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DJ Jihad Muhammad began exploring his love for music and DJ'ing at the young age of twelve. A native of Newark, New Jersey his love and dedication has lead him to reign as the “prince” of New Jersey’s underground dance music scene.

In 2002, Jihad began exploring the production world, producing songs on labels such as West End Records, Cameo Recordings, King Street Sounds and Offering Recordings. In 2005, Jihad developed his own production label MovmentSoul Recordings. Jihad has worked with House music legends such as Kevin Hedge of Blaze, Louie Vega and Danny Krivit of Body and Soul, to name a few. He has captured the souls of the populace and has secured a loyal following of energetic house music heads and soulful “garage” purist who march to the beat of his drum. In 2010, Jihad produced one of New Jersey’s hottest Global Soul parties, “Bang the Drum", that’s been going strong for over 5 years. Through hard work, perseverance and faith, Jihad has earned a special place in the hearts of his peers and loyal fans. He has the technical prowess, programming, sense of timing and adaptability to move any audience. His expertise and artistry in the scene has allowed him to play across the world. Jihad has played for audiences in London, Italy, Canada, France and throughout the United States, including at the legendary Apollo and as a guest at Tri – State area’s radio station Kiss F.M. Jihad annually he takes his Bang the Drum sound to Japan touring in places like Fukuoka, Hiroshima and Tokyo. With the musical milestones Jihad has achieved thus far, they are just the beginning of what is yet to come. The sky is the limit and Jihad Muhammad sees no limits in sight thus far!

I had a chance to chat with Jihad about his career and playing at this year’s Summer Oasis Music Festival.

Black Widow:  What was your introduction to house music?

Jihad Muhammed:  It started in the 80s.  For me, it derived from danceable R&B.  It’s always been a part of my musical history and background. I didn’t want to be a DJ until about 1981/82.  I would listen to the mix shows we had here with Timmy Regisford and Shep Pettibone, and Tony Humphries.  Those 3 guys sparked my interest and made me want to become a DJ.

Black Widow:  Did you have a mentor or were you self-taught? 

Jihad Muhammed:   Not really, our mentors were the DJs we heard on the radio. I didn’t have a personal mentor at the time; that came later as I grew and started playing in clubs.  I would try to copy what I heard them doing on the radio to the best of my ability.  I was “doing them” and that morphed into my own style. I had to create my own sound and identity but I got the basics from them the guys I listened to on the radio.   

Once I started playing in clubs and parties, people like DJ Camacho and Naeem served as personal mentors to me at that time. I would travel with them to gigs.  Sometimes they’d let me playing during breaks and such. I was almost like a gopher; picking up crates, taking them to gigs, etc.   That’s where you have to start sometimes.

Black Widow: The DJ Training Ground?

Jihad Muhammed:  Exactly!  It’s real life experience.  Watching them play and work the crossover; those were things I learned and I paid attention.  I would watch how they would play and read the crowd.  I would look at the types of records and music they would play and make sure I had those same records.  DJ’ing live and hearing something on the radio are two different vibes.   Being in front of people requires a different type of energy and I had to learn that…sometimes the hard way.

Black Widow: When did you decide to produce and create your own music?

Jihad Muhammed:  At that point in my career, I was pretty good as a DJ.  I thought it was good enough.   DJ'ing and Producing were things that were always separate. My first love was always DJ’ing but I was told in order to go further in the business, I needed to be a producer.  I was reluctant but Kevin Hedge from Blaze was one of my mentors who encouraged me to do it.  He took me out to buy my equipment and showed me how to work it. It took me a little while to get the “producer bug”.  My first record came out early 2000 and I was hooked.  Making music brings out a different type of creativity and I really loved that. Once I started producing, I was definitely getting booked more but I consider myself a DJ first and producer second. 

Black Widow:  DJ’ing is an art form and the creative process that goes into curating a set or creating and setting a mood for a party is different from the art of creating a song.  Did your creative process change when you started to produce?

Jihad Muhammed:  Kevin would tell me to listen to my favorite record and try to mimic that.  That’s always been my approach. I listen to music I like and try to produce a sound like that. With playing so many records, comes so many styles you want to produce. You don’t want to get stuck on 125 bpms. I like the freedom of being able to do what I like. I’ve heard so many styles of music as a DJ; house music is just one of many styles of music and all that is reflected in my music creatively.  It challenges me. 

Black Widow:  That’s why I call house music, musical gumbo. Its so many different genres mixed into the music.  You can hear disco, funk, R&B, punk…Do you feel like people try to put you into a box musically?

Jihad Muhammed: Not really but I’ve been doing this for so long.  I think the challenge is getting the audience to go on the journey with you.  That can be difficult especially now.  The parties have changed. It’s not one DJ all night.  Now it’s 3-4 DJs so you don’t get a change to stretch out and express yourself musically. I tend to like to play alone.  Timmy Regisford said in an interview once that sometimes it takes two hours to really connect with a crowd and take them on the journey.  Once you have them locked into your flow, you can take them anywhere. 

Black Widow: I couldn’t agree with you more. I’ve had that experience as a dancer.  I’ve attended parties with a DJ where there are other DJs on the ticket vs attending a party where it’s just the one DJ and the difference is incredible!   I wish they would do more of that…having one DJ for the entire night. You really get to know the DJ and the music in a different way. 

Jihad Muhammed: Yeah, a lot of people have a festival mindset thinking they must have multiple DJs on a set because more people will come out.  In some cases that is true, like an outdoor event etc., but inside the club it can be a waste of time. 

Black Widow:  Because you don’t get any time to really stretch?

Jihad Muhammed:  Yes and then the mindset is, “I have to play all the hits that I know people are going to dance to”.  That can get redundant because how many times have you heard all of the “Hits”? It’s just not as creative.  It’s harder for me to do a two hour set vs an 8 hour set.  

Black Widow:  Where did the idea of “Bang the Drum” come from?

Jihad Muhammed:  Bang the Drum derived from a party I used to do called “The Movement”.  There was a time when I felt that people wanted to hear newer music here and couldn’t’ so they would travel to NYC to spots like Shelter.    I wanted people to get used to newer music.  The Movement parties happened around 9/11 so people weren’t going to NYC as much and the Shelter had shut down because it was in the vicinity.  We started to get people from NYC coming to Jersey and it grew from there. Bang the Drum started at Club Elevation and then we moved it to the Coffee Cave.  

We’ve had a rich history of house music in Jersey but it has been the stepchild of NYC. In order for our people to know who’s who in the scene, I have to bring new people in and introduce our audience to new sounds.  It’s not just about me, it’s about a collective of DJs who are playing new music, whether it’s soulful, afro or whatever sub-genre they create, it’s all about us playing new music and introducing the people to a new sounds. That’s the message I preach for bang the drum. 

Black Widow:   I have such an appreciation for those who create music in this genre because it’s so much music that comes out every week. It’s difficult to stay on top or stay fresh because it doesn’t last. It’s always something new and you have to constantly keep putting out something new.  Do you find that it’s a challenge to stay current and relevant with new music while not rushing the creative process?

Jihad Muhammed: Absolutely.   I agree…the music changes so fast. You always have to keep your ear to the street. 

Black Widow:  That’s a struggle for me as an artist. 

Jihad Muhammed:  I think it’s important that people get to see the performer. This business is so DJ driven that they forget the songs we play have artists who sang on it or artists who have performed spoken word on them.  If you keep the artist hidden, the people will never get to know who the artist is. 

Black Widow:   That’s been a long time discussion among artists!

Jihad Muhammed:  When I first started working with artists it was always Jihad Muhammed featuring…”so and so artist”.  I had to get away from that.  Now it’s Jihad Muhammed and “So and So artist”.  It has to be that way because we created a song together. Its collaboration and I title it as such.  This is the only genre where the DJ/producer is more famous than the artist. 

Black Widow:    I think that’s so important that you even acknowledge that.  It’s a collaborative process. 

Jihad Muhammed:  Right! We have to take it back to the way it used to be!

Black Widow:  Agreed! Getting in the studio together, bouncing ideas off of one another.  That’s a relationship. That kind of energy you can’t really duplicate.  When you have that, it’s something special.  What’s your greatest lesson you’ve learned as a DJ/producer?

Jihad Muhammed:  I’ve learned how to make a proper record and I recognize what my limitations are. For example, I’m not a musician, so I bring in people who are.  As a DJ, I’ve learned to be prepared to reinvent yourself. You can’t stay stuck where you were 5 years ago or even a year ago. Always be willing to update who you are as a DJ.   You have to be willing to accept change and adapt to it. That doesn’t mean you forget the old school because some things can’t be compromised. You have to know how to balance the two.  Technology says you can be a DJ if you press a sync button but the old school knows how to mix, blend, etc. 

Black Widow: Absolutely! Some things cannot be compromised!  Let’s talk Summer Oasis!  Last year was your first year playing the event. What did you love about it? 

Jihad Muhammed:  I enjoyed it very much last year.   I enjoyed the idea of going to a piece of land and making it your own thing.  You can play by your own rules. I loved the comradery among everyone.  It was a great vibe.  It was different from festivals I’ve done in the past. 

Black Widow:  You gotta stop by my tent!  I’m looking forward to hearing your set in Idlewild.

Jihad Muhammed:  Yes it’s should be a lot of fun!

Black Widow:  Thanks for speaking with me today!

Jihad Muhammed: No problem! My pleasure!

You can catch Jihad Muhammed next weekend as one of the featured DJs at the Summer Oasis Music Festival held in Idlewild, MI.  His Bang the Drum party happens each and every 3rd Saturday at The Coffee Cave in Newark and you can hear him every Tuesday on buttersoulcafe.com from 6-8pm.  For more information on Jihad Muhammed, his events, and his music, check out the following links!

Soundcloud: www.Soundcloud.com/jihadmuhammad

MixCloud:  www.Mixcloud.com/discover/jihad-muhammed

Beatport:  www.Beatport.com/artist/jihad-muhammad/12510

TraxSource:  https://www.traxsource.com/search?term=Jihad+Muhammad

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jihadofbang?lang=en

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Jihad-Muhammad-113847431976470/

“Born out of a desire to stage an event that would celebrate this stunning part of London, ONBlackHeath was created as the perfect festival for unwinding and putting a smile on your face, showcasing the best in local and international artists, serving up amazing food, and offering a world of fun for our younger visitors”. (From the OnBlackheath Website) The 2019 OnBlackHeath Music Festival was sensory overload.  This year’s festival did not disappoint.  From the layout of the space, the food vendors, the activities for children, the incredible production and outstanding musical lineup, this festival quickly became one of the best experiences I’ve had this year! 

THE PRODUCTION

The #OnBlackHeath Music Festival was well organized.  There was a single entry into the festival grounds that ran quickly and smoothly.  Bags A4 size and smaller were allowed.  I had a clear Adidas Festival waist Bag that held all of my essentials; my phone, Cellphone gimbal, money and lip gloss. It was the perfect accessory because I was hands free and my stuff was close to me and protected.  The staff was friendly and quickly searched my bag, scanned my ticket and I was in!  The festival grounds were well organized. The bars and food trucks surrounded the perimeter of the festival. The children’s area and carnival rides were near the front of the festival and the main stage and 2nd music tent were close to one another but not so close that the music overwhelmed you.   The rest of the area was open and attendees found spaces to lay blankets and inflatables to relax for the day.   The first day the bar lines became really long in the afternoon but the festival quickly addressed and corrected that by day 2.  My wait was much shorter the 2nd day. They also added more food trucks the 2nd day as well. I was amazed at how quickly the staff addressed concerns by the 2nd day!

What I loved most about this festival was the attention to detail.  The planners of this event thought of every aspect of what makes a festival great.  As an attendee, you are there the entire day. There were plenty of restroom facilities on both sides of the festival grounds, plenty of places to refill you water bottles, a special area for parents to get ID bands for their children in the event they got lost and even a booth for parents to purchase sound reducing headphones for smaller children and babies.  The sound throughout the festival was clear and crisp. Even though the distance from the main stage to the second stage was close, I never heard the music overlap.  I appreciated that as I went back and forth throughout the festival to see my favorite acts.

Even though it was a large crowd, I never felt cramped.  The grounds were large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.  Kudos to the planning team for executing a well thought game plan!

THE FOOD!

The OnBlackHeath Music festival was filled with food to satisfy any palate.  The choices were endless.  I was able to choose from a variety of foods and treats.   Traditional fish and chips, Spanish Paella, Jerk Chicken, Vegan Options, Tibetan and more; there were a wealth of options. I particularly loved the Paella, the Churros and the Organic, Nondairy Ice Cream!  I ate well at the festival.  The portions were well sized and filling and ranged from 5-8 British pounds each.

SOMETHING FOR THE CHILDREN

The festival is marketed as a family friendly event and they spared no expense when catering to families with children. There were carnival rides for teens and young kids and a special kid’s area complete with a play area, a tent with musical performances, magic shows and an adorable area where kids played their favorite video games in an interactive way.   It was the perfect place for kids to blow off some energy and run and play freely without fear of injury or getting lost.

THE MUSIC!

When I first saw the lineup for this festival, I was blown away! The amount of talent in two days was outstanding!  For both days I experienced sensory overload.  The music was incredible!!!  Day One of the festival had me dizzy with excitement. Day 1 included Jamiroquai, The Roots, James Morrison, Jacob Collier, SG Lewis, Incognito, Soul II Soul, Swing Out Sister and MF Robots.   Day 2 included performances from Yakul, Laville, Aswad, The Brand New Heavies, Newton Faulkner, Morcheeba, UB40, Rag N Bone Man and Grace Jones.

I was overwhelmed by the sheer awesomeness of each performance.  Everyone sounded so good.  My absolute favorites from the festival were Incognito, Swing Out Sister, The Roots, Brand New Heavies and Jamirioquoi.  I’ve been fans of them for so long, to see them live at the same event was a treat. Incognito and Swing Out Sister were absolutely outstanding. They were so soulful and melodic. I was blown away at the magnitude of their vocals and musical artistry! The Roots proved why they are the best band in the business.  Every single member of the band was exceptional! They are so much more than hip hop! They are soul, funk, R&B and more! It was the perfect blend of genres! It was a special treat to meet the guitarist and Trombone player later that evening in the bar of my hotel. They were humble and gracious and spent time talking and hanging out with fans. Jamiroquai was another highlight as it’s been ten years since I last saw him perform.  The hometown fave returned to an enthusiastic crowd.  He performed crowd favorites and had us dancing until the end of the festival. My entire body hurt but it didn’t matter, the music felt so good!  The magnitude of talent, musicianship, artistry and creativity overwhelmed me.  The musical lineup exceeded my expectations on both days.  I left the festival exhausted but on an emotional high.  

The festival was beautifully diverse with every age represented, different races, genders, sexual identities and ethnicities; it perfectly reflected how music is such a unifier.  Thousands of people singing and dancing together to their favorite groups under a beautiful London sky was magical.

A QUICK PAUSE…THEN OFF AGAIN…TO DANCE!

I was exhausted after the festival but headed back into the city to check out some of Chicago’s own house music DJs.  I headed to Oval Space & The Pickle Factory for a Day & Night Double Venue party with Chicago DJs, Sadar Bahar and Lee Collins.  I had never been to a party like this before. Held in two different spaces across the street from one another, it was a combination of a warehouse and an industrial rooftop. It was packed and filled with dancing bodies.  Sadar and Lee rocked the crowd with that Chicago House Style that is recognized all over the world.  Watching London club goers groove to house music spun by Chicago DJs was a priceless moment. It was just a reminder of how many talented DJs we are fortunate to have in our own city!

It was my first time visiting London and attending the OnBlackHeath music festival but it will not be my last.  This festival was top notch from beginning to end. The city of London was good to me and I cannot wait to cross the pond and return again.  If you are looking for a dope vacation with great music in July, I’d highly recommend putting the OnBlackHeath Music Festival on your calendars for next year!

I hope you enjoyed my 2 part wrap-up of the OnBlackHeath Music Festival and my live coverage on my social media pages throughout the festival!

Until next time, see ya on a dance floor!

Mickey Calvin, a Chicago native began his love for music as a collector at a young age. While he was still a club kid himself, not really intending on being in front of an audience; he began DJing as a hobby. With great influences like his dad – who bought him his first set of “12’s” and the support of his friends Jamil Monley, Scooter B, Eric Jones and Cody Shorter who taught him the craft of Djing; Mickey finally decided it was time to test his skills before live audiences. 

Like most DJs in the 80’s and early 90’s, Mickey began to refine his sound by spinning at old school ‘house’ parties and opening in clubs for other House DJs. He’s played alongside some very notable DJs.

 He started doing events on a larger scale with promoter Marvin Terry and with the Help of George Jackson, He ended up doing venues such as Medinah Temple, The Armory and various other cool ‘house’ music party’s. DJ Mickey Calvin was in demand enough to establish an opening residency, with the help of his Mentor DJ LiL John at the hottest ‘house’ music club in Chicago - “Red Dog” from 2000 until 2003 (now closed) on North Avenue.  In 2004-2009 relocating to Nashville, TN Mickey connected to a small house scene and started doing a summer event called The Tea Dance, and also House Music Nashville. In his time there he also started doing an internet show on Pressure Radio that was based out of the UK. 2012 came fast and DJ Mickey Calvin teamed up with DJ/Producer Deejay Alicia in the creation and launch of MAC Productions. Together they started a weekly Thursday Residence at the Licorice Lounge on the Southside of Chicago.

 In 2014 he extended his branches a little further and became a partner with the tee shirt company “It's House Baby/U'Memba dat with Mace and Tim who started out in 2007 with a simple idea, to have a tee shirt that represented our love for House Music and the culture we were raised in. The same year he also was asked by Steve Silk Hurley and Shannon “DJ Skip” Syas of S&S Chicago to edit songs on the forthcoming The Chicago LP.   In 2015 DJ Mickey Calvin partnered with Devo Entertainment to form House Music Monday at The Family Den which is still one of the hottest ‘house’ music parties running on a Monday night on the Southside of Chicago.  2015 also marks the year that Mickey became a member of FREE UR SOUL in Atlanta where he participated in the Atlanta Weekender and the parties surrounding noted ‘House in the Park’.

 In 2016 he developed Mickcal Entertainment and was invited by Farley “Jackmaster Funk to play at the 35th year Anniversary Festival of the legendary Hot Mix 5 DJ’s and repeated that event the following year.   In 2018 he partnered with (Lady Alicia, DJ LIL John, and Renee Sonya to form M.A.J.R. Moves Chicago where the four friends decided to grow their friendship into a more social yet productive level. In this same year DJ Mickey Calvin also served as a guest DJ at the Phoenix House Fest in Arizona.

 This year has been an incredible year for Mickey Calvin as he released his first E.P. ON Campo Alegre Productions and was chosen to play the 2019 Chosen Few Picnic & Festival. 

 I had a chance to talk to Mickey about his career and his thoughts on playing this year’s Festival and Picnic.

Black Widow:  What was your introduction to House Music and what made you want to become a DJ?

Mickey Calvin:  I was introduced to house music in high school. I loved the music and was in a dance crew.  I started collecting music and hooked up with a few friends who taught me the art of DJing.  I learned about BPMs and how to mix and how to know your music.  It really just grew from there.

Black Widow:  When did you know DJing was more than a hobby?

Mickey Calvin:  Initially when I started to DJ it was really just for me.  I wanted to make mixes for myself that I could take with me and listen to.  I would be creating mixes at home and some people, who later became friends, would knock on my door and ask who’s that playing? From there people would ask me to DJ their parties.  I started doing parties around the neighborhood.  From there I would do high school and college parties and it eventually led to me DJing in clubs.

Black Widow: What would you consider to be the key to longevity in this scene, especially in Chicago, where the market is so saturated?

Mickey Calvin:  I think putting my time in, studying my music and my craft has really been the key. When I first started, I would practice almost 5 hours a day.  I still practice now.  I think acquiring good music, keeping your ears to the street and knowing what’s going on in the scene all help. I really think there aren’t any bad DJs…

Black Widow: Really?

Mickey Calvin:  Yeah, I say that because when I go hear another DJ play, I’m always learning. I’m either learning what to do or what not to do. 

Black Widow:  So even when they are bad, you still take something away from their set, you are always observing and learning from other DJs?

Mickey Calvin: Absolutely! Yes!

Black Widow:  Over the years, you’ve had different residencies. You are currently a resident at House Music Fridays, and House Music Mondays. What are some of the lessons you’ve learned as a resident DJ?

Mickey Calvin:  Pick the place you want to have your residency carefully, talk to the owner, go in on different nights and see what they do.  If you start something you want it to last and it won’t if you don’t know the crowd and how they may vary on different nights.   You also have to have a dope team. It has to be like a family. Everyone has to be on the same page, the bar staff, the security…everyone.  Honestly, everyone on the team should like house music because if they don’t, your patrons can see and feel that energy.  You don’t want that.  When people come to an event and see your bouncer bopping his head and your bartenders feeling the music, it helps create the atmosphere for a great party.

Black Widow:   it’s more than having a great place and DJ…

Mickey Calvin:  Right, because that’s what makes or breaks an event.  People come to feel connected and when the team feels like family, that energy translates throughout the party.   That’s part of the experience.   The customer service, the atmosphere…that’s what we are selling.   If you don’t have that, people are going to stop coming.  It’s a complete experience.   You can have the best music on the planet but if the atmosphere sucks, people won’t care. They can’t focus on the music because everything else is messed up.  Each piece is an essential.

Black Widow:  When did you decide you wanted to stretch into production?

Mickey Calvin:   Most DJs want to make their dance floor different so I started doing edits.  From there I started to try to create stuff on my own.  I started with remixes and would remix my own remix. 

Black Widow:  What would be some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?

Mickey Calvin:  I spend time worrying about craft. My focus is always on how I can be better next year.  Whether it’s marketing and promotion, DJing, my musical selections, I’m always focused on being better. I don’t like to spend a lot of time focusing on the past or the negative. I don’t like to look back.  I look at it like this, if I’m a conductor on a train, I’m not looking back to see where I’m going.  I’m looking forward to what’s coming ahead.

Black Widow: Onward and Upward…

Mickey Calvin: Yes…always.

Black Widow:   how did it feel to get the call to play the Chosen Few Festival and picnic?

Mickey Calvin:  WOW! It felt amazing. Wayne called me on a Friday.  He was so casual.  He said I’m just checking to see if you are busy July 6th.  I’m having an event, I want to you participate in. It was so funny because it hadn’t clicked yet. I remember saying well yeah, I think so.   I actually thought they selected DJs for the picnic already so I thought he was asking me to play a pre or post party.  When he said he wanted me to play the picnic, I got quiet at first. [Laughter] then I was like OMG! I’m available!

It was quite overwhelming, humbling. That was the best call I’ve received this year. It’s just so amazing. It means so much.  Playing the picnic feels like I’m accepted by my city, the birthplace of this genre, the mecca. It’s such an honor. We have so many talented DJs in Chicago so to be mentioned, looked at, selected or Chosen it’s an honor and a humbling experience.

It means what I’m doing matters to somebody, people noticed what I’ve been doing over the years. 

Black Widow:   Like a validation…

Mickey Calvin:  Yes, exactly

Black Widow:   So what are you looking forward to the most at the festival?

Mickey Calvin:   I can’t wait to play the first record because that’s the hardest part. That first record sets the tone. 

Black Widow:   Have you given thought of the direction you want to go?

Mickey Calvin:  I have some songs but it’s probably going to be more of freestyle because when you play events like this it’s really can change. When I see the people, when I feel that energy, I’ll know exactly what I want to do.  It’s about feeling the vibe when I get there. 

Black Widow:   Well I cannot wait to hear you play. You know I’ll be there from sunup to sundown…

Mickey Calvin:  RIGHT! You know how we do! We are Chosen Few Professionals! [Laughter]

Black Widow:  Indeed! [Laughter]  We will definitely celebrate after your set.  I’m excited for you!

Mickey Calvin:    Thank you so much! I’m excited too. It’s going to be great!!!

In addition to this year’s Chosen Few Festival, You can catch Mickey Calvin each and every Monday at the Family Den and on Friday nights at VIP Bar & Grill and on the following social media sites:

Instagram.com/djmickeycalvin

Twitter.com/djmickeycalvin

Mixcloud:  https://www.mixcloud.com/djmickeycalvin/

Facebook.com/djmickeycalvin

Djmickeycalvin.com

Until next time, See you at the Chosen Few Festival and Picnic July 6th!!!

If you are lucky to live in Chicago then you know the Chosen Few Festival isn’t just a day, it’s an entire weekend of fun filled activities, but what about those who are traveling to the city for the Festival? How do you prepare? Today on Black Widow’s Web, I’m helping all our out of town househeads plan and prepare for a fun, successful and stress free trip to Chicago! Check out my guide for Out Of Town Guests today!

 Where to Stay

The Chosen Few Festival and Picnic is held in Chicago’s Jackson Park.  The surrounding neighborhoods of Woodlawn, Hyde Park, Bronzeville and South Loop are ideal places to find lodging for the long weekend.  It is a holiday weekend so hotels are usually more expensive and harder to find. Luckily for you, the Chosen Few have partnered with a few hotels in the area and are offering special deals for Festival attendees.

HOTEL NAME: Marriott Marquis Chicago

ADDRESS/PHONE: 2121 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616 | (312) 824-0500

RATE:  SALE: $135 per night (taxes not included; discount expires 6/6/19)

ROOM TYPE(S): King and (2) Queens, based on availability

DATES: July 4 – 7, 2019

GROUP NAME: Chosen Few Picnic & Music Festival

BOOKING: online – https://aws.passkey.com/e/49573461; or phone – 844-202-8535; mention “Chosen Few Picnic & Festival”

 This new, four-star hotel is located near Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center and is a 15-minute drive to the Picnic site via Lake Shore Drive. Reservation confirmation by credit or debit card to hold room(s). Room reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance

 HOTEL NAME: Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel

ADDRESS/PHONE: 5300 N River Rd., Rosemont IL 60018 | 847-544-5300

RATE: $119.00 per night (taxes not included; discount ends 6/18/19)

ROOM TYPE: King and (2) Doubles, based on availability

DATES:  July 4 – 7, 2019

GROUP NAME: Chosen Few DJs

BOOKING: online – https://www.loewshotels.com/chicago-ohare/chosen-few-picnic-2019; phone – (877) 868-9134; reference

“Chosen Few DJs” for the discounted rate

 If you don’t mind driving, taking public transportation or a driving service like Lyft or Uber, the Loews hotel is a great option for you.  Located minutes from Chicago’s O’Hare airport, Fashion Outlets of Chicago and MB Financial Park entertainment center. Complimentary airport shuttle service to/from O’Hare. Reservation confirmation by credit or debit card  to hold room(s).Room reservations can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance

For general questions about Chosen Few Picnic accommodations, contact the Chosen Few Director of Hospitality at [email protected].

 Additional options:

I highly suggest checking online sites for travel deals. Airbnb, Booking.com, Hotwire.com and Expedia often have last minute deals on hotels around the city.  The Hyde Park, South Loop and Bronzeville area put you right in the middle of all of the action going on in the city and are short trips to the festival site.

 Where to go

So you are in Chicago for a few days, what should you do?  The Chosen Few Festival and Picnic isn’t just a one day event. There are parties leading up to the festival and after.   Chicago is an epi-center of music, great museums, and culture.  If you have a few days, check out some of our biggest attractions.

 The Millennium Park Summer Film Series

If you are in town the 1st week of July, check out the Wiz at Millennium Park. There’s nothing like sitting on the lawn and watching a movie under the stars! While you are there, check out the famous “Bean” and take a short walk to Buckingham fountain and enjoy our beautiful lakefront.

 The Museum Campus:

Chicago is home to some of the best museums in the country. Check out the Museum Campus and see three of them: the Field Museum of Natural History, The Alder Planetarium and the Shedd Aquarium have great exhibits.

 Cirque du Soleil Volta

Currently in town until July 6th, with tickets starting at $49, the show's storyline is about a game show contestant named Waz, who has lost touch with himself; he starts a personal quest to find his true self by going through his memories, after discovering a group of free spirits who encourage him during this process.

 The Hyde Park Area

 Downtown Hyde Park Chicago is the epicenter of dining, shopping, entertainment, and culture in Hyde Park, one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods. Check out downtownhydeparkchicago.com for more information

Chosen Few Parties & Events

Friday 6/28/2019: Chosen Few DJs Night with the Chicago White Sox!

MUSIC BY: Chosen Few DJs will be playing House Music + Disco before the game (starting at 5:30pm), during, and after at Chisox Bar & Grill, 320 W 35th St. Chicago, IL.

TICKETS: Specially priced tickets are $15.68 to $30.24 (taxes/fees included). Buy your game tickets at whitesox.com/house.

Questions? Contact  Chosen Few Ambassador Angie Tee on Facebook, or call her at 773-350-8487.

  Saturday, 6/29/2019: The Summer Saturday Series with the Chosen Few DJs

Music By:  Chosen Few DJs, Terry Hunter & Tony Hatchett will be playing at the Beach at Pier 31 from 2pm-8pm.

Tickets: It’s free admission

Come out and enjoy a day at the beach with house music in the background! Pier 31 offers plenty of seating, great food and cocktails and plenty of room to dance!

  Weds, July 3rd, Renaissance Bronzeville

Music By: Chosen Few DJs, Alan King and Wayne Williams with Special Guest DJ Tony Touch (NYC), Torin Edmond and Live Performance by yours truly, Black Widow!

Admission: $10 before 11pm, $15 at the door

Location: Renaissance Bronzeville, 4641 South King Drive

Thursday, July 4th: The Chosen Few Disco Party!

Music By: Chosen Few DJs, Jesse Saunders, Tony Hatchett and Andre Hatchett and special guest, DJ Craig Loftis

Tickets: $10 before 11pm; $15 at the door

Location: The Promontory, 5311 South Lake Park Avenue West, Chicago

 Friday, July 5th: The Chosen Few Day Party!

Music By: Chosen Few Festival 2019 Guest DJ, Lori Branch, DJ Yogi (Toronto) and Bruce Bailey (Detroit)

Tickets: $10 before 11 and $15 at the door

Location: The Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, 9030 South Hermitage, Chicago

Saturday, July 6th, The Chosen Few After-Party!

Music By: Chosen Few DJ, Terry Hunter and Special Guests Ramon Rawsoul & DJ Kermit (House in the Park Atlanta)

Tickets: $10 before 11pm and $15 at the door

Location: The Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery, 9030 South Hermitage, Chicago

 Sunday, July 7th: The Finale!!! Chosen Few Festival Closing Party!

Music by: Chosen Few DJ, Mike Dunn and Special Guest, Stan Zeff

Tickets: $10 before 11pm; $15 after

Location: Renaissance Bronzeville, 4641 S. King Drive, Chicago

 For more house events happening around the city, check out my website, www.blkwidowsweb.com!  I have every house music related event on my website updated regularly!

 Attending the Chosen Few Festival & Picnic

 If you are attending the event and are coming from out of town you have a few options to make your festival experience the most enjoyable.  If you are joining or meeting friends from Chicago, pack a chair, bring a drink to share, some ice and meet your group at their location. 

 If you are coming alone or with a group of friends from out of town, consider purchasing a VIP ticket.  The VIP ticket allows you to come and enjoy the festival and let the Chosen Few staff take care of you the entire time.   Your VIP ticket admission gets you access to the Chosen Few DJs VIP viewing stand and seating area near the stage, entry into the VIP lounge tent where there is complimentary food and drinks and access to premium restroom facilities.  You just bring yourself and everything is there for you to enjoy! There are only a limited amount of VIP tickets left so grab yours today at chosenfewdjs.com.

 If you purchase a general admission ticket (which I suggest you do before the festival because tickets are higher at the gate), you’ll need the basics:

 Comfy shoes for walking and dancing

Lawn chairs

Cash to purchase food and beverages at on-site food and beverage section of the festival

Sunscreen, hats, fans, towels, etc.

Water and Ice (Stay Hydrated!)

Extra batteries and/or wireless chargers for your mobile devices (you’ll be taking lots of photos and videos)

Hand sanitizer

Stay tuned to Black Widow’s Web for complete coverage of the 2019 Chosen Few Picnic & Festival! Until next time!

See ya on a dance floor

Lora Branch (aka DJ Lori Branch), is a Chicago native with over 34 years of experience as a local artist, DJ and public health advocate. Lori has been featured in the film, The Unusual Suspects: Once Upon a Time in House Music, and has the honor and distinction of being the first female DJ in Chicago’s historic Dance/House music scene. 

Lora has held DJ residences in numerous Chicago venues and has co-produced music for several independent film and television projects. She is also the writer and creator of several public health training videos and public services announcements, the award winning series Kevin’s Room and the recently released documentary 40th: The History of Roberts Temple. Lora is also a co-host the Northwestern University (WNUR) radio program Street Beat in connection with the Chicago Dance Music Archive Project. In 2014 she was inducted into the Chosen Few’s House Music Hall of Fame named for the legendary Frankie Knuckles. 

In 2019, Lora was selected as one of the guest DJs for this year’s Chosen Few Festival and Picnic. As part of my Chosen Few Festival Blog Series, I had a chance to chat with Lora about her career, her work as an advocate and playing this year’s festival.

Black Widow:  What was your introduction to house music and what made you want to become a DJ?

Lori Branch:  I attended Lindbloom High School and that was around the time Disco and Dance Music existed in places like the Warehouse and Paradise Garage.  It was before we called it “House Music”.  I was hanging around a bunch of closeted gay guys that encouraged me to come to the Warehouse to hear some music.  They said this was where it happened! We went and it was magic just like people describe.  It was just one of those places where you experienced something you’ve never felt before.  It was all the right things at the right time. My friends and I formed a social club, called “Vertigo”. Vertigo was just one of the many social clubs/crews that were around at the time.  There was the “Rude Boys”, “The Doctors”, “The Chosen Few”, etc. There were tons of them and they would throw parties for high schoolers, typically from certain high schools, like Lindbloom, Whitney Young, Hyde Park, Kenwood and a few Catholic Schools.  Those were schools that drew similar crowds. Vertigo was part of that.  In the summer of 1980, I joined the crew as a DJ.   My friend, Craig Loftis and I actually learned how to DJ together.   We learned from Jose (Louie) Gomez.  He showed us the ropes. We bought equipment from the money we made from parties and it kind of just grew from there.  I DJ’d with them and was starting to branch out on my own.

Black Widow:  I assume you had to learn how to shop for music as well?

Lori Branch:  Oh of course! You had to! There was no downloading, you had to get your own or borrow it.  It was limited amounts of the music, so it was imperative that you spent quite a bit of time in the record stores looking for music.  We would go to Imports, Gramaphone, The Wax Traxed and Used Record Store on the west side…we would go to different places looking for music. We wanted to collect what we heard at the Warehouse.   There was a bridge between what was happening at the Warehouse and what was happening at the teen parties.   DJs would go to the Warehouse, listen and then go find that music and bring it and play it at the teen parties.

Black Widow:  What was it about the art of Dj'ing that drew you to the craft?

Lori Branch:  I always had an interest in it. I would play “DJ” at home.  I have a huge family and my brother is a musician and we would play “DJ” at home quite a bit.   I have a deep affection for dance music.  It just touches my spirit in a way that I hadn’t experienced before going to the Warehouse.  I knew I wanted to do this.  I was inspired by Eric Bradshaw who told me I should do this. He said you should be our DJ, there are no other girls doing this.

Black Widow:  How do you feel when you hear the term “Lady DJ” or “Female DJ”?

Lori Branch:  It’s a double edged sword.  There are advantages and disadvantages.  I don’t mind it and I don’t correct people when they say things like, “You’re my favorite Lady DJ or Female DJ”.  I take it as a compliment but I do feel like it’s a characterization. It’s like calling you a “Black Writer” or a “Black Female Writer”… you’re a Writer, you know?   It is as if you are at the kids table of DJs but thankfully it’s changed a lot over the years.  I understand why some embrace and honestly, I think I had some advantages because of it.

Black Widow:  Really? How So?

Lori Branch:   Wayne Williams would always say to me, we got to get you out there.  He was the first to say, let’s do a Female battle of the DJs.  There were other guys who were so supportive of me as a DJ. Being a woman who was respected for her craft by some of the guys, helped me…

Black Widow:  …it set you apart?

Lori Branch:  Yes very much so.  I still look at flyers now and see 10 DJs and not one of them is a woman and I’m like really? You can’t have one lady DJ?  Especially now, we have so many amazing female DJs all over the world, there’s no reason  to have 10 DJs on a party and not one is a woman.  That makes no sense to me.

Black Widow:  How does your work as a HIV/Aids Advocate intersect with your work as a DJ?

Lori Branch:  My entire professional career has been focused on social justice and public health so to have that intersect with my DJ career is fantastic. I’ve always tried to figure out ways to be creative when delivering messages. I’m an artist so I’m always thinking of how I bring that to every element of my life.  I’ve found that I can do that in many different ways. One of my other loves is visual production.  I’ve done a lot of public service announcements, movies and documentaries and I collaborate and insert house music in those settings.  It’s also a platform to cross pollinate. I can talk about how devastating HIV has been especially within the artistic community.  When I’m DJ'ing, I try to find ways to intersect as well, like my radio show on WNUR. We talk about social justice and how illness impacts our communities.  We talk about a lot of things.

Black Widow:  Coming up in a time when not much was known about HIV/Aids had to be extremely impactful.

Lori Branch:  We lost so many people. Honestly, I’ve lost almost all of my close friends from that period. Out of 10 guys that I was close with 8 of them are no longer here.  These were the faces you would see if you were watching a house music documentary. There were so many young, beautiful people just gone.  They were a central part of this culture.  They are the reason we have this culture. It was a lot of loss but it empowered me and others to keep going and to keep fighting.

Black Widow:  You have a documentary about a young gay man named “Kevin’s Room”.  Can you tell me more about your motivation behind creating that?

Lori Branch:  This was a series on WCIU and UPN. It was a film series that focused on a group of black gay men dealing with life.  I wanted to give form to a community that had been flatly characterized for so long.  That diminishing of their humanity helps contribute to so many conditions.  If I feel invisible or diminished, If I don’t’ have a sense of who I am, if I don’t have anyone to affirm me and if I don’t see examples of that, then why would I think I’m worth anything?   You have these huge rates of depression and suicide and one way to combat that is to create images and to have presence. That documentary and some of my other work is my attempt to do just that.  It was a 1st during that time to see fully flushed out characters of black gay men living, loving and having families and such with the stereotypes. Most recently, I’ve completed a documentary on my family’s church where they had Emmett Till’s funeral. 

Black Widow:  Your career has spanned decades. What do you think are the keys to having success and longevity in this scene?

Lori Branch:  You cannot take yourself too seriously!  You have to be kind to people. That’s going to give you a lot of opportunities, sometimes more than you can handle.  I get more opportunities than I’m able to fulfill and I’d like to think that is because of the relationships I’ve cultivated over my career.   You should be generous, nonjudgmental and avoid burning bridges. We have to be thoughtful about how we embrace one another and that goes a long way.  I also took a break for a while in the late 80s to finish college and that helped too.  When I came back I had a new energy. It doesn’t hurt to take a break every now and then, to refocus and refresh. 

Black Widow:  I remember speaking with Jamie 3:26 and he said, “Just be cool”! [laughter]

Lori Branch: That’s really it.  If you look on social media, the ones who are “just cool”, who are supportive and loving, they are very busy.

Black Widow: Too busy for the nonsense!

Lori Branch:  Exactly! [Laughter]

Black Widow: So how do you feel about playing this year at the Chosen Few Festival and Picnic?

Lori Branch:  I’m super excited! I was thrilled to get the invitation to play this year.  I’ve done parties before around the picnic and I DJ’d the picnic 10 years ago but it’s so much bigger now.  I always love the opportunity to be on a stage with all of the people I’ve come up with. It always feels like a homecoming or reunion.  How can you not be excited about that?  It’s a lot of fun!

Black Widow:  I’m so looking forward to hearing your play at the Festival and look forward to seeing you!

Lori Branch: Thank you so much! See you at the Picnic!

Until Next Time, see you on a dance floor!

-Black Widow

Legendary DJ/Producer DJ Jazzy Jeff once said, “Oh my God...if you’re looking for some true soulful emotion, movin’ vocals...here you go...she makes me wanna throw my hands in the air & party the nite away..."

International singer and songwriter, LADY ALMA, is bringing her soaring, searing vocals back to eager audiences who desire her incomparable funk-house-soul stylings. Born in San Diego, and, raised in Philadelphia since age three, LADY ALMA began her entry into the house music scene recording club anthems helmed by the likes of super-producers Yukihiro Fukutomi, Masters at Work, Fanatix, 4Hero, and fellow Philly mainstay King Britt, where she was featured on his legendary album When the Funk Hits the Fan. She has worked with Mark de Clive-Lowe – fan favorite songs include “Keep It Movin’”, “Believe”, “Hold Your Head Up” and their infectious 2010 cover of Michael Jackson’s “I Can’t Help It”. In 2014, she released her single “It’s House Music”, produced by Osunlade, on Yoruba Records, which is still considered a fan-favorite world-wide. In 2017, her single “Peace You’ll Find” was released on Reelsoul Musik, produced by Will “Reelsoul” Rodriguez.

With the resurgence of “Let It Fall”, which went viral via Facebook with over 11 million views (video of a fan seen dancing and lip-syncing to the song in Johannesburg, Gauteng South Africa), and thanks to another video of legendary choreographer Toni Basil, dancing to “It’s House Music”, that went viral with over 5 million views on Twitter and was also seen on Inside Edition; it is clear - LADY ALMA is in-demand! Her single “Glory & Honor” (produced by Darryl James) was released in March 2018 and quickly followed by “A Time and A Place” with producer/DJ Ralf GUM, which was released in June 2018 on GOGO Music. Also in 2018, LADY ALMA was recognized by Traxsource as “Best of 2018” including: “2 Top 10s”, “16 Top 100 spins” and “60 features in DJ Top 10 Charts” to name a few.

I had a chance to speak with Lady Alma about her musical journey and her 1st appearance at this year’s Chosen Few Festival and Picnic.

Black Widow:   When did you know that singing was something you wanted to do?

Lady Alma:  Early on as a child. I was about 3 years old when I knew I had that love of music.

Black Widow:  Are you classically trained?

Lady Alma:   God definitely blessed me with the talent but my mom had me in music school with academics during the day and after school I attended the Music Conservatory called Settlement Music School.

Black Widow: What was your introduction to house music?

Lady Alma:  Initially it was just me hanging out with friends in college. Everyone I hung around with listened to this music. I remember going to NY when the Garage was open and from there I knew I loved the music. I didn’t start singing it until later on but it always felt good to me. It reminded me a lot of gospel music. I think that’s what drew me in. 

Black Widow:  We always say House music is a spiritual experience because you feel this music intensely and I always loved how this music made me feel… 

Lady Alma:  Me too!

Black Widow:  Do you have a creative process? How do you write songs?

Lady Alma:  It varies. It depends on how I feel and what’s going on in my life. If I feel the music, I’m inspired to write.  If I’m not inspired by the music, it’s hard for me to write. I can’t write to just anything. I’m very selective when it comes to the music I choose to write to.

Black Widow: So the music inspires the lyrics?

Lady Alma: Yes, it’s absolutely the music and the connection I personally have with the person who is creating the music. 

Black Widow:  You left the scene for about 10 years, what did it feel like to have a song you did years ago go viral and expose you to an entirely new audience?

Lady Alma:  The first word that comes to mind is gratefulness.  I was told years ago that I didn’t write hit songs.  I never desired to write hit songs, I wanted to write songs that would be classics. I wanted to write songs that people would listen to 10, 15, 20 years from now.  For a song I wrote 10 years ago to become a staple in the music community, I am just grateful. It confirmed that I was on the right track as a writer. It confirmed to me that I don’t have to write hits to be respected and because so many ages have accepted this song, it gave me confidence to know that I’m definitely a songwriter.

Black Widow: This particular song came around at the right time, when people want to feel lifted, encouraged and inspired.  I’ve watched people when your song comes on and their reaction is so visible. Their eyes are closed; hands are in the air…they are having these personal moments in public spaces.  I think as an artist, that’s such a gift to be able to give people.

Lady Alma:  Yes! I definitely feel and believe that. When I wrote the song, I was in a crossroads in my own life. I had to make a decision to either stay with my career or to take care of my mom. Of course, I chose to take care of my mom. I wrote that song to heal myself. Little did I know years later, it would heal and help other people. I’m just grateful.

Black Widow:  You are releasing a new project this month. Can you tell me more about, “Twilight”?

Lady Alma:  it’s an anthology project that has 9 songs that were recorded over the past 15 years. Some of the stuff was out but the masses didn’t get a chance to hear it. All 9 songs were done by one producer.  We wanted to present it as my anthology. 

Black Widow:  What does it mean to perform at this year’s Chosen Few Picnic?

Lady Alma:  It’s a great honor to be doing it. So many have graced that stage and for me to be on that stage is just a great honor. I can’t believe it, I keep seeing how large the crowds are and I get a little nervous but I’m also excited and ready to “Lady Alma-Tize” Chicago the only way I know how!

Black Widow:  It’s such a great event and the energy is incredible. Take it all in; you are going to truly enjoy yourself!

Lady Alma:  I can’t wait! I can’t wait to give my love to Chicago and receive the love Chicago has for me.

Black Widow:  Thank you so much for speaking with me today, I look forward to seeing you at the Chosen Few Picnic!

Lady Alma: It was my pleasure!

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of the Chicago Spotlight "Chosen Few Edition"!   Look forward to interviews with Chosen Few guest Performers all month long!

Until next time,

See you on a dance floor!

Black Widow

#SouthSidePride

The Hyde Park brew fest happens every year in the heart of downtown Hyde Park Chicago.   Part beer fest, street best and food fest, the festival includes food, beers, ciders and some of the best hip-hop and house music by incredible DJs.  The 2 day festival was free to attend and was a perfect event to kick off your summer.  (www.hbrewfest.com) I was honored to cover the brew fest this year as the official blogger and attended both days.  As MC and radio personality, Leon Rodgers said, “This is the Chicago they don’t want you to see”.  It was a sea of people partying in peace on the Southside of Chicago. Where were the news cameras to capture all of this peace and positivity?  This is one of the reasons my website exists. This is the Chicago I know and love so much. This is one of the many reasons why #SummerTimeChi is like no other.  When the community comes out in peace and positivity, we send a message to the world that we are so much better than what they show in mainstream media. This is my #SouthSidePride.

DAY 1: FUN IN THE MIDST OF THE STORM

Saturday, I started my day by visiting the vendors at the Brew Fest.  One of the best things about the brew fest is the number of unique items you can purchase.  Clothing, Beauty and Hair products, men’s grooming products, jewelry, incredible art, cigars and home décor items were just a few things offered at the brew fest.  I met some incredible small business owners and grabbed a few things for myself! Joe Kollege, DJ Tasha, That’s Broadway, Jay Illa, Dave Jeff, DJ Mustafa Rocks, DJ Mars, Mad Skills and DJ Clark Kent were on Saturday’s musical lineup.  The rain unfortunately canceled some of the musical performances but before the rain appeared, the people were grooving in the streets. I’ll be honest, I’ve never been a beer drinker but decided to give some a try at the beer tasting garden. It was the perfect opportunity to try different types of beers and ciders.  I grabbed my tickets and souvenir glass and headed inside to a world I was unfamiliar with.  Each vendor was extremely helpful and informative in helping me try different beers and ciders.   I’m still not much of a beer drinker but I definitely loved some of the ciders!!!  My beer drinking friends who were with me loved the mix of different beers and the flavors.  I really enjoyed my Japanese beer and a cider that tasted like a Pina colada! If you were a beer or cider lover, the beer tasting garden was a cornucopia of tasty choices.

Then….the heavens opened!!!

There were a few brief moments of rain and then the sun came out but then the heavens opened!  Attendees ran for cover under tents and into the many Hyde Park restaurants and attempted to “Wait out the storm” it became clear the storm wasn’t ending. Hail, Wind and Rain ripped through the brew fest and brought our day to a close.  If you follow me on Facebook, I captured the entire hilarious moment when we ran for cover! The spirit of the day was unmoved, in spite of the inclement weather, the vibe and energy of the brew fest was amazing. I eagerly looked forward to day 2!

DAY 2:  THE COMMUNITY SHOWED UP AND SHOWED OUT!

I headed out to the brew fest especially looking forward to Sunday’s musical lineup!  I was intent on enjoying every set from beginning to end!  Fathom opened the brew fest with incredible energy, her joy was absolutely infectious and she set the mood and the tone for the entire day.  J. Grilla followed up with one of the best sets of the day combining a mix of house and 90s hip hop and R& B that had the crowd dancing in the streets.   Jesse De La Pena followed with an eclectic set rooted in Latin rhythms and Afro beats.   This star studded lineup continued with DJ Nick Non-Stop and Chosen Few DJ, Alan King who both had the crowd screaming in musical agreement with outstanding individual sets. By this time, the brew fest was jammed packed with partygoers dancing in the streets!  Biz Markie took the crowd down memory lane with classic hip hop tracks that had all of us reminiscing about those days when 90s hip hop was the soundtrack to our lives.  For the Finale, Chosen Few DJ and Grammy Nominated Producer, Terry Hunter, closed out the night with incredible performances by Terisa Griffin, Chantay Savage, Byron Stingly, Mark Hubbard & the Voices and Estelle!!! The music was an incredible soundtrack to an extraordinary day of fun and fellowship among friends.  It was an amazing way to close out a perfect day. 

The weather was perfect, the sun was shining and cool breezes filled the air.  Patrons enjoyed food from local restaurants and a sampling of beers and ciders from various Midwest breweries.  Local vendors lined the streets with various art, jewelry, and apparel. The hosts for the weekend, Dave Jeff and Leon Rodgers were the perfect mix of humor and lighthearted fun. They kept the crowed engaged and entertained throughout the weekend and did an incredible job.   

The Takeaway

I was in awe of how incredibly beautiful and unique everyone was.  Everyone looked good! The men were fly and the ladies were gorgeous.  We have such an incredible sense of style and it was evident in the clothing and hairstyles that covered the heart of Hyde Park on a Sunday Afternoon.  It was such a strong contrast to the images you see in mainstream media.  Happy, fun-loving people greeting old friends and making new ones; taking photos and creating memories was what I saw.  I saw and felt pure joy as I walked through downtown Hyde Park looking at my people enjoying our city as a community.  United in our love of culture, music, great beer and cocktails, the community and all of its beauty was on full display for everyone to see.   As crowded as it was, the energy was positive and beautiful.  It was a peace and love filled day with people of all ages, races enjoying food, drinks and music. 

Congratulations to the entire staff of the Hyde Park Brew Fest for creating an event for the community that showcases the best of who we really are.  It’s a must attend event in #SummerTimeChi. I am humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be your official blogger for the 2019 Hyde Park Brew Fest. 

Black Widow Sits down with the Team Behind the Summer House Series at Pier 31!

There are moments when you know it’s officially #SummertimeChi The Summer House Series at Pier 31 is definitely one of them.  People pack the Pier 31 cafe each and every Thursday after work to enjoy great music, positive people and the warm breeze against the beautiful Chicago Skyline.  I had a chance to sit down with the team behind the Summer House Series, Promoters Ronda Flowers and Robert “Koko” Walker, DJ Nick Non-Stop and DJ Torin Edmond to talk about Chicago Summers, the vision behind the Summer House Series and how they love to host one of the premier summer events in the City.  

Black Widow:  Can you each give me a little background of your history in the Chicago Music Scene specifically, the Chicago House Music Scene?

Ronda Flowers (Promoter, RFK Promotions):  I’ve been promoting since 1989, starting at the Edge of the Looking Glass.  Primarily on the Northside of Chicago until about 2003 or 2004.  I partnered with Koko 16 years ago. Prior to that, I had another promotions company called, Timeless Productions with my partner, Charles Matlock.  I was also the ambassador for Moet, Courvoisier, and Tanqueray which opened a lot of doors to the clubs on the Southside.  RFK Promotions does The Summer House Series at the Pier, I Live For Wednesdays at Renaissance Bronzeville, the House Club Tour and a bunch of other events.  We’ve been doing a lot around the city.  We’ve worked with DJs all around the city over the years.  I’ve been doing this for over 30 years.  

Nick Non-Stop (DJ, Owner-We Jam Academy): I’m Nick Nicholson also known as DJ Nick Non-Stop. I started around 1983 while in high school. I went to Mendel and was DJing some of the Mendel parties, The Bi-level. I produced the ORIGINAL "HouseNation" and the ORIGINAL "Jack My Body" house tracks. Both were imitated and reproduced and put out as if they were the originals in 85/86. That’s a long story!

Black Widow:  Oh wow! I had no idea!

Robert “Koko” Walker (DJ, Owner-Koko’s Music Room, Promoter-RFK Promotions):  I was there too when the confession came out! If you need a witness, I was there!!!

All: LAUGHTER

Nick Non-Stop:  The culprit will remain nameless. I was young and didn’t know the legal aspects of music. I was just a DJ playing around with music and sampling. I had no idea it would still be relevant. That’s my digital footprint when it comes to the house community.

Black Widow:  It seems there was a lot of that going around back then. I’ve heard about it in various documentaries.

Nick Non-Stop:  it was and it was one particular person who was notorious for stealing other people’s music…but getting back to your question,   I ran into Ronda and Koko when they were doing the Dating Game on Wednesdays.  Dave Sabat introduced us. I was a pest. I introduced myself to Ronda and gave her my CD. 

Ronda Flowers: Was I nice about it?

Nick Non-Stop:  Ummm…you took my CD and put it in your bra so I think that was a good thing! She didn’t throw it away so I guess that was a good thing!

ALL: LAUGHTER!

Black Widow:  That’s a safe space! Laughter

Nick Non-Stop:  I kept coming back and reintroducing myself. I was persistent and they eventually gave me a shot.  We’ve been running ever since.

Black Widow: You also have the DJ Academy right?

Nick Non-Stop: Yes! We have the academy that focuses on kids but we also have adults as well.  We will be doing a mentoring program on the west side. We are taking 20 at risk youth and putting them through an 8 week DJ apprentice program at no cost to them. We are going to teach them the art of DJing and how to set up a mobile DJ business.  We start that in June. 

Black Widow: I love this! People are always talking about transferring this knowledge to the next generation and this is a prime example of what Chicago DJs and artists are doing to give back.

Torin Edmond (DJ/Producer):  I started DJing in the 80s.  In the mid-90s, I worked with Steve Hurley and caught the bug on music production.  Working with him gave me the opportunity to work behind the board and work with big artists. I did a remix for Janet Jackson for the song, “Runaway” on “Design of a Decade” album.   It was me, Kelly G, Steve Maestro all in the studio.  From there, I DJ’d all around the city and I used to run into Ronda all the time.  I’ve known Ronda since the early 90s.  Around 99/2000, I joined Deep House Page as an administrator and eventually took it over with a partner when the original owner left. We worked with all the promoters in the city and threw Deep House Page parties in Chicago, NY, and NJ.  I linked back up with Ronda when they started the parties at Chant. That’s when we all really got to know each other and we’ve been working with each other ever since.

Robert “Koko” Walker:   Well I’m the new kid on the block. I wasn’t there in the 80s!

All: Collective Boo’s and Sighs!!!

Robert “Koko” Walker:    My mom and I had a speakeasy called the Loft Lounge and a friend of ours introduced me to Ronda.  I don’t think we liked each other the first time we met. [Laughter] but we eventually met again and said let’s give this a shot.  Fast forward over 15 years, we are still working together.  We just focus on supplying great nightlife. I’m more behind the scenes and work with putting the production together.  In addition to promotions with RFK, I also DJ and I’m a sound engineer that supplies many setups for other events happening around the city with my sound business, Koko’s Music Room.

Black Widow:  What made you decide to take it outdoors and have house music at the Pier and the Beach?

Ronda Flowers: Koko and I were doing parties at the Dating game when we were asked to do a Wednesday by the new owners at the beach.  They felt we were known for our Wednesday night events BUT 12 years ago before they got the beach, we were already at the beach.  So this is nothing new…

Robert “Koko” Walker: before there was even a deck! We were already at the beach.

Ronda Flowers:  We were at 31st then 39th, and then we got the call to come back to 31st with Nikki Hayes and Kim Williams as the new owners at Pier 31.

Robert “Koko” Walker:  Yeah we started the beach first over a decade ago.  I knew it was going to work because the first time we did the party we had 20 people and it was raining! I look at Ronda and said, “it can only go up from here"!

Black Widow:  What were some of the challenges in having an outdoor event?

Ronda Flowers:  The Weather

Robert “Koko” Walker:  After the event…we are out cleaning up garbage.  It’s hard because having all of that trash is the quickest way to get shut down. You know we are all grown; it shouldn’t be that difficult to pick up after yourself.  Find a garbage can and put the stuff in there. You help us and you help us to protect the event.

Ronda Flowers: Yeah it’s a challenge because people want to bring their own food and alcohol too instead of patronizing the business, which is something we really push as well.

Nick Non-Stop:   Yeah it’s nothing to buy a beer or some fries.

Ronda Flowers:  The reality is if the business can’t afford to pay us then we are gone.  No one can do events for free.   The event ends if we don’t have patrons supporting the venue.

Black Widow: That subject came up at the recent Silver Room/Chosen Few Discussion, this idea of us pouring into events that give something to us. You can’t get something for nothing all of the time.

Ronda Flowers:  People assume events should always stay free.  The Taste of Chicago used  to be free, Navy Pier used to be free, the Chosen Few used to be free and the list goes on…we aren’t used to paying unless it’s lollapalooza and others. It’s really unfortunate.    Buying a drink or a meal goes a long way in keeping this event going!

Black Widow:  When did you guys form this team and how did you come up with the name, “Summer House Series”?

Nick Non-Stop:  Yeah I think we joined with RFK 3 or 4 years ago?

Torin Edmond: Yep…about 3 or 4 years ago.  The Name Summer House Series came about after a brainstorming session. We kept going back and forth until it sounded right.  We wanted it to sound official! We knew we wanted summer because it was summer time. We knew we wanted house because it was a house music event and it was a weekly series so the name just came together.

Black Widow:  As a team, do you play different roles in the planning and execution of the event?

All: Collective Laughter

Nick Non-Stop:  We have undocumented roles! Laughter

Robert “Koko” Walker:  GREAT Question! Laughter

Nick Non-Stop:  We all work together and tap into our strengths. We all promote on our various networks. Collective promoting has been the key to the success of this event along with word of mouth.

Ronda Flowers:  The word of mouth goes along way because of the production. If it wasn’t a great production no one would have anything to talk about. 

Torin Edmond:   It’s diverse now to; it’s not just southsiders now.  We have people who come from all across the city.

Black Widow: When you talk about great production, what does that entail?

Ronda Flowers:  Sound, lights, talent, hospitality…

Torin Edmond:   Quality, the entertainment, the planning…all of it from beginning to end… its all quality

Robert “Koko” Walker:    The quality of the people too.

Black Widow: So what sets the Summer House Series apart from other outdoor events happening in the city?

Robert “Koko” Walker: Great Question!!  You can’t beat outdoors in the summertime.  Everyone loves to be outside and what better location than the beach?

Ronda Flowers:  There are others? [Laughter]

Nick Non-Stop:   Ours is consistent, it’s every Thursday after work.

Ronda Flowers:  I think what makes our event special is that it is after work.  You get the sunlight and the moonlight.

Nick Non-Stop:  … and you are home by 10:30! Laughter…folks gotta go to work in the morning.

Ronda Flowers:  I have to say the skyline at night in the background is just amazing. It gives it a different feel and vibe.

Robert “Koko” Walker:   It’s Thursday after work, its adult. It’s custom to our clientele.  It’s for grown folk.

Torin Edmond:   I think that’s important too. Our clientele is urban, professional, grown folks.  When you think about our crowd and networks, the audiences that we play for historically are people who know how to have a good time without tearing stuff up.   There are no incidences. People know we are going to have quality DJs who bring quality people.

Black Widow: So how do you manage that?  It’s such a popular event. How do you decide who’s playing each week with you guys?

Nick Non-Stop:  We each have a week.

Robert “Koko” Walker: Yeah, if it’s your week, you get to pick your guest!

Black Widow: That’s very democratic! Laughter

Ronda Flowers: I even get a week too and I share it sometimes!

Torin Edmond: I get calls starting in January asking if they can play with me! It’s tough…

Nick Non-Stop: it’s only so many days/weeks in the summer

Robert “Koko” Walker: and don’t let it rain…you just lost your week!

Black Widow:  You rarely see people who partner up where it works seamlessly. I think that also creates a certain vibe and energy from the beginning. It starts with the team.

Robert “Koko” Walker: It’s all a labor of love you know? We just love doing this event and watching people enjoy summertime at the beach.

Ronda Flowers: We have a nice team

Torin Edmond:   If it wasn’t working, Ronda would fire us! [Laughter]

Nick Non-Stop:  We do this because we truly love it and providing that experience for our people.   

Black Widow:  It’s something very positive in the city.  There are places that grown people can go and not worry about an incident.  We need more positive images of what happens in Chicago in the summer.

All:  Nods in Agreement

Black Widow: Well thank you for sitting down to talk with me today! I’m looking forward to my summer nights at the pier!

All: Thank you!

The Summer House Series begins Thursday, May 23 at Pier 31 from 5-10pm each and every Thursday. (Weather permitting)

Until next time, See ya on a dance floor