"And that's a wrap!" --
Putting the finishing touches on Fireball 2005, the Hearts Foundation recently had a double-header of events with their Gala at the Notebaert Nature Museum on May 12 and then Fireball Appreciation Party at Circuit on May 14. The Gala had a delicious spread, plenty of drinks, and presentations from this year's very worthy recipients of the proceeds raised from Fireball. The dance party at Circuit with DJ Kimberly S providing the music was a fun-filled gathering of the many volunteers who helped make the 2005 edition of Fireball a rousing success.
IML/Memorial Day Weekend Options. Lots of them! --
With all the men and women of leather in town, there are plenty of opportunities this Memorial Day weekend to shake your groove things. An early start to the weekend is suggested as Deep Dish (Sharam to be specific) will be at Sound-Bar. DJ Lydia Prim highlights Friday night with her appearance at Hydrate while Saturday night explodes with homegrown talent turning it out. Halsted Street fave Chris Eterno does it all proper like at Spin; Ralphi Rosario is at the controls at Hydrate; and Circuit has a huge event with DJ Hugo, a bunch of porn stars, and lots of merriment. Sunday starts off with the Hearts Foundation's annual Hot Tea at Entourage with DJ Paulo and ends with the IML Victory Party at the House of Blues with DJ Bill Bennett. The exhausting weekend comes to an end with DJ Matthew Harvat spinning the Black & Blue Ball at Excalibur.
At Ontourage (Hot Tea)
Escaping The City? --
The summer season kicks off in Saugatuck, Michigan over the Memorial Day weekend with the Dunes Resort in full operation. Amy and Freddy will be presenting their live musical magic up in the Cabaret and the likes of DJs Wendy Hunt, Don Bishop, and Mark Vallese will be handling dance floor duty. The after-hours Farm Party is on Saturday night, May 28, with DJ John Olson.At Dunes Resort
Shameless Plug --
After you recover from your Memorial Day weekend of partying, drop by the Museum of Contemporary Art on June 4 for the Pride Edition of First Fridays. This event is being co-hosted by the Center on Halsted and yours truly will be the DJ. For more info go to www.mcachicago.org.
Filling the CD Tray
For your listening pleasure, here are 5 CDs that I believe should be in current heavy rotation in your home, car, and personal portable music device.
Verve Remixed 3 Various Artists (Verve)
Three years ago when the first Verve Remixed compilation was released no one could have imagined its popularity and wide acceptance. The reinvigoration of jazz songs - from the famous Verve recording label - by electronica remixers made for an appealing collection music. This third installment in the series features songs originally recorded by artists such as Billie Holiday, Sarah Vaughan, Nine Simone, Anita O'Day, and Dinah Washington. The interesting cast of remixers this time around includes Junior Boys, Carl Craig, Adam Freeland, Danger Mouse, and Sugardaddy (comprised of Tim Hutton and Groove Armada's Tom Findlay).
Remixed Compilation
First Time Offer Nissim (Star 69)
One of the most famous DJs is Israel, Offer Nissim has followed up several successful remix projects and dance single releases with this, his debut artist album. First Time features dance floor hits "Searching" and "That's The Way I Like It," showcase tracks for both Nissim's creative talent and and the unique vocal stylings of Israeli singer Maya.
Waiting For The Sirens' Call - New Order (Warner Bros.)
Proving just how versatile they really are, New Order truly impresses with their new CD, Waiting For The Sirens' Call. Strong from beginning to end, the CD has eleven songs with influences as diverse as electro, rock, dancehall, and punk. The members of New Order have been around a long time and while other long-term veterans of the pop music scene have seemingly been resting on their laurels, these guys just keep getting better.New Order
Now What Lisa Marie Presley (Capitol)
The King's daughter is out to prove that she has her own unique sound and original voice and with Now What she has me convinced. This is her second CD and Presley gives a gritty rock vocal performance throughout, displaying the attributes of a genuine artist underneath the high-quality production aspects. This is quite a good CD and one that deserves your attention
Africanism: Volume 3 mixed by Bob Sinclair (Tommy Boy)
If you desire dance music heavy on bass beats and funky rhythms, then legendary French DJ/producer Bob Sinclair is your man and Africanism 3 is the CD for you. Sinclair has combined his passion for African music with his contemporary knowledge of the global dance music scene to present a creative mix if 16 tracks, all but one of which were produced expressly for this album. While there have been recent echoes from many quarters that dance music is in trouble, fresh, innovative and captivating music such as that found on this CD tell a different story.
DJ Plez is the Music Editor of ChicagoPride.com. He DJs throughout the Midwest and has a residency at PUMP! in Milwaukee, WI.
