Atlanta. Where First Fridays and First Saturdays are for Steppers
I made a quick stop at the beauty supply store before hitting the steppers set. I was on my way driving to the Atlanta area only minutes away finally. While in the beauty store, I heard loud music pumping through the walls. The lady next to me exclaimed, ”They are having a hell of a party over there. We should let them know we only party like that in Decatur. Why wasn’t I invited?”
I replied, “It sounds like the type of party that you don’t need an invite for. Just show up and they’ll let you in.”
As I continued to browse and I heard more of the songs that were playing, the sound and music seemed familiar. I was thinking, “Wait a minute. Why does that sound like a stepper set?” I googled the address to my next destination. Wouldn’t you know it! The beauty store was right behind Premier Restaurant and Lounge – exactly where I was heading to – Ms. Mary’s Pre-Valentine Adult Day Party in Lithonia, Georgia.
I said to the young lady, “That’s where I’m going. You’re definitely invited. Come through.”
A Stepping Good Time Just Like Six Years Ago
It has been some time since I have been to Atlanta and at Ms. Mary’s set. It was certainly a wonderful reunion for me. Atlanta was the first city I traveled to often to keep on stepping and practicing. Atlanta was my monthly destination just for Ms. Mary’s set and Chicken Wang’s First Fridays. These trips created the narrative and catapulted my livingthe8count blog and me enjoying the stepping lifestyle. I’ve written several blog posts about my time in Atlanta. Years later in Atlanta, I still encounter a good vibe to party, enjoy people, and dance down south. It’s such a good feeling to be in Georgia. February was a good month because this was Ms. Mary’s first time at Premier Restaurant and Lounge.
Dancing with Steppers from Many Cities
I saw steppers from everywhere. Not only were the Atlanta Metro steppers out in full force, but I also steppers from Detroit, Chicago, Birmingham, Charlotte, Raleigh, and Columbus. It was just like a stepper’s event weekend. Unfortunately, I missed Chicken Wang’s Friday set. Everyone was raving about how packed it was and that I missed the party. I am mad I couldn’t make it there on Friday but on the next trip, I will. You know, everyone was kind enough to let me know what I missed on the weekend. In addition to Friday night, I missed out on the great Caribbean food at the restaurant. I have to try the food the next time.
The down south love and hugs warmed my heart. I saw steppers that I have not seen in a very long time. I was able to reconnect with other new steppers from Atlanta that I had met just a couple of weeks before at the Stylemasters Chapter IV Weekend in Norfolk, Virginia on MLK weekend. Just like the times in Chicago when I dance with people who don’t travel, I have the same experience here. There are many steppers I enjoy dancing with that I only dance with when I am in Atlanta because some steppers don’t travel at all. It’s still always a nice surprise to see and dance with everyone.
Good Music and Good Times
Thank you to the DJs that made the party so enjoyable on Saturday – DJ Sampsonite and DJ T Time. Ms. Mary thank you for the ultimate stepper day party and the after-party. The day party was from 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. and the after-party started at 9 p.m. in the same location. Can steppers dance for 6+ hours straight? Yes, we can! Steppers if you are looking for a steppers weekend where you want to enjoy a great down south welcome, meet people from other cities, and have a good time, be sure to make it to Atlanta for a weekend to experience Chicken Wang’s First Fridays and Ms. Mary’s First Saturday. I will be back for more in 2022 and I’ll be there for Friday for sure!
Hi, I live in Fayetteville NC and have been stepping on and off for years. It would be nice to check out the steppin scene in the ATL.
Always a good and enlightenibg read. Thank you for what you do, that is spreading the new that’s worth spreading. 😉