Please Stop Twurlin' in My House....

What a weekend. And to think that I didn't have any solid plans, and everything just seemed to come together...without any preparation or planning.

Had a nice catch-up cocktail with Anthony and Kelli on Friday evening before heading over to Joel and Brad's for dinner. After a delightful salad with grilled chicken and a couple of glasses of Pinot Grigio, the gang rolled in. Next thing I knew I was surround by 20 of my friends, some who live out of town, and others who are only a stones throw away. Always nice to see Jeff Watts and his cute New Zealand boyfriend. We drank, we talked, we took pictures. Signature times indeed.

I dropped by Satellite Records on Saturday for a little record shopping, courtesy of Brett Long. I left with 10 pieces of high quality house on wax, and a $130 bill, but who's counting. Absolutely loving a little record I picked up from a record label in Madrid called Simon and Shaker - Freshness. Gives me chills every time I hear it. Summer anthem fo sho.

The cookout at R. Jones' was fun, once Joel and Brad arrived. The steaks were delightful, and Jolene's new signature salad was by far my favorite thing served. Headed over to Todd and Brad's for a goodbye cocktail as I was planning on a quiet evening, and the gang was on the way to the Heretic.

And then there was Sunday. The weather was rainy and almost chilly, but I persevered, and though we only had just over 100 people at Shout, I realized that most of the people there were my friends. And they were there to support me, which made me smile the entire time. We then headed over to the T-Dance at The Abbey, and I must admit that I was apprehensive about this event. Remembering my experience at this venue just two years ago: packed, 106 degrees, long lines for the bathroom, etc. Well, things were different this time around. The crowd was cute, the temperature was perfect, there were no lines for the bathroom And the music was great....until midnight. Again, without any planning, all of my friends seemed to converge on the dancefloor, and things just seemed right. I had an opportunity to spend some kwality time with Todd, and let my hair down with a certain Rob...not the assistant. I had a blast.

Though the weather was rainy today, the cookout at Jeffrey's went on without a hitch. After several beers and laughs about the prior evening (one being Bubba D. Licious leading his own sermon on the Pulpit at the Abbey for nearly 45 minutes), we chowed down on some ribs, grilled chicken, signature salad courtesy of Jolene, and baked beans. Sure it's hard to go back to work tomorrow after such as great weekend, but life goes on, right? Blake's anyone??




Me and Jolene

I saw Red. 

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen 

Jeff and his cute boyfriend Craig 

Bad angle, Bad angle... 

Yeah we did.... 

hey Cappy.. 

Ahh....Jolene 

Camera's ready, prepare to flash. 

Having drinks... 

Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene.....

This weekend marks the return of Jolene of H&H Lodge, Provincetown. Or is it Fort Ladeeda? I cannot remember....



Jolene

Welcome Home!

And the winner is....

I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the finale of American Idol last night. And it wasn't until about three or four weeks ago that I really started watching the show religiously. Part of the reason for my interest in the show has to do with how different the finalists were. But they were both really talented performers, each with a special gift: Carrie having the vocal range and Bo with the performances that left the audience on their feet. Todd and I decided against eating out and ordered Chinese and sipped on white wine. We were both pulling for Carrie, only making up my mind the night before when I heard her belt out the Martina McBride tune "Independence Day" to a packed crowd. That was one of my favorite songs back in college when I would go out "line dancing" wearing my Justin boots and a pair of Levis. Or maybe it was when I would alter my drivers license in high school and go dancing at the Crystal Chandelier, formerally a Wal-Mart in Kennesaw. That was a long time ago fo sho....

Haven't Been Funked Enough

Busy, busy weekend. That is all I can say. Here is what happened.

Friday night was the annual Fat Tuesday party at Rock Bottom brewery. This event started many years ago when the bar Fat Tuesday was still around, and after it closed, well, they just kept the name. The two biggest cardiology groups I work with fund the party, and it is an opportunity for everyone if the heart center to come together and eat, socialize, and basically...drink. After the trays of tequila shots started arriving, things got pretty wild. I left just as the digital camera was going around to take "cleavage shots". I wasn't wearing my padded wonder bra so I scooted out unnoticed.

I headed over to Mid City Cafe to have a drink and catch up with Jefferson. He and Brett were spinning and it was a nice way to end the evening.

Saturday I spun a party at the clubhouse of my condo for a friend who is moving to Orlando. Excellent food and nice crowd.

Saturday night I attended a going away party for Mr. McGinnis. The weather could not have been better, and I ran into a lot of old friends. Somewhere around midnight I took over as DJ and the next thing I know, I am dancing in the living room with Chris, Barclay, Erik, and Mr. Lex. Fun, fun, fun.

Another solid time was had by all on Sunday at Shout. We managed to avoid the rain, and the turnout was descent in my opinion. I received a lot of positive feedback on some new tunes I tried out. And I finished off the night with dinner at Einstein's with some of the boys.

Next up, Memorial Day in Atlanta.

TOTD: Big Bang Theory - Haven't Been Funked Enough (Seamus Haji Mix)...been feeling this way, I mean track lately.

It's All Gone Pete Tong

It's All Gone Pete Tong

I have been reading about a film that came out recently and can be seen at Atlanta's own Tara theater. Here is a plot summary:


Plot Summary for It's All Gone Pete Tong (2004)
Its All Gone Pete Tong is a comedy following the tragic life of legendary Frankie Wilde. The story takes us through Frankie's life from one of the best DJ's alive, through subsequent battle with a hearing disorder, culminating in his mysterious disappearance from the scene. A genius in his own right, he clawed his way to the top of the DJ ranks, now living the opulent life of a superstar, he resides in his trophy villa in Ibiza with his trophy wife. This is when tragedy hits. Born with a hearing disorder he is rapidly going deaf with only one functioning ear to complete the new Ibiza season. How is he doing behind the decks? Horrible. How is he doing in the studio where he produces his remixes? Frankie dives into a low period, struggling with deafness in utter depression. After a year of locking himself away he emerges on the other side with a fresh attitude towards his affliction. He accepts his deafness and learns to function without sound. Will Frankie make it back to the DJ booth? Will his new single be any good? Will he get back his opulent old life or does he even want it back? When you can't hear, things look very different

When most people hear the title of this film, they immediately think of the superstar house DJ Pete Tong, often heard hosting the Essential Mix on the UK's Radio 1. Turns out, it isn't a film about Pete, and many American will have a difficult time understanding what the title means.

Pete Tong is Cockney rhyming slang for wrong. (hence, "It has all gone Wrong".

I'm Sorry Miss Jackson

Last night before heading to dinner with Matthew, we decided to stop by Bazzaar for a drink. Brandon hosts a weekly CD release party, and I have yet to stop by this event. Turns out it is quite fun. This week featured Roxy Music Remodeled, a recent release from Atlanta's own BasicLUX records. Several of the artists on this new CD were there, including Atlanta's own Madison Park. I posted several days ago how much I am loving the remix of their track "Ocean Drive". I mentioned this to my friend Brandon (a Billboard DJ) and he didn't even know what I was talking about....oh well. Very cute crowd I might add.

Then it was off to dinner at Toast, and being such a nice evening, we decided to sit outside. Last night marked the beginning of this restaurant's Summer Menu, and I started with a lovely Silver Queen corn soup. My entree was a caramelized salmon with carrots and beets. The food was good and the servers were prompt and very knowledgeable about the wine list.

Anyone heard the house mix of Hollaback? What do you think??

And the jam is pumping, look at it get the crowd jumpin'

well, well, well....I didn't wake up this morning with gin on my breath, but possibly a tish' of regret. But, it was all fun. Let's rewind.

Friday evening Bret and I gathered at my place for cocktails and conversation. We needed to catch up, and that we did. Cliff and Steve FINALLY made it to my condo after a 30 minute elevator ride (in the wrong tower I might add), and we decided to walk over to Acapulco for some dinner and margaritas. The food was just fine and the service was excellent. I am a really big on service, even if the food is mediocre. It can make or break a dining experience in my opinion. After a couple of pitchers and some enchiladas, we walked back to my place for a drink, then headed to Blake's to meet up with Erik. Erik was nowhere to be found, and the crowd in Blake's was not doing it for me. Since it was a beautiful evening, we decided to take our chances and walk over to WetBar. Well, there were about five people in the entire place, and so we left. What has happened to Atlanta nightlife? I can remember when people would line up in front of this bar before Midnight, everyone dressed in the latest 4you and FCUK shirts, ready to drink and mingle. I am afraid those days are gone.

Chris and I had lunch on Saturday and in the afternoon I visited with some old friends. Stopped by Todd and Brad's house for an afternoon margarita and a bite of pizza. They moved that morning to a fabulous house in Ansley, and it was a beautiful day to celebrate the move.

Saturday night brought the return of Roger Sanchez to Eleven50. Jeffrey, Brad, Anthony, Kelli, and Holger all came over for a drink, and after much failed persuasion, it was just three of us that ventured out. When we arrived, we were greeted by a line of 30 people that was not moving. Turns out, the fire marshall was inside, doing an inspection (at 12:30am on a Saturday night no less), and the hot straight bouncers were not letting anyone in. After standing in line for almost 25 minutes, the fire marshall left, and we scooted inside. The club was filled with a nice mix of gay and straight, and the music was great. Having never heard Roger live, I wasn't sure what to expect. Well, he delivered a great set, what I would probably call Hard House, but not really that progressive. Highlights for me included a great remix of Holmes Ives "8 letter", Harry Choo Choo Romero's "Back in the Day", and DONS featuring Technotronic "pump up the Jam" - Gians crowd in jumpin' mix. Though some may say this song is tired and overplayed, this mix really had the crowd in Eleven50 going nuts, and the energy was awesome. I have heard it was a big tune at the Winter Music Conference in Miami back in March.

And then there was Sunday. Not knowing what the weather was going to do...you know the generalizms of "AM clouds, PM sun" was just not convincing me. So, I decided to set up inside at Shout, and that turned out to be a great idea. Though the crowd wasn't as large as expected (I am sure the weather had something to do with this), we had a real real good time. The assistant made his appearance as well as a special appearance by Baton Bob. The rain ended, the sun came out, and I finished off a decent set. Highlight included goodbye kiss from the damn assistant.

Next, came dinner at Zocalo, more drinks at Blakes, and some Kwality time with Erik. And another great weekend has come to a close.

Nickle Bag Da Funk

As much as this blog is about my life, I must admit that part of my reason in taking on this challenge was to share my interest in music with everyone that visits my site. So, I thought a list of the top tunes I am feeling at the moment is in order. Here they are in no particular order:

1. Steve Mac - That Big Track
I totally slept on this tune the first time around, then I played it a few weeks ago @Shout and it got a lot of attention. What a beautiful track. Word is, they are adding a vocal to this already perfect track and are calling it "Loving you More".

2. Martin Solveig - Everybody
From the guy who brought you "Rockin Music", this song in its original form is very difficult to mix into a set. The DJ friendly edit, however, fits nicely.

3.Madison Park - Ocean Drive (Lenny B's extended Club Mix)
This group from Atlanta that released a full length album one year ago returns with a remix by Lenny B. The original CD is great, with one track titled "Boutique" written for none other than John McDonald that owns Twelve here in Midtown. Don't confuse this group with Madison Avenue.

4.Freemasons - Love on my Mind
This disco tune has received much remix action in the past several months. I have both the King Unique remix as well as the extended remix on vinyl, both out on Loaded Records. Top tune.

5.Andrea Britton - Am I on your Mind (Steve Porter Remix)
This old Backstreet tune has received the proper remix treatment from none other than Boston's Steve Porter. Such a nice blend of house and progressive, sure to fit into any set with ease.

6.C-mos - 2 million ways (Axwell remix)
Loved this track the minute I heard it. Kind of funky, with that spoken male vocal.

7.Moby - Lift me up (Mylo Remix)
It seems that any track that Mylo remixes is a hit, and this is no exception. Though very simple and minimalistic, this is the perfect spring/summer track to make you feel good and want to dance.

8.Granite & Phunk - My heart (Seamus Haji and Paul Emanuel remix)
Absolutely loving this track out on Big Love records. I am a huge fan of both the artist and the remixers in this case. Seamus Haji is on a role this spring.

9.New Order - Jetstream (Tom Neville Remix)
New Order returns with a hot new tune with remixes by Tom Neville and The Thin White Duke (aka Jacque Le Cont) to name a few. Sure to be a big summer hit.

10.Axwell - Feel the Vibe (Seamus Haji remix)
I have been rocking the original of this track for many months, and it seems that Seamus again can do no wrong. Very similar sound to his remix of "Last night a DJ saved my life" with that catchy damn bassline.

11.Bush 2 Bush - Piano Track
Any track these days with piano and/or guitars is a winner in my book, and this is no exception. I first heard this song on a set from Desyn Masiello live from Nikki Beach at the WMC in Miami this past March. Set to be released next month, this is sure to be a summer anthem.

12.Moby - Raining Again (Steve Angello remix)
Wow, what a tune. Brand new in the house music world, this song has a very Eric Prydz electro 80's feel, and it fucking rocks!

13.Weekend World - Rainchimes
With not a lick of a vocal, this is a really beautiful track I recently discovered after hearing my friend Jefferson Tyler's new mix for Frisco Sessions. Proper tune.

14.The Killers - Mr. Brightside (Thin White Duke remix)
Again, a track that is best enjoyed in a large club with a great sound system. My friend Brandon Sutton told me about this track several months ago, and I just wasn't impressed until I heard Sander Kleinenberg end his set at Eleven50 with this tune. Awesome.

15.Polyphonics feat. Hasina Sheik - Nightlights (Seamus Haji Vocal Mix)
I have been rocking this tune at Shout for months and it has received much support. Perfect T-Dance tune. Happy, vocal , uplifting.

16.Tim Hudson - The Man with the Yellow Shoes
I just discovered this track, and it is very reminiscent of "Hoochie Coochie Man" out a few years back. Very light and summery feel. Love it.

17.Alex Gaudino and Jerma pres Lil' Love - Little Love
I have really enjoyed anything remixed or produced by this guy, and this hot new tune is no exception. Proper house track.

18.Poker Pets - Lovin' You (ATFC remix)
I have been reading about this track for month, and finally it gets released.

19.Max Graham - Does she know Yet
Ever since his recent remix of Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart, Max Graham has become one of my favorite progressive House DJs. He maintains a nice house feel with a progressive edge without becoming too dark and monotonous. Check this out of fo sho.

20.Dab Hands - Super Good
I don't know why I like this track, but it must be because of the catchy guitar riff. After a few listens, this track will grow on you.

So that's it, just a few of the tunes in my arsenal of big music. Come hear me this weekend and Shout and I may throw in a few here and there.

Layta-
JT

Dream a Little Dream

What a beautiful damn weekend. It seems like Spring has FINALLY arrived in Atlanta, though yesterday was borderline hot. I hope it stays this way for a little while, though I fear we shall see upper 80's in the near future.

It was a quiet weekend for me as I was on call, but I was able to get errands accomplished and make a little money at the same time.

My friend Jefferson Tyler filled in for me at Shout yesterday so I could spend some time with my family, and word is, he did a great job. Though I did hear the party wasn't well attended, but that is to be expected with it being Mother's Day weekend and all. Dinner at the parental units was great, and I came home with enough leftovers for a couple of days, including a couple of pieces of homemade Key Lime Pie....my absolute favorite. Dropped by my sister's house for a glass of wine and some quality time with my niece. She turns four today, and I am amazed how quickly she is growing up.

Busy, busy week for me. Must get cracking' on a new CD. The assistant is coming over with some hot new tunes he picked up in London and Paris. Maybe we shall turn out a new CD in the process? I hope so.

Had the strangest dreams this weekend, and I am rarely able to remember my dreams. What do they all mean?

My Heart

If you like house music, then you probably know of Big Love Records. Unfortunately, a certain Billboard DJ I am friends with has never heard of its founder Seamus Haji. Seamus started DJing at the young age of 16, and has gained popularity over the past 10 years as a fine house DJ. I have enjoyed most all of his remixes, and his production work is top notch. Not only does he remix other artists using his real name, but there are several other personalities that he takes on such as 11th dimension, mekkah, and big bang theory to name a few. I love how these DJs will remix an artist under a surname, often times revealing a different sound under these names. This keeps them from being pigeonholed into one category or genre of music. v.v. cool. anywho, Seamus Haji has remixed Granite & Phunk's (another great DJ duo) new song "My Heart" and you can listen to a clip here. Me likey.

Damn it Charles, I don't need wine, but I do Want some.

Last night's birthday dinner for Ty was much fun. A small group gathered for drinks before heading off to One Midtown Kitchen. It was a very eclectic group I might add, as there were people present from every generation, with ages ranging from 29 - 65. As I stood there in the kitchen, I realized how truly unique a situation it was. Here you had 6 gay guys sharing experiences in their lives and telling stories of how they came to know the birthday boy. It was very entertaining.

Each time I have been to dinner at One, it has been extremely crowded and we usually end up sitting down to eat at 10pm. Turns out that Tuesday nights are a great night to dine, as the restaurant was only 1/4 full. And, the service was impeccable. We were greeted to chilled champagne the minute we sat down. The food was excellent, and we proceeded to go through several bottles of a delicious cabernet with our main course.

This morning I realized why I awoke with a headache. Recalling the night before, I now remember drinking, red wine, white wine, champagne, and finishing the night off with ouzo. neat.
and it's only Wednesday?

When it rains, it pours..

Another weekend has passed me by, and it's mornings like today that I wish I could take Monday off. Funny how time seems to fly by when you are having so much fun....and fun it was.

I spent the better part of Friday night working on a new CD. After several attempts, I took a break, but I have managed to find a good tracklist to work with. I plan on perfecting it this week, I promise.....no, really I do.

Met my sister, brother-in-law, and niece at Nuevo Laredo Cantina for lunch on Saturday. Since I was feeling better, we decided that a pitcher of margaritas was in order. And they were tasty, and the food wasn't bad either. Knocked out several errands on my list in the afternoon, including mother's day gifts for my mom and sister. They are going to love it.

Had drinks at Bazzaar on Saturday night as a going away/farewell to David as he is moving to Los Angeles on Thursday. The regulars were there, including CQ, Anthony, Kelli and Laurie. Next, headed over to 981 Lindbergh for a skinny before heading over to the 'tic. Todd and I weren't feeling it, so after about 20 minutes, we went back to his house to have more drinks. The clan finally arrived, and he then went to the after party at John and Dan's house. This party featured DJ Gustavo Matto from New York, and he was hot, hot hot. And very nice as well.

Sunday was simply beautiful, and a perfect day to drink on the patio at Shout. After working out some technical issues with the sound, I was able to successfully tap into their sound system, so i was really pleased. The crowd was beautiful as usual. Where do these guys come from? A certain Rob had his mind made up that he was going to get me drunk...and he did. On 5 or 6 margaritas. So (tr)Ashley and I decided that we would meet everyone at Blake's for one more drink or four. I don't know what was in the air last night, but it seems that Spring has finally arrived in Atlanta. The place was packed, and JohnBrown and I had a lot of fun up in there. Erik aka "Mr. Hands" was having a BIG time ifyouknowwhatimean...hehe. It was all innocent fun....and fun it was.