Part 2
What is the difference between playing at an out-of-town event and playing in Chicago?
I think being a DJ from Chicago, it is my responsibility to take Chicago with me wherever I go. Some out-of-towners may have not been to Chicago to experience the Chicago understanding – the ebb and flow of music. We dance to all tempos. There are certain nuances you only get when you come to Chicago, so I try to take that with me when deejaying at out-of-town events. The more people come to Chicago, the more they will understand it.
I play walking segments at certain times of the party just like I would at home. Occasionally I dig deep in the crates to expose the masses to some of the classics that you may only hear in smaller sets in Chicago.
To understand Chicago music, whether as a dancer or a DJ, you must come to Chicago and experience it yourself. I can’t imagine being a stepping DJ that has never been to Chicago. You can’t just buy a CD and be a DJ. Sometimes fifteen songs on a CD are selected for you to listen to music in a car. It’s not 15 songs that you play at a set. That’s not how it works. That’s not how any of this works. LOL.
Will the “Get Down” return?
The Get Down is not returning. Absolutely not. Both Dave Maxx and I have decided to work on some other things. You’ll see us together again, but it won’t be at the Get Down.
Where can we see DJ Black Cool deejaying next?
- July 3 in Columbus for Aki Carter’s- Red, White & Smoove Event Main Event Night – Saturday
- September 11-12 in Philadelphia, Barbara Hawk with Chocolate Girl Productions – for 2021 is hosting Let’s Get Back to Stepping
- November 3-8 in Hawaii with Bobbie Rae Thomas of Global Dance Productions
- March 24-27, 2022 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas hosted by Anu Vibrations
In different ways, the pandemic changed a lot of people. Did it change you, and will it change your music?
Yes, definitely. I always took the pandemic seriously, but knowing people who got sick or passed, made it more real for me. We lost some good friends. Moving forward, I cherish relationships, whether business or otherwise. I am more mindful of things that matter. My time with loved ones is more important than ever. As far as music, I think I will be better. I had a chance to lay back and retool some things and do a reset if you will. This time away has allowed me to refresh my state of mind.
When will we see the next Trendsetter mix from DJ Black Cool?
I am working on some other things. I am not sure if there will be another Trendsetter but I am working on another project.
You will never be successful, being who you aren’t. You must find out who you are. Whether you dance or DJ, you have to work on your craft. There is a false sense of celebrity that may linger around the steppin’ culture and sometimes people get caught up in being who they think they need to be. For steppin’ to grow, we have to stick to the right way, proper etiquette, know the history, and respect it. Let’s not forget what this dance is supposed to be about. Everybody can win, and there is room for everyone to be who they really are.
Read: Part 1: Back from the Pandemic – The Return of DJ Black Cool
Welcome! I am the writer Sonji Stewart. These are my travel stories about my Chicago Stepping experiences, traveling from city to city to dance. I hope my stories encourage you to join me in the adventure.
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