick gets down...period!

I'd heard Mike Huckaby play at MCW just before the event and I LOVED every minute of his set.. as did the crowd at Charivari cause dude had em in the palm of those massive hands! – now, I’m going to side bar here... just a tad., So as I was watching Huck walk away.. ( hey, im a woman and I like looking..aint nuthin wrong with that!!) I noticed he walks like he is carrying two heavy ass flight cases. and aint shit in dudes hands! He also walks like he will knock yo ass out! kinnnda sexy! ok ok.. where was I, I’m just going to put it out there, I am SO ready to see Craig and Mike do a gig together. I think it would be so cool.., and I am going to repeat this until it happens, since throwing a temper tantrum will cause one of them to look at me like im stupid and the other would verbalize it!- big cheesy grin inserted....here!

But as the night(s) would have it... the weekend was owned by Eddie Fowlkes, The Sonic Natives, Norm Talley and Delano Smith!! and one ninja check that gave them all a run for their money!!

Allan C. Ester.. baby age ain't nuthing but a number! You have played your entire ass off since January, like you are on a mission.. from God! Everybody,and I do mean EVERYONE praised both you and the Natives for a helluva set. ( I was not there, I was sitting under a tree.. it was hot, my bad) my former loves, had an encore set.. mad love to these Cats. Your trips abroad are long over due.. rest my friend your time is coming!

Wait I would be remised not to mention The House Gallery or Detroit Techno Militia, as per my usual I missed Adam Francesconi's set but was in the place to be for Jason Garcia he never ever lets me down... although I recently admitted why I love each of them as individuals.

I was there front and center for Tommy Gunnz aka Tom Linder's set! I think he is the only one that can make me dance to techno, I think it’s because he comes with it from a soulful place with a faster pitch.. IDK I can't really put my finger on it!

Now Eddie Fowlkes.. ladies run to CVS, pick up that EPT kit, cause Eddie got somebody pregnant that night! He came out the gate playing some old sexy, funky, house shit! His set was so friggin good and sexy the state boys came in and shut his ass all the way down. I mean they came in there like our parents use to do. Come in, shut the lights off right before you heard them exclaim.. "shut that gotdamn music off and go to bed!" State boys were in old skool parental mode! I did not see them do this to anyone else.. Yeah, Eddie you the SSSSHIT! now I do wish I would have written this sooner cause I had SO much to say about Eddie and his hype man Harry C. Todd ( Harry, I never knew you were such a good hype man), you get the, "surprised everyone" award!

Now by the time my #'s 1 and 2 came on I was tired as a son of a gun. My tent was at the back of the park, it was dark, no one was around to assist. The tent was a 10x10 but a nice gentleman from Germany helped me take it down, He was here for the festival..cool shit right!!! I think I should mention neither one of us knew what we were doing. here is where I admit I stereotyping people. Ok, so I was trying to get my tent down. So every white person that came along I just KNEW they would not know to get it down.. boy was I wrong. Guess I should not have lump them all in one category huh. Sorry my light skinned cousins... I carried that stupid tent on my FUCKING head, going up an incline. Calling on the support of my ancestral mothers from Afrika to my more recent ancestral mothers from the slave fields.. I needed all the help I could get! Because I was NOT going to miss Norm and Delano! Cussing the Charivari team out all the way for having them on two different stages with one playing the same time as Terrence Parker.. Who AUTHORIZED that! maaan I really do love those two cause if you haven't noticed.. I do not get to the gym often and I'm a smoker. So!... by the time I got the tent in my car, I thought surely this would be my last night living cause I had put a strain on this cholesterol infused, under used heart of mine. But, I was going to hear my 1 and 2 so I was going to die happy!

Now, earlier in the day, the bestie and I talked about what we thought Delano was going to play, cause... you know, we thank we know er'thang!!! We both felt like he would come more techno...WRONG!!! WRONG!! But, more about him later!

I talk about Norm all the time so this time I am going to give the floor to the young lady Terrence Parker brought out! At first I thought... "oh good lord in heaven sweet baby jeezuz please tell me TP is NOT using a gimmick now"... WRONG!!! WRONG!!! But, more about him later!

So after Norms set, which I ran to sorta reminiscing of the scene in, The Color Purple where Ms. Shug Avery was running through the fields trying to stop Ms. Celie just before slashed Mr. throat!.. again, I thought I was going to die.. all that running and shit! I stayed for a few minutes to hear the iconic Terrence Parker.. but I was so super tired and was to start a new job the next day.. with my chair in tow, I figured I would stop between the tents to hear both Delano and Terrence!

ooh baybee Tomika and I were waaay off! Delano smack us around like Ike did Tina (the uncut version) I just sat my chair down and said, "fuck it" Delano Smith is the best thing since sunshine! There I said it! he fucking RIPPPPPPPPPPPPED it!

but, since I was between tents, I hear this sound coming from my rear and thought, "oh damn, TP over there KILLIN em”, only to find out it was Ninja chick! ( sorry don't know her name) I'll be corrected I'm sure! But, from Tina Nelson's account she was more than incredible and would give the best of the best a run for their money!

I know I did not mention everyone..but know each dj "brought it" and the people loved it. Sure, some where there and jumped on the complain train, and some where there as a double knot spy, spitting venom but all and all it was a good look. I was glad to see people from abroad come over for this event.

SE Michigan is primed for more festivals like Charivari and MOVEMENT!!

Shout out to Cedric McDougle( I think I spelled it wrong) for the Oasis tent festival. We need to keep that one going, if for no other reason than the history of Idelwild! BRAVO Ced! It was said, that they had not had that much fun since 1965, this place is a part of our history..don't let it die!

Now people don't need to come just in May, they can come whenever there is a festival and good music is played. Where DJs come together in the spirit of love and djsmenship ( yeah, I just made that word up)

I'd like to add..and you know EXACTLY who I’m talking too.. before you go shitting on other peoples festival, make sure you have all your shit together, make sure you have a back up plan. Make sure that, even though the people had a good time, YOU walked out with a sizable profit! Until an event comes off without a hint of issues then sit down, shut the hell up, and enjoy the music AND your fellow DJ!!!

Those negative vibes that some put out came back to bite them right in the butt..yep, I fucking said it!

I guess now I understand that no matter how much I long to have us support each other, we just can't seem to get it together. If the music is about love, one/togetherness.. why all the shade., we are middle aged now., and we still have a good time. As long as the music is playing and the drinks are plentiful.. take that spirit and incorporate it into how we treat each other daily!!!!...support each other. If we all work together we CAN WIN!! We won't be some honorable mention on a TV show in the future! You all hear it! This underground sound is becoming more commercial.. and if you all ( we all) don't start to act like we got some sense ALL this and MOST of you will be a paragraph in the History of House if you’re mentioned at all…

You (we) were never meant to fit in, we were meant to stand out. Househeads in some way, well...we all of us come from the island of misfit toys. We are different..we are what the world could be, as long as you take that same feeling you feel on the dance floor or during events like, MOVEMENT, Chosen Few, Bang Tech, Charivari, Oasis Tent Fest, House in the Park.. We could be more than a quirky group of middle aged successful party goers.. we could be the blueprint for a better place to share the globe with.

Let the Music Play

~P

 

An open letter to my House sisters

A few months back I started saluting the women in our House music circle. Mostly because I love and admire most all of you. Another reason was because our circle is very small, and what I see and hear going on with the females in this set is sad and childish to say the least. Ive been both a victim and promoter of some of the childishness that I've seen.

First I had to step back and really take a good look at who I was/am, what role did I take in either being a victim or promoter.  hmm., let's see, I trusted too many people, made too much of my personal feelings or business known.. didn't address rumors before they got out of hand.

Now while I will not mention any names by the end of this Blog, if ya smart- and I know you are you'll be able to figure it out.  If this Blog makes you do one of the following, pick up the phone and call ya friends, shake ya head.. or ( and here's the one that makes me laugh hardest)-dislike me even more. Then good I've done my job.

I was not put on this earth for you to like me., but you will respect me! As I do not like some of you, but I DO respect you!

I've seen women who have been in this House scene dislike other women because they are new or because they are pretty, threw a party that was better then yours, have a bangin body, slept with a DJ you use to fuck with..  ( listen, they are DJs and we have what most of them want...pussy) once done with you its on to the next. Ladies, that's just men period. But in this small circle I get it! Hell, Ive lived it!  insert ANY reason. The focus should always be on the music, but rarely is. 

 I also started the sister salute to help debunk the myth that I was a shit starter.. now Here is what I am. I live out loud, I call it like I see it- sometimes I'm wrong but most often times I do try to own up to it.  I am the worst at offering up an apology- character flaw admittedly. I'm in talks with the Lord about this. Here is What I can say about myself.. when I have had an issue with any of my House sisters I do try to address it with them 1st. ( im sure that's NOT the story being told). But by the time the story hits the airwaves I'm the one in the wrong..and to think, it all started with a bus trip and the lying ass bitch I chose to do business with. I've never fully recovered from that! ( yes, i said, "lying ass bitch")- now, she had more credibility because she had been in the game way longer than I. A brief history behind the "lying ass bitch" comment" I never EVER called the hotel and got my friends locked out of their room. I told her that I would pay her back ( which I did) she knew I had some issues and wasn't going to go. Once we got to the hotel, I was advised, by her that I had my own room ( I was going to stay in a friends room to save money) Her words, " just pay me back" ok cool. nooooooo that's NOT how the story was told..and so the story goes. Now I tried to handle this privately but, ya scandalized my name! and made it a very public and ugly mess. There are several others like the one where the 50 year old 5 year old was upset at the fact that I was sitting at a table with, "her friends"..my thought, "BITCH! when did this become the United States of YOUR childish ass" and made you queen?!?
Or the one where I shared some information that I really should NOT have shared. My question is, who hasn't done this.  Or the one ( and this hurt me the most) where one of the sisters I loved the most was going to get someone or a host of people to jump on me!? really, we DO that at this age? thankfully we've mended fences. Lastly, the one where a jealous insecure chick would do ANYTHING to piss on her tree then try to act like she was completely innocent. Mind you I also tried to address concerns with her to! Because I wanted to clear the air so to speak. However she took the cowards way out in my opinion or it simply could have been she felt like she did not owe me any convo..but her actions were sophomoric at best!

These are the things I really had to think about, where do I fit in to this and what did I do to perpetuate the situation. 

There is one person I have yet to clear the air with, but I'm working on that. I loved and still love her like a sister and miss her dearly( I have your half of the Twinkie and its yours if you want it)., and would kill someone for her! But please never underestimate me, do NOT think you can call me and cuss me out ( even though, again... I was in the wrong) and things not escalate.   I ain't no punk, nor am I an ass kisser!

Ive heard, " she don't speak when shes in the club" newsflash I can barely see in the dark. I can be looking directly at you and not be able to make out who you are!

What tickles me is, you smile in your face House sisters. then go directly back and talk shit! Please please PLEASE if you don't care for me, do NOT speak to me. Cause rest assured, if I don't like you I will NOT speak! point blank period. again,  its a character flaw, me and God are in talks about this also.  I would say, - negotiations, but God doesn't negotiate.

DJs and my House brothers, you all help in these feelings that we (some not all) House sisters have towards one another, stop playing these women against each other. Women ( ...and TRUST I had to realize this to) let's try to push past this! We are too old, too educated, too fly, and too precious to be play by some (not all) sea slug ass nigga's! I won't elaborate but damn, some of you have a good thing going on at home (possibly) and you still try to have your cake and eat it too. This is across the board, meaning some of you females as well. 

We have more days behind us, then in front of us we are middle aged and we play games instead of music.

I've been fooled and been a fool- lesson learned. It hurts to have to look in the mirror and see yourself for who you are and what you have done. 

But to my House sister's let's please try to come together in love and the spirit of unity.  Aside from the music the DJs and other men come out for a little eye candy. We have all been shit starters in one way or another. I know a few who have not.. 4 to be exact. Stop disliking a person based off what you've heard. Remember there are 3 sides to every story. Their side, your side, and what actually happened. Based on your vantage point you may see the same things completely different. Just open your mouths and talk it out.. but caution this can go way wrong as well. Trust me on this, I called myself trying to talk about something and it went way left in a foolish way that is., and I felt silly and stupid after my dinner and conversation with said House sister!

We are a small community and we are some of the baddest chicks out here. That's bad meaning "good"!

I realize this Blog may make some feel, "some kinda way"- oh well I have to deal with that. 

In the mean time., Come out have a good time, wear, rock, "werk" those outfits and shoes.. Always know you ARE baddest bitch in the room. Don't spread gossip and hate. That's not what this scene is about. Its not what the music is about!

I have some issues I have to work out, cause I am by NO means perfect. If I have something to say about my House sister, its because she has done something to ME personally. For the most part I think mostly all of you are fantastic and have something to offer this scene. and I mean that from the very bottom of my heart!

And to my ride or die, Tomika Murry.. BITCH you the SHIT! There are other sisters but that one right there, I have a history with and a very close and personal bond, imma need you all to understand this! She is my ride or die even when I'm parked!

There are times I wish I could be like you.

Diplomacy is not one of my strong suits. I come across as brash, and accusatory! That's not my intent, again..I'm taking it to the Lord ( in our next session) 

Until then understand, we are all works in progress. Let's work together to make it a better scene to dance in, laugh in, cry with etc...etc.. I don't want to look at my beautiful House sisters with that side eye, I don't want to hear my name come up in a negative way., nor do I want yours to. Do NOT come up to me expressing your distaste for another House sister. Handle that shit with her directly!

The only thing I want to do is...

Let The Music Play

~P

...from the friendship cheap seats

April 30th 2016, as I normally do I was scrolling through Facebook when I stumbled upon a few stats that made my hairs stand straight up. I  remember sitting straight up, my 1st instinct was to pick up the phone and call, but for whatever reason I stopped myself. Instead I went to the Facebook page to see, it had already begun. Since that time I'd thought long and hard if I should write about you, us, our unique kinship. I wanted to make sure I did this right. 

So before I begin, let me tell you what you meant to me. In a very short period of time you became my family, we laughed..you told me stories and great parables about life. You never sugar coated anything when it came to me. Its like I'd become this little sister that you nurtured, and groomed. 

I looked up to you, and our favorite joke was, "nigga if YOU swing, I swing! imma go low you hit high"! You taught me to be brave and sure. Strong and steadfast! Powerful yet reserved.  I loved and admired you like any little sister would her brother. Mostly you showed me through your actions and words, " never EVER concern yourself with the small stuff. lol and fuck a, "suck butt ass nigga" !

Prior to making your acquaintance I had a friend, a very good friend, since 1984. His name, John Macon. Like you John saw something in me I never saw in myself. Like you, John would always say, " I don't know rather I should laugh at you, or with you" ! - he, like you did both he, like you imparted his wisdom and humor he was indeed my BEST friend! He had the same qualities as you. He was my everything, and I was his. Like you, never more than friends and someone I could count on. The great thing about both of these men was they made everyone feel as if they were the most important friend they had. It takes a special kinda person to do that. But I, digress ( I could go on and on for days about Johnny Ed) I remember feeling lost when John left, but ( ..and I truly believe this with every fiber in my being) that John sent me you! Funny, I thought it would be Edland Turner, I was wrong it was Steve Dunbar. 

As a kid growing up during the early party years, I knew of you, I didn't know you, but I heard of you. I just thought you were a DJ, it wasn't until years later that I found out the roll you played in the party scene. ( if you want to know the story please read Todd Johnson's history retrospective on the party scene) - Plus, Todd's a much better writer and story teller than I. #shamelessplug.

A brief history from the "cheap seats"- and I may get some of it wrong, sue me!

His brother Morris was in with the popular group, Todd did the lighting thing, I think Todd has always been the one with the business acumen ( had to look the spelling up for that word) 
and then there was your best friend, with whom you share your birthday...Al Heath! Now HIM...I do remember, I thought he was the meanest guy ever to walk the face of the planet. I would never even smile at him, cause he always had that serious look on his face. But this ain't about Al. I will say Al Heath is a sweetie and funny as hell. You can never judge a book by its cover..but again, this ain't about Al.

I would joke and say, "the only reason you got into this, is because Moe was waaaaay cuter and you just wanted to get all the girls and ya had a little talent". It was a pretty large group of home boys, and a pretty lil lady named Theresa together they paved the way for the House music party scene here in Detroit. I can only start this story where I entered. By that I mean, I'm sure there were others that came before them., but my foray started at a club located on E. 7mile road and John R.  ( I won't butcher the spelling) but those who were there know how to spell it! L'uomo's where I became a House head although back then it was Progressive music!  

Time went on and this rag tail group of friends grew older.. and some better looking. - Greg Gray, Kevin Mapp and James Shipp- I'm talking about y'all in particular!- insert big cheesy grin.

Missing the days gone by. Someone had the idea to throw a picnic and that my friends is where the Charivari Detroit festival was born. Again, you can read more of the origins in one of my Blogs, but its 5:13 in the morning and I'm running low on cigarettes. So I'm sooo not going into detail. 

You had this vision, and the backings of a strong supporting cast. Most importantly your beautiful wife who you were so proud of and in love with! I remember you telling me how you would do ANYTHING to keep her happy! How she has been down for and with you since day 1. Plus y'all made a dynamic duo. 

I called you Sonny for reason's Ive shared only with Moe. You called me Kiddo for reason's only known by you. We would talk for hours about this vision of yours how you wanted it to go, how you wanted everyone to be included. We argued on some issues I stayed strong in my beliefs about the subject matter and you stayed strong in yours. But whenever we would end our conversations it always ended with, "love ya Kiddo! Love ya Sonny"!

...but you had to go, we love you but God loves you so much, he wanted you home...maybe he too was trying to have a festival and needed bounce some ideas off of you. To keep myself from crying I would tell myself you left because I kept egging you on about spinning again. I needed to keep myself sane, I needed to make sense of it all. To this day I have shed only a few tears. Because I hear your gravely voice in my head telling me I was a soldier! "Put ya big girl panties on and handle yo handles"

I only knew you for a very small window of time. I sat in the very cheap friendship seats, and was glad I got to sit in them at all! But in that time, the value of that friendship was/is immeasurable. 

As we get closer to Charivari Detroit 2016. Your "squad" is pressed forward to continue your vision. Your soldiers have grown. Your vision has expanded. I'm so very sure you already know this. 
So THIS is what we are going to do. WE are going to make this one for the record books. Your presence will be all over the Rock aka Belle Isle. Each and every DJ will play like their momma's life depended on it! and..when its all said and done we will all work togther to make 2017 even bigger!! You hear me Sonny!!! BIGGER!!!  We are because you believed. We are because you had a vision! We are because the music, like your memory will never die! 

Maybe now, I can let the tears flow..maybe. I wanted to say so much more., but selfishly I won't! You see everyone else had you since early in life..I didn't and some things are better left to my own memory, my personal time with.. A son, brother, husband, uncle and friend.

You are one in a million, you will live on and your name will never be forgotten.
I love you Sonny, and I would give anything to hear you say, just one more time. " I Love you too Kiddo! 

Just know we will continue to...

Let the music play!
rest well, see ya on the other side!!