Chicago - RBMA Meetings 2009 - Day #2

Wednesday morning I woke up a bit cloudy from the evening before out drinking with Boston to Chicago transplant, Snatch.
See Also: Michelle *love the chuck palahniuk references so i will use them from here on out*

So after making my way back up from the gym in the hotel and sweating out the jagermeister from the previous evening we made our way over to our first meetings at Chicago's House of Blues (pictured below).














Today our meetings included the one and only Godfather of House music, Frankie Knuckles.
See Also: Warehouse Nightclub Chicago
See Also: Larry Levan, Paradise Garage
See Also: Amazing!

After Frankie spoke to us and educated us on his history and shared his life stories, we then moved on to the after party for the evening. Held at Chicago's own Smartbar, featuring a set from Ralphi Rosario and Frankie Knuckles.














Brian Gillespie (Detroit what!)














Snatch, Madonna and Me

Myself and Jud aka Jesus aka The White Dave Chapelle representing the LBC!

*Special Chicago appearance by Heath! I was hungover from Smartbar as you can plainly see. LOL

Chicago really is an amazing city and I look forward to returning soon. Cheers to you chicago!

Chicago - RBMA Meetings 2009 - Day #1

My 2+ hour plane ride brought me to my very first visit to Chicago. I immediately hopped on the blue line and took the train downtown to my home for the next 3 days. After a few drinks upon arriving catching up with my friends from other cities in the US (and other countries) and also meeting some new ones, I called it an early night. 

*they paint the river green on St Patricks Day

Day #1 brought us to our meetings talking about what each and everyone of us will be bringing as a special event to our cities and how we can all improve our cities and make them stronger communities for music while also of course, informing everyone about the Academy.

I have to say. I have been involved with the Red Bull Music Academy for 7 years now and each and every year it gets me so excited to be a part of it. I love the concept of it all, I love the guest speakers that we meet and have the opportunity to hear their experiences. Their stories of what inspires them, what makes them do what they do. It makes me a better artist and inspires me, and it also makes me a better person. 

So today's very special guest speaker was Dennis Coffey. YES, THE DENNIS COFFEY! Funk Brothers! Motown Records! One of my favorite quotes he mentioned this evening that I will always remember is when the music business changed from the years he had known with living solely off of gigs and studio sessions and had to return back to the Detroit car industry in order to support his family. He said "Sometimes you have to be ready to bend to support your family" and "don't ever give up the music". 

I look forward to the next two days and also look forward to returning back home to my family. More updates coming soon!