Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Sir Charles Gaskins swing at the CHEETAH BEAT!

The CHEETAH BEAT is another in a growing line of WANG DANG DOODLE presentations—this one featured the top DJ skills of Sir Charles Gaskins. He’s been in several bands, runs Killer Diller Records, works on the cool Bananas magazine and on the last Friday of the month he DJs Finger Lickin’ Fridays at the Grand Victory—which usually keeps him from swingin’ at The Commodore on the fourth Friday of every other month, when Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus holds down the DJ booth with various friends.

However, with a rare fifth Friday in May, Mr. Gaskins was free to swing on May 23, when clientele of The Commodore were treated to the super boss sounds of The CHEETAH BEAT! Mr. Gaskins played the perfect combination of raunchy R&B, sizzling soul and grungy garage records that go over so well at The Commodore. Indeed, the place was jumping all night, with dancers, prancers and romancers filling the dance floor, spilling drinks and eating the super fine fried chicken that The Commodore is so famous for.

 Above photos by Nancy Gardner

Speaking of dancers, also on the scene was The Boogaloo Bag’s favorite Go-Go dancer, Nancy Gardner. In fact, it was her birthday and she chose to spend it doing the watusi at The CHEETAH BEAT! DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus used this opportunity to play some of her favorite songs (surf music) and artists (The Ventures!), theme songs from TV shows that she digs so much and other songs that may refer to her in obvious (“Oh Pretty Woman”) and perhaps not so obvious ways!

Here’s a list of everything that The Boog played that night:

• Bob Crane and His Orchestra–Get Smart (Epic)
• Billy Strange–Theme From The Munsters (G.N.P. Crescendo)
• The Clee-Shays–The Man From U.N.C.L.E. (Triumph)
• The Marketts–Out of Limits (Warner Bros.)
• The Frogmen–Underwater (Candix)
• D.D.T. and the Repellents–The Fly Swatter (RCA Victor)
• The G.T.O.’s–She Rides With Me (Claridge)
• Bill Deal & the Rhondels–May I (Heritage)
• Al Erik–Put Your Mini Skirt On (Johnson)
• Otis Redding–The Huckle-Buck [from EP Excerpts from his new Volt album The Dock of the Bay] (Volt)
• Dee Glascoe–Mouse in the House (RSVP)
• Lord Sitar–Have You Seen Your Mother Baby Standing in the Shadow? (Capitol)
• J.J. Cale–It’s a Go-Go Place (Liberty)
• Sandy Nelson–Sock It To ‘em J.B. (Imperial)
• Jimmy Hanna With the Dynamics–Busybody (Seafair Bolo)
• Little Wayne Anthony–Hey Naw (Vee Jay)
• The Lone Twister–The Lone Twister (Atlantic)
• The Troggs–Gonna Make You (Atco)
• ? & the Mysterians–I Need Somebody (Cameo)
• Jay Bee Bryant–Bony Maronie (Josie)
• The What Four–I’m Gonna Destroy That Boy (Columbia; Canada)
• Tommy Boyce & Bobby Hart–I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight (A&M)
• The Outsiders–Lost in My World (Capitol)
• Carrie Grant and the Grandeurs–Mish-Mash (Newtown)
• The Tammys–Egyptian Shumba (United Artists)
• The Guitar Ramblers–Surf Beat (Columbia)
• Sandy Nelson–(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction [from EP Satisfaction] (Imperial; Japan)
• The Rolling Stones–It’s All Over Now (London)
• Mandala–Love-Itis (Atlantic)
• John Smith and the New Sound–Ain’t Nothin’ but a Houseparty (Disques Vogue; France)
• Moe Adrian & the Sculptors–Shotgun (Columbia)
• The Vows–Buttered Popcorn (V.I.P.)
• The Four Blazers–Peanut Butter (Buddy)
• The Four Sounds–Mama Ubangi Bangi (Ran-Dee)
• The Ventures–Pedal Pusher (Dolton)
• Eddie Cochran–Jeannie Jeannie Jeannie (Liberty)
• Roy Orbison and the Candy Men–Oh’ Pretty Woman (Monument)
• The Byrds–Have You Seen Her Face (Columbia)
• The Tempos–Monkey Doo (Fairmount)
• The Rockin’ Rebels–Donkey Twine (Swan)
• The Lancers–Doing the Snatch (Blue Rock)
• Eddie Bridges and His Lowriders–Peekaboo (Romark)
• Don Covay–Wiggle Wobble (Cameo)
• Mary Lue & the Temptees–Wobble Wobble One More Time (Everlast)
• Ronnie Dio & the Prophets–The Oo-Poo-Pah-Doo (Atlantic)
• Wilson Pickett–New Orleans (Atlantic; France)
• Henry Boatwright–Git It (Genesis)
• Pop Corn & the Mohawks–Shimmy Gully (Motown)
• Billy Hines and Band–Doing the Hunch (Wa-Tusi)
• The Coral Reef–Cherry Cherry (Epic)
• Bobby & the Dukes–Come on Along With Me (Philips)
• Les Brown Jr.–Swingin’ & Surfin’ (G.N.P. Crescendo)
• The Ventures–Escape (Liberty; Japan)
• The Apostles–Six Pack (Kapp)
• Les Pirates avec Dany Logan–Le Jet (Bel-Air; France)
• The Cliff Dwellers–The Ho-Ho Laughing Monster (Liza)
• The Dartells–The Scoobie Song (Dot)
• The Left Banke–Lazy Day (Smash)
• Davie Allan and the Arrows–Shape of Things to Come (Tower)
• The Bikinis–Bikini (Roulette)
• The Pyramids–Pyramid’s Stomp (Best)
• Tico and the Triumphs–Motorcycle (Amy)
• The Hollywood Tornadoes–The Gremmie (Part I) (Aertaun)
• The Ventures–Bird Rockers (Dolton)
• René and His Alligators–The Alligators Dance (Fontana; Netherlands)
• Stu Phillips presents The Golden Gate Strings–Last Train to Clarksville (Epic)

None of these records are for sale.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus poses with birthday girl and Go-Go dancer Nancy Gardner at the CHEETAH BEAT!

DJs Ambassador Hazy and Bossy Boots consult with each other when spinning 45s at Subway Soul Club.

Wow! Did it really happen? Yes it did! SUBWAY SOUL CLUB returned to the Metro-Brooklyn area with a fabulous event on Saturday May 17. Fearless leader Lady Dawn was successful in rounding up the dancing troops, who piled into the lovely Greenpoint bar known as Coco 66 and swung the night away. Resident DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was able to convince the groovy Bossy Boots to fly back to Brooklyn from her home in New Orleans just to DJ for this night only. Also, DJ Ambassador Hazy—who nearly two years ago fathered a son—was able set aside his parental duties and come out of retirement.

Ambassador Hazy selects another great record to play at Subway Soul Club.

And what records were played!! Bossy Boots poured it on with swingin’ New Orleans second line beats and boss blues-inflected soul tracks. Mr. Hazy packed the floor by playing hard-hitting R&B records. Meanwhile, The Boog kept folks dancing by playing some old favorites as well as some recent acquisitions. The sound of sweet soul music filled the air, along with the sound of leather hitting the hardwood floor!

Bossy Boots cues up the next record at Subway Soul Club.

All night long, every attendee danced and drank with great big smiles on their faces, knowing that there is nothing in the world like the SUBWAY SOUL CLUB!! That Lady Dawn really knows how to make a happening happen! With any luck, there will be another SUBWAY SOUL CLUB dance party in the early fall. Stay tuned, Batman!

Dancers swing at Subway Soul Club!

Here’s a list of the songs played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus:

Bossy Boots and Lady Dawn swing at Subway Soul Club.

• Ronnie Mitchell–Soul Meeting (Hour Glass)
• Jimmy Castor–Hey Shorty! (Capitol)
• The O’Jays–I’m So Glad I Found You (Bell)
• Art Butler–Soul Brother (Epic)
• June Conquest–What’s This I See (Curtom)
• Just Three–The ‘In’ Crowd (Hit)
• Michele Richard–Les Discotheque (Trans Canada; Canada)
• Danny Warner–(You Got) The Power of Love (Reprise)
• Alfreda Brockinton–Your Love Has Got Me Chained and Bound (Phil-L.A. of Soul)
• Bob Brady and the Con Chords–Goodbye Baby (Chariot)
• Boris Gardner–Melting Pot (Jaguar)
• Ninapinta and His Bongos and Congas–(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (Decca)
• Larry Hale–Once (Diamond)
• Michael & Raymond–Walking the Dog (RCA Victor)
• Johnny Sayles–I Can’t Get Enough (Of Your Love) (St. Lawrence)
• The Isley Brothers–Love Is a Wonderful Thing (Veep)
• Jessica James & the Outlaws–We’ll Be Makin’ Out (Bronco)
• The Upsetters–Down Home (ABC)
• Lester Young and the Famous California Playboys–Funky Funky Horse (Part I) (Unity)
• Andre Williams–Pearl time (Sport)
• The Mad Men–Do the African Twist (Part I) (Gamble)
• The Supremes–Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart (Motown)
• The Soul Aggregation–I’ve Had Enough Heartaches (Capitol)
• Freddie McCoy–Summer in the City (Prestige)
• Phil Flowers–I Saw Her Standing There (Dot)
• Buddy Lucas–That Thang (Mohawk)
• Eddie Wilson–Shing-A-Ling Stroll (Back Beat)
• Sammy Kaye and His Orchestra–The Hucklebuck (Decca)
• Jackie Lee–Do the Temptation Walk (Mirwood)
• Herb Fame–You’re Messin’ Up My Mind (Date)
• Clay Hammond–Dance Little Girl (Duo Disc)
• James Barnett–Keep on Talking (Fame)
• One-Eyed Jacks–Getting in a Groove (Roulette)
• Quick Brown Fox–Come on Down to New Orleans: Mother-In-Law; You Talk Too Much; I Like It Like That; Land of a Thousand Dances (Roulette)
• Ronnie Kole Trio–Batman Theme (White Cliffs)
• Combo Kings–Batman A Go Go (Jamie)
• Laurel Aitken–Do the Boogaloo (Big Shot; UK)
• Don Gardner–My Baby Likes to Boogaloo (Tru-Glo-Town)
• The Magics–Let’s Boogaloo (R.F.A.)
• Jimmy Cliff–I Got a Feeling (And I Can’t Stop) (Island; UK)
• The Prophets–I Got the Fever (Smash)
• Billy Joe Royal–It’s a Good Time (Columbia)
• The Chiffons–The Real Thing (Laurie)
• The Bandwagon–Breakin’ Down the Walls of Heartache (Epic)
• Ray Peterson–Everybody (M-G-M)
• The Soul Twins–It’s Not What You Do It’s the Way That You Do It (Karen)
• The Selective Service–Green Onions (Main Line)
• The International Bongo Band–Congo (Challenge)
• Jack Costanzo Mr. Bongo–Chicken and Rice (Discomoda; Colombia)
• Sam and Dave–Lotta Lovin’ (Alston)
• Ray Crossen Jr.–Try Some Soul (Musicor)
• Weston Prim–Get That Feelin’ (Brent)
• Lee Dorsey–Four Corners – Part 1 (Amy)
• Lee Dorsey–Four Corners – Part 2 (Amy)
• Jun Mayuzumi–Black Room (Capitol; Japan)
• Norman T. Washington–Tip Toe (SLD; France)

None of these records are for sale.

After the party, the Subway Soul Club Crew pose for pictures: Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, Ambassador Hazy, Bossy Boots and Lady Dawn.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus and Nogood Nick swing at the DYNAGROOVE!

The merry month of May brought the DYNAGROOVE back to Teddy’s Bar & Grill with a whollop!! The place was jumpin’ with folks dining and grooving all night long. Guest DJ for the night was Nogood Nick, who brought some truly groovy records: Olatunji, organ grooves, Latin soul, Brazilian beat, Roland Kirk, etc. Most of these fine recordings were being played while Host DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus was chewing on the most excellent calamari this side of the Newtown Creek! Also, he was very happy to see some of his friends who dropped by to dig the scene.

DYNAGROOVE scenesters drop by Teddy’s to dine and groove!

Here’s a list of records that The Boog played:

• Lester Young on tenor sax–Lester Blows Again (Aladdin)
• Pancho and His Orchestra–Green Eyes (Aquellos Ojos Verdes) (Decca)
• Gerald Wilson Orchestra–Light My Fire (Pacific Jazz)
• The Passionettes–Stand by Your Man (Uni)
• Beacham Coakley’s Emerald Beach Hotel Orchestra featuring Vincent Martin, vocalist–Never Interfere With Man and Wife [from the EP Goombay! The Authentic Calypso Beat of the Bahamas] (Decca)
• Western Melodic Singers; leader/organist: E.C. Bilson, Jr.–Nyame Ye Hen (Dix; Ghana)
• The Meters–Stop That Train (Warner Bros.)
• Teddy Edwards Quartet–Up in Teddy’s New Flat (Pacific Jazz)
• Brook Benton–Going to Soulsville (RCA Victor)
• The Pace–Free Me (Reprise)
• Freddie Roach–You’ve Got Your Troubles (Prestige)
• Miles Davis–Sposin’ (Presitge)
• Saz, Santour, Dumdek, Zills–Mish-Mish Beledi (Rimaja; India)
• Billie Hawkins; Sun Ra and His Orchestra–I’m Coming Home (Heartbeat)
• Gene Thomas–Sometime (United Artists)
• Jimmy McGriff—Sugar, Sugar (Capitol)
• Truman Thomas–The Weight (Veep)
• Jerry Cole and His Spacemen–Night Rumble (Capitol)
• Georgie Fame–Down Along the Cove (Epic)
• Slim Gaillard–Cement Mixer (Putti Putti) (Era)
• The Webs–It’s So Hard to Break a Habit (Popside)
• Boris Gardner–Melting Pot (Jaguar)
• Billy Larkin & the Delegates featuring Clifford Scott–Little Jr. Detroit (World Pacific)
• The Tides with the Merry Melody Singers–The Banana Boat Song (Mercury)
• Gene Casey (piano)–The Pachanga Twist (Tru-Sound)
• The Rolling Stones–Little Red Rooster (Decca; UK)
• Roland Kirk–Mystical Dream (Limelight)
• Sarah Vaughan–One Mint Julep (Roulette)
• Les Elgart and His Orchestra–Voo Doo Drums (Columbia)
• Johnny Clark–It’s True (Big Hit)
• Amen Corner–If Paradise Is Half as Nice (Immediate)
• The Nightcrawlers–The Little Black Egg (Kapp)
• The Soulful Strings–Paint It Black (Cadet)
• Aretha Franklin with the Ray Bryant Combo–Won’t Be Long (Columbia)
• Ray Bryant–Doing My Thing (Cadet)
• Joe Williams and the Jazz Orchestra–Get Out of My Life (Solid State)
• The Jeremy Steig Quartet–Dark as a Dungeon (Columbia)
• Dave Pike–Sunny (Atlantic)
• Charles Earland–I Was Made to Love Her (Prestige)
• Johnny Griffin and Eddie ‘Lockjaw’ Davis Quintet–In Walked Bud (Jazzland)
• The Above–The Girl With the Peacock Tattoo (Castile)
• The Bonzo Dog Band–I Want to Be With You (Liberty; UK)
• The Exports–Seat Belts Please (King)
• The Da-Kars–(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay (Josie)
• Ben Collier B.B.S.S.–Walk Proud (Atlantic)
• Lalo Schifrin–Spill the Wine (M-G-M)
• Saun & Starr (AKA The Dapettes) featuring: Starr Duncan Lowe–Hot Shot (Daptone)
• Shirley Scott (vocal and organ)–Soul Sauce (Impulse)
• Lou Rawls–Trouble Down Here Below (Capitol)
• The 5th Dimension–Don’tcha Hear Me Callin’ to Ya (Soul City)
• Shuggie Otis–Hurricane (Epic)
• J. Hines & the Fellows–Victory Strut (DeLuxe)
• Don Covay–Everything I Do Goin’ Be Funky (Atlantic)
• Lloyd Parks–Come Back Early (Parks; Jamaica)
• Cayito; Sonora de Andy Esteban–Tepito Boogaloo (Peerless)
• Allen Toussaint–Tequila (Bell)
• Vic Schoen–1 -2 – 3 (Mainstream)
• Ross Carnegie, his Hammond Organ and Band–Win Lose Or Draw (El-Con)
• Cool Heat–Groovin’ With Mr. Bloe (Carosello; Italy)
• Mongo Santamaria–Lady Marmalade (Vaya)
• Jackie Wilson and Count Basie–Uptight (Everything’s Alight) (Brunswick)
• Dave ‘Baby’ Cortez with Lonnie Youngblood and His Bloodhounds–Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Norton)
• The Masque–Black Is Black (Bell)
• The Delltones–Gimme Some Lovin’ (Capitol)
• Lord Sitar–Have You Seen Your Mother Baby Standing in the Shadow? (Capitol)
• Flavor–Dancing in the Street (Columbia)
• Mel Tormé–Comin’ Home Baby (Atlantic)
• The Jammers–Where Can She Run To (Loma)
• The Platters ‘65–Run While It’s Dark (Entree)
• Charlie Gracie–Walk With Me Girl (Sock & Soul)
• The Turnarounds–Soul Walk (Tangerine)
• Jackie deShannon–When You Walk in the Room (Liberty)
• The Monkees–Take a Giant Step (Colgems)
• Spirit–Uncle Jack (CBS; UK)
• The ‘E’ Types–She Moves Me (Sunburst)
• Eric Burdon and the Animals–Help Me Girl (Decca; UK)
• Bobby Vee–Keep on Trying (Liberty)
• The Staple Singers–The Challenge (Stax)
• The Metros–Let’s Groove (RCA Victor)
• Ray Franklin and His Orchestra–Mercy (Chris)
• Bobby Gregg–Kootanda (Epic)
• Cayito; Sonora de Andy Esteban–El Burro de la Roqueta (Peerless)
• Dizzy Gillespie–Soul Kiss – Part I (Perception)
• Philip Green and His Orchestra–Caravan (Coral)

None of these records are for sale!

Rachael and Gabriel Guma make with the psychedelic lights at the Brooklyn Psych & Garage Fest.

The Brooklyn Psych and Garage Fest was a totally heavy happening that happened on Friday, May 2 at the Gutter in Williamsburg, Brooklyn featuring some of our favorite local rock bands: Heavybirds, Organs and Twin Guns.

The evening commenced with the Heavybirds, who unleashed a loud, unholy drone of guitar buzz that set the scene. The trio consists of two guitarists and a cat who banged on a bass drum: truly boss!

Heavybirds

With their tight songs and solid rock beat, the Organs were the most conventional group of the evening. The writers of The Boogaloo Bag have seen this act before and they dig it the most!

Organs

Twin Guns, who set up the night and closed the show, were once a guitar-drum duo, but recently added a bass player to the ranks, giving the group a more full sound. At a Twin Guns show you will be overpowered by tough, surf-influenced, spaghetti western soundtrack guitar playing. Twin Guns emits vibes ala the legendary Suicide group and is also reminiscent of The Cramps at their most psycho (and less “billy”) moments. With all members dressed in black and wearing sunglasses, Twin Guns make a memorable sight—especially when you add in the full presentation of lights and smoke machines! Plus, any rock band that opens its set with a mutant version of “Harlem Nocturne” and closes it with a fine interpretation of “1970 (I Feel All Right)” is OK by The Boogaloo Bag!

Twin Guns

Speaking of lights—one of the top features of the Brooklyn Psych and Garage Fest was the most excellent and artistic back-wall lighting of Rachael and Gabriel Guma, who incorporated dyed oils on an overhead projector and a slide show ala the old Fillmore Auditorium light shows. It was a gas!

Before, between and after the bands played, DJ Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus spun these garage/psyche records:

• The Rolling Stones–Stoned (Decca; UK)
• Spirit–Mechanical World (CBS; UK)
• Future–The Shape of Things to Come (Uni)
• The Escapades–Mad Mad Mad (Verve)
• Tidal Waves–Action! (Speaks Louder Than Words) (HBR)
• Jalopy Five–Revolution (Hit)
• Steppenwolf–The Ostrich (Dunhill)
• Mouse and the Traps–Beg Borrow and Steal (Fraternity)
• The Rumblers–I Don’t Need You No More (Dot)
• The Del-Vetts–Last Time Around (Dunwich)
• Los Shain’s–Niebla Púrpura [Purple Haze] (Odeon; Peru)
• The Beavers–Why Baby Why (Seven Seas; Japan)
• Ohio Express–Try It (Cameo)
• The Mothers of Invention–Why Don’t You Do Me Right (Verve)
• The Magic Mushroom–I’m Gone (Warner Bros.)
• Johnny Thunder–I’m Alive (Calla)
• The Golliwogs–Walking on the Water (Scorpio)
• The Grassroots–Feelings (Dunhill)
• The Yardbirds–Happenings Ten Years Time Ago (Epic)
• Los Mustangs–Dejen De Pensar En Mi [Gonna Have a Good Time] (DCA; El Salvador)
• The Motivations–The Slow Fizz (DynoVoice)
• Thee Midniters–Love Special Delivery (Whittier)
• The Shag–Stop and Listen (Capitol)
• The Standells–Rari (Tower)
• Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band–Electricity (Buddah; UK)
• The Thirteenth Floor Elevators–Fire Engine (international Artists)
• The Velvet Underground–White Light/White Heat (Verve)
• The Electric Prunes–Get Me to the World on Time (Reprise)
• Shocking Blue–Send Me a Postcard (Pink Elephant; France)
• Howard Carpendale–Du hast mich (Columbia; Germany)
• The Fleshtones–Les Temps Dira (Yep Roc)
• The Quiet Jungle–Everything (Yorkville; Canada)
• Kit and the Outlaws–Don’t Tread on Me (Philips)
• The Thirteenth Floor Elevators–You’re Gonna Miss Me (International Artists)
• The Chocolate Watchband–Sweet Young Thing (Uptown)
• The Other Half–Mr. Pharmacist (GNP Crescendo)
• The Telstars–Keep on Running (Columbia)
• The Seeds–Pushin’ Too Hard (GNP Crescendo; UK)
• The Us Four–The Alligator (Rising Sons)
• The Squires–Going All the Way (Atco)
• The Stillroven–Hey Joe (Falcon)
• The Who–I Can See for Miles (Decca)
• MC 5–Looking at You (Atlantic)
• The Equals–My Life Ain’t Easy (President)
• The Dave Clark Five–Catch Us If You Can (Epic)
• Iron Buttefly–Iront Butterfly Theme (Atco)

Non of these records are for sale.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus blows as Miss Nancy Jeannie Gardner shakes her maracas at the Sun Ra’s Prophetika book launch at St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery. Photo by Amy Verdon.

Kicks Books is part of the Norton Media Empire that includes Norton Records, Kicks Magazine and the boss raunch and roll combo The A-Bones, and is run by our friend Miriam Linna—a fine example of a human being that The Boogalboo Bag writers have been acquainted with since 1975. The books division has published fabulous and important works by such writers as Harlan Ellison, Royston Ellis, Nick Tosches and Charles Plymell. Also, Kicks Books has given printed vent to bonafide musical types: Andre Williams, Kim Fowley and Sun Ra.

It was for this latter personage that a gathering of hep cats and kittens, curious onlookers and finger poppin’ daddies were gathered on the Friday evening of April 25. Kicks Books has just issued Prophetika, the lost writings of Sun Ra, and a launch event was in order and it duly took place in the meeting room of St. Mark’s Church in the Bowery under the kind auspices of The Poetry Project.

Sun Ra, who is known widely as a far-out jazz musician and bandleader, was also a poet, philosopher and interplanetary traveler of some note. Prophetika is being published in the centennial year of Mr. Ra’s birth. For the event, Ms. Linna rounded up some of Sun Ra’s most fervent fans in order to read his work aloud to the faithful, perform music inspired by his, and to celebrate the spirit of a singular individual whose like will never appear on this world again. Readers were Kicks Books author Charles Plymell, musician/writer Mike Edison, guitarist Mick Collins (Gories, Dirtbombs), Boston rock ‘n’ rhythm shouter Barrence Whitfield and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus, who also served as the master of ceremonies. Through much of the night, The Rocket Train Delta Science Micro Arkestra (Mr. Edison, who played Solar Space Theremin and percussion, and the esteemed bongo player Bob Bert) added aural punctuation in all the appropriate places.

The Rocket Train Delta Science Micro Arkestra swings as Phast Phreddie introduces Sun Ra and guest speakers at the Prophetika book launch! Photo by Kiki Lenoue.

A confirmed Sun Ra follower since having been initiated as such in high school, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus read from an interview he conducted with Sun Ra back in the late eighties and then recited Sun Ra’s poem “The Universe Is Out There Waiting,” and blew his C-melody saxophone while the lovely Nancy “Jeannie” Gardner shook her maracas and interpreted the words with artful choreography. Dig that action HERE!!!!

Although Sun Ra has been physically absent from Earth for about 20 years, his presence was most definitely felt in the room.

When the festivities were over, many of the Sun Ra devotees made the scene at a super-boss after-party at Home Sweet Home, where our pal Jonathan Toubin was in full swing with his Shakin’ All Over Under Sideways Down night of rockin’ R&B records. Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus played a few records, as did Norton Records head honcho Billy Miller—many picked by Miriam Linna—as Barrence Whitfield was seen ripping it up on the dance floor!

Jonathan Toubin, Miriam Linna and Billy Miller swing at Home Sweet Home.

Billy Miller and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus swing at Home Sweet Home.

Jonathan Toubin and Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus goof at Home Sweet Home!

Miriam Linna does the watusi with Barrence Whitfield at Home Sweet Home!

Here’s a list of the records played by Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus—some of them even had Sun Ra involvement:

The Sensational Guitars of Dan & Dale–Batman Theme (Tifton)
The Batmen–Batman (CBS; Germany)
Combo Kings–Batman A Go Go (Jamie)
NRBQ–Rocket Number 9 (Columbia)
Les Boozers—No, No, No (CBS; Belgium)
Hank Blackman & the Killers–Itchy Koo (Brent)
Johnny Talbot, His Band and the Four Rivers–Whatcha Wanna Do Part 1 (Red Fire)
Dave ‘Baby’ Cortez–Hurricane (Clock)
The Artesians–Tick Bag (Norton)
The Rolling Stones–She Said Yeah (Discos Peerless; Mexico)
Ronny Kae–Swinging Drums (LEO)
Little Bob–I Got Loaded (La Louisianne)
The Cat–Do the Watusi (Arc)
The American Four–Luci Baines (Selma)

None of these records are for sale.