the Freshness
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Waxing Poetic at Dorchester Projects.
Above, a bit of video from my Artistic Residency last year with Theaster Gates’ Dorchester Projects, in which I wax poetic about Chicago’s own Mercury Records, Jerry Butler, and the Impressions. I love sharing the stories behind the music I love with the general public; and was reminded of that as I embark on Hosting…
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Announcing Darkjive on the Radio…
Coming this Thursday (and every Thursday) Darkjive.com’s Ayana Contreras hosts “Reclaimed Soul” on Vocalo.org (89.5fm in Chicago). The music you’ve come to expect from this site, plus stories from people moving forward with what’s been left behind. Below is an excerpt from the first episode. Jive on!
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Donald Jenkins and the Delighters (and their Basement Music Revolution)
I’m not sure what exactly is revolutionary about this record, titled “Music Revolution” and released by Donald Jenkins and the Delighters in 1975, but it sure is lovely. It’s what I like to call Basement Soul. It also reminds me of how much I miss skin tight harmonies. A local Chicago record through and through…
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Chicago Poet Avery R. Young’s photo-commentary on the Trayvon Martin tragedy.
Avery R. Young is a local poet, activist, and educator (and I am lucky enough to count him as a friend, too). He champions unconventional showcases for his work, including facebook and taped up on doors (see below). Jive on. more on avery. more on trayvon.
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It’s that Time Again! The weather is fine… come on out and celebrate!
Groove Conspiracy (me and Simeon Viltz) spinning at Morseland tomorrow night! All the good stuff I feature on Darkjive plus lots of new acquisitions, all spun on vinyl (I’ll be spinning with all 45s). Celebrate Chicago’s legacy of righteous music… and dance, too.. The Nitty Gritty: Groove Conspiracy 1218 West Morse Chicago 10pm till 1:30pm…
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Pat and Pam: sisters in soul.
Pat and Pam Cordell were twin singers who followed in the great tradition of Chicago Kiddie (or in their case, Teen) Soul in the early 1970s. They also happened to be original WVON Good Guy Lucky Cordell‘s daughters. Lucky Cordell (pictured at left) was a disc jockey turned General Manager at one of the most…
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A whole new (art) thing? Chicago’s 2012 Cultural Plan.
CITY OF CHICAGO LAUNCHES 2012 CULTURAL PLAN INITIATIVE Public Town Hall Meetings Begin Tonight! The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) is asking residents, cultural organizations and community groups for their input in developing the 2012 Chicago Cultural Plan. The plan will deliver a set of recommendations to support the arts and artists…
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Darkjive’s February Dance Card
Brown Sugar Bakery’s Artist Market Saturday and Sunday February 4th and 5th 328 East 75th Street (75th & Calumet) Chicago Il 60617 773.224.6262 Come have some fun if you are stepper, you like to spank… How about a lil Al Green? Real music off of Real records! All Artist’s work is Handmade, Original, & One…
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Bon Bon Vie: good good life…
The line is designed by Shari Neal, who explained to Afrobella: “I always wanted to design tee shirts, but I just never sat down to do it until fairly recently. In the past I had done tee shirt designs for other people and I finally decided to do something for myself. The name of the company comes…
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