Orlando, Florida has more to offer than just sugar coated rodent ears and thrill rides. Beneath the commercial attractions you will find an underground house music community that carries the spirit of the music in all its glory. After hitting up Orlando a few weeks back to support one of my favorites, producer/dj Andy Caldwell, I was left with a sparking interest for the Orlando underground house community.  Tampa a few years ago made somewhat of an impression on me so I was curious as to what Orlando was about.

This past weekend I attended a Soulidified Music event at Crooked Bayou after getting word from a dancer of this soulful gathering. You know I can’t resist a deep & soulful house scene so I came up again. Pulled along a friend whose opinion of the nights music and gathering could go either way, I knew she was about to experience something deeper than she ever had.

We walk in and the dancefloor has a b-boy coming out of a freeze position.  Only to be followed by a b-girl cross-stepping into the circle to jack her body. I spot a buddy and he quickly introduces me to almost all of his house head family, many part of the Rock with style dancers, and others I had met previously.  The vibe was warm and welcoming ; right there I said to myself this is what house music is about. To unify individuals in the name of house where ego is hung at the door and the language is peace, love, and harmony. Harmony in the sound, in the dance, and ultimately in your soul.

We were graced with the soulidified sounds of Ian Lee and Marshall Jones. With each track layed down taking us higher into what I would call “soulful house utopia”. You know what I’m talking about when you get so lost in the music and you feel elevated without a drop of stimulants just simple music. When you lose your dancing inhibitions because the music has taken over and you don’t mind it. When you open your eyes to find the crowd get rowdy right on cue with the music.  When everyone around you has their hands up in the air & they know the lyrics to that house track. When tears of joy roll down your cheeks because your feeling that track. When the dj pours his heart out on the 1’s and 2’s after his set. When you know you’ve come home even if it’s just for that night. That’s true house.

At the end  I had to thank the people that had moved me that night and I was well off on my way. On the drive back home I come to learn that my friend was so inspired by the scene she wanted to know more about this soulful house music and considering dancing lessons.  The music is just that sick!

Thank you Orlando for the great vibe and see you all on the dance floor again real soon. Enjoy the pictures.

Marshall Jones holds a residency in Chicago and Ian Lee holds it down in Orlando.

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