Join the Impact on November 15th to Protest Prop 8

13 11 2008

So if you haven’t heard by now, there will be a simultaneous protest of Prop 8 this Saturday November 15th organized by Join the Impact.  Just click on the logo to find out the time and location(s) in your state.  If you live in/around Philly, I’ll see you there.





Poultry Pride

7 11 2008

20081103-chickenfarms

Score one for the chickens of California.  They organized.  They strategized.  They held townhall meetings and circulated pro-poultry pamphlets door to door.  Then election night came.   Would the people of California vote yes on Prop 2 to expand cages on chicken farms to twice their current size?  Or would the people fall back on their poultry prejudices and keep them couped up on top of each other.

The chicken organizers held their beaks with bated breath on November 4th and watched the numbers come in.  Then, out of the blue, pandemonium broke out.  Feathers flew and they squawked and did that weird thing where they try to fly for a splitsecond and then come back to the ground, all in excitement–Prop 2 had passed!

In another strategy room the mood was not so cheerful.  California’s gays and lesbians would find themselves sadly disappointed when California passed Proposition 8, barring them from marrying.  In California?  The state that was the last leg of the wild frontier, that housed San Francisco, a gay mecca?  How could this happen?  For answers, I went straight to the leader of “Chickens for Better Cages”.

Through an interpreter, he clucked that the cause had a fatal flaw.

“Look at what else was on the ballot–an historic Presidential election where we might have our first black President.  You guys voted for him.  So did blacks and minorities in unprecendented numbers.  And there you have your fatal flaw.  Those same minorities that voted for Barack and voted yes on Prop 2, looked at Prop 8 and said ‘no way’ cuz somebody from the other side came to their church the week before and put the fear of God into them about you guys. “

“What would you have done differently if you were heading the push against Prop 8?”

“Well, first of all, I wouldn’t have sent my chickens out to vote for the guy who would’ve attracted the wrong crowd to the polls, although you really didn’t have much choice there, did you?  McCain seemed to want to pretty much leave you guys alone until he had to make nice nice with the religious right–then it all went to shit.  I don’t know if I could’ve done anything differently.  Maybe raise more money I guess–you guys were definitely outspent by Gary Bauer and his crew.”

And there you have it.  On November 4th, 2008, due to forces largely out of anyone’s control, California voted no to gay pride and yes to poultry pride.





this is real hardcore…..

23 09 2008

Another ukhardcore podcast is up.  Just click on the  stretched out smiley or the DJ Fiction podcast feed to the right and please enjoy……





CandyBall Treatz & Beatz II: Halloween 2008

3 09 2008


Click Here to buy tix–Remember, CB sold out on July 4th, so get your Halloween CB tix now!

Click Here to RSVP on MySpace!

Area One: All Happy Hardcore/UK Hardcore all night

*** Winner of 2007 Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Award for Best Live Act ***

The Lethal Theory Showcase *** 1st EVER North American Performance***
featuring Joey Riot, Kurt, and MC Enemy (UK)
(serioussounds.net, core-mag.net, lethaltheory.com)
How do you find the right words to describe the level of hardcore madness this party promises to deliver? Let us start with 2 turntables, 4 CDJ’s, 3 microphones, Joey Riot, DJ Kurt and MC Enemy; AKA The Lethal Theory Showcase! While Riot, Kurt, and Enemy have received more than a dozen individual award nominations at the 2008 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards”, combining forces as “The Lethal Theory Showcase” won the trio the award for “Best Live Act” last year at the 2007 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards”. Live and direct from the UK, Ravers Only is proud to bring you this mind-blowing hour of music that is sure to leave you questioning reality.

With more than 50 tracks released on over 15 different labels and over 80 tracks used on 18 different albums, just in the last 3 years, Joey Riot has quickly become a household name in the UK Hardcore scene! On stage is where he truly shines though and in 2006, Joey won the “Best Breakthrough DJ” award at the 2006 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards”. Now a regular at every major event in the UK; HTID, Slammin Vinyl, Uproar, Hardcore Heaven, etc, etc, he is also playing abroad touring Australia, Canada, Spain, and the US! As Joey Riot makes his first NYC appearance as well as his first Candyball appearance, I warn you now, PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE MADNESS that is JOEY RIOT!!!!

Every time I meet a 23-year-old DJ/Producer who tells me they have been spinning/producing since they were “like 12 man”, all I can do is chuckle. Well folks, at 33, come this October; this old man is going to introduce you to a 23-year “young” man who has made the best of the last 11 years of his life. At the age of 12, Kurt began a lifelong mission to become one of the most renowned DJs in the Hardcore scene. Now, 11 years down the road he plays a major role as one of the most popular and talented DJ/Producers in the scene today. With a massive list of releases on nearly every major Hardcore record label, ALL 100% produced and engineered by himself, his own record label “Lethal Theory”, which he pioneered alongside Joey Riot, has taken off by storm! Well on his way to becoming the most renowned DJ/Producer the Hardcore scene has ever seen, Ravers Only is proud to bring DJ Kurt to NYC and the Candyball for the first time!

Rounding off this amazing trio of performers is MC Enemy! Starting in the world of hardcore as an MC in 2005, like all the greats of the craft, Enemy has quickly risen to the top of his field! Taking 3rd last year, for the same award, Enemy has already been nominated for the “Best Breakthrough MC” award at the 2008 “Slammin Vinyl Hardcore Heaven Awards” to be held later this year. With performances all over the UK this past year and performances at HTID in the Sun this year, Ravers Only is proud to welcome MC Enemy to NYC, the Candyball, and the United States for the first time!!

S3rl (Australia) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(Nu Energy, Executive Records, BeatDropMusic)
DJ S3RL from Brisbane, Australia, has been writing and producing his own tracks since 2000. But it wasn’t until the end of 2005 that he would catch a break. Kevin Energy and Sharkey came down under, S3RL showed them his skills on one of the many demo cd’s he had, and it was only weeks later that Kevin Energy got back to him with a contract ready to sign. Now the first DJ in Queensland to be signed to a major Hardcore label, it was not long after he that he was mixing it up with names such as; Kevin Energy, Brisk, Sharkey, Scott Brown, Neophyte and many more.

Since then he has firmly secured his place in DJ Haze’s label ‘Excecutive Records’ in Sydney, as well as the NEC. S3rl has already released a steady flow of productions for both labels and has had tracks featured on compilations such as ‘Bonkers’ and ‘Masif Hardcore 2008′. At the same time, S3rl has been displaying his talents to worldwide audience’s while DJing at events all around the globe. Known for his intense stage presence and floor filling musical abilities, be sure to watch out for S3RL as he mixes up a storm and continues to keep the crowd jumping with all his future productions. Making his first NYC and Candyball appearances, bring your energy and show your love for DJ S3rl!!!

Stormtrooper (UK) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(Thin N Crispy Recordings, BeatDropMusic)
Part of the TNC Crew (Thin’N'Crispy), Stormtrooper has not only done some amazing production as a solo artist, but he has done incredible work with some of the greats in Hardcore, including Robbie Long and Sharkey. He has appeared on numerous UK Hardcore compilations including Ministry of Sound’s Hardcore Euphoria, Nukleuz’s Hardcore Nation series, and Resist’s; Bonkers and Hardcore Heaven albums. From his imaginative solo efforts to his massive collaborations with the TNC crew, not forgetting his remix work with label boss, Robbie Long, Stormtrooper has an arsenal of original club bangers at his finger tips, ready to do the damage on the worlds dance floors every single weekend.

Holding residencies for some of the UK’s biggest and most forward thinking promoters, such as Vibealive, Fusion and Destiny, not to mention regular appearances at all the huge events like; Hardcore Heaven, Uproar, HTID, Slammin’ Vinyl and Freeformation, you begin to see just how busy this bright young talent has become over the last few years. With a hectic schedule in front of him, DJ Stormtrooper is in the zone right now, doing what he loves to do – producing, and DJ’ing music for party people worldwide. From a background of production and a true passion for DJ’ing, all of us at Ravers Only are proud to bring another rising star DJ/Producer to NYC and the Candyball for the 1st time!

Toxic (UK) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(Vibealive, Hard South, +12)
Making his debut at the legendary Brighton Hard Dance night QED in late 2000, Toxic played a 2-hour set to a rammed Pressure Point. The following week he was thrown in the deep end the right way, he was to play the last set after Vortex, in the techno room of Future Dance 4, at Castle Studios. Shortly thereafter, Toxic was given residency in the Techno room, hosted by North, for all further Future Dance events. Playing alongside names such as M-Zone, Producer, Scorpio, and Sharkey, Toxic spent his days smashing out a blend of Hard and Acid Trance.

Life was good and Toxic was making appearances at many of Brighton’s Hard Dance nights. As well, he had a weekly slot on the internet playing for Cable Radio. In December 2003 he I won the Ukscene DJ competition, held at Oblivion in Leicester, which brought him the opportunity to play at parties further north. Making a name for himself at places such as; one the longest running rave events, Diztruxshon at the Doncaster Dome, Future Vibe at The Street, Skegness, and many more. As 2004 dawned, the promoters of QED decided it was time to call it quits.

Given the chance to carry on what they had started, rather than go it alone, Toxic decided to join forces with Vapour & Elmo, the two men who ran the Brighton Hardcore night, Vibealive. This joining of forces gave them the opportunity of being able to put Hardcore parties together in Brighton, on a weekend night, for the first time in almost 10 years. From that point on, Vibealive has gone from strength to strength, packing The Church Club in Brighton on a monthly basis. Making his New York City debut playing here at the Candy Ball, Ravers Only is proud to bring Toxic to the US for the first time ever!

Pikey (UK) *** Special Morning Glory Set ***
(lethaltheory.com, Spit n Spin Artist Agency)
As many of you may remember from his first Candyball appearance last July, Pikey likes to play towards the tougher side of Hardcore. Playing tracks from labels such as; Notorious, Kaotic, Nu Energy, Relentless, Next Generation, Thin n Crispy, Lethal Theory and others, Pikey describes his style of DJ’ing as fast, hard, bouncy, adventurous and entertaining. For that is what he believes a DJ should be, entertaining! Showing his fun loving personality behind the decks, matched only by his skillz behind the decks, will make sure Pikey tears the rough off of Club Exit one more time!

Working side by side with Joey Riot and DJ Kurt, Pikey hopes to one day be known as a DJ/Producer. Working with Joey Riot, Pikey produced his first track back in 2006, entitled “Summin 2 Dance 2”. That and his second production, “Move your body”, were both featured on DJ Kurts & Stormtroopers CD on Hardcore Underground. With a busy schedule inclduing; HTID, HTID in the Sun, Slammin Vinyl, Hardcore Heaven, etc, etc, Ravers Only is proud to have Pikey back in NYC and honored to end the Candyball year with this special morning glory set!

Milo (Toronto) *** 1st EVER NYC Appearance ***
(NAHM, HappyHardcore.com, Sunrize Sound)
He is back, on home turf, and ready to rock. While this will be his first appearance in NYC, Milo is no stranger to the North American rave circuit. One of the keystones in today’s stateside Hardcore scene, Milo has played clear across the USA and Canada, pushing the new sound of Hardcore to the masses. Already scheduled for HTID in the Sun 09, next year in Spain, Milo’s schedule is one to brag about for sure! And whether he is in the studio, behind the scenes running NAHM and TSR, or up on the decks, no one can deny the passion, style, and dedication Milo brings to the table.

With a handful of production releases on various labels, such as; Lucky Breaks, Project Xero, and Addictive, already to his credit, Milo aims to “try something new” with every track he writes. And keeping his style fresh and always updating helps to make him one of North America’s favorite producers. Aiming to get NAHM back up and running this year, what better party to make his debut in NYC at than the Candyball? Come show your love for one of the founders and pillars of the North American Hardcore Movement, DJ Milo!!!!!!!!!!

Crackerjack B2B Dupont (CA/CT) *** East Coast VS West Coast Battle ***
(k-12 studios, BeatDropMusic, kcrh 89.9 fm)(Floorburnerz, Ravers Only, BeatDropMusic)
Two of the United States hottest young producers are at it again. After two battles out west, both of which tore the house down, Crackerjack B2B Dupont III was not even a question, it simply had to happen. The only real questions were when and where. Well folks, I am happy to answer both of those questions; Friday October 31st, on the East coast for the first time at the Candyball! If these two bring it like they have in the past, Joey Riot and DJ Kurt are going to have their work cut out for them!

For years now DJ Crackerjack, a rising young producer in his own right, has been destroying crowds up and down the West coast, even as far north as Alaska. A regular fixture in the West coast rave scene, Crackerjack has a following like none other. Known for his high energy, seamless mixing, and epic track selection, crowd after crowd, he never ceases to amaze. Flying out of San Fran, making his first East coast, NYC, and Candyball appearances, Crackerjack is coming to show you why he thinks he is up 2/0!

Dupont on the other hand, who has been producing his own tracks for more than 5 years now, has been tearing up the New England area for just as long. With appearances up and down the West coast, Dupont is considered one of the East coasts hottest HHC DJs. Recently getting a taste of the West coast, and giving them a little taste of NYC, Dupont was asked back on the spot, and these two bad boys of Hardcore went at it for the 2nd time. Making his 5th Candyball appearance, Dupont asked for this tag so he can show you why he thinks he is up 2/0!

Tranzit B2B Sqeak (CA/Canada) *** International battle to start the night right ***
(Future Perfect Synergy, Ravers Only, deejay-mixes.com)(BeatDropMusic, AMS Entertainment, Ravers Only)
In the true theme of going big, we are starting the party off with an International battle that will gear you up like no other. Paired up are two of the most fun loving and ridiculous hardcore DJs in North America. With Sqeak providing the fast paced bouncy styles and Tranzit injecting the anthemy, stabby, synthy, ‘ardcore style, from the Future Perfect Synergy Camp up in Canada, this is sure to be a memorable set. Considering this will be Sqeaks’ cherry popping performance at the Candyball, and his first NYC appearence, you know he will be coming strong. Add Candyball crowd favorite Tranzit, who has been a staple in ripping up the Candyball crowd since the very first party, and this is one opening set that deserves a primetime slot! Get in line early and be ready to bounce, as we will do our best to insure rapid entry for this hallmark set!

Leela (NY) *** Reppin NYC to the fullest!!! ***
(EvilOlive, Kooterkore.com, Dreamhard)
For the past 5 years, Leela has been on a personal mission to seek out the best of the best in Hardcore, no matter what the flavor is. She is known for mashing up dance floors with a super-awesome blend of all things hardcore. Moreover, if you have listened to any of her mixes, you have an idea of what Leela has in store for you. Bouncy, cheesy, freeformy, breakbeaty goodness that comes from her heart. Having performed at events in the New York, Toronto, and San Francisco, alongside some of the most creative DJs in the Hardcore scene, Leela is ready to step up to the decks yet again. As the only non-resident DJ to appear at Treatz & Beatz I & II, show some love for DJ Leela as she makes her 2nd Candyball appearance!

Area 2: Assorted Genres all night

Kombustion (UK) *** Nu Style Gabba ***
(Vista, Hardcore Events)
A lover of the Hardcore scene since before there was a Hardcore scene, Kombustion got his first taste of EDM in the late 80’s. Visiting one of the greatest all time Rave clubs ever, the Quadrant Park (R.I.P.), Liverpool, which he lived only 5 minutes away from, he heard a sound he had never heard before. And after his very first visit to the Quad Park, he was hooked to EDM for life. By the early 90’s Kombustion was a party monster and a regular at some of the best clubs in the North West, from Kinetic & Shellys (Stoke) to Bowlers (Manchester) to HardDock (Liverpool) and the Drome (Birkenhead), the list is endless.

It was not until Kombustion moved across the globe to Florida, that he was inspired to start spinning. It was the lack of his favorite sound, at the nightclubs, that drove him back to the UK to buy up as many records as he could. Returning back to Florida with the sound he loved and a desire to spin it, Kombustions journey began. By 93-94 he was DJ’ing Happy Hardcore in Florida and was one of only a hand full of DJs in Florida spinning Hardcore. It wasn’t long before he was being booked at all the main underground events in Florida and quickly became Florida’s number one Hardcore DJ. Trying his hand at producing parties, Kombustion threw successful Weeklies, Bi-Weeklies, Monthlies, one off club events, all the way through to co-promoting one off festivals. The biggest being Turntable Massacre 2, a 5 stage 60 plus DJ event that has gone down in Florida’s EDM History as being one of the best Underground Events in Florida ever.

Now been back in England, Kombustion has joined forces with Rick Chubbs (Audio Generator promoter) and together they have already thrown their first successful event, Hardcore @ the View in Frodsham, held this past 4th of July. For those of you who remember, at one time, Ravers Only used to broadcast a weekly show out of my old basement. We ran a couple hours a night followed by a couple of hours of talking between the guys. It was a lot of fun and lasted a few months before work took back control of our lives. If you were listening back then, you heard DJ Kombustion rocking out the beats from my basement way back then. Tonight however, Ravers Only proudly brings Kombustion to NYC and the Candyball for his first CB, but definitely not his last, appearance!

Leko (Baltimore, MD) *** Techno ***
(Tharsis Records, Rev, Vinylize Management)
Now having performed live for well over 1 million people, with 14 years of travel and residency behind him, Leko continues to pound dance floors into submission. Starting out in the early nineties, in the east coast’s gothic industrial underground, Leko was instrumental in creating the dance music scene with the legendary Dieselboy, Charles Feelgood, & Scott Henry. In addition to spinning records, Leko is a percussionist, pianist, and guitarist, and naturally progressed to writing, producing and releasing original tracks, with overwhelming success.

“Survive” is currently in rotation on “The System”, broadcast on XM Satellite Radio channel 82, simulcast globally on WorldSpace Satellite Radio, DirecTV channel 860, AOL Radio, and is a staple in the record boxes of Hybrid, Uberzone, Dopamine, & Drumattic Twins. With remix support from Germany’s CEO of house music Miles Dyson, Juicy Music’s DMS-12, DJ Rap, Impropa Talent’s Sanchez and the Shockers, and Kult Records’ Nikos Toscani, the official release of “Survive” to beatport is widely anticipated. Perhaps Leko’s defining track to date is his fidget electro take on the legendary track by Human Resource called “Dominator”, out August 23, 2008 on Crux Records (Bryan Cox), with support by Charles Feelgood.

Leko’s upcoming and recent projects include guest appearances with New York’s DigiPrana Sounds on 90.3FM New York City (March 1, 2007 - 2am eastern to 3am eastern) and Sirius Satellite Radio (109 - OutQ) “Saturday Night Out” overnight mix session (March 17th, 2007 and November 17th, 2007 - 9pm eastern to 7am eastern). Leko appeared on Paul Dailey’s “Hardwired”, on XM-80 The Move (February 9 & 13, 2008). For all you Techno lovers out there, this set is for you as Leko makes his first Candyball appearence!

Everybodies Daddy (Canada) *** Drum -N- Bass ***
(Future Perfect Synergy, Ravers Only, Realism Records)
Everybodies Daddy is a double threat – both a DJ and an MC - that is slowly building acclaim in the Toronto, and North American scene. His quick, aggressive mixing, three-deck mashups, and dancefloor shaking track selection across a broad range of styles makes him a versatile performer capable of pleasing even the most diverse crowd. His inspiration comes from his earliest party memories, when it was all “rave music,” and many styles of music would be played in the same room, and appreciated by all.

He is entirely self-taught, starting on the decks in 2003, while serving as a peacekeeper in Bosnia. His first experiences playing Saturday nights for the local radio station allowed him to gain enough confidence to start playing out when he returned to Canada in the spring of 2004.

Since that time, he has played shows all over Ontario, and the north-eastern United States, leaving sore-legged, breathless dancers in his wake. His 2006 studio mix, Dirty Little Secrets is a fast, creatively mixed jump-up drum n’ bass experience that tore up speakers worldwide, to the tune of over 1500 downloads. His second effort, the big, heavy, filthy, bassy Hot + Dirty blew up worldwide, hinging on 3000 unique downloads! Most recently, he released a silky smooth summertime mix designed for that long roadtrip to the cottage, or to take you back to warmer days, entitled All of Me… don’t miss it!

Most recently, Everybodies Daddy inked a residency with Ravers Only! He is a DJ with a bright future that includes more studio mixed CDs, collaborations with other top DJs and MCs, and possibly some production work. Energetic on the decks, interacting with the crowd, and playing what they want to hear, it’s only a matter of time before you find out why he’s your Daddy too! So make sure to show some love for the only Ravers Only DJ to make an appearence in our 2nd area!

Mayhem (Arizona) *** Hardcore ***
(Arizona Hardcore Junkies)
In early 1999 Mayhem was introduced to the sounds of hardcore by friends and instantly got hooked.In 2001 after going to many shows he decided to get his first decks and he has never looked back. Mayhem joined the Arizona Hardcore Junkies in 2003 and after playing many events the following year was invited to play Nocturnal Wonderland in Los Angeles. He also played in Wageningen and Purmerand,Holland in 2006.

Known for rocking parties with different styles ranging from partycore to darkcore to industrial, Mayhem always brings it proper with his presence,mixing skills and signature cuts. He has performed from coast to coast including Northern and Southern California, New York, New Mexico, Washington, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Oregon. Mayhem always leaves a lasting impression on crowds with his quick mixes and unique style. Show some love for another Candyball first timer as he shows you why his schedule is getting busier and busier while his passport is filling up with stamps!

Hokilla (NY) *** Special Halloween Hardcore set ***
(DNBC, St8cyde Jump Up, EXT Productions)
With over 6 yrs. strong of knowledge behind the decks, Anthony aka Hokilla, continues to tone his skills and break boundaries. His track selection and raw uncut mixing of hipstep/jump up continues to awe crowds nationwide. From throwing a series of memorable DnB events, to founding and managing his newly formed, yet well-respected crew DNBC, there is really nothing out of Hokillas’ reach.

As part of the newly formed St8cyde Jump Up, most likely performing somewhere here in NYC tonight, Hokilla has been gaining even more attention. Performing at almost every major East coast event these days, Anthony is rocking dance floor after dance floor with his energetic style and passion. Performing a special Halloween Hardcore set just for us at the Candyball, Ravers Only is proud to bring Hokilla to the CB for his first time!!

Choke (PA) *** Anthem Hardcore ***
(Hardlife Ent, Militia Ent, Norotek Records, Knuckle Up Ent)
Known for always staying up with the newest material and his perfect beat matching abilities, Choke earned his nickname during the era of the Allentown Hardcore division. Brutalizing opponents with his gruff offensive tracks, Choke’s reputation of punishing opponents with hard promotion, and dedication to the East Coast Hardcore rave scene, has influenced and inspired us all to strive for a revolution in music.

As the Co-founder of Hard Life Ent., and long time hardcore head, Choke knows what the deal is. Mad skill and immaculate track selections make him a moving force in the hardcore scene. Gear up, cuz when Choke hits the decks, you are in for an experience you will not soon forget! Ravers Only once again welcomes another first time performance at the Candyball as Choke brings his special blend of Hardcore for your enjoyment!

Apollo Christian (NY) *** Hard Trance/Techno ***
(APB, Galaxy Tracks)
Making his second Candyball appearance is another relatively unknown DJ, Apollo Christian. After numerous bookings in the upstate NY area, Apollo brought his sound to “Here We Go Again” last year and brought the house down. With another year of experience in him, another handful of upstate bookings to his credit, and a ton of new records that he is dyeing to drop in NYC, show some love for this young DJ that is quickly making a name for himself in the east coast rave scene.

Iron Fist (NY) *** Trance ***
(myspace.com/djironfistnyc)
I have known Iron Fist for almost a decade now and sadly, did not even know he spun. I guess that is not all bad, most people never knew I spun until this past October. On the main floor for every Candyball so far, always in a Ravers Only hoodie and putting up the heart, Iron Fist has been a supporter since day one. Tonight, for those of you who are able to make it past Tranzit & Sqeak on the main stage, I ask you show some love and support for the DJ they call Iron Fist as he helps get the night started right!





Spinning for BOOM @ Lancaster Hall: 9/26/08

2 09 2008

THIS EVENT HAS PASSED.  TO SEE FUTURE SHONUFF EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

 

I’ll be spinning the core at Lancaster Hall in Philadelphia on 9/26/08 so come out and show your love!





Drama

1 09 2008

I’ve just had another short story published by a geat new litmag called ignavia press, which deals with the transgressive and queer.  Check out my story by clicking igp’s icon above and please feel free to leave comments.





Beyond The Beat: 9/20/08

19 08 2008

Oh my Lord, just look at this talent that’s being flown over from across the pond.  This line up is absolutely amazing!  Now if only I could scrounge up  the money for a flight from Philly to LA…Let me go see what I can find in the couch….. :-)






Hosted By: Beat Drop Music
When: Saturday Sep 20, 2008
at 8:00 PM
Where: Shrine Auditorium
700 West 32nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90007
United States

Authorized Pre Sale Sites

BEATDROPSCLOSET. COM – CHEAPEST PRE-SALES
GROOVETICKETS. COM
TICKETMASTER. COM

CHANCE TO WIN FREE TICKETS
We will be choosing people at random and
whomever wins will receive an email or message.
Here’s the ways you can get picked for the free ticket:

1.
You can put your default picture as our flyer
AND
2.
You can put us #1 on your top friends list on myspace.

Here’s the image link

 Don’t forget to buy your favorite clothing at





Konkrete Jungle: Philadelphia-July 31st

31 07 2008





Electronic Chronic-Tues 7/29

27 07 2008

THIS EVENT HAS ALREADY HAPPENED.  TO SEE FUTURE CC EVENTS, CLICK HERE.

Check out this event on Tuesday 7/29 @ Liquid Charm in Philly.  I’ll be speeding up the beats with some uk hardcore on the open decks from 9-10pm, and the rest of the night will be some bangin’ house and breaks tag teams by djs much better than yours truly. :-)   Hope to see you there!

7_29_08: Tuesday July 29th, 2008

Featuring:

The O.G.
EC07 / EC08 Special Guest Rotating Residents:::



[ All Styles of House & Breaks 4 Hour Tagteam Set | 10:00 - 02:00 ]





Channeling Fitzgerald

24 07 2008

Unfortunately it looks like fictionville right now is off-line.  That’s the way it goes in the online world I guess.  It was a really great online lit mag and I hope it returns soon. In the meantime, I’m posting here what was published there.

 

“Channeling Fitzgerald”

 

-Published in Issue #19 of fictionville
 

[1]
            “I’m going to channel Fitzgerald tonight,” Marc said. He blew the smoke towards the slightly opened passenger side window. He had removed one white glove to hold the cigarette, and was careful not to ash on his white Flapper dress.
            “Channel Fitzgerald?” I said, keeping my eyes on the road.
            “Yes. I’m going to summon him on stage.”
            I nodded.  For the umpteenth year, we headed to another Halloween party at the gay club we frequented, I as a patron and Marc as a performer.  Nothing special. But Marc had a talent for making the mundane interesting.
            “So you liked The Great Gatsby?” I said.
            “Yes, very much.”
            “Have you started on any of the other books I gave you?”

            “No. I enjoyed The Great Gatsby, but I found reading itself to be tedious.”   He took another drag and exhaled out the window.  ”Do you think Fitzgerald was a fruit?”  
            “Fitzgerald a fruit?  I don’t think so.  He had a wife, didn’t he?”
            “He did. She was probably his cover, though.  You know how it was back then.”
            I didn’t answer.
            “What was her name?” he said.
            “Zelda, I think.”
            “Yes, Zelda.  That’s it.  Now she was absolutely divine.”  
            Adverbs make terrible writing but great drag queens.  
            Marc finished the cigarette.  He threw it out, rolled up the window, and carefully put his glove back on.  
            “Have any editors taken your story?” he said.
            “I haven’t heard back from them.”  Actually I had.  Three rejections sent to my inbox today.  But I didn’t want to get into it.   “What song are you performing?”
            “A blues song from the twenties.”
            “Really?  What?”
            “You wouldn’t recognize it.”
            This wasn’t true.  I knew more blues then he did.  But I should’ve known he wouldn’t answer.  He never let me in on the details of a new performance before its debut.  I had to wait just like everybody else.  
            “I’ve changed my stage name,” he said.  
            “Really?  What is it now?”
            “Lady Buchanan.”
            I turned into the lot next to the club and parked.  Then we hurried to the entrance. I kept my eye out for flying eggs, especially from the balconies at the hotel across the street. Ocean Ave was the only gayborhood in this little shore town. Our kind likes to party especially hard on this holiday, and the straights know it. Without fail, the ones with something to prove and a few too many beers in them come down to Ocean Ave. Last year was a massacre of yolk and broken shells. Marc wore a skin-tight angel outfit and white stiletto heels; he couldn’t move all that fast.  This year he could move more freely, and we made it into the club with only one egg crashing onto the gravel behind us.
[2]
            The club had filled to capacity by show time.  Every fag in a fifty mile radius was there.  Some dressed up in badly done drag, and others dressed in actual costumes like devils or angels.  One couple dressed as Eddie and Patsy from AbFab, another group came as The Pink Ladies.  I wore my usual jeans and T-shirt.  I never dressed up for Halloween, or any other occasion.  Everyone had drinks in hand: glowing green Midori sours, pink cosmopolitans, dirty martinis. I drank my bottle of beer. They all held their own conversations, keeping one eye to the stage for the Halloween premiere of the now Lady Buchanan’s new number. Finally, the DJ introduced her.
            When the song started, I expected there to be numerous pops and scratches, but the recording was clean. The tribal beat we were used to, created by zeros and ones in advanced computers, was replaced by a piano whose cords echoed in an ancient studio, perhaps somewhere in Harlem.
            Marc was right. I didn’t recognize the melody. But I did recognize the voice: Bessie Smith.
 
 

 

                                        Daddy, I want some furs and things
                                          Daddy, I want the diamond rings
            Lady Buchanan sauntered across the stage, lip syncing each word with precision.  She slowly pulled off her gloves and gave them to the DJ to hold. 
                                                 Aeroplanes, motor cars and such
                                            If your little mama ain’t askin’ too much
            She descended from the stage to the audience. She sang to men individually, sat in their laps, and ran her long white fingers and high-end press-on nails across their shoulder blades.

                                                         From you, from you
                                    Won’t you give me what I want, daddy do

            I’ve known Marc since grade school.  I remember him in his aviator glasses and ugly gray slacks.  His mother would pull the waist half way up his shirt.  And now look at him.  
            Eventually, Lady Buchanan returned to the stage.  I found the perfomance funny, this white Jewish boy, dressed as a Flapper, lip syncing blues sung by a black woman who’s been dead for seventy years. I wanted to laugh but didn’t because no one else was laughing.  They looked entranced. Perhaps I have a different sense of humor.
            After the final note faded, the audience broke out in applause. Lady Buchanan struck one of her signature poses, holding her hands out.  Picture Madonna as Evita on that balcony.  ”You’re all beautiful fools,” she told us. “Every last one of you.”   She took her gloves back from the DJ and walked off stage.
            A little while later she began mingling with us fools, drinking her signature cosmopolitans.  The show was over.  Now the booze could start.
 [3]
            By about 4:30 the place had been empty for almost a half hour with the exception of the staff, Marc, and myself.  Marc was talking with one of the young barbacks, young enough to still think working at a gay bar was a dream job, until the owner yelled at him to get back to work.  Now Marc found it difficult to stand in his heels.  I stood behind him, with one hand on his shoulder and the other on his opposite hip.  It was difficult; the beers had numbed me a little, but I held him up.  He turned his head towards me.  ”It was those damn free drinks.  They got me.”
            “You would’ve drank just as much if you had to pay for it.”  
            He stared at me.  His white cloche hat sat crooked on his head.  ”This is true.”
            Thank God the front door wasn’t far.  He managed to blow a kiss to the barback as we left.  
            My car was at the opposite end of the lot.  Large overhead lights illuminated the lot, making it unable to see if any shadows stood in the balconies.  The gravel crunched beneath us as I escorted him, one slow and drunken step at a time.  My hand was around his waist and his arm was around my neck.  From time to time I focused on the darkness, trying to see into the balconies with no luck. When we reached the passenger side door, I took his arm from around my neck.  ”If you feel dizzy, grab onto the car.”  He nodded.  I fished in my pockets for my keys.  That’s when the first egg hit the car hood.  
            “Shit,” I said.  
            “What the hell was that?”  
            Another egg came out of the darkness and hit the windshield.  It split in half. The yellow yolk slid towards the windshield wipers.  I found the keys.  The fear that had me peering into the darkness turned to adrenaline.  I opened the door.  ”Get inside!”
            “No.”
            “What do you mean no?”
            Marc turned to the darkness.  ”These assholes don’t know who they’re dealing with.”
            “Don’t do this now, Marc.”
            He turned to me.  ”Do they have any idea who I am?”  An egg hit the back of his head and knocked his white cloche hat to the ground. “Shit!”  He bent forward in pain and grabbed the back of his head.  The yolk saturated the white glove. I heard laughter in the darkness.
            “Get in the fucking car!”  I pushed him into the passenger seat and closed the door.   I ran behind the car, taking an egg on the arm.  The sensation was sharp at first from the breaking shell, then cold and slimy from the yolk.  I unlocked the driver side and got in.  By the time the key was in the ignition, Marc had opened his door and lifted himself back out.  He had to hold on to the open door for support.  
            “Do you know who I am?” he yelled into the darkness.  ”I am Lady Buchanan!”  
            “Why don’t you give us a kiss, Lady Buchanan?”  
            I didn’t recognize this voice.  I looked through the stained windshield.  A large man who looked to have no neck stood in the street.  He stood with his legs slightly spread apart, in a shirt that read “No Fear” and athletic pants.  He held a baseball bat.
            “Don’t flatter yourself, asshole,” Marc said. Another egg hit him on the side of his head.  He screamed.  The man with the bat laughed.  

            “Get back in the car!” I started the car.  The man with the bat walked towards us.  I leaned over the console and pulled Marc back into the passenger seat, ripping the dress.  
            “What the hell did you do that for?” he said, staring at the tear. He turned his head to the window. “And what about my hat?”
            I leaned over him and pulled the door shut.  I turned on the windshield wipers for a second to remove the shell pieces that blocked my view, and drove away.  I heard a thump at the back of the car.  Another egg must’ve hit the trunk.  The one that hit me was starting to dry.  I took my eyes off the road for a second to look at Marc.  Egg dripped down the side of his face. Either he didn’t notice or he didn’t care.  
            “Do they have any idea who I am?”