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To recount and record the stories and music that inspired today’s dance-music culture, from the late ‘70’s right through to our modern festival culture . Whether told from the perspective of the DJ, the lighting/special effects person, the club owner/management or the record promoters of the day, these are the elements that make up “The Heartbeat of the Dance Floor®”.
EPISODE 012 – A LIGHTING PANEL
A Lighting Panel Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® Episode # 012
I’m honored to be joined by Ken Billington, Paul Gregory, Jason Kantrowitz and Anne Militello, ALL award winning lighting designers, as we discuss how lighting, while not necessarily thought of as music typically is, is both an integral and highly influential part of the overall experience.
We talk about their numerous projects across a variety of disciplines including Broadway, Concert Touring and Architectural Installations with the common denominator between us being we all have had at least one toe, if not an entire foot in the Disco/NYC Club scene late 70’s-early 80’s.
Along with tales and back-stories from their various you’ll learn how they’ve influenced so much of today’s culture and our visual experiences with their creativity and contributions over the years and how the basic premise of the ‘Heartbeat’ remains consistent in the creative process.
EPISODE 011 – PINES PAVILION
The Pines Pavilion: How It Began by Marsha Stern Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® Episode # 011
The Pines Pavilion: How It Began by Marsha Stern The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® Episode # 011 Please join me as I share behind the scene stories that led to the creation of the Pines Pavilion.
Opening in May of 1980, it has been continuously operating ever since albeit under a variety of owners over the years. My story begins about a year before that opening night when the seeds were sown by me and my freinds, innocent fantasies during the summer of 1979 that resulted in a new venue at the harbor in the Spring, welcoming the Pines residents. Over the years there have been many changes to the building including a complete rebuild due to a fire in 2011. Through it all The (Pines) Pavilion remains a beloved part of the Fire Island Pines Harbor and community.
EPISODE 010 – ROY THODE
Remembering Roy Thode interviewed by Marsha Stern The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 010
I am joined by Scott Bromley, John Ceglia, Martin Dow, Bob Howard, Robbie Leslie & Bobby Viteriti as we gather together to tell stories and remember the genius of Roy Thode, who was an iconic ground-breaking DJ during the heyday of Disco.
From his debut in the early-70’s until his untimely passing in 1982, Roy left an indelible mark that endures today. Those techniques he employed in his craft of creating a musical journey have translated through time as today’s dance music audience enjoys a great many effects that are now made possible through technology that just didn’t exist in the analog world of Disco.
However more than his technological prowess, Roy Thode is remembered as someone who touched the lives of so many, bringing fond memories to those that were a part of his culture at the time and also bringing a smile to a fresh, new audience of listeners who can experience his unique musical style through the internet. I know that is something that he would be very proud of.
EPISODE 009 – BILL BERNSTEIN
The Story of Bill Bernstein on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 009
Internationally celebrated portrait and documentary photographer Bill Bernstein views photography as anthropology. Since beginning his career at the Village Voice in the 1970s, his methodology has been one of researching and representing contemporary cultures and sub-cultures through photography. The breadth of Bernstein’s career has been spent peeking into contemporary “tribes”—including New York City’s late 1970’s notorious night scene and a 15 year span touring at Paul McCartney’s side as his personal photographer – and apprehending their unseen dynamics, as well as the subtleties of his individual subjects’ lives.
Bill has just released his latest book: Last Dance which chronicles NYC 1970’s club culture with all its style, fashion, fun and fantasy!! He is also the author of three previously released books: Night Dancin’ (Ballantine Books, 1980), Each One Believing: Paul McCartney On Stage, Off Stage, and Backstage (Chronicle Books, 2004) and DISCO: The Bill Bernstein Photographs (Reel Art Press, 2015). Additionally his work is exhibited globally. He also currently services an international advertising and editorial clientele including National Geographic TV, Time Magazine, Elle, New York Philharmonic, Warner Brothers and HBO.
EPISODE 008 – RAY CAVIANO
The Story of Ray Caviano on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 008
A music business veteran for over 40 years, Ray has worked in marketing, promotion and A&R for various labels like London Records, TK Records, Atlantic Records and Warner Brothers Records where he was the head of their Dance Music Division. He then founded and presided over RFC Records, an imprint label of Warner Brothers Records.
Through the years Ray has worked with many talented artists such as Al Green, The Rolling Stones, KC and the Sunshine Band, Grace Jones, Anita Ward, George McCrae, George Benson, B 52s, Devo, Peter Brown, Voyage, Boris Midney, Gino SOCCIO, Change, Chaka Khan, Rod Stewart , Ashford and Simpson. Ray signed Luther Vandross to his RFC label with the Gold album the GLOW of LOVE by CHANGE.
Currently Ray is President of RFC Fresh RECORDS with artists Christopher Williams, Melissa Morgan, D Train and new releases by Petawane, Ty Juan and Sons of Funk.
EPISODE 007 – ROBBIE LESLIE
The Story of Robbie Leslie on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 007
A bona fide legend in the Music Industry, DJ/Remixer/Producer Robbie Leslie has been performing on the international circuit for over 40 years. One of the last of the First-Generation DJs, he began his nightlife career on Fire Island in 1975. From there he moved to New York City, where the list of clubs at which he regularly performed reads like a ‘Who’s Who’ of Big Apple nightspots:
The Saint (and the Saint-At-Large), Studio 54, Underground, Private Eyes, Palladium, the Red Parrot, 12West and the Ice Palace. Recent gigs include clubs in London, Dubai, Budapest, Berlin, Moscow, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Toronto, St. Maarten, Punta Cana, and San Juan. After moving to South Florida, notable residencies include the Copa of Fort Lauderdale and Key West, Score and Twist in South Beach.You can hear Robbie coast-to-coast in North America on his weekly SiriusXM Studio 54 Radio broadcasts of “Robbie Leslie Presents…” – Fridays at 9PM Eastern, 6PM Pacific, and on “Andy Cohen’s KiKi Lounge” – Thursdays 9PM Eastern, 6PM Pacific.
EPISODE 006 – CHRISTINA VISCA
The Story of Christina Visca on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 006
Early on Christina held the coveted position of guarding the velvet ropes for some of New York City’s most famous nightclubs including Studio54, The Palladium and 1018.
One of her proudest accomplishments was creating and owning one of New York City’s most legendary dance clubs,
The original Sound Factory on West 27th Street.
She still enjoys producing events, many which benefit her favorite AIDS charities and various dog rescues.
EPISODE 005 – DAVID DEPINO
The Story of David DePino on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 005
David’s introduction to the New York club scene began in 1968 with his first job in 1970 at Club Sanctuary, one of New York’s premiere underground after-hour clubs. David’s friendship with Larry Levan began at Reade Street, owned by Michael Brody and where Larry was the DJ.
After Reade Street closed, David took Larry and Michael to an empty space at 84 King Street.
When Michael and Larry entered the building and saw the ramp to the second level Larry turned to David and said,
“thank you, this will be our new home.”
EPISODE 004 – TIM LAWRENCE
The Story of Tim Lawrence on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 004
Tim Lawrence, perhaps best known in the USA as the author of Love Saves the Day: A History of American Dance Music, 1970-79, Hold On to Your Dreams: Arthur Russell and the Downtown Music Scene, 1973-92 and Life and Death on the New York Dance Floor, 1980-83 he is also a Professor of Cultural Studies at the University of East London, where he’s taught since 1999.
Additionally Tim is the co-founder of Lucky Cloud Sound System, which has been putting on Loft parties since 2003, initially with David Mancuso; and also All Our Friends, an invite-only audiophile party that draws much of its influence from the Loft as well as offshoot parties such as Beauty and the Beat in London and Joy in NYC. You can also hear Tim on his podcast “Love is the Message“.
EPISODE 003 – JOHN LUONGO
The Story of John Luongo on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 003
John Luongo, a world renowned Record Producer, Mixer, Remixer and Legendary DJ of Vinyl has had a storied career in the music business. From his humble beginnings as a DJ in the Boston area to being responsible for more than 100 million in record sales over the years John has been a force to be reckoned with.
He’s also known for publishing the Boston nightlife magazine Nightfall and for starting the Boston Record Pool as well as his vast studio work with many records labels including heading his own CBS Associated Label, Pavillion Records. Today John is President of Trector Entertainment, a division of John Luongo Management, LLC providing services that include Licensing & Publishing, Artist and Music Consultations, Royalty Collections and Club and Event DJ’s.
EPISODE 002 – LENNY FONTANA
The Story of Lenny Fontana on The Heartbeat Of The Dance Floor® # 002
Lenny Fontana is regarded as one of the greatest House Music Producers to come out of the early NYC Club scene. A true legend, Lenny has DJed all over the world as well as having worked with many incredible artists over the years.
His Karmic Power Records label “promises to push the boundaries of house music and all its varieties,
taking it back to an era where music has the ability to evoke emotions.
David Morales plays Lenny Fontana “Chocolate Sensation”
@ MTV Ibiza 1999: CLICK HERE
EPISODE 001 – MARSHA STERN
What is The Heartbeat of the Dance Floor®? by Marsha Stern # 001
To recount and record the stories and music that inspired today’s dance-music culture, from the late ‘70’s right through to our modern festival culture.
Whether told from the perspective of the DJ, the lighting/special effects person, the club owner/management or the record producers and promoters of the day, these are the elements that make up “The Heartbeat of the Dance Floor”.
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