Aviva Press

By Maria Esteves - June 9, 2009

The "Body & Soul NYC" 2009 Memorial Day Weekend dance celebration presented by John Davis, JD Productions with world renown DJs Joaquin "Joe" Claussell, Francois "K" Kevorkian (MAESTRO documentary film), and Danny Krivit (The God Father of Disco, MAESTRO documentary films) was held at the historical
Webster Hall, New York, Sunday, May 24,  6:00 PM. The evening featured talent warm-up by Andi Hanely, lights by Ariel, and hostess Evelyn Santos. The Sunday tea dance included industry professionals and dance patrons.

This year's celebration had Balloons Galore! The festive decorations at
Webster Hall captured a special walk down memory lane, truly a memorable celebration of Freedom and LIfe! The dynamic trio Danny Krivit, Francois K, and Joe Claussell superbly mixed soulful House, Tribal and Progressive dance music all night long in the old well-worked ballroom built in 1886.  

WEBSTER HALL constructed for Charles Goldstein in 1886 is a historical landmark located in the East Village, New York. The hall is famous for countless masquerade balls, dances, receptions, lectures, meetings, conventions, political and union rallies, military functions, concerts, performances, festivities, sporting and fundraising events. Albums and Broadway recordings made at the hall’s studio included Louis Armstrong, Ray Charles, Harry Belafonte, Tony Bennett, Perry Como, Bob Dylan, Lena Horne, Stan Getz, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Julie Andrews recorded The Boy Friend, Mary Martin recorded Peter Pan, Ethel Merman recorded Annie Get Your Gun, Liza Minnelli in Flora and many others. Artists Woody Guthrie, Tito Puente, and Pete Seeger, to name a few performed at the hall.

In 1980, Webster Hall was named The Ritz rock club designed with a video component, setting a style that was later borrowed by other clubs nationwide. Performances included “B-52s, Madonna, Prince, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Sting, Kiss, B.B. King, many others, as well as such events as fashion shows and awards ceremonies. The rebirth of Webster Hall in 1990 featured live performances by Mick Jagger and many others. Today, Webster Hall is a landmark building. It's newest room "The Studio at Webster Hall," is a 300 capacity state-of-the-art recording studio.

Body&SOULNYC (1996-2004) founded by John Davis and François K, a weekly Sunday afternoon dance celebration held at club Vinyl (legendary club Shelter), in Tribeca, with resident DJs Danny Krivit, François K, and Joe Claussell specializing in electronic, soulful, and spiritual dance music. Thousands of people from around the world participated weekly in the dance, hearing the message of love through music, the universal language. Special performances throughout the years included Kenny Bobien, Jocelyn Brown, D-train, Incognito, Eddie Palmieri, and many others. In 2004, club Vinyl was sold and became an apartment complex. However, Body&SOUL continues its dance celebration spreading the message of love through music. Thousands have gathered in Italy, London, Spain, Tokyo, and at Central Park Summerstage, New York.  Their successful CD compilations and 12' vinyls are available for purchase online http://www.bodyandsoul-nyc.com.

“Body & SOUL NYC” 2009 Memorial Day Weekend Celebration at Webster Hall.