The End Of An Era: The Last Of MODchicago’s Our Way Of Thinking

It took me a couple of weeks to come out with this post. I have  three good reasons why. One, I’m still riding high from the incredible 4 days I spent in the Windy City with people that I could probably describe as family. It took me a while to have my feet planted back on terra firma. Two, it’s hard for me to put into words how wonderful this event is and how it will be missed. Third, I spent the last couple of weeks preparing and shooting a TV show. More on that soon…

The last few posts were all about the incredible DJs that traveled from across North America  to attend the last Our Way of Thinking and with whom I had the honor of sharing the bill with. That's right, after a 10 year hiatus,  sadly the curtain is being drawn on the Our Way Of Thinking weekender. Let me just say that the DJs brought their "A" game  for the occasion and they delivered the goods! Let’s not forget Rhode Island DJ extraordinaire Ty Jesso and French spin master Laurent Réus that were not featured in the previous posts but will surely need posts all to themselves.

World traveler Laurent Réus teaching us a thing or two about Soul music

Ty Jesso lighting the dance floor on fire

None of this would have been possible without the Grand Poobah himself, Sir Eric Colin. Kudos to him for gathering such an incredible line-up! When you have people that are ready to travel from all over the world just to be part of the festivities, it says a lot about the man’s character.

The Man (with a capital M) Sir Eric Colin showing us what style is all about.

Let’s be honest, the crowd does not compare with a European weekender, with a few hundred people in attendance at best. In terms of quality, I have no doubt it can rival any of them.

In the DJ tradition of the past events, here’s my set list for both Friday and Saturday night.

 

Friday night set @ Liar's Club 

 

The Deltones – Gimme Some Lovin’ – EMI Colombia

Yvonne Elliman – I Can’t Explain – Purple

Tony Clarke – Landslide – Chess

Danny White – Keep My Woman Home – Atlas

Thelma Jones – Stronger – Barry

 

The Belles – Don’t Pretend – Mirwood

Billy Storm – Baby, Don’t Look Down – Loma

Johnny Rivers – Seventh Son – IR Imperial

Nancy Wilson – Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Capitol

Rose Batiste – Hit & Run – Revilot

Ronnie Taylor – I Can’t Take It – Nassau

Georgia Soul Twisters – You Shot Me (Through The Grease) – Mainstream

Sonny Raye – Whip It On Me – Jetstream

Les Hou-Lops – Pas Besoin d’un Docteur – Apex

The Human Beinz – Turn On Your Love Light – Capitol

The Hardtimes – Fortune Teller – World Pacific

DJ Miss KT in the Groove

Friday night crowd at the Liars Club warming up the dance floor

 Saturday night set @ Late Bar

James Kirk – Tell Me Please – Guyden

King Coleman – Do The Booga Lou (Part I) – Port

Eddy “G” Giles – Eddy’s Go-Go Train – Murco

The Metros – Since I Found My Baby – RCA Victor

The M.V.P.’S – Turnin’ My Heartbeat Up – Buddah

Gwen Owens – I Lost A Good Thing – Velqo

Wendy Rene – Bar-B-Q – Stax

Lee Rogers – Craked Up Over You – Wheelsville

Lou Lawton – Knick Knack Patty Wack – Wand

Elvis Presley – Rubberneckin’ – RCA Victor

Vandyke and the Bambis - Doin’ The Mod – Piccadilly

Charlotte Leslie – Les Filles C’est Fait Pour Faire l’Amour – Polydor

The Children Of Darkness – Sugar Shack A Go-Go – Royce

The Quid – Crazy Things – Eagle

Little Willie John – I’m Shakin’ – King

The African Beavers – Find My Baby – RCA Victor

Memphis Slim – Clap Your Hands – Fontana

Roy Redmond – Ain’t That Terrible – Loma

Vernon Harrel – Slick Chick – Lescay

DJ Derek See from California & DJ Parka Pat

DJ Bossy Boots & the lovely Ashlea

LA's DJ Soulmarcosa hard at work

Sir Eric Colin and DJ Midnight Cowbwoy exchanging loving glances

It was a bitter sweet ending to a great weekender. Sighs that will only be alleviated by some wonderful memories and lasting friendships.

The next post will be all about the incredible records I brought back from Chicago. Some great Soul coming your way!