Each fall for the last several years, the Keystone State Northern Soul Weekender has been held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Fantastic DJs from around the world head there to play their very best records. The first seven events were held at the Elks Lodge but this one took place at the Moose Lodge—also in downtown Lancaster. Although slightly smaller, the Moose Lodge had an equally fabulous wooden dance floor and there was the ability to order food from the private club downstairs. The Weekender is hosted by Julio Fernandez, a Spaniard now living locally and, sometimes, David Raistrick, a British fellow whose history with Northern Soul events goes back to the seventies. He wasn’t around last year, but he made a return this year and we were all happy to see him.

Returning DJs included Chey Frazier (Easton, PA), Scott Boyko (Garden State Soul Club), David McDaniel (Nor’easter Soul Club), Debbie Benjamin-Koller (Heart of Chicago Soul Club), Eric Svirida (Long Island, NY), Mod Marty Emanuel (On Target podcast, Winnipeg, Manitoba), Eric Zimmerman (Philly Soul Club), Paula Carrillo (Minneapolis), Sean Connors (Philly Soul Club), Mr. Fine Wine (Downtown Soulville, WFMU), Mike Post (Daptone Records), Yana Lil’ Jerk (Soul, Soul, Soul, NYC), Cher Gingras (Slow Fizz, Toronto), George Rodriguez (Hipshaker, Minneapolis), Jay Boxcar (Garden State Soul Club), and Connie T Empress (Soul Finger, NYC).

Also returning after a few years away was Vincent Ebb aka The Soul Chef (Fufu Radio) who now lives somewhere in Texas. Another was our friend Greg Tormo. He was a DJ at the very first Keystone Weekender, but soon after moved to Palm Springs where he has continued his record spinning activities. His return was welcomed by the Boogaloo Bag writers as he plays some of our favorite records that we’ll never own!

One of the highlights of the event was newcomer Aret Sakal. He hosts the Windy City Soul Club in Chicago. During his Saturday night set he played some incredible records that had our heads spinning!! He was a very welcome newcomer to the Keystone family.

MC for the event—as every year—was Brother Weems, a member of the late great Empire State Soul Club. He now lives somewhere about an hour north of Lancaster and has become a fixture at the Keystone Weekender.

For this event, Miss Nancy made some double chocolate cookies and her special chex mix. Both were devoured with glee. During the Saturday break, Vincent Ebb and his wife Leslie renewed their wedding vows at a Napalese restaurant. A cake was baked that honored them, as well as Connie T Empress and Phil DePaolo who were wed earlier this year.

Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus has been asked to appear each of the eight years it has been operating (with a year off during the pandemic). This year, host Julio Fernandez asked the Boog if he minded if his DJ time was shortened. With so many great DJs available, it seemed only fair. Heck, Julio and David Raistrick didn’t even play records until the very end, in order to give more DJs some time at the decks. Thus, the Phastman only had a chance to play twelve records all weekend. For him, being asked to play even one record is a great honor—plus, the camaraderie among the DJs gives him the warm and fuzzies!

On Saturday afternoon, Phast Phreddie the Boogaloo Omnibus split the half hour allotted by tag-teaming with Yana Lil’ Jerk. The Boog only played dance numbers; here they are:

• The Question Marks—Doin’ the Thing (Money)
• The Capitols–Cool Pearl (Karen)
• Robert Walker and the Soul Strings–The Blizzard (RCA Victor)
• Claudine Clark–Buttered Popcorn (Jamie)
• Lou Courtney–Me and You Doin’ the Boogaloo (Riverside)
• The Crowns–Jerking the Dog (Pama; UK)

Sunday afternoon saw the Phast Man sharing the decks with Mikey Post, who played spooky monster records due to the close proximity of the event to Halloween. The Boog played these six instrumentals:

• Ronnie Kole Trio–Batman Theme (White Cliffs)
• The Happy Cats–These Boots Are Made for Walking (Omack)
• Chuck Edwards–Chuck Roast (Roulette)
• O.S. Grant–Sock It Uptight (Sarg)
• The John Schroeder Orchestra–Agent 00-Soul (Cameo)
• Sonny Stitt—Stitt’s Groove (Wingate)

Next year, the Keystone Northern Soul Weekender will swing again. Hopefully, some of our British and European friends will be able to return. See ya there…