...The debut

To say we were nervous about how our inaugural presentation would turn out is an understatement. But like all great events, everything falls into place at the last possible second which is when the magic really happens anyway! 

Before we go any further, we have to thank our core UA.com team without whom none of this would be possible: Cheryl & Nathan (Team Zuna Media, you rock and are more than simple web masters; thanks for all you do!), Jemal C, Lola Rephann (for helping me tweak all the hard parts and then some), Marty White @ DRA Graphics (for helping get everything just right on the graphics tip), Robbi and Rene Hewitt (for helping to spread the word), Joann Jimenez (for bailing me out with the best door-person she could find), Luis Kee (for being that person, you really took a load off) DJ Donna Edwards for blessing the room with your delightful mix), Ricky for donating Opaline and providing the open bar (who says there is no love in the underground?), super soundman Jack who rocked the PA and the lights just right (two-mics are better than one). We especially thank our Executive Planning Committee who's detailed responses helped ensure only the best of the best found their way on to our initial voting list. Further, we give thanks and praise to the presenters and winners who took the time to participate and show respect for the little event that could.

Smiles and smooches to our participating artists Jackson Brown, Jemal C and the original Photo-Chick, Tina Paul as well. You proved why you are productive members of the scene and give inspiration for where we are headed. 'Nuff respect right back at you.

Ahem… now on to the night.

Our first category was presented by Mr Speed Garage (or is that BounceFM.com now?) himself – Muema and was accepted by your CHOICE for Best Emerging Talent, the ever-controversial EMan. Never one to mince words, his acceptance speech cut to the heart of minimizing the hating and increasing participation within the scene as only he can. (Thanks for keeping it real even with all the cursing!) 

Next up, was Maestro documentary Associate Producer Kervyn Mark who presented the Best Radio show award to DeeJay True, whose weekly Deeper Than Disco program won the category with a commanding lead. To celebrate his win he brought a thank you list and his mother adding a very classy touch to the honor. Who says true grass roots promoting can’t make a difference? Closing out the first segment was Lil Ray (Can I get you another drink?) presenting the Best Website award to Timmy Richardson accepting on behalf of the Deep House Page massive. My sincere congratulations to them for having one of the most globally recognized places to hear and feel great dance music – PERIOD. 

Then song-stress Mia T delivered a powerful rendition of her Wave single, “Man Enough” which had the guys in the room answering a resounding YES to her musical query. Not bad for a singer/songwriter only just sticking her head up in the underground scene. Better make sure to watch out for what’s next from her.

Kicking off the next group of presentations was Maggie Stein who accepted the Best Dance Writer award for Billboard colleague and winner Michael Paoletta. Worn out from producing the Billboard Dance Music Summit happening throughout the week, we forgave him for not staying but definitely respect his commitment to representing as much true underground soul as he can in the industry’s mainstream music bible. The most poignant part of the evening came as Mel Cheren (thanks Uncle Mel) presented multi-CHOICE Award winning duo Blaze their four big awards (Best Producers/Remixers/ Artists/Album) with a touching intro that recognized their talent, spirit and promise. 

Dressed to the nines for the occasion and to show their genuine respect for the honors, Josh Milan and Kevin Hedge graciously thanked the crowd individually before Kevin presented your CHOICE for Best Promoter to Robbi. Thanks to Hedge’s speech which chronicled the beginning of a beautiful relationship between the city’s hardest working promoter and it’s most enduring club event (Shelter), by the time Robbi took the stage, it was clear this was the evening’s most well-deserved win. The minute-long clapping and cheering ovation for our homegrown hero was beautiful and our favorite ham enjoyed every second of it. Keep it moving Robbi! 

Accepting the Best Compilation Series award was Danny Krivit for his winning Body & Soul Vols. 1-4. With the abrupt closing of the influential soiree earlier in the year, it was nice to celebrate another of the culture’s most influential parties as well as host one of the members of that powerful triumvirate. Much respect to Joe Claussell and François K in absentia. Next we welcomed Jeannie Hopper to present the award for Best Annual Event to SummerStage’s former executive producer Erica Ruben. In her final year with Manhattan’s premiere free festival, Ruben single-handedly brought veteran underground talent to the world stage of SummerStage with spectacular results. Her passion, creativity and unique ear will be sorely missed in the festival but look for bigger and better projects from this independent spit-fire who is also a new member of the Liquid Sound Lounge radio team (DJ Rubrica can you hear me?). 

Reaching back for an OG performance to close this segment, Keith Thompson took the stage – and the floor – for a rousing performance of his classic smash “Break 4 Love” and a listen to his new release “Love Supreme” (out on his own Waking Monster Media imprint). Speaking for myself if not most of the ladies present, that was definitely a highlight of the evening. Dance music is nothing without the sexy beats and lyrics to keep it hot and we are pleased that Thompson still knows how to serve it while keeping it very clean – at least sort of.