Today was probably my most crazy day of the week - Sunday. From 1pm to 5am, I was pretty much nonstop.
The day kicked off at Wyndham Hotel where I was on a Winter Music Panel for Music and the Media. Jim Tremayne moderated and the panel included lots of new media. I was concerned that the crowd would not understand some of the terminology used but I think the messages got across. I spoke about the site and gave a list of pet peeves which included those horrible fiber filled envelopes that come in the mail. I HATE opening them because the little fibers fly everywhere and I start sneezing. The crowd was laughing and sympathized with my allergies.
After the panel, I headed up to SOBE Live for Sunday School. The Island Def Jam sponsored party featured performances from Christina Milan, Rihanna and Lola. The crowd was prime American dance industry so there was a lot of networking going on. Dance artists Billie Myers, Chris Willis, and Michael M were working the crowd as were producers Mike Rizzo, Jason Nevins, Ray Roc and Peter Presta. Christina was electric on stage and came across as a true superstar.
A few blocks up, I ran to the Delano to catch a set of Let the Singer Be Heard. Always one of my favorite parties, the event features the singers sharing songs with a truly devoted audience. Keith Thompson, Barbara Tucker, Dawn Tallman, Leana, Joi Cardwell and Rachel Panay are just a few of the wonderful singers that I had the pleasure of hearing.
Fast forward 30 blocks up Collins Avenue and its time for the International Dance Music Awards. Broadcasted live on XM radio, the event featured performances by DJs are Alive (groundbreaking), Cascada (enchanting) , Departure (inspirational) and C2C (intriguing.) I was asked to accept an award for one of my favorite magazines DJ Magazine which got me on stage and I stammered out a few sentences before heading backstage. Hanging out I met Lisa and Debbie Loeb who impressed me with their interest and knowlege of dance music - they have done their research. The after party was quite good as well.
Since its an awards show, I guess I should play Joan/Melissa and have a best dressed. Paul Van Dyk resplendent in a classic suit and ascot accepted several awards showing his appreciation with a well earned smile. Claudja Berry dressed for the party with two very classy Escada evening girls. Divas in training should learn a lesson from this classy legend.
I made the mistake of going to the Paris Hilton party at the Fifth. Without a doubt, it was the worst event of the week. Its shocking that a major label like Warner Brothers would choose such an awful venue to host an artist event. The doorstaff was stuckup and rude. The inside was filthy and dirty. I heard someone make the comment that maybe the Fifth was a reflection of public perception of Paris herself.
The final stop more than made up for the Paris fiasco - Tiesto at Mansion. Proving why he is the number one dj, Tiesto rocked the crowd with a nonstop legendary set. Magnetic visuals, creative performance artists and a stunning vocal performance by Jes completed the scene for a magical evening. Trust me, I am not a trancehead by any stretch of the imagination, but the full experience has opened my eyes to why Tiesto has such a loyal international following.
