AJ Dance Legacy

The Future is Female was a campaign slogan often referenced in 2016. The then United States presidential nominee was the frontrunner to secure a historic presidency. A woman, who might lead the free world. But that hope was squashed by the electoral college. So began the sexist rhetoric. Where did her campaign go wrong?  What she said. What she did not say. … Continue

Chaka Khan Hacienda 

Grows Up

Ree De La Vega ain’t new to this. The Chaka Khan Hacienda curator has been at it for years, close to two decades. There is no time for the celebrated planner to party.  She commands attention. Her signature black bangs, shoulder length mane, black stunners, red jersey dress and legs for days, struts across the hardwood to surprise someone with a heartfelt hug.… Continue

A National Treasure 

“THIS IS WHY I DON’T DO ART GALLERIES.”  You vent. 

The Sun. The Rain.  The Super Moon.

Kai Alcé

“Put em’ up.  Put em’ up.  Put em’ up.”  The host yells into the microphone.  There is not one but two of em yelling into microphones. Their mumblings about someone later giving hugs and then that someone giving two hugs after dark.  All the while the deejay appears perplexed.  Confused at the vocal back and forth between the two.… Continue

OPEN AIR AND INTIMATE

Part I 

Kai Alcé

Yeah, you are at the right place.  As the car door closes, you overhear faint thumps where you are parked adjacent a curb monitored by vagrants. Walk a block pass the open air parking structure as the ontz expands in the atmosphere.  Juxtaposed against the skyline of high rises, onward forward lies the destination.… Continue

OPEN AIR AND INTIMATE

Part II 

LOUIE VEGA

“You, you, you….’ The F sharp and C minor notes dot the soundscape.  When the tappings of drums dissipates leaving only emptiness to expand.  A sound of sweeping ocean waves builds and builds to a climatic fall that washes away Upper Alabama Street. A refreshing rain of vibe and rhythm drenches the tops of heads.… Continue

Prologue 

“How long does it take to get a damn bottled water?” The bartenders dressed in shoulder less black halters are wearing black masks. By 2 pm, people are tripping over, slightly inebriated, or buzzed from Moscow Mules or whatever trendy libations are du jour. You’ve waited so long at the bar that you start a conversation with a lady wearing micro braids.… Continue

Gimmick Music

Kai Alcé

2345

Walking into the club when the Kerri Chandler Dark Mix of Lea Lisa’s “Something for the Dancers” is playing means this is money well spent.  In the era of inflation, when the DJ drops your favorite from KemiticJust featuring Terrance Down’s “I’m Here For It” you totally agree, you came here just for this moment.… Continue