Winter Explosion 2008

Winter Explosion: Past & Present

It's hard to believe that Thirteen Fabulous Years have passed since Winter Explosion (WE) was born!

Last year we renewed our passion and commitment to Winter Explosion’s continued success with the theme “The Best Is Yet To Come”. If our SOLD OUT 2007 event is any indication, that is certainly true. Chaka Khan was electrifying during the "Shadez of Blu" affair, a slim and beautiful CeCe Peniston showed the kidz that you can still blow with power & might at a size 4 <wink>. The sexy and sculpted "City Gym Boys" came thru rocking fashions by featured designers "Shaka King NY" and Terrell Mason during the "Explode With Fashion" show. New elements such as the "sizzling" RED CARPET Welcome Event and the "Winter Explosion Band Stand" set the tone for "the best is yet to come" year of Winter Explosion. Over the course of the weekend, there was just an amazing, strong, "family" vibe that took over the resort. Even though Winter Explosion has been a fantastic event for all these years, in 2007 it transformed into an "Experience". With speakers such as noted author Doug Cooper-Spencer ("This Place of Men"), world renown motivational lecturer Angela Harvey (who was proposed to by partner, Kim) and Reverend Kenneth King (Winter Explosion's very own pastor), it only makes sense the trip was a success. The ever-fresh, zany and captivating Rayceen Pendaravis was still the "hostess with the mostest!" This year, she was joined by the john-blazingest poet/emcee on the planet "ButtaFlySoul", who added his own special blend of style/sophistication, humor and music to the WE-Mix. Speaking of music, there was an incredible tribute to the Dreamgirls musical and movie by an ultra-talented cast that included the captivating Jasmine Bonet. True vocalists performing in that show and throughout the weekend included the artist "Shang" who opened for Chaka Khan, and gospel group, the Voices of Inspiration, who were featured during the worship service. HERE Televison Network came out to capture much of this... check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p5FDcITPRYE . They weren't the only hot film in the house either. At the invitation of Film Festival Coordinator Marquita Thomas, the incredibly talented filmmaker Maurice Jamal ("The Ski Trip") spent the weekend with Winter Explosion and even screened his star-studded film "Dirty Laundry". Perhaps the most special aspect of WE07 is the fact that, for the 1st time ever, ALL WE sponsors were black, gay-owned companies: JT & JC Productions, AppraiseItMD, Obsidian Institute For Financial Literacy, Carolyn Whigham and Terry Fort Fields. What a weekend huh?! Perhaps the biggest sign of the event's success is the fact that over 200 guests signed up for Winter Explosion 2008 before the weekend was even concluded. THAT'S HISTORIC!

That much momentum behind us and we are just getting started. In 2008, we will warm it up to fevered pitch with "The Hotttnesss"! With over 200 persons signed up during the first month on-sale, Singles already completely SOLD-OUT, and legendary PATTI LABELLE already signed as the artist, there's no question Winter Explosion is going to boil over in 2008! Our goal is to sell-out before Thanksgiving! Get on board early or your friends will be telling you all about it…

Things are going so well, one might be tempted to think Winter Explosion was an overnight success. Not so. It's been a slow, steady climb with its share of rocky-road. We're not ashamed of anything we've experienced up to this point, so this page is dedicated to briefly sharing our history with you:

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)

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
“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
New Staff added: Sandra Barrett, Organizer (who significantly boosted WEG’s female attendee-base)
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” Other Sponsors: Vibe, HBO, Carol’s Daughter

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 WEG-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
Rachelle Ferrell
Fashion Designer(s): “Into the Woods” (fairytale theme)
Andrew Nowell (DC)
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, Accounting
“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 concert
New Staff added: Marquita Thomas (Film Festival Coordinator)
Other Sponsors: AppraiseItMD, Obsidian Institute For Financial Literacy, Carolyn Whigham and Terry Fort Fields

This is where we’ve been. With such a powerful history, one can see why we are so confident that in 2008 and beyond, Winter Explosion will continue to bring
“The Hotttnesss!!!”