Well we all survived the worlds largest gathering of folks that love Dance Music.   The Winter Music Conference has completed it's 20th year of Conferences, Panels, Pool Party's and Awards ceremony's.  To describe the conference in a word.... AWESOME!  But that is not without controversy and despair. WMC has over the years be on a decline and many aspects. Many delegates have complained about the price of the badges and the fact that those badges are pretty useless unless you are going be hanging at the host hotel. While WMC draws literally thousands of people from around the world it is impossible to have all of those people in on hotel. The people that run WMC have done an excellent job in containing the conference to Badge holders, I have privately agreed that WMC has lost its luster as a conference. This year for the first time I did not purchase a badge. I've been coming to Miami in March during Spring break since 1990. While I have been a huge fan of The Winter Music Conference in past years and would never say anything bad about the conference This year I have to COME OUT and say that the originators of this MEGA celebration of sorts are going to lose out to the newer ideals of the new conference called the M3 Summit. Over the years I have heard hundred of complaints from DJ's Producers and Artist that WMC is a waste of Time and Money. I think it's a shame because there has been plenty of warning over the years to fix the popularity WMC. A good example of WMC losing out is the fact that on Thursday Night DJ RODGER SANCHEZ and DJ TIESTO were schedule to spin at SPACE Downtown MIAMI. That in itself was a major mistake. RODGER and TIESTO both can draw 6,000 or more each. Because of it SPACE was forced to close down the line of people that had been standing in line for over a hour to get in. The other factor was a lot of people spent $70.00 to get into the club but if you were a M3 delegate and had a M3 Pass not only did you get in first you didn't have to pay the $70.00 to get in. One week before the conference begin M3 offered badges for $99.00, WMC was $395.00. nuff said....... The other problem with WMC is the fact that it's is located on NORTH beach, North of 42th and Collins. Peep this..... There are more than a hundred clubs between 1st and Ocean and 21th and Collins. Beach parties, Pool Parties, Magic Sessions and Hotel Lobby parties that are free with free drinks. So I ask the question. Why spin $395.00 for a WMC badge when a M3 badge is $99.00 and you can get in to all the party's for free with a M3 pass. WMC people wake up!!!! You are about to lose it. On Ocean Drive and Collins Ave were some of the best party's and had no cover. The traffic in the South Beach area during Spring Break is incredible. With that comes the excitement and convience of going from door to door to party's instead of going miles to the conference and back.          

Lady D & her Fabulous Funky Friends  "D'LECTABLE RECORDS "
at The WHITELAW Hotel Beach Miami, Beach, FL. DJ Oktober commands the tables and the crowd.

Deet Promotions  "One Nation Under A Groove"
at Twist Miami, Beach, FL.

Put together by the super promoter HARRY TOWERS this party featured live acts and DJ's from around the country. The club was Hot and sticky to put it mildly, and the crowds were loving it. On the decks Dee Jay's Lysa D., Raul Compos, Art Rooney, Joe Bermudez, and Darryl "Awesome" Owens, and performing are Rachal Panay, P-1, Anthony Cole, Win Marcinak, Frank Lords, Kenne, Georgie Porgie, Michael M., Dan Rave, and J. DJ Steve started to night with vibes that set the tone for the night, seamless blending of hot mixing. Yours truly followed as the dance floor just seem to melt. Keeping with the soulful house grooves that has been dominating the beach, Twist started living up to it name as the club quickly reached capacity. DJ LYSA  continue with her smooth and sexy rhythms that made you feel... Sexy! The performances were hot and exciting and the crowds loved it!   

Masters At Work  "The Deep House Sounds"
DJ Paul Johnson at Bay Road Miami, Beach, FL.

Continuing with the private side of the conferences, this party was off the beaten path located several blocks west of Collins. It too was on that everyone was trying to get into. DJ Paul Johnson and others controlled the club with two set and plenty of soulful house joints. DJ Disciple worked the crowds into a frenzy as yours truly was seen dancing like a pro after consuming mass quantity's of courage. In past years I've tried to make all the parties but I've learned that one should try and make the important ones. With the deep soulful groove this one was too important to miss.    

DJ Patife whips up some cool D&B  "The Final Sunset Soiree"
at Surfcomber Hotel Miami, Beach, FL.

This M3 event was the official closing party for M3 and what a hotel to have it at. Prefuse 73, DJ Le Spam and the Spam all-stars, DJ Heather, Telefon Tel Aviv and DJ Patife from Brazil. This poolside venue was a perfect setting for this event where on the backside of the stage was the pool and the front side was the beach. While D&B music is not my favorite style of music, DJ Patife has got to be the best in spinning it. The performance was spectacular and you will agree that the boy has skilz. Ironically this hotel was one of WMC's sponsor hotels in previous years. This one sponsored by M3, Motorola, and Technics Excellent Drum and Bass!

Roger Sanchez  "Supplying Energy"
at Space Miami, FL.

As gas prices rise to ridiculous levels, World renown DJ Rodger Sanchez (pictured with DJ Tommy T) and Global DJ Paul Oakenfold supply alternative fuel option for the club goers. The night, Tuesday March 9, The crowd, Intense. The place, SPACE, Miami's largest club. Mega Clubs need Mega People and the bill was not difficult fill. Unfortunately Security would not allow me to bring in my camera to show you the great people, but if you were there you know that everyone except myself were allowed to bring in a camera, Camcorder, Camera Phone etc. The first level was all Paul Oakenfold where his set was explosive. The Kinetics and the Chemistry was extremely volatile. Bouncing bodies were grooving to trance and progressive sounds on two levels. But the groove was smooth and hard with Rodgers set on the Terrace. A cold front came through earlier Tuesday making it perfect for conditions. Rodgers Sanchez'  mixing was premium grade and the combustion level was high. But cool weather kept the club kids from getting over heated until the sun came up. Rodgers blend was intense as he injects hypnotic rhythms that were down right soulful into each club member. I left the party at ten a.m., fighting my way out as people were still trying to get in. The Set, The Club and The Jocks are the music conferences main attraction that people just don't want to miss. If you did, it maybe another year before you can get this type of High Test Fuel again!

WHO ARE THE ANIMALS?
This webpage has been nursing on the positive cells in my brain for about ten years or so. For those that have known me that long, you will remember the newsletter that I use to put out once a month. On that letter you found the top Singles, Albums, Night Clubs, Restaurants, and Concerts. Now that the World Wide Web is here I have a new avenue to give you and thousands more the same important information.

The animals are different people that are stars within themselves. They make up a number of people that are up and coming Artist, Models, DJ's, and very close friends that have some how molded the music and or beauty industry, Or have contributed a wildness or primitive ways. The Animals are You and Me, so you ever see me and my camera, get my attention! If I haven't caught you first. Strike a pose, or give me your best wacky shot! -Awesome