The Last Dance
It is Saturday, August 27, 2016...the last dance is upon us. This last dance is for the legendary epicenter of House music culture in Baltimore. This last dance is for The Paradox. 1310 Russell street will soon be the home of a different type of venue, planned to "hopefully" attract the masses of money chasing patrons of the nearby Horseshoe Casino. As many posh facilities are pushed to he forefront, presenting a clean, polished presentation to what may have been seen as grime, I stand in reflection. I am never one to resist change, I actually welcome it. But with this round of transformation, I can only wish them (the developers) the best. But, from a personal viewpoint, this stance on "progress" is a loud signal of a step backwards in many ways.
The closing of the Paradox, ahead of further commercial development, is not unusual to any of us living in these metropolitan areas. But what it signifies is that this change comes with loss and sacrifice. By now we have seen and realized the loss of the sense of community as certain areas gentrify. Those moving into areas "less developed" are missing the mark by not acknowledging the established legacy of what is in front of them. The same thing is the case for the underground culture. An old warehouse provides the perfect playground environment for House music and its related offspring to thrive and grow. The Paradox is/was the last of its kind, that gem in the rough, housing all of the treasures and best kept secrets a House Head could find. The acoustical value of its architecture that allows sound to resonate or BANG perfectly, along with the space to accommodate the masses seeking to "turn it" on the dance floor, is all quickly fading away. Above all of this, the people are affected. The community of like-minded party goers, those patrons and enthusiasts seeking to be up close and personal with the classics and latest sounds within a culture that has thrived for over thirty years. They, those who make the party, are displaced like immigrants, forced to squeeze into make shift party settings hosted by inexperienced, money-hungry promoters. Forced into a state of conformity that ultimately isolates and eliminates. This is our state of change...our reality.
Deep Sugar, Ultra Nate's long-running after hours Deep House party, provides the anchor leg with Part 4 of its"Demolition Series." This will be THE place to be as we all gather to enjoy this beautiful facility and its massive sound system for one last time. From the perfect tag team of Deep Sugar's Girl Squad (Ultra Nate and Lisa Moody), the bang effect of The Elders, wizardry of sound man and DJ supreme, Mookie Wizzo, and memorable vibe sets of Baltimore's House Big Papa himself, Wayne Davis, the scene is set for the ultimate climax! We saw the masses flood through the doors during the official closing events in May. The silent reprieve of the following months, due to development issues, has brought us to this point, so we celebrate, in the NOW. This is a special time.
This change should not be met with all doom and gloom as described earlier. Deep Sugar will continue on in a major way. The House community will continue to plan and thrive, just as the new music flows. But, we must take a moment, to pause and think about how we shall proceed. The game has changed in a major way, so it is up to everyone, that has been involved in House music culture, to do their part in reserving what has been and cultivating what will be. This is the only way our culture will survive. Just as many wise people say, we must give our loved ones their roses while they are here, we must support our venues and events. Our outlets for expression can be gone with one swing of the wrecking ball, so let's not squander our opportunities.
