Philadelphia, July 5th: The fireworks are still popping over the city as it celebrates its 224th year of independence from Jolly Ole England. Earth, Wind & Fire played their classic hits at the Art Museum... for FREE!!! And I counted five whole days without a beer! (I am going for all 31 days of July beer-free, however free beer could do me in. So spill a bit o'beer for me).

This week we wandered off to what used to be called Judy Garland Park at 25th and Spruce Streets for an outdoor DJ picnic simply dubbed "Messin' Around."

But first, let me tell you why they call it Judy Garland Park. It used to be (or still is) a hangout for homosexual men. Sort of like the bath houses of San Fran back in the 1970s. Only imagine having encounters on a jungle gym. When families started moving into the neighbourhood, fudgemunching fell out of favor. Now there's room for divorced men on bikes, dogs and dykes and deejays who want to throw parties with their buds and colleagues.

DJ Argo set up a canapé, a couple of 1200s a generator and some speakers, invited a few fellow DJs and the picnic was on from noon to sundown, (which is about 8pm here these days). The next party has already been scheduled for July 30th at Clark Park in West Philly. Come down and visit us.

Monday was the tour de force. First stop Bar Noir (112 S. 18th St) to check out Pilly's favorite feline Cozmic Cat. Coz was establishing the groove as usual, but the homogenous crowd was tragically grooveless, preferring to sit around and engage in inane banter than shake their butts. Not much room in Bar Noir for dancing anyway, but you could wiggle a bit.

Things couldn't get much worse... or so we thought. We ventured out to the Manayunk Brewing Company a bar and restaurant in the wanna-be suburb of Manayunk, (which is actually within the city limits). The place was packed with easy-to-please patrons who didn't seem to mind waiting 10 minutes or so for a drink from the bar. The band, whose identity I will protect was the worst I've ever seen. Imagine bad R.E.M. impersonators singing flat and off key. The crowd loved them and called them back for an encore set. The only thing that kept us there were a pair of pretty smiles, which we kidnapped and brought along with us to Lucy's (247 Market St.).

The word must have gotten out about DJ Ralph, 'cause this week Lucy's was crammed with people trying to feel da funk! I hear the staff was unprepared for the crowd, who mistakenly thought Ralph was taking requests!!! OY!

Rounding out the week, let me just recommend the nights Darian J. Bagley is promoting.

Tuesday: The Dub Spot at Fluid (4th & Kater Sts. above The Latest Dish) Reggae with DJ Kenny Meez

Friday: Definite at Eden Roc (15th & South Sts.) 4 DJs on three floors. Kenny Meez spins reggae, Deep C does deep house Greg Nyce spins hip-hop and r7b and Mason spins funk classics.

Saturday: Darian's longest running and most popular venue, "Feelin Irie" @ Eighth Street Lounge (8th & Callowhill) all reggae with DJ Kenny Meez.

You can literally party in Philly every night of the week, I'll keep you posted on what's going on. Coming soon... pictures.