Although the track was released in 1972 , it wasn’t until the summer of 1975 that I attended a house party where the record player was being manned by an older kid about 17 or 18 years old. Salsoul’s ” Tangerine” has just finished playing , and the dance floor ( the middle of someone’s living room ) was clearing when I first heard the song that would attach itself to a memory I would create that night. My first slow dance . At first it sounded like something my parents would hear at the time, Latin Music was something I only heard at adult parties, but slowly I saw many of the kids leading girls to the dance area and turning down the lights, after a minute or so only one girl remained and only one shy, introverted boy , looking awkwardly at each other knowing that by the process of elimination they were destined to be each others ” First Slow Dance”
The song was Suavecito by Malo a SanFrancisco group led by, Richard Bean, Arcelio Garcia and Jorge Santana brother of Carlos. The song was written by and sung by, Richard Bean. Abel Zarate and Pablo Tellez Fifty years later, the song is known the unofficial “Chicano national anthem.” although a couple of Cubans I know will tell you that for any kid growing up in Miami in the 70s ,it was our anthem too.
https://youtu.be/ZRzOfYyIIO4
Suavecito” is a song recorded by Malo in 1971. … Suavecito means “soft” or “smooth” in Spanish. The song has been called “The Chicano National Anthem.” The song became a hit in the U.S. (#18) and Canada (#14) during the spring of 1972.
DJ Alex Gutierrez ,Founder South Florida DJ Association Miami, Florida
It’s been 2 months, give or take, but to most DJs in the South Florida DJ Association it feels like 2 years since we played our last song in front of a real crowd. Many have been struggling with Facebook Live trying to connect with their audiences , but usually end up being blocked after 30 minutes . Elaborate Disclaimers abound , but are useless. No one saw this coming . Most full time DJs have no other source of income , and in a normal situation if gigs dry up you could always find a part time somewhere, but not now.
The guidelines are posted and available here Florida Guidlines . Bars and Nightclubs still can’t open and DJs are hurting badly. Dancing and large congregations on dance floors are prohibited . Bars are closing and the ones that are still open are re- evaluating on how they will hire entertainment in the future. on a posotive note, Dj entertainment will be a more affordable option , but Live acts will suffer as many stages are too small to allow for Social Distancing guidelines. Performers and gig workers appear to be on the bottom of the totem pole .Policy makers need to recognize that the nightlife industry is a livelihood for many. Meanwhile , desperate , Full time DJ / Entertainers that have enjoyed a steady income for many years are now scratching their heads , many going Live on Facebook ,asking for donations as their only source of generating some income.
According to one jock who Live Streams ( he did not want to be identified ) ” Most people send me about $5 , I make a total of about $30 to $45 on a half hour session. I don’t like to ask , I’m embarrassed , but I have no choice. At this point , I’ll take anything I can get. The $1200 from the government was a life saver , but it’s gone now. At the beginning of the year I had 2 to 3 steady gigs a week , now. nothing , with no hope in sight ”
Is the ” clubbing / bar ” public ready to go out again? Of course they are , but how safe do they feel interacting with other people they’ve been told to avoid for the last few months? The majority of the public seem to share health expert’s concerns. Once the restrictions are lifted and places begin to reopen, 71% of U.S. adults say they want to “wait to see what happens with the coronavirus before resuming” normal activities, 20% say they would go back to their normal lives right away , a 10% would wait indefinitely.
Legends of Vinyl , Hall of Fame DJ & Club owner Jimmie Elias , known to his friends as ” Jimmie E ” with two venues in South Florida describes his vision for the future of nightlife.
” One of the reasons we’ve been in business for over 50 years is the ability to adapt. This is no exception , and we’ve been working for the last month on both our venues to deliver a safe and clean environment for our clients. Of course we’re going to have to do things differently than before. ” says Elias , as I met with him during his remodeling at one of his locations “We are looking forward to showcasing South Florida’s finest DJs and acts , that have made The Club at Renaissance a South Florida entertainment landmark ,once we get the green light from local and state officials. We want to be an example and innovate ways that customers can enjoy themselves in a nightclub setting under these new guidelines. We are working very hard to accomplish this as soon as possible . Our customers are like family, and we’re going to take care of them ”
DJ Jessica Lam comments on the restrictions placed on our industry at the moment.
” I know this is tough news for us. But these are difficult times and we have to take the proper precautions to prevent the spread of disease. This Pandemic has taken 100’s of thousands of lives. I know we may think it wouldn’t happen to us, but it can and it will if we’re not cautious. In places around the world that they allowed bars and clubs to reopen, there has been a spike in cases of COVID 19. Reopening the world has to be slow and mindful. Tough news for us, but the world has changed and the new normal will change. Be patient; be creative; reinvent yourselves”
It is essential for the DJs to stay connected to their audiences during this difficult time. Facebook and Instagram postings remind your followers , that you are still there. Facebook Live Mixing is a hit or miss and not legal. Mixcloud has introduced a new paid service that allows DJs to go Live , legally. Communicate with the venues that give you work on a regular basis. Ask if there is anything you can do to help them , they’ve supported you , now it’s your turn. We all want to get back to work , once things open up I anticipate the competition will be fierce . Gigs will be ” Gold” and DJs will be more aggressive than ever to secure them.
Juan de Dios Ventura Soriano better known as Johnny Ventura or “El Caballo Johnny Ventura”, a popular Dominican singer and band leader who also served as vice mayor of Santo Domingo from 1994 to 1998, and as mayor of Santo Domingo from 1998 to 2002 was admitted to the Center for Advanced Medicine , in the Dominican Republic, after suffering a fall at his home he washospitalized, tand underwent a test of coronavirus (COVID-19) after presenting cold symptoms. The test was positive.
Ventura who is under intensive care and under observation, declared that t he is stable and is able to breathe without having to resort to supplemental oxygen.
Manu Dibango died Tuesday after contracting the Coronavirus, representatives of the artist have confirmed.
Dibango was 86 from Cameroon, and was best known to Disco fans all over the world for his 1972 hit “Soul Makossa” which can still be heard at clubs and stations here in South Florida.
It was written in Duala , a native dialect from Cameroon. ,The track is best known for the repetitive phrase “ma-mako, ma-ma-sa, mako-mako ssa”, which was adapted and used in songs by many prominent artists, such as Michael Jackson‘s “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’” from his album Thriller (1982) ( Dibango sued Jackson over the uncredited interpolation, winning an out of court settlement. ) and Rihanna‘s hit single “Don’t Stop the Music” from Good Girl Gone Bad (2007) (the complaint was deemed inadmissible) .
He died early this morning( tuesday March 24, 2020) in a hospital in the Paris region.
Our good friend Marlon Mendioroz has been producing quality music for many years. His latest production “Para Olvidar” is no exception , this time embracing and masterfully executing the Bacahta style. Marlon’s voice and emotional subject matter immediately draws the listener into the song. DJs will welcome the ease into which this track can be incorporated into a night of Latin programming with no previous audience exposure to the track. On several occasions I just played it and it was well received, as well as giving me a warm and fuzzy feeling that I was helping promote a local Miami Artist. SFDJA MEMBERS PM Leo Perez for your copy Help us promote this new track. Thanks
Our business depends on our interaction with people, making a positive impression is crucial and not only with our music and mixing skills. Every one wants to know the DJ. When they see us at our clubs ,at our events on the street they all want to acknowledge you as their buddy. The current climate , has many of us on edge, especially since we are constantly interacting with our public, the ones that come out and make us look good. We must now step back and evaluate every aspect of our DJ routine.
The Coronavirus,is a respiratory illness, that has infected thousands of people across the world. The outbreak began in China, but the virus has emerged in several countries, including the United States, as it has continued to spread. Fear of the spreading the virus has led many people to consider abandoning niceties and recommending against handshakes or physical contact.
Hand to hand Contact can transfer germs that can cause disease, such as respiratory infections like colds or the flu. It appears by some studies that have been conducted that “fist bumps” reduces the amount of bacteria that transfers from person to person, because of the smaller surface area and shorter amount of time the hands are in contact. A person with NO symptoms may be shedding the virus and could make others sick.
Coronavirus can remain infectious on in animate surfaces at room temperature for up to 9 days. The virus tends to live longer in colder, more humid conditions. Controllers, Headphones, Microphones, even laptop keyboards all are surfaces where the virus could potentially live, sharing those now come with an added liability, our clients use our microphones and then hand them back so we can announce ” The Buffet line is open” DJ friend forgets his Headphones , the girl that hands you their iphone. The scenarios are endless. New procedures must be implemented in our routines during set up and breakdown. We now must be aware about potential forms of transmission without appearing to over-react, Drink glasses left on our subs, must be handled differently than before. Holding purses and coats, phones for guests. Singers and musicians handling your wireless mics.
So, how do we greet our clients , our fans, fellow music industry professionals? Avoiding complete physical contact in my opinion is an option for now . Let them know you are being cautious and not rude although” Fist Bumping” can seem awkward or inappropriate in certain situations. Someone who is coughing and sneezing close to you is more likely to infect you . The standard Handshake is part of doing business, especially with older people. You can’t ( or shouldn’t ) fist bump or High Five a 75 year old lady contracting you for $7,000 gala at a prestigious hotel although the way things are going everything may change in the near future, with cases on the rise.
AJ Falcon member of the South Florida DJ Association say ” It will be business as usual , but with heightened precautions such as having hand sanitizer more available , interchangeable foam microphone windscreens. Respect personal space. I would not stop shaking hands. This form of greeting is essential, particularly in the latin community”
Because there are no specific treatments for COVID-19, many experts are focusing on prevention. Basically, clean everything ! Agents, including hydrogen peroxide, ethanol, and sodium hypochlorite (a chemical in bleach), can all inactivate corona-viruses.
A good DJ Prevention kit could contain the following;
Hand Sanitizer ( Any Brand) Some DJs are even custom labeling their own bottles to hand out
Once a Upon a Time. A Donna Summers Celebration performance by her sister Mary Gaines Bernard at the Renaissance Ballroom Miami
Jimmie Elias better know to his friends as “Jimmie E Disco” he has kept the dance Music of the 70s and early 80s alive since his first DJ job in the mid 70s at a popular Miami teen Club ” Salon Azul” . Club owner, concert promoter, radio personality everyone knows Jimmy. On Saturday February 29, 2020 Jimmy opened the doors at his luxury event venue The Renaissance Ballroom in Miami. (A Gerard Bernard, Jimmie Elias & Luis Mario #Legendsofvinyl Production.) With the participation of such groups as The Legends of Vinyl, Share Your Heart, Magic Waste Youth Foundation, Love by LOV and Havana Roasters the concert sold out within a week after being announced.
Bernard was born in Boston and her parents, Andrew and Mary Gaines, raised their 6 children as devout Christians. In 1978 Bernard, along with sister Dara, and Carlena Williams formed the group, Sunshine. They produced a song(Take It To The Zoo) featured on the soundtrack for the movie, Thank God It’s Friday, She sang background on several of Donna’s songs.Her sister LaDonna Adrian Gaines ( Donna Summer) passed om May 17, 2012
The standing room only concert opened with one of Donna’s biggest hit ” McArthur Park” as Mary stepped on the stage. In my opinion this was one of Donna’s toughest songs for any vocalist to tackle, it was impressive how Mary held the notes, sustaining them with great power, tone and control . The audience knew they were in for a treat and the rest of the night did not disappoint. The live band delivered on all levels sounding like the actually recordings, a feat many live ensembles cannot achieve. The show wrapped up with , of course ” Last Dance” which brought every one out of their seats to the dance floor. The up close and personal approach that Elias has taken in presenting Mary Gaines Bernard was applauded by all the attendees. ” This was an experience I will never forget. Donna would be proud of her sister , her performance was impeccable .” said Betty Rasse a life long Donna Summer fan who has attended many of her concerts . Immediately following the concert Jimmie and Luis Mario took to the turntables for an energetic Disco Classic set that kept the crowd dancing late into the night. ” Miami is ready for more artists in this intimate setting and we thank Jimmie Elias for providing us with such a great venue and concert” DJ Alex Gutierrez
Local Disco fans with Jimmie EliasJimmie E Disco mixing it up to a full houseLuis Mario played some great classics the crowd loved !Making things go smooth behind the scenesWho is that in the Audience?
It started as a small idea, that has quickly become a major and influential festival for the LGBTQ community. a huge block party-style festival featuring live music, DJs, food trucks, fashion shows, a doggie village, in Little Havana from 17ave to 14ave. This year’s performers were Grammy and Emmy award-winning artist Albita, along with Lucy Grau, Pepper Mashay, Son Lokos, Nic N Taya, Robbie Elias, DJ Alex Gutierrez and internationally acclaimed DJ Abel of the Rosabel duo. Gay 8 also features free movies at the historic Tower theater , cultural programming, dance parties, the Best Miami Sandwich Competition, fashion shows,and much more. Founder of the South Florida DJ Association and Veteran Miami DJ , Alex Gutierrez was on the Main Stage and recounts his experience with the Festival.
DJ Alex Gutierrez : ” The LGBTQ community has always been an influential presence and inspiration for Djs such as myself that grew up during the Disco years. Many of the first clubs I went to were predominantly Gay clubs here in South Florida , The Warehouse on 8 street, The Windward at the beach, The Copa in Ft. Lauderdale. Uncle Charlies here in Miami. It is here that I secretly went to DJ school as a young 15 year old aspiring DJ ,listening to Master DJs such as Bill Kelly, Bobby Viteritti and Bob Lombardi who’s mixing style and floor control would forever shape the way I would play music to crowds.”
The Live performers and dancers were a cross section of our city from the ” Timba” sounds of of Nic N’Taya and Sonlokos ( with their very special guest Leslie Cartaya) to our very own Lucy Grau who has magically transformed many Disco Classics into Salsa Classics and a favorite artist of all the DJs in the South Florida DJ Association. and of course superstar Albita who closed out the event with a Bang !!
DJ Alex Gutierrez : “This is my 3rd year here at the festival. There is a palpable sense of unity and peace with people from all walks of life , that would be difficult to find anywhere else. Open arms and smiles are around every corner, to me it’s the Miami I grew up with, and music has always been a part of our daily life here in South Florida. I try to incorporate a variety of styles in my programming , it’s an extremely diverse group . You can tell they love and feel the music as I do. It’s a very satisfying experience as a DJ to see these crowds react. I hope to be a part of this Family for a very long time. I thank Damian Pardo and Jonathan Casanas for the opportunity to be a part of this ground breaking festival. If you missed it this year, Be there in 2021!! “
“Gay 8 is an invitation to all South Floridians and International Visitors to come to Little Havana for the “Fiesta” of a lifetime.”
Countless number of Freestyle artists have tried to unsuccessfully reinvent themselves with ” new” material that comes across forced and artificial , with laughable results and No support from Djs . Stevie B is that rare exception . His new track ” When Your Heart is Calling” could have been a radio hit back when he started in 1988. With this track he doesn’t attempt to re-invent, instead he reaffirms his status as the Most Influential Freestyle artist to come out of that era, hopefully setting an example for other artists who might attempt to record new material.
The track uses Cybertron’s ” 1983 hit ” Clear” as a the music bed for this single , Stevie bounces and pops lyrically just the way he did on his previous material. Fans of Freestyle music will not be disappointed as this is the ” Real Deal”. Djs will be able to feed this track to audiences slipping it in their sets with no complaints from the dance floor. I’m hoping he might release another Freestyle version but with original music, but for now this , in my opinion is one of the Best ” New” original songs released by an artist of that era. The cut can be found on his new lp ” The Best of Life”
We “ exposed” our audiences to Donny Benet at one of our shows here in Miami about a year ago. We’ve discovered that when we present new music to our audiences , it should be audio only, as videos seem to taint and influence negatively songs that otherwise would be well received. “ Konichiwa” ( 2017) from Donny Benet’s LP “ The Don ” was totally the opposite. The video sparked an immediate interest in this Sydney based solo recording artist, whose musical inspirations are obvious in his unique style , which borrows heavily from Italo Disco, and R&B from the 80s. “Konichiwa ” is an ultra-smooth track , sung in a whisper style, over a 4 on the Floor Disco/Soul beat, complete with a very sexy sax solo. A perfect video to introduce you to Donny’s cool , underdog persona. The burning sax player is my favorite aside from the suit. And No, he’s not that “porno guy”
