The Chosen Few Picnic... A Celebration of House

 

Yeah.. well you didn't think I was going to go all the way to the Chi and NOT write about this... ( you are NUTS)-lol
 Ok, I know it took me long enough. No need for me to explain how The Chosen Few picnic got started..( hell you can Google that)- just know its here, and its held every year, and its a beautiful experience, and this should be on your Bucket List! One day of LOVE and food ( so much freggin food) SHOUT OUT to Celeste Alexanders, "NuBang" potato salad! OH, she can throw down!!! (my mouth is watering as I write this). Gotta also say that I HATE that I missed seeing the following.. DeeJay Alicia, MzNicky...The D'Vine one (more on why I missed you later). Ron Carothers (my faux facebook husband that I divor....never mind its a long story ) mostly I hate that I missed Paul Harrington Jr. aka Pablo Diskobar( I SO believe he is going ALL the way to the top!)- all I wanted to do was run and hug him like Ms. Celie and Nettie did at the end of The Color Purple.. oh and my brother from another mother Titan Davis-feel better lil homie!

I DID get to see my play cousin,  DJ Anji Stone, my peeps  DJs Christa and  Andre MURFFFF, Mz Nicky's husband, DJ Brett and, my absolute FAVORITE cousin EVER Tiffany Smith, DJ Boxx.. the rest was a blur~! I also found out the TRUE character of a person.. wow, you REALLY disappointed me, but alls well now but you were DEAD ass wrong. * yeah wasn't gonna let that one pass without comment*

Guess my love for Chicago begin before I was even born, ya see, my  great grandma and grandfather moved there from Tennessee and opened a lil grocery and restaurant my grandfather was born there and..., as family rumor would have it ( OK so my grandmother TOLD us) she was once a cook for Al Capone. Hell... I believe her she was like 105 when she died and she was rattling off her life story towards the end of her life. Plus Grandmomma new Jesus personally and would not lie about anything. ...but I digress. Her son owned a record shop somewhere on the south side, but none of my dumb ass family members remembers the name of it. So for the sake of this Blog we are going to call it James Record Shop since that was his name.

Coming to Chicago was always a joy for me because I got to see the one person who meant the world to me growing up, Tiffany Smith., no two cousins could have ever been tighter. I love and miss her daily.

Every since Mrs. O'Leary's cow set the city of Chicago on fire ( now, why anyone would leave a lantern and a dumb cow in a barn with hay still baffles me to this day) but again... I, digress. Its a city on fire... with many things to do and see., and its RIGHT down the street from Detroit. I wonder if you can still take Michigan Ave all the way from, The D to the Chi.??

Anywho.. the picnic. OK I'll give the history of the Chosen Few DJs as PJ sees it. ( and I could be wrong but I'm going to take dramatic/poetic license and make the story my own)-

When light skin was in... The story of Wayne Williams and Alan King( OK, I like that title) Onced..(yes, ONCED) upon a time you had two friends, both loved music. One, a dynamic, energetic, people person the other, a strong willed, thinker, pensive and smart. My guess is one played football the other basketball the two took the knowledge they learn on the court/field and the love of music and started something that has lasted for over 30 years..and like the Whispers, It just gets better with time. ( I will be referencing the Whispers a lot in this Blog). The error was Disco, the music was tribal, the feeling was intense.

---Funny how Disco ended in Chicago and House was born in Chicago. The Alpha and the Omega so to speak.

I'm thinking it was the early 80's, they seem to be the same age(s) as my sisters... only my sisters are not as talented. One went on to pursue his love for music and became a VP at a major record label.  The other became an attorney. ( while doing some research on these two I found out that Alan's middle name begins with an "S")- must stand for Super DJ.
However the story of the two light skinned men started, 30 years later we're here... and the beat goes on. They went on to add other members, the Hatchett brothers,. Mike Dunn, Jesse Saunders and...( sorry y'all I hate to pick favorites, but...) my favorite Chosen Few DJ, Terry Hunter.. oh, excuse me, that's the LEGENDARY Terry Hunter. - the man just does it to me. (musically speaking that is).

Last year was my 1st Chosen Few picnic I was in ABSOLUTE awe of the LOVE that was shown that day. Now, normally when you get a few of, "US" in an area a few fights are bound to break out...NOT the case here. It was so much love, so many willing to give, so many hugs, smiles, a lot of laughter, and a few tears...of joy that is, and some of the most awesome music I have ever heard. ( side note: I think the sound system was waaay better last year)- my Blog, my thoughts.

Picture a park.. any local park, now, throw up some tents, grills, food, add people, stir in some sounds..and a heaping helping of music, top it off with some incredible DJs...and,  BAM!!!! there you have it the makings of an all day event that keeps you coming back every year. I guess its the Woodstock for House Heads but this one has been going strong for over 23 years. My guess is its not going to stop. I only meant just to wet my feet, but they pulled me in., yeah me along with about a gazillion others.

This year I decided that I was going to be in the dance area., the big dance area and when I tell you to see all those beautiful people, dancing, giggin, vibin. I just hate I missed Alan King, must not be in the cards for me to hear this House Cat. or as I like to call him, the Barrister Banger. But I did get to hear Wayne Williams.. he took it BACK, like every time he played a song I was geeked as hell..then I realized I didn't have a clue to 80% of what he was playing...why, because he took us back to the originals..the birth of House....Disco, Funk, Soul. and he does it well!!! Oh so so well. Here is a man that can be anywhere and I do mean anywhere..but every year at this time he's home, doing what he loves best. Playing for you, playing for me..playing for his peers. He seemed to be enjoying every minute of it. ( I made sure I was close to the stage) I love to watch a DJs face..its almost the same as the face of someone making love with someone they love, its beautiful, not hurried, oh but its not gentle..but its still love making all the same.

I listened to the Hatchett brothers(thems some out cold brothers too), and of course the baby of the bunch, Mike Dunn., but the one who perks me up every time is that Terry Hunter. Now I love to watch Mike play, I love to hear Mike play.  Mike has mad skills both as a DJ and producer- he IS the TRUTH! Its just something about Terry, his selection is top notch, he's funky wit it. I don't know what he has produced but I know the boi can spin his ass off!

I watched Alan sit on the speaker, looking exhausted but happy with the days events. Most likely glad when it was over..but the excitement was shown in his smiles. I wasn't at the stage when Mike and Terry played.. but I know their style and sound( ok and it was announced when it was their time to play) but like my own kids... I know em when I hear em.

The parties are inFRIGGENcredible. Last year I got to see and hear Louie Vega, this year I got to party at The Shrine..( it was walking distance from our hotel)-nice, noice spot too. Now I will say this, the folk in Chicago..PARTY, if the DJ is playing they are dancing. You may see a few socializing but for the most part they are giggin...HARD! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that about the Chi. I did not get to go to the L26 party, I was off on a whirlwind adventure thru the streets of Chicago on foot., in the drizzle, with dead cell phones, a tent and two folded chairs, and some of Celeste potato salad...and I HAD TO PEE!!. Like REALLY bad. TMI but SO, my Blog...MY thoughts. I really wanted to go see the ladies... all of them are that deal. However a lil bird told me DeeJay Alicia murdered the tables. I'm so sorry Alicia, Nicky, Celeste, Christa and Stacey I really wanted to be there but God had other plans- which included a 5 mile walk! SMH, but it was needed and I got to talk to my best friend all the way.

If you have yet to experience The Chosen Few Picnic I HIGHLY suggest that you do so! Yeah, MOVEMENT here in Detroit is GREAT! but for TRUE lovers of House, the Chi is where ya need to be for this one day, wonderful event.  

Thank you Wayne and Alan for your vision, talent, tenacity, skill, and love of the music. Keep doing what ya do! Thank you Jesse, Andre, Tony, Terry, Mike for being OUTSTANDING DJs. Thank you city of Chicago for embracing the music, the movement, and the people who flood your city for this event. Thank you for all the people that showed each other love one this day. Thank you God for watching over everyone who traveled, and partied, with those dynamic group of DJs . Thank you for the Brownies.. and Nicks liquor store in Hammond Indiana.

Can't wait to do it all over again next year.

Let The Music Play

P~

June 15th... the OFFICIAL kick off to summer!!! oooh and its a Day AND Night party!

The line up for this event is just SICK, AWESOME, filled with TALENT! You will be beating your head against the walls if you miss this one.

Ok, so we ( alright not ME but Rick) has some hot and heavy talent coming in from out of town. The Return of Josh Milan, saw him sing, play, and DJ at L!V a couple of months ago. OH BABY!!! as my saying goes, I'd pay GOOD money to see him(THEM).

I missed him the 1st time he was here over at the Mars bar, but.. Laurie Brent said that Cat straight CLOWNT( yes WITH a "T"). I know when I saw him at L!V I was blown away with his skill ( he is top notch on so many levels) Nice... NICE... man in every since of the word. I think I want to sit down and talk to this Cat, getting inside the mind of a genius intrigues me.

An, indoor outdoor musical experience indeed. You gotta have much love coming your way to bring in the line up that Wilhite is bringing. ( I'm always in awe of his personality)- one cant help but to love Rick and it shows with the line up at his birthday party.

Doc Link- another world class, A #1 DJ with a heart of gold and a personality that you can't help but to be captivated by. Producer and much sought after DJ he is SURE to bless the box with his unlimited supply  of bangin beats.

Powdr Blu- A man of few words.. but a helluva lot of action. He keeps the party rocking. You have to get up pretty darn early in the morning to keep up with this Cat from the Burbs,. LOVE TO HEAR HIM PLAY!

The lone female in the line up is so sick wit it I would gladly give away one of my kids to watch her spin.. this chick so out cold you would be sorely remised if you were not there to hear her... Her name... Jenni Xerri- heard her at The Grasshopper Underground! She had the ENTIRE place on friggin FIYAH! I don't care if you have to get off work early-DO NOT MISS HER SET!!!!

The usual suspect that I love because they are near and dear to my heart and they are all like family, Bruce, Bone, The Butcher, Mr. Jooshua, cant wait to hear the LOVE they show Rick and the other celebrants.

Daniel Andres, Chuck Flask, Monty Luke, Geoffrey Cee - never heard these Cats before so I am looking forward to pick up what they will put down.

Sooo... if you remember, in my last Blog I said, Tracey Marvin said, that Marc Duncan tore the doors off TV.. well the sound man/DJ is ON THE BILL!! yaaaay... get excited people! If you have never heard him spin, you are in for a treat. ( if I miss his set, I'm going to sit in the corner and cry like a baby) I do love to hear him spin.

Then there is the man of the hour, Mr. Rick ( middle name unknown) Wilhite... I KNOW that brotha will be in rare form that night. Make sure you by him drinks!

He, along with, Yvette Biggs, Latonja Muhammad, Powder Blu, James Faulker, Monique Dooley, Donna Gardner, Ron Spears, Cathy McQuarters, Ray Whitted, Doug Johnson, Tree, Melody Johnson, Dana Knott, Jaqueline Lewis will ALL be celebrating their bithdays... Lets make it special..

Doors open at 6 doors close when we leave!- Yup Tree, I said... WHEN WE LEAVE!!! -lol

Cant wait to see and party with  you all.. until then,

Let The Music Play

P~

MOVEMENT WRAP UP! - I took Marcellus Pitmans shoe's

SO!! Its done, another MOVEMENT weekend has come and gone. Did we party or WHAT!?!?
I was able to meet some REALLY great people from all over. There were a couple of kids that traveled 36 hours on a bus ( from Canada) just to get here.  I was able to enjoy the company of a very handsome Scotsman, a producer by the name of Blackjack.  Fiona and Jason ( also from Scotland) One Cat from Mexico city, who oddly wanted me to do his hair like I do mine. His friend from Italy ( who's accent was so thick I could not understand what he was saying) but... he was Italian and FINE so I was cool with it and just kept looking and nodding my head as if I knew all that he was saying.

There was the one cat Sunday at L!V this kid came in alone and stayed alone. He danced and enjoyed the sounds of Nu Bang ( more about those House Cats later)- Asian kid. Folks were here from all over and it was GREAT! I only hope that spirit carries over.

We Partied from Thursday to Sunday. By Sunday...humm Sunday, I was going to be at L!V come hell or high water to see Nu Bang and its members. But when I tell you it looked like, Activities Day and Shady Oaks rest home for House Heads.. lol we were all SO tired. We wanted to gig.. we really did but our bodies just said,, "yeah um...NO ! Just sit and hear what is being played and enjoy the music and vibe.

I partied with my family. I gained new family and I, checked Marcellus Pittman in for those Air Max kicks. Yeah lil homie, im still watchin you! Don't sleep, my 11 year old is a thug, she will get cha!

Thursday night started with a bang, L!V was the spot ( of course) and BEATS was the name of the game. Doc Link ALWAYS brings that noise., and I let that man get away before I got a CD...no worries I'm sure he will be back.

Como's, so my mans'nem Cloudmaster Weed and Claus Bachor were spot on with the selection, and great timing with blending.. masterful DJs. Full of energy and excitement. Always good to hear and see them both.

Prelude 2, This annual party at TV never seems to fail me. ( I'll tell you what did in a minute) ok let me 1st stay, I was NOT trying to hear any local DJs cause shit... I've seen em all..so big woop right...WRONG!!!! DEAD ASS WRONG!!!. When I tell you that damn Bruce Bailey came out of another stratosphere. This boi was in rare form, he loved his crowd, his music, his element...and we loved him right back. There was a moment that BB threw his hands up in a feeling of accomplishment. His set was his and his alone and NO one could match his prowess and THAT night he KNEW it. - y'all, I love my play cousin.

The Tag Team of Minx and Rick, just when I thought that damn Bruce Bailey had done it all here comes Rick and Minx ( these two should play together more often) they "get" each other. They are like the sun and the moon. Both important in there own right. Both powerful. But together they are a force of nature. Them two took the crowd on an odyssey, they took a cold night and turned up the heat to 1,000 and our cold asses were grateful as hell, cause it was freezing, and they were charging an UNBELIEVABLE amount for a cap full of liquor. That was greedy, selfish, and stupid. Again... my Blog, my thoughts. How in thee hell are you going to charged double the price and pour less then half on the liquor. Don't think for ONE minute that out of towners will forget that shit! They do tell friends.  On the upside... the tent was nicely heated, and the DJs kept it hot. I heard Eddie Fowlkes - wow... a Detroit original and I have to say this, the cousin of my dear friend Jonathan E. Macon who sadly could not be there to support the cousin he was so proud of. I gigged for us both Johnny Ed. I know you were looking down at us with a smile on your face. I love and miss you big John,. But, yeah... ya cousin is da'ISH!

I hate I missed Marc Duncan, Tracey Marvin said he ( Marc) tore the doors off the building. Marc, "how come you don't play out more often"? You're not just the sound guy, you are an incredible DJ- we miss you man. Please come out and play more often.

Loft 129 Tink Thomas' 3 day gig...or was it 4 days ( the weekend is a blur)- that place is 1920's Harlem renaissance classic beauty.  The all wood floors.,. I felt like I was at the Savoy or something close to it. Great choice for a spot. Tink is thinking about have a late night Friday there 1-4am. THIS IS A PLACE YOU WANT TO HIT UP!!! Large dance floor. Nice sounds,  Great spot Tink...DAMN great spot. But me, myself, personally... this is a spot where only vinyl should be played... it kinda goes with the theme of the whole place, classic, rough, a thing of beauty from out of the past. I ABSOLUTELY love this place. Ok and it doesn't hurt that both American and Lafayette coney are right next door, ( and yeah Lafayette is waaaaay better than American)

Gari Romalis set... YOU PEOPLE MISSED A BANGING ASS GOOD TIME. I've known Gari for more than 20 years. On this night Gari took me to school, I should have taken notes. There was so much I had to say about him but of course I have forgotten most of the one liners I had for this House Cat. I can say this.. IF Tink does get Loft 129 every Friday, if Gari is not playing I'M NOT GOING!!!!...and neither should any of you ( Just kidding Tink) - That night belonged to Gari- just goes to show you that, you don't have to hear some of these Cats everyday or week. This man has been in the game for 20 plus years and he showed his ASS Saturday, every and I do mean EVERY track was smooth and had MY feet happy. RayBone, came out the gate with a slamming track and never let up. I tried to Shazaam the track... no such luck, matter fact I tried with Gari too.. humm..ok fellas. That was one of the BEST sets I have ever heard him play. He beat the hell outta those tables and that room and had the everyone on the floor.   If Gari and Bone were there each week we would be in for a musical treat every time. They took me to, that place... where DJs go!

You are Chosen, ok 1st I am SO disappointed that I missed Alan King - damn Damn DAMN!!! in my Florida Evans voice. On the upside...do you all remember when I kept throwing these hints out to Terry Hunter to play the Aye No Corrida track he played the last time he was here. Well you all KNOW me. After I introduced myself to Mr. King, and made idle chit chat ( nice guy- I have like MAD respect for him) - simply made my conversation short because I didn't want to put my foot in my mouth like I did with Wayne Williams. BTW...,thanks for the invite Mr. King I think I may take you up on that, see ya in July!

ANYWHO... Terry Hunter.., when I got upstairs Mike Dunn was playing ( he is so one of my favs)- he plays with so much energy. Watching him spin is a pleasure. Looking like a cute lil kid that you would gladly buy ice cream for cause he is such a sweetie. Always a pleasure chopping it up with you. The laughter will continue dude!

ok.. back to Terry Hunter...(again) So Terry gets on and does what he does... BANG then he played it! HE PLAYED IT!! The whole track. Here is a DJ I would pay good money to see.. I tried to get that Chosen Few jacket outta him... but he was acting all stank about it. So I told him to keep his lil jacket. lol Truly enjoyed talking to him. I ask him after the night was done if that tack was in his rotation for the night... and in TRUE Chi-Town Pimp style..he lied-lol I fell for it! He knows he had that track in rotation-lol (go on wit'cha games Terry Hunter...go ON wit cho games playa ham)... if I were a DJ I would have this cut in rotation all of the time! Word on the street is he wouldn't even give Mike Dunn a copy of it. ( sharing is caring Terry)

If you think back to one of my 1st Blogs I wanted to know which one of the Chosen Few DJ's got me pregnant.  Well I know who it was, Congrats Terry... its  NEW CDJ machine... mom and machine are doing fine. See, and we didn't even need Jerry Springer.

Hands down my favorite two gigs were the one at 1515 Broadway and Got Mixes. These two gigs took me back to where all of "this" began. Dark, black velvet rope, drawn curtain so you couldn't see who was spinning. Now you all know me by now, I wanted to see who was throwing out all of that power. So UP the stairs me and my cataract eye havin self went. Opened the door to the DJ booth and there he was.. THE BEAST, with a cigarette hangin out of his mouth....Norm Talley.  The crowd was wired they LOVE this man, ok.. so do I but it was so cool to look down and see all of the people who had traveled from lands most of us have only heard of. All there for the love House for the love of beats for the love of dance! We went in when the sun was down, and came out when the sun came out! The Got Mixes party was off the freggin METER! Id met a couple from Scotland, Fiona and Jason and had advised them about the party.  They went, as we were going in they were coming out... they were so impressed and stated they have "bragging rights" for years to come. They'd gone to their 1st warehouse party.. and came out of Dysards spot happy as a fat kid in front of ice cream with no parental guidance.  Those people danced and danced and danced. Now my main man Marcellus Pittman ( look I took his shoes)- but he is not going to admit he got beat up by a girl! just know he beat our heads in with the shit he was playin. Hell he will be ok, as long as his ears and hands work he don't need shoes. lol I love you Marcellus.

But THAT night belonged to a one Mr. Jeffery Arthur aka Taz! I wanted to open his mouth and look inside to find out WHO was really in there, but Mrs. Arthur aint kickin my ass, So for the 1st time I did something I never do. I went and stood by the DJ booth., cause Taz... man, y'all sleeping on this Cat! Don't let that lil quiet disposition fool you. THAT man was clowning! As my DJs know... if I hug you.. then in MY book you da ish! - I hugged Taz for like 5 mins. My poor lil KD ( Kevin Dysard) he was running around like so much I think that cool Cat broke a sweat! Taz, like RayBone had one of the best set by them Id ever heard. When you two gentlemen play out THAT is the way you need to play EVERY TIME!! That was a night full of drive and energy!
'
--Taz and Bone...STOP BULLSHITTING AND PLAY LIKE THAT ALL THE E'FFIN TIME"!!!!- yes Im yelling ( bet neither one of you will check me about it either)!

The Nu Bang anniversary party, I got to met one of the funniest ladies I have every seen, Celeste Alexander... ( heard she makes a helluva potato salad too) I got to meet her husband ( who thinks DJ Brett can kick MY ass in cooking)- we will see. I got to meet Calvin Morgan and FINALLY got to met Cordell Johnson ( no relation) my lil big bro is now part of Nu Bang, yall call him Emixxin I call him Swiper Bang. Mad shout out to DJ LC both she and Minx are also now about of Nu Bang. ( so... does this mean Nu Bang has a club house)? cause... well, I'll find out.

The music was so good Sunday, Nu Bang can do it all.. but yesterday they were all smooth with it. Honestly we were so tired all we could do was sit there and say how nice the music was. But that damn Celeste... oh, that heffa can BANG! That night belong to DJ BOXX... great display of talent, and skill. He took us on several different journeys. I popped off over to Motor City Wine to see my House Gallery Cats. Poor Jay Ramsey, he looked like he wanted his mommy just to hold him and rock him to sleep. The one on the box, a Cat from Scotland, BlackJack. Scrappy lil fellow who is deeply rooted in the House music scene there. Glad I was able to hear him spin.

Now on to the really REAL!!!! I MET LOUIE VEGA people!!! 1st Wayne Williams... now this! (Somebody go get me a church fan and a glass of water with a handkerchief covering it... )-

The Fountain Bistro - TJ Dumas aka Gabbamonkey aka my lil homie/brother/friend

So last year TJ has this GREAT gig at The Bistro, classy spot! So I go down in a pair of shorts and just an ol regular gear type of day, but something told me it was going to be a special night. So I grab my black dress and my red strap up pumps with the platform heels ( ladies I was not in violation) my toes stayed inside my shoes at all times! Im no hypocrite- lol. The headliner was Glenn Underground, that man is so funny you almost need on a Depend to talk to him for more than 5 min. So TJ whispers something in my ear that made me almost break my heel, " nigga Louie Vega comin tonight" I was like... wow, like Louie Vega Vega?! TJ was like, "Yup". That night a list of who's who in the DJ community was at The Bistro. Delano came in straight from his flight, a few Cats from the Chi- some from over seas. ( I don't keep up with all of em).

In walks Minx, Divinity, Jessica, Piranha, Monique and LOUIE VEGA!!! Kenny Dope wasn't there ( him was sweepy) -baby voice. I try to be reserved when I can. but last year I saw Louie at some bar in Chicago during the Chosen Few party. & I was geeked even then and he was on some raised panel not able to be in contact with his adoring fans...( Ok so what I REALLY meant by that was...) I could not see or touch him)


I was able to kick it with him and that was what was so nice... just like Wayne Williams he was so personable so you know me and that Tomika Murry had that ear bent like a mofo. I can't tell you everything but what I can tell you is THIS.. look for more coming from Masters at Work.

oh shit I was supposed to be talking about Glenn Underground..ok, yeah his set was banging but I will get to him in detail in another Blog. MOVEMENT is over, we are all tired. I think I saw Rick in a corner with his blanky, and his favorite Star Wars action figure in his hand... my friend was so so tired. but so are we all. MOVEMENT 2014 is going to be bigger and better. Paxuhouse.. as always you did your thing. Just remember the reason for the festival. Bring more Detroit artist, give every DJ ( well... the good ones) a time to shine. WE ARE DETROIT... WE ARE THE MECCA!
 Bring down the price of those tix... but always,

Let The Music Play!!!

P~

Chosen Few, Chosen Ones, Nu Bang... and Glenn Underground! aka PURE FIYAH!

Listen, I'm not EVEN going to lie, I am one tired House Head, but the brain was on overload and I just could not sleep. ( plus... its hot as hell in this house and somebody refuses to turn on the A/C)

I feel like a kid at Christmas, or a kid in a candy store. MOVEMENT just brings that out in me ( as I'm SURE it does the same for you)!

There will be plenty of events to go to this weekend, but the three I'm most excited about are, U R Chosen, The Nu Bang party, and The Ultimate Chicago Experience.

These parties just happen to be on different days which is one of the reasons why I am so happy.. ya see with the line up at these three events, you are GUARANTEED to DANCE.. the music, and beats will fill your mind, body, and soul. The venues range from, sexy/intimate, cozy/friendly, to open and breath taking. Each one of the venues have TOP NOTCH drink selections, and friendly staff...  so where ever you go ( and you should go to ALL three) you will not be disappointed.

U R CHOSEN: This is that I-94 connection, We have, Hunters, and Kings, and a man God made Phunky! We have, Godmothers, Godfathers, Godsons, a FIERCE Feline, and a Detroit LEGEND!!
Club Waterfalls, GREAT LOCATION ( as they ALL are) located just steps away from Hart Plaza. I have had the pleasure of hearing both Terry Hunter and Mike Dunn spin, now I get to hear the Barrister BANGER, Mr. Alan King! They are turning up pure HEAT at this event. This one... OFF THE METER for sure! You know how much I love my Chosen Ones. Hotwaxx, Bruce Bailey, DJ Minx ( heey suga)-lol, Rick Wilhite and Alan C. Ester Jr. The combination of THESE House Cats is going to be the stuff folks will be talking about for years to come.

THE ULTIMATE CHICAGO/DETROIT EXPERIENCE: The venue and vibe... real rite. This night ( Sunday May 26th) features a line up of House Cats that take you to that place... where DJs go. From Jazzy, funky grooves, to hard hitting base thumping tracks that will keep you on your feet ALL night. All with the beautiful backdrop that is the city of Detroit! Mike Brown, Dru Ruiz, DJ RayBone Jones, Rick Wilhite, and the man doing it as only he knows how....Mr. Glenn Underground. Again I have heard all of these House Cats play, but I'm going to focus on Glenn. That man is PURE GENIUS! Beats banging BEATS, soulful, groovy, hard hitting...I could go on (but a sistah gotta work in a few hours) Last year Glenn had TV bar SICK with his style.. cool behind the tables, calm in a arena of frenzied fans... he is a FORCE to behold! He hit us with an edit of Never Buy Texas from Cowboy (MY ULTIMATE FAVORITE SONG like...EVER!!!!) When I tell you the crowd went NUTS that is exactly what they did. (wonder if he is going to play it again this year)- yeah, that is a HINT Glenn...smooth in transition, blends like a well oiled machine, selection is so choice. THIS is a NOT TO BE MISSED event! The Fountain Bistro... 2 hours of Glenn Underground, that man is going to clown...TRUST me!

Monday May 27th (at MY house)..ok so, its at L!V..but that is my home, NU BANG is going to do it to you in your ear hole. Ive only heard, DJ Boxx, Rick Wilhite and Eric EMusik Johnson (no relation)..So I am UBER excited to hear, Craig Loftis - Cordell Johnson - Celeste Alexander - Calvin Morgan - Massahiko Uchikawa - Gary Gray - Tim McAllister - Eric Lee - Larry Gavin - Sammyrock - Gary Cummings! I don't know much about these House Cats, but Im about to find out! I'm even going to brush up on my, conversational Japanese ( or take TJ Dumas with me) so I can talk to Massahiko Uchikawa...aka Uchi! I got a picture with this House Cat last year and I really felt like I was standing next to like Obama or something close to it. Like minds and souls bound and gel well together. So this is going to be white hot HEAT.

 Oh, and guess what... Mr. Chosen Few aka Wayne Williams will be playing at L!V on Sunday 1-3 am.. so our Sunday night Monday afternoon will be full of fun times, good music, love, laughter, fist pumps, hard hitting beats... and memories that will last a lifetime.

There is so much going on this week. I just want each one of you to enjoy yourselves. Remember you ARE your brothers/sisters keeper. House IS love, show it...share it, L!V it. If you're lucky you will make friends that last forever. You are a part of HISTORY! This week, Detroit will...

Let The Music Play,

P~

                          
                           
                           
                          
                          

Global BABY... Worldwide EVEN!!!!!!!

Well...well...WELL!!! We are counting down the days aren't we! Hurried, excited, frenzied, etc..etc. In just a few hours, the WORLD invades Detroit! Wowzers... This is the time of year we,  the Global village all meet in one place. That place, Detroit MI.. feels good to be a Detroiter don't it!

A few thank you(s) to my friends who read my Blog outside of the United States... Indonesia, Canada, Pakistan, Russia, Germany, Finland, Austria, Switzerland, Portugal, France, England... the list goes on and on.  A HEART FELT THANK YOU!!!!

So, how many of you are coming over from your respective countries...? Wherever you are coming from, please know that you are welcomed here. Please make yourselves at home. Most important... make sure you get a Coney dog! I mean.. ya can't come to Detroit and not eat like the locals.

"Ok Cool".. so my friend Josh is having a FAB gig at TV Lounge. GREAT venue, Im here almost all the time. This is going to be a little different.. Josh ( in all of his infinite power ) has decided to give away 4 free...FREE tickets to the party... participants need to RSVP to the Facebook or RA page and  leave a comment containing the words  " Ass Pants" Winners will be drawn form there.

Here is the line-up....exclusive Detroit appearances by Jozif, Eddie C, Mike Huckaby, Rick Wade, Burnski, Opencloud, Bon, Naveen G, special guests from Life & Death as well as support from New Agenda founders Ataxia, Dan Wagner & Mr. Joshooa, their partner Dax F and Detroit upstarts Soren & Alex Maniaci. Not only that you get the BEST of both worlds, party inside and OUT!!!

TV Lounge is ready to play host to a wealth of international House and Techno fans, with a world class indoor and outdoor sound installation, a newly remodeled brick patio with a dance floor and outdoor DJ booth, additional couches and seating areas. Enjoy the comfort of the new décor as well as an outdoor BBQ to satisfy all of your city food desires.

 

Detroit’s TV Lounge will undoubtedly be the preferred location to party on Sunday night into Monday morning of Movement Weekend, as we have finally reached the announcement of the New Agenda & Dax Presents joint venture happening on May 26th..., a party entitled OK, COOL. 
The 20 Years of Kompakt Tour will make a stop right here at TV Lounge... THIS IS A NOT TO BE MISSED EVENT!!!!

 

Here are the links you will need to enter for the free tix.

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/370327063073605/

http://www.residentadvisor.net/event.aspx?480597

 

Let The Music Play,

 

P~

 

 

L!V...Its more than just a club...it's HOME!

So...to-date I've done 25 Blogs, and 24 of them have mentioned this place I LOVE.. L!V Restro lounge. This is my(our) neighborhood bar, and most of us don't even live in the neighborhood.

What makes L!V so perfect for "ME" is its small home like feel and atmosphere. The bartenders are the best around. Chris ( the unofficial leader and hellion), Courtney ( the one that will get you :"real rite") and Ashley( the sweetie pie).

When you walk in the doors at L!V you are HOME. Everyday there is a reason to enjoy Life at L!V.
There are times when I think MY name is on the Mortgage.-lol

I started going to L!V the 2nd Thursday it was opened and with the exception of when Neonda was down I have hardly missed a Thursday at the place that has my heart. I'd heard BB was going to do a new night at a new spot. They'd left the River Rat...oops Place, and moved on to a bigger and better venue.

So, LC aka Lynda Carter, aka Angela Vincent, aka Angie had a club in Ferndale ( Cloud 9 I believe was its name). She'd wanted to open a spot in Detroit (... guess that's where that realtor license came in handy) she got a PRIME location.

I'm going to take a moment and give my opinion here. I 1st heard this House Kitten back at Lola's, it was, myself and that darned Tomika ( yeah sometimes we ARE attached at the hip) it was Halloween and she came in there and hat the crowd super hyped. At that time she also had a "hype" (wo)Man. After that I had not heard much from her. So I assumed she did not play out. So when she opened her club, my thought was..."YOU GO GIRL, HELL YEAH"!!! Make them come to YOUR spot and play!

Now this may not have been the reason she opened the spot at all, but in MY world that is how it happened.- that's my story and I am sticking to it!

ANYWHO... we're here now. I have heard some to the BEST DJs Detroit and beyond have to offer. I have made some lasting relation/friendships there. Always up for something new, they have poetry, jazz, R&B, and of course...my vice "House". They welcome ALL! When you are there is NOT "THEM or US" is "WE" and everybody knows your name.  She has made that place a home to so many. Of course Tomika and I have a spare key...( or we should have one), You got ya Brian Wards, Fred Simmons, Simons, Alison McNeely's, Erica Hills, ya Kareems...etc, etc, etc, we are there almost every week.

DJs stay posted up in there( too many to name, but you know who you are). They have hosted the likes of Carla Prather, Lisa Shaw, Josh Milan, Glenn Underground, Uchikawa, Mike Dunn, of course all of the Detroit House DJs have played there, and this week we get even more Chosen Few DJs..( I call him Mr. Chosen Few) Wayne Williams  ( wonder if Alan will play there too?..somebody find out and let me know)
 
This week L!V will be all a buzz with the goings on that is DEMF/MOVEMENT, from Thursday to Monday you will have nothing but the BEST House/Techno have to offer. 5pm-5am, the music just don't stop. An ample amount of fist will be pumped!

Stop in, have a Detroit River, or a Beerita, or that Man vs Beer, served with love, by those who will become your family as they have become mine.

The music will be played, the vibe will be real rite. The atmosphere will be energetic, the smiles and laughter will be abundant. Two rooms of music all for you. Visit the event page(s) for more info. Like em on Facebook.


L!V..YOUR House Headquarters....


Let The Music Play,

P~

The D'Vine Ones..A Love story

Onced (yes...ONCED) upon a time. On the Southside of Chicago there was a little boy name Brett and a pretty little girl named Nicky. Im not sure how they met (cause I live in Detroit) and did not learn of these two until years later. So im going to tell the story as I've play it out in "MY" head.

Maybe in the schoolyard, or on a bus, maybe at the skating rink, or just in the hood. However they met they feel in love and made not only 3 beautiful babies together but somewhere along the way became two BADD ASS DJs! 19 years and still going strong. I LOVE, LOVE! Im sure that lil mannish boy chased her all around the neighborhood..and she was smitten with his cute lil face. Hell... maybe SHE chased HIM and gave him that note: " You gone be my boyfriend"? Yes, NO, or Maybe? ( circle one)-lol. Obviously he circled "YES"

However it happened the two became one and then became D'Vine!

I first became aware of MzNicky, TheDvineone at L!V.. when I tell you THAT lil heffa came in, showed UP and SHOWED O-U-T!! That is just what she did. She went straight BANG from the time she stepped behind the tables. I INSTANTLY became a fan fo'life! Now, I have seen L!V on, bump several times but up until that point I (personally) had never seen a guest DJ come in there at give the crowd some, sho NUFF "act right"! MzNicky...TheDvineone, gave it TO em that night. And when she was done... she straight, dropped mic, exit stage left! I distinctly remember a small crowd walking behind her as she exited the building giving her all kinds of praise. In the distance I heard someone say, "yeah her husband is a DJ he taught her how to spin. She is WAY better than him" (sorry Brett, I didnt say it...but I digress) hold tight lil homie, imma get to you in a minute. If memory servs..as she was walking out...people were throwing rose petals at her feet. Six men carried her out on their shoulders... she waved to her adoring crowd..( ok thats a stretch..but in my head that's kinda what it was like)

Her style is,"I'll House you"! (only REAL TRUE HouseHeads know what I mean) pure energy is where she comes from. Her selection speaks to the crowd and she knows just the right pitch to play.. she smoove as butta baby, and goes hard in the paint with her set.

The 2nd time I heard her play was at the Mars vs Venus( now im NOT going to go deep into it)...but, for those who didn't show... SHAME ON YOU! MzNicky...TheDvineone, came in there and wreck the room.  She went straight Sade/Monique Bingham, kick her shoes off and threw down sunin FIERCE! We talked for a spell, I got a lil insight on how she came up in this Thing of Ours. Looks like her husband taught her a few thangs, but she was ready to learn before she even touched the tables..she has always known music and how it should be played. So Brett, thank you for marrying this young lady and showing her how to become a DJ- of impeccable skill and talent.

I was so impressed by my Chi-Town sisters ( Alicia and MzNicky...TheDvineone) some time back I'd inboxed the following. MzNicky, Alicia, Angi Stone, Minx, Stacey, DJLC. I wanted to have a party with just the lady DJs..( The Morning after pill party) - I still think it would be a helluva gig! Ladies..we need to talk.

Member... early on in this Blog I said..someone said the wifey was better than Brett... well, that's ok. The student should always take what they have learned and put their own spin/style on it. That is what she did.

Brett Morrison, aka the HuZband and BADD ASS DJ! Now I knew the Morrisons had a radio show, but honestly I would NEVER listen to it unless I knew MzNicky...TheDvineone was playing. ( Sorry Brett) I'd heard that this huZband of hers had taught one, Mr. Terry Hunter how to spin. (you people know who Terry Hunter is don't cha) !

--humm, the southside of Chicago is kinda like the west side of Detroit ( 7mile area to be specific) because that is the side where all the HOTT ass DJs came from.

ANYWHO...back to Brett, I never gave this House Cat a chance(honestly, im not sure why, I just didn't) - see sometimes ya gotta get out there and test the waters. Brett was here not too long ago and I FINALLY got a chance to hear him. I went into it thinking..he can NOT be as good as the wifey. Even though his set was killer.. I STILL did not want to believe he was as good as her. I just did not want to give homeboy a chance. So after the gig I sat around to wait for the lil big brother..aka Earl "Mixxin" Mckinney, on the way home it was me, DJ Brett, and Emixxin. As always Emixxin has a CD loaded in kickin out heat. My ig'nant ass ask, "who in the HELL is THIS"? Brett, turns around and gives off that smile, and in that instant I felt like I had to apologise for not givin him a chance. The CD was FIYAH yall..pure effin FIYAH. Now, here is where a person can give you the proverbial "finger" and make you feel simple as hell. Brett hands me 3 CDs, yeah...I felt like an idiot by this point.

So, as you know, last year someone broke into my car ( Neonda) and got me for ALL my CDs, some I had since early-to Mid 2000's (Delano, Norm, DJ Cent- I was mad as HELL about my DJ Cent too) They got shit I had from BB(some of his early B.L. (Before Lola's) CDs, they got er'body.  Punk MFers prolly don't even like House..but, I...digress.

My collection is now growing again ( hold on people Im going to circle back to the Morrison's in a few, DAMN work with me people, its going to all come together soon)-cause I know you all are thinking WTF does THAT story have to do with MzNicky,...TheDvineone and Bretts Blog.

After Brett hands me these CDs, Im thinking WTH am I going to play these on? As luck would have it, I had gotten lil Neonda fixed( she'd been down for a year) member, I was going to shoot her. After the car had gotten all worked on and polished up, I decided to put a new radio in. BAM, I can listen to my ever growing CD selection. (...but im going to get my DJ Cent CD back FTS!)

I have this extra long as drive to and from work, so one day on the way home I decide to pop in DJ Brett.. HAPPY AS HELL I did. His CD is effin PERFECT on EVERY level. !Quality of sound, selection, how he lets the track "ride" before he blends in the next cut. Just a MASTER of the "ART" of DJing. So, MzNicky...TheDvineone TRULY learned at the foot of the MASTER.

From what I have heard he seems to be a fan of Disco and the Progressive era of This Thing of Ours. The cuts I heard were played back in 78'-like 83' shit that Mojo would play, WLBS, before Progressive, before House, just after Disco tracks.. know what I'm talking about. After I listen to him, the only thing I could think of is that line from Coming to America when, Jackson Heights own, Randy Watson left the stage and the old barber proclaimed, "That boy is good"!

I'd like to see what this couple can do production wise.. cause while their styles seems to differ (IMO) together they make one helluva team. So, to the Morrisons, I say..continue to...

Let The Music Play,

P~