June 26th
The festival has just ended and it was a hell of a weekend. To give you an idea of how big this thing is I’m going to throw you some numbers. They estimate the city of Toronto basically doubles in size during the 3 day weekend. About 2 million people from around the world come in to show off their pride and lets just say due to our Canadian ways we let the city be as loose as they want to be… don’t be surprised by the visuals lets leave it at that. The one thing that is really cool though about the festivities is how all cultures both hetero and homo come together and accept one another as who we are... people. There is no crimes, no issues, nothing; it really is nice to see and it really reflects the message of my film because the dance culture has such a big impact and use during the festival. There are several stages set up in parking lots along Church Street that feature d-jays from early day into the evening. Along with that there are several parties throughout the city that have guest d-jays and dance floors that stay alive until the next day with patrons. The tribal sensibilities are in full force and to see people of all nationalities and sexes dancing together and celebrating is truly an amazing thing to see.
What excited me the most during this weekend was the chance to get to know a d-jay I’ve admired and enjoyed watching over the past ten -years. His name is David Morales… he’s from Brooklyn New York originally, has a Grammy award under his belt, and has played all over the world for the past 20 years. He just recently opened a club called Sonic in Toronto and is trying to redefine the dance scene here in the city. From experience we have a great crowd of people who appreciate this medium of music but lately we have lost our way a bit… I look forward to the direction and venue he brings.
So the interview… Let’s just say it was an amazing 40 minutes and you’ll have to wait. He had so much to say and he was an interesting person to get to know… I look forward to highlighting it for you the audience along with the parties he plays.
Along with that interview I got to see Eric again. He’s just as I remembered him but grown up with responsibilities. One of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet and the first gay friend I ever had. What was cool about our crew at East Sides was the acceptance; we never judged and we embraced the differences that everyone had. The time at East Sides was a big deal to Eric because he still hadn’t come out to his parents. He moved from a small town to the city and it was the first time in his life where he felt he didn’t need to pretend. During the time he spent at East Sides he came out to his parents and we got the moment and story on tape… again to see it you’ll have to stay tuned but I can say one thing it is moving and I know people out there have had similar struggles… I always enjoyed going out to the clubs and dancing with Eric and the others… Eric’s energy was great and it really contributed to the family.
The weekend was a success… Montreal is next where were going to be featuring some female D-jays from the San Francisco label OM records. These two ladies DJ Heather and DJ Collette are an amazing powerhouse behind the wheels and the voice on Miss Collette as she does vocals over her mixes is to die for… these gals are sexy and stylish and know how to get a crowd going… should be fun.
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