2nd Annual Midwest Affair Main Event Back
Nov 14, 2010
In 2010, there is no way that anyone can say that the Midwest doesn’t know how to throw a weekend affair. Of course there’s nothing like actually going to a Chicago set and being around legends, original steppin music, etc. but on Saturday, The Midwest Affair was an event not to be missed at the Stranahan Hall in Toledo, OH. Unlike Friday night, there was not a fog bed that engulfed the area so more people were able to come out. I really liked this hall because it has a huge venue with descending stairs that embraces a large dance floor. Every seat and every table offered good seating and allowed for easy access to the floor. Familiar faces scattered throughout the room as DJ Mellow Chris provided the sounds for the evening with Mykel "Shorty Smooth” Farr serving in a another role as…emcee. Rockin Rodney Mack made an appearance after entertaining the crowd the night before at The Meet and Greet.
Walter Jenkins of Detroit’s The Big Hat Gentlemen, Juan Hall of Toledo’s Mind, Body & Soul, and The Northeast Ohio Fellows out of Cleveland made a concerted effort to present an adequate buffet while providing dances for most of the single women. "Class” was definitely the theme for the evening. A list of who’s who from Chicago were scattered throughout the venue. Pete Frazier, Chase, Lynette Bond, Charnice Simmons and the Sistas in Sync, Deon Farr, Dominque Robinson, Melanie Fields, and Cheryl Powe, Keith Hubbard, Footwork James, Tyk Myn, "Tall Rick” Wetherspoon, Joanie and Easy (I know they are Indiana natives) and a few others.
There is only one thing that was missing that could have made this a true steppers affair. It’s a little thing but a big thing. Out of towners as a whole have not quite gotten the knack of "steppers sharp” attire yet. If we were at a large set in Chicago there would have been a cajillion original tailored made suits, matching outfits, shoes, etc. that would have been sprinkled across the floor. Out of towners dress up but this still seems to hold us from reaching the fidelity of attire that cities across the nation try to meet.
The ever popular, dance exhibitions in the middle of the set, were honored by Tyk Myn and Footwork James with Pete, Keith, Chase and Drew Alexander bringing up the rear. Male one on ones are being embraced very slowly by the out of town men. There is however, some reservation because a lot of the men do not want to follow so they have not yet acquired the ability to be led by a man yet. I heard this on more than one occasion.
The highlight of the evening for me was the "show”. Eye hustling is a craft that I have perfected over the years because I truly learn from those who don’t know it. Having said that, I would like to make mention of some steppers that I feel the public is truly sleeping on. They are not contest people but if you put them in a room…you’ll notice them. Jennifer Toles from Akron has creative footwork and finesse, Detroit’s Sophia Hooper has developed attitude through her feet if you can understand that. Cleveland’s Kendra Willis has that edge also! Detroit’s Darby Settles had a line of women waiting to step with him that prevented him from sitting down most of the evening along with Detroit’s Daryl aka "Flex”. They both have that swagger that so many men try to develop but can’t quite get. Then there’s the guy who Sherry and I believe is from Las Vegas or Memphis, who had on beige and was dancing with a tall and slender young lady. I couldn’t get to him but if anyone was there and witnessed this couple walkin’ then you’ll know who I was talking about. Fierce!
Also in the house was Bonita Gower-Williams, Mr. Ira Blakely, Jamal Brown, James Pacely, Brock Powers of the Copacetic Steppers, The Dancin Dons and Divas (Cleveland), Columbus’ Own, Donald Blount of GDI, Cleveland’s The Gentlemen of Ballroom, Terri the "Twister” from Cali, Vince Huckabee "DJ Huck”, DJ Paul Ross "The Boss” and a host of others.
When I am the one who doesn’t want to leave a party early and I wind up walking out with the employees, then you know it was a sure fire hit. Congratulations to the gentlemen who put on the Midwest Affair Weekend. I Love Steppin looks forward to attending more events from you all again. Pictures can be found on the ILoveSteppin.com website.
