Let the music play… PJs story!

Im going to share who I am,  why I started writing, and what almost stopped me from writing. 

This is my story...

I write about everyone because for the most part, I put others before myself... ITS MY TIME TO SHINE!

From the time I can remember I have always yearned to be accepted. 1^st by my mother who joyfully explained that when I was born, not only was I the funniest looking "THING" out of all of her kids but also just as gleefully explained that she faked being sick so that she would not have to be bothered with me the first 5 days of my life!

Growing up wasn’t all that great either, while I had the BEST dad a little girl could ever wish for. I also had two sisters that hated the fact that I ever came into the world, and they made damn sure I remembered that every day of my childhood.  No matter what, I tried my best to get them to love and accept me to no avail.  From, allowing other neighborhood kids to pick on me for being the funny looking little girl with the reddish blond hair, the chubby but always cute as a button kid.  To letting me know that I was not the little sister they EVER wanted. Guess they did not want to share our father. Too bad, I was here and always tried to keep a sunny disposition most important I always tried to get them to accept me.  Was I a brat…ya damn skippee, was I spoiled, indeed I was. Did I have the BEST of everything, you KNOW it! But behind closed doors I was the outcast. The sister that wasn’t wanted and the daughter that my mother decided at the VERY last minute ( April 13, 1968) she did not want to have.  The kid that blended two families together.  I was nobodies’ child. 

In our neighborhood soul and funk was the music that drove us., but I also liked Elton John, The Eagles, Santana, The Doors, Patsy Cline.. I was indeed different!

Then came Disco..WOW I was blown away, it blended the music that  I loved funk, soul,  jazz and at times..pop! I was a happy camper. By this time my eldest sister had gone off to college and I was left with the other two ( I have 3 sisters just in case you can ‘t do simple math)

The kids in my neighborhood use to tell me I didn’t belong on Soul Train I belonged on American Band Stand. It’s funny now, but back then it was meant as a taunt did my sisters EVER come to my defense..ABSOLUTELY NOT!- but just so I don’t make them out to be total assholes they were older than me and who has time for their bratty little sister?! I just remember feeling like “I wish they would defend me” (this would change as we got older).

Time passed and we moved out of our old hood ( cause by this time it had ceased to be a neighborhood)- here I was stuck on 7 mile and Livernois, smack in the heart of the upwardly mobile, affluent black community. Snobs who again- treated me like trash cause I was the new kid who did not fit in I did not attend Gesu( Newsflash)- the school I did attend was FAR more affluent than punk ass Gesu.lol

 The music turned Progressive and I felt like I was in some kinda musical heaven/ haven.  Around 81’ 82’ I discovered this club on E. 7 mile and John R.  It was dark, big, and loud and I could get lost.  In myself in the music., it soothed my soul,  it made me happy.  I can’t tell you who worked the door, or what DJ was playing that wasn’t my concern. I was there for the music.  I didn’t want to know the players cause in my mind they were just a bunch of snobby kids- or maybe I just had a chip on my shoulder..naaaw them niggas was S-N-O-B-S!  Point is I didn’t have to be accepted by anyone. I understood the music, and it accepted me.  Of course me being who I am I still tried to cultivate friendships- nameless faces of people I can’t remember.

Then my world came crashing down on me. My beloved father passed away right in front of me and there was nothing I could do to save him. – A story I won’t share but you get my point! Prior to my fathers passing he and my mom ( who I still shared a very shaky relationship with) had purchased a 36’ cabin cruiser both it and I were the love of my father’s life.  Not to say that my sisters was not as loved., they most certainly were., but I was the baby. “The last button on Gabriel’s coat” as my father would say.  He loved us all equally we were all daddies girls. I just happened to be born last and they were old so intern I was spoiled.  My mom decided to keep the boat after my fathers passing and in the summer that left me ample time to be alone and party..if not at my house where a few high school friends would gather.,then elsewhere in the neighborhood.  It was the time of Progressive and I like to say the beginning of House.  Through it all there was the music. Rap was in its infancy and of course I LOVED it! But being a Disco fanatic, this new  Progressive form of music had me, hook, line, and sinker.

I never really “hung” with a particular crowd in high school because most of the kids had known each other for years. Here I was coming from an affluent school located in Bloomfield Hills. I gained a few friends, discovered a family member or two..but once again, I was an outsider.  What brought us together was the music.  Tommy Martin, the DJ, we through a few parties together.  I mean we were by no means the club kids but we fared pretty well.

Then in the summer of ’84 I met the man who would not only change my life but gave me the 1^st of my greatest gifts.. a backyard party in Southfield., Marla Woodford’s house. I met my 1^st true love.. and the father of my son.  Once again, it was the music that brought us together.  He had on the entire outfit from RUN DMC’s 1^st album( including the hat)- he was from off 8 mile and y'all know how they rolled… and you could not TELL ME this man was not fine as wine!  He was Addias from head to toe.. (i've always loved a well put together man)- He went to Mumford.. I went to Bene, I remember all too well girls not understanding how this chubby chick could land a dude like Bernard Foreman..it was simple my personality, charm, and wit! He never understood why I liked this kinda music. However, he was the one who introduced me to Cheeks nightclub on 8 mile Rd. Where, I got to hear, Allan Ester and Hotwaxx Hale for the 1^st time.  He would take me to Studio 54 and parties out in Livonia( whatever the name of that hall was). For the 1^st time I did not feel like an outsider.

Since we had a great family structure with our son ( by the time Brandon was 2 we had broken up) I was able to party.. yeah I went to all the local hot spots..that’s where I first heard of this DJ Bruce Bailey. Id already heard of Vernon English.. I was HOUSE by this time. Id heard Earl, Dwayne, Kevin, Delano, and countless others.  And y'all not gonna believe this but for the life of me I cannot remember where or when I 1^st heard Norm Talley..scuse me, that’s The Illustrious Norm Talley-in my church lady giving the announcements voice.

Time went on and in 91’ I got a niece, Lauren and my bond with my sister grew.  I was finally getting the love and acceptance I always wanted from that particular sister. I felt like I finally fit in.  ( oh wait,, I think the whole Bruce thing came after 91’) ANYWHO., it was short lived. She got married, I got married. I stopped going to parties in fall of 2000 I know cause I got pregnant with my daughter right after that.  I was on the outside again. 

Fast forward..( I know this is a long Blog but it only gets better I promise) Tomika Murry starts taking me to this club called LoLa’s ( the ink wasn’t even dry on my divorce papers yet)- that damn Thelma lol and back in the House scene again.  It was 246 to me.. the Music Institute, The Club House Tavern.  It was Gables, Snobs , Brats, Charivari. (everything I remembered growing up) I knew the faces but not the names..an outsider.

Then came L!V now M!X.. a job lose and a sick son..a still horribly bad relationship with my mother., and my sisters and I just were  not close. Music became my drug( good thing jobs don't test for partying too hard) I took a deep dive cause I needed an escape. and I found the perfect pusher. The pusher and I clicked like nobody’s business, inseparable the Yin to the others Yang.. for the 2^nd time in my life I was head over heels in love and I finally fit in.  I was no longer an outsider, I felt accepted by someone.  I found friends I considered sisters..  I found music and places that made my smile through ALL the bullshit I was going through. I got to meet and become friends with DJs that I had heard. I met Al Ester, and Hotwaxx and Delano, and Piranha,  I got to know Rick as someone more than just an alum.  I was just going through SO MUCH SHIT!! The only thing that kept me together besides my kids… was the music and the pusher.  So one day I decided to write., and the Blog was born. Id found my place.  What I did NOT count on was the backlash that would come with it. My thought was that EVERYONE can get along. I was friendly with everybody.. we were going to sing and hold hands and dance. WRONG!!! WRONG!!  What I found was that things I shared(about MY life) got twisted, talked about, shared with others, laughed at! I shared because I thought I could trust. I was naïve.. you see that little girl that always wanted to be accepted, wasn’t., she was a grown woman..and she (I) looked for acceptance/love. (I) still loved with the same vigor as(she) I had when I was a child. Only to be looked down upon.  Laughed at and talked about.  Now I have to admit, had I not shared, then maybe no one would have anything to say about me( but folks are folks and what they don’t know they will make up). So I hold accountability too.  So here’s the thing.

Your past shapes and molds who you are..but does it define you? In some instances, yes! Only YOU have the power to change and let it go. By any means necessary. ( mine was House music and Blogging) I truthfully let it define me., and I let the music and the DJs take me away from all the madness that was going on in my life.  All I need are my children and my TRUE friends/sisters.  Let me say this..before you open your punk ass pie whole about ANYBODY make damn sure you have NEVER been in a fucked up situation or way. Have some fucking compassion for others., instead of flippin yo lip and pointing fingers., keeping up shit, trouble making.  Some of you act like you are still in fucking grade school and my dumb ass fell for some of your bullshit and shenanigans – my fault my bad! For trusting.- but them beats was bangin oh, the music!

Thank you Goddess Stephanie aka Stuff the Puff for showing me that despite it all still love, but from a far. Thank you Piranha for the Remix of A Mothers Love., that got me through the toughest times of Brandon’s illness. Thank you Taz for always playing that song when I was in the club..   Thank you Tomika for NEVER EVER leaving my side, having those “Come to Jesus meetings” where often times you played the role of Jesus,  and loving me for exactly who I am. You are the BEST friend anyone could ask for. Thank you Ron Spears for your poetry, Thank You Marcellus ( that’s my own baby crying) Pittman- you know why. Thank You Sean Tate for helping me reaffirm my love for the Lord in the lowest of times. Thank you, Jon Easley for being an ear you are truly my brother from another mother!. Thank You TJ Dumas for the same. Thank you Tracey Marvin for pushing me to promote.,  Safe travels to you.  Thank you Delano for this one track you made that I play over and over and over. It has a voice over of an Al Sharpton sermon- it’s my motivation, sorry I don’t remember the name.  Thank you Angie Vincent-for a host of things. Thank you Dee-Jay D Former you are forever my brother.   Thank you Earl for trusting me with the Sonic Natives. Thank you Todd Johnson for, well.. just about everything! Thank You Ms. Iris Renee Cole a true source of inspiration..I LOVE YOU! Thank YOU Kellie Talley- our conversation did not go in one ear and out the other! Now if you could DJ Norm would no longer be my fav lol! Thought I was going to break down that night and you kept me together with your kind words and friendship. thank you thank you thank you! Jackie Lewis you too! Lori Wilson ya helped me find the strength that I'd lost for a hot minute! thank you! Darryl Sanders. Thanks for those affirmations, I read them daily.

  I DO fit in.. I am not LOST! i'm accepted because I..ME ..PJ accept who and what I am, flaws and all! I'm NOT weak, or have low self-esteem. I hurt but I heal! I AM somebody’s child... God's. I’m better for the experience.  I learned that not everyone is smart enough to know what real love and friendship is. Ive learned that you can have someones back 500% and they have yours 25% Not everyone knows how to appreciate what they have. I learned loved is accepted but not respected and for the selfish and confused often rejected.  You taught me to listen and I heard you loud and clear.  Now, let me make this perfectly clear. Do NOT ever expect appreciation from me., not a conversation, not a nod, NATHAN!! Call it a character flaw, but once I’ve been treated as if I NEVER mattered then you can be on the side of the road dying and I will walk over your soon to be rotting corpse and not think or blink twice. I am no longer that little girl trapped in a grown woman’s body!  I got over my father dying and loosing people very close to me.  My job, my home, my standard of living, everything I have ever owned. Still I rise! Why, because I, Paula Michele Johnson..am a PHENOMENAL WOMAN!

I’m still gonna party, I’m still gonna write, I still hate those 3 bitches.. I'm still gonna smile.. I'm still gonna

Let The Music Play

P~ 

Motor City Wine..Good Vibrations, Did I mention they have WINE!!

With all the hustle and bustle that is/was MOVEMENT weekend the last stop I made was at one of my favorite hunts... MCW.  It was there that I got to hear some of the most talented international DJs.  Thomas Detune (Belgium)- this kid is going places, my brother Deejay D-Former (France)-flawless DJ, Rennie Foster (British Columbia)- his mixes and ear for music is top notch and Claus Bachor (Germany)- I have to stop here and mention, not only is Claus one helluva DJ but that man.. SWEET JESUS- while he aint bad lookin now, but back in the 80/90's he was so damn good looking he could have been a Hollywood A-lister. I may not have understood one word of German, but his ass was so damn fine I would have just smiled and nodded- and to think, I thought only German cars where a thing of beauty.  My Detroit favs.. The House Gallery,  Jay Ramsey ( new father and keeper of the Afro) Jason Garcia ( tune selector extraordinaire) and the one I have coined Bruce Banner aka Adam Francesconi. ( don't let that mild manner exterior fool you) once Adam gets behind the tables he turns into a formidable BEAST!  The incredible Jeff Arthur, Derrick Thompson and DJ Raybone,  You couldn't get more of an international flavor if you were are Ihop., and all for FREE!!!

That day was just like the absolute best for so many reason's one of them being the venue. I've spoken about the Life that is L!V now M!X, the underground feeling that is The Grasshopper.. The system that is TV! With the MCW you get, understated elegance, fine wine, good vibes and awesome host.
I can imagine what's on the club/bar minds., and this goes for all of them, Tree, Angie, Troy and the A-P's.. it must be a pretty heavy load.. but with good music, a stellar staff, and regular crowd maybe is puts the mind at ease.

  Raven and James behind the bar.  David and Melissa keeping watch, and if the DJ is real REAL rite.. you will see one of the coolest dudes to ever grace the planet DANCE.  The Cat I'm speaking of is the owner of this swank lil place I call home. David and his fireball of a wife and the life of any party Melissa A-P

-- ok I have to take pause, cause I now have like several homes.. and I love them all., but when I want to chill with my sisters, Tracey, Tomika, Lori, Laurie, Em, Dora, Stephanie, LaRhonda, Che, Lisa, Biggie Smalls (damn its a LOT of y'all heifers) THIS is the place I like to be. By the time we leave that place the fun times are ingrained in us all. Not to mention the MANY bottles of wine we have managed to guzzle down!

They started on Jefferson just above Forans, from its inception this is the place where vinyl SHOULD be played. These two folks ( hereto and henceforth known collectively as the A-P's or Dave and his Boo Thang or Melissa and her Stud Muffin)- well those two have carved a spot in the House community and built both the 1st and the new location with love, a good 5-10 plan, and hours upon hours of sweat equity. Maybe that's what endears that place to me so. 

Now, with David what you see is not really what you get., yeah he IS quiet, and seems to be a bit standoffish, but if you work from quit to can't and you have a wife that is on 1000 like 24 hours a day hey, it's what works for him. He smiles, he dances, he loves what he does and has, everyone has a chance with him.. (well not everyone) but you understand. Not to mention...he's Canadian lol... Funny story: I did NOT think he was a real person- cause I never saw the dude. When I DID finally meet him, I had the same reaction as the M&M's did when they met Santa for the 1st time. - (Christmas commercial reference)


Dave's Boo Thang,. Here is a person that is a human rainbow, flower, unicorn, cotton candy, she is everything that is beautifully human.. everything that little girls are made of all wrapped up in one itty bitty package covered in 100% pure goodness. She couldn't be more sweeter if Willy Wonka made her himself.  Don't be no fool however, she is smart as a whip and is the Yin to his Yang.  There are times I wonder, "where in THEE hell did those two hook up and just WHO did the hookin"? cause they are so different. I guess Opposites DO attract and I'm glad they did.

Together they have (again) built a solid foundation for House and Jazz, the people that walk in there are from all walks of life. Uptown, downtown, otha towns, and its something for EVERYONE! From Whodats vinyl sets, Scott Ashleys, Jazz, The white militant midget ( Good Times reference) aka Todd Weston ( The Hot Pot), the smiling Huckaby,  Criag.. Rick Wilhites, Beautiful Sunday...its just THEE "in" spot!- its no passing faze they are here to stay!

Along with a wide selection of wine, you are bound to hear or run into some of the BEST House has to offer.. and none of these people need a last name. Delano, Cordell, Tom Linder, John, Scott (Grooves- ok I needed to differentiate) Carl Craig...and my all time FAVORITE -say it with me people... the ILLUSTRIOUS Norm Talley ( in my church announcers voice) Alton, Mike ( oh damn-guess they DO need last names) Huckaby and Clark, Malik, Marcellus, and two of Detroit most understated DJs Jon Easley and Sean "The Butcher" Tate- now I don't know what all those knobs and buttons do, but the night The Butcher played I can honestly say I have never heard a DJ freak those buttons and knobs like he did- we need to hear him play more. Ive seen that place turn into a revival - see Jamie 326 Blog. When Jamie played I don't think I saw David leave the floor. We enjoy the cozy comfort of the patio the warm rich sounds that emanate from the system.. The night my lil big brother Earl banged a vinyl set that was so hot we all left in the dead of winter without coats on.  The list goes on and on.. its a slice of heaven right on Michigan Ave. Its a place where your mind can be clear, its a place where the dance floor is open and inviting..its safe, its warm, its cozy...

I'd like to see where the MCW will be in 5-10 years, the new flooring that's going down on the patio, the wall made of empty wine bottles, the synergy!

A few Blogs ago I wrote about whites leaving the club when the good colored folk come in the door.. NOT here we are ONE in this spot and that is such a beautiful thing.

Here are a few things I've observed about the MCW, you're NOT going to get a full menu- who needs one when they had the keen notion to help other entrepreneurs with the pop up restaurant(s)-people helping people, you may not see David smile a lot but when he does it's so sweet- hell he doesn't need to Melissa has a smile that could melt the polar ice cap, you're not going to get a Long Island, why... CAUSE IT'S A WINE BAR SILLY! You WILL get great "wine" snacks.. ecofriendly owners, fantastic talent, and relaxed atmosphere. 

Look for more Beautiful Sunday's, more Jazz and vinyl club, more wine, more smiles, more music.

Here are a few things I'd like to see - in order of importance!
A. David to grow his hair back. -yep, I said it!
B. More cook offs- that was fun.
C. The new sound system that's going outside.
D. Craig and Mike Huckaby to play together- I just think it would be cute.

I have many favorite spots, and I simply adore the owners and staff but this place is special.. here you have two very different people with a love for music, fine wine and people. Simplistic beauty.  As Melissa would say, " That's pretty friggin awesome"- as I end this and say goodnight I can see Melissa's smile, and its the best smile I have every had the pleasure of seeing. Because its genuine- and full of love and it just don't get no better than that! Mama and Papa Vino-you two birthed greatness!

Let The Music Play

P~

...and they were just kids The story of Charivari

This Blog is just a Forward by ME...Yours truly PJ. My 1st experience with this whole party scene of ours was at l'uomo's ( yes dammit I know I spelled it wrong)- sue me. Not the one on 6mile where Al Ester and Earl McKinney use to sneak off to but the one on 7 and John R. I was in the 7th or 8th grade. What I remember is a big dark club where the music just saturated your core. I didnt know the DJs or the ones hosting the party, I just knew I was going...and I did, and I LOVED it! There were other parties at other venues but the ones I went to always seemed to be at the Y(mca or wca). I do remember the flyer's and seeing people like Kevin Dysard, Al Heath etc etc...

I did not know the movers and shakers but I heard the names on the street. Kevin and Brian Bledso, Steve Dunbar and the like. I thought these Cats were like WAY older than me., but they weren't. The one I never heard of was Todd Johnson...little did I know I would come to meet the man who continues to be a source of inspiration and on some days perspiration he will work you like a Hebrew slave.. but he's funny so the work aint that bad. All in all he is a pretty good boss. He is my mentor and my friend. He also has a wing span of 80 inches...( I ask him that question..THATS how I know). I can't tell the story like he can. What I can tell you is this.

The 1st time I met Al Heath was at TV..I remember people coming up to this man like he was the Dom ( or something close to it) I was in total awe. The 1st time I met Steve Dunbar was at the Grasshopper- he seemed like a pretty shy guy but all business..I was a bit intimidated with that one. I met Todd via Facebook and I have been a fan ever since. He too is a writer ( Nasty As I Am)- pick your copy up today! Of all the ones I have mentioned I know Todd the best and I really don't know him at all.

What I like about these Cats is still after all these years, they remain relevant. This summer they will be hosting what is sure to be the most talked about event of 2014. What they have planned for you is nothing short of amazing.

These dudes were just KIDS and they made money damn near better than any CEO of a fortune 500 company. I can not tell the story, BUT I know someone who can.

Ladies and Gentlemen...the story of Charivari-yep I A'hem.. "borrowed" it from Clark Drive only he can tell the story of what made them great. I can tell the story of what made the picnic great..( but you will read about that sometimes in August) Pictures stol...um borrowed from Kevin Dysard, Kevin Bledso, Steve Dunbar, Al Heath, and Clark Drive.

Charivari

June 14, 2013 at 6:22pm

In my opinion, Charivari over all other clubs, symbolizes the best of the popularity, success and failure of the early 1980's party era.  The humble beginnings of Charivari start with a young group of high school kids out of Detroit Public School's Mumford High who organized some rambunctious outings to the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Charles “Chucky” Clark decided he would like to start a party social club to rival the success of GQ, CharlesLove and the Funtime Society, Plush and Dwight & Company. The elder and most successful party clubs of the time. He enlisted classmates Darryl Harvey and Brian Bledsoe. Clark figured Bledsoe was a master planner and visionary and Harvey was key, as he had previously formed the Ritz Sound Company, which featured the talented, and charismatic Darryl Shannon. That would mean they wouldn’t have to pay for music.

Charles Clark was a wide eyed, energetic ball of energy. He had an infectious smile and a appetite for adventure and spirits.  I was introduced to Clark by a mutual friend, guitarist Randall Jacobs. I reminded Clark we had met briefly the winter before, as he was the last guest to leave the annual New Years Eve party I gave along with Tim Slater and Hassan Nurullah. We found Chuck drunk but friendly while cleaning up, laid out on the basement couch at the end of the night. Clark shared with me the story of his first Charivari party. He wanted me to listen, offer comment on his plans and design a flyer that would be different than the competition. Clark spoke passionately of his vision and where he saw his club's future as membership was increasing. I asked,“What do they get for membership?” Clark answered bluntly with a sly smile, “GIRLS!” He spoke proudly of his team and his partner, Brian Bledsoe and Darryl Harvey. I told him I would help him but only talk to him, Brian or Harvey. I’m not in the club and don’t need the membership perk. But I wanted all the equipment rental loot and to do an occasional flyer.

Brian Bledsoe was the dreamer and thinker. Brian came up with the clubs name from the iconic Charivari clothing store in NYC founded by Selma Weiser after reading GQ Magazine. The Charivari store was New York’s first avant-garde multi-designer boutique and was legendary. Brian saw the group as an avenue to bigger and better things. He wanted to write, influence fashion, produce films, and travel the world. Brian was interesting and easy to talk to. I talked to Brian for hours.

One particular afternoon discussing ongoing business at his mother’s kitchen table on Hessel, his brother Kevin never joined from the couch but did add at one point, “why do we need you?” My answer, you don’t. But a healthy Charivari means I make more money giving you lights, music, flyers and even funding. So why not help you. It’s to my advantage. We had already enjoyed a good working relationship over the months and I sweetened the pot when I explained I would fund the upcoming Christmas party at the Park Avenue but I want to do the flyer, decoration, dj, music and lighting setup,  everything.

My split at the end of the night would be $500.00 and whatever I put up returned. I explained in my opinion, “ Charivari, could be more than just a party club, you guys are actually a brand and should treat the business as such.” And it was after seeing this group in action that I coined the phrase that would become their official slogan. Our parties will keep you together while you let yourself go!

Darryl Harvey was the businessman and strategist. Harvey considered himself an innovator and was always looking for the angle. Harvey spent many an afternoon at Northland skating rink with friends Danny Lee and Jerry Duvaull. There he would meet Mike Brown who he would go on to successfully pair with Darryl Shannon to start their own DJ company – The Ritz Sound Company. So named by a member of the party group GQ that they wanted to work for. Though that opportunity never materialized, as luck would have it another Man Oh Man coworker Jonathan Webb would share with Harvey that he and some friends were starting a social club and wanted them to do the music. That club, the popular Lettermen with members ( Jonathan Webb, Rick Benson, Marshall “Skip” Howard), put the Ritz on the map with their first major exposure to the party set. 

Luckily for the trio, Brown had a driver’s license and was able to load and drive the equipment in his car. They were later joined by Joe Davison as he had built his own light show and had much needed technical savvy. Shannon brought in Davison with a phone call. “You ready? You need to get with us, bring your lights and we are doing the first Charivari backyard party.Though Shannon did not join Charivari, instead wanting to just be the DJ,  Harvey saw the definite synergy between growing his music business and creating a loyal party clientele with a popular party club. Harvey had a party side but he was the most pragmatic of the bunch. He was the last of the trio to come aboard once completing the unusual initiation designed for all potential members in the beginning. Attend and participate in the Rocky Horror Picture Show, watch Animal House in its entirety and be able to hold your liquor. No problem for Harvey and he received the standard, “your in!”

There was more than coincidental overlap with this bunch. Many had been together since Elementary school. Many grew up on or near Appoline Street on the cities Northwest side. But pivotal to their future success were jobs at Northland Mall. The center of flyer passing and networking for most party hosts. Northland Mall, situated in the southeast corner of Southfield, Michigan was the areas most popular shopping destination for African Americans. This mall had Bledsoe and Clark at Father and Sons shoe store and Harvey at the popular Man Oh Man clothing store along with Kevin Mallard, Darryl Shannon, Brian Fuller and soon Jonathan Webb, William Phelps and Dwayne Gill.

A frequent customer of the store who volunteered his services as security free of charge just to hang out would also later become Detroit party history himself, Dwylan Spencer. Northland was a Charivari party nexus.The parties were drawing so much clientele the owners of Man Oh Man would eventually put up money to fund the functions in return for the blow back in sales they were enjoying in the store. Sponsorship before anyone understood what it even was.

Rounding off the rest of the hard partying cast, Kevin Bledsoe - older brother to Brian and mostly an outside advisor in the beginning, due to his involvement in the clubs, Fifth Avenue New York, J’Carrand the Key Club, Charles Holsey, Billy Shanks, Lloyd Yancey, Darnell Smalls,William Phelps, Shaun James, Greg Odum, always steady Grant Grey, Reggie (YuckMouth) Brown, Morris Dunbar, Steve Dunbar, Danny Lee, Marc Brogdon, Kenny Bryant, Reynard Hines, Chris Duboise, Tony Bowen, Darryl (Duck) Scott, Joe Davison, Darryl Sanders, Shawn McDaniel, some dude named Hassan/Toiussant and probably more I don’t know about. Not known to most, one of the original members was Anthony Claxton who could attend all the club meetings but not the parties as he was destined for the ministry. He is now a pastor at the Life Line Christian Center Church in Detroit.

Charivari member, Danny Lee recently reminded me he was originally a member of Courtier recruited by friend Jimmy Gibson. But joined Charivari as these were the guys he grew up with. Lee who helped me organize Gables recounts that back then the more clubs you were in, the more status you had with women. And in his own words, “It was all about the women!”  Lee along with Chuck Clark and many others would agree that membership did have its privileges.

This group was fearless. One of my favorite stories being the group entering Benedictine High, a small Catholic High school in Detroit. And did I say private which didn’t stop the group from sneaking in, entering the lunch room, Charles Clark jumping on a nearby table to loudly announce,  “Hey, can I have your full attention? We are Charivari and we are having a party this weekend at the YWCA. And you need to come! That it all!” And that was all after being chased from the building by approaching school security.

The parties got bigger, the money box filled. The Roostertail. The Park Avenue Club. Ten thousand large at Luomo Seven Mile.  Renting an entire floor of the Michigan Inn. The boys were on fire and success brought about excess as membership swelled with affliates brought on from everywhere.  Member William Phelps was popular from his Cut Above barber business in high school. Member Kenny Bryant was recruited because girls loved his ponytail and he wore safety pins down his Levi’s.

The Charivari model was that every member would have a particular purpose. Grant Gray and Greg Odum were artists and oversaw flyer design. Darryl Harvey and Kevin Bledsoe were the wordsmith, Joe Davison had access to a large motor home/van appropriately named the Love Den. Members would kick in $2.00 each for gas and they could drive all week in their own mobile party transportation. Unfortunately, the businessmodel of most party social clubs of the time was very much George Orwell’s Animal Farm. Everyone was equal but some more equal than others.

Chucky Clark original membership perk of “girls” also included props, jackets, buttons,handfuls of flyers, and a growing extended family. It didn’t always include a split.  This would prove to be a sore spot for the group and some of the members. The first to depart over proper compensation to competing clubs was William Phelps who would briefly join the soon to be started Gables and go on to great future success with partners, Wil French (Will and Wil), Rodney Howell and Darnell Smalls,(Upfront), the Network crew (William Phelps, William Tandy, Wil French, Ron Scott. Roger Yopp) and his current solo endeavor, Will Phelps Global and its many offshoots. 

Next Mark Brogdon would follow. And they did leave with their proper split after a brief confrontation and some negotiation in the Bledsoe family home. (In Marc's own words) That's only part of the way it went down. When we started Charivari, the rule was only 7 members at even given time. We were probably the most successful of the clubs in Detroit at the time. I never saw any money up until that point. I was the youngest in the group, so I didn't know any better. LOL.

You somehow got involved with Charivari and the group dynamic changed. It became more of a business. There became two factions. It wasn't the Charivari I help build. 

When Phelps and I heard how much money was being made, we went to Bledsoe's house to talk about it. He said, " Y'all aint' getting anything.

He pulled out a huge knife and sat on a table and starting stabbing the wood table with the knife.

They eventually went into the bedroom and came out with a wad of cash. Gave Will and I some money to quiet us, and it was done. 

I didn't go to Snobbs or another club, I started Peeples.

Everyone was trying to live up to that Charivari/Gables vibe, but it was done for me. I left for College after that and they tried to recreate Charivari with a younger crew, but to me it didn't work. There was a fight or shooting and it was a wrap.

There it is...that's the story.

We tried to film a Charivari movie telling the whole story, but it obviously never happened. Would be great though. Lost boys meets the Outsiders.
Even Harvey himself was kicked out of the group after suggesting they pool their earnings together and form an investment club. Pretty cutting edge for an 18 year old.  Perhaps having a father that was an Economics teacher rubbed off. Or perhaps it was some jealousy brewing underneath as him being one of the main faces of the club brought whispers of people calling the group, ChariHarvey. He would be approached soon after this dismissal by rival club Courtier head, William Tandy to join with them. Harvey declined.

My close dealings with Charivari as well as the other party social clubs (Raphael, Courtier, Remnique, Next Phase, and GOG – an obscure but profitable group out of Cooley High and more) revealed by my conservative estimation, these combined groups were taking in over $50,000 monthly from 1980 thru 1981. And that’s CASH as I’m sure the statute of limitations of the IRS does not apply to minors and undocumented income generated over thirty years ago. This does not include the financial impact this party clientele created for Northland Mall (Donna Sacs, Man Oh Man, etc) Dennys, the Greektown arcades,record stores, printers, button makes (A Day Badge Company) and more. There were real dollars exchanging hands and I realized that the door or many doors was what you wanted. (That is another story) Back to Charivari…

I was currently persona non gratis with Charivari and some of the others as I was club competition with my recently started Gables. We went heads up a few times on the same night and efforts were made to extinguish my presence or influence on the scene. Steve Dunbar recently explained the walking orders that were popular at the time, “Todd Johnson is the enemy, taboo and those bullshiting ass Gables.”  But at Charivari central, I was the least of their problems. The core shake up continued as founding member Charles Clark had enlisted in the United States Army in April. Followed later that year under the buddy plan, Brian Bledsoe and Morris Dunbar.

Kevin Bledsoe took over full lead and Daryl Harvey was returned to the fold. . The club was in turmoil but that didn’t stop the momentum. A meeting was called to announce major changes as Charivari was getting out of the high school party business as membership had aged to the bar crowd but to some members surprise they were told, “some of you can’t make the transition.” The cuts were deep but the group was leaner and more efficient. Legend has it that the early techno classic, Sharevari, released by Capriccio Records from group A Number of Names (Paul Lesley, Sterling Jones, Roderick Simpson) was based on the party club Charivari but changed the spelling to "Sharevari" to avoid any possible conflict with the Charivari party promoters. A lot of party promoters in Detroit around this time (including Derrick May and Kevin Saunderson with their Deep Space parties) were just teenagers, but were still raking in the cash. The song "Sharevari" sings the praises of cars, as well as L'Uomo Vogue,GQ, car cassettes, cigarettes, bread, cheese, fine white wine, and may thingsNorthwest Detroit party boys aspired to in 1981. A quote from Dan Sicko's Techno Rebel, "during the late 1970s/early 1980s high school clubs such as Bratts, Charivari, Ciabattino, Comrades, Gables, Hardwear, Rafael, Rumours, Snobs, and Weekends created the incubator in which techno was grown. These young promoters developed and nurtured the local dance music scene by both catering to the tastes of the local audience of young people and by marketing parties with new DJs and their music. As these local clubs grew in popularity, groups of DJs began to band together to market their mixing skills and sound systems to the clubs in order to cater to the growing audiences of listeners. Locations like local church activity centers, vacant warehouses, offices, and YMCA auditoriums were the early locations where underage crowds gathered and the musical form was nurtured and defined." Techno legend Eddie Fowlkes in his official bio stated, "I saw Darryl Shannon at the first party that I attended with my sisters at the Park Avenue Club in Detroit. Off the top of my head, I remember that he was playing B-52’s and Martin Circus` “Disco Circus”. He made the music sound seamless. The music was never ending until the party was over." This was a Charivari party. Never ending...

There were the spin offs such as girl group Shiaparelli, Kevin Bledsoes Taxi and Steve Dunbars Hardware. The most successful of the three being Hardware. Hardware’ name was conceived by Kevin Bledsoe but saw its fruition after the transition under the business plan of Steve Dunbar. Dunbar stated to Charivari membership “I’m Charivari but you are leaving some grand money on the table. The high school loot is far from over. Many of my friends are now in the new group Snobbs and they're being funded and helped by Todd Johnson. Let me put together a crew under the umbrella of Charivari and I’ll make it happen” Steve assembled members (Lonnie Peek, Edlin Turner, Lou Allen, Pat Bell, Tony Ellison, Tommy Longest, Chris Simpson, Mark Jefferson, James Shipp, Steve Banks, Lamar Irvy) $50.00 got you in.

All members after a function split the profits evenly - $50.00 kept you in or you could reinvest more for a bigger split.  Hardware's first party was a backyard party on Stout off 8 Mile. It was a huge success. But to Charivari's surprise it was further announced that night that Hardware is now its own thing. They would be a self contained unit.

Though I was taboo with Charivari core and affiliates, mutual friend Alan Heath brought Steve Dunbar to my house and he said he was looking for better sound.  He explained any beef was not with him. Steve Dunbar was an up and coming DJ in his own right. His first records were a gift from Darryl Harvey and DJ equipment was bought by Charivari’ Kevin Bledsoe with a check that is probably still bouncing somewhere.

But we were kids; some got it done however you had to back then.This party was my first Hardware party as well as when I met DJ Al Ester on his first real gig. A shooting that night and a chance encounter with Darryl Harvey cradling the injured young lady until help arrived brought us to a realization that our squabbles were perhaps small when compared to bigger things. And all of us somewhat united as friends or maybe just friendly was more profitable than always being at odds. Some of the rivalries were beginning to turn violent. 

There was a pivotal incident at the Knights of Columbus John R. where an opportunistic gunman with a shotgun thought youngsters would make easy pickings. His demand of,  “give me the damn cash” yielded “I don’t think I can do that” from admission taker Kevin Bledsoe with Greg Odum looking on. To his surprise, two pistols on each of his ears in the hands of Darryl Scott and Steve Dunbar dashed his quick cash plan. But the incidents continued and ultimately were bad for business as there were numerous fights and threats, price wars, lowering admission down to a dollar, parents denying permission to attend some functions depending on the location and the clientele was starting to divide along lines of allegiance. Most clubs quickly realized there was no fun in the dwindling profits and exposure to escalating violence.

Charivari endured and continued throwing parties over the years with an ever changing and returning membership lineup and to this day, most members remain in touch and close. We have long since patched up any of our differences wink, wink. Various members will usually gather for a casual get together, sharing some cold adult beverages or another party at least annually.

I truly believe there is no such thing as an ex-Charivari member. There are just those who were absent when the current attendance was called. But nothing has ever rivaled the pure energy of the core group of the early 1980’s. Charivari was a force of nature! And in their own words… “What was IT about Charivari that made the experience so special?” The answer holds true for all social clubs who made their mark during that era. The "It" is the culture of the brand. Charivari’s culture was, has and will always be the energy, spirit, style and rhythm of the group. Our parties will keep you together while you let yourself go, is not a mission statement for us, it’s a way of life - Live it! As Kevin Bledsoe states emphatically, “Pure friendship! I love these guys.” In a recent Spin magazined article with new sensation Kyle Hall - "Detroit techno fans have long spoken of the movement's first, second, and third "waves" of artists who came along in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but Kyle Hall represents its second generation, literally. His father ran with the West Side's "preps" scene of middle-class kids who dressed in GQ-inspired fashions and gave their parties names like "Charivari," after a New York boutique dedicated to avant-garde European fashion." Spanning generations from father to son. One of Halls earliest Detroit party experiences. Charivari!

Update Thanksgiving 2013 - Let the adventures continue…. Join the Party! www.charivaridetroit.com

MOVEMENT.... summer of 2014

Ok so last night I was thinking about what my next Blog was going to be about. Well that's pretty easy (see title to Blog)-

MOVEMENT 2014 is 2 weeks away, Im not going to spend too much time on this. Only because my feelings about the folks who now run MOVEMENT are bruised (to put it nicely).. Not one to hold my tongue, much less be tactful in my delivery, I think it best if I just keep my thoughts to myself.

Who am I kidding.. THIS is how I feel., Ya came in swooped down and took over a great event., and made it better ( or so I thought)

Loss of corporate sponsorship and other issues (im sure) caused some rich kids from across 8 mile to come in and save the day.. For that I thank you. Here is the problem I have.. you freggin forgot about the REAL reason we had this shit in the first place. US- Detroit music and DJ's. Now this is just my opinion and I could be dead ass wrong-but I doubt it.

The festival use to be free... now you have to sell one of your kids just for a day pass- MISS ME WITH THAT BULLSHIT!! Y'all are fucking outside your mind with these high ass prices.. people come from all over the world and you rape them with no Vaseline. Now I understand you all need to make money and have to pay acts, insurance, legal fees etc..etc.. and the list of acts has grown to include some pretty big name artist. HOWEVER just like with every greedy corporation you people have forgotten the reason you are here, the music and the people who dance to it. You put Detroit DJ's on one or two lil funky ass stages (unless they are a bigger named producer/DJ) then the stage is slightly larger.

Some of your key players play right here in Detroit.. and you fucks don't even have the common decency to speak to people.. snooty asses! FUCK YOU VERY MUCH- I'll stick to the parties and after parties.(others my suck ya nut sack just to say they played with you..but again, without them..there would be no you)- YOU need to be the one doing all the sucking!

 Im a pretty good judge of people and my mother had the foresight to send me to school with some SUPER rich kids... so I kinda know how you people operate. Keep this in mind.. without US there would NEVER EVER be a YOU! RESPECT THAT SHIT! Show more love to Detroit talent!

I don't mince words and if I said it I stand by it! moving on...

ANYWHO

What I would like to see is Paxahau give something back to the community, Be corporate responsible. I don't remember seeing anything about your charity or outreach and that begins at home. 

There are plenty of kids right here in the Metro Detroit area that could use a creative outlet and you have not only the talent but the time. You learned from inner city music and DJs now give something back! These are just my words and opinions but like I always say, My Blog MY thoughts.

Let the Music Play

P~

ADDENDUM- It took me a minute to decide if I was going to post this or not. I did not want anyone I know to be adversely effected by my words. THIS Blog in no way represents anyones feelings other than mine! Maybe others feel the same way but are too afraid to say anything.. I am ONLY afraid of God and the IRS! 

,,,The night Moody played.. the legacy Frankie left!!!

 

This is the first Blog I have written without adding the title first. The reason for this is because I have been torn on what I should write about. - I came up with the title midway through the Blog...yaay me!

This Blog was supposed to be about MoodyMan and the collective set(s) of panties that fell to the floor the moment he walked into The Grasshopper Underground and set that place on Richard Pryor fire! 

SIDEBAR: That man can talk the Queen of England into given up the poonanny without saying a word ! ...but I digress. KDJ, I will get back to you in a moment. -aw'riiigh ( MoodyMan voice) 

Sitting at the bar looking at my newly remodeled home, that I didn't spend a dime on fixing up. Curssing myself for forgetting my laptop after hearing Earl Mixxin McKinney spin a tune in tribute to.. who, in MY opinion is one of the reasons we are here today. Doing what we do, in This Thing of Ours. Frankie Knuckles where would we be without you? Would our feet stomp as hard? Would our fist be raised with so much intensity that you almost dislocate it? Would be as carefree and happy? Would this underground sound  be as big as it is without you? 

I just don't think it would be, but as one of my most favorite people in the world so aptly posted on my page, " yes it still would be" but my dearest Dee Jones, I have to disagree with you on this one lady.  

Earl playing, The Whistle song brought a tear to my eye, seeing the impassioned video post by Mike Dunn broke my heart. Re posting the stat by Celeste Alexander made me feel like I finally understood what/ who he was in this scene we've carved out for ourselves. 

To my ChiTown fam- my heart felt condolences go out to you all. Looking at all the pictures of Frankie with people I know or have heard of. 

Truth be told., I was impressed when I saw that picture of Alan King with Barry O- aka the Prez aka POTHUS. I was just as impressed seeing Angie Slate/ Larry Vibe Maker/ and others I can not remember posing with Frankie Knuckles. 

You have to be some kinda special to have the outpouring of LOVE that this DJ has gotten. I'm sure Larry Levan, God, and Jesus were waiting on you when your made your arrival to the pearly gates. After all Jesus is a DJ ya know.  

Side Note... Its cold, thankfully I have Mike Clark sitting next to me to keep me warm. Thanks big guy.   
..ok back to NOT about Mike Clark and my aversion to the cold,...and thank YOU Ron Spears for the spelling lesson.- smile.

Back to the MAN... MoodyMan aka Kenny Dixon Jr, and the night he set The Grasshopper on FIYAH!

Ok, first let me tell you about the Grasshopper Underground., this place is one of the best spots to hear House music. Troy (last name unknown)..  here's a tidbit about Troy... out of ALL the club owners here in The D. Troy is not only the best looking, IMO he is the one that truly invest in his club. Not to mention he has one HELLUVA bartender/bouncer/friend Dom Snuggle!! I have seen that man ( who is a big corn fed white boy) fly from behind the bar and set the record straight on how things go down in THAT club... I mean the boi can FLY fo'real yall! Now we ALL know my pet is one Ms. Angie Vincent-owner of M!X, but I gots to give mad love to Troy- working his way up from the ground floor he is now the owner of a top notch House spot. - however,.... um, Troy, honey you need to work on the finger food! 

...ANYWHO, Moody!!! Now, we have talked about EPIC nights, NONE of them have compared to the night Moody played not even the 3 Chairs party at TV- by the way.. Tree, you cute too! Like I said, when Moody hit the decks you could hear Victoria telling ALL her secrets! 
... and to that DJ-who I happen to like as a person. But I can not keep silent on THIS one. To the DJ who put that BULLSHITIN ass post up about the vinyl DJ's KNEEGROW MASTERS STILL PLAY VINYL. That was one FUCKED up post you put up. It was shamful considering you came from vinyl- let me get off my soapbox and back on KDJ!

Let me tell ya who was in the building... all four of the Three Chairs, and I got to meet Theo Parrish for the 1st time.. ooh he IS a slick one.-smile. My buddy, my friend Rick Wilhite! ( at this point Rick is more than my buddy, more than my friend- Rick you ARE my fam and I love you!) The one and ONLY chocolate thunder.. Marcellus Pittman yall. Now, THAT'S my baybee, nothing I wouldn't do for that one. You had Divinity Devine, Parahna Head, Alton Miller- fresh from a extended tour overseas. RayBone Jones- fresh from a HELLUVA set in Brussels. Detroit House, the incredible Sierra Donovan. Dez Andres, Amp Fiddle, ooh child the list goes on and on. 

Kenny slapped us with tracks that packed an Ike Turner like punch! I wish I could remember the name of that Clash record he played., Kenny controlled the decks, much like a good man controls a woman who doesn't mind being controlled! You may question what I just said, so allow me to break it down for you.  When your man treats you right, gives you all that you want and need., caters to you.,feeds you all the love he has to give and more., NO woman would be opposed to that! That is what Kenny did to an entire room that night. Hell I wanted to leave the man some money on the night stand, fix him some eggs, bacon, country potatoes..and FRESH squeezed OJ..cause that night my Man, Moody took care of me musically speaking that is!

This past week I heard a Master and we lost a Master., both are legends, both play(ed) on a level that most of you will never reach! -Hey!!! MY BLOG MY THOUGHTS.

When you arrived at your final destination Frankie Knuckles I'm sure Larry was waiting with some 12's. Jesus had the CDJs, and God had the laptop. - God is pretty new to the DJ game so he decided to go with something easy to work with! You see God has other business to tend to and the Laptop makes it easy for him to pre-set his set to work on other things!

We have your music, your spirit will live on. Hopefully your message of love will pass down and the world will know the mark you left on this beautiful big blue ball we live on.

Let The Music Play!!!

P~

Let the Music play!: Gari Romalis and Nervous Breakdown

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