Together We Rise...A Night of Ascension
Friday, March 22, 2019
There was heaviness in the air as I walked into Loft 908. Just shortly before arriving, the house community learned of DJ Ronnie PSE’s death. He was a deeply loved and respected member of the house community and for many his death came as a complete shock. As I walked inside, we hugged each other a little tighter and shed some tears. Our hearts were heavy and in need of uplifting. The Ascension Team consisting of DJ Boxx, Lisa Henderson, Josiah Mendel, Yvette Holcomb and Lisa Hale along with an all-star lineup of guest DJs, Scooter B, DJ Koko and Peace RTG and a live performance by artist, Angel A, were the perfect prescription for a heavy heart.
DJs, Scooter B, Koko, Boxx and Peace RTG did a phenomenal job of creating an atmosphere that felt like one big hug. Nights like this speak to the power of music to bring people together, to heal, to uplift and to encourage. Each DJ read the room and provided a musical soundtrack that was filled with words of love and inspiration. I watched as house heads gathered on a dance floor and with tears in their eyes, they grabbed hold of one another and sang the lyrics to BeBe Winans “Thank You” during DJ Koko’s set. It speaks to our community and what we are really made of. Artist, Angel A continued the theme of love and inspiration with a soul stirring live performance. The Ascension team has something very special. Their love, mutual respect and comradery with one another are evident and it is infectious as they consistently create an environment that is full of love, positivity and great music.
So much is said about the Chicago House Community but what I realized this past Friday was that we come together to love and support one another during times of need. I’ve seen it many times as a member of this community. We forget that. We focus on so much of the negativity in this music scene instead of seeing its beauty. The beauty in the music we create, the beauty in the people we see each and every week at various house music events, the friendships we’ve made in this scene and the incredible memories we share as members of this incredible community. What I witnessed and experienced this past Friday was love, support and community. The energy at Ascension felt like one big hug and it felt good.
Rest in Peace…Ronnie PSE. You will be missed.
Until next time,
See you on a dance floor
Black Widow
