1. Rural upstate NY community, primarily middle class white bread
population with some hispanic and black representation (no slurs
intended). About two hundred 15 to 18 year-old students will attend
the PTO sponsored "Senior Celebration", an all night drug and
alcohol free graduation party at the high school this Saturday. A
local "Macarena and Prizes" (Acid What?) DJ has been hired and a
student rock band will play bad Pink Floyd covers.
2. I volunteered to set up a fairly powerful home system in a corner
of the cafeteria and provide background and "in between" sets of
music. Tentative playlist: Maxwell, Erykah Badu, 9Lazy9, Incognito,
some Five Star/Shadow/Ninja stuff, Quiet Boys, M People, Nuyorican
Soul, CFM Band, Marden Hill, Brooklyn Funk Essentials, Groove
Collective, select Hip/Tr*p Hop, and cuts from some Instinct comps.
A very small contingent of kids, and one adult that I now of, know
that this music even exists. I have a minor clue as to what the rest
listen to: 311, No Doubt, Gangsta Rap, overproduced R&B,
Industrial/Metal and maybe some Techno. My goal is to hopefully open
some ears and minds, perhaps recruit some converts, and have some
fun watching the reactions. I'm also eager to check out the
chaperone's response to this stuff. Should be interesting.
3. With a couple more shopping days left I thought I would solicit
your global opinions on some cuts that might grab the attention of
such a crowd. Looking for some on the dance side but more on the 4AM
schmoove and/or atmospheric tip. Mind you, my sources are restricted
to mall type stores and two regional Rhino Records shops with an OK
but limited selection. Thanks very much in advance for your
suggestions. I'll post some results after the event.
Mike G