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| Archive through January 22, 2001 | 50 | 01/22 05:29pm |
     By Natissimo (Hepnat) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 05:36 pm: Edit |
A good DJ not only mixes it up, but also reads the room. So a laptop falls short on this front. Having said that I believe we have enough techies amongst our ranks to try the following. Buy in infra-red camera an hook it up to the laptop. Program the laptop so that it knows were the edges of the room are. Program it so that that it can detect the proportion of people dancing and the proportion of people standing against the walls. Categorise music by type/tempo. IF no.people standing against walls > no. people dancing THEN change music category/tempo. Obviously this finally algorithmn would need some refining, but I think we're just about ready to make our DJs, who _all_ carry on relentless of the crap the _all_ cop, redundant. OK I'll be project manager. I need a mathematicla modeller, a programmer, a buyer, a sales guy, a marketeer and someone to make the tea and do the photocopying. Who's game? |
| By Jessica (Jessica) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 05:45 pm: Edit |
I'm in! I'll photocopy, do the tea, and if needed, I can make funny posters to put up in the office with carticatures of all our favorite DJs, dancers and instructors Let's get this ball rolling |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 05:57 pm: Edit |
Tea? You mean coffee don't ya Nat? |
| By Chris (Chris) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 06:02 pm: Edit |
Nat, that's good, but you kinda lost me after "who_all_ carry on . . . " I think I understand your last point, though. Andy, I think, programs, Joe does who else? I like the idea. Jeff, Gosh, I wish I could explain, well, the music west coast swing is danced to. It would be better for you to hear it, than me try to describe it here. I do know that WCS is traditionally danced to Rhythm and Blues, which is different from swing. I completely agree with you that Meeshi has done a great job of unifying the scene. The problem with narrating in between, the sound systems usually make our voices mud, and know one can understand what we are saying. I wish all the local dancers likes all the DJ's but that is completely unrealistic. I am very happy, however, than Dennis and I appealed to many people on Friday night. Ron does a great job of DJing, I don't always like the music he plays, but he does have a great following of people. More power to him, and congrats. |
| By Jessica (Jessica) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 06:04 pm: Edit |
The entire British Empire was founded on tea. We aren't going to try and change that now. Even Mussolini stopped for tea . . . oh wait, he wasn't British, was he? He was Bulgarian, right? |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 06:14 pm: Edit |
Chris, I have some great professional microphones that sound really good. Clayton's may always be a problem, but the Rocket and Firehouse should be able to allow a good mic to cut through. I love hearing comments between songs. |
| By HopMichael (Mhwang) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 06:28 pm: Edit |
Actually, last week, My ears pricked up at what was being DJ'd b/c: 1. At the Rocket, Dennis was playing three Oscar Peterson songs. 2. At the Firehouse, Ron was playing "All the Cats Join In." 3. At Clayton's, Chris or Dennis (?) was playing George Gee's version of "Blues for Stephanie." Thank you for crossing the chasm. -HopM PS Mussolini aka Il Duce = Italian. |
| By Ron (Ron) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 07:10 pm: Edit |
Chris, I really resent the following, and I will tell you to your face tonight at Moras. "Ron never plays Mora's style of music. Even though he might have a plethora of music on CD like Mora's, he doesn't like hearing, dancing, and playing that style of music. So why would we want someone who traditionally favors west coast swing music and 50's blues to compliment 30's swing?" Its insulting and wrong. "Never play"? I play Moras band (regularly!). I play big band, both new and old, regularly. "All the cats join in" has been on my playlist for a long long time. "...doesn't like hearing..etc." is bullshit as well. I went to the last Moras concert and I'm going to the one tonight. I appreciate good music of any type. Yes, I don't play or listen to a lot of it, but I play it regularly, and not just when requested. "...west coast swing?" What is up with that? From what I know, they like an entirely different set of music than what I play. This standard-issue Hollywood/LA/smooth style attempted insult is silly, and insulting to every Lindy-hopper that enjoys Lindy-hopping to my music. I think its easy to acknowledge the different styles and preferences of the different DJs here in San Diego without resorting to overgeneralizations and insults, Chris. |
| By Joe M (Joem) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 07:21 pm: Edit |
Hep: We also should have a "yellow ESPN 1st down line" generated to separate "groovy" and the "LA" style dancers. How about that for bringing dancers together. Joe |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Monday, January 22, 2001 - 07:41 pm: Edit |
Interesting discussion and constructive feedback! I know my musical tastes have changed immensely since I first started DJing, and I do enjoy playing the occasional, off-the-wall song to keep me from ever being "pigeon holed" by anyone. I LIKE the diversity of music in our swing scene. I honestly think that our venues play a BROADER variety of music than in any other city I have ever visited. Most scenes tend toward one genre of music or another, but I think we do a good job of covering all the bases. What I DISLIKE is the constant bashing among our DJ peers? It's one thing to like or dislike someone's musical preferences or personality, but the unfair labeling and derogatory namecalling has gone a bit too far. As DJs, we are the musical ambassadors of our swing community and, in such positions of leadership, we have a responsibility to act with civility and mutual respect toward and with our fellow DJs. That is why I would like to make this public request! I would love for Ron and Dennis to DJ together this week at Cafe Savoy. Let's let bygones truly be bygones. Ron and Dennis, I respect you both as DJs and as people, and would be highly honored if you would put old feelings aside and DJ together this Friday -- unless you are out of town or something. It would really make a big statement toward the unity of our swing community. That's my dream! Whaddya think? |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:22 am: Edit |
Love it! So let it be written, so let it be "FUN"!!!! COME ON, RON!!! DO IT!!!!! Hey, that reminds me of a song..."Do Ron, Ron, Ron, hey do Ron, Ron!" (Sorry...it's late and I'm tired). |
| By Adminorama (Adminorama) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:34 am: Edit |
Why should the burden of acceptance be on Ron? I think that there has been some tough to stomach actions that do not automatically mean somebody must have forgiveness. Perhaps understanding. I actually think it is unfair to place the public burden on these guys. They each do their own thing, and if choosing to not be part of some externally imposed reconciliation paints them as bad guys, a situation they would not choose to be in. I'm tired. |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:51 am: Edit |
Only because I believe Dennis said he was willing to work with Ron. Whereas Ron was feeling like Dennis' comments in the past still made it difficult for him to do so. Time to start over. Let's do it right this time. "Love is not easily offended..." (1 Corintians 13) |
| By Chris (Chris) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 01:38 am: Edit |
Regardless of Ron's post on the other thread about my DJing at Clayton's last Friday, about how bad he thought it was. (which I think was more a reaction against my harsh words on this thread, than positive criticism) I want to say a few words: Ron, I never said that you only play WCS music or 50's groove, I said you "traditionally favor it." But forget it, I don't care to argue. It was a shock to see Ron so uptight tonight, actually it really disturbed me. Here's a guy that tries really hard, putting in tons of time on his music review list, and takes a lot of pride in DJing so filled with anger that it appears that he wants to take me outside and beat the shit out of me. Actually, I don't blame him, I mean if I were him I'd want to do the same thing. Though, I bought him a beer tonight in attempt to reconcile my narrow minded reaction, I doubt it helped. You all might be wondering where this is headed, and I am actually just thinking aloud. Ron made it clear to me that a lot of you really detest me, and want nothing to do with what I do. He even mentioned that many of you that have never met me care not to, based on my posts. The ideal that I'm Fascist even came up. As anyone can well guess, I'm a very outspoken person, and I usually say, without flowers or decoration, what I think. This gets me on the good and/or bad sides of people, when I really don't care to be on either. And no, I'm not Fascist in any way. I realize now, that I made too many generalizations about Ron's DJing, many that aren't all true. And I am sorry for wrongfully describing Ron's DJing. I am also sorry for, probably, ruining his evening tonight. I don't pride myself in making someone unhappy when they did nothing to me to begin with. And even making someone unhappy regardless is something I don't really care for either. I was out-of-line. ***** On another note. I think Meeshi has a great idea, what away to mend the ties. But it is up to them to accept the job. |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 02:13 am: Edit |
Chris, I think you always have tons of great ideas. You're an innovator. Like me, maybe you occasionally use exaggeration for emphasis. I think we all do, in some degree. Chris, I don't know of anyone who detests you. On the contrary, you and Shana are extremely admired and looked up to as examples. You've made unbelievable progress in your dancing and knowledge of swing music. You've worked hard to help expand and benefit Lindy Hop in San Diego. And on the dance floor, you and Shana are a pleasure to watch. I know I've made a few comments on this forum in the past that I wish I had "edited" before sending, to put it mildly. But, hey, we're passionate people and that's one reason our community is so HOT!!! We all run a little hot. I like it that way. I, too, feel that Meeshi's comments were very constructive. I would love to see Ron and Dennis DJ for the same venue. If they don't, I may have to DJ this Friday. God help us all. I'm sure I'd totally choke! I'd just put on Lavay Smith's new CD and walk away! I believe that's 90's swing! So much for the 30's and 40's stuff. By the way, one of my favorite renditions of "I'm beginning to see the light" is with Helen Forest singing with Harry James. I wish I had that on a CD! Buy me a beer, too, Chris and I'll tell ya even more about what I think....oh, you...uh... want me to buy my own beer...and do WHAT with the bottle???!!! Oh...never mind. |
| By Reuben Brown (Gurureuben) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 02:18 am: Edit |
Yeah, like Ron's one to talk. I mean, yeah I may talk alot of shit, but I don't get all upset and throw a sissy fit when someone talks shit back. If you can't take it in return Ron, don't keep dishing it out. Anyway... back to the evening of dancing. I had a blast tonight, dancing with a whole mess of different follows, I grooved, I went balls out, I fucked my knees up... again. What a great night. Okay, so we all know Mora kicks ass, but what did anyone think of the tunes between sets. Me and Jake were spinning back to back. |
| By Ron (Ron) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 08:03 am: Edit |
Chris, I accept your apology and I'm sorry I responded with such a "thin skin". I think we both know we don't prefer the other's DJing, but I know you put a lot of effort into it, and supporting San Diego Lindy hop in general, and I respect that. |
| By David Blustein (Dtb) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 08:15 am: Edit |
originally posted by HopMichael (Mhwang) on Wednesday, January 17, 2001 - 01:11 pm: If anyone knows a good historical resource or discography recommendation list, I would appreciate it mightily! -"B"opM I found a nice 2-CD box set sometime ago that includes selected recordings of Ragtime, Early Jazz, Swing, Bebop, Cool Jazz, Hard Bop, Free Jazz, Fusion, Pop and Contemporary Jazz, and Mainstream Jazz. There is also an extensive discography and suggested videography & bibliography detailed in the liner notes. It might be a nice place to start your quest. The set is called The Instrumental History of Jazz. If you're inclined to dive in a little deeper, you might find James McCalla's Jazz: A Listener's Guide to be a good read. Cheers, |
| By Adminorama (Adminorama) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 08:49 am: Edit |
Reuben - I thought the between-sets DJing was excellent. Thank you for helping us keep the music going! |
| By Ron (Ron) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 10:47 am: Edit |
I just realized we are totally on the wrong thread, talking about the Neiman's show. Oh well. It was a good show, but the turnout was a bit disapointing. It didn't draw many Savoy people, and fewer of the less experienced dancers. I thought the band was great, did you hear the soloing during Kate (and someone else's) birthday dance? I didn't dance most of the fast songs, but I still got a number of good dances in. I particularly liked their versions of Summit Ridge Drive, Organ Grinder's Swing, and Tar Paper Stomp. But of course, I hate all that kind of music, so I probably don't know what I'm talking about. |
| By Ron (Ron) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 10:51 am: Edit |
Oh, and I had fun dancing and talking with Joanna, who has recently moved here from Wisconsin (with a few months in LA). She was originally here for the swing exchange. She just found the swingorama web site, so she now knows all the good places to go. And I think I talked her into doing the Paul & Sharon workshop! Anyway, when you see her about (and she's hard to miss), ask her to dance. |
| By Spawn of Satan (Melbamoose) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 11:31 am: Edit |
Hey Chris! I was told the same thing about people hating me and not wanting to know me, etc. etc. etc. I say, "screw em all!!!!" I mean, really, how sad is it that people are putting so much effort into hating or trying to not know someone?! People need to seriously get over themselves. The band, and the dj-ing was excellent last night. I had a great time. Thank you to everyone who made it happen. ~Krista |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 11:44 am: Edit |
Now we're talkin'...I admire each of you (Ron, Chris and Jeff) for your willingness to publicly apologize and make amends on this forum. That's real cool! In this continued tone of reconciliation, I'd like to make a public apology as well. Ron and Dennis-- In re-reading what I posted last night, I now realize that I've placed an unfair social burden on both of you to accept my public request to DJ together this Friday. I'm sorry, guys. Though my intentions were good, in retrospect, it would have been more RESPECTFUL of me to approach each of you individually on this matter. So Ron and Dennis, though I would love to see you guys DJ together this Friday or any day, there is no expectation or obligation for you to do so. You just can't complain about Jeff's music on the forum next week, then, agreed? ;) I'll contact you both by e-mail. Please accept my apologies. To lasting peace and goodwill among DJs, Meeshi |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:05 pm: Edit |
Meeshi! I can't DJ this Friday! There's a benefit for the San Diego Youth Symphony at the Balboa Park Club called "A Night In Vienna". Several of us are going and we'll be dancing the Vienna Waltz and Polka! Woohoo!!!! I'll try to make Clayton's later. Yikes! We'll be dressed in 1800's formal wear. Have to bring a change of clothes! |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:09 pm: Edit |
So, Reuben, since your knees are messed up, why don't you come down to San Diego and DJ at Clayton's or the Rocket? Sorry to hear about your knees, though, seriously. |
| By HopMichael (Mhwang) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:20 pm: Edit |
Hmmmm...barring a last-minute Ron-Dennis evening, does this mean Jeff's DJing at Clayton's? Now THAT would be interesting... -HopM PS David and Jake, thanks for the suggestions on further readings/listenings/viewings for Bop. |
| By Jeff Eldridge (Jeff) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 12:33 pm: Edit |
Michael, You'll all be spared! See my 12:05 post above. Can't make Friday night until later, if at all... Jeff |
| By Laurel (Laurel) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 01:53 pm: Edit |
Let's do another amateur dj night or is it too late to plan for that? Twirly, you should participate this time. Oh, and BTW, Michael, she is not all healed up yet so all you leads out there still need to be gentle with her and let her have her long rests in between dances. Isn't it good to have her back! |
| By Meeshi (Meeshi) on Tuesday, January 23, 2001 - 05:47 pm: Edit |
Good suggestion, Laurel-- I'm up for another amateur DJ night, but I've still got my feelers out. I've called Little David from OC and I know Dennis said he was willing to come, but if there are a few of you that want to spin -- then more power to you. Post here if you are interested or talk to me at the Rocket tonight. I'll make a decision by tomorrow. Liking the posts thus far, Meeshi |
| By Jessica Palmer (Angeljess) on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 - 01:36 pm: Edit |
The DJ situation is bordering on comical. Have fun! I like that there are people passionate about the music and dancing, but feeling anger and building animosity have no place with something that's suppose to be universally fun like dancing. Just go out and have a good time. Isn't that what its really all about? Chris, I don't know you well but you are a pretty nice guy, you have convictions and opinions and I don't see anything wrong with that. Jeff, I have a CD with Helen singing with Harry James somewhere. I'll look for it. |
| By Reuben Brown (Gurureuben) on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 - 01:51 pm: Edit |
It's hard to have fun when you can't stand the music. |
| By Spawn of Satan (Melbamoose) on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 - 04:15 pm: Edit |
Word to that, Reuben!! |
| By Lisa Conway (Lisaconway) on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 - 04:29 pm: Edit |
I'll second that word! |
| By Adminorama (Adminorama) on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 - 07:12 pm: Edit |
Palabra |
| By HopMichael (Mhwang) on Wednesday, January 24, 2001 - 09:03 pm: Edit |
Pabulum |
| By Angel Jessica (Angeljess) on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 08:58 am: Edit |
Its fine to not like some music, that is one reason I haven't been going out dancing much for the past year or so. I support what I like, don't support what I don't. I also perfer live bands. Its that "filled with anger" stuff that bothers me. |
| By Heather Hawley (Holee) on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 12:40 pm: Edit |
"It's hard to have fun when you can't stand the music." Well, ok, I agree to a certain extent--and yet-- Though it's easiest to have fun when you like the music, you can have fun even if you detest the music. while I went to school in Texas, I had tons of fun dancing 'two-step' to (gasp) country music. Now, country music makes me gag. And two-step has to be one of the most inane dances on the planet. but dancing was STILL fun. I dunno--I think if we were to all relax a little, and not turn our noses up at 'inferior' forms of music/dancing/styles of dress/dance floor/dj's/savoy/hollywood/west coast/pigtails/race/religion/or political parties, we'd all have a lot more fun. let's do the hokey pokey! |
| By Natissimo (Hepnat) on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 12:52 pm: Edit |
Hawley, You dissin' my pigtails?! ;) Nat |
| By Heather Hawley (Holee) on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 12:57 pm: Edit |
you know it, baby. h (hel-LO--I always wear pigtails, too, just not the "wow, they sprout joyfully from the crown of my head" kind. ) |
| By Reuben Brown (Gurureuben) on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 12:58 pm: Edit |
I love handles... I mean pigtails. |
| By Spawn of Satan (Melbamoose) on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 04:47 pm: Edit |
Yeah, but if there is an opportunity to hear the stuff you like, wouldn't you take up those opportunities then forcing yourself to struggle through a night of shitty music? |
| By Blackrider (Blackrider) on Thursday, January 25, 2001 - 11:18 pm: Edit |
shitty music make bomp mad.....grrrrr |
| By Spawn of Satan (Melbamoose) on Friday, January 26, 2001 - 02:55 am: Edit |
no one wants you mad, baby! |
| By Angel Jessica (Angeljess) on Friday, January 26, 2001 - 08:40 am: Edit |
I try to go to places that I think I will enjoy and play what I want to hear. If I am going some place for the first time, I try to give it time and make the best of it and if I don't like it, I will not go back. That has happened a few times, and I can't believe there are people who enjoy those venues. Why waste time and money on stuff I don't enjoy. |
| By Heather Hawley (Holee) on Friday, January 26, 2001 - 03:48 pm: Edit |
Jessica, I strongly agree strongly with one thing in your post, and i disagree with the other. (I am a little bored at work right now, so I figure I might as well pick over posts on the forum. i LOVE free time  I totally dig your comment "going some place for the first time, I try to give it time and make the best of it". That's kind of what I was getting at in my previous post--"Making the best of it." Sometimes it seems like people pick over our scene for any reason whatsoever. We pick over the SDLHS. The songs are too fast. The songs are too slow. We pick over who dj's at the firehouse. We even complain about dance teacher flyer placement, for God's sake. But geez, the fact that little ol' S.D has a thriving swing scene two years after the buzz died down is pretty cool. if I were one of the awesome people who try to get events organized around SD, or tried to DJ and keep people dancing, or taught new people how to Lindy, I'd find my enthusiasm waning in direct proportion to the number of people complaining about how I did my job. we're all stuck here in paradise together, and there are only so many venues that we can support . why complain? I respect the need to criticize/voice opinions, etc. There are times when criticizing brings good change--like the recent diversity of DJ'ing-- which seems to be generally hailed as an improvement. But we're a diverse bunch, and I would bet that there are always going to be venues that some pople like, and some people hate. And so much of the criticism/complaint just seems like verbal sparring to establish superiority. Which brings me to the part of your post that I disagreed with: "I can't believe there are people who enjoy those venues." That's where I see the difference between criticism and complaint. Why rain on the parade? (that sounds kind of harsh typed out, but I don't mean it harshly at all) I mean, my boyfriend hates avocado, but doesn't think I'm less of a person for liking it. (thank goodness. it is, after all, the fruit of the gods.) Why criticize me just because our taste in music/venues/bands is different ? It seems like unnecessary divisiveness. There's one kind of complaint (using the classic dead horse example): "I prefer Ron dj'ing to Dennis, and here's how I think we can make my experience of Dennis's dj-ing better"-- and then there's another kind of complaint: "people who like Dennis as a DJ are morons. " (or vice versa, ad nauseam) |
| By Angel Jessica (Angeljess) on Friday, January 26, 2001 - 11:30 pm: Edit |
Here's a little bit of clarification Heather. I think we share the same ideas. If I go someplace and find no joy in the dancing or music or general atmosphere, but some people do, I just don't get it. Some people like to listen to Eminem's music, I don't and I don't know how they can enjoy it, but whatever, let them listen to it as long as I don't have to and they don't press it upon me. So I'm not raining on anyone's parade or criticising an opinion (which everyone has the right to have,) I just don't understand it but I move on. I know I will never understand everything. |
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