Day 2
2000
“Oh, I did aight.” Kenny Dixon Jr jokes with you the following afternoon. He walks arm and arm showing off his lady around Franklin Park. You marvel, he appears refreshed, his skin polished in the glowing sun.
Later that evening, Hostess Reesa Renee reminds the people. “Give it up for Moodymann last night,” with microphone in hand as if she is ready to spit bars. The Maryland born singer/songwriter proceeds to read the bio of the upcoming headliner who the people came to see.
Lisa Shaw
The year is 2005. At the top of Indie Dance Charts sits a Naked Music release remixed by the U.K.’s Jimpster courtesy Lisa Shaw. The Ontario, Canada songstress number one plays everywhere. From clubs in Toronto to lounges in Atlanta, deejays and fans copped the 12 inch mixes of “Let It Ride.” Evidence of why the vocalist opens with her classic. “D.C. let me hear you.” Shaw shouts. Dozens of voices return praise. Up next, the track seques into Miguel Mig’s “Heartbeat” with Shaw singing lead vocals. Her voice is weightless, singing lyrics so frothy they drift from tree branch to tree limb as the cool wind blows. Lisa does not belt powerhouse chops. Her breezy alto is more a refreshing drink during hot yoga. Dressed in a black leather jacket, she busts moves while singing before existing the stage.
“How do you dance to this music?” A lady aged twenty-something questions the guy she stands near who elbows you while dancing to FDF’s “Jump In the Disco.” “I told her to ask you.” He says as you rotate 360 degrees and heel-toe-step to crescendoing 808s. “And that white guy.” He points to your friend popping his chest. You both keep dancing and dancing and dancing. Dancing to Ruben Mandolini’s “On & On” (Kevin McKay Remix), yep with Erykah Badu’s vocals pitched, dancing to David Penn’s “Yeah Yeah” with added filters and EFX that makes for filming LIVE video footage and dancing to funky beats from DJ Mes’ “Da Change.” The Miguel Migs Salty Rub sets free dancing feet.
Every now and then a track comes along that speaks truth. “Music is a healing force.” Gang Starr’s Guru says before continuing. “This soul music is good for everyone.” The soundbites from several interviews compiled into one on the hair-raising’ “Broken Barriers (Tribute).” Six minutes and twenty-five seconds of disco bounce, chirping guitars, and phat synths in the key of G showcases Miguel Migs’ production at his best.
Another standout plays courtesy French producer Bellaire’s “Sunset Ballad.” The Moodena Remix is all swing jazz house that commands tired feet to keep dancing, even harder.
“I have to take a break,” warns your dance partner. “Seriously, I have to stop.” She says as you help walk her down the stairs.
But she returns to dance on an impressive “Move Your Body” (Director’s Cut Retro Signature Mix) from Marshall Jefferson that emits an impeccable sound bath experience. The music not once goes out. The bass never rattles except for when standing middle of the giant subwoofers. Be prepared for your heart to jolt and maybe skip a few beats. Halfway through “Move Your Body” the beat switches to warm chords and soft pads that meanders your journey on an unexpectant path into MD X-Spress’ “God Made Me Phunky.” And yes, God made Miguel Migs funky.
Recall when Migs was crowned the “Best Looking Deejay?” Women flocked from all over to see his should be award-winning smile. These days, Miguel retains his appearance with pronounced lines around hazel iris eyes and his near shoulder length graying hair. As he stands center the platform, giving a whole vibe. A musical moment where the music throws back to the early and mid-aughts at the peak of West Coast house music.
So why not give West Coast house its flowers?
The age-old argument of Chicago vs New York City is dead. What about Los Ángeles and San Francisco? Pacific house heads ruled too. A slew of music producers, deejays, and dancers forged the West Coast movement to new frontiers. Miguel Steward aka Migs is one of them. His voice steered California’s sonic narrative for nearly thirty years. His achievements include co-creating Transmat Recordings in the mid 90s. Anyone remember Petalpusher? Then came his weighty discography of various productions on Naked Music in the early 21st century. In 2005, he smartly founded his Salted Music imprint that has released hundreds of titles by various artists. Today, Migs continues to cultivate his soulful house brand when touring and releasing critically acclaimed music/remixes via digital platforms worldwide.
At Franklin Park, no one is overly concerned with imbibing. Spilled libations are nowhere on the pathways. No one asks to sniff. Vape? Weed? Smoke? Forget about it. Security puts that to rest. Real quick. After all, this is a public park. Instead, the right amount of purists, music lovers and dance enthusiasts with the right amount of cool are gathered. Everyone is too busy dancing to Miguel Migs’ featuring Meshell Ndegeocello “What Do You Want” in a not too crowded but comfortable and safe space. No one elbows you in the ribs. No one steps on your sneakers. No one shoves your shoulders out the way. Attendees actually respect your personal space.
Lisa Shaw returns to stage. Her rendition of “I Can See It” illuminates, much like the Rock the Park DC logo projected onto the National Historic Landmark that sits on Native ground across 13th Street, Franklin School. But the track “Cherry” from her 2005 tops her performance. One guest sings every lyric in awe. “D.C. we miss ya’ll.” Shaw proclaims. Before rousing handclaps closes the Miguel Migs two-hour highlight.
Your friend states, “Earlier, there was too much funk for my taste,” as he eyes the night sky as if searching for a distant constellation. Like the O’Jays chart topper, there was a message in the music. Rock the Park is an exploration of Black music. The journey through soul. A thought provoking curated taste for epicurean palattes. Sunday’s hostess, Reesa Renee summed it best, “In these times of microwave music, these artists playing are the masters who have studied and perfected their craft.” She continued, “This is what Rock the Party DC is all about.” And for this, we salute friends Abby O’Neill and Adrian Loving-btw, loving the jacket-for giving people options. To Rock the Party DC WKNDR, see you next time.
wrds: aj dance
visual: aj art
Share this:
Tags: #dancefloormagic #housemusicexcellence, AbbyONeill, AdrianLoving, classics, dance, deep house music, disco, DowntownDCBID, Franklin park, funk, gogo, house music, house music dancing, Lisa Shaw, Miguel Migs, Moodymann, Rich Medina, RocktheParkDC, Salted Music, Washington D.C., West Coast House