An Oasis on Paradise Lake closing out summer 2017

Positive vibes and smiles were the theme of this past weekend... ok, Glamping was REALLY the theme. But it's my Blog sooo, yeah! Imma go with the positive vibes and smiles thingy. 

I didn't want to take too long to post about this absolutely amazing event/ festival, I wanted you to feel what I felt and waiting too long would have meant things and feelings would have been forgotten and this event means more to me then just the music and hopefully I will be able to convey that message to you. 

My dad would take us camping every summer. He was an outdoorsy kinda guy. Kept a pistol a few shot guns a hunting rifle or 4, fishing gear.. you know, dad stuff.  What I liked most about camping was the people that I would only get to see on our summer vacations. A place far away from the city with other families having a grand time together. Folks by the fire after the sun set., the laughter.. and the thing that brought us all together on the campground (beside the food) was the music. Take your mind to the place where you 1st fell in love with the music. For me it was anything in the 70's for the folks around the campgrounds it was the music of their youth. So basically we got a great mixture of music and an even better gathering of friends. That's me and my dad in Canada like back in the 70's.

Fast forward to the 90's. Time and my dad both passed. But my mother being the person that she is decided she was going to buy some property. It was off the lake surrounded by woods in Holly Mi., now I have to pause her cause my mom NEVER went camping with us. But she is the real Bad and Bourgeois. This is my mother at the closing for the property. She was glamours, fly, and refined! It is from her I get my re-fineness from. I don't use it., but I have it in case of emergencies. 

My parents gave me the best of both worlds culture, a love for nature ( yeah, I don't like nature like I use to) My mother gave me a since of pride. Black pride. My father taught me to love all-even when you don't want to. Even if they don't deserve the love you have. He taught me to be kind, funny and helpful, have fun.  My mother.. well from her, I get that "fuck you" attitude. 

But I digress, "Glamping".. it's the perfect combination of  camping and that glamorous life! Much like how I was raised..

It's my understanding ( and someone please correct me if I am wrong) that this event started in Southfield Mi. by a man.. Cedric McDougle is his name. He and other like minded individuals, (sorry I do not know ya names folks). Have put together what I am SURE will be the MUST attend event of the summer.  

I've only had the pleasure of meeting Cedric a handful of times and he's always easy to talk to and carries that bright smile of his like a badge of honor. It isn't too much I can tell you about this man, cause I don't know anything about him except what I've written thus far. What I do love and respect is he has taken his love for camping, people, refinement,and music and has brought new life back to Idlewild Michigan.

A history of Idlewild ( <----yeah, imma need you people to click on the word "Idlewild" cause it's far too much for a sistah to write)!

The grounds are managed by Mr. and Mrs. Bill Lindsey they were most accommodating, helpful, genuine and kind.  They wanted me to make sure I let everyone know that they welcome ALL festivals like this one., and that property is available for purchase. 

With  desegregation came the decline of this once thriving get away, the likes of Ike and Tina, The Four Tops, O'Jays have all played there! 

I saw street names, like...Peaceful, Unity, Tranquil. That spoke volumes to me. And while its virtually nothing there at one time it was the mecca for middle class black America. A time when we depended on each other. When we had no choice but to be with our own. There were some run down cabins but there were also cabins that made your mouth drop. The calm lake and somewhat level ground made for a most pleasant experience. Seeing all those tents glammed up for what was about to be the end all be all for the summer of music 2017! I wish we could go back to those times. When we had to depend on each other when we had to stick together. It would be sad to see this property go away like so many others. But!!! Property is available, and like my parents. If you like camping, or if you would like a nice lake home, here is where you want to buy, build, and continue to carry on what our ancestors dreamed of and were promised.. that 40 acres and a mule!

I would be lying if I said I didn't want it to remain a black get-away because ALL are welcomed. But for once just ONCE in the history of niggadom I would like for this place to remain untouched by big corporations or go the way of Hilton Head or The Gulla Island(s) Or have that upwardly mobile group of urban suburbans.. who snatch up property and change what we fought so long and hard to have! Let's leave a legacy, some land and memories for our children. Please consider buying, growing, and keeping this place on the map.

Riding up in what I call the extended version of Scooby Doo's Mystery Machine was way cool. We had that RV, cause y'all already know PJ does NOT do nature anymore. I had to have something with some walls and wheels honey! I mean its Bears and shit up there! They can knock over a tent! yeah, let em try a big ass RV, knock THAT shit over Yogi.. it aint happnin!

Since we were running on CPT, that's colored people time for the un informed. We did not arrive until the wee hours of Saturday morning. Most were already asleep after hearing some slamming sets. Most notably by Steve Maxwell. Now you know my ear is always to the ground so I have ways of finding out who banged and who didn't. THIS extra large man set if off! er'r from what I'm told!

It was so nice to see all the amazing tents that had been set up in a city like fashion fire pits blazing, music coming from various speakers. It was tranquil and all seemed unified! Peaceful even. 

Since we were in an RV we had to park a little ways from the actual site but it was not far at all., and close enough for me to hear each and every DJ. I woke up to Raynard Hines.. but since I woke up with a serious buzz. ( I was with Agent X ) and you KNOW how he gets down. I can't say that I remember too much about his set. I do remember that it had more of an R&B feel to it. Which was perfect for those who are not well versed in House music.. a great segue for the newbies. By the time Celeste Alexander got on, if you weren't a House head you were by the time she finished. But more about that 1st Lady later.

Since I,  for some odd reason am always the one cooking. Its really not an odd reason. Mostly I volunteer and this weekend was no exception. SO!!! while the steaks, braats, chicken, grilled portabella's and the new pasta dish I have been making were coming together nicely. I was able to hear all the banging tunage coming from the stage. Plus I am more nocturnal and wanted to wait until night fall to get out! 

Mike Clark did his thug thizzle on the 1's and 2's coming in nice and soft an afternoon audio delight. Mike has seen many stages around the globe and understands that when you give good karma, you get good karma back. And from the looks of things karma has come in the form of a beautiful dimpled smiled young lady. Mike Clark and I go back almost 30 years. He and I don't always speak the same language musically, but he always teaches me something new every time he plays. Resident DJ for the Life Party at Northern Lights. He is one the best Detroit has to offer! 

The Sandman fell through and kicked it Toledo style. Big ups to this Cat here. He is one Sandman who never puts you to sleep! His musical selection has me thinking.. "yeah, he don't know he's white". Kinda like Todd Weston and Adam Francesconi. They are not aware of their whiteness when they get behind the decks. Todd has a vast knowledge of the music and plays effortlessly every time. I have NEVER heard him make any kinda mistake. He needs to have more of a Detroit presents ( I hope I spelled that right)... He does come with a warning. IF you feed him, he will EAT! like EVERYTHING That man can put away some food. I only know ONE other DJ who MIGHT be able to out eat this Cat here. Todd is always down to have his Detroit brothers and sisters spin at his club there in Toledo. He will put that small town on the map in a big musical way.. just please.. don't feed him! If you value the food in your pantry..DO NOT feed him! He also has some of the doppest flyer art around!


ANYWHO!

Rick Wilhite!!!!!! That friend of mine, never ceases to amaze me. I mean, yeah.. I am a tad bit bias when it comes to him. Yeah, he holds a very special place in my heart.. ok, with that being said. Rick tore that shit out the frame. He came with a Strings of Life edit or remix ( y'all know I don't know the difference) that was hot as fish grease. When he played Emerald  City as his first cut at the Charivari picnic I selfishly thought he was playing for me cause he knows that is my favorite joint he plays..there are a few others but that is in my, "top 5 list of shit Big Phool plays" Big Phool = Rick Wilhite. He made a steady climb leading up to a very climatic ending. He almost made me leave the barbeque grill. Go over. Throw a shoe at him. and leave! He was in his element! ..and I was along for the ride! His, Beautiful Sunday's at Motor City Wine are something to look forward to every 3rd Sunday of the month!

Then came, Celeste Alexander.. let me tell you a few things I heard while she was playin, "oh she aint playin wit none of y'all. "she on another level" "she the shit" Just a few words about this lovely 1st Lady. From my understanding Chicago's 1st female DJ- and let me add... most ALL the female DJs from Chicago are good., gifted even! I pray they give her the respect she so deserves. She along with Detroit's on godmother Stacey Hale kicked in the door so other SheJ's can walk through! 
Now, as I watched Celeste I couldn't help but notice her eyes. They for one, are the most beautiful eyes. Because they come with knowledge, pain, love, understanding, and a good dose of telling it like it is! I couldn't help but think. Celeste looks like she's. Talking on the phone to one of her girls, with a cobbler  in the oven, fryin some chicken, watching the stories and the neighborhood kids all while DJing, she has her shit together she can do like 30 things and once and make it look easy. She takes care of her crowd like she takes care of her family, with love and its showed through her skill... I had no idea she was a depeche mode fan., but when she played Personal Jesus ya girl liked to fell out! Some Chitown DJ's should have a 2nd home here. She is mos def one of them! and here's the thing. ya know she taught her husband how to play, and that brother can bang! She takes care of her musical selection I'm sure much like she takes care of Big E- with love she shows love, passion, power, and knowledge with every track she plays. I have nothing but mad love and respect for her. I waited two days to say all of this. Celeste came in there and showed all the way out! Humble and kind but will put you in ya place if need be! She is strong and loving both on and off the table! I truly admire her! Not to mention her, Vic and Steve brought the entire south side with them! Way to support Chi town family I hope to see more of you next year.

....and then came Vic! Now let me set the mood. All the DJs played a variety of music but mostly it was on that chilled out mellow kinda vibe. I had heard of Vic Lavender but never heard him play so I am glad I had this opportunity to hear him in the atmosphere. The music that he played was perfect for a seemingly moonless night, Track after track was meant (IMO) to elevate your consciousness. He dropped that Pirahnahead's Beautiful Epiphany remix the party goers went wild. Love it when that I-94 connection comes together musically. His set was in a word, stellar. I didn't want to leave, he could have played all night and the people would have danced! Vic Lavender would be a VERY welcomed guest here in Detroit. Message to the club owners and promoters. This is the Cat you want to bring to the D! Rick, he needs a Beautiful Sunday indeed. Melissa and Dave,are you reading this. GET THIS CAT on the bill for MOVEMENT! - yes, I was yelling! 

Earl Mixxin McKinney played a set perfect for us to wake up to. To tell ya the truth I had to ask who was playing since I'm so use to Earl going for the kill, but mid morning Earl is much different than night time Earl. What I liked best about Earl was, as his set progressed, so did his DJ stylings. He went for that soft, " its time to wake up kids" to " alright people get off ya asses and dance" and the people responded in kind.  Aside from being one of the BEST MC's and a bit of a wordsmith, Earl is one of the best at controlling the crowd. Knowing what to play and when to play it. He draws you in with his energy. He controls your mood. He is a Scorpio ya know they like that control factor! Earl is primed for gigs overseas. We love you here baby, but it's time for you to fly!

While this may be the newest festival to the line up it is set to be one of the best. To have this in a place with such history. A place where serenity flows effortlessly to see people come together., unity in dance was in a word, beautiful. Was it a success, well as always that depends on what you think success is. My guess, yes it was mos def a success. It was on a totally different level all together. 

Please don't compare this with any other festivals its is as unique as the others. The best part is they allow the DJs to really get into their groove no hour only sets. I'm bummed Eddie Fowlkes and Jamie 326 were not there, but I'm sure they had their reasons. However I will have to have a chat with Mr's Fowlkes and 326 about this. I can't believe you two did this to me!?! yes.. ME!! cause, I'm selfish like that!

I opted to go to Summer Oasis because of the historic venue and the DJ's that were set to play. I couldn't allow my dislike for a few to keep me from doing what I love. Dancing and enjoying this thing we call House! I even got a personal "thank you" from one of the event promoters. I was glad that she did not allow our differences to stop her from offering a genuine thanks. I was proud of myself for accepting the offer without my usual gruff attitude. And while we will never be friends. ( that's no secret) I have to commend her on helping to bring this thing we love most to a place where we can all come together because of not in spite of! If you have yet to make it to the Summer Oasis festival I highly recommend it. If you need to close your summer out in a tranquil way, I suggest you make the 3 hour drive ( longer if you're not from Detroit). You will NOT be sorry you came. I wasn't! I will be a life time attendee for sure!

I'm not sure why music can express things we can not. But I heard you loud and clear. Thank you for "sending me your love". I am sending mine right back. Yes, I love you more than you will ever know! ...and that will be forever and always

Let the Music Play!

~P