Groovin' Around Town For Pride ­
With lots of options for partying over Pride weekend, I rested up with a night in at home on Friday and then ventured to the far northside on Saturday night. My first stop was Mary's Attic for cocktails with friends while DJ Boom served up energetic beats. Then a huge surprise: right there on the Attic's stage the crowd was treated to a live music showcase featuring singers Rachel Panay, Jason Antone, Georgie Porgie, Ohsha Kai, and the one and only Pepper Mashay! Singing to backing tracks, each singer gave very spirited performances highlighted by Miss Mashay working the hell out of "Lost Yo Mind." This mini-concert coupled with the fact that I finally got to meet someone whom I've had a crush on for about 5 years - initials LW - made for a great start to my Pride weekend.

Next up on Saturday night: Jackhammer. The energy in the place was a bit strange initially but the eye candy standing around as well as playing pool was plentiful and pleasing. Then the "professional" dancers took to the stage, the music picked up, the place got more crowded, and us amateur dancers began gyrating on the dance floor: strange energy gone and fun Pride party energy present! I didn't make it downstairs to the basement, but my understanding is that those wishing for a more interactive nightclubbing experience were more than satisfied in the below ground space. <wink, wink>

I was supposed to go out gallivanting on Sunday night following a day of Parade watching and after-parade DJing at Cesar's on Broadway; however, yours truly had one too many Margaritas and thus was down for the count once I got home. Despite my absence, my peeps tell me that minibar was the place to be in Boystown with DJ Oskar spinning the KIIS 103.5 FM After-Party. Downtown's Club 720 with DJs Teri Bristol, Luis M, and Chris Eterno was the ultimate late night party destination as the former Cairo Nightclub space was jumping with Pride until close.

Cox in A Different Light ­
Superstar and platinum-selling recording artist Deborah Cox is back in our consciousness with a marvelous new effort called DESTINATION MOON (Decca). Straying away from her R&B/Dance music roots, this new CD has Cox reinterpreting the works of the legendary Queen of the Blues, Dinah Washington. Expertly tackling jazz, blues, and big band genres, Cox covers Washington's biggest hits such as "All of Me," "What A Difference A Day Makes," "Misery" and "This Bitter Earth." The talent that Cox possesses has long been lauded by fans and critics alike and DESTINATION MOON is further proof of her amazing abilities.

Shuffle. <Press Play>
There are two singles that you'll probably want to add to the playlist of the mp3 player. The first is "For Your Love" by Offer Nissim featuring Maya (Star 69). The Israeli Nissim has another dance hit on his hands and there are several mixes provided by the likes of Peter Rauhofer, Kobbe, Masi & Mello, and Manolo & Gold from which to choose. The other single you need to get is "So Far" by house music master Miguel Migs (Salted). This gets maximum play around the Boi offices with Freddie preferring the Original Album Version while I am all over the Joshua Heath Funky Hat Mix.

Panay: Part 2 ­
Dance music artist Rachel Panay sounded fabulous during her live p.a. at Mary's Attic and she sounds just as fabulous on her brand new CD: BACK TO LOVE (Music Plant / ACT2). It's a 15 track long-player filled with songs that brilliantly highlight the vocal strengths of this Berklee College of Music trained singer. The title track comes in two versions, including the Lounge Edit by remixer/producer extraordinaire Josh Harris. Don't sleep on Miss Panay as both she and her new CD are sure to make splashes.