The summer for healing and the House historian.

 This past weekend we FINALLY got a little slice of music heaven in the form of the Charivari music festival. At our 4th and last location (insert applause). It was so very needed. I'm sure the organizers worked tirelessly to bring out some of the best local and out of state talent. Historic Fort Wayne is the perfect venue for growth and expansion. We left enough room for dancing and the passing of the torch for the next generation of House and Techno up and comers to fill that space with a weekend love fest. And the food venders were AMAZING! Please bring them back shout out to Wella's Kitchen yall need  a brick and motor cause that was the BEST Mexican food ever. Trust me I know, plus always trust the palette of the "thickems we know what's good" 

I'm gonna deviate a bit but I promise it will all come together by the end of this read. I may make some mad, pearls might be clutch and heads may shake, but I wouldn't be authentically me if I didn't evoke those feelings.  

So after what seems to be an eternity I finally gave in and gave myself to someone I had been putting off for a few years. And afterwards my 1st words to him were, "that's all you got" my thought was, "I waited 5 plus years for THIS SHIT! Where do I go for my "do over" cause this some bullshit"! Not that it wasn't good, it just wasn't...enough! I wanted more. All I heard in my head was the line from Purple Rain, " I don't like it... and Morris doesn't like it either"! I needed more more and then even more! I needed to be satisfied! Its cool I'll give ol boy another chance and I'm willing to bet the neighbors will know my name! 

That's kinda how I felt about missing out on the music, the clubs, the scene, the events, the festivals. I(we) needed more.  We had taken a whole year off ( thanks to our then dick head president) We needed to be satisfied. We needed more, more, and then... even more. That is just what we got. Now, there are some who uttered the phrase, "this some bullshit" and that just ain't cool but more about that later. 

It had gotten to the point where I didn't think I even wanted to party anymore. The streaming, while great just wasn't doing it for me. Its like masturbatory self gratification... are you REALLY satisfied? Well some of of ya'll maybe but for me there is nothing better than the real thing! 

There was an abundance of that and more this past weekend. We had a master class in DJology from all who took to the one's and two's. I will attempt to cover them all. There were several key sets I missed so if you don't get a mention its only because I didn't hear your set.

I came to call this weekend, The days of futures past. The passing of the torch. What some started must be carried on into the future. The organizer's understand this and it was shown with the talented line up of up and comers, there were a few that I felt should have been on the bill but alas they will NOT let me in those meetings. I mean I have ideas ya know 😀 I didn't think they had the proper time slots..way to early for my taste and others who may not have heard them play missed some really good music. Don't ask me their names! I'm old!!!... hell I get my kids names mixed up and I have a son and daughter.

 By the time we got it really going DJ Serena Tyler was on the box and she had me, Ya see I'd gotten a text from my sister and she informed me my brother had passed away, but as foggy as my mind was at that time I still have a very vivid memory of her set. ANNNNND it was my 1st time hearing her play. Serena you helped me focus. You helped ease the pain and I thank you! Let me say this, the women did NOT come to play with the children PERIODT!!! DJ Cent reminded me of why I am such a fan of hers, Then came Jennifer "Minx" Witcher she is sunn'in special. Poor lil William Guest had his mouth opened her entire set, he had a look between amazement and disbelief. He had his mouth open so long Im sure he had to swallow 9,999 insects. I glanced over an saw Karizma behind her. I have NO idea where his mind was, if I were to guess it was somewhere between euphoria and exotica's 10th level. He felt everything she put down. There we were Michael Denomme, Jessica Laus, and myself dancing our cares away. That felt good...real good. It reminded me of many things, but Ill get to that later. Glenn Undergound was at the 2nd stage and as MUCH as I LOVES me some GU, if this were a fight he bought a bushido blade, she bought an AK47 "when you got to kill every motherfucka in the room" (in my Samuel L. Jackson voice) she did it! All danty like. She has it all brains, beauty, sex appeal and a collection of music to keep ya on your feet. Sabine Blazin took over without a hitch AND did her hair in the middle of a mix. She had that call from Mother Afrika vibe, I have a feeling you will be seeing more of her in The D

Hol'up let me take a moment to give Karizma a special shout out. He rolled up his sleeves and ask if he could be of any assistance. Class act right there. Cause some of yawl entitled mofo's think all you have to do is show up and play. 

Anywho...

I wasn't there for Osunlade's full set but I was there for the master class he and Karizma gave. They moved in sync each feeling the vibe of the other, and it was effortless. 

Rick had played earlier in the day and of course he did NOT disappoint.  Aside from being one of my favorite DJs he's also one of my favorite people...on Earth!!!, yet another class act and Master turntablist.  Fast forward to Sunday and there I was sitting next to so many great talents both in front of and behind the music. I was so honored, the fav was on and of course as does, he beat the white meat outta folks. Norm just doing Norm making the folks dance and smile! Im not sure what Delano was on but he was on one fa'sho! Let me take a moment and say, for as much as I love Delano sometimes he makes me so mad. Like big brother lil sister mad, like Im finna tell on you mad. Im trying to understand why I feel this way, hopefully I figure it out before I die, and for those who wonder, he didn't even know until now. I felt like I cheated on Norm cause Delano (middle name unknown) Smith gave us errrrr'thang. I wondered if this is how he plays overseas (prolly not) but I took what he gave, and I was satisfied, fulfilled even.  His skill set and selection gave me what ol boy didn't! I still wanted more tho! Hey, Im greedy and... yeah, there's that! Now the day before I told him about the passing of my brother and informed him that I NEEDED him to bang it out! Not that he was going to give us anything less than perfection.  The House Pimpstress in me said, "he did what I told him to do"! The respectful fan said he did what he was born to do! At the end of his set he gave an, in memorandum to those we have lost, then dropped a remix of Stairway to heaven by the O'Jays maaaan that joint was smokin hot! But it wasn't so much what he played as it was the crowds reaction to it. They danced in a calm reverence. Respect Delano mad mad love and respect. Unfortunately his set ended with another one of my favorite people fucking up the mix and sound, but his cute so imma give him a pass. THIS time! He took us to church, then dropped us off at the hoe house, that's when the main pimp blew his pimp horn and had Michael Whyteout moving like no White man had moved before that Norm Talley is a fire starter burning up the tables and our feet!  

Derrick "Train" Thompson aka Reggie's little brother, folks don't sleep on this cat! This is a Train you want to ride and will take you to destinations you've never been! He gave I think 2 hours of musical bliss. And then Tom Linder walked in looking like a whole ass snack! No disrespect Angie, but ya man is fine as frogs hair and has the talent to back up that winning smile,  and great pecks ! Tom and Bill might sound like ordinary names but they are by no means ordinary DJs. I'm not much of a techno fan EXCEPT when they play it! Bummed I missed Alton, Eddie, Kai, Gary ( it was Karyn Neeleys fault I missed them) Al and a few others but from the reaction of the people they truly loved every minute. Like Im really bummed out about Alton he was the 1st DJ to make me shed a tear. 

The Dezi Magby set..OMG no!! OMfuckinG! If ever there was a DJ who ain't afraid he is it! He played all the tunes that made us love music! Not just House music but music music! When he dropped Rhinestone cowboy followed up by Run DMC my 1st thought was.. "the fuck is this man doing" Then I said, "its Dezi just roll with it". That RUN DMC follow up had that crowd in the palm of his hand. He played so good his needles said, "fuck it, Im tappin out"!

Chicago bread Detroit fed Demetrius Orr.. Ohhh baby, that man knows what to play and when to play it, always seamless blends and transitions. Thank you Chi town but he is ours now and when not sending him back. 

Now there are a few people I think should be in the line up ( are you listening Todd C Johnson) - no relation. David James Spivey I repeat David James Spivey, just in case you didn't hear/read me David James Spivey! Marv Prather, Body Mechanic, Phil tha Mixx, Tink Thomas, Los Hermanos, Darryl Dyer, Jon Easley, Gari Romalis, Big Strick! Marc Duncan and of course my distinguished gentleman John E. Collins. I mean if you're going to feature home talent add them to the line up. Ya slept on Nervous and now he's gone. The House Gallery, Walter Glasshouse and my favorite nerd and all around great dad/human Todd Weston. and where was Big Joe Hix? 

I like that I94 connection if I had my druthers of course Im going with my favorite Chi Town DJ Alan King.  Greg Gray, Celeste Alexander, Ms Nicky. Alicia has played but she can always come back ya know. and that low hat wearing DJ Boxx.

Now let's take a moment to address you entitled, "Im on the list and I know Todd or insert any DJ". No negro ( for this part of the story, all of yall are all negro's no matter your racial, sexual, or ethnic orientation) you cannot get in free. Listen I use to be that same person until a DJ and former friend put it in perspective. Thank you Jon Easley! If Im working the door and a negro wants to get in free Im going to ask questions like, " what's Todd's middle name? What's his momma's name? Where does Theresa work? Who taught Bruce how to spin"? If you can't answer those questions you don't know the motherfucker! $30.00 please! And DJs and other folks, umm.. you ain't got no entourage. 1 to 2 guest list people please and thank you!

I'd also like to address someone I resect, love, and hold in VERY high regard, no Dee Charivari has not lost it's soul, it's broadened its base, they understand that we have to pass this on or it will die. And yes they have moved the venue over and over but have found a forever home., and yes there was a lot of field, but that simply means when this thing of ours gets to the next level we will have space for everyone. 

Everyone knows I am NOT a fan of Paxahau? IMO they have ZERO respect for Detroit DJs and Black DJs in general unless you're a big name. So I applaud the team for keeping it local for showcasing the talent that the trust fund babies have used and abused (pearl clutching time) cause YES I SAID IT! Im willing to bet a dime to a bucket of shit they will use their influence and money to throw a monkey wrench into what Charivari is building. If they haven't already. #fuckem! Keep building. This is a House built by Black and Brown people and WE welcome everyone.

Music draws all kinds, and that we had in droves. But when we get back to our Facebook lives and statuses we dog each other out! Why? It's stupid and serves no purpose. One person even commented that they are glad they didn't come.. really, and you call yourself a promoter? And you throw parties with some of the same people that played at Charivari. Don't let your ego write a check your behind can't cash! People wonder why I do what I do. Its simple, because I believe in you no matter who you are for the most part. But mostly because I made a promise to the man who's dream he made into a reality. And while he is no longer with us, his dream will live on and no one is going to stop that! I will always be by Chauncia Dunbars side if she ask me Im going to do it! Period, because in a short span of time Steve Dunbar became my mentor and brother I know how much he love this thing of ours and how deeply in love he was with his wife! 

Carol Johnson can't believe how much we have Todd's back, its not only for the much needed adult supervision but also because we know how hard he works at making this happen ok plus he pays us to say nice things about him. Dancing next to Michael and Jessica took me back to when I first came on the scene they are my babies but its they who taught me. We live in a world of so much discord but for a brief moment we come together united in music.

Good sex and good music should never be compromised or an option. If ya don't get it in the bedroom, get it on the dancefloor. I guess I'll just have to wait for the good sex thingy.. this past weekend however... now I was totally satisfied with those I had the pleasure of hearing... and I want more!

After so much loss this past year, I want us to go into this next phase more understanding, with a broader mind, I too need to improve on this. I never want to leave you unfulfilled but mostly when we are dead and gone I want the generations to remember why they started what they started.(days of futures past) I want them to remember Jessie Saunders, Eddie Fowlkes, Paul L Johnson, Kelly Hand, Nervous Breakdown, Jason Garcia, Big Rob Martinez Jr, Scan 7, Detroit Techno Militia, Claude Young Jr. and everyone in between. I want them to know this is how it started but mostly I want them to

Let the music play

~P

A musical healing...Shelter in place and those we've loved and lost

The times.. they are changing aren't they! From 78's  to 45's 12",8 tracks, cassettes, walkmens discmans, cdj's, to that bastered also known as...the thumb drive. I've seen many a music lover aka a, DJ/Produce in heated battles over this thingy called a thumb drive. Or vinyl vs technology. 

Battles and beefs happen, but time has shown even in House music, battles and beefs sometimes turn into brawls. Shameful isn't it.

There is evolution in sound, and how its made, through it all we've danced. No matter what flava you savor on the dance floor., you've danced. We use music to express every emotion. Music speaks when we cannot. Music is also a healer.

And right now we need music to speak like its never spoken before. and the beefs are or should be over how the music is played who plays it or how they make that bread is being affected.

Music is our medicine, its keeping us as uplifted, connected, and is a healer to our soul. 


I started this Blog almost 6 months ago. I wasn't in the right frame of mind to pen not one word. So I shelved it. At that time I didn't know if I would ever write again. I mean so much had gone on.

Then a 6'5" inch bird dropped some jewels in my ear as he always does. So I gave it some thought, and gave it some more thought, and thought some more after that. 

2019 ended on a high note., life was looking really good I was getting out of my underground funk. You see the summer of 2019 wasn't what I would call or recall fun.. but it set me on the road to healing. Healing myself from myself and through it all I had the music, the underground sound and my House family. I made my way to The Chosen Few but I still felt like some part of me was missing. I knew my musical life wasn't going to be right until I heard the one DJ that makes it right. On the up side other aspects of my life had taken a turn towards the positive and I was finally able to be "ok" with what had been the worst spring and summer of my life. 

...but, my House family... whew alls I can say is Thank YOU! - I promise this is all going to tie together. Allow me a little latitude please. 

anywho...

In rolls 2020 and with it came something none of us ever thought we would see in our lifetimes. Our House family was in need..in need of a healing. Not by our own hands. But by the hands of the people that were supposed to be there to protect all of us. 2020 is shaping up to be the year all the walls are torn down, and what better way to break down the walls and become a global village than through music. The beat that runs through us all.. 

Doctors heal the sick, and music heals the soul. The world is in bad need of both. Tonight I found myself thinking about the summer that would never be. No MOVEMENT no MOVEMENT parties,no DTM BBQ. No meeting people from all over the world. Taking pride in our city. No, me being disgruntled with Paxahau for one reason or another. no Rick, no Norm, no Uchi, no Cordell or Vincent. No Marcellus and the saddest part for me, no Fiona and Jason. No ending up at Motor City Wine with my loves The House Gallery. No Train, no Dayna.  No going out when the sun comes up and getting home with the dawn of a new day.  No Chosen Few. No beautiful black people united in music, dance, and food all that LOVE that is shown in that ONE day experience. No Mansion party in Atlanta, no Summer Oasis, no House in the park.. and the countless other House events that take place all over the world. WE are in a global pandemic and a lot of people are hurting and in need of a healing. 

We have lost SO many, we have been unable to comfort each other. Cry with each other, share memories of our dearly departed with one another. But the tie that keeps us together is the music, and the DJs that create this underground world we are united in. 

My mind can't help but go back in time., the time I first heard Nervous, became friends with David or shared a smile and laugh with Tasha. The parties, clubs and special guest. We have all lost someone we have also lost a part of who we are and what makes us those carefree adults who still party like we did back in the day. 

Now, since we are all on global punishment we can still be united. We can mourn our loved ones. We just have to do it a different way, a new normal. And just like we can mourn we can also rejoice. Rejoice for our friends who did recover, and for the purpose of this Blog rejoice in our DJs. They have been our musical healers. Giving us the remedy we need. They have shared their collective talents via different platforms. DJs are selfish ya know. They too need a healing, they don't just play for us. They play for themselves as an outlet cause they do have something to tell us., just in their own way. There is always a message in the music my friends. Listen to the healing message., and don't forget to tip the messenger. They have to eat and pay bills to ya know. 

This global pandemic has shown us that we are more alike than not. This horrible virus doesn't care who you are. How much money you have. It wants to attack you, control you, keep you down. 
The healers and the music do the same. They don't care what your ethnicity is, how much money you have what color you are or who you chose to love. Let the music take control, let it attack you. The difference is the music pulls us up. The music helps us rejoice when we want to cry. With every track played, another page of our musical diary is read or is being written. A memory is relived., and new ones are being made. 

Right now, memories and live feeds is all we got. But soon we will be able to lift our hands in the sanctuary, we will be able to hear those DJs beat that shh, the scene will be set, and our inner freak will be unleashed once again on a dance floor near you. 

Until that time, stay safe my loves, shelter in place, dance like nobody is watching, AND support your DJs. They do it for the love of House, for the love of beats, for the love of dance. They do it strictly for the L-O-V-E

I can't end this without saying something about Huck, but what can I say about someone I barely knew what can I say that hasn't already been said.  What I can say is this... I am going to miss seeing his face (that face) no matter what he was doing or who he was having a conversation with., I would always get a smile simply by saying, "Hi Huck"!  Your music will live on. Thank you for your gift/talent, your teachings and knowledge.

Rick will still have his Beautiful Sundays, Guest DJ Thursday will return. That I-94 connection will still be strong. Norm will be back to crack your cranium. and yes.. Shay will have her annual backyard shenanigans bbq(ok maybe not THIS year) but still..



Let the music Play

P~

When I fell in love

I have had my share of lovers, BUT... none like the love I have for House music, the underground community, and sound. I have loved this funky, deep, disco, spiritual, jazzifunkinnova since I was a child. 

My parents weren't big music lovers. But my aunt Rye was, (she was my mother's father's sister). My aunt Rye was the wild child of all of my great-grandmother's children. Hanging out in gin/ juke joints. Never staying in one place for long. Having babies and allowing my grandmother to raise them. My guess is, something other than the mundane life of family and motherhood pulled her away from family and into the clubs of Tennessee and happening spots of post-war Chicago.

As Rye got older she became the guardian and de facto mother of my favorite cousin Tiffany and her little brother Joseph (J.J.) and this is where my love for what would become House music began.

You see Rye had gotten sick and my great-grandmother who was well into her 70's at the time, got on a Greyhound bus and brought her baby girl back to Detroit and with her came all the sinning ( as my grandmother would say). The devil's music, hot pants, smokin, etc.. etc.. 

My great-grandma kept us in church, and Rye kept us into the hottest music. So, when did I fall I love with House? The Moment that four on the floor touched my soul and enlightened my consciousness.

Of course it was the mid 70's like '77/'78, it was Disco back then, the progenitor of House and we just couldn't get enough of it. The radio stations blasted the sounds of  Thelma Houston, Donna Summer, The Trammps etc..


.... Meanwhile, back in the windy city a few like-minded, disco loving talented teens were tinkling with machines and inventing or re-inventing a sound that would become the biggest underground movement world has ever known. But more about them later. 

I think it was the summer of '80 or maybe maybe '81? I don't recall. I was blossoming into what would become a bonafide Househead ( YES!...it's a proper noun) 

I don't think it's a coincidence that I hit puberty around 1980 and discovered a new (kinda) sound. You see, to me...House ( called Progressive back then) is sexy, sexual, provocative...alluring, primal. And when you hit puberty,  while you may not understand those feelings at that crucial part of your life but, like House that's what puberty is. A journey a discovery of self and the world around you. No matter how big your, "world" was at that time. 

Ask most people from the, 3 1 3rd and they will tell you, it took off or began somewhere off  West 7 mile, here in Detroit. But for me it started on the radio.  Mojo was/is his name. He took myself and all of Detroit on a musical odyssey.  He played music most others didn't. He played music, that this preteen understood in a way she had not yet learned how to articulate, but she understood her feelings and emotions through the music. The music of George, Fonda, Raw Silk, Dayton and many many others. Ok I don't really remember singers and groups so..yeah, there's that. So from 1980 to about 1983 I was part of what was called the Midnight Funk Association. Where most, if not ALL of us Househeads in Detroit were born.   

My parents were your normal parents when it came to discipline so going out to the disco's for kids my age was out of the question. 
I figured out how to get around that foolishness. So the nights I was at, "my friends" she and I would make out way to this club called L'UOMO'S . Just a building, a building off 7mile and John R. All you heard was music, thumping, bass, hit you in the chest music. I here I was a 12/13 year old kid hangin out with the big dawgs.  We had a DJ  by the name of Ken Collier, I am sure he played there. He had been in the game since the mid 70's and I'd like to think most all Detroit DJ's learned at the foot of that Master in some form or another.  I know Delano Smith did he was a high school kid at the time., but he played like he was born to do this. So perhaps they were the 1st DJ's I heard.  I was just a kid, all I know was the venue and the music provided a freedom, a freedom from parents, school, neighborhood beefs. The music was called, Progressive, not House... yet! House, is a Chicago thang, and I had yet to experience what would become the music that Damn near defines who I am. Progressive, New Wave, Punk, Funk, Jazz, Soul, and yes even Rock and Roll. I love them all but this thing that we now call House was different. 
But...then came Rap, and I left what I understood to discover what I wanted. 

High School circa 1983...little did I know, but our small Catholic High School would birth some of the HOTTEST DJ's/Produsers in House music today! Rick Wilhite, Patrice Scott, David Spivey just to name a few. 

So, yeah I dipped out of the Progressive music scene to venture into the world of Rap..but by the late 80's early 90's The Jungle Brothers, DeLa, they had an element  of that sound I liked. By this time I think it was called House. If my time line is correct, by this time The Warehouse in Chicago was up and running Frankie and Ron controlled the groove and a kid names Jesse had made what became known at the 1st House record. So we were well on our way to becoming a House nation. 

After the college years, and rolling full speed ahead into the 90's while I had been to many parties House and R&B.  R&B just wasn't doing it for me, Jazz clubs were filled with old men, so all I had was the radio, The Wizard, and by this time.. Earl Mixxin McKinney were playing this House music, and BOOM I left that Rap life alone. Oh sure I listened to what was being played on the radio, but when they played House, that's when I become alive! 

 from the mid 90's well into the next decade, we had a show dedicated to House once or twice a week, it's just was Teresa Hill and her, "go to" DJ was Alan Ester.  Earl had started playing more Hip hop and The Wizard was no longer on the radio. So all I had for House was Alan, and he was my god!  

So I started going back to wherever House music was being played. And there's this guy named Vernon English who changed my life. Because while I understood the vibe of the music he made me understand the force of the DJ! Sometime in 1984 two Cass tech grads went to WSU for college and that is where their DJ careers took off fast forward a few years and here they are as, The Tandem. A DJ collective that had parties all over the city, they ruled the night life from the early 90's until this very day!

Then came Bruce...Bailey and his CD's that is, as the story was told to me. It was Vernon who taught Bruce how to spin.  Don't know the validity of this but..yeah, that's what I was told. And He became what's known as The God Father. He is one of it not the biggest House music promoter in the city! 

M!X and me!  Where my life as you know me began!  Fresh off divorce and a failed relationship. Around 2008 I start hitting this club called Lola's I started going just as it was coming to an end. We didn't know it at the time though. After Lola's (around 2010/2011) closed a new club hit the ground running with Bruce as it's resident.  Earl as it's MC and DJ Lynda Carter as it's designer/owner! I had more freedom to move in the streets as I please and I met a DJ that would be my teacher, partner in crime, and in some regards my mentor. His name is unimportant, but his role in my life is, it was he who would teach me style,and the technique of the DJ and respect for the music. He took me behind the groove and, proverbial velvet rope. Somewhere I became a quasi party promoter. From 2012 on I was the baddest bitch in the room.. parties, giving and receiving that "club love"  but the shade and was really real. Thankfully, I found my calling..if you will, in writing about the scene and the players, movers and shakers there in. Its 2016 I become a street reporter for an internet radio show, I've met people from all over the world. Mark de clive Lowe, Tony Morales, Louie Vega, Glenn Underground etc..etc..

2020 by this time I have a fairly popular Vlog called Popping up on a playa where I feature short convo's with the DJs in and around the city. I think I have come a long way since the time before House, the time before progressive, it was Disco that drew me in but its House that keeps me home!

So what does House mean to me? Freedom, love, joy, acceptance, euphoria,sex, a vertical hold. It's allows me to FINALLY discover who I am, that journey that started with disco, to pubescent preteen Progressive lover, to Rap fan, all the way back home. Yes home because House is every genre's I love all rolled into that 125 bpms four on the floor. Those bpms are the same as we all hear while in the womb. So there's a comfort in House to me. A comfort I knew long before I ever heard music. And the music is  timeless. 
That you Chicago Larry Frankie and a shy quiet guy named Jessie you made me who I am...musically that is.
footnote: my most memorable moment came one summer during MOVEMENT. For a very brief moment I got to talk to Robert Williams, and if you don't know who THAT is....oh you ain't really down. I got to hang with Chosen Few DJ 's Alan King and Wayne Williams (who also double as Jessie 's  big brother). Those kids grew up  and formed a collective. Now I can tell what House means to me, but they can show you what House music does! Every July, a park on the south side of Chicago becomes a community United in dance, love, peace and harmony! And that, my friends is what House music is!

Fin

Chosen Few 2018..a return to Wakanda

A return to Wakanda was the theme for this year's Chosen Few, this would be my 5th trip to the windy city to enjoy what can only be described as House music Utopia.
So we loaded up, and headed out. I94 westbound. Myself, Marvinna, good music and great conversation. It was her 1st time going. I guarantee it won' be her last.
Pre parties after parties...the main event! For 48 hours I was in 7th heaven.
Now, I didn't attend any of the parties, but as always my ear was to the ground and word got back to me that they were all that one would expect and then some. Detroit was represented by our very own Bruce Bailey at Truth. Sorry I missed ya friend. I know you repped our city well.
I'm alway's amazed at how a small group of DJs pull off such a phenomenal experience. A place in the park where 1000's of people come together in the spirit of love,music, and dance.
27 years strong with no signs of slowing down. House music..HOUSE! Soulful, disco, phunky, progressive...HOUSE!
They even took the time out to recognize Bruce for keeping that I94 connection strong. I am going to thank Rick Wilhite for all the work HE put in to building that connection as well.. Damn proud of both of you!
When I walked in the gate, by the way..the ease of entry into the event is greatly appreciated.  I noticed something a little different (I'd missed out on the last two years).
Aside from the tents, grills, smiles, and fashion. I noticed much more diversity. That was pretty  cool.
The smells from the grills left your mouth watering. The friendliness of the festival attendees is appreciated. You may walk in knowing no one, but you'll walk out with a new friend or two.

It's all love baby...nothing but pure love.  To be able to come into a public place and be surrounded by so many beautiful people who looked like me with NO issues or incidence amazes me year after year. 27 years strong no fights. That in and of itself is an accomplishment. I mean Chicago, like Detroit doesn't have the best reputation for being non confrontational ya know.

Anywho...
My cousin and I decided to purchase a tent to chill and listen to music. A tent that was more complicated than it looked. No worries, ask and help will be there. I' looked around for a little help thinking...where is a white person when ya need one. Welp, we didn't, our help came from a sister..we, Wakandian sister's stick together ya know. Once the tent was up..ya girl was on her way. Main stage ONE stage 7 djs and a few notable guest.
The Basement Boys laid down a set that I'm sure will be remembered for years to come. Wayne Williams took us on a musical journey. And then..Somewhere somehow Mike Dunn came and blew me away.

Now it' no secret that I have favs, and out of those 7 illustrious group of Cats. Mike Dunn gets the big piece of chicken EVERY time. I knew I was going to be front and center to hear him play, watched those shoulders roll as he manipulated the box and laid down a powerful performance.
I also, well me and a few thousand of my House kinfolks..had the pleasure of hearing Ralphie the Raz Rasario. Um, can we get him here please? MCW, Friends Cocktail, Lovin Life, The Bosco..M!X? SOMEBODY get that man here!

Ooh y'all.. I danced for 4 hours straight.
Imma pause here and say this. Detroit we do NOT dance, we claim we love House music but REALLY, we like to listen to it at our favorite venues. My Chi Town folks DANCE! I can say this because I myself like to listen at my favorite venues...so yeah, there's that.

So anyway while I was front and center dancing my heart out watching Mike play, a young lady became overwhelmed by the heat and I'm sure the beats. Being one collective group I saw folks swing into action to cool the young lady down. And the genuine care and concern I saw up on that stage made my heart feel good. BUT...one of the security guards either, has a hearing problem or ain't too bright. I told this cat 7000 times to call the EMS. this boy kept saying, " I have ice cold water" wait what? Dude, I said the child needs medical assistance and she has water, soo yeah, imma need you to get the EMS. FINALLY he understood. I wanted to grab him by the collar and shake some sense into him. Then I remembered 27 years..no incidence. That and Alan King is NOT a criminal defense attorney.
Help arrived and she was safe. But what I'm trying to make clear is the level of care and concern shown to her by those in her immediate area. That shit was just dope as fuck.

I'd like to think those 7 dudes create that type of atmosphere of love and unity because that is who and what they are to each other.
I've met all but 1 and they are all cool ass dudes.  I could share my feelings about each one. But then it wouldn't be as special. I get selfish that way sometimes.

Now I may say some things that will make folks feel some kinda way, but it's my Blog and these are my thoughts..

This year it seemed a bit more compact. Not a whole lotta room to move around. And um..some of the blends and mixes should have been a bit cleaner.
Listen if you're a DJ and I'm standing there and you fuck up a blend...I know it. And I'll show it, with my..."WTF was that face"! I listen and watch so intently that I know...Mike Dunn rolls his shoulders when he's feeling it. Earl Mixxin McKinney bites his bottom lip, Norm Talley left's his hands above his head and claps them together. Rick Wilhite gives off that million doallor smile. Bruce fits pumps..I see hear and know you because I admire and appreciate each of you..but if and when you make a mistake I'll also point it out. It's cool, player's fuck up. Yep, even the great ones. Hell I've even heard Delano mess up.. Ok enough about that.

This year that early morning set was left up to Mz Nicky Morrison. DJ Bretts Boo'Thang, wife, mother of his kids (ok Brett you happy now -lol (insider) cause we all know you the real MVP! But back to not about Brett.

Nicky was set to start the day and start the day off is exactly what this pretty lady did! I heard not one not two not three but many people say her set was the best set of the day. You GO girl! Not only did the park goers say it, but a helluva lot of NOTABLE DJs said it as well. Nicky, I tip my hat, and raise my glass to you always. I love you, and am glad to call you my sister/friend.

Wakanda may only be an imaginary place. A place where all hues and tribes come together for the betterment of their country and kin. But Saturday July 7th a return to Wakanda is where we were. Southside..Chicago..Stony Island..Jackson park.
I can see the greatness in our people. I saw the love and unity, I was there when we came together to help someone in need. And through it all there was the beat..The beat that can only come from Mother Afrikah. The sound that is embedded in our DNA.
I pray the attendees walked away with the same feeling as I. Together we CAN! The call of the drum, that beat that gathers us to our ancestral birthplace. The greatness that is our people. The FIRST people. The people from which all others derived.

Let's continue to come together in love. Let's dance as one..love as one be the kings and queens that we are. And adjust each other crowns when need be.

So here's a little crown adjustment for some folks.
No festival can be put on for FREE! STOP COMPLAINING. I don't know all the work that goes into putting something of this magnitude on. But I know THIS..permits, cost. Insurance...cost..added police and emergency presence cost. Sound systems ...cost lighting workers...all of that cost. And these brothers and their people put this event on for 40.00 and some of y'all are bitchin about 40.00!! You wanted it to be free...MISS ME WITH ALL OF THAT BULL....SHIT! Tell ya what. YOU throw on some music, invite a few 1000 of your friends over and then you MIGHT have a leg to stand on...but what you won't have is a free event. Cause it's levels to this maaan...Think like an owner not just a festival goer. Support those who make you feel oh so good.

Wakanda Forever,

Let The Music Play,

P~

Passion is what we have. Music is what we feel. Money is what we need.

Welp., looks like the writers block has been lifted. Why has it taken me so long to write? Simple...I'd lost my passion for this scene. The music was still feeling good to me. Moving my soul and such. But that passion I had was missing. Trust and believe it was all me, Paula, Pjthehousechix. I'd forgotten how much the music meant to me. How each DJ made me feel. I was at a musical low point. I was pooped out on the party scene. What I did know was that I needed to get back to me. Get back to where it all began. For me that was a little spot on John R and 7mile in Detroit. The place was called L'uomo. I had to be 12, maybe 13 but I was in that club, and THAT'S where my passion for the music began. I don't know what DJ was spinning, all I knew was that music gave me LIFE! it took me to places I'd never been. It elevated my mind, it captured my soul. And in years to come, it drove me to start writing.

You see, I grew up in the area where all of this started, lived within blocks of the people that started this nightlife scene that has become a big part of my life. And I did not know ANYONE ...at that time. Until a very tall man with a very big dream became my Facebook friend. He and a few of his homies had been throwing parties for years...like back in the 70's ( Yeah, they are card carrying members of AARP now)

Anywho..
This very tall man had an equally tall friend who doubled as a DJ back in the day. I mean I was still in grade school and these Cats were making money hand over fist throwing parties. I would soon come to know them..and they are one of the reasons I'm writing this Blog. They are the reason I'm out of this writers block funk. They are the reason WE need you..YES YOU!!! The ones reading this Blog right now. But more about that later.

So this guy, Steve Dunbar and his equally tall homeboy Todd Johnson, well I can't forget Grant Gray (him too just as important just not as tall) and this lady who I use to FAITHFULLY listen to decided they too wanted to bring back what once was, only on a different cale. They knew we had the MOVEMENT festival, but look that's more Techno than House. A picnic was decided, and that's the short version of how the CHARIVARI Detroit music festival was born..and where I met a man who became my mentor brother confidante and friend. And while I do LOVES me some Todd, Grant and the little lady Theresa Hill. It was Steve who became all those things to me and it's for him that I am reaching out to all of you.

Now, here's the part that's
 Purely speculation and may ruffle feathers but it's my Blog, so I get to say whatever I want. And if I'm wrong I will be corrected.
Do I think they grew too big too fast...yep! Do I think the made a few people angry...yep do I think they were team too much..absolutely! BUT!!! they took a chance, they threw the dice they had their passion. They simply wanted to focus on Detroit talent. Not to take away from the massive MOVEMENT event.
How many of you can say, you stepped out on faith and did something you belived in?
Sure say what ya want, but that squad did this festival, not for praise, not for bragging rights. But simply for the love of House, for the love of dance, for the love of the people.
 ..and if somewhere along the lines egos  were bruised, friendships strained that is just the nature of the beast. It's business..never personal.
Now the festival needs Y-O-U! I am reaching out to all music lovers, people who love Detroit people who started djing because you heard. Eddie Fowlkes, Jeff Mills, Derrick May, Juan, Carl, Rick, Moody, Delano, Norm, just to name a few. They and those like them are the reason you come to Detroit every May. Detroit is the reason you fell in love with House/Techno. Well, now we need you to do more than dance. We need your donations. We need funding or this thing will NOT happen this year.
I could not sit back and do nothing. I had to help get the word out.

They need you, the music needs you, Detroit needs you. I need you! I need you to step up to the plate and show this world how the global underground music scene comes together to make shit happen!

We can get this thing running again, but we need your legs to cross the finish line. Many hands make light work! We need your hands to dig into your pockets and put us back where we need to be. A 30.00 USD donation by July4th is needed. people?? would square us up and do us a solid to ensure the festival would take place and be free to all. Can we get 10.00 USD from every DJ and music fan reading this Blog?
Now I'm sure you're thinking, well..what if they DON'T raise the money" guess what?!? Your donation is 100% refundable! Not a store credit. Ya get ya cash back.

Also with your donation you will receive music by our Detroit artist you love so well. Look y'all, I tried to get you some t-shirts too but I just don' have that kinda pull..look at it this way. T-sirts shrink, or some baby will pee or spit up on it. But the music..you'll have for a lifetime. Here is what ya need for that music.

theresa@charivaridetroit.com

So what I need from my global family is to click on the link provided below. Once the donation (s) are confirmed, you will get ya music and we will get our (yours and mine) festival. So it's a win win no matter how ya look at it.

With the world being in the state it's currently in, let' show EVERYONE how we work together through music love and dance..lets show them how we get shit done! We can do this.

One thing I don't do personally is ask for help. But this is bigger than me and I ain't to proud to beg. All I want to do is dance, all I want to do is spread love! My passion is back! And WE NEED YOU to...

Let The Music Play...but we need your help!

P~

https://www.gofundme.com/charivari-detroit-2018

Nicky D'Vine face of a Princess....Power of a Queen

With the spring and summer party season just around the corner things have been heating up in not only Detroit but the Midwest in general. You have MOVEMENT coming. Tech-troit is back., shout out to DJ Roach. Chosen Few (Chicago) Charivari, House in the Park (Atlanta) & The Summer Oasis glamping event.
With me is where you wanna stay for all the happenings around these parts. I'm sure our scene will have something for everyone to love and enjoy.

But this Blog isn't about the up and coming events. This Blog is about an eventful night at Motor City Wine.
The night the siblings came in and shook the building to its foundation.
That happens a lot at MCW, they bring the best of the best talent, and have love and show love for everyone. Dave and Melissa welcome ALL the little wine bar on Michigan Ave has become a village, where all are treated with respect, kindness, good vibes, awesome talent, and a human unicorn who spreads rainbow kisses and sunshine smiles.
Sounds like a musical fairytale utopia..well, that's because it is!

Many Kings and Queens have stepped into the Kingdom of Wine and Dance and graced us all with their DJ stylings. Last night was NO exception.
She has two names..Princess Nicole/Queen Nicky. She has the face of a Princess and the power of a Queen! The Princess is sweet somewhat demure, kind, and is pure of heart. However..Queen Nicky OH!! She is a royal and regal bad ass! She spins the music and the crowd. She controls the decks like a Queen controls her subjects!

You gets NOTHING but a beat down with the Queen! And no matter what the Queen does, we keep coming back. Because we know, with all of her power and disrespectful nature we love her. We need her. We admire her!
The Princess/Queen hails from the land of The Chi. aka Chicago where House music was born. She met a nice young man who would become not only her mentor but her partner in life for life! It was he who taught her how to be a DJ bad ass.. And I like to think she took over the throne and became the ruler of Morrisonland!
Don't get me wrong. The Royal husband/teacher is a bad mofo as well..but we ain't talkin bout him today. Just a back story to the real story.
Queen Nicky walked into our lives at MIX (known as LIV back then) she was so out cold, as she turned back into her alter ego Princess self people threw roses at her feet. We have loved her since day one.
Earl spotted something in her (don't know what it is/was ya gotta ask him about that) nonetheless something in him knew Queen Nicky would work well with his style of playin. And as time went on they developed a bond. A sibling like bond. But on the decks even Earl knew Queen Nicky would be a rivalry...sibling rivalry was born. (Y'all...they even have matching t-shirts)
I've seen DJs play together like well oiled machines. And I've heard some of the best. Alan King and Wayne Williams. Jamie 3:26 and Marcellus Pittman. Glenn Underground and Boo Williams. Taz and Minx. DJ Soule (I may have spelled that wrong) and Tom Linder. Rick Wilhite and Eddie (I call him Edward) Fowlkes. Norm Talley and Mike Huckaby. Norm and Delano, even Jon Easley and Raybone Jones! I mean I've seen some really heavy hitter flow together like water.
But when it comes to Earl and Nicky there is a distinct difference. They become one always looking out for each other. Their playing styles compliment each other.

I've only heard Queen Nicky and the Royal husband play together once and they too are a force to be reckoned with.
The energy was on super high overload last night. Starting with DJ Righteous aka Demetrius Orr.

...lemme pause here. Demetrius is not an up and coming DJ he...has arrived! I've seen that brother keep the dance floor on swole for 4 hours straight! And by 8:30 DJ Righteous Knowledge had folks feet hurting. He plays like a DJ should. He brings you nothing but good vibes both behind and away from the decks

I think that's the motto for this years spring/summer party season "good vibes".
ANYWHO...back to not about Demetrius -insert big stupid grin.
Now its a well known fact that when Earl puts on a party he will give 200% plus but when he's with Nicky, yeah double that percentage. Both are Scopios so ya already know they are going to try an out do each other. (All in fun and for the sake of the music and the crowd)
And last night...BAYBEE when EMixxin left Queen Nicky to touch her subjects. Some from as far away as Ann Arbor. She took total control.
There was ZERO room on the dance floor. The people couldn't get enough. Then she has the nerve (in the middle of a mix I might add) to pour herself a glass of what I thought was wine. Drink it, with her pinky in the air. Come BACK to the tables and ride that blend like the Queen she is!
You see..Princesses are sweet. Queens take control. They give you what you need and give you what THEY want!
...and the people danced! And they loved her! As long as this thing called House exist. She will undoubtedly  be one of its Queenly Royal court!
We have so many Queens, but last night..the only one that mattered. Was a pretty girl from the land of hustle and flow, who turns from Princess to Queen at the sound of the 1st beat!

She will continue to...

Let The Music Play

~P