Chicago
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Ebony is Back…. and fly!
Oh. Goodness. To be clear, Ebony never left us, but it did sort of lose influence in the Black Community. But, wow, have they stepped up. And, I’m prouder than ever to pass by their headquarters here in Chicago (on South Michigan Avenue). To give a little background, Ebony (launched in the 1940s by the…
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Groove Conspiracy… coming this Thursday.
Join DJ Ayana and Simeon Viltz (of the Primeridian) as we stretch out musically at Morseland. I’ll be spinning with a Chicago accent, as always, and will be featuring local treasures including a cut or two by Leroy Hutson. A college friend of both Donny Hathaway and Roberta Flack (all attended Howard University), Hutson was…
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Ramsey Lewis and Earth, Wind, & Fire: sun goddess…an exercise of local royalty.
In 1974, Earth, Wind, & Fire was beginning its ascent to “Shining Star”-dom: “That’s The Way of the World” had not yet been released, but “Head to the Sky” and “Devotion” had already made them radio favorites. Maurice White, the lead vocalist on so many of EWF’s cuts (and a beastly drummer) returns the favor…
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Louder Than a Bomb in Concert: english class heretics.
Featuring work by LTAB all-stars, alumni, and co-creator Kevin Coval Friday, August 5 & 6, 2011 7:30pm Zacek McVay Theater TWO NIGHTS ONLY! This will be one of the most exciting nights at the Victory Gardens this summer! Don’t miss out on ENGLISH CLASS HERETICS: LOUDER THAN A BOMB IN CONCERT! The stage artists…
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Building sm/art cities: portoluz potluck and talk at the chicago honey co-op
Building sm/art cities: Spaces for progressive culture and sustainable cities Sunday August 7th 3-5pm The Honey Co-op 3740 West Fulton This open air, potluck conversation at the Honey Co-op will be anchored by successful entrepreneurs, land stewards, and other forward looking urbanists– gathering together to share their experiences building catalytic enterprises, and visionary spaces. Bring…
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I Just Want to Be Loved: Lee Charles breaks it all the way down.
Wow. What a little stunner. I played this 1973 cut during my second set at Morseland this past Thursday. Such a quality Chicago cut. Arranged by the mighty, mighty Tom Tom Washington (who later worked with the likes of Earth, Wind, & Fire), this was co-written by Lee Charles with Lowrell Simon [from the group…
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Curtis Mayfield wanted to get a little bit.
This 1976 record by Chicago’s own Curtis Mayfield used to be a favorite spin in my College Radio days. It’s been back on my radar in recent days. “Give a little bit, Get a little bit, Take a little bit” picks up on the theme of the classic “Give Me Your Love” with an…
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One Day I Was Walking: Soulful Gospel from the Swan Mellarks
Just to give you some warning… Lynnell Harris (misspelled as Lindell Harris on the label) has an amazing tone and vocals that are SOOOOO bananas. This record was recorded for tiny Valberst Records in the 70s here in Chicago at Pervis Staples’ (of the Staple Singers) Studio. “One Day I Was Walking” has been in my head…
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Eight Minutes: straight outta chicago’s soul cradle
The Eight Minutes were yet another family based kiddie soul group out of Chicago. Oh yes, there were a bunch. For those just joining us, let’s recap: There’s The Five Stairsteps: The Burke Family is of course best known for “Oooh Ooh Child”, but recorded a number of classy Chicago cuts on Curtis Mayfield‘s stable…
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Darkjive’s May 2011 Dance Card
Calendar of Events that Darkjive’s Ayana Contreras will be featured at. All are free and open to the public. Brown Sugar Marketplace @ Brown Sugar Bakery Friday May 6th, 5-8pm 328 East 75th Street, Chicago Featuring deep old school cuts by Ayana Contreras, The Marketplace has handmade jewelry, leatherwares, clothes, and more. Come for the caramel cake……
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