Author: GO BANG MAG
Our record label is created to give artists an opportunity to work with a label that allows YOU to have some say in what happens with YOUR music and how YOUR BRAND brand is marketed.
Contacts: Khrissie “First Lady” Hutchinson / Hugo “DJ Hugo H” Hutchinson
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK @Kreative Kontrol Music
Born and raised on the South Side of Chicago, FIRST LADY, (Khrishna Lynese Henderson-Hutchinson), is a Radio/ Television personality, Educator, Spokesperson, Mentor, Billboard Award winning Radio Music and Radio Programmer. An International and pioneer DJ, the FIRST Female DJ to play House Music on the radio, and she was also a member of the FIRST ALL FEMALE House Music DJ team (The Fantastic Four) as well the first female mixer on Chicago radio, (WGCI-FM 107.5 in 1986).
First Lady, or Khrissie “Hott Mixx” Henderson as she was known then, is also one of the first females to record a house record, (used by: DJ MKII, DJ International Records 1986) and with almost 40 years of experience in the broadcast communications and music industry, First Lady has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, as well as, the top radio markets New York (WBLS-FM, KISS-FM and HOT 97 FM), Chicago (106 Jams, WGCI-FM and WVAZ-FM) claiming #1 shows in both cities, as well as large markets Milwaukee (V100 FM) and Indianapolis (WTLC AM/FM).
First Lady began her professional radio career at Chicago’s FIRST 24 hour Rap Music station WJPC 950AM Rap Radio as the night time host, then doing co-hosting mornings on Chicago’s First Hip Hop and R&B Station WJPC-FM 106 JAMZ on the Strictly Street Morning Show. From 1995 -1998 First Lady co-hosted one of Chicago’s most successful urban male/female evening radio duos to date: Rick Party and First Lady on WGCI-FM 107.5. In 1998 First Lady accepted a position in New York City as co-host of the Isaac Hayes and Friend Morning Show on WRKS-FM 98.7. She then moved to New York’s “1 Hip Hop and R&B station HOT 97”. Later she accepted a position legendary station WBLS-FM 107.5 where she hosted the evening show and a Friday night mix show with Hip Hop Legend Grandmaster Flash.
In 2010, her leadership as Program Director for “WTLC-AM 1310 The Light” received The Stellar Award and Gospel Music Award Station of the Year in a Large Market. She was also the recipient of the 2006 Billboard Hip Hop and R&B Award for APD/Music Director of the Year and in 2011 she was ranked #17 on the list of “The Top 30 Black Women in Media” by Radio Facts. In November of 1995, while attending Chicago State University, First Lady served as the 1st Program Director for student run WCSU Radio station.
In 2015, First Lady was inducted into “The Frankie Knuckles Lifetime Achievement Award DJ Hall of Fame” by The Chosen Few DJs, as well as, accepted a position at The Illinois Media School-Chicago Campus as a Radio Faculty Advisor/Instructor and station consultant. She has served as a Spokesperson and Brand Ambassador for the American Dairy Association during the Indiana State Fair from 2008 to 2012. In 2012 she also served on the Radio Advisory Board for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
First Lady has also been involved with numerous prestigious brands and organizations known throughout the world: Super Bowl Gospel, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 100 Black Men, Girls Scouts of America, The American Dairy Association, Amsterdam Dance Music Festival (ADE), The Indiana Black Expo, Circle City Classic, Chicago House Music Day, The Hot Mix 5 Music Festival, Chicago Girls Rock (City of Chicago), Soul Train Impact, Global Mixx Conferences and The Hot Mix 5 just to name a few. She is currently CEO/Label Owner Kreative Kontrol Music, Faculty Advisor, Radio Station Consultant and Instructor at the Illinois Media School Chicago Campus,Co-Founder of the Living HerStory Music Series, Programming Consultant for London based streaming station, SG1 SOUL and is currently the Program Director/Midday Personality and Mixer for one of Chicago’s newest radio stations, 95.1FM (Club Steppin’).
First Lady and her husband, DJ pioneer Hugo H., recently teamed up to create a husband and wife DJ duo called “The Love Team.” They can be heard every Thursday and Friday night on www.sg1house.com and every Saturday night from on www.sg1radio.co.uk bringing the The sound of Chicago to the UK.
GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you first get started as a DJ, and what did you like about it?
First Lady: I actually started because I was dating a DJ and I realized that the way to his heart was through his hobbies. I started asking questions about the technique of blending two records together. He showed me, and I was hooked. The ability to take two songs and smoothly transition from one into the other, while keeping both songs on beat, was so interesting to me. I wanted to learn all I could about it.
GO BANG! Magazine: Once you decided that you wanted to pursue DJ’ing as a career, why did you want to make the transition to Radio?
First Lady: I really didn’t decide to have DJ’ing as a career. It was just something I truly enjoyed doing. I wanted to go into television/film. The opportunity to be on the radio came from a challenge. One day I was talking with Farley, who was known as Farley “Funkin” Keith at the time, I asked him why there weren’t any females DJ’ing on the radio. He said “Make me a tape.” I did, and the rest is history.
My dad was the person that introduced me to radio when I was about five years old. He was part of Herb Kent’s “Electric Crazy People” on WVON. They were best friends. I didn’t actually get hit by the radio bug until I was DJ’ing on WGCI-FM. I was an acting student at Columbia College. Bonnie DeShong was my teacher. She told me that since I already had my foot in the radio door, I should pursue it. I was already interning in the Programming department. That is where my love for radio began.
GO BANG! Magazine: While pursuing your DJ/Radio career, you broke down a lot of barriers that were up against women. You were literally the “first lady.” Please describe to our readers how you felt at the time, when you were trailblazing a path for women in DJ’ing and in Radio.
First Lady: At the time, I didn’t think about trailblazing. My focus was on doing what I wanted to do. I never considered the historical or pioneering aspect of it. I wanted to DJ on the radio, so I focused on that. It wasn’t until years later that I realized the significance of it.
Regarding being an on-air personality, I was standing on the shoulders of greats like Yvonne Daniels, Chilli Childs, Irene Mojica, Bonnie DeShong, AJ Parker, Carla Box, Veronique, Shirley Hayes and many others. It was the strength that I gathered from them, that helped me hold my own in the Rap Radio area. Although I started my on air career at WKKC-FM, it was WJPC 950 AM Rap Radio that I began to really stand strong and represent for females in the early days of radio, in that genre of the industry.
GO BANG! Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House music, you are recognized as the first female DJ to play House music on the radio. You were also one of the first women to record a House record. What influence, if any, do you feel you have had on DJs, Radio, and House. Also, how has House influenced you?
First Lady: As for an influence, you would have to ask those that came up listening to me. I would hope that I was a strong, talented and entertaining radio personality/DJ/artist that made them want to do what I was doing. Not just because I made it seem fun, but because I showed them that it was attainable for them. House music, Disco, R&B and Italo continues to be the soundtrack to my life. I have taken it with me and shared it with every person I have met around the country and world. It is the sound that keeps the world moving in the direction of love, peace and happiness.
GO BANG! Magazine: I have personally witnessed you participating in several community events and student mentor programs. Why is it important for you to give back to the community?
First Lady: I see it as paying it forward. We are all a part of a larger village. I feel a responsibility to share my experiences with those starting or moving through their journey. We all have a higher calling on our lives, a purpose driven life, a gift that we have been given, and we must share it. Community outreach and mentoring programs are the ways I choose to contribute.
GO BANG! Magazine: In the past, female DJs were more of a novelty, and not taken as serious as their male counterparts. Do you think that image has changed and why or why not?
First Lady: WOW, that’s kind of a loaded question. I say that because my experiences are different from other female Djs. When I started, I was fortunate to have male DJs that were willing to assist with my growth and development within the craft. I am blessed to still have that solid foundation of support from many of my male DJ brothers.
Regarding the sexism and boys club, yes it still exists. As women, we still encounter that in many ways in life, not just music. I encourage my sisters to learn the rules of engagement, focus on the craft, their skills, brand, business sense, and publishing. Most of all, remember their worth and never being afraid to stand on what they bring to the table.
GO BANG! Magazine: You were a pioneering member of the first ALL FEMALE DJ team in Chicago named “The Fantastic Four.” In 2015, DJ SolKat established “The Queens of House Picnic.” How does it feel to see the seeds that you planted years ago, currently sprouting and prospering in the House community?
First Lady: She and I actually spoke when she first started planning to move forward on her dream. Of course I was in total support. I was asked to play at the inaugural QOH Picnic, as well as the three that followed. I continue to be in support of the platform she has created. Yes, I feel proud to see the growth, from where the Fantastic Four started in the mid 80’s, up until now. The number of female DJs across the word still makes me smile.
GO BANG! Magazine: Please tell our readers about your husband Hugo “DJ Hugo H” Hutchinson.
First Lady: I am not only married to a DJ, but he is also my business partner and best friend. Although we both started DJ’ing, for me at 13 and for him at 12, we have known each other since we were 18 and 19, but we had never played together. It wasn’t until the summer of 2015, at a house music festival called “3 Yards Bangin,” that we first played together. A year later, we teamed up under the name of “The Love Team” and began playing together.
#TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork. We are currently the only husband and wife both inducted into the DJ Hall Of Fame (Me, Class of 2015, Hugo H., Class of 2018) at the Chosen Few Picnic.
GO BANG! Magazine: There are several DJ’s out there with mad skills. Which do you personally like, and which ones would you love to DJ with?
First Lady: I have played with so many over the years. I can’t say I have a favorite because all of my sisters are special. They all bring their own magic to the craft. Each one of them tells their own story when they play. I enjoy hearing them all. If you really listen to what is being played, the way it is being played, and when it is played, you will have an appreciation for who is playing it.
GO BANG! Magazine: You are currently the Program Director/Midday Personality and Mixer, for 95.1FM., in Chicago. Where do you want to take the station, programming wise, in the future?
First Lady: 95.1FM Chicago is an amazing station. We have only been on air since August 2019 and have created such a noise in the industry. As Program Director, I can say the overall goal is to provide the most entertaining, educating and uplifting station possible for the Chicagoland area and those listening via our 95.1FM Chicago app.
As the Midday personality, I work hard to bring relief to those working hard each weekday. I do that with great music and just being a co-worker the listener can relate to. I am most proud that we have brought local radio back to the market. We represent the lifestyle of Chicago, playing music of many genres, (R&B, Disco, Steppers, House, Jazz, Blues, Motown, Funk and Rap). We are the first station to have the current Mayor, Lori E. Lightfoot, as a member of our On-Air family every Wednesday with “The Mayor’s Minute.” We also have Grammy Nominated Artist “The Prince Of Sophisticated Soul” Will Downing, along with Chicago’s favorite radio veterans, Ramonski Luv (Luv In The Morning Show), Troi Tyler, Bonnie DeShong, AJ Parker, Gachelle Coffey and Gene Phillips, as well as The Legendary Steppers DJ Sam Chatman and House Music Pioneer DJ’s Hugo H. and Brian Frazier and the new generation DJ K- Blaze. I am proud of every member of our team. By the way, the station is owned by Tracey V. Bell, who is a Black Woman… #TrueBlackGirlMagic
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to being a DJ and Radio Personality, you are also a successful businesswoman. Please introduce our readers to your company Kreative Kontrol Music.
First Lady: Kreative Kontrol Music as a label was created by me and my husband Hugo H. We want to give artists an opportunity to work with a label that would allow them to have some say in what happens with their music and how their brand is marketed. The music business is just that, a business. It is important that artist have that understanding.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
First Lady: COVID-19 has brought the entire world to almost a complete stand still. I am dealing with it on a day to day basis. Some days are extremely stressful. I worry about the well-being of my family more so than myself. My mother lives in Las Vegas and my dad lives in New York. We worry about our daughters as well, even though they are grown, (Khumare 29, Ciah 26 and Kristyn 24). Regardless to what is happening in my personal life, I get up every day and face whatever comes my way. I greet my listeners with a smile. I hope they can see it through the radio. I do my best to bring sunshine into their day. Music is truly a healer and I present it for that purpose.
YOU CAN FOLLOW FIRST LADY ON FB, IG, TWITTER, YOUTUBE, SNAPCHAT, MIXCLOUD, SOUNDCLOUD & TWITCH @ilovefirstlady
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, and on Instagram
PHOTO CREDIT: Billy Hess
After purchasing Precision Pressing a vinyl-plant in Chicago, Larry Sherman soon meet DJ /producers Jesse Saunders and Vince Lawrence In 1984, a couple of ambitious kids with one thing on their mind, getting their music pressed on vinyl.
One of the first artists signed by TRAX Rachel Cain – known as Screamin Rachael became -the first house artist to have a major label deal when she signed to Teldec in Germany which was owned by Universal. Her continued belief and work with the TRAX label through the years helped to promote and propel classics like “Can You Feel It” by Larry Heard, “Acid Tracks” by Phuture, “No Way Back” by Adonis, and “Move Your Body” by Marshall Jefferson. These tracks, and others such as My Main Man and Rock Me, by Cain herself helped to propel the revolution that is known as house music today.
Screamin Rachael was instrumental in helping spread the House sound to New York City and eventually to Europe. In 1987, she recorded “Fun with Bad Boys” with her friend and mentor, Bronx-born DJ/producer Afrika Bambaataa, who is widely regarded as the Godfather of Hip Hop. This track helped launch the “Hip House” sound.
Today, Rachael Cain has been dubbed “the Queen of House Music” and is the owner and President of TRAX LTD. She also produces Movies and soundtracks with talented director Eric Rivas, which are distributed by Sony Orchard. You can currently see The Vamp Bikers Trilogy on most digital platforms. Since she took over the label in 2000, House Music has continued to thrive within the mainstream pop culture. Popular artists of today, such as Kanye and Drake, are using samples from TRAX Records singles more regularly. MTV also used samples from TRAX artists in their national TV commercials. And DJ/producer David Guetta, who caught major fire from House fans worldwide for being dubbed the “Godfather of House Music” admits that his favorite song and initial inspiration was “Love Can’t Turn Around” on TRAX.
Rachael commented, “I’m not here to make fun of Guetta as some House fans do. I appreciate his passion for House and his promotion of it, and some of his own great music. Everyone can be House, as long as the originators like Frankie Knuckles, Jesse Saunders, Ron Hardy, Robert Owens, and others are recognized.”
On November 30th, 2018 Screamin Rachael removes all doubt about where House Music originated by releasing her new track called “I am House”, a collaboration with legendary DJ producer Joe Smooth. Her single features lyrics Rachael wrote about the House Music lifestyle and what House means to its fans.
In the end, the Queen of House rules with compassion and gratitude for House fans. She says, “We at TRAX thank you and REALLY APPRECIATE your continued support.”
Long may she reign!
GO BANG! Magazine: Where were you born and raised and how did you become involved in the House community?
Rachael Cain: I’m from Chicago and proud of it! My affiliation with House music started with my original mentor / manager Jay B. Ross aka “The Rappin’ Lawyer.” RIP. He represented James Brown and was the “go to” attorney in Chicago for music. Vince Lawrence’s father was looking for a female vocalist to sing “Fantasy” and JB introduced me, even though I was a punk rocker at the time. “Fantasy” became the first recorded house record. When it got released after “On and On,” which was the first on vinyl, it surprised us all by going Pop radio! Spin Magazine said it sounded like Blondie on a beat box budget.
GO BANG! Magazine: TRAX LTD is a pioneering record company that was founded in 1984 in Chicago, by Larry Sherman. The label was instrumental in the early days of House music by pressing original Chicago house songs on vinyl. How did you become affiliated with TRAX?
Rachael Cain: I started working with Vince Lawrence and Jesse Saunders and we met the designated adult of the movement, Larry Sherman. He owned a vinyl pressing plant in Bridgeport and BANG! TRAX was born and the House revolution was on!
GO BANG! Magazine: After working and being label mates with so many artists over the years, are there any other artists, current or classic, that you would love to work with?
Rachael Cain: I’m blessed to be working with great TRAX artists. Since Joe Smooth has always been one of my favorite people, we will continue working together! We’ve done a number of great projects including “I AM House” and our collab with George Clinton “Our House Is Funkdified.”
LA Williams played me his new stuff “Analog 87” with Manny Cuevas aka DJ TRAXXX, and I was knocked out! I’m really excited to be working with him! Wait until you hear what we’ve got cooking! Marcus Mixx has really been a blessing to work with. He makes me laugh and doesn’t take himself seriously. That takes me back to when we started all this, because both of us are big kids. Someone I haven’t recorded with yet, although I’ve toured with, is Robert Owens. I LOVE HIM!
GO BANG! Magazine: Unfortunately, early last month Larry Sherman recently “got his wings.” He was TRAX Records and meant so much to so many people. Please describe what Larry Sherman meant to you.
Rachael Cain: Larry Sherman’s passing is indeed a great loss to the world of music. He was a quirky genius.
I was talking to our original vinyl distributor Walter of CW Paas the other day, and he reminded me that back when we all started out, Larry had the ears. People in the industry really didn’t understand our music at all. Major labels had no clue of what to do with us, and for the most part, weren’t interested anyway. So, I’d say the House genre would not have been amplified without Larry.
There’s no doubt that what happened at TRAX was groundbreaking. None of us were really sophisticated about business, including him, but somehow we’ve made it here and without a doubt, Sherman was the man behind it. He believed in me and gave me a chance to learn the ropes. Even though we didn’t always agree, the fact that he was an artist himself gave us a kind of simpatico. It was destiny for us to meet and I’m grateful to God that this has all happened. I’ll miss him…
GO BANG! Magazine: Please explain to our readers who owns and manages TRAX LTD now, and what the company plans are for the future.
Rachael Cain: I’ve been President of TRAX Ltd for a number of years. There is quite a history to be told about the evolution of the label. The real story is stranger than any fiction you can imagine. To quote Patrick Moxey, the President of all Electronic music at Sony, “If you were to write the most unbelievable story about a label, it would be the TRAX story.”
While Larry’s health was declining, thankfully we came together with Rights Incorporated out of the UK. Greg Roselli, from that firm, was a young lawyer just out of law school when he came to work for Jay B. Ross, TRAX’s original attorney. So, I believe that Jay had a hand in bringing harmony to us before Sherman’s passing. Unfortunately, Larry died during this terrible pandemic, but before he did, we talked about doing everything we could to get royalties owed paid to the classic artists and organize TRAX to bring about the greatness we know can be achieved by the label. There are things in motion that can’t be discussed yet because of legal matters, which I believe will clarify some of the controversy surrounding Larry Sherman, so that his legacy will be vindicated.
GO BANG! Magazine: There may be someone reading this interview wondering if TRAX Records is currently signing any new artists to the label. If they have a song or several songs of the House genre, what should they do to get their music to you to be considered?
Rachael Cain: We are always looking for new artists, so if there are readers interested in submitting music, they can connect with us through our website http://www.traxrecords.net
GO BANG! Magazine: Are you working on anything new that you would like our readers to be on the lookout for?
Rachael Cain: The most exciting chapter at TRAX Records is happening right now! We are working with many new artists and on lots of very exciting projects, including TRAX Network.
Last year, the Chicago Reader did a cover story on Marcus Mixx: (https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/marcus-mixx-shannon-house-head-studios-trax-gallegos-puppies/Content?oid=68571649)
Leor Galil contacted me about him because Marcus worked at TRAX years back. I remember walking down Broadway in New York thinking, “I’ve got to find Marcus,” who was homeless at the time. I have always loved his music and he and I have shared an interest in producing underground television for years. You can watch our show TRAX TV on channel 25 in Chicago. Once again God blessed me! We had a small team in Chicago, just me and my partner Mark Suchocki. So, adding Marcus made the secret sauce. He was the missing ingredient.
We have great new artists around the world. Jason Chaos is holding things down in New York, along with DJ Elmo, and Sasha Barbot. We came together through director Eric Rivas, who we’ve completed four films, with soundtracks by TRAX Records. You can see “The Vamp Bikers Trilogy” on Amazon Prime and a number of digital platforms. “Japanese Borscht” is complete and ready to go into distribution. Our new movie “The Duke of York” takes place during Covid, and is in production right now. We are distributed by 1091 Entertainment, and all of our movies have notable actors, as well as personalities, including myself, Michael Musto, Angel Salazar, Apache Ramos, Lillo Brancato and Ron Jeremy. Mickey Rourke is in talks for our latest film. We’ve got DJ Matt Black in the UK, who is also part of the TRAX family. I love his new cut featuring Eric B Turner “Put Your Stank on it.” There’s Kynt out of New Orleans, Chris Jones, ProOne79, Alfrenk, Blurred, and others. My new single “Jack Me Up, Jack Me Down” produced by Marcus Mixx, was just released last week and my EP “ACIDIC” comes out on Mother’s Day.
GO BANG! Magazine: You’re aka “Screamin Rachael”, an original TRAX artist. Please explain your music style and your contribution to House music.
Rachael Cain: As one of the original TRAX artists known as Screamin’ Rachael, when people ask me about that name, all I can say is that when I walk into the room, I’m screamin’ without even saying a word! My style is whatever I feel, with influences of punk, rap, blues, and rock.
My contribution has been since the beginning with “Fantasy,” “Fun With Bad Boys,” “My Main Man,” “Rock Me,” “One Day” and many other cuts included on several albums, as well as lots of singles. All I can say is, I AM HOUSE!
GO BANG! Magazine: We’re currently going through the COVID-19 pandemic here in Chicago, as is everyone else in the world. You recently dropped a song about staying safe during this pandemic. The song is titled “STAY AT HOME MOVE YOUR BODY ANTHEM WASH YOUR HANDS” and you’re singing lyrics over the music to Marshall Jefferson’s House music anthem “Move Your Body.” Your new song was received with mixed reviews. Many in the House community did not like the fact that you used “Move Your Body” as the background music for your song. How are you responding to that backlash?
Rachael Cain: I’m glad you asked me about that! OOPS, I did it again!
The idea came about because I heard a parody of The Beatles song “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” turned into “You Gotta Wash Your Hands.” Sitting around during the pandemic, and feeling kind of down, that put a smile on my face. I talked to Marcus and we decided to take “Move Your Body,” because people love that song, and make a positive message parody. I recorded a vocal on my cell phone, as did Marcus, and we just posted it. Marshall Jefferson was one of the first to re-post it!
When some of the old school house heads heard about it, you’d think we defaced the Mona Lisa! Lighten up guys! We were thinking of the bored moms at home, and many other ordinary people, who actually said “thank you.” Yeah, it made them laugh and that was good! One of my favorite producers Easy Mo Bee loved it. In fact, lots of people loved it. We really didn’t think it would go anywhere, but when the controversy started and thousands of people reacted, someone said that I was trying to capitalize on COVID-19. So, TRAX decided that if it makes any money at all, it will go to the city’s “Frontline Responders” fund. Regardless, we will make a label donation and we encourage others to do the same.
So, to all the haters and cyber bullies, all I have to say is, “don’t you have anything better to do?” “GET A GRIP!”
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Rachael Cain: These are crazy times and this pandemic is difficult for everyone to deal with. When I’m feeling depressed, I think about the first responders, those who lost their lives, the many suffering from the illness, and count my blessings. I put on my mask, take a walk, or do something crazy like write “The Stay At Home Anthem.” I get on social media and reach out to friends.
Like Josephine Baker who had two loves, her country and Paris, I have two loves, Chicago and New York. My friends there inspire me with their strength during this terrible time. It was them including James Farley, Jason Chaos, Raya Sunshine and others, who started a chat line on What’s App called “Empire Nightlife” that developed into the weekly party that we do every Saturday on www.TRAXPARTY.COM. It’s caught on and it’s international now. I DJ, with Matt Donavon on guitar. There are other DJ’s, a variety of performances, and online mingling. It starts at 3pm EST every week. Come join us!
#STAY AT HOME MOVE YOUR BODY
#TRAXPARTY
YOU CAN FOLLOW “SCREAMIN RACHAEL” CAIN & TRAX RECORDS ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA FORMATS.
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
John-Deric Mitchell was born and raised in Chesapeake Virginia. It was at the age of seven that his mother got him involved in an all-black performing arts company called Center Stage in Norfolk, VA. There, he learned all styles of dance from Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Modern and African, along with Acting, Singing and Music Appreciation. It was a year later that his mother heard about another company that was doing even bigger things called Hurrah Players. There he did musicals and shows every weekend. It was at the age of nine that his mother got him into modeling at Barbizon Modeling School in Virginia Beach, VA. This was when he landed his first big commercial, which was for Oscar Mayer Bologna. It was there that his life in entertainment was born!
By the time John-Deric was in high school, he wanted to lay low from his dance background and focus on being a teenager. That was short lived because in his sophomore year he tried out for the cheerleading team and became the first African American male cheerleader in the Chesapeake Public School system. Yes, he was teased and taunted for being himself. By his senior year he had won Prom King and it too really didn’t go well. Still to this day, the school doesn’t even recognize him for starting the trend of “being whatever you want to be, just as long as you do it with heart.”
By college at Norfolk State University, John-Deric found a new love and that was Hip-Hop. Though he had a three year Cheerleading scholarship and was studying Physical Education, it was his love of dance that was taking off. He started in a group called VA-All-Starz that took him from dancing at black college fashion shows, to opening major concerts, all the way to backup dancing with music artists from VA. It was his junior year that he heard about an audition for BET Planet Groove in Washington DC. He booked the job and became a regular on the show. He was asked by a lot of the music artists to be their dancer when they came to VA, but John-Deric wanted to travel the world. They said “Oh, we have NY and California dancers who do that.” So that following year, John-Deric packed his bags and moved to NYC.
New York City, the place of dreams and magic, can also be rough and tough, but all of it makes you stronger. It was 2000 and his first big gig was to perform in China for 5 months. It was amazing to be able to dance all styles of dance every night. Once back in NY, he found work as an elevator operator. In 2002, John-Deric was let go from that job, and in the same week he booked his dream job, which was dancing backup for music artist Lumidee. He was offered to travel the world with her for a year. It was great times until one wrong move, which damaged his knee. He thought this was the end of his career as a dancer. He took six years off, before he trusted his leg again.
His next big audition was for the Legendary House of Ninja, where he is still currently a member. He also joined two cheer teams, Cheer New York where he’s a gold medal winner for the Gay Games 9, and Gotham Cheer. He still does backup dancing for artists when they come to town in NY, but for work he’s a Personal Assistant to Kenya Moore of the Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA.) He’s also a cheerleading coach for middle and high school’s in Brooklyn, NY. That’s just half of him. He’s a featured background actor on FX’s “Pose” and is on other major TV shows. He does print modeling and commercials for PlaySure NYC and the 2020 Census. He is currently working on a YouTube reality show called “Social Lingua”, which is coming soon.
There’s so much more to come of this young man. Keep your eyes out for him!
GO BANG! Magazine: You act, sing, dance, model and cheer. What is it about performing that attracts you, which of your talents you like best, and why?
John-Deric Mitchell: Correction (lol) I act, dance, model, cheer…no singing. But, I can lip sing as if it was me. My voice, I’m so terrible, but we never know what the future holds!
What attracts me to Performing? I love to see and hear the audience reactions on how it touched someone’s heart in such a positive way. If it gave me joy, I want them to feel the joy, times 10!!
I enjoy acting out of all my talents. It’s my way of being the opposite of who John is. I get to be a different character. I get to be a singer, when my agent says, “play with it…don’t sing out loud!” (lol!!)
GO BANG! Magazine: Being a trailblazer, as the first African American male-cheerleader in the Chesapeake Public School system, you received some negative backlash. Kids and teenagers can be so cruel. Please explain to our readers how the teasing and bullying affected you, how you dealt with it, and how you overcame it.
John-Deric Mitchell: The teasing and bullying affected me a great deal growing up. There were many days and times that I would come home crying and beat myself up because I didn’t fit in with the other guys from my hometown. I wanted many times to end my life of the pain that I was receiving every day. I was constantly being told I wasn’t worth much of anything because I was a waste of a black boy who didn’t play basketball, football, baseball, or dress in baggy clothes. I took pride in my appearance, loved to dance, and got along great with all the girls in school.
I dealt with it by the help of my best friend in the whole world, my mother. She would have long talks with me until I understood that yes, I was very different. But, my being different is what’s going to help me in my future, because I was in touch with my male and female side. That puts me above others in my school. They didn’t know it, but it showed in my entertainment world (my safe place to be me, with no judgement.) Iit was because of that, so many wanted me to stop, because now I’m learning how to achieve my goals and dreams.
I also had to quickly learn the power of a comeback. I had a guidance counselor in high school tell me, “I think you should stop dancing and do more with your hands, like work on cars.” My comeback was, “The only thing I’ll do with my hands is clap and snap my fingers to say 5,6,7,8!” She looked at me and said, “Wow, we’re done here” and once she saw how alive and electrifying I was on the cheer team, she walked up to me and said, “Wow you really have something here. You’re good at what you are doing!”
I overcame a lot of it by not listening to what others had to say and trusting my gut feelings and my faith in God.
GO BANG! Magazine: Your acting and dancing skills have taken you far in the entertainment industry. It’s booked you gigs with famous entertainers and gigs on TV. Please tell our readers about FX’s groundbreaking show “Pose” and your role on the show.
John-Deric Mitchell: Yes, Pose on FX has definitely been a blessing and I thank everyone involved for making the experience so beautiful and magical for me. I can’t wait to get back on set for Season 3. It stems from the documentary “Paris is Burning” from the late 80’s-90’s Ballroom scene and the lives of five beautiful transgender women and their day to day lives and the people they meet along their journey of acceptance in the world. My role on Pose, I’m a featured background actor in all of the ballroom scenes. My character changes as the episodes go. I start out as a young 19-25 year old man in short shorts, to dressing in drag, to becoming a full on Glam Girl by the end of Season 2.
GO BANG! Magazine: You’ve been involved in LGBTQ campaigns and several LGBTQ shows. Why is being involvement in LGBTQ issues so important to you?
John-Deric Mitchell: The LGBTQ issues are definitely my issues because growing up I didn’t see men like me out in the forefront. Being that I am a Man, Black, Gay and Married, I am very needed to be seen and represented. Not only for the young generation, but for the guys my age and older who were too afraid to be themselves and show their faces.
GO BANG! Magazine: Hollywood mostly show gay black men on TV and film in a stereotypical way. They’re usually finger snapping, flip mouth, sex-crazed queens, wearing high heels. What do you think about this depiction of gay black men?
John-Deric Mitchell: RuPaul said it best: We are all born naked and when we get dressed we are all in drag! For some of us, it’s our way of survival. People who have little understanding of the culture would think that’s what gay men are all about and that’s not the case for every gay/bi man. Some men get dressed like this for their jobs, some are battling to take the next step of becoming transgender, and some men love the fashion and the fit of the clothing on their bodies. I say, “to each their own!” This is not everyone’s way of lifestyle.
GO BANG! Magazine: There are many people that are not aware of “Houses.” You’re currently a member of the Legendary House of Ninja. Please explain to our readers what “houses” are and what you do as a member.
John-Deric Mitchell: So, “Houses” within the ballroom community nowadays, is not an actual home that you live in, although we lookout for one another if you need a place to sleep or stay for a few days. A house is a group of LGBTQ members like a frat/soro, within the community, who come together at a dance studio or someone’s house to work on their specialized categories to battle against others in the community, called a Ball. They battle in different categories such as voguing, runway, new way, old way, face, trans realness, and best dressed.
I have been in the House of Ninja for over 11 years now. I’m considered an elder, but I’ve been in the community for 23 years. Now that’s legendary! As a member, I help with supporting the new members, be it to help choreograph, talks, go shopping for their looks, to walking them up on stage, and with social media by posting positive feedback and reviews about what our house is doing these days and coming!
GO BANG! Magazine: You’re a member of two cheer teams. How has the cheerleading industry changed from when you began up until now, as far as the acceptance of male cheerleaders?
John-Deric Mitchell: I’m a Cheer Coach for two schools in Brooklyn NY, a middle and high school.
Cheerleading has changed a lot since I started over 25 years ago. The stunts, they are bigger, faster and higher. Everyone is so much stronger. It has become more acceptable for guys to be on a cheer squad than it was back in my years. I’m so proud of the doors that have opened for men.
I use to dream of the day I could perform at a NFL or NBA game. Yes, I went to the auditions here in NYC and they would tell me this is only for women, but you are more than welcome to stay and take this as a free class. Heartbroken, I continued on my path to join Cheer New York and now Gotham Cheer. If you look now, guys are doing it and are loving the support of being on these NFL cheer and dance teams! I’m proud to say, I know one of them!!
GO BANG! Magazine: Your “9 to 5” is being the Personal Assistant to the Real Housewives of Atlanta’s (RHOA) Kenya Moore. How did you get that position and what exactly do you do?
John-Deric Mitchell: Yes 9-5 or 7-11 (lol). I was blessed with this job through my good friend from college. He is Kenya’s hairstylist here in NYC. She said that she needed a Personal Assistant in NY. He told her that he already has someone in mind and remembered that I was an Intern Assistant for Blackstreet, back in college. He called me and asked if I would like a job working with her for Celebrity Apprentice. I said “Sure! Do I need to send her my headshot and resume?” He said, “No, she already Googled you.”
She called me on a Sunday evening asking me if I would like to work with her, but before she hired me, she put my skills to the test. Once I found out all the information that she needed within an hour, she said, “Oh, you got the job!” Now, seven years in, she’s like family to me. I know what she needs, wants and don’t need. I do a little bit of everything for her and her family. She has definitely become my big sister, but most of all, she’s a great boss!
GO BANG! Magazine: You’re currently working on a YouTube reality show. Can you give our readers an exclusive about the premise of the show and what to expect?
John-Deric Mitchell: “Social Lingua” is a YouTube reality show coming out soon. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it has stopped most of production. The show is based on eight LGBTQ artist, and the ups and downs of their career, friendships, love lives, talents, drama and why they are who they are!
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
John-Deric Mitchell: The Coronavirus has thrown us all off, especially here in NYC. I’m a man who loves to work, and to be told work has ended until further notice is a hard pill to swallow. On the bright side, it’s an early Spring break, but to not go anywhere or to be around people makes life so scary. I’m making the most out of every day by working on my skills as an actor, dancer, cheer coach, and how to give back to the world, not just my community.
Now, if I can help one person smile, laugh, or hear them say “thanks for being you” during this time of confusion, then I know I done the work of God, by helping his people heal.
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Richard Cameron’s love of the theatre began at age five, when he was kicked out of kindergarten for singing in the bathroom. From that moment on, he was destined for cattle calls!
An alumnus of the America Academy of Dramatic Arts, Richard (Cameron to his friends) performed around the globe on cruise ships & worked with Tony Award-winner Wayne Cilento (Wicked, The Who’s Tommy), global & regional favorite, Director Glenn Casale (Little Mermaid, Hunchback…) & performed in Japan at Huis Ten Bosch, Disneyland’s first live show for Aladdin.
Richard Cameron is the Founder of Broadway Global, which honors Broadway Producers for their work on & off the stage, with the “Broadway Global Producer of the Year” award – the “Producer’s Puzzle” (art for creating art), designed by internationally acclaimed artist, Steve Marshall.
He also created Theatre Chat, with over 300,000 online arts supporters who share auditions & show information in over 30 city & state “Theatre Chat” groups on Facebook, including the West End, Canada & the USA.
As a performing arts writer, Richard was one of the top three at Examiner.com for six years & has interviewed many arts professionals, from Tony Award-winning Broadway producer Stewart Lane to Emmy Award-winning casting director Jeff Greenberg (“Modern Family,” “Cheers”) & countless notable actors, directors, choreographers, designers & producers.
Writing didn’t come easily for Richard, since he was born dyslexic & only learned to read in 8 th grade. He shares a quote from international director/choreographer Ron Hutchins for success, “If it comes from the heart, it will touch the heart.” Arts, theatre, dance & music are the international languages that bring nations together. We hope you enjoy & share Richard Cameron’s performing arts articles on BroadwayWorld.com.
GO BANG! Magazine: Where did you grow up and spend your childhood?
Richard Cameron: I was born and raised in Watertown, NY till eighth grade. My mother moved me and my brother to Springville, Utah from ninth grade until my senior year of high school.
GO BANG! Magazine: I understand that your love of theater began at the age of five. Please tell our readers about your childhood and when you first got “bit” by the theater bug.
Richard Cameron: My mother was cast in a local production of “The Sound of Music” in Watertown, NY. She would bring me to rehearsals and seeing the rehearsal process, back stage and the show gave me a sense of family. My mother had divorced when I was three so she worked three jobs to support me and my brother. I had never really had a sense of family until I was introduced to theatre. Theatre can become the family you never had!
GO BANG! Magazine: Not only are you an actor, you founded Broadway Global. Please explain to our readers what Broadway Global is and its purpose.
Richard Cameron: My partner is internationally acclaimed SDC director/Choreographer Ron Hutchins. He wrote a musical about Sammy Davis Jr., using the iconic songs Sammy sang during the events in his powerful lifetime. In researching investors for his musical “Once in a Lifetime from Harlem to Hollywood: the Sammy Davis Jr Musical,” I started to see that investors would join as teams to invest in plays or musicals that educates humanity and their own values. I also realized there was no award for Producers, just a Tony Award for Best Play or Best Musical. But theses producers were investing in humanity. So we will honor our 9th Broadway Global Producer of the Year for their work on and off the stage. Many donate to leukemia, HIV funding like Broadway Cares, animal programs like Broadway Barks and global humanitarian efforts. There investments on Broadway are just part of the legacy they are leaving behind.
GO BANG! Magazine: What is the Facebook group “Theatre Chat” main purpose?
Richard Cameron: We created over 30 city/state Theatre Chat groups for target areas that support arts. Artists and patrons share arts news that keep artists employed and patrons informed. We also allow the groups to share emergency post to help others in earthquakes, hurricanes, Amber alerts, and right now they have been successful during #COVID-19 for artists to share in line dance classes, shows and instruction by offering links for method of payments. We do remind all of our members, totaling over 300,000, to go to the original source for info as scammers do post fake links or even fake opportunities.
We ask for a phone and website with business address, as that prevents many scammers, but there are very clever scammers out there. You might think you are seeing American Idol auditions and put your personal info in there Google form or website info, but it could be a fake link collecting your info to send you anything from fake loans, fake debt control or maybe just trying to market classes to you! So be careful about social media post that you might see as an opportunity, they could be putting your life in danger or trying to scam you into buying fake tickets. Again, always do your homework on any opportunities. Go to the original source!
GO BANG! Magazine: You’re also described as a performing arts writer. What exactly does that job entail?
Richard Cameron: For many years I wrote for Examiner.com. I reviewed Broadway shows, regional theaters and local shows. I was usually in the top three writers for arts, and that’s not because I was a great writer. I didn’t learn to read until eighth grade. I’m very dyslexic, but the important message for writers comes from my partner Director Ron Hutchins, “If it comes from the heart, it will touch the heart!” You don’t have to be an amazing writer as long as the message you are sharing is compelling and comes from truth.
GO BANG! Magazine: As a child with dyslexia, that didn’t learn to read until eighth grade, please explain how that affected you as a person, and as an artist.
Richard Cameron: As a person, I felt I couldn’t compare to others who could read or already had the knowledge of reading for many years. As an artist, my weakness was my strength. I could remember music from memory, or memorize lines, and I could tell the story through music or script, through my past life sufferings, to portray the emotions needed for characters I was cast for.
I’ve been lucky enough to perform around the world, from the first “Aladdin” musical at Disneyland to Huis Ten Bosch Theme Park in Japan to Broadway shows on cruise ships under the direction of Wayne Cilento (“Wicked”). So your weaknesses can be strengths!
GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on anything new in theater that our readers should be on the lookout for?
Richard Cameron: As theatres are closed during #COVID-19, this is the best time for artists to push their limits. It’s a time to try to perfect your craft by leaping higher, singing higher or learning a script of a character you know you will play someday in your repertoire of characters. Most of my time is spent investigating the accolades of Broadway investors to make sure they are not only investing in Broadway shows that will make their way around the globe, but to also make sure they are donating to not for profits that make our global society a better place to live. Now realize, many give without bragging about doing it. In fact, some religions teach you to give without letting others know, so that makes my job of investigating their accolades even harder.
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
Richard Cameron: We all are learning that there are viruses that can wipe out cultures. If we look through history, we can verify that. What is obvious is that satellites show less global pollution, and that oil is waiting on ships and trains to be brought from trucks to a gas station near you. The virus has Mother Nature cleansing the Earth. We will learn to be more respectful of each other. It can be as simple as wearing a mask when we are sick, and possibly when we are healthy, as symptoms can hide for 14 days. Asia has worn masks for years. They have bowed to each other for years to show respect. The days of a handshake might be over. We can learn from other cultures.
Broadway Global chooses winners that produce shows that educate respect for cultures, respect for religions and of course respect those who embrace diversity! We as a global society can set standards and educate through arts education. There isn’t one person, during this virus, that hasn’t watched a movie, a tv show, a concert, a dance or listened to songs. Arts, theatre, dance, music and artists are here to stay! We can’t live without artists. So, learn what makes you unique and learn to market those talents to your target audience.
Your craft is a superpower. You as artists are superheroes. Just learn to use those powers for good and we can someday bring #GlobalPeace through art!
YOU CAN FOLLOW RICHARD, THEATRE CHAT AND BROADWAY GLOBAL ON ALL SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS.
LOG ON TO THE BROADWAY GLOBAL WEBSITE @http://www.broadwayglobal.org
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
Located in Chicago, we are 95.1 FM radio, the host to the Ramonski Luv Morning Show & more.
Program Director/Middays/Mixer:
Khris Hutchinson aka First Lady
Contact: (773) 395-2500
Website: http://www.clubsteppin.net
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK @95.1clubsteppinchicago
Powered by the Modern Dance Music Research and Archiving Foundation @DanceMsuicFound Pioneer DJ Lori Branch and House Music Archivist and CoFounder of @DanceMusicFound Host. CHECK OUT VINTAGE HOUSE ON WNUR 89.3FM 10PM WEDNESDAYS!! DJ LORI BRANCH AND ARCHIVIST LAUREN LOWERY INTERVIEW HOUSE LEGENDS, INTRODUCE NEW MUSIC AND KEEP YOU ABREAST ON THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE OF HOUSE!! Your memories and artifacts are critical to our research!! Post and bring them to the station ANYTIME!!!
Contact: 224.408.0048
Listen: WNUR 89.3 FM
Follow on Facebook @Vintage House on WNOR 89.3FM
Lori Branch is a Chicago native that began her life-long affair with music in 1980 as the DJ for a Chicago-based, social club named Vertigo. Vertigo, founded by Eric Bradshaw, Craig Loftis and Steven Moore hosted dozens of teen parties from 1980-1984 in such iconic locations such as Sauers, the Loft, the Penthouse, Aragon Ballroom and McCormick Place.
As a solo artist, Lori has held residencies in numerous Chicago clubs, played opening sets for several recording artists such as Michelle Ndegeocello, Lauren Hill, Arrested Development, Tribe Called Quest and others. Lori has co-produced music for several independent film projects in addition to writing and producing television and film projects such as Kevin’s Room, 40th:The Story of Roberts Temple and the Rap-it-Up Chicago series.
Seen by many as a pioneer DJ in Chicago’s House music scene, and one of (if not the) first women to grace the decks as a DJ and promoter, Lori is featured in a number of documentaries, magazine articles and television specials. Lori views her love of all music as a “life-affirming, artistic extension of me.”
She currently co-hosts the Vintage House radio program on WNUR 89.3FM Evanston Chicago and WNUR.org and is a board member of The Modern Dance Music Research and Archiving Foundation. Lori is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, niece and cousin.
“My family keeps me grounded in truth. My music keeps me moving in all the right directions.”
GO BANG! Magazine: When and how did you first get started as a DJ, and what did you like about it?
DJ Lori Branch: I started DJ’ing in 1980, shortly after graduating from Lindblom High school. I was asked to consider DJ’ing because I was a regular club kid at the Warehouse and my best friend, Jean Pierre Campbell, was an avid music collector. Jean and I would scout the city looking for the records we heard at the Warehouse, and along with our own love of punk, rock and R&B, we amassed a good collection. My high school buddy Eric Bradshaw invited me to attend a party that he and his social group Vertigo, which also included Craig Loftis and Steven Moore, were throwing at a club called the Loft. The Loft, located in Chicago’s south loop, was a popular space rented to youth social clubs. My jaw dropped to the ground when I arrived on the night of his party when I heard the DJs (Wayne Williams and Tony Hatchett) playing songs I heard at the Warehouse and other (predominantly) gay clubs (I was only 17, so I was sneaking into most of these). I told Eric that I wanted to join Vertigo so I could be part of creating this energy and he told me that I would not only join but that Jean, Craig and I would be the group’s DJs. After a widely successful Vertigo party at another popular spot called Sauers, we bought a trunk-full of equipment and I dove headfirst into learning. I caught on quickly with the help of Louie (Jose) Gomez who taught me, Jean and Craig the basics. We spent many nights in my bedroom or in Craig’s basement practicing which was incredibly important because mixing rock, punk, R&B and disco was difficult as music was not time synched, no long intros or breaks and almost all was live instrumentation. It took a lot of practice and I remember so many of those early mixes because when you found something that worked you did it over and over. We did a lot of basement gatherings and then were thrust on stage. I think my first big party was a battle with about 500 kids in attendance. It was crazy.
What I loved about DJ’ing was that for most people in the world, mixing was still a relatively new art form and the idea that you could play for hours with no breaks, create a trance-like state for dancers, sweat your clothes off, smile and laugh all night and be passed out the next day from sheer exhaustion was the best. It also gave me an amazing platform to break out of my shyness, model fashionable clothes and meet tons of cool people, many of whom are like family to me to this day.
GO BANG! Magazine: While pursuing your DJ career, you broke down a lot of barriers that were up against women. You were literally one of the first female DJ/Promoters in Chicago. Please describe to our readers how you felt at the time, when you were trailblazing a path for women DJs/Promoters.
DJ Lori Branch: When you are doing something that others find significant you do not often know at the time that is what is occurring. Such was the case about being a female DJ in a field of males in the early 80s. I was aware of that it was unique but did not really focus on it much. We were just kids trying to have fun and make some money. I would occasionally get, “where’s the DJ?” or “You’re the DJ?!” when setting up my equipment, but I think I was unfazed. I knew that I could play just like anyone else. I won some battles, had great nights and some not great nights – just like any other DJ or promoter. I was lucky to have folks like Wayne Williams, Craig Cannon and Craig Loftis who always pushed me out and encouraged me.
GO BANG! Magazine: In the past, female DJs were more of a novelty, and not taken as serious as their male counterparts. Do you think that image has changed and why or why not?
DJ Lori Branch: Definitely! Women DJs are everywhere, and it is amazing to see the kind of respect women are getting because of their skills.
GO BANG! Magazine: As a resident of Chicago, the home of House music, you are recognized as one of the pioneers. What influence, if any, do you feel you have brought to the House community and how has House influenced you?
DJ Lori Branch: I take my place in this community as a responsibility to show up and model love. I hope that is a positive influence on those who might attend a party, watch or listen to my shows or follow me. I am on a mission to sow peace, presence and humanity. I can be a little catty sometimes to add some spice to the shows, but it is usually done in humor, as I also think we can take ourselves a little too seriously sometimes.
The people in this community, my friends, family, the dancers, the promoters, other DJs, and artist have influenced me in immeasurable ways. When I see women like Nakiya Solkat confidently building her production empire, I am humbled to be in the company. So many in our community work so hard to bring the community together and to attract so many to something we have loved for so long. I also appreciate how there is such strong and growing interest in the origins of house music. I feel lucky to have been there when things kicked off here in Chicago. I have a friend Honey Dijon who is a DJ, producer, fashionista and businesswoman, and who happens to be one of the most influential women DJs in the world. I remember her being one of those kids who looked up to us young adults and I understand why what we did (especially the women) was so important. And now, she is my shero and inspiration. Funny how that works.
GO BANG! Magazine: Over the years, you morphed from being only a DJ. You’ve accomplished great success as a film and television writer and music producer. Please tell our readers how you got started in that, what you like about it, and if you plan to do more writing and producing.
DJ Lori Branch: I dropped off the Chicago DJ scene from about 1985-1991 to finish school and to pursue music production in a more serious way. I graduated from Columbia College in 1988 with a liberal arts degree and a concentration in Arts and Media Management. While at Columbia, I met filmmakers and many creative artists that helped me expand my vision. I lived in New York City and LA where I was moved by the horrifying effects of the crack and AIDS epidemics to do more. When I moved back to Chicago in 1991, I started DJ’ing again but this time I was motivated to address these larger social issues. I also lost several close friends to AIDS which was devastating. These experiences translated into writing and producing shows for cable television, PSAs and movies. I started out with as a producer on CAN TV and hosting the program Hotline 21 which allowed viewers to call in and ask live questions about AIDS. This served as a catalyst for my next project entitled “Rap It Up.” The show incorporated DJ elements, hip hop performances and interviews with community leaders about issues teens where experiencing in this increasingly complex time period. Gun violence, sex and STDs etc. were where we place our focus, but music was a through line. These efforts evolved into more projects like public service announcements and a film series entitled “Kevin’s Room.”
“Kevin’s Room” was conceptualized over a snowy day lunch in the basement of the board of trade building with my friends Jean Pierre, Karina Glover and Janice Layne. The initially one-hour film spurred two sequels from 1999 – 2006. The films were shot entirely in Chicago with professional actors and on a shoe-string budget. The drama centered on Kevin, a gay social worker, who convened a support group for black gay men. Each character was complex and dealing with frequently stigmatized issues in our community, such as living with HIV, being a bisexual man, condom usage (or the lack thereof), religion and monogamy. The movies were broadcast on UPN and WCIU, screened in dozens of film festivals and gained a large following. I worked with Blackcat Productions and Karl Productions on the overall production and I served as the Executive Producer and writer. The films can be seen online.
I love to participate and produce films and documentaries and have done others such as the story of Roberts Temple in Chicago. This film is about my great-grandfather Bishop William Mathew Roberts. He was the first Bishop to bring the Church of God in Christ to Chicago and was a leader in COGIC’s early days. The Church is special because it birthed so many amazing artists, was the first Church in Chicago with a live radio broadcast and is frequently featured in black history as it held the four-day funeral for slain teen Emmett Till. I plan to produce more just need to find the time to do it. And, my next production will be about House Music!
GO BANG! Magazine: In addition to that, you also currently co-host the “Vintage House” radio program on WNUR 89.3FM. Please describe when the show began, what the show is about, and why you feel the show is important.
DJ Lori Branch: We are celebrating the 5th year of the WNUR Vintage House show. The show was created as an outgrowth of activities associated with the Modern Dance Music Research and Archiving Foundation. The show was created by my friend Lauren Lowery who is also a Northwestern alum. Lauren had her first show on WNUR in the late 80s when she was a student. Our vision is to capture as many voices of Chicago House music experience as possible. Originally, we were just doing it for the listening audience and to archive the shows, but everything expanded a couple years ago to the FB live format. Facebook live opened the show to thousands more. It has also given me a chance to have a different role in the community as a historian and truth seeker.
I think the show is critically important to present both biased and unbiased accounts of this genre and the culture. We have all seen a lot of documentaries, articles and interviews that each try to capture some part of the story, but they almost always leave out importance people, places, and events. My job as producer and host is to dig deeper and go into the stories that don’t see as much light – and there are so many. As the historian, Lauren also tries to flesh out the timeline of where House Music began, who were the key players, what were the songs, venues, high schools, communities and all of the framing that made it a uniquely Chicago institution. Kevin McFall also hosts the show and he likes to take a more philosophical approach to his interviews by getting underneath the motivations of our guests. Every story is so valuable, and, like a puzzle, we need ALL of the pieces.
GO BANG! Magazine: In order for the House genre to flourish, it must be documented and passed on to future generations. Please explain how being a board member of The Modern Dance Music Research and Archiving Foundation achieves this goal.
DJ Lori Branch: The Foundation’s goal is to close the gap between the scholarly exploration of the history of the genre and its’ transformative impact on the world. We also aim to preserve and celebrate the lives and stories of our community. That the Foundation exists is critical and my role is to help figure out how we fit into and support the larger picture of dance music history in Chicago. We hope future generations will know, understand and fully appreciate Chicago’s unique contribution to House Music.
GO BANG! Magazine: In 2015, DJ SolKat established the “Queens of House Picnic.” How does it feel to see the seeds that you planted years ago, currently sprouting and prospering in the House community?
DJ Lori Branch: I am so amazed at the success of the “Queens of House Picnic” and simply love, respect and have deep admiration for DJ Solkat. My whole family (siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, etc.) now support the event and it is arguably one of Chicago’s best summer events. I love it and look forward to the 2020 picnic. It feels great to see this space grow and to see so many fans supporting women artists. It is something I could have only dreamed about years ago. I know it takes a lot to bring that kind of line up and infrastructure and to make it free for folks is amazing. I hope to bring attention to the fact that this event will need the communities support in many ways, and I pledge to be among those that do so.
GO BANG! Magazine: Are you currently working on any new projects or would you like to mention anything that you’d like our readers to check out?
DJ Lori Branch: I am continuing to work on the Vintage House show and DJ. I post a lot on Soundcloud and will do live shows on Wednesday night around 10pm. I am also working on a production projects with my pal Craig Loftis and make a guest vocal appearance in his latest release Social Distance. It’s really a banger!
GO BANG! Magazine: In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has caught the world off guard. How are you dealing with it?
DJ Lori Branch: This pandemic is so heartbreaking and like everyone else I am trying to keep myself and my family healthy. My wife and I are both working in administrative roles in the health industry so we can work from home. We have an 11-year-old daughter who is also here along with our two cats and one dog. So, the house feels full which is nice. Staying in touch with friends and family has been great to help keep everyone connected and sane. I am also spending a lot of time organizing. My office has never been so neat before. I also have parents in their 90s, so we are doing our best to look after them as well. Mostly, I continue to pray, give to those in need and support everyone as much as possible. I do believe we are in this together and together we will be stronger when we emerge. Importantly, there is no better time to share music with everyone, so I am recording more and really enjoying all of the live streams each week. Let’s just keep the music going and we will all be okay.
GO BANG! Magazine: I’m so proud of you cuzzo!
Tune in to VINTAGE HOUSE on WNUR 89.3 FM or follow on Facebebook @VINTAGE HOUSE on WNUR 89.3 FM
Pierre A. Evans is a freelance writer of Entertainment, Music, Art, Culture, Fashion and Current Events, and previously for SoulTrain.com, NDigo.com, ChicagoDefender.com, EmpireRadioMagazine.com, and UrbanMuseMag.com, an author, singer/songwriter, actor, model, poet, dancer, and DJ. He is also the Owner of Pinnacle Entertainment Productions and the Owner/Publisher of GO BANG! Magazine. Follow him on Facebook @Pierre Andre Evans, Twitter @Playerre, and on Instagram @Pierre_Andre_Evans.
REPRINTED FROM
by: WGN Web Desk
Posted: Apr 26, 2020 / 11:50 AM CDT / Updated: Apr 26, 2020 / 12:28 PM CDT
CHICAGO – Video of a house party Saturday night on the West Side has gone viral and caused concern among residents.
The video, uploaded by Tink Purcell, has reached nearly 40,000 shares in less than a day.
VIDEO LINK: https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/viral-video-shows-large-house-party-on-south-side-amid-pandemic/?fbclid=IwAR2SmAt0HJ0UJkBs5k_BOBAZlEECxZ1jSP4p5BZiGejHn_5YGKGGWBaQ528
Chicago police could not confirm the location of the party, but many residents have told WGN it took place somewhere on the West Side.
The top comment in the Facebook video mentions how there are too many people at the party. WGN received several tips from viewers expressing their dismay.
“This upsets me because everyone is thinking about themselves and not others that they may be spreading it to,” said Chicago resident Jayna Lynn. “Death just doesn’t seem like something to be serious about to most during this pandemic.”
The virus has disproportionately affected the South and West Sides with the African American community making up 46% of death in the city.
WGN plans to ask Gov. Pritzker if he has seen the video in his 2:30 p.m. coronavirus update.
Warning: This video is uncensored. Viewer discretion is advised.
Reprint:
Robbi Promoter
23-44a 93rd st
Queens, NY 11369
UPDATED STATEMENT ON THE 2020 CHOSEN FEW PICNIC & HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL
April 24, 2020
We regrettably want to share with you all that due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are canceling the in-person Chosen Few Picnic & House Music Festival scheduled for July 4, 2020 in Chicago’s Jackson Park. In its place, we will put on the VIRTUAL Chosen Few In-House Picnic & Festival on Saturday, July 4th, featuring live-streamed performances and DJ sets from the Chosen Few DJs, and more.
The decision to transition our beloved “Woodstock of House Music” from a mass in-person gathering to a virtual one this year was not an easy one. Like many of you, we want nothing more than to get together with our fellow House Music lovers in person, just as we have done for the past 29 Julys. However, given the extraordinary time we are in, and the critical health dangers associated with large gatherings, we know this is the safest course of action for our Picnic attendees, guest performers, vendors, and neighbors. We will hold off on celebrating our official 30th Chosen Few Picnic Anniversary celebration until we convene again in person in 2021!
If you purchased a $25 Early Bird ticket(s) for 2020, you may either hold on to your ticket for the 2021 Picnic, or request a full refund from our ticketing partner, See Tickets. All ticket holders will be receiving an email from See Tickets today concerning the refund process. You may also click here to access the refund form. Please note that to be eligible for a refund, all refund requests must be submitted to See Tickets by May 22, 2020 at 11:59 pm (CDT). If you have any questions concerning any hotel reservations you may have made for the Picnic, please contact our Hospitality Director Toy Foster at Toy@fsgtravel.net.
The VIRTUAL Chosen Few In-House Picnic & Festival coming on Saturday, July 4, 2020 will be a free event, although we will accept donations and will be contributing a portion of any donations to charity. We will be in touch over the coming weeks with more concrete details about this event. In the meantime, we pray that you and your loved ones are taking good care of yourselves and each other, following public health directives and advice, and keeping music close to your heart.
Yours in the music,
The Chosen Few DJs – Wayne, Jesse, Tony, Alan, Andre, Kim, Terry, and Mike
