"Good feelings and Observations"

Well "Brighter Days" finally arrived.  It was touted as a possible rival to famous Sunday afternoon/evening parties like John David's "Body and Soul" of NYC.  It was promoted on the radio(dance classics/House) and through many a email list.  It also had some very popular DJ's on the bill.  KW Griff, DJ Biskit, DJ Spen, Jerome Hicks, & Wayne Davis.  The first snow storm of the Winter tried to take the sting out of this opening night, but most of the big scene supporters showed up.  I think this will be a big party and it was cool to look up in the dj booth and see dj's rockin' as hard as I am on the dance floor.  I had a very nice time, and for me it was more about being able to finally enjoy the Paradox the way I use to back in the early 90's.  I didn't think about whether the latest tracks would be played or capturing the moments with my camera, in which I did have.  It was cool seeing Jerome Hicks in the spot after all these years too.  I don't know what the future crowd will be like but it, as was pointed out to me an associate, had many of the House heads in Baltimore that "make a party".  I even recognized a couple of our DC House cousins in the room.  I can almost predict what will happen if the newer music isn't cycled into this party though.....the deep House crowd  will soon be hollering for newer music as the night gets closer to closing.  I am challenging my dj brothas to take this party to souring heights as the months grow, with some new stuff mixed in, like the new unreleased remix of "Black Betty" by Thommy Davis/Dukeyman  or the new Alicia Keys remix that was played.  Now I don't want anyone reading this to get me wrong, the dj's banged the hell out of what they played.  All the jumping around and hollering I did broke two more of my Afrocentric necklaces.  And yes, that was me on my knees for a minute when Jerome played "Ran Can Can"...and that was me, Tradawn, Jeff, Kelli, and Sharnett in that old school "Freak" line.  So we did have a ball!!  Maybe the target crowd is meant to be the same as the Odell's re-union/Wayne Davis birthday party, but I saw mostly the deep House headz.  I'm talking about the ones who go to the Winter Music Conference, faithfully visit the blackbookscafe.com, chat & listen to mixes on deephousepage.com, scream in the Sky Lounge, and don't leave "Good Vibrations" until they cut the music off.  So "Brighter Days" dj's remember us if you are skeptical about playing newer music.....WE WILL RESPOND!!!  Everyone knows how much I back Baltimore based dj's and love my hometown.  But, I am tired of only being able to dance to songs like "Elements of Life" at home.  You should see me and my 3 year old beating on little drums with a disco ball in the ceiling of my home office....It's pitiful. 

I want my Baltimore readers to know that I am absolutely convinced that there is a "House" party somewhere in Baltimore for everyone.  We are in the days where there is variety in our parties now and we have many choices to go and express our love for the music and scene.  We House headz have taken things into our own hands to bring our scene out of the dungeon and the beautiful thing is that we didn't have to bring in outside dj's to do this.

Paradox:  If you haven't been to the club lately you are missing the best looking African-American owned nightclub in Baltimore.  With this party there's no excuse for not experiencing the tight sound system and the spectacular lighting.  There is a nice little lounge that sits between the entrance and the main room.   The cafe area is big enough for a party all by itself.  It has a wall full of TV screens.  The Basketball court is still there too.  The "Chamber" has evolved into a bangin' musical environment and has been the scene of many enthusiastic parties(House or otherwise).  There is a new floor as well as a better sound system in there.  I'd like to thank the  Dox for hearing our voices and giving promoters a chance to bring us back to the "Dox". 

The "Brighter Days" party is held on the first Sunday of the month, but if you can't wait until January Echo-Bravo is having their "Playtime in the Daytime" party with a special performance from the legendary Colonel Abrams on Sat.-December 13th(5-10pm)

Dec.2003