AJ Dance Legacy

Rock The Park DC

Miguel Migs

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.… 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

TRILOGY ACTS 5 & 6: NYC LOUIE VEGA, DEON COLE & KENNY DOPE

Enter

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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

The Phenomenon That Is Demarkus Lewis 

“Yooooooooooooooo!!!  What’s up?”  He grabs you by the hand giving you a bear hug. 

“I haven’t seen you in a minute.”  You reply.

“Oh, wait, you have to see someone.”  He leads you meandering through the heat.  The sweat.  And the thump from Jimpster featuring Mavhungu’s “Tribute.”  Luminiferous flashes guide you through the mass. … Continue

KING LOUIE

Be prepared to lose your $hit. 

1700

The atmosphere transforms.  A new presence is felt.  A new spirit arrives. Although he nor his fedora are visible from the rear of the dance floor adjacent the bar.  No longer Little Louie, Vega gives life when playing the Dance Ritual chart-topper from the early aughts.  “Brand New Day” never sounded more engaging.… Continue