Reviving the Hive

I am going to revive the "Modern Jive Hive" and start posting again about my thoughts and experiences as a DJ and dancer in this (sometimes) rather strange world. That's all.

Southport Blush Thoughts

Well I have to say that the February Ceroc Southport (Blush) was great. Not the busiest event, but still great fun. Less people however can make for easier dancing, particularly in the main room. For those of you who do not go because of the potential for cold weather, well you missed a good one.

We all know that weekenders are a great place to meet up with people that you have not seen for a while and this event was no exception. And the opportunity for new acquaintance's, along with putting faces to names on Facebook etc.

I took a bit more time at this event to listen to the music in the pub. Some of it was a real disappointment with some DJs seemingly trying to out do each other for obscurity. When I sit in a room where I hear 5 or 6 tracks in a row I have never heard of I know its obscure. It was noticeable that the newer dancers spent more time sitting it out, But the playing of something more known often perked the room up. I am all in favour of new, but not always new. Well done the DJ that played "Black velvet".

This time I had the pleasure of doing Swingers Hour (and half) on the Saturday and as always the audience got into the spirit. Particularly the ladies with there fab spinny 50s dresses and lots of Bobby Sox. Its a great time for me, as I get to play something very different from the normal class and Freestyle nights.

Booking is open for May so perhaps I will see you there. Don't forget to come up and say hello.

See ya at a class or Freestyle soon.

Tales From The DJ Booth, Its Too Loud

I havn't been DJing Modern Jive events for that long. Well in comparison to my whole 32 year DJ career that is. But long enough to tell some stories, see some sights and meet lots of people. And MJ attracts lots of people and a fair number of characters (and nutters. real "you don't want to sit next to on the bus" nutters). But mostly nice people. BUT.

At last nights Ceroc at Shelf I had a classic DJ person to person. One of those moments when the DJ traditional thick skin has to kick in. And take it from me if you want to DJ for a long time and be successfull then toughen yourself up.

I watched as she marched across the room and selected her victim. Dragged him onto the floor and proceeded to the front of the room by the speakers and danced. Now in Modern Jive the man leads. Clearly this was not the case with this lady. I could see her looking at me occasionally while dancing and my "Threat Detection" system kicked in. Was I the next victim!!!!!. Yes I can dance!!!

The song (actually "Now I Can Dance by Tina Area" a modern jive classic) faded and she abandoned her partner mid floor and headed my way. I decided to look busy by putting my headphones on. She just stood there waiting. I gave in. "Hi" I said. "Its too bloody loud" she barked at me. Deep breath. "You might like to dance further back in the room away from the speakers" I suggested. 10 seconds of silence. "im going to complain at the desk". I waved goodbye to her back as a gesture of deffiance

Clearly my lowly status as DJ is not worth an argument. Some you win, some you lose, some you don't even get a chance to fight. I wonder if she is still allowed to travel on busses.

ChrisU http://www.dj-chrisu.co.uk