I met DJ Art of Noyze in 2012. One day he said to me, “The first time I saw you dance at Papa Grande I said wow! who is she? I have never seen anyone step so raw” I did not understand what he meant, but that moment started our friendship. Art and I nurtured mutual respect and he left a lasting impression. I have fond memories of Art “DJ Art of Noyze” Thirus.
Art challenged us steppers musically
Last year at Tropical Delight Art played the song “Shirley” by Shirley Scott. I connected with this song for the first time in a video shared on Facebook with Tall Rick and Cheryl Powe boppin’ and steppin’ Chicago style at Samantha Reed’s celebration in Virginia. When the song started, I looked over at him thinking Art must believe he’s in the heart of Chicago right now. “Something old for you to try something new. Let’s see you get down to this like Sugafoot and Tall Rick,” he announced on the mic. We tried.
Art kept it Chicago
Art played mostly old school music and some of the young steppers in the community didn’t always enjoy his consistent old school classic musical selections. I learned to value his old school flavor more after multiple trips to Chicago. I realized I heard most of his music – the classics – only on sets in Chicago. The musical journey with Art was always true to his hometown.
He was a great coach
Art asked me to be a part of his cycling group. When I supposed, “What if I can’t keep up with the group?” Art replied, “I will never leave you behind to ride alone. We ride together, and if you are at a slower pace I will ride along with you to encourage and support you. We do that for every member of our group.” He showed this attitude about many other things in life. He was “that dude.”
Art laughed a lot even at himself
I remember dancing with him in Heroes and I was shocked to see him in Chicago since he did not travel much. “I can’t believe we are dancing in Chicago,” I said. ”We have come a long way to these crowded Chicago dance floors. Sherry Gordon just yelled at me to stay in my lane at the Fifty,” he replied laughing. He mentioned this every time we spoke and laughed about it. He kept everything lighthearted and always smiled.
Art let me know he valued my opinion
Art would email me his mixes and say, “Tell me what you think!” When he played a new song at the set that I’d also heard in Chicago I’d let him know it and he’d make a note. We had a mutual respect and it helped to foster many of our conversations and the information and history of this community that he has trusted me with.
Art and I did not always agree, but we never let that interrupt our respect and camaraderie. In our last conversation we talked about our local $15 sets. He encouraged me to show up. I gave him all my reasons for not showing up every time. We ended our last call laughing and with his usual request, “Remember to bring back some CDs from your next trip to Chicago.”
Our friendship was important to me. Art did small things like playing one of my favorite songs “Viben” by Full Blast when I showed up at his set. I did not have to request it. Hopefully, other steppers had a chance to share and know the true spirit of the man behind the music. I surely miss him, and will not forget his work in this world. The Art gallery is “not closed.” My deepest condolences go out to his family and friends.
Remember Art through his music. DJ Art of Noyze’s mixes on Mixcloud.