The extended celebration is a continuation of Lawrence combining what he loves — music and curating a good time for his audience.
Mamie said Lawrence prepared for the first edition of the party all week, gathering songs that she says “go way back.”
“This is a dream of Lawrence’s,” said the Village of Piedmont resident. “He wanted to play the oldies but goodies — old songs that people used to listen to that still feel good. This part of the night is free and open to anyone who’d like to attend.”
“We play music for anyone who loves music,” she said. “People can come and sit down as they listen or, if they want to get up and dance, then they can. You make your own party here, we just provide the music.”
Luanne Brown-Johnson, of the Village of Hillsborough, knows how to make her own party. Before other guests arrived to “The Golden Oldies” Uptown Jammin session on April 17, Brown-Johnson had the dance floor all to herself, while she cut a rug to “Happy Feeling” by Maze and Frankie Beverly.
“I can have a good time all by myself,” she said. “I always have a good and loving time at Uptown Jammin. I can dance on the dance floor all by myself and no one will bother me or look at me crazy. It’s the soul of the music. This experience is authentic to my culture and I end up being surrounded by people I love and respect. I appreciate what Uptown Jammin has provided for us.”
Throughout the “The Golden Oldies” jam session, Lawrence played songs such as “So In Love” by Curtis Mayfield, “Try Me” by James Brown and “Stubborn Kind of Fellow” by Marvin Gaye. His song selection inspires Mamie.
“I like the old music, but when I was coming up, we weren’t allowed to listen to this music in our home. So, now I have a chance to catch up,” she said. “This music makes me feel relaxed and brings back memories of things I relate to in the song. Some of these artists make me think I’m young again.”
The last song of the new and special session was “Georgia On My Mind” by Ray Charles.
With the bass booming through the speakers, the Uptown Jammin dance party officially kicked off at 6 p.m. with Lawrence transitioning to “Blood on the Dance Floor” by Michael Jackson. More than 20 people were line dancing on the floor by the second song, “Fake,” by Alexander O’Neal.
Celebrating her 86th birthday, Lois Bote and her husband James Bote slow danced to “Have You Seen Her” by The Chi-Lites.
Lois, who had been celebrating and dancing since 11:30 a.m., kept her all-day party going with family and friends, dancing in a circle with colorful LED sticks.
Overlooking the dance floor at the height of the night, at least four different line dance groups were doing various routines at the same time.
Royal Highlands R&B Line Dance members Dodie King, Cheryl Reimer, Pat Randolph, Portia Scott and Sandra West Brooks danced the Temptation Chacha. Randolph, the instructor for the group, said the group enjoys dancing and partying at Uptown Jammin.
“It’s the fun and camaraderie,” Randolph said. “We aren’t upset when we make a mistake. It’s all about having fun with friends and exercising.”
Vicki Evans, of the Village of Osceola Hills, entered Uptown Jammin two-stepping to “He Wasn’t Man Enough” by Toni Braxton. Evans said what she likes about Uptown Jammin is that everyone knows everyone.
“It’s like a party with a bunch of friends and we all know the dances,” she said.
About halfway through the party, Evans and other members of the Sugar and Spice line dance group performed to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstitious.”
The group’s choreographer, Sandra Brown, of the Village of Marsh Bend, appreciates the feedback they receive during a performance.
“I love just seeing the reaction of the audience — them smiling and clapping along,” Brown said. “The energy that they give back makes it all worth it.”
Lawrence doesn’t just play the music during an event, he also finds his way to the dance floor.
“I love being here and doing this every month,” Lawrence said. “I love all types of music — gospel, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll. I really love old music. Some of us still remember this music — what I call ‘The Golden Oldies.’ I thought (our first session) was beautiful and I think it will get even better with time. The Villages did me a great service when they gave us this room and I want to do this as long as I’m here.”
The ticketed Uptown Jammin event takes place at 6 p.m. the third Friday of every month at SeaBreeze and costs $15 per person. For more information search, “Uptown Jammin” on Facebook.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
