Music. Is the reason for this journey. An expedition meandering through space and time.Arriving.At the V.Where 54th Street veers from Flushing Avenue. In Maspeth.A working class community located somewhere in the borough of Queens.That is New York City.Where a brick and motor mammoth slumps with two erected smoke stacks.That eyes you. Only if in your imagination.… Continue
Darkness has crept up to slowly reveal its face. Black. Devoid of light. That traces around and about the atmosphere.Invisible.Upward, the stars keep watch over night.Night’s all seeing eye, the moon is lucent, keeps watch over the people, the party, the property.
At 4:05 am, stepping onto Florida Avenue, seen are flashing lights and heard are sirens slashing the chilly air. Police cars, first responders, and emergency vehicles barricade the road. Bystanders stare from street corners.Finger-pointers stand down 7th Avenue.Whatever happened doesn’t look good at all.
A Wet Dream, A Prescription, A Block Party Part 1 15.05.22 Indigenous House
Years ago, forefather Tony Humphries told the press, Baltimore house music was underrated. The legend then went on to compare if the music coming out of Baltimore came out of NYC, the Baltimore sound would be more highly regarded. Years later, this sentiment rings true. Just look around.… Continue
A Wet Dream, A Prescription, A Block Party Part II
15.05.22
Indigenous House Interlude
Someone give Tori Cooper her flowers. Give em’ to her now. Who better to serenade the annual honorable individual of Indigenous House than Candy J? She is Sweet Pu$$y Pauline to you. The original Queen B is in the house. Talking. Her raspy “Oooohhh” and “Chyle” with that Detroit drawl, is instantly recognizable.… Continue
“LOUIE VEGA COME ON!” Yells an overzealous Vega fan holding a vinyl record. “LOUIE. I WANNA HEAR SOME OF THAT HAL-LE-LUJIAH!” He sings. “LOUIE PLAY THAT BLACK MUSIC.” He continues. “Then watch all these kids leave the room.”
Late night, the temperature reads a chilly 43-degrees, up in these streets, at the intersection of Ivan Allen Junior Blvd and Marietta. The soul awakens. From muffled thumps of bass heard in the distance. The hypnotic groove guides the body ever so closer to the pulsating nucleus. A black building. Covered windows. Littered with paper flyers. Destination affirmed.… Continue
His shirtless majesty showcasing chiseled pectorals is in beast mode. Playing heavy four-count thumps that erupts from giant black cabinets. And dancing in front of those speakers will cause hearing loss for days to come. “You’ve waited all week to dance,” proclaims a diva loudly rapping over a beat that slaps. Standing on the pavilion’s ledge is one man who leans into the ear of another and speaks, “More like [we waited] a year.”… Continue
The music comes to a silence. There is an interlude of talking into a microphone from the founder of Indigenous House and the master of ceremonies. Yasss chyle! Most people are aware that Indigenous House is LGBTQIA affiliated, sadly most people are unaware the event is not called house music in the park. More words are spoken about acceptance and monetary donations.… Continue