SMARTECHNOLOGY

I should begin by saying I have a healthy love-hate relationship with technology. I work on a computer in an office for eight hours a day for a paycheck every other week. The last thing I want to do after work is sit in front of another computer. I am a minimalist at Facebook and checking my email is almost as stressful as checking my rickety mailbox downstairs. Both of them often have countless pieces of information that I will never use and sometimes notifications of bills are just as stressful as the amounts I have to pay. I am a writer and have been since the age of 12, so the pen and the paper were my first two loves (I am a true Gemini). Writing my thoughts into cyberspace is not unnatural- it’s just not my first choice as a medium. So blogging is a new thing to me (that I love) and it has caused me to think before I speak, read as carefully as possible before I act and grow from the writings of others. Growing pains hurt, but there is usually a reward for loving and consequences for hating that we learn from (hopefully).

I just have moments where technological living goes beyond being a tool and infringes on our intellect. So the idea of a car parking its self is not appealing. It’s scary! How do I learn to Parallel Park if the car is doing it for me? I have to learn what I personally believe men master better than women-spatial awareness. I have no interest in seeing my pictures on my TV; I just don’t see the point! Why did I bother to load the pictures onto my computer, into my Facebook or MySpace page just to turn away from my TCM Channel to a picture of myself a few feet away? I love my pictures but when you incorporate technology, it creeps me out a bit.

I also feel like we allow technology to take us away from basic information that we provide to one another. Perfect example: A recent trip to a Discount store (that will remain nameless) carried the wrong size product inside of one of its packages. I thought the store hours would be on the receipt. Wrong. The place that would normally hold that information replaced it with advising the consumer to check out their Facebook page. Sad - just need the store hours. A phone call placed to the phone number provided asked for the consumer to do two things: Leave a message and check out their Facebook page. Ok, ok this is stupid. Some people, believe it or not, do not have internet access in their homes. Inconvenience to them? How inconvenient was it for “Nameless” to take the store hours off of the receipt? Basic information is missing in action. Its new home address: cyberspace.

I know I don’t have to mention how technology has affected the dating scene, but I would like to share two things. One is, I DO NOT LIKE TEXT! It is not effective for business or love relations. A text will not transmit your heart’s desires quite like the tone of your voice, the look in your eyes, or the chemistry that our brains share when we are together. Neither will a “sext” (which I have been guilty of sending). I recently received one and I have to say, an uninvited sexual innuendo is rarely well received from me.

The second thing I wish to share is a short story. I recently bumped into a childhood friend of mine. We have always been friends-nothing more. Whenever we see one another in Brooklyn, we always ask about family members or share an experience from a cultural event recently attended. In the past six years I’ve seen him, we never exchanged information. I was good at just seeing a friendly, familiar face from Far Rockaway (say that three times fast). So one lazy Friday after work I see “F-Bomb”- his name for the sake of my story-and F-Bomb and I have a great conversation about an event we both missed, but about writers we marvel about. I even share one of my beloved Stella Artois with this cat. We make the exchange of digits and e-mail and I think “wow, progress, right?” Wrong. He calls me at midnight which is poor judgment but I give him a pass out of Rockaway love. Yet, I do that for friends and potentials of which this dude falls into the former category. We have an average conversation but I can tell he’s fishing but with no bait. We hang up and then he texts me inviting himself over later. STRIKE THREE FOR ME! He doesn’t know how I feel about texts but HUH? I especially hate when a man initially reaches out to me via text. The time it took your manly fingers to text what you said, you could have spent that energy finding K-I-S-H-A in your phone and having the real thing. So to me, it’s a step away from a real conversation. But a text after midnight? What are you saying to me? CALL ME is my response. I told him we can meet at a lovely coffee shop around the way (Liquid Oz on Malcolm X). Needless to say he still hasn’t called me back. Even good guys with good grooming and a good job have their moments of whackness. Here I thought I had a new-found friendship forming and it turned out to be an annoyance. I can understand if a man is shy, but texting will not help you deal with your lack of game/rap/pick-up technique. I am not practice- I am the real thing, not a button on your phone to play with.

From the Immigration Office to change of address with the Post office, our services are wildly moving to cyberspace as their new place of business that we must travel to for services. I understand it serves as a tool to speak to a global community in seconds what would have taken days, months, etc. I get it. But there has to be some sort of responsibility to the necessary information we need. Human relationships take time and sensitivity to others that technology slowly robs mankind of. I am learning to navigate the waters of my disdain and joy from this everyday tool…

A SHELTER POEM

I cannot tell you what it’s like

You gotta sweat it out for yourself

You can only follow me down the steps

Move with me

I dress and leave in darkness and silence

In silence I descend the hole that swallows me

WALK

WALK FASTER

Every minute is a song and every second is my favorite part of the song

So walk faster

You get to the door, present your card and (watch the steps)

Climb higher and higher

‘Til you get to heaven; there is a dance floor there

Hellish smells like someone bottled their sweat and poured out a libation

Every body in the spirit

You tithe by moving out of your bed and down a random street in the middle of the night

The collection plate for this church goes to the food in the back compliments of Mama Bird

THIS IS THE SHELTER

Uninvited funk permeates through your clothes, all over your body, and you just got there

Folks come

From out of state, out of the country and out of their minds

Dressed real nice or stretched out before hand to be naughty

Some nights the regulars are there

Some nights the old heads come out

The music is sick

The sick come to get healed

Some nights the Resident Regisford is there

Some nights Sting is there

But tonight

You climbed out of your bed so you can be present in the body

And you do not leave

Until the last hug is hugged

And the last cheek is kissed

And the last hand waves goodbye

And the sun clasps its hands high and strikes noon

My Routine: CLUB SHELTER NYC

Heaven’s blessing is a place I can go to in the middle of the night and become invisible.  I rise off my couch after trying to watch Saturday night live again. It has always been limp in the middle. That is also where the funniest skit is buried. Someone is getting booed off of the stage on Showtime! At The Apollo.  I have no sympathy for the performer. I grab the clothes that I laid out before I crashed.

There are many layers involved for the sweat.

In silence I dress. In silence I leave. In silence I descend the hole that swallows me into the heart of her throat (watch those steps) …

This time of the morning people actually mind their business. The train is not a festival of eyes or appetites. The train becomes a mat to take a nap on from station to station until you arrive at your destination. WALK.

WALK. FASTER. I become a dodging bullet through the ever-bustling streets of the city and the bodies within it. I have to make it there. Every minute is a song I am missing and every second is my favorite part of the song. I am a heat-seeking, self-guided missile…so walk faster…

You get there…the line is down the block…on special occasions it is almost around the next corner several people deep.

You get to the door, present your membership card and (watch those steps) climb

Higher and higher and higher

Till you get to heaven; there is a dance floor there

The smell is hellified. Someone bottled their sweat and you splashed it all over your body after the shower. THAT is The Shelter. Uninvited funk throughout your clothes, all over your body and you haven’t undressed yet.

Get a corner, get comfortable, get undressed into phase one of your clothes, go to the coat check, ease your mind, get undressed in the bathroom-whatever.

Get a drink- anything to drink. Some nights you want to be nice. Some nights you want to be naughty. A drink is the first step in either direction.

Have you stretched? Get stretched out. Get a friend to help. If you are there alone, stretch for a long time. Once someone joins you, you are going to be ready.

Some nights all of the regulars are there. Captain Caveman, Mama Bird, Queen Mother Peaches, The Chain, The Beast, The Nasty Superman, Fireman, B, Lisa, all the kids in the circle, Jesus, The PT /PW Crew, Dirty Elvis, and a host of other colorful characters surviving a checkered past. There are transient beings including “Couple of the Moment,” “The DJ’s present girlfriend,” and “Visiting New York for the First Time Tourist.”

After your receive euphoria, a dance floor revelation,  Valhalla, or your personal blue heaven, say goodnight, good morning or goodbye to your family-your House music family. We are a community that represents a world, this world, living, if only for a night, in peace and harmony.

You have been armed with a coat of arms, dipped in the music you have always loved and never heard before. Know that you always have a place in this world to be your entire self, uninhibited and strong, or vulnerable and tender. You will always have a shelter from the storm of your troubles.

WINTER MUSIC CONFERENCE 2011-THE PRODIGAL DAUGHTER RETURNS

TO BOGO OR NOT TO BOGO

The anagram intimately known to millions of modern American women stands for Buy One, Get One off or some discounted percentage off.  In my case it was half-off at Payless Shoe Source. Now, usually, when I walk past a Payless store, memories of sneakers that pinch my pinky toe and leather uppers that do not un-scuff comes to mind. But I’m going to Miami! I am going to need reinforcements in my shoe department. After running to another shoe store and grabbing adorable Betsy Johnson tights that go surprisingly well with anything, I coordinate with my BOGOs. Two-Hundred and five dollars later, my foundation was set.

http://www.payless.com/

After discussing her highly anticipated Zumba exercise class scheduled for later that morning, my Aunt Alice dropped me off at the airport on Thursday, two hours before my flight. Due to the donation of a beautiful carry-on Fendi bag from my supervisor and the gift of a Winter Music Conference bag from my friend Black Dynamyte from three years prior, I had no need to check any bag. My ultimate goal for vacation packing includes a toothbrush in my pocket, but that is for another time…

TOUCHDOWN

The flight to Fort Lauderdale was uneventful aside from the young lady who talked about herself for two out of the three hours scheduled for the flight. I was exhausted from so much self-indulgence. However, once I looked out my window and saw the airport workers in their shorts and shades, I knew I was in my blue heaven.

I mistakenly left my perfect Miami shades that I bought at Payless (half-off) in my aunt’s car, but ironically I didn’t need them for the practical reasons I bought them for. Dana and I did not maintain many daylight hours. It didn’t hurt that they are so very cute-animal print with a purple tint at the bottom rim and tips-it only hurt that I misplaced them. The weather was a little cool for Miami this time of year, but 68degrees at night in Miami outweighs a rainy New York day any day.

Took the Go shuttle to the travel office and as we are about to take off for the resort in my agent’s sports car, the first familiar face I see walking innocently along Collins Avenue is that of Joaquin “Joe” Claussel. I am half-way out of the sports car with my flip-flop half way off my right foot, hopping along to touch the hand of Joe. This man has produced, compiled and played music in such a transformative way, that when you see him, you know you are looking at someone extraordinary. His manner is friendly, his gait is easy and his smile is warmer than a sunset in Puerto Rico. We exchanged greetings and numbers and I was on my way.

WHERE DID WE GO AGAIN?

After I checked into the room, fully stacked except for an iron (which D was bringing), I waited for Dana to arrive…and waited…and waited. The Tribe party, with hot acts such as Ian Friday and Black Coffee were slated in the DJ lineup, was to be my first destination. My Best laid plans were thwarted by the waiting, so I explored the hotel layout instead. The lower level, to my surprise there was a Russian and Turkish Baths Spa for an affordable, non-inclusive fee. After obtaining a pamphlet listing the different services, I made out for the ocean shore. On the other side of the gate was the sea. Walking out of the gate to the beach was far easier than walking back in. There is a combination that I was never given. GREAT. I walk back and forth before a short, brown, very loud Chow began barking hysterically at me. I could dodge the little dog, but the big, beautiful unfamiliar Labrador that slowly padded over to me was alarming. I remembered learning from my ex-husband that all one has to do is turn your hand palm-facing up, and extend it below the dog’s nose. The pooch will smell your hand and after being satisfied that you mean it no harm, will lick your hand and allow you to pet it. I realize the mouth of the hound is below the nose but hey, both of you are taking a chance to demonstrate trust.

The owner popped from behind his gated condominium and steps off of his hardwood deck to convince me the dogs were friendly and do not bite. He was right. I was still scared. He gave me the combination to return to my hotel and back to safety. I was shaking all the way back to my room. Smiling, but curiously comforted that the dog/hand trick worked. Thank you, Ibrahim.

So, reunited, we leave the hotel room after 40 texts and several gulps of wine. All the sexiness we could muster poured into Geo’s red mustang and we were South Beach bound! Let the games begin!

Dinner….Italian…picked up Cleo at Sushi Samba…shout out to all the New York DJ’s I hugged and kissed (Ray Vazquez, Mikki Afflick, Duce Martinez had his hands on the boards)…brought a bottle of Amaroosah oil to Red at the Sexy Bitch Party since she loved it…Lil' Ray on the boards upstairs…Performance by Kafele and nothing but love throughout the room…caught a quick dance with Nadeeah Eshe between more wine…danced with Geo and forgot the next day until he reminded me very naturally with another dance. Pranced over to Louie Vega’s Classic’s party…somebody snuck a kiss-or tried to…somebody told me they were going to touch “the girls” and proceeded to…Mustang Sally ride back up to the hotel and conked out… the next day it took us 10 minutes to remember what we did on this first night we had so much fun.

DAY 2-THE OCEAN

The Beach was lovely but I don’t trust water. I almost drowned three times in my life so I steer clear of all water. Since I injured my left knee at Coney Island dancing to Sting International playing sllaming house music on the boardwalk people have been telling me to go to the sea. So I figured the Miami coast would be kind. I still didn’t trust it. But I gave it the college try and it was beautiful. We clean up and head out to a rooftop party and dine like Turkish royalty – before the baths the following day. Ralf Gum, Jovonn and Eman proved to be excellent musical selectors-Jovonn played a Mary J Blige mix that I cannot get off of my mind! We stayed long enough for two more DJ’s and we were off to the next party.

We tried to trick one of our friends by going to an alternate party and the joke was on us. The DJs we wanted to hear were not there and the one DJ that was there was merely standard. We promptly left and enjoyed an intimate party in the lobby of the Chelsea where I first heard Julius the Mad Thinker three years prior. New Yorkers littered the streets beside the Spring Breakers who seem to grow younger in every street. Our small band of friends dissolved as the night grew old and we retired to our quarters at some unidentified hour of the morning.

http://www.scooterandlavelle.com/index1.htm

DAY THREE-THE TURKISH BATHS

I have watched commercials for Turkish Baths and I have heard about the Russian Bathhouses in New York, plotting to indulge for a day one day. That one day was today. I had been hell bent since I discovered how close I was to realizing a dream. I read and asked questions until I was satisfied I would have an unbelievable and unforgettable experience. It went something like this:

BRING A BIKINI! Put your room keys and valuables inside the safety lock box at the reception desk…WASH UP IN THE SHOWER BEFORE YOU GET INTO THE JACUZZI…put your clothes inside of the locker in the ladies room…enter the baths where the huge heated Jacuzzi pumping ocean water through the vents and a stream of water falls from the turquoise blue and white tiled ceiling. There are several therapeutic showers where water comes from EVERY direction, aroma therapy saunas and Ice baths.

You are supposed to step inside of the ice bath and douse yourself with water inside of the bucket. I did not have the nerve to do that to myself, so a friendly passer-by saw my dilemma and proceeded to throw the bucket of cold water on me from the front.

I turned around so she could follow-through with my backside.

One word: revitalizing.

After that I thought the Platza Oak Leaf treatment would be relaxing and soothing. WRONG. The leaves stimulate your skin as you sit inside of the Russian Radiant Room (Shvitz) that has to be at least 198 degrees. I lay down face first on the towels that have been doused with cold water for what I think is going to cool the area for my supposed relaxing oak leaf session. WRONG. The water activates the heat when you pour it on the benches. You are supposed to douse yourself while standing up if you want to cool off.

All I can say is that my only complaint consisted of my calves burning from the heat.

I loved the rejuvenating sensation of the leaves, the eucalyptus scent emanating from them, the challenge to my breathing with the wet towel placed over my face with the eucalyptus scent to encourage deep breathing. After making it through several douses on the bench as I lay there, I was taken to an ice bath and dunked three times…back to the Radiant room for an oil rubdown, then the therapeutic shower and then a nice nap.

There is a relaxation room if you so desire. Dana and I had other plans. It’s called Body and Soul.

http://www.russianturkishbaths.com/

MY MIND, BODY AND SOUL

So, after seeing Joe on a random street, he offered to put me on the list for Body and Soul. I got caught up in the excitement and mixed feelings of my last night in Miami that I didn’t bother to check the list for my name. Dana and I took pictures while we waited for the cab, in the cab and at the party. Everyone was there to be sexy, have a great time and listen to some fantastic music. Danny Krivit, Francois K and Joe, as usual, did not disappoint.

http://www.bodyandsoul-nyc.com/main.html

HOME AGAIN

Dana and I make great time getting to our separate airlines. We even talked and recapped the weekend while waiting for our respective 7am flights. The jokes were hilarious. The same two women sat beside me on the way back to New York; on opposite sides of the plane. Talk about happy.

My aunt and mother picked me up from the airport. I am so lucky to have these beautiful women in my world. They loved their Zumba class on Thursday and we chatted on the way back home.

I returned to my apartment, littered with BOGO tags and boxes and bags. I spruced up a bit and lay down a bit more than that. Ironic enough, I had the same wine to gulp on in my refrigerator as in my hotel room.

The prodigal daughter has returned.

21^st Century SPACE RIDERS: ONLINE HOUSE MUSIC DISC JOCKEYS

 Kisha Toure

2008

“The one thing I can say about this House Music scene is that it’s always changing.” This is James Vincent’s answer to my lamentations over the dissolve of “The Shelter”, the longest running underground House Music Party in New York.  Since 2001 I had been a regular attendee of the weekly dance party, now defunct due to reasons beyond the average partygoer’s power. “People get into this for different reasons.” “JV”, as he is affectionately known, has a handle on the climate of the house music scene that is both easy going and insightful. James Vincent is a Chicago native and current New York resident. JV is one of scores of DJs who hosts their own online radio show. 

Cyberjamz.com is one of several websites that serve as a platform for House music to continue as a thriving sub-culture that ironically manages to win Grammy Awards.  Other sites include XMRadio.com, JerseyDJs.com, HandzOnRadio.com, Live365InternetRadio, and a host of others. That driving, pulsating, upbeat, down tempo, sensual, erotic, post-disco era necessary music, are the life force of dance floors, nightclubs, lounges and households of those who remember. There are music festivals designed around House music and its related bedfellows including Drum n Bass, Jungle, Techno, Deep Tech, and Spacey Dub. The Southport Weekender, Miami Winter Music Conference, Collective Minds and Soul Summit Music Festival are just a few of the festivals and conferences that highlight House music.

Online radio shows have moderators who make sure the program is moving smoothly, resolve problems as they occur, investigate recurring problems and maintain the server. The DJ logs on to the server that allows him or her to stream live on the website. The server handles all of the functions of the station: chartroom, listening ability, logging on to play shows and the like. When you log on you are in real time, with an acceptable predetermined amount of delay. The DJ clicks on the appropriate link and airs their show.

This music evokes emotion through memory; good, bad or indifferent-all unforgettable times.  They remember a time when the music they heard in their individual houses on record players began being played in park jams, block parties, and in the clubs. House music is fundamentally music that was made and/or played in your house.  Rhythm and Blues, more familiarly known as “R&B,” is associated as the lifeblood of music for many 20^th century African-American households. This music was then deconstructed, remixed, and recreated into new sounds and arrangements. “The Chicago sound is primarily the home of House, ‘the inception’” as JV calls it. Whenever they were of age (or of age via fake I.D.s) youths would gain admittance into clubs and party the night away.  There were rituals of systematic sneaking-out-of-the-house, or as an alternative to those who were fortunate enough, there were High School parties where the well-known DJs of that time would play. 

I was surprised to hear JV use the term “sock-hop” when describing some of his earlier parties at Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago.  I associated this term with dances held at schools primarily in the 1950’s. JV has a youthful face with an ancient sense of understanding.  He has agreed to let me watch him work as he presents his weekly show “Urbansoul Sessions” on Cyberjamz.com.  I am apologetic for being any distraction whatsoever, all waved away with a smile and encouragement to conduct the business at hand.

My obvious first questions inquired of his influences and how he got into House Music, which he credits to his family, his uncle in particular, who is a musician. Growing up with music in the household made him appreciate Jazz, Funk and Soul. His instruments include Piano and Drums (percussion). He has a good collection of Miles Davis pictures, including one with a full set of teeth framed into a smile. He remembers his first Parliament Funk concert complete with the Spaceship landing on the stage. “That was the first time I ‘felt’ music and then to see them, visually?”  JV studies the Dao and uses his turntables as instruments of homage to the creators of the music he plays.  “I use these as healing instruments ...I’m just a vessel; I convey the feelings that those musicians and artists felt.”

I asked him about his format and what determines his line-up: “Well my background is College radio. My job is to ease you into your week. I always open up with, ‘Conquistadors Los Chocolates’ aka ‘Black Conqueror’- because I am a Black Conqueror.” JV is playing one of my favorite songs at the moment “Turn Me On” by Black Coffee featuring Bucie. One thing that I instantly noticed about JV was his ability to mix the new with the classics. Papa Wemba “Peace” and Santana’s “Mirage” were played alongside “Blue and Deep” by Jephte Guillame featuring Wiltrud Weber. He made the distinction of (Paradise) Garage Classics being simply Chicago Standards. “The Garage” is one of the signature House music parties that resound throughout the House Community. In the New York community, most of the first memorable club going experiences was born on the dance floor in The Garage. JV reminisces that, “Larry Levan, (Resident DJ for The Garage) cleared many a floor but broke many a record doing it,” referring to debuting new music. When asked of his personal influences in the industry: “As far as DJ influences I would have to say Merlin Bobb, Timmy Regisford (WRKS) and Tony Humphries (WBLS).  When I moved here is when I totally got into Tony.” JV responds to my favorite question: Your favorite House Party? Any rituals? JV smiles: “Going somewhere ritualistically? In my peak? I would have to say Tony Humphries at Zanzibar. Rituals...well you gotta take a disco nap. I traveled solo and I stayed light-handed. You had to have an extra T-shirt or layer.”

I had the privilege of being on an Online Radio Show, the host being a dear friend of mine, Ian Rock, one of my partners in music. We co-hosted a short-lived poetry event called “Mother of Pearl” that featured live poets reading their poetry over instrumentals of various genres of music.  Ian would also play consisting of airy vocal arrangements, lush acoustic strings and driving dubbed beats between the poets. On a cooler than usual afternoon in June, I read some of my poetry to accompany his online radio show, “Eclectic Dance Sessions” on Cyberjamz.com. Ian played his hard-to-find treasures, and a great deal of new music from around the world that we here in the states are often not privy to.  I read my poetry and advertised for my upcoming single “Nightfall”, soon to be released on Traxsource.com, an online music store.  I was hosting an afterwork/after-hours party at the time, “The AsOne Party”, at Sapphire lounge in the Lower East Side of Manhattan.  My experience on the show was enthralling, and I received positive feedback and encouragement to do it again.

Ian sat the computer monitor next to me, and urged me to go online and speak to people. I was reluctant, and only looked on for responses, but I remembered that there was a little world going on between the listeners in the chat room.  I later learned that there are specific greetings, nicknames, fake names, temperaments and relationships. I met several DJs through the chat room and finally, I was granted the opportunity to interview a few.

DJMinx, Detroit

HandzonRadio.com

How did you get into House Music?

 I frequented a club at the suggestion of several friends called “The Music Institute.” Derrick May was the DJ every Friday night. The grooves were off the hook and the crowd was dancin’ hard! I’d not heard House really before going to this spot, but I immediately grew to love it going forward!

Who are your influences? Why?

Derrick Mayyyyy!! The man was a fire every time I saw him! Every mix was on point and every track was a banger. I wanted to start spinning because of the excitement he caused while workin’ those turntables!! My mentor (Jerrald James) Pushed me to become a DJ because I told him of my interest every time I left The Music Institute. He was always there for me. Sarena Tyler is very important in my music life as well. I’ve learned a lot from her in this business and she is still there for me today.

How do you prepare for your show? What determines your line-up?

My programming depends on how I feel the day of my set. I may or may not program my sets (It’s rare that I do), I just make sure I’m familiar with the music and I go for it!

What is your signature sound?

Four on the floor soulful vocal tracks and deep sounds. Bass…I need Bass!!

What was your favorite House Party? What was your "getting ready" ritual?

HA HAHHHHH!  I guess my favorite House Party would be one that consisted of people ready to party…not just stand around and chat. When they’re ready to go...so am I!!

In preparation for my groove (starting at home) I have everything laid out that I’m going to wear, and some music rockin’ in the background as I dress…adding garments to the beat! From easin’ my pants on to the kick drum to snapping on a necklace to a high hat! Once I’m at the club and have my room temperature bottled water, I look around to see what the crowd is responding to and then pull out music I think will make them dance. As I mentioned, I usually just go for it without a programmed set.

DJ AppleJac, Atlanta GA

HandzonRadio.com, Massive Groove.com

 How did you get into House Music?

I got into house mainly because I was growing weary of the stagnation of Hip-Hop. House seemed to have a lot more energy and there was more respect for the music and love for the culture, or so I thought (laughing).

Who are your influences? Why?

There are a lot of influences, but I'd definitely have to say that if it weren't for DJ Spinna really kinda taking me under his wing when we'd be in Miami for WMC, introducing me to people and just making sure I was connected with the right people, and Kerri Chandler, Dennis Ferrer and Jovonn really taking the time to give me pointers on the production end, I'd probably not be doing what I'm doing as far as House Music is concerned. I'd also like to say that people like Kai Alce, Ron Pullman, Cullen Cole, Aphrosoul, DJ Punch and DJ Kemit, were very integral in my learning curve as well. They schooled me on a lot of stuff and I'll always be grateful for their willingness to help me. I also must thank Calvin Morgan from SWEAT for giving me my first opportunity to play House and step out of the "Hip-Hop DJ" box.

 How do you prepare for your show?

I try to have some sort of blueprint for what I wanna play, whether it's making sure I have new stuff or just really good stuff that maybe people haven't heard before or haven't heard in a while, but still keep it open enough to go where the vibe takes me.

What determines your line up?

Again, I just try to go with the vibe. More so when I'm playin out than on the Internet because you have more of a tangible, "back and forth" dynamic with your audience in a club. For me personally as a DJ, I'm an open book. I think people can tell what I'm feeling by the tunes I play or how I deliver them. Sometimes that's not always a good thing, but I think I'm very honest as a DJ, maybe too honest sometimes (laughing).

What is your signature sound?

I try not to get into "signature" anything because it crystallizes you into one particular way of doing things. And I think that the fact that I've been playin other genres/styles of music before I started playing House, there's something to be said about being able to fuse all of those things into one energy, not just box it in to always be "four on the floor". So if I had to "call it" something, I'd say "Boundless Dance Music" circa 2009 Sounds of Mecca Entertainment (laughing).

Favorite House Party you ever attended? What was your "getting ready" ritual?

My favorite party I've ever been to would hafta be the "Disco Forever" party at WMC in 2004. That was the party where I "got" House Music, and there was no turning back after that. In terms of a "ritual," I always pray before a set, be it on the Internet or at a club or wherever. My friend Syl told me once that I need to honor my gift by honoring the Creator OF that gift, so before each time I spin, I thank Jah for using me as an instrument to touch the people, because you never know what people are going through, and that two hours or however long that they're listening to you could make all the difference. It's a gift that I'm honored to be entrusted with and one I do not take for granted.

Greg Gauthier, France

HandzonRadio.com

How did you get into House Music?

Sad story: my neighbor gave me his records collection and his system before he died from aids around ‘91, I was 17...few weeks later someone gave me a tape from Frankie Knuckles recorded on a radio in NY, I was hooked!

Who are your influences? Why?

Back in the days Regisford, (Danny) Krivit, Knuckles, Morales ‘cause these are the first guys I’ve heard playing house with soul… I also like all kind of music not only house: R&B, jazz, salsa, old French, music etc... I always try to put some of that in my shows.

How do you prepare for your show? What determines your line-up?

In my show I usually play the songs that had a good response 3 days before at my weekly party ; "dance culture" at Djoon, I’m also more free to play songs you can't dance to , and I like that!

What is your signature sound?

I play everything that is soul, could (it)be African soul, gospel, Latin or whatever....even if its just a beat it got to have some soul in it. To me it ain't no worst music than house with no soul!

What was your favorite House Party? What was your "getting ready" ritual?

Favorite party: underground network, shelter, 718 sessions, libation, ANBHP (Aint Nothing But a House Party)....and of course dance culture every Sunday at Djoon ;) Not eat too much, so I can dance!!!!  Calling my friends, a good Disco nap and I’m ready!

TBass

Radio.JerseyDjs.com

How did you get into House Music?

I got into House Music when I lived in Baltimore.  A friend used to come and tell me about this club he went to, and said that I should check it out.  This spot in Baltimore was called Odell's and their slogan was "You'll Know If You Belong".  The first time going, I was 16 back in 1986, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.  I knew I found my music and my sound.

Who are your influences? Why?

My influences as far as DJing are concern would be a few people: DJs Camacho, Karizma, Kerri Chandler, Tony Motley, Louie Vega, and I have been compared to Larry Levan (I never got to hear him play.). I love the way these DJs would command the crowd and made people dance, cry, laugh, and feel the music.  As far as music is concern, my influences are many, because I love many different types of music.  I can be soulful, afro, tribal, Techno, electro, funky, tracky, vocal, classic, punk, 80's top 40 and other various styles when I spend.  It all depends on my mood.

How do you prepare for your show? What determines your line-up?  

To be truthful, I don't prepare for a show or a gig.  I basically try to figure out what my first song is going to be and go from there; I try not to worry about the rest, because that depends on the crowd.  My thing is, I could be playing a hot song and the crowd may not be feeling it, so, then I have to switch gears and find something to bring them back and then take them to the next level.  Anyone that is preparing and or practicing for a show is never prepared for the crowd (my opinion ... lol).

 What is your signature sound?

 I guess my most standout sound is my soulful side...... since I love sounds.  The songs with instruments in it get me most, and then you add a great singer on it...... I'm done, “flat-lined” as they say (laughing).

Favorite House Party? What was your "getting ready" ritual? 

So far my favorite House Party was when I used to play at The Mirage (downtown Newark, NJ).  This club/bar was located down the street from The Zanzibar and we had fun playing.  At that time I was the opening DJ Friday and Saturday nights.  On Friday I used to open for DJs Mike Harris and David Camacho, and then turn around and open up on Saturday for DJs Naeem Johnson (WBLS) and Jihad Muhammad.  Those was learning times for me.  I had no ritual for going, just came to play and then enjoy dancing when I was done.

Enjoying House Music, whether online or live, is an activity that I engage in on a daily basis, whether getting ready for work, during work, after work affairs, or nightlife pleasure. Everyday I speak to someone who loves house music. Most of my friends of different backgrounds and interests come together on one accord for the love of House music. I talk to DJs regularly and often give my ear and voice for feedback. I feel my place among the House Music community and I am constantly developing personal and professional relationships within the industry. I am growing and changing, just like the music.

GOING TO MIAMI

So my outfits are ready and all I need is the perfect carrying case/valise/bag of all seasons. Just listened to DJ Paso Doble who has a great appreciation for South African soul although the name is a latino dance but that is besides the point. I arrive around Thursday on the 10th and I plan to check into my accomodations and check into the Tribe party at The National on Collins around 17th. I will miss the Libation party for the first time in my Winter Music Conference history but I will catch Ian Friday at the Tribe party anyway so there...

I am sure there are other phenomenal parties I will fall into for the 72 hours I plan to be there. I am just truly looking forward to relaxing, dipping into the ocean and eating to my fill.

I hope anyone reading this who knows about the joy and splendor of WMC can testify. Maybe even in person.
Dancing til dawn, waking up a few hours later, eat drink do it all over again.
Haven't been on vacation in two years. Just completed the BA, gotta breathe before I go back for the MFA.
Wish me luck?

DID I TELL YOU I WENT TO JAIL TWICE THIS WEEKEND?

DID I TELL YOU I WENT TO JAIL TWICE THIS WEEKEND?

                It all started when I went to the Duke Theater on 42^nd Street to see “When I Come to Die”. The theater is easy enough to find if you are looking for it, and easy enough to miss if you are caught up by the temporary unseasonably warm February Friday night weather, bright lights and hordes of people in the streets. As I entered the third floor to be seated, immediately the audience is engulfed into the world of the play: A guard patrols the upper echelon of the stage and the perimeter of the seating area around the third floor, actors are already on the stage (set as prison cells) either on their beds, on the floor or pacing the room.  Chris Chalk’s name looks familiar in the program and it should; I just caught his performance as Troy Maxon’s son Cory in the Denzel studded "Fences" in April. While I felt Chalk played it stiff for a teenage boy, he was perfect in “When I Come to Die,” as Damon Robinson, a man who survives his lethal injection sentence only to return to his prison cell with no more answers to the meaning of life than anyone else walking around. The ritualistic behavior of each character reminds one of the regimented environment of the penile system: the guard (Michael Balderrama) with his prisoner transport gestures; Damon (Chalk) as he opens and reads his letters to family-all returned unopened-in order to maintain a personal  practice to “make contact” with the outside world. In this Nathan Louis Jackson (Broke-ology) play, order must be maintained at all times to stave chaos within the belly. Even the only other inmate Roach (David Patrick Kelly) delivers a fetching performance and convincingly earns his name as he scurries beneath his bed after a prison riot initiated by Damon, and never sleeps in his bed-always found somewhere on the floor. The friendship forged by Damon and Father Adrian Crouse (Neal Huff) is endearing and no less filial than two men on a basketball court.   Both men bring their questions about life to one another and walk away from their daily meetings growing closer to small understandings about themselves and one another. “Contact” is made between Robinson and his sister (Amanda Mason Warren) on a warm visit that turns sour once the matter of what will happen with Damon’s prized possession- his letters- is raised. This play is purely about what we consider contact, how we make and maintain contact with ourselves for the sake of sanity, as well as with one another for the sake of community.  “When I Come to Die” is a question raised, much like that of the “Sixth Happiness,” of which each soul must answer themselves.

                So on Saturday, I had already planned to see the  Liza Jesse Peterson performance, “Down the Rabbit Hole,” having forgotten what the subject matter was, that the temperature would drop by 30degrees, but remembering that she was a triple threat of some kind. I received the counsel of the weather as it blew throughout my home, warning me of the seriousness that awaited me outside. At least 200 others received the same feeling as we all huddled into the Brooklyn Academy of Music Café for a hopeful Saturday Happy Hour special or a good place to stand to see the performance. Peterson did not disappoint. This Philadelphia native threatened in the form of Poet, Actor and Activist. The Activist title is somewhat forged by her true profession: that of a teacher. She has been performing poetry for well over a decade and teaching Creative Writing inside of Maximum, Minimum and all points in between Prisons landing at Island Academy for three consecutive years-all quite unintentional. Peterson likens becoming a Poet in Residence at Island Academy to Alice traveling down the Rabbit Hole in the Lewis Carroll novel. Peterson shares her rising and failing aspirations of “making it” in the entertainment business and her bitter/sweet experiences. At one point, Peterson shares, all aspects of her life became wrapped up in being “down there” as her beaux, on a parole violation, also became incarcerated. The honesty and Shakespearian artistry of Liza Jesse was refreshing and funny as she is faced with "the slings and arrows of outrageous muthaf*kers in the street.” After being consistently questioned of her origin in her waitress gig that allowed her the flexibility to perform she answers, “I think, therefore you are, because I am” in her poem, "Poker Face".

My brother Michael probably caught one of her performances while he was locked up. May he rest in peace.

 Anyone can see this woman perform what she originally dubbed, “The Bitch is Back” on tour inside the rabbit hole or here on the outside. Catch a glimpse of this social activist in her witty, funny, truthful deliverance of what it means to walk a mile in her shoes while you are still within your own. Reflective and insightful, Liza Jesse Peterson will take you to places you may or may not have been to give you an experience beyond your everyday life.

I went to jail this weekend and they freed my mind.