Guess you are wondering...what the heck is FIDA? FIDA is an acronym for FlowerzInDaAttic, named after 1987 psychological horror film based on the 1979 novel of the same name by V.C. Andrews with slight modification of the letters (we had to give it a more "underground" look). FIDA is a music "specific" event that centers solely on those odd & obscure yet dance-orientated R&B, Soul, Funk, Jazz, Jazz-Funk, Gospel, Reggae, Rock and House Music classics that received little to no club play; in addition to, the well known dance tunes from those aforementioned genres.
Developed by music aficionado, Christopher Flowers (Yellorange/Tony Records/ThinkSoul/Humble Beginnings) lived in modest home in Elizabeth, NJ with a large attic filled to the brim with vinyl. There was just enough dance space to hold 50 people and contained a nice sized bathroom (no shower/tub, just a sink & commode) and a "chill-out" bedroom. Having thousands upon thousands of records, he thought to himself it would be great to invite some like-minded music lovers among his closest friends and share the music he was collecting.
Taking his cues from David Mancuso's heralded "members-only" Loft party in NYC, the first party started December 31st 1997. Since it was in his private home, the invitation list was selective and could go the distance, over 12 hours with no complaints from the neighbors! Showcasing the event on "no work" days, it happened maybe no more than three times a year. It was off the radar, very hush-hush, the invites were personal letters mailed out and a members list with membership numbers were issued. However, it started to leak out about this "private" party that its members were sworn to secrecy (these kids can't hold water!).
By 2005, the house was sold and that was the end of FIDA parties. It had grown to about 55-60 members (the attic was but so big) and was fondly treasured by its core members. It resurfaced in 2008 in beautiful art gallery in South Orange, NJ and featured three FIDA DJ's, Joey Anderson, Rahbu and DJ Gabe. Relegated to Sunday afternoons, FIDA was still exclusive and "invite only", and was finding more and more like-minded and diverse music lovers with humble spirits and no drama. Truly sincere, "down-to-earth" folk.
Finding spaces that will accommodate FIDA's long hours was and still is difficult. After the huge success of the 2008 South Orange event, FIDA resurfaced once again in 2011 at the Coffee Cave located in Newark, NJ. The Cave was a public cafe in the daytime and a club at night so it was difficult to keep the "invite only" policy going. No one was turned away for not being a FIDA member or FIDA guest. After two great parties at the Cave, FIDA ceased until Mr. Flowerz could find a suitable location.
In November of 2015, a designer friend of his wanted him to see his work space located behind the old Hahne's building in Newark, NJ's downtown area. Upon seeing the space, it reminded him of the size of his attic back in Elizabeth. He didn't waste anytime in asking his friend if he can to do a "private" party there. He agreed and Mr. Flowerz quickly began contacting FIDA members and FIDA guests that there would be an up and coming "session". It turned out to be a wonderful Sunday party both in music and vibe.
Yes, we are expanding and ever growing to keep the rich history of soulful read: BLACK music and its offspring and derivatives alive; as well as, to fellowship with one another under the umbrella of love, peace, harmony, unity, joy, hope, brotherly kindness, patience, charity, knowledge, wisdom (by the grace of the Most High as he so wills it) through the gift of music. Music and Dance brought FIDA together in the first place and has carried us intermittently for more than 10 years, THAT'S AMAZING!
As was said in the many letters of FIDA, our members & guests are special and are loved through our highs and lows, agreements and disagreements, we respect our comradeship and refuse to be conditioned to a parochial view of life. We love to experience different things whether it be in music, fashion, art, dance, people, food, cities, states, countries, books, etc. etc. etc!
It seems as though the FIDA members and guests were predestined to travel not only this musical journey, but this life journey (for a time, a season or a reason) to learn from one another, to help, encourage, uplift, support and chastise (in a loving, Godly way) each other. Also, learning to have the humility to accept chastisement and correction. None of us are perfect or good. We need the Most High to lead, guide, teach and instruct us in all that he wants us to do. Also, we need each other! So let's continue to connect, reconnect, inform, educate, entertain, promote, market, produce ideas that will prosper within us spiritually, mentally, physically and financially.
We encourage you to join as a FIDA blog member. Feedback & comments are welcomed. To all the FIDA writers & poets, the forum is yours, bring it! FIDA's DJ's your favorites tunes, songs that FIDA members need to know about....remember music is to be SHARED, hoarding music and being puffed up about "knowing" your music (or anything for that matter) is arrogant, prideful, unscriptural and unGodly. We all learn from each other, giving unselfishly and cheerfully is the key! Be blessed and walk in love always!
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