My name is Ayana Contreras, and I’m passionate about sound and color. I work in sound, and was the host of Chicago Public Radio’s “Global Overnight” program. I host and produce a show called “Reclaimed Soul” on Vocalo.org (a sister station of Chicago Public Radio). I am also a DJ, sound designer, music historian, and teach audio documentary skills to Chicago high school students. I collect records (LPs & 45s), and enjoy the stories behind them, especially those recorded locally.
I also love Chicago: where we’re going and where we’ve been.
Darkjive is about arts and culture with a purpose, rooted in the community (but not without humor). It’s about inclusiveness and uniqueness. It’s about the many facets of creation in Chicago. It’s about our common history and varied goals. It’s also about recognizing the value in the undervalued vestiges of what came before us (culturally… artistically… musically). What may have once been deemed obsolete, out of fashion, or otherwise lacking. The jive. I, for one, embrace the jive, the whole of our cultural inheritance. So, jive on.
March 4th, 2009 at 11:53 am
very cool site. chicago could use this
April 18th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
this blog is dope… been on here for the last few days… it’s good 4 my soul…=)
June 19th, 2009 at 7:01 pm
loving this blog…so informational!
August 3rd, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Keep it up Darkjive/you mix up the old school legends and the new young lions of our city.
December 1st, 2011 at 7:28 pm
I found you by accident looking for something recent on Jerry Butler; hung around for the incomparable music you’ve put up here (did you need a copy of the Gems’ “What They Put Erasers on Pencils For”); but I’m staying for the culture–the people and the history you refuse to allow us to forget. I was born in Chicago 67 years ago; lived on the south side until I left town in ’74; you’ve brought it all back to me. Bless you. Jive on.
December 1st, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Hi, marcomillions! I’m so glad you found and enjoy Darkjive… I think it’s great that this site both refreshes the memories of so many, and informs a whole new generation about all the cultural inheritance that lies just beneath the surface of this city! Of course, it’s a labor of love, but comments like yours make it worth it. By the way, if you haven’t already, check out my bit on Gousters versus Ivy Leaguers. I think it might be right up your alley.
Jive on!
December 1st, 2011 at 9:54 pm
HI Ayana! Thanks for your kind words. I caught the Gousters/Ivy Leaguers post already. (And I was very moved by your reader who wrote in with her own memories.) I think it was about then that I decided I had to write to you to thank you for this site and the effort you put into it. –Marc
February 11th, 2012 at 4:15 am
Ayana, I saw your article on LaCade Shampoo. That is the BEST shampoo I ever used in my life when I was in my 20s. It was an amazing volumizing shampoo way before the word “volumizing” was used to describe certain types of hair products. It smelled like oranges and made me feel like I had the fullest head of hair ever. I was (still am) bummed that they went out of business. I remember their radio commercials on AM radio which got me to try it. Wish I could have a bottle (or case) of it right now. It was the BEST.
February 14th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
Mary, that is quite the testimonial! One of the things I love most about working on this blog is the stories I get from readers. Thanks for sharing.
May 11th, 2012 at 12:49 am
Wow!! I like your work!!!! I caught wind of it thru Krista who I met recently at an Afrofuturism art exhibit she was in in Pittsburgh. She’s been feeding me the dope Chitown vibes ever since.
I also exist in a space where archive and audio sound off together. And have spent many years on community radio in Atlanta and New York. I’m gonna keep my ear near your soundwaves. Best wishes.
http://arcdirect.tumblr.com/post/6065023164/weeksville-pumzi-x
peace, Brett
May 11th, 2012 at 12:57 pm
Very cool, Brett. I checked out your tumblr, and it, too is indeed dope. Color me tuned in.