It's a cold 2015, but the music in the D is 100 degrees and rising

Ok, so I'm sick in bed! So I decided to Blog ( I feel my mojo coming back)-yaay me!
The year ended with a fizzle but the New Year began with a bang. So far every party has been a banger!

Let's start with the House Head New Year..aka Al Esters Birthday party. Robert Troutman did his thang for ya boy. TV was packed to the 9's and Tree was smiling. The Sonic Natives showed up and showed OUT for their brother. Earl's set was so fucking powerful ( yeah, I had no other word to describe it, so there ya go)- I love it when Earl plays like he has something to prove.. yeah, he left House for a few, but now he is back where it all started and my lil big bro hasn't missed a beat. Although I like it better when Earl spins vinyl ( my Blog my thoughts- so STUFF it Earl, I can say what I want to say!)

Al took the crowd back to his early years after he played one of his favorite tracks.."Its your world" by Jennifer Hudson, written and produced by Wayne Williams-yes, the same Wayne Williams I  made a complete fool outta myself a few years back. Bet I wont ever forget him again! Terry Hunter ( THAT man is a friggin GENIUS) and my homeboy ( in my head)- R. Kelly! Al played that song for "us", to remind "us" that it is INDEED "OUR" world! He and others like him are here to make the world go round.

DJ Magic and our newest member Steve Miggedy Maetro, gave us that Disco infused Chicago style House., they kept the party going. Two rooms 5 DJ's and I proudly serve each one of them.
 Im going to take a moment to acknowledge Lady LaRonda Maestro. Now if EVER there was a woman who supports her King..this Lady right here is IT! Always by his side, always having his back and he treats her like the Queen Lady she is. Strong, confident, proud and my newest sister.  Mad shout out to the both of you..much LUV!

Rounding out this rowdy bunch of Cat's is the baby..Christopher "Kidbibs" (although I call him the Boston Banger) Habibian. I 1st heard this Cat at L!V (now M!X)- from the moment my ears heard him, I KNEW he was something special. Someone to look out for. One to watch. He is also a vinyl purest. 

He, like many others, prove that music knows no color, ethnicity, city, or class boundaries! Armenian in decent, body like a Greek god, face of a Hollywood leading man, and the soul of a brother who grew up in them streets. He put it down!

That night the music was 100% surround sound, and it was hot as fish grease on a slave ship in that place!

Those Aquarians KNOW how to get the new year off to a great start, because the following week, The God Mother- Stacey "Hotwaxx" Hale had a birthday party at M!X. Joining her to help celebrate her birthday were fellow Aquarians Eric Johnson (no relation) and RayBone Jones. 

A sexy tent party was held in our Lady's honor and we dance to and for her! It was hotter OUTSIDE than in! She was all smiles and damnit she just did the damn thang. all while looking over those glasses-smile!

Now..Got Mixes, The DJ, The House Head...and you! One warehouse.. ultra cool venue to celebrate.. dressed up in sexy red, black, and silver! A excellent menu provided by Kelly Mcbride(is that his last name?-somebody correct me if it isn't), a champagne toast, and birthday wishes from DJs around the country and the globe! Word on the street is, one DJ got the surprise of his night when the lady who started it all showed up! SHE was the crowd favorite that night, and he was all smiles! Thank you Mrs. Jones, you gave us a gift so it was only fitting that you be there, since it was you who started him on his way. DJ Ron White showed up and gave us an impromtu beat beating..I LOVE the way that man plays, and he is a true gentleman in every since of the word. 

Eric Johnson had the floor on FIYAH! He played like it was his last night on earth..Mondo Blaze brought his flavor and got the mood off right! My sister DJ Create Rogers brought that noise, that funk, she brought the heat!

RayBone, played like he always does...3 sets even, set 2 was a straight out the box bangin set.. set three was, OH MY GAWD.. FABULOUS!! (if you missed it...your bad,) cause that man GAVE it to us! Kevin Dysard and DJ Taz had a outstanding set. Kevin played like he was back at the YWCA (where I 1st heard him) and his 1st lady, the lovely Iris Renee Cole danced all night. Its so good when a man can make his woman smile. When he shows her that SHE is #1 ( all others are just cowards) Top notch playing from those two that night!
---have to stop and give shout outs to the following..to my DJs who love Detroit so much, and took the time out of their busy day to send birthday wishes via video ( dont ya just love multi media devices) CloudMaster Weed. Mustafa Da Brazil, Rennie Foster, Thomas Detune, Dayna Himot, Tina Nelson ( who kept ME together) 
Al Ester, Earl McKinney, Melvin "DJ Magic" Tuck- my Sonic Natives family, Tink Thomas, Norm and Kelley Talley, Al Heath and HIS 1st Lady ( and promoter extraordinaire) Kim Allen. Hank Garwood, Fish, Mark, Randy, Jackie, Angie Slate, Simone, LaTonya..Bruce, Phil and the BEAUTIFUL Doris Bryant..Malik Alston and his ride or die the quiet beauty Mrs. Alston ..it was a who's who as we lifted our glasses to toast the birthday people! My BFF sumed it up nicely (and NO I did not pay her to say it) "P, that party was off the chain! You and that Kevin Dysard did the damn thang"! We are doing it all again next year!

..imma take pause here and mention someone who is VERY special to me. He is always around with a smile, a laugh, and a magnanimous personality..my brother from another mother Harry C. Todd, his 4th Fridays at the Historic Alpha house have been the talk of the town as of late. He too, is also an Aquarian. 

Last night I ended my week..and got this stupid cold at The Motor City Wine. Dave and Melissa fresh off a trip( Dave is an Aquarian-that explains a lot)  stern exterior yet lovable oowee goowee inside. (but he needs to grow his hair back) lol..hosted yet another Beautiful Sunday- the night before they hosted The House Gallery( I fear if I don't get my ass to one of their sets they are going to kick me out the family)...

ANYWHO, about last night, Rick brings in 2 Cats from the Chi. One I have had the pleasure of meeting ( both he and his lovely family) Jerome Derradji and Michael DJ Whyout St. John. Now, there are some blue eyed soulful DJ's, Powder Blu, Todd Weston, the Incredible Hulk aka Adam Francesconi but that Whyout had me in complete awe..not to diminish the others THIS Cat went HARD from all over the place. He fit a round peg in a square whole with ease. Jerome just reached into his Mother Afrika bag and pulled out some deep in the jungle tribal beats! My lovely ladies of House were there to keep it sexy! and the people danced!

If you noticed a theme here, its not all the people mentioned in this Blog are black.. some of the coldest Cats I know don't have an ounce of black blood in them., but I'm SURE if you shake their family tree hard enough a nigglet or three will fall out! Here is the reason I bring this up. Music knows NO age, race, sexual orientation, class, city or other boundaries. Music transcends all.. THIS music is one of our ancestors..( its black history month and just so ya know...we are ALL decedents of Mother Afrika . So No matter the color, you just feel the beat of your ancestral home pulling at you.. calling you, leading you to dance! I want you all to remember we are a family, we are all 66th cousins ( look it up if you don't believe me) . Let's try to love each other the way we love the music. DJ's ( YES..YOU!!!) imma need you ALL to shut that whole in your FACE the next time you fix your punk ass mouths to say something negative about another DJ!-newbies without Vets..there would be NO you. Vets STOP hatin on the Newbies cause they are the one's keeping this thing going. Being a DJ means you need two things, a good ear, and some good hands. and you Vets are getting up in age. Arthritis and hearing loss come with old age, you need to remember that! Let's build bridges and mend fences...if WE don't do this, the world doesn't stand a chance!

Let The Music Play

P~

History, The present, the Future, my mother and the music!

As most of you know I lost my mother September 19th funny how my last Blog was one about my life., and the affect she had on it. 

Our history was not the loving one that I share with my own children, BUT it made me the woman I am today, for that I'm thankful. I don't write half as well as she did..my words don't flow effortlessly. But the passion behind what I believe in is a direct result of Anita Johnson being such a big influence on my life. Good and bad! 

So I dedicate this Blog to my mother, my nemesis, my hero- you will be forever in my heart, I love you and am very proud to be your daughter, again.. sorry I did not live up to the woman you wanted me to be.. I did not become the dancer, the pianist, the singer, the violin player that you wanted.. You did leave me the gift of writing the ability to have my words reach people. My speech, not as eloquent as yours, my diction..needs improvement lol but like you I have something to say. Not on world events, injustices both in history and present times... my love for writing falls in the realm of the world of music and the DJs that play!

Like you, if I don't like something/someone I say/show it ( although I never mastered the art of cutting someone down with ONE look) or the ability to make someone feel like cash shit without uttering one swear word. (im going to work on that). If I believe in something/someone I support it/them 100% like you!

My mother actually liked House music- one DJ in particular she loved- heffa wouldn't even give me the CD back and got mad as hell when I took it back! She liked Delano Smiths mix that I had (before they stole my CD collection) - Terri Johnson had made me a CD full of his mixes.

Before I go any further let me thank those who kept me sane ( musically that is) Earl Mixxin McKinney, Wayne Williams, Brett Morrison, Rick Wilhite, and Jon Easley but mostly it was Alan King- thank you thank you thank you ! After my mom passed I FINALLY got my car back, and I happened to play a CD that I'd gotten from one of the Charivari Detroit crew members- who was a very good DJ back in the day. Judging from the CD I have he still is. Steve Dunbar I must have played that CD 150 times..please make another ASAP!!!

Ok, I'm going to get to the heart of the matter, just allow me a little latitude for a moment! 

I ran across a stat today by Craig Loftis- Nu Bang, in that stat he talked about history..I'd commented on the stat and what I said in a nutshell is, history in short is the truth as individuals see it! We may have shared experiences but our individual view of history is bias based on what it meant to us.
My view on the history with my mother is different than others different than her own opinion-but it was history none the less. Interpretation is based on ones own perception/experience. 

She taught me to NEVER let anyone write YOUR history! So to those of you who were at the forefront of, "this thing of ours" we thank you! Write the history tell us the story, but remember new stories unfold daily.  For those of your who are recent to the DJ/Party goer game..make up your own history but do NOT dismiss or diminish the history of those who came before you. Understand they took something from EVERYTHING and turned it into a musical genre that has spanned more than 30 + years. To the vets I say, give the youngins their props ( but ONLY if they are good)- if someone scews the history call them to the carpet, but do it with respect and love for the music..

I didn't go see my mother in the hospital before she got to the point of no return.. HOLD ON I know you are thinking, "what the hell is wrong with you"?! "HOW DARE YOU NOT GO SEE YOUR MOM"?!...well I'll tell you, we had such a strained relationship that I did not, was not going to be the reason my mother would stroke out. I just figured I would see her when she came home..but she didn't. In the end, I was there and she knew it. My mother (prior to her taking that long walk to meet the Father) told my son she loved me. I can count on one hand and three fingers how many times my mother told ME she loved me. Although I know she did!

In the end none of that mattered. She knew I was there, and it was me that uttered the words, "let her go" it was me that prayed/begged for a miracle as I watched her heart rate slowly fade..it was me who helped prepare her body to be walked to the morgue and said how proud I was of her and that I loved her., and it was me who walked with the staff as I said my last goodbyes to the only woman who was strong enough to take me and all my madness, who never understood my humor/wit and love of people. Even though I tried my hardest not to, I DID understand her! I didn't like her but I loved and respected her.

You may not like the people in this circle but you should respect them, and I'm talkin to the youngins here! They are the REAL reason YOU are! This is your "present" DO NOT lead into the future with negativity. Add your history but don't subtract theirs.

I said that to say, no matter how scewed our history was our present at that time was one of forgiveness, love and blessings. Make your present count!

 I don't really know who the "yougnins are" BUT... IMO, if you started DJing AFTER 1990 you a youngin, and I could be dead ass wrong, but that's my story and Im sticking to it!

The future, not sure what my future holds I DO know that I will walk a little differently, because at the time she passed over it seemed as if all she wanted me to be, I became. I got her strength, I got her dignity, Cause you got to be a strong muthafucka to tell the Dr's to let your mother go! 

The youngins are keeping, "this thing of ours" relevant, vets...LET THEM! but pull their coat tail if they fuck up! Call em to the carpet if they speak on history that they were not a part of. Teach them/us.

Larry Levan, Frankie Knuckles, Ron Hardy, Ken Collier, Dwayne Montgomery, Aaron Carl.  Those brothers shaped and molded the music as my mother shaped and molded me. They are no longer here. She is no longer here.. but they all live on in us! It would be a shame if we let all they did go for not! Know the history, make new history, dance in the present...consider the future, and make it better!

Music is the diary of our lives, let the memories be fond, allow the beats to bang, tell the people who and what they are and why they are., and as Always

Let The Music Play!!

P~

PS., I love you mommy

Vacation Day with Osunlade

Vacation Day with Osunlade

Charivari Picnic- let the new era of summer fun begin!

We are now, about three weeks in since the Charivari Picnic and I have to say, I should have written this Blog just after..but I'm human and honestly just wanted to let it all sink in.

Gotta say, the folks that threw this all together did one helluva job. - Shouts out to the DJs who "MADE" the picnic they will be addressed later in the Blog. 

If you want to know the story of Charivari you'll just have to read my last Blog..( well it was copied from Todd Johnson with a forward by yours truly) cause honestly its too long to rehash the story... anywho just read it!

 A group of now mid 40ish men and women who were at the forefront of the party scene here in Detroit decided they wanted to showcase who they are and what made this scene what it is today. We are the party generation.. yeah we are some pretty cool middle aged folks..(don't trip! its the truth) 

The feeling was electric..the musical vibe was right on point, and the people danced! They enjoyed each other, they enjoyed the music, the park.. the kids even had a great time. 

--I have to sidebar here and say, one of the things I liked best about the picnic was the fundraising that took place for our very own angel Ms. Angela Patillo-Burns, it showed me that we do look out for our own.. hats off to everyone who contributed!-smile

When my, top 40 music loving daughter had a great time. ( she is STILL talking about it) and has stated SEVERAL times she can not wait until next year... I KNEW they had a hit. 

The face of the event was Steve Dunbar, Todd Johnson and Teresa Hill but there are so many more. Kevin Bledso, Grant Grey,Al Heath, Hasan Nurulla(lord I hope I spelled that right)  and countless others.. sorry I don't know all of your names. The volunteers.. the support of others who believed in this just as the Charivari Detroit team did. We pulled together to make this event all about US ( you, me, them, black, white, young, old) ! Street teams, other connections banding together for the greater good! The sponsors, very well put together sponsorship package.. this was no fly by night event! Many man/woman hours were spent to make this thing jump.

You all DID IT!! and did it well! From the after parties to the picnic it was a just a fabulous time had by all. 

The look on Tamar Dunns face when she said, " I haven't seen some of these people in 30 years" she was damned near giddy.. we had the perfect spot.. the set up as well as the weather was perfect. God surely blessed this event.  The focus was Detroit DJs, but being the forward thinkers that they are they also brought in others. The stand out was a twelve year old girl., DJ Young 1 she was the highlight of the event.  The music lives in her and our children.. and she wants to learn how to play vinyl..DIG THAT! DeeJay Alicia came in to show that Chitown love and as she always does... she turned it out!

DJ Roach, Jason Garcia, DJ Psycho, and a helluva set by Earl Mixxin McKinney ( more about him later)! Mike Clark, Gulf Clap, D. Wynn, Kevin Dysard the list goes on and on.. I mean they thought of just about everyone. 

THIS is another reason why I loved this event.. the focus was on "our own" Detroit LOVE! Don't compare this to MOVEMENT..its Charivari! Don't compare this to The Chosen Few.. again, its Charivari its its own entity..competing for nothing and no one, all inclusive love, but they wanted to show love 1st to home! Righteous y'all... real real right!

Now, listen.. I know y'all think I'm bias, and perhaps I am..but when Earl...and I do mean as SOON as he hit the stage he took over..people came from EVERYWHERE to hear him.. it looked just like that scene in the Color Purple when everybody left the juke joint and headed over to Ms. Shug Averys daddies church! hell maybe God WAS trying to tell us something. He hit us with a track, Now this is how it started. BUT!! I have to give credit where credit is due.. it was Al Ester who played it the night before at TV.  DJ Psycho and Gary Chandler had me under their musical spell! Tom Linder.. BOY!!! YOU DID THE DAMN THING!

When Delano ( who was at TV) jumped to his feet and said, "man where you get that" I KNEW it was a hit.. not just because Delano had turned into a kid at Christmas but also by the reaction of the people. Al had the crowd in the palm of his hand that night and Earl had the crowd in his hand the next day.  That song and that song alone was the theme of the event!

When you see a DJs eyes light up you know you working with a monster! Norm, followed The Sonic Natives., and you know I sat there mesmerized by what I heard before and what I was hearing from him. Rick followed Norm, and he had just gotten back from somewhere overseas..but he played like he had rested for days. Both Norm and Rick's set was perfection.. I don't expect any less from them! There I sat, behind The Sonic Natives, Norm Talley, and Rick feeling like a proud mom.. saying, "look at my boys"!

I did not get to hear Moody's set.. I'm sorry KDJ Jr. you know I loves me some YOU but I'll catch you on the rebound lil homie! WAIT!! I didn't get to hear Delano either..damn, I'm so ashamed!

Point is these DJs played with SO much enthusiasm.. they were so happy to be there and we were just as happy to hear them. In my opinion they played so well because the focus was on THEM! ( well some did not) -hears a clue.. if nobody was dancing then you were NOT playing like you should...another side bar. If I hear ONE MORE DJ say, " I started to REALLY hit em with some hot shit" I'm going to fucking shoot you! I don't care if you play for a crowd of 30 or 300 you PLAY!! all that, "I can't play for no hour" is BULL---SHIT!! yo ass KNEW you had an hour to play when they ask you! and another thing.. if you didn't like your time slot, ya punk ass should have respectfully declined instead of whine.. It was up to YOU to select a BANGIN ass set.. sucks to be you if you didn't! Save all that smack for someone who doesn't know any better!- and any DJ that doesn't care if people are dancing to what they are playing is a special kinda stupid!

I got to meet some of my new Facebook friends.. Shane Cox- he is such a cutie! Pretty bummed that I did not get to meet Bryan Bright or that Adam Francesconi or Gari Romalis did not get to play. ( um, Charivari crew TRUST me on this.. Adam, Gari, Marcellus, Huck, and Theo should be on the bill next year)- are there some I would say should NOT play next year, but of course I think there are..but out of respect to both the organizers and the ( in my opinion) lack luster DJs I will reserve my comment.  They are some pretty smart Cats so they know what to do!

Over all it was a COMPLETE success.. a standing ovation is needed, and not just for the organizers, but also for their partners, who I am SURE endured massive headaches, late nights, long phone calls, endless meetings, running arounds, and husbands/wives who went AWOL.., but THAT is the sign of a GREAT partnership.. when you have someone who has your back 100 % and your dreams are their dreams.. you're working with winners., so for the wives.. girlfriends and boyfriends, hats off to you! - and anyone who does not understand and recognize that their dream is your dream and they are willing and happy to share you with others is INCREDIBLY STUPID! but stupid is as stupid does!! but I digress... 

My prediction, ya going to out grow that park.. sad but true! You all kept it 98% Detroit, and that's more than I can say for some. You gave back..and yes there are some who feel you don't play well with others ( not everyone is going to love/like you) here is one thing NO ONE can dispute, the turn out and the vibe was phenomenal the music was top notch.. you showed us, you made us remember the feeling we all had when we 1st feel in love with this thing of ours!

No clicks, no hate ( well..I mean..) not from those who REALLY matter.. all others were peons so fuck em! No one had that, "Look at me, I'm the best" attitude..well, one  or two did but again.. not everyone can see the greater good!

Keep up the good work peoples... this event will go on and on and on! The music lives on, as is evident in our children who ALL had a wonderful time., and that's what its all about!

Let the Music Play

P~

http://www.charivaridetroit.com/

Spin Cycle #11 - Bruce Bailey, Gruv:Detroit Eric Johnson, Tony Dennis, D...

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~