Saturday night, Sons of Hermann Hall will host The Smoke, a local mod, garage, reggae, soul, free-for-all dance-a-thon that's been building a reputation and reverence amongst groove thang-shakers at various venues around town for the last seven years.
We hit up Smoke co-founder Marcos Prado to discuss the rise of Dallas' longest running mod night, what's in store for the event's future, and what it takes to successfully spin records that are twice as old as most of the people on the dance floor.
When did The Smoke start and who was involved?
The night started in June of 2003, at the Cavern. When it comes to who was involved it depends on who you ask. Originally, it was Jason Harris, Jason Meyer, Ryan Sumner, Steve Nut, and myself. Both Jasons took over the night early on its infancy. Meyer, left due to a work conflict, and that's around the time the night really settled into Avenue Arts. After Meyer it was just Harris DJing. That went on for a couple years until he started letting Jonathan Maslyk and I spin. It wasn't until a couple years ago that I took over the night.
What was the initial inspiration?
We all wanted a night where we could hear music embraced by the mod subculture. There had been some mod nights before The Smoke, but nothing that really took off. It just seemed logical.
Where did you come up with the name?
From what I understand, [the Smoke] was the nickname of "happening 1960s London".
What have been some of the more memorable Smoke events?
Our first night, Bobby Patterson stopped by and sang a tune for the crowd. Unfortunately, I missed it, but I heard it was amazing. He's Bobby Patterson, how couldn't it have been great?
Also, one New Years Eve, I believe it was 2006-7, at Avenue Arts we had a large crowd come out. People came from DC, San Antonio, Austin and Oklahoma, just for our night. The dancing was so intense, and the crowd so sweaty, that condensation started dripping from the ceiling! Nasty, yes. Awesome, double yes!
When did you start becoming interested in this era of music?
I can remember being 10 years old, sitting in the back of my mother's car refusing to get out to look around at the garage sales she'd stop at. She'd leave the radio on for me, which was usually set to KLUV. That definitely started the foundation. It wasn't until after high school that I really started branching out into different music genres. Music is a giant puzzle where everything is tied together. Once you start digging into it, you find other branches of influence, which lead to other branches. It's so dynamic.
And when did that evolve into a record collection?
I had some reggae and mod revival vinyl when I was at UNT, but it wasn't until I met Jason Meyer that I got heavier into soul. Luckily, he wanted to make more room in his apartment, so he ended up selling me his record collection. It took me a while to go through, but eventually it led me towards acquiring more vinyl goodies and buying people's record collection when I got the chance.
What's they key to putting together a tight set?
Wow, I get to be a DJ coach here. Can I say puppies? That's probably not the right answer, but they are pretty cute. What's funny is this question comes up quite often when you get deejays together. The technical term is "dorkfest." For me, the most important thing to remember is that it's not about you (the DJ); it's about the people on the dance floor. Keeping them happy, without straying from the night's theme is where you'll have success. I really don't plan out my sets too much. I have a couple boxes of 45s I play out of. They're all great records *wink*, but even if I'm dying to hear a new record I picked up, it won't be played unless it's going to fit in with the way the crowd is dancing. I guess it all boils down to reading people and not playing for yourself.
I love obscurities, but people tend to want to dance to what they already know. That means you need to learn how to trick them. Instead of playing Los Bravos' "Black is Black," play Big Maybelle's cover. One eye in the record box, one on the floor, one ear on the tempos, and the other on your levels. Just maybe you'll get to some dancing and hear applause.
What should newcomers expect from The Smoke?
A good time I hope. It's all about having fun, dancing, dressing up (optional), and making friends. There are some great people that come out. I know that mod scenes can be somewhat elitist, but most of our regulars are really friendly. They're always trying to get newcomers out on the floor to dance.
Expect great music. Stuff you're not going to hear any where else. Though it's mostly a 60s Mod theme night we also play tunes from other periods. The music genres we mostly play are Rare Soul, Motown, Garage, Freak Beat, Reggae and early RnB.
More importantly, what should Smoke attendees wear?
It's great if people dress the part in an A-line dress, or slim fit tonic suits, but seriously come dressed to dance. Again, it's all about having fun. Personally, I'll start off wearing a suit, but come time to dance I like to change into my action trousers maybe some knitwear or a Fred Perry. It's just a sixties look for the most part, but we'll take you as you are.
Prado: bringing sexy way, waaay back
Any surprises in store for Saturday's installment of the Smoke?
There's a chance of Scotty Celsur coming out to check out the night. He was in a 60s garage band from Dallas called Jimmy C. & the Chelsea Five. I'm going to play their 45 on Saturday. It was never released, and it hasn't been heard much of for some 40 years! I'm excited!
For a while Avenue Arts regularly hosted The Smoke. What was behind the move to Sons of Hermann Hall?
We all loved Avenue Arts and Eddie Ruiz for having us there those years, but sometimes you just have to move on. Eddie wanted to do more art gallery events instead of dance nights, because that's where his heart is. One great thing about Avenues Arts was when we'd go until 4 a.m. the crowd was so deliriously tired, but the dance floor was still going strong. At Sons of Hermann Hall we go till 2 a.m. and that's late enough for me these days.
What are some of the pros and cons to holding the Smoke at Sons of Hermann Hall?
I can't think of too many cons. I just love the place. The manager Jo Nicodemus is an amazing lady and she's great to work with. Plus, the dance floor in the place is perfect for what we do. Wood doesn't hurt the knee as much when you're doing splits and back drops on it, and believe me, we have dancers that get down like that.
What's coming up?
Glad you asked. So far we have [booked] February 20th, March 13th, April 17, May 21st and June 26th (our Seven Year Anniversary!). Oh, and we're suppose to do something with the upcoming Rockers vs. Mods scooter rally that's happening.
What's been the key to sustaining The Smoke after all these years?
I'm just amazed that this night has gone on for so long. Seven years in June. It's the longest going Mod/60s dance night in Dallas' history. It's all due to the great people that come out to dance and the great friends who help make the night possible. I'm fortunate to be a part of it.
DETAILS:
The Dallas Smoke! February Dance
Saturday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm Street
214-747-4422
The Smoke on Facebook
Email: thedallassmoke@gmail.com
$5
All ages