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Winter Explosion: Past & Present |
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Amazing… it’s been an incredible journey and we
have made it to our 15th Year! Time
to stop, reflect and CELEBRATE… if just for a
moment.
Fourteen astounding, marvelous ‘explosions’
have gone by, each with its own distinct,
vivid color, intrinsically bold personality and
unique elements. And yet, there are qualities
our returning Winter Explosion guests have come
to count on… a mature, safe, “family”
atmosphere, a welcomed feeling and a full menu
of activities from which to choose. While
celebrating our “Big 15” and peering into the
future a bit, we still take great care to
preserve these sacred elements.
2008
will go down in Winter Explosion (WE)
history as the year it gushed “pure gold”. For
those of you who missed it, or if you were there
and just want to stroll down memory lane one
more time, here is a “Winter Explosion 2008
Year-in-Review” (also see Photo Gallery):
The sublime WE08 experience was punctuated by
record a sell-out four months in advance, an
amazing talent line-up to include a once-in-a
–lifetime performance by the “Queen of
Rock-n-Soul” Patti LaBelle!
 Patti’s
performance can only be described as
STUPENDOUS!!
Other electrifying
performances were turned in by “house diva”
Rochelle Fleming, “gospel house phenom”
Kenny Bobien and even several talented
guests during the opening night’s “WE
Bandstand”, Saturday night’s Janet
Jackson-sponsored “Urban Lounge” and the Sunday
morning Worship Service. Congratulations to “Ms.
Wheezy” from NYC who won “WE-Idol”. Her
winnings include a spot as opening act for Patti
LaBelle’s concert and tickets to Janet Jackson’s
“Discipline” concert in October 2008. Other
WE08 highlights incude… Sexy and sculpted hunks
De’Gradis White
and Ramone G., who not only worked guests
out in the gym, but also strutted their stuff on
the runway and made the “Hot Body Contest”
sizzle… Notable speakers Angela Harvey
(Las Vegas), Dr. Mignon Moore (Los
Angeles) and the trailblazing (first!) out &
proud African-American lesbian legislator,
City Councilwoman Dana Rone (Newark, NJ).
Entertainment mogul Angello Ellerbee gave
an impressive, riveting “dirt” session on who’s
who and what’s what in the entertainment
industry. Talented author Rodney Lofton
(“The Day I Stopped Being Pretty”) speak house-powerful
workshop line-up also accented the weekend.
Other hot features: a dream wedding between
Kim Bowman and
Angela Harvey, hot-pulsating
theme parties (“Uniforms Night” was
an especially HUGE hit; also “Topz and Bottoms”
Pajama Night was wildly successful-see photo
page) featuring DJ Fred Pierce (NYC),
DJ Cameron (NYC, CHI), DJ One (LA)
and DJ Ironbound (NJ). The weekend was
narrated by the legendary
Raycene Pendaravis, emcee estraordinaire
that just gets better with time. ice with a stirring testimony and
guest solo performance. ButtaFlySoul
brought his own special brand of wit and humor
as emcee/co-host over the weekend and producer
of the “Midnight Poetry Jam”. Saturday
night. Also featured on Saturday night (and
sponsored by Ms. Janet’s “Discipline”) was the
crazy-hot “Fashion Explosion” which featured
urban-wear designer Dylan (“Stylez by
Dylan”, ATL/DC) and creative genius Alek
Risimnic (Baltimore). Fun was not just had
during the nightly events… full buses rolling
offsite each day to skiing, outlet shopping,
casinos, horse-back riding and more. Our WE08
offsite program this year was the strongest
yet.
Sunday
morning brought the sunshine, praise and much
love to WE08!
Rev. Kenneth King, Rev. Dyan McCrae and the “Winter Explosion
Choir” led by Chester Brooks created
a truly ‘mountain-top’ experience during the
Sunday Morning Worship Service. Recording
artist Kenny Bobien also added to that
special service.
Also during the day Sunday, perhaps
the hottest “Hot Body Contest” ever
(during “JT’s Annual Beach Party”) was full of
energy and bodies-beautiful! Winners of the
contest are
Darlene Wilson and
Kevin Nelson. Lest you forget,
amidst all the fun and fan-fair,
Winter
Explosion also contains a strong philanthropic
(giving) arm as well. The 2008 Recipient of the “Sami McKinney
TRIUMPHANT SPIRIT AWARD” was presented to
accomplished, faithfully supportive (to WE over
many years and the Black Gay Community) ‘quiet
giant’, producer and booking agent
extraordinaire Brian K. Dickens. Other
prestigious awards presented during Sunday
Night’s Black & White Masquerade Charity Ball
(w/ Patti Concert) included the “Larry C. Harrod COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD” presented to
GMAD (NYC), The Colours Org (PHL) and
The Mautner Project (DC). Beyond the
award presentation, each awardee was presented
with a donation from the night’s proceeds. The
overall success of the WE08 Weekend would not
have been possibly were it not for the generous
sponsors, ad purchasers and vendors, each of
whom showed-up in a very powerful way:
Nubian Dreams Cruise, Philadelphia Black
Gay Pride Day, Inc., AppraiseItMD, Carolyn
Whigham & Terry Fort Fields, Janet Jackson’s
“Discipline” project, the Human Rights Campaign,
Pulse Magazine, Club Langstons (Brooklyn, NY),
Ebony Pyramid Entertainment (“Caribbean Cruisin”),
Elegant Eyes, Verizon, Anderson Sisters (“Gifts
and More”), “Da Crib” Grown & Sexy Saturdays,
Chaz Accessories, Anderson Sisters Travel, DJ
Cameron, Rodney Lofton (“The Day I Stopped Being
Pretty”), and Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD/NYC).
A very special and sincere
THANK YOU to each of these who made the
weekend’s success possible. We love you!!!
Two very special guests of WE08 that made the
weekend extra special were WE Executive
Producer’s Mom, Glenda A. Rhodeman, and
Aunt, Cindy Souder. Other WE guests
showed them much love and, by the end of the
weekend, everyone was calling them “Mom” and
“Auntie”!
Graphics and Photography Talents on this site
and throughout Winter Explosion 2008 (and 2009)
flyers, posters and the Souvenir Journal are
that of the amazing graphic artist
Mario
Sessions
and photographer extraordinaire Valerie
Phillips.
Thank you both for your lending your special
gifts & talents!
We'd
also like to thank
Susu
Stewart for that special "pick-up" and for
your photo contributions.
“The Hotttnesss!!!” of 2008 was just that…
hot, and nicely propels us into our 15 Year
Anniversary, aptly entitled:
“WE09: Fifteen Feelin' Fabulous”!!
Are you ready?? Register today. Click here to
go the WE09 Registration Page (Remember, WE08
completely sold out by the end of October)
“FifteenFeelin’Fabulous!” |
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Genesis:
1995 was the year Winter Explosion was born in
Binghamton, NY. The original concept was a
one-time bus trip, which originating out of
Philadelphia. The event was affectionately
described as “black, gay folks on the slopes!”
1996: Eden
Resort in Pennsylvania. Building on the success
of the first trip, Don eL Johnson initiated the
event as an “annual excursion”, adding buses
from Washington, DC and the NY/NJ areas. Don eL
continues to operate as the event’s Executive
Producer. JT Mosley of NJ and James Saunders of
NYC are two other organizers who have been
participating since 1996.
1997: Binghamton,
NY. Returning to its birthplace, in its third
year, the event had already grown in number with
more than 150 guests skiing, partying and
socializing all weekend long. Demographics:
Single, over-30, professional African-American
gay men (85%) and lesbians (15%). The number of
womyn has steadily increased since that time.
The current ratio is 65% men/35% womyn.
1998: Altoona
, PA. This is the year the event was officially
named “Winter Explosion”. Organizers added
elements to enhance the weekend: "Explode With
Fashion" show featuring designer Earle
Bannister, concert performance featuring
recording artist Alyson Williams ("Just Call My
Name"), hand-picked DJ Calvin Smith ("Octagon",
NYC). New Organizer added: Nate Pace (PHL).
1999: Friar
Tuck Resort in the Catskills, Pennsylvania
Recording Artist: Martha Wash
Fashion Designer: Vernest C. Moore
Other New/Special Elements:
"Back In The Day" 70's Party
Sunday Morning Worship Service
JT's Annual Pool Party
Introduction to incredibly dynamic comedian,
commentator, activist, "gender blender" Rayceen
Pendaravis.
New Organizer added: Ira Palmer (DC) |
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New Millenium
"Explosions" |
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2000:
Hudson Valley
Resort and Spa in upstate NY
Theme: “Hotter Than July"
Recording Artist: Jennifer Holliday
Fashion Designer: Vernest C. Moore
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL)
Lead Sponsor: Bacardi
Other New/Special Elements:
Event expanded to 4-days/3-nights,
Event permanently assigned to President's Day
Weekend as the "official" Winter Explosion
weekend
New Staff added: Keva Riddick, Organizer
New website unveiled which attracted people from
as far away as Hawaii, California, Canada and
parts of Europe
Other Themes: “Winter White" dress theme for concert
Introduction of “Black Film Festival”
Introduction of "The Urban Lounge" Talent
Showcase
Introduction of "The All-New, All-Gay Dating
Game"
Introduction of Workshops, Seminars and
Discussion Groups
2001: Hudson
Valley Resort and Spa in upstate NY
Theme: “Simmer Down Now"
Recording Artist: Regina Belle (Explosion guests
showed her so much love, she like Jennifer the
year before, returned for several encores)
Fashion Designer: Earle Bannister (DC), Tyrell
Mason (NJ), Franklin Rowe Int'l (NYC) and Andrew Nowell (DC) –in addition to guests,
4 fierce,
professional runway models
were flown-in for the
occasion!
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL)
Lead Sponsor: Absolut Vodka (Title Sponsor)
Other New/Special Elements:
First ever completely sold-out Explosion
“BlackOUT” dress theme for concert
New Staff added: Anthony Smith, Sponsorship
Coordinator (he single-handedly secured Absolut);
Keith Rowe, Decorator; Introduction of
“Fredrick’s Poetry Slam”
Establishment of “Triumphant Spirit Award”. 1st
recipient: Rayceen Pendaravis
Other Sponsors: Speedo, Carol's Daughter, TLA
Video, Eastern Light Getaways, Club Shelter NY,
Clikque Magazine, Salomon Smith Barney and
Hidden Beach Recordings.
2002: Hudson
Valley Resort and Spa in upstate NY
Theme: “One Love – Together In Spirit”
Recording Artist: Ann Nesby
Fashion Designer: Vernest C. Moore / Ve’Moore
Vissions (NJ)
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL)
DJ Unknown (NYC)
Triumphant Spirit Award 2nd Recipient: Don
Johnson
Lead Sponsor: Absolut Vodka (Title Sponsor)
Other New/Special Elements:
“African Attire” dress theme for concert
New Staff added: Kevin McCorvey, Organizer
Other Sponsors: Vibe, HBO, Carol’s Daughter, Ebonymale.com, Hidden Beach Recordings, Venus
Magazine and Club Shelter (NYC).
2003: Valley
Forge Convention and Conference Center, in King
of Prussia, PA.
Theme: “Fulfilling Fantasies"
Recording Artist: Vesta
Fashion Designer: Rohn Padmore/ Enigma Image
Group (NYC)
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL)
DJ Unknown (NYC)
Triumphant Spirit Award 3rd Recipient: Scott
Noel
Lead Sponsor: Colours Organization, Inc.
Other New/Special Elements:
“BlackOUT, Vol. II” dress theme for concert;
The “year of the blizzard” turned Winter
Explosion into a 5-DAY Event due to horrific
weather conditions. In the face of the weather
challenges, Organizers and guests alike came
together in a beautiful way to make the best of
it –resulting in an incredibly cohesive,
spiritually-uplifting and memorable experience.
Introduction of “Winter Explosion Idol”
New Staff added: Sandra Barrett, Organizer (who
significantly boosted WEG’s female
attendee-base)
Other
Sponsors: Vibe, HBO, Carol’s Daughter. |
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2004: Valley
Forge Convention and Conference Center, in King
of Prussia, PA.
Theme: “Reflect! Rejoice!! Rejuvenate!!!” (10
Year Anniversary)
Recording Artist(s):
An Anniversary All-Star
Concert featured DIVAS:
Alyson Williams
Regina Belle, Vesta,
Star Logan (lead singer of “Chic”),
Tony Terry (first time ever male recording
artist),
“Spur of the Moment” band
Fashion Designer(s):
Andrew Nowell (DC)
Terrell Mason (NJ)
Carl Trogdon (Baltimore)
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL)
DJ Unknown (NYC),
DJ India (DC)
Triumphant Spirit Award 4th Recipient: Mark
Roberts
Lead Sponsor: Crown Royal
Other New/Special Elements:
“A Winter White Affair” dress theme for concert,
Valentine’s Day “Red Apple Martini Mixer”, Introduction of “Chatroom Live!” Singles dating
activity,
First time WE-nightly events advertised and
open to the general public (numbers reached over
900 at peak!)
Other Sponsors: The Colours Organization, HBO,
Carol’s Daughter, NY Black Pride
2005: Hudson
Valley Resort and Spa in upstate NY (return by
popular demand!)
Theme: “New Beginnings”
Recording Artist(s):
Jennifer Holliday (Friday Night during "Return
To Paradise - A Tribute To the Paradise Garage")
&
Rachelle Ferrell (Sunday Night)
Fashion Designer(s): “Into the Woods” (fairytale
theme) by
Andrew Nowell (DC) and
Terrell Holmes (Baltimore)
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL)
DJ Calvin Smith (NYC)
Triumphant Spirit Award 5th Recipient: Gary
Coates
Lead Sponsor: HBO (Title Sponsor)
Other New/Special Elements:
“A Mad Plaid Jammy Jam” dress theme for Pajama
Party
“Hot Fudge Sundae” dress theme concert
New Staff added: Toya Williams/ Accountant,
“Return To Paradise” tribute to Paradise Garage
(NYC) Friday night concert with Jennifer
Holliday
Other Sponsors: The Colours Organization,
Carol’s Daughter, Human Rights Campaign
2006: Hudson
Valley Resort and Spa in upstate NY (return by
popular demand!)
Theme: “Family Reunion”
Recording Artist(s):
Faith Evans
Lil’ Mo (“Return To Paradise” Friday night
artist)
Fashion Designer(s): Vernest C. Moore (NJ)
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL)
DJ Bryant (PHL)
Triumphant Spirit Award 6th recipient: Vernest
C. Moore
Lead Sponsor: Gay Games VII
Other New/Special Elements:
“Grown & Sexy Black” dress theme for Pajama
Party
“Fine As Wine” dress theme concert
New Staff added: Cameron Fitzpatrick/ Event
Planner, Rick Brown/ Organizer, Chef Michael/
Organizer, Gary Coates/ Organizer, Scott Noel/
Organizer
Other Sponsors: HBO, The Colours Organization,
Carol’s Daughter, Human Rights Campaign, SuSu
Productions, Tahitian Noni ® Juice, Vibe
Magazine, Double XXposure, Red Bull
Click here for Photos
2007: (Sold
Out!) Hudson Valley Resort and Spa in upstate NY
Theme: “The Best Is Yet To Come”
Recording Artist(s):
Chaka Khan
CeCe Peniston (“Return To Paradise” Friday night
artist)
Fashion Designer(s): Shaka King (NY/DC)
DJ(s): DJ Cameron (NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL), DJ G3
(NYC), DJ Ironbound (NY/NJ) DJ Debonair (NY)
Click here for Photos
Triumphant Spirit Award 7th recipient: Sandra
Barrett (award presented by 6th year winner Vernest C. Moore)
Lead Sponsor: JT & JC Productions
Other New/Special Elements:
“Sexy Silk & Satin” dress theme for Pajama Party
“Shadez of Blu” dress theme for
Sunday Night Concert
New Staff added: Marquita Thomas (Film Festival
Coordinator)
Other Sponsors: Appraise It MD, Obsidian Institute
For Financial Literacy, Carolyn Whigham and
Terry Fort Fields.
2008:
(Sold Out!) Hudson Valley Resort and Spa in
upstate NY
Theme: “The Hotttnesss!!!”
Recording Artist(s): Patti LaBelle,
Rochelle Fleming (“Return To Paradise Friday
Night Artist) and Kenny Bobien (special guest
artist of Saturday Night “Urban Lounge”)
Fashion Designer(s): “Stylez by Dylan” (ATL/DC)
and Alek Risimnic (Balt.)
DJ(s): DJ Fred Pierce (NYC), DJ Cameron
(NYC-DC-Chicago-ATL), DJ One (LA) and DJ
Ironbound (NY/NJ)
Triumphant Spirit Award 8th recipient:
Brian K. Dickens (award newly named for
producer/songwriter and friend “Sami McKinney”
Lead Sponsor: Nubian Dreams Cruise
Other New/Special Elements:
“Topz & Bottomz” dress theme for Pajama Party,
“UNIFORMS! UNIFORMS! UNIFORMS!” Saturday Night
Dress Theme, “Black & White Masquerade Charity
Ball” dress theme concert
Guest Speakers: Newark City Council Woman Dana
Rone (NJ), Dr. Mignon Moore (LA), Angela Harvey
(NV)
Featured Author: Rodney Lofton (“The Day I
Stopped Being Pretty”, VA)
New Worship Service Musical Director: Chester
Brooks (CA),
Fitness Instructors: G. Ramone & De’Gradis White
New Staff: WE Agents Chris Hunter (PHL)
and Terrance (CeeCee) McCoy (NJ)
Other Sponsors, Ad Purchasers & Vendors:
Philadelphia Black Gay Pride Day, Inc.,
AppraiseItMD, Carolyn Whigham & Terry Fort
Fields, Janet Jackson’s “Discipline” project,
the Human Rights Campaign, Pulse Magazine, Club
Langstons (Brooklyn, NY), Ebony Pyramid
Entertainment (“Caribbean Cruisin”), Elegant
Eyes, Verizon, Anderson Sisters (“Gifts and
More”), “Da Crib” Grown & Sexy Saturdays, Chaz
Accessories, Anderson Sisters Travel, DJ
Cameron, Rodney Lofton (“The Day I Stopped Being
Pretty”), and Gay Men of African Descent (GMAD/NYC).
This is where we’ve been. With such a powerful
history, one can see why we are so confident
that, for our 15th Year Anniversary,
in 2009 Winter Explosion will be
“Fifteen Feelin’ Fabulous!”
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