Winter Music Conference 2008
Category: Music

This month I’m reporting from the Winter Music Conference, which takes place every March in sunny South Beach, Miami. WMC brings 50,000 industry professionals and fans together to connect, listen to new music, dance, and tan together. From the minute I got into the van headed to the hotel, the conversation revolved around which parties were happening when, who was DJing, and what we were all looking forward to. Of course I gave out flyers from the get go.

After checking in, freshening up and making sure I had my itinerary for the night, I met friends at Porto Sagua, the best Cuban restaurant on the beach. This seemed to be the perfect welcome since Cuban food is like home-cooking for me. As soon as dinner was over we headed to the Tommy Boy party where I met founder and legend, Mr. Tom Silverman through one of his protégés, my friend, Claudia Cuseta from Maxi Promotion. For those of you who don’t know, Tommy Boy released the debuts of Afrika Bambaataa, Queen Latifah, De La Soul, Digital Underground and 808 State!

We then walked over to check out Bugz in the Attic vs Jazzanova and have a sweaty dance for a couple of hours. As if this weren’t enough, our crew decided to pile into an SUV and venture to downtown Miami to check out some D&B and dubstep. We got there right on time to catch Goldie, whom I hadn’t seen in years, and dubstep sensation, Benga. The dancing continued til much later than any of us expected!

After a few hours of sleep and a swim at the Delano pool with frozen mojitos, I made my way to my first gig, The Godfather—the music of, sampled from & inspired by James Brown. Since I was the only woman DJ at all the parties I played, I had to represent at this one by playing only the JB ladies – Lyn Collins, Marva Whitney, Vicki Anderson, Tammi Terrell, Yvonne Fair and Elsie Mae. The decks were blessed by a host of DJs, including Spinna, IG Culture, Daz-I-Kue and Sake One - a feel-good, get-down.

Eventually, we checked out Carl Craig, Gamall and the Fania party, but settled in to the monster OM party with the never-ending line up. There were five distinct areas complete with waterfalls, floating DJ booths, cabanas, lounges, outdoor visuals and amazing talent. Rich Medina kept it hip hop. Nickodemus brought some world flavor. Vikter Duplaix gave us sexy dancehall and Daz kicked it back up with some jump up drum & bass.

My legs were definitely sore and my feet needed a bit of rescue, which was perfect timing for my Puma in-store gig with Geology & Karl Injex. As soon as I finished my set of Latin, disco, Afrobeat & jazz, I set my sights on a pair of golden kicks that were heaven sent. I skipped back to my hotel room with some lovely gear and got ready for the second night of Giant Step with Alex from Jazzanova and the incomparable Erykah Badu.

Ms. Badu kept us all waiting, but it was well worth it. The crowd magically parted as she strolled to the stage with an entourage of photogs, video cameras and of course security. Her performance was as politically charged and socially conscious as her record, with fists up as hips swayed to Soldier and the acapella battle cries of Master Teacher. The energy in the crowd was so electrifying that Erykah decided to take a dip in the pool. I’m happy I had enough energy to get to Co-Op, catch Simbad, and waltz to Deep for Marques Wyatt. Fun!

Ok. Fourth night and I still have two big gigs to play at – Giant Step’s last night at the Delano and the Raw Fusion / Brownswood party. My first set started right before sunset by the pool so I kept it sexy and eclectic with some soul, Latin, deep house and broken beat. I also got to debut two live songs from my production partners Duke and the dope MC, TKWonder. Together we make up GAEA and loved our reception.

I slipped out to the Stone’s Throw party to catch Madlib, and then was off to my next gig where I played right after OP! to an unexpectedly packed room. Fortunately for me the upstairs wasn’t open during my set, so I ended up with a captive audience ready to get down. My future soul set was not going to cut it, so I went back to old school classics – Public Enemy, the Queen, Special Ed, Kane – you get the idea. Of course the place went nuts, screaming and hollering with all the dances to match. The perfect way to end the conference – paying homage to the culture that paved the way for all DJs, B-boys, B-girls and MCs – good ole hip hop.

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Giant Step Presents Brownswood NYC Session 4 @ Nublu
Category: Music

Giant Step Presents Brownswood NYC Session 4 @ Nublu

GIANT STEP PRESENTS BROWNSWOOD SESSIONS 4

THURSDAY FEB 28TH
@ NUBLU 62 Ave C . BTWN 4 + 5

9:30 pm ELAN MEHLER
feat JEREMY VINER – tenor

11:00 pm JOSÉ JAMES
GIDEON VAN GELDER - piano
ALEXI DAVID - bass
ADAM JACKSON - drums

12:30 am COLTRANE PROJECT
RYAN ANSELMI - tenor
JOSÉ JAMES - voice
BEN MARS - bass
LUKE DAMROSCH - drums

DJ REBORN all night long

+ a very special guest

21+ $5 in adv $10 @ door

giantstep.net

josejamesmusic.com

djmoni.com

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January 08*Brownswood Sessions*Jose James
Category: Music

Dear Ones,

Hope the year has been off to a great start for all of you. I just got back from LA and Oakland, where I played for The People, one of the best dancefloor parties I've spun in a while. Cecil, Cali & Amy took great care of me. LA was a cold, rainy mess but I got to spend some good times with friends - Ronni & Kay, celebrate Vikter Duplaix's Grammy nom and hear MdCL spin a great set in Venice.

TONIGHT! Reminding you to come celebrate the release of Jose James The Dreamer at our monthly Brownswood Sessions at Nublu. This is a very special night as you will hear the album, in it's entirety, LIVE, with the legendary Junior Mance gracing the keys. The Dreamer has debuted at 5 in Japan to great reviews from publications around the globe. The early set begins with the gorgeous compositions of Elan Mehler while Geology joins me behind the turntables as a special guest for the night. We are very lucky indeed!

See you tonight!

joy,
moni*


Brownswood Sessions 3
Jose James
Elan Mehler
Moni
Ge-ology
+ Special Guest, Junior Mance

Nublu
62 Ave C bt 4 & 5th Street
10pm / $10

www.giantstep.net
www.josejamesmusic.com
www.myspace.com/josejamesquartet
www.brownswoodrecordings.com

****
DJ MONI
www.djmoni.com
www.myspace.com/djmonipineda

*the crew ::
www.ubiquitanyc.com

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NYE 007
Category: Parties and Nightlife

IF YOU HAVEN'T FIGURED OUT WHAT YOU'RE DOING TOMORROW NIGHT,
HERE'S ANOTHER OPTION ~

FANCY FREE * NEW YEAR'S EVE 007
@ LABEL LOUNGE

DJs
SCOTT RICHMOND (SATELLITE RECORDS)
ALEX CHANG (LE SOUK THURS)
MONI (GIANT STEP, UBIQUITA)

THIS IS THE LAST MINUTE PARTY YOU WERE WAITING FOR. THREE DJs, A SEXY LOUNGE, CHAMPAGNE TOAST, NO MINIMUMS, NO COVER - NEED I SAY MORE?

FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. TO RESERVE A BANQUETTE, EMAIL NICK.

LABEL
174 RIVINGTON BT CLINTON & ATTORNEY
LABELLOUNGE.COM
NO MINIMUMS
NO COVER
9PM DOORS


OH, CHECK OUT MY NEW SITE.
I PUT IT TOGETHER MYSELF, SO LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

DJMONI.COM


** IF I DON'T SEE YOU, BE SAFE, BE HAPPY, BE BLESSED IN 2008 **

7:51 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Happy Holidays!
Category: Music

Greetings amigos,

I hope this finds you enjoying the holidays. Right now I'm spending time with my family in sunny Florida, relaxing by the lake. I've attached a little holiday card I made on the dock

I'd like to thank to all of you for making 007 so terrific and memorable. Thanks for the gigs, your friendships, love & support. There were many highlights, great trips and copious amounts of good music. Hope all of you join me on the 100K plan for 2008! =)

Of course these emails wouldn't be complete without some fun things to do. For those of you who missed the launch of the Brownswood Sessions last month, we're giving you a chance to check it the last Thursday of every month at Nublu. That means Dec 27th we'll be bringing you Elan Mehler, Jose James and a special debut of GAEA with Duke & TKWonder. Of course I'll be playing in between sets.

Friday, Dec 28th I'll be playing at the Adidas store for the next episode of Dante's Friend Chicken. I played for G & D last summer down at 49Anne and had a crazy good time. People were happily moving their jaws and feet. The fried chicken is this delicious, spicy veggie recipe that's finger-lickin good. If you want to come, it starts around 4:30. Email me and I'll send you the RSVP. Those who RSVP will get a 50% off coupon for Saturday Adidas shopping.

There may be a low-key, no-cover New Year's Eve party possibility. If enough of you come, I'll do it. So, let me know!

big kiss & big love,
moni*


--
****
DJ MONI
www.djmoni.com

10:44 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Giant Step Holiday Party & Brownswood Thank-you’s!

Q'uvo mi gente?

First of all muchisimas gracias to all of you who came out last Thursday to make the launch of the Brownswood Sessions at Nublu such a HUGE success. I love the fact that the spot was packed by 10:30 for Elan's set, which was gorgeously inspiring. Jose blew everyone away, which was not at all surprising! As the night progressed and I got on the decks, I was happy to see... Bobbito gettin down, Geology spreading smiles, Heather and the ladies dancing, Deshawn & Lovett lookin fly, Monica & her crew chillin, Christian, Nico, Marc, Wale & Orlando taking it all in.It was a real pleasure to work closely with Maurice & Jose. Thanks for helping everything flow so beautifully. And of course, THANK YOU GILLES FOR HOOKING THIS UP!!!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS - DEC 27TH IS THE NEXT ONE! More info on the line up coming soon!

So, back to the real business at hand. GIANT STEP'S HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA! It deserves such a name because some of the hottest live acts & dj's in the city will be performing on one night, one venue WITH an OPEN BAR for FREE!!! Can you believe it?? Check out the sick line up below & make sure to RSVP. It's one person per email. The door will be collecting donations for the BOWERY MISSION so come with some cash in hand. It's the least we can do for this much needed organization.

RSVP@giantstep.net

Giant Step's Stoli Holiday Party & Benefit

Wednesday, Dec 12, 2007

MR SCRUFF
TURNTABLES ON THE HUDSON
TYLER ASKEW
DHUNDEE
CENTER
MONI

+LIVE

JOSE JAMES
TAYLOR McFERRIN
TIOMBE LOCKHART

This line up is SICK and to top it off, it's a FREE party! Corporate sponsorship never looked so good! I love that I'll be playing with so many talented, good friends. It 's like the holiday party I've always wanted to have. So, please come celebrate with us. I'm personally inviting you ; )

Peace, blessings and joy to you & yours!

moni*

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Brownswood Sessions 1 in NYC

Dear friends,

I hope this finds you enjoying the day. First of all, thank you to all who came through the Ubiquita 7 year anniversary at BAM's Takeover. It was a memorable night of music, friends & celebration. If you didn't get to make it, there are a few upcoming nights that I'm excited to tell you about. Just read below...

Brownswood Sessions 1

Thursday, November 29th

Giant Step, Jose James and Moni invite you to the launch of a new monthly jazz series with Gilles Peterson's label, Brownswood Recordings at Nublu. This month, our special guest is The Elan Mehler Quartet. Make sure to come early so you don't miss hearing Elan's truly intimate and beautiful compositions. The night continues with me spinning all things jazzy and then Jose James performs, not one, but two sets! If you haven't heard Jose's buttery vocals and gorgeous stylings yet, this is your chance. I would love to see all of you come through to help us launch this night properly.

The Jose James Quartet + friends
Moni
+ special guest
The Elan Mehler Quartet

Nublu
62 Ave C (bt 4th & 5th Street)
Doors at 9:30 pm
$5 advance tickets at giantstep.net
$10 at the door


Si*Se & Moni at SOBs

Friday, November 30th

Can't wait to play for Si*Se! I've known Carol since I moved to NY ten years ago and it's been great to witness her tremendous musical and artistic evolution. Her performances are always a treat and her band ROCKS. See you then!

Si*Se: the iconic Latin fusion group behind 2006's acclaimed More Shine. A mélange of Latin, Electro and Hip-hop, with songs in English and Spanish, Si*Se's sound is representative of what S.O.B.'s stands for, which is blending musical genres and braking down cultural boundaries. Although their ancestry varies, Si*Sé's realm of experience is the result of an upbringing set against the cultural backdrop of New York City. "We're a band from New York, so we try to blend all of the city's musical traditions including hip-hop beats, Latin rhythms and down-tempo electronic," adds Carol. "Those are the sounds that we hear every day of our lives – it's a prelude to the future."

SOBs
204 Varick St @ W Houston
Doors at 11 pm
$20adv / $22 dayof

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gigs & happenings OCT/NOV’07
Current mood: ecstatic
Category: Music

Hello lovelies,

I hope this finds you enjoying the gorgeous almost-autumn weather. Much has happened since I last wrote one of these mass emails, so read or skip to the gigs. A couple of weeks ago, I returned from a fantastic trip to Japan where I got to DJ the Puma/YO! MTV Raps Party with non-other than Mr. Beatbox himself, Doug E Fresh! This gig wasn't even the real reason why I was there. I actually was brought over to play at LOOP, a great little club with a wall of sound, alongside Mochizuki & Simbad. The night was rockin and I LOVED playing that room with a jumpin, hands up in the air, hollerin crowd. I stayed 2 weeks, saw many friends and met a host of new ones, to whom I send heartfelt gratitude - Yoshi!

When I returned, I played a couple of benefits that were truly inspiring. If you need to give some cash to good causes instead of tax-man, check these out - http://www.tanda.org/ (helping S.African women & youth in a myriad of ways) and http://hias.org/programs/Offices/LatinAmerica.php (providing resettlement programs for Colombian refugees).

:: GIGS ::

10.23.07 Gilles Peterson + Jose James + Moni @ Cielo
10.24.07 Union Square Lounge
10.31.07 Turntables on the Hudson+Scribe+Moni@Hudson Hotel = SEXY!
11.01.07 Moni's new alt-Thurs residency at LABEL in the LES
11.03.07 Ubiquita 7 Year Anniv. w Vikter Duplaix + Guests @ BAM
11.15.07 Moni's new alt-Thurs residency at LABEL in the LES
11.29.07 Brownswood NYC Lift UP Party @ Nublu w. Jose James, Elan Mehler + Moni

Yes, you're reading this correctly. No need to wipe your eyes, but do mark your calendars!

This Tues, playing with Gilles again but this time you'll get to also hear one of my favorite jazz artists at the moment, Jose James. Buy tix:: http://giantstepstore.net/gipeexusdjse.html

I'm also very excited about the Brownswood NYC night I'll be co-hosting with Jose at Nublu the last Thurs of Nov & Dec. Brownswood Recordings is Gilles's year-old label which has put out some of the best new soul & jazz I've heard in a while. Brownswood NYC will feature not only Jose James but also Elan Mehler and me spinning in between sets for a venerable jazz evening.

Union Square - bruk. house. soul. down-low basement spot. chill & sexy with Coffee Shops food & drink menu. Free, so please stop in & say hello =)

HALLOWEEN with Nick, Mariano, Nappy, Christian + Scribe + me at the Hudson?? Get your freak on! Costume is a must if you're a friend of mine. No excuses! No laziness! Look good. All I have to say!

Thursdays are definitely happening for me again! Now with a bi-weekly party at Label, a hot new space to check. It's got a great sound system, fun latin staff and a perfect Loisaida location. Expect to hear all funk & percussion - latin, afro-beat, boogaloo, and of course a bit of house to tie it all in. Lovely place for a date, a drink or a dance. It may turn into a salsa party if enough of you inspire me!

Not to be missed - Ubiquita's 7 Year Anniversary bash is gowan at BAM on Saturday, Nov 3 with Mr. Duplaix, Reborn, Selly & the fam. This night will be FREE as a way of giving back to the community who has supported, loved & danced this party & vision for the last 7 years. Can't wait!

Love & appreciation to all,
moni*

8:34 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Benefit for Aziza's Place. Photos by Amir Ebrahimi. Music by Kamala, Malik, Dhundee & Moni
Category: Art and Photography

Benefit for Aziza's Place: A Home for Cambodian Kids. Photos by Amir Ebrahimi. Music by Kamala, Malik, Dhundee & Moni @ Smooch. Organic Cafe & Wine Bar

Friday May 4, 2007 - 9:00 PM
264 Carlton Ave @ Dekalb
Ft. Greene, Brooklyn

Free, but donations are greatly appreciated

If you haven't been to Smooch, this is the perfect night to do so. Not only will you see beautiful photographs being sold for a good cause, but you'll also hear some great music, eat organic treats and get your groove on! I played at Smooch for the 1 year anni and the place, although small, was jumpin with kids, artists, dancers and lovely neighborhood folk.

If you can't make it or would like to know more about Aziza's Place, the photographs and how you can get involved, please read Amir's description below or visit the following links....

www.myspace.com/amirnyc
www.amirnyc.com
www.myspace.com/azizasplace
www.azizafoundation.org

11:46 AM - 0 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment

Louder Than Bombs::Alice Russell•Ste McKay with The Beatards•Thunderheist•Black Blondie•M

Saturday May 5, 2007 - 9:00 PM
Louder Than Bombs::Alice Russell•Stephanie McKay with The Beatards•Thunderheist•Black Blondie•Moni @ the Delancey -168 Delancey Street
New York, New York
$10

Presented by THE BLOOM EFFECT / REBEL SOUL / BLACK CORNERS

This is a special night for me. I get to listen to some of my favorite female singer/songwriters of the moment - Alice, Stephanie? Incredible. You seriously DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! It is the US debut of Thunderheist and from what I hear, it should be fire!

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