The Chicago Report (with pics)

[roki]

Hey, well, we've now been back from the Windy City for two weeks, and have fully adjusted to 'normality' again (how depressing it has been). Regardless, it's always satisfying to get the holiday snaps back and as promised, I've posted some here to share with you smile.gif It's over a few posts as I can't post more than 4 pics at a time...

So, what do you do when you arrive in Chicago after 10 hours of travelling? Well, you grab pizza and head out to Harry's to catch Whyteout & Timmy Regisford!

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/harrys.jpg

Great night - Mike gave us a great musical introduction to *real* Chicago House. We met loads of DHPers (thanks for the intros Lalabug!) including Mack Williams, Cheez, Greg Gray, Part Sixx, Mynia, Melodious Fonk and...

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/harrys_agent.jpg
AgentDoubleA - nice CD btw ;)

We lasted until 1am (we were like the most tired dancers you've ever seen by that point), so we made our excuses and headed off.

It wasn't long before our next appointment, and after a day of absorbing Michigan Avenue we headed along to Gramercy to meet & hear Faire1 at his Saturday residency. Gorgeous bar, friendly (and generous) bar staff and top pumpin tunes from Regi & George! A truly memorable night :D

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/faire1.jpg http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/gram_george.jpg
Regi aka Faire1 and right, DJ George Bates (sorry George, I *had* to post it ;) )

[roki]

Of course, the weekend wasn't over by Sunday, and there were rumours that Frankie Knuckles was gonna be starting a new residency that night. After a quick visit to the font of all knowledge (this board) we had the venue and off we headed to North Halsted for some eats and a trip to Hydrate.

I've already banged on about how good it was. I think I can let the smiles speak for themselves...

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/hydrate1.jpg http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/frankie.jpg http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/hydrate_meandfi.jpg

One of the best nights I've had :D

It took us a day or two to recover from the weekend (light-weights), and we were on holiday to relax as well as party so it was time to head off for 9 days to the...

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/beach.jpg

[roki]

Feeling thoroughly relaxed and tanned (although we were still the palest peeps in Chicago) we returned to the city and prepared for our last days shopping and parting!

First appointment was at Stevie Bs to meet the gang. After a slight sketch (where we ended up in Sinibar VIP room somehow) we made it to the right venue, and the peeps were there as expected:

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/thegang.jpg
L-R Leonard Part Sixx, Cordell, Mynia, Fiona (spot the Scot), Regi & Rahaan

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/torin_dg_cordell.jpg
Torin, DiscoGodess & Cordell

Thoroughly enjoyed the tunes - sad to hear you guys lost the gig. It looks like we made it on the last night. Regardless, it was great to get a chance to chat to some of the heads from the board. Cordell gave me a great insight into the scene and the history, going out of his way to give myself & Fiona a personal tour of the City's landmarks. The important landmarks of course (The Power Plant, the Warehouse & The Box) - thanks again Cordell, that was one of the high points!

We were back in Gramercy on the Saturday night after a visit to The Green Mill and *the* best Chinese food I've ever had:

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/bestchinese.jpg

There was just enough time for more record shopping (there's always enough time) so I spent the rest of my pennies in Gramaphone.

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/gramaphone.jpg

Greg Norwood hooked me up with some great cuts (I'll post the list below), so that night, after another sketch (and another story) we decided to head down with Regi to hear him at Beviamo on our last night in town. Great DJ... lush tunes were right up my street and the whisky was gooood ;)

So all in all a great experience, beginning to end! We both loved the city, the scene and the music. We were well received by everyone - made to feel truly welcome. We will definately return - watch this space!

Peace, Roki

[däp]

nice pics and glad you had a good time. hope to see you both again soon!

[roki]

Originally posted by t o r i n:
nice pics and glad you had a good time. hope to see you both again soon! There's an even better one of you...

http://www.allroundsolid.com/images/dhp/torin.jpg

:D

[LEONARD REMIX RROY]

I'm glad you had a ball
graemlins/OLA.gif

[roki]

Originally posted by LEONARD REMIX RROY:
I'm glad you had a ball
graemlins/OLA.gif Leonard - gutted I didn't get to hear you... I guess Regi has told you the story. Next time we won't miss out!

Peace hail.gif

[ October 11, 2003, 11:15 AM: Message edited by: roki ]

[roki]

SHIT! Wrong Leonard!!!!

Mr Rroy - my apologies for that post (must've baffled you somewhat). I confused you with Mr Part Sixx... my bad graemlins/spanka.gif

Still gutted I didn't hear you, mind :D

roki

[ October 11, 2003, 01:10 PM: Message edited by: roki ]

[Discogoddess]

Roki (and Fiona):

So glad you had a good time while visiting our fair city. Look forward to seeing you again.! smile.gif


P.S. You ain't right for posting that "cheshire cat grin" pic of George.... graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif graemlins/rofl.gif

[ October 11, 2003, 09:32 PM: Message edited by: Discogoddess ]

[Savoir-Faire]

Aaahhhhhh....looks like you two did have a wonderful holiday! I am glad to have been a part of it! Once again it was a pleasure to finally meet you and Fiona.
(btw - George is THE MAN @ Gramercy! I knew you'd post that picture of him!!!)

I'm sure to see you guys in the near future!
graemlins/thumbsup.gif

[DJ George Bates]

I can't believe that picture is here !!! smile.gif