For those who do not know legendary DJ and promoter LoveGrove, here is an interview about his past success and thoughts about the future of the Baltimore nightlife. 

Bio:
A leading figure in the Baltimore/DC underground since 1989, DJ LoveGrove is the founder of Sonic Soul Productions, a one time owner of Sonar Lounge, and the former General Manager of Mosaic. In the early 90's, DJ LoveGrove developed the CloudWatch chillout events and CD mix series, which featured ambient and down-tempo artists and gained international critical acclaim. The success of CloudWatch led to DJ appearances in the UK for The Big Chill and Mixmaster Morris' Nubient club session.

These days, LoveGrove is championing the jazzy, Latin influenced brand of organic deep house, and he was voted Baltimore's "Best DJ" by Baltimore Magazine ('03) and The Baltimore City Paper's Best of Baltimore Reader's Poll ('02). Under his direction, Mosaic has become Baltimore's leading venue for future forward DJs with a weekly residency by Fort Knox Five and regular appearances by the foremost names in house music.

Interview:

1.  So, how did you get into the music industry in Baltimore?

LG: At age 17 I started working at a record store called Recordmasters. I became the import and 12” buyer for the 4 store chain – this was in 1988. In ’89 I started doing a radio show on Towson State’s 89.7 (WCVT at the time, now WTMD) – Scott Henry heard my show and offered me a DJ residency at Calvert St Café (now called Xanadu or X),

2.  What role or position did you intend to adapt within the music industry; DJ, Producer, or Promoter? 

LG: I have always been first and foremost a DJ. I started DJing through being a record collector; I started collecting vinyl (mostly British indie bands) at age 14. I felt compelled to be a DJ, first radio then club, to expose the great music I was finding but was not being exposed.  I became a promoter to further than desire – to expose DJs and promote a culture that I felt very strong about and thought needed to be experienced. I have never really been into producing, though I have worked on a couple of tracks that I released back in the mid-90s on Sonic Soul Records – working with DJWHO. But really, it has always been about exposing the music I love to people who I think deserve to hear it.

3.  With time, it seems like you have gravitated to the position of a promoter/club manager.  Why is that?

LG: Through DJing I became very frustrated about those things I could not control in the club. It is one thing to show up and bring great tunes – but if the sound sucks, the bartenders are slow, and staff is rude – you are not going to enjoy the experience. That was part of the motivation for throwing my own events, which evolved into me getting into club management.

4.  What was your specific role with Mosaic?  Job title and responsibilities?

LG: I started out as a resident DJ and promoter in Mosaic’s first year. At the end of that summer they offered me the position of General Manager for Mosaic, but with that I had to handle event coordination and marketing for events/concerts at Power Plant Live. Once Mosaic moved indoors at 4 Market Place, I was made a “Managing Partner” – which meant I received a General Manager’s salary and a small percentage bonus based on profit.

5.  How mas Mosaic formed?

LG: Mosaic started out when the Cordish Company decided to make what was a “common area” tented bar at Power Plant Live into a more up-scale “South Beach” sort of seasonal lounge.

6.  What unique contributions did you bring to this venue verses the other clubs in Baltimore?  

LG: Programming first and foremost – bringing in top notch DJ talent, particularly deep house. Baltimore would typically be left off of tour itineraries, however my bookings and the vibe of Mosaic made Baltimore a priority for DJs touring the US.

7.  Leading up to the restructuring of Mosaic, was there any indication that there would a reformatting of the venue from the management? 

LG: I started getting that feeling about six months ago, when the brought in an outside promoter on Friday night, with DJs that played commercial music. I knew that it was going to be hard to make my case for being underground and progressive when financially the mainstream night was making more money.

8.  In all honestly, do you feel anything could have been done differently to prevent the demise of this venue?

LG: Honestly, I am shocked that we did what we did, for as long as we did, with the success we had at a location at Power Plant Live. I knew it was going to be a struggle and that where would be a small window to make it financially viable. If I had it to do all over, I really don’t think I would do anything different.

9.  It seems that since 2002, the electronic dance music scene in Baltimore has been in decline.  Less venues seem to support EDM.  What is your view on the scene in Baltimore, can it be improved? 

LG: I hate the term EDM – but Electronic Dance Music has been in decline in America, not just Baltimore.  It is very tough for booking agents to put together tours in the US these days – which is why you don’t see some of the big UK guys coming over. You have LA, NY (which is really just Cielo and Giant Step events), SF (which is more about locals), DC, Miami, Chicago – that is about it. The rave scene died, and that was a scene run by guys in the late 20’s and early 30’s – most clubs are owned by corporations or guys in the 40’s or 50’s – tough to convince those types that playing underground music is a better way to go than playing radio hits.

For Baltimore it is pretty simple – Baltimore has no support system for true underground dance music. The mainstream press like City Paper doesn’t support it. It isn’t played on the radio. Combined with a silly liquor law that forces clubs to close by 2AM – it is really tough to have a thriving club culture. Baltimore is not a cosmopolitan city with people who have sophisticated tastes. It is blue collar, no matter how many million dollar homes they put at the harbor. With no entertainment industry, a small population, and no international influence – we are Baltimore, hon.

10.  What plans are in store for the future?

LG: Right away I will become a Managing Partner of Sky Lounge in Federal Hill. Long term, I plan on getting involved with some people that are looking to open a 400 person club that will showcase touring DJs of all underground genres.

11.    Looking back, are there any events that stand out?  

LG: The biggest event that stands out for me is a 900 person CloudWatch event back in I believe ’98, at the Glass Pavilion on the campus of Johns Hopkins University.  CloudWatch was a “chill-out” multi-media happening I held a various venues like art galleries, warehouses, and theatres – people brought blankets and pillows and simply chilled out. This particular event went from 9PM to 7AM -- no dance music, all atmospheric ambient and down-tempo beats, and no real headliner to speak of, and 900 people turned up – one of the few events I actually made any money off of. The fact that we pulled off an all-night freak fest, at one of the most renowned universities in the world, and convinced 900 people to sit and listen to experimental music for nearly 10 hours, in this city, was a shining moment in my career.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

SKY LOUNGE in Federal Hill is UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

Effective January 15, 2008, LG Concannon aka DJ LoveGrove was named Managing Partner of The Sky Lounge, located at 1041 Marshall Street in Baltimore. Concannon is the founder of Sonic Soul Productions and the former General Manager of Mosaic Lounge at Power Plant Live.

Under owner John Hargrave, Sky Lounge has been one of Baltimore's premier dining and night-life spots for over five years. Hargrave will stay on as owner; with Concannon taking over daily operations, bar management duties, and music programming. Many former members of his Mosaic staff have joined him in his move to Sky Lounge.

In addition, Dustin Hammersmith, formerly of Red Maple and Brewer's Art, has been named Sky Lounge's Executive Chef, with Sous Chef Salvador Caceres. The new kitchen team will revamp the Tango Tapas menu, going with a Micro-Seasonal approach, featuring authentic Spanish preparation and traditional ingredients. The new menu will be updated daily to achieve the highest standard of freshness possible and to evoke culinary creativity. Over the past three weeks the establishment has undergone sound up-grades, décor enhancements, kitchen improvements, and operational changes. Sky Lounge's new weekly schedule will go into effect on Tuesday February 12, 2008, with Sky Lounge open for dinner and drinks Tuesday through Saturday, from 5:30PM – 2AM. The upstairs bar will open at 10PM, with DJs playing lounge grooves and deep house music. Regular resident DJs will appear weekly, however, Concannon does plan on booking national touring DJs to make guest appearances for special events. The Regular Weekly DJ Schedule: Wednesday – Adam T Rush Thursday – Teddy Douglas of The Basement Boys (1st Thursdays), DJ Figment (2nd & 4th Thursdays), DJ Logo & Miguel Lush (3rd Thursday) Friday – DJ LoveGrove Saturday – Adam Auburn Sky Lounge will be launching a new web-site at www.theskyloungebaltimore.com and can be found on MySpace at www.myspace.com/skyloungebaltimore On Friday February 8, 2008, Sky Lounge invites you to a special Grand Re-Launch party. This event is to welcome and introduce Concannon and his new kitchen and bar staff. The event will kick-off at 8PM and will feature DJs LoveGrove, Adam Auburn, and Adam T Rush. A VIP Reception with a complementary menu tasting and drinks courtesy of Ciroc, Bud Select, Stella Artois, and Red Bull, will be held on the second floor. To RSVP for the VIP Reception please send an email to promo@theskyloungebaltimore.com For additional information please contact LG Concannon at 410.625.1615 or lg@theskyloungebaltimore.com.

Tags: DJ, LG, Lovegrove