DiscoMusic.com If you're a Disco fan, as I am, or need to do research on the Disco era, there is "only" one place on the net you need visit for all the answers to your questions, that place is DiscoMusic.com the best Disco related site on the world wide web! DiscoMusic.com's creator, Bernie Lopez, a New York native now living in Maryland, can be considered a Disco professor , his site offers the most detailed information on Disco and Dance music that Bernie Lopez has earned an honorary degree amongst his peers and from Disco lovers alike, in Discology. DiscoMusic.com is more then just a site, it offers many interactive areas such as a forum and a true gem where fans are actually partially responsible for help building the sites already (and still growing) massive content. We here at 305Disco.com had the pleasure to interview Mr. Lopez, whose DiscoMusic.com has been the inspiration for the creation of 305Disco.com Welcome to Miami Bernie, and thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. You're welcome. Thank you for having me. How long have you been a fan of Disco music? (BL)Since my childhood in the 1970s. What do you think separates the New York and Miami disco sounds? (BL) Although Miami does have more of the Latin slant, there's not that much difference in that there was a lot of cross-pollination of people, records and fashion from New York to Miami. I grew up in Jersey City, NJ and when I went up to Union City and West New York I would always see tons of cars with Florida plates as a lot of the Cuban crowd was always going back and forth. When they heard something in New York they would immediately bring it back south to Miami. I know a DJ by the name of Jimmy Yu (Jimmy Yu) who spun at many New York Discos like Elephas, La Plage... and Miami clubs such as The Widow McCoys, Honey for the Bears, The Mutiny... and he relays pretty much the same experience that Miami was only second to New York. I imagine like many growing up, that at one point as a young man, Disco wasn't your favorite genre during your childhood? (BL) Actually, Disco has always been a favorite even as far back as Manu Dibango's "Soul Makossa" and Silver Convention's "Fly Robin Fly." I never disliked Disco. What drew you to the sound of Disco, parents, siblings etc. playing Disco music? (BL) Being Puerto Rican pretty much set the stage as Salsa and dancing were always the norm at family gatherings. More importantly was the fact that my father owned a small charter bus company and we would transport a lot of the black church groups to Philly, Baltimore and other cities. As a child I would go on many of these trips with my dad and was exposed to a lot of Soul and R & B music as well as Gospel on these trips. The people would have radios with them or sing live right inside the bus! Hearing someone sing so loud and so strong on a bus heading down I-95 is an experience. They were passionate about music and always welcomed my dad and I to come inside and eat dinner and listen to them sing. So from an early age I enjoyed black music which coupled with Salsa makes for a natural foray into Disco. What really solidified my love of Disco was discovering a new radio station in the summer of 1978 called Disco 92 (WKTU) in New York. After that there was no turning back. On your site,there is an area where visitors can post photos and information about Disco clubs of the past, how many of those clubs posted would you say you visited, any from Miami? (BL) Unfortunately, next to none as I was born just a little too late. If I was five years older then it would have been a different story. I have to live vicariously through my visitors which is why I enjoy hosting the memories posted by everyone. Today's nightclubs are really becoming elaborate in there design, from sound and lighting to furnishing, expensive to say the least, yet they are missing that something clubs of the past had, what would you say that is, if you get where I'm coming from? (BL) Definitely the lost art of dressing to impress and of course true couples dancing. The music has changed and that's understandable, but it really shows that many today take no pride in their appearance. Hell, I think I dressed better going to a high school dance in 1979 than some do today when they go out to a full-fledged club. Care to share a stand out nightclub tale from your past? Since I got into it late in the game there's nothing memorable that stands out with the exception of attending a Hustle convention in Fort Lauderdale several years ago and seeing a roomful of wonderful Hustle dancers while DJ Nelson Roman was spinning and mixing real vinyl records keeping the true Disco and Hustle spirit alive. I saw the same thing in New York City at a Friday night gathering of Hustle dancers proving that Disco and the passion for stepping out are alive and well even if the people are a little older. How many vinyl records do you own? (BL) I haven't counted in a long time, but my girlfriend and I counted about 5,000 records and 2,500 CDs and that was back in the '90s so I am sure there's more now. Personally, we at 305Disco.com are not impressed with Deejay's today, not because of their lack of desire or skills, but mainly due to the technology being offered, it seems anyone can become a DJ, if you own a couple of iPods, what's your take on this matter? (BL) I tend to agree as the art of true DJ'ing where things did not come easy is now gone. That feeling of excitement where a DJ kept two records on beat that if not kept under control would become a train wreck... that's pretty much gone now as a DJ can artificially extend a small snippet to work into or out of. Everything seems to be about automating as much as possible. Having said all that though the art of DJ'ing is not lost, it's just getting harder to find those DJs that stand out. Sometimes the technology is not a bad thing it's the clueless who use it as a crutch. What Deejay's of today, do you admire and enjoy,why? (BL) Admittedly I have not kept up like I should, but I'd say DJs like Dimitri from Paris, Jason Hayer, Danny Tenaglia and a few others because they tend to keep things exciting and have a varied playlist. The world has to evolve, but one thing I see from yesteryear is the collaboration on the dance floor amongst couples and the crowd, any thought on this, or are you going to bust a hip hop move? (BL) As I mentioned earlier, couple interaction in most clubs is a rarity, but I do see it whenever there is a diverse ethnic base especially Hispanic and Middle Eastern. My girlfriend and I still see the couple interaction, flare for dressing up as well as a great mix of music at the more ethnic clubs here in the DC area where it's not unusual to hear a Salsa track followed by a Persian track... With the constant evolution of dance music continually taking new shape, and with it's billion dollar market, why do you think radio stations are not going to bat to format more dance music stations? (BL) To cater to the lowest common denominator and go after the easy money. With good reason you should be very proud at what you have accomplished with DiscoMusic.com and rightfully so, what would you say having been the brainchild to DiscoMusic.com has been the most satisfying accomplishment? (BL) Thank you for those kind words. They really mean a lot and serves as the main inspiration for DiscoMusic.com. Knowing that so many enjoy the music, the web site and sharing memories as well as rediscovering long lost friends through the site does it for me. Another aspect is the growing base of younger people even those in their teens who absolutely love Disco and write in to learn more about it. What kind of doors has DiscoMusic.com has opened for you? (BL) Being able to speak with some of the artists whose music I have loved since my youth is a major thrill. It's not everyday that you get a Christmas card signed by Alec Costandinos or Vincent Montana of the Salsoul Orchestra! What do you see in the future for you and DiscoMusic.com? (BL) More happy people jumping on the Disco train! Here's an area called word association, I type a word, you write down the first thing that comes to mind. Disco - My favorite music. Italo - Great '80s music Pepsi or Coke - Coke although I am not a big soda drinker Sasson - Ooo la-la Studio 54 - Perhaps over-rated New York - I love New York! Miami - Miami heat-wave and devouring some Cuban sandwiches Cocaine - El Coco performing Cocomotion Bellbottoms - Making fun of my dad in the 1970s because he wouldn't wear flared pants. Vinyl - The sweet sounds of vinyl CD's - Convenient, but it's not the same as vinyl Mp3 - It has killed the quest for audiophile sound and actually taken us backwards in sound quality. I am a huge Apple Mac fan and love iTunes, but I rip my music to at least Apple Lossless. No way am I using MP3s. Favorite club - Honestly don't have one. Favorite DJ (all time) - Wow, that's a tough one, but I would say a few like Bobby Viteritti, Ciro Llerena, Jimmy Yu, John Ceglia, Robbie Leslie... Hip Hop - Gangsta' nonsense Trance - I can get into a lot of this DiscoMusic.com - a part of my life Once again we thank Bernie "The Professor" Lopez for this "Discoview", and wish him more success with DiscoMusic.com, make sure to visit DiscoMusic.com for all your Disco addictions!

Bill Resnik of Pete & Lenny's South Florida has seen many "Discotheque" establishments use creative, exotic and fancy names to attract hoards of would be Disco heads to their dance floors, from Scaramouche to Nepenthes, South Florida has played host to countless trend setting Disco's whose names sometimes were difficult to pronounce, but this was the not the case for one legendary South Florida nightclub. In 1973, lifelong friends Peter Boinis & Lenny Boyar began their nightclub careers as partners of one of the, if not the most important and historic nightclubs S. Fla. has ever seen, while simply naming it after themselves, " Pete & Lenny's" . 305Disco.com was able to track down the ever so busy real estate / entrepreneur and the brainchild of " Pete & Lernny's ", Peter Boinis for comments. Unfortunately Mr. Boinis was not able to personally sit and chat with 305Disco.com at this time, but he did point us in the right direction by leading 305Disco.com to the best possible candidate to discuss the days of Pete & Lenny's with us. But fear not 305Disco junkies, I will soon be sitting down with Mr. Boinis for a Discoview. 305Disco.com would like to welcome Bill Resnik, another of Mr. Boinis's lifelong friends and one time manager of not just Pete & Lenny's, but also Christopher's, the longest standing nightclub in the South Florida area whose original owner also sported the Boinis last name. Welcome 305Disco.com Mr. Resnik. (BR) My pleasure,it's always fun reminiscing. As I understand it, you managed Pete & Lenny's through 77-79? (BR) Yes I was the manager from 77-79, shortly after Pete's brother, John left to open Christopher's. Who was the Disc Jockey during your time at Pete & Lenny's? (BR) The DJ for the most part was Barbara Jane Graham. I don't know how many female DJ's there were back then. Do you? What year did you start managing " Christopher's " for the other Boinis, John? (BR)1980, as I mentioned, Christopher's opened in 1977. John and his partner, David Kelmanson managed the club for the first three years. In 1977 Disco was at it's peak and Pete & Lenny's was one of the top clubs to be seen at, it was also the year Pete & Lenny's began playing host to a worldwide syndicated program "Disco 77", which was televised in over 70 countries. Can you enlighten us on how that venture came about and what was the vibe surrounding the " Disco 77 " tapings? (BR) Steve Marcus productions put the show together. They simply asked Pete and Lenny to use the facility on Monday afternoons. The set was closed to the public except for local dancers who wanted to participate. Pete and Lenny did not ask for much, just credits throughout the show. Having been smack nab in the middle of things during the Disco era's peak, what do you think separated Pete & Lenny's from it's competitors that helped Pete & Lenny's draw so many loyal customers during it's many years of existence ? (BR) Certainly the facility was like no other of it's time. Built in 1973, no other nightclub in the country was as nice. Remember this was two years prior to the Disco era. Our "base" had a jump start on the rest. Longevity seems to follow not just any Peter Boinis project, but also his brother John who opened "Christopher's" in 1977 and still continues strong to date. What is it about these two former University Of Maryland football stars that has made them so successful in the nightclub and hospitality business? (BR) Their vision and passion along with their strong work ethics is arguably part of their success. It's been 30 years since you worked for Mr. Boinis at Pete & Lenny's, but nothing has changed in your relationship with Peter Boinis, except the location and business concept as you still stand side by side with Mr. Boinis to this day while now managing a much more toned down establishment for Mr. Boinis, Pete's Restaurant in Boca Raton, a long standing eatery. What is it about Mr. Boinis that has kept you next to his side for so long? (BR) His loyalty to me. This is not unusual for Pete. Pete's Restaurant opened in 1987. He still has many employees who have worked for 15 or more years for Pete. His chef (Steve Galuzzi) has held the position from day they broke ground. What do you think was Pete & Lenny's defining moment? (BR) Certainly the success of Disco 77 and Disco Magic (1978) were important. A lot of the day to day success must be given to the house band "Ecstasy", possibly the best cover band in the country. During the disco peak the band would learn 5-6 new songs every week in order to keep up with the market. They had a huge local following. Care to share a tale about Pete & Lenny's that no one knows about without getting in trouble with the Mrs.? (BR) All good clean fun!! What happened to Lenny Boyar and what was life like for Mr. Boyar after the closing of Pete & Lenny's? . (BR) Lenny operated a neighborhood bar called Scally's on Commercial Blvd. Later he changed locations to Oakland Park Blvd. He was always good for a story about P&L's any given happy hour. He truly loved being the host. Unfortunately Lenny is no longer with us. What groups do you remember had graced the Pete & Lenny's stage? (BR)The most memorable for me was the Village People. They performed "YMCA" for the first time on our stage. But nearly every top Disco artist performed at the club. Besides national acts performing at Pete & Lenny's, can you remember some of the faces and names of celebrities that would frequently visit Pete & Lenny's? (BR) When initially speaking with you, I was at Pete's Restaurant. Not knowing Pete was of Pete and Lenny's, one of the servers overheard our conversation and said he danced the night away with Valerie Bertanelli. I'm sure many people had similar experiences with famous people. The real stars were the regulars who set the atmosphere with their dress and dance steps. All around, how would you describe Pete & Lenny's, from it's customers to the atmosphere each time the doors opened? (BR) The doors would open very quietly at 6:00pm with one bartender. The remainder of the staff arrived at 8:00pm. The band started at 9:00pm and it was packed by 10:00. That was every night!!! Let's move on to word association, I say a word and you tell us the first thing that comes to mind. Disco - More than anything, Disco brought SOUND AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS to the clubs. Pete & Lenny's - The first of it's kind Christopher's -Saloon Bar for the Boomers Peter Boinis - A true entrepreneur John Boinis - A great student of this industry. . .brought the Wine and Champagne Room to S. Fla. South Florida - The demographic Pete Boinis saw before any of us. Rolls Royce - The band or Lenny's car? Disco 77 (Disco Magic) - A simple deal with a production company that exploded Women at P & L's - Hard to find an unattractive one Bellbottoms - That was early 70's. Later it was Leisure Suits and Polyester Shirts. The 70's - Glad I was in my 20's then. The 80's - Wish I was in my 20's then. Today - Taking it easy. Whether you danced the night away or not at Pete & Lenny's or the still standing Christopher's, these legendary hot spots helped shape the South Florida dance scene in gigantic fashion, which is probably why their names continue to be spoken from the mouth's of the many who strutted their stuff on their dance floors, and while perhaps having stood in the shadows of the well known Peter Boinis, Bill Resnik and his involvement with the South Florida disco scene can considered him a legendary S. Florida nightclub manager. 305Disco.com would like to thank Mr. Resnik once again for sharing his memories with us during this exclusive "Discoview" and if you're ever in the Boca Raton area, please feel free to drop by Pete's Restaurant and make sure to taste the lobster, it's one of the best you'll ever have. Don't forget to say Hi to Bill Resnik, he is always inclined to share his tales of Pete & Lenny's.

Carol Jiani When you think of Marilyn Monroe, Liz Taylor, Pam Grier, Sophia Loren and Halle Barry, you instantly think of seductive, independent and sassy women, the same can be said for Carol Jiani the sexy, sultry Nubian beauty from Nigeria who made Montreal, Canada her home and the vocal point of her stellar Disco/ Dance career. Carol Jiani who delivered such hits as "The Woman In Me ", " Mercy" and the unmistakable classic Disco smash, " Hit n Run Lover " continues to find success entering the new millennium while gaining even more popularity & with a cult like following of old and new fans, makes Carol Jiani one of the most loved "Disco Diva's". Today 305Disco.com had the pleasure to have Carol Jiani sit down for this Discoview. Welcome to South Florida and to 305Disco.com, D.J., short for "Diva Jiani". You're no stranger to S. Florida, having delighted audiences here in the past, what was it like to perform in S. Fla back in the 80's and what lasting impression did S. Fla leave on you? (CJ) South Florida was always fun I have very fond memories, especially of the Copa where I first met Sylvester who happened to be a fan. Can you recall some of the nightclubs you performed at in S. Fla.? And did you have any particular favorite spot to perform at? (CJ) There were many I performed at, Backstreet was always great with a very hot crowd. You're originally from Nigeria, how did you end up in Montreal? (CJ) My Father, (now retired) was a doctor (Pathologist ) and studied at the University in Montreal. He decided to relocate to Canada and while there I attended Concordia University where I majored in drama. Growing up, who were some of your influences and inspirations that drew you to pursue a career in music? (CJ) The Staple Singers, Mavis Staple, Tina Turner, Millie Jackson and Gladys Knight, to name a few. What was your very first release and how did that do? (CJ) While performing under my given name " Uchenna Ikejiani " I was involved in the Montreal album, it only did well on the local scene, but today it is considered a highly sought after collectible. "Hit n Run Lover " is one of the all time Disco classics, how does it make you feel seeing club goers today (new generation) enjoy and get into your music as passionately as the older generation once did? (CJ) I have been blessed by being able to perform such a classic as " Hit n Run Lover ", sometimes we need that one classic. What can you say, people (young & old ) know good music when they hear it! (laughs) What do you think lures the new generation to the Disco sound? (CJ) Personally I feel that today's generation are attracted to the Disco sound because it reflects an era where songs were beautifully made with happy melodies. The world is so sad today and one can tell the difference, people are just trying to escape all the hurt & this is why they are going back to the good old days. What's it like to have made such an impact on someone's life that a fan of yours has invested his time and energy to dedicate a website to you? www.CarolJiani.com (CJ) Extremely humbled and honored. You recorded " Turning My Back & Walking Away " with Ian Levine while at MCA, the song follows in the foot steps of Gloria Gaynor's " I Will Survive" and Viola Wills " Gonna Get Along Without You Now" in the sense of promoting women's independence, is it safe to say Will's & Gaynor's classics were some sort of inspiration? (CJ) Most definitely Viola's & Gloria's songs were great influences for "Turning My Back & Walking Away". In the 80's a lot of folks compared your look and vocals to that of Tina Turner's, how did that make you feel, were you ever inspired by Miss. Turner? (CJ) I love Tina Turner! She had a great influence on me, I wanted to be just like her, a strong, hard working and independent woman, a true Diva in every sense! You've not only worked with the creator of the Hi-Nrg sound Ian Levine, but also with the legendary Canadian producer Denis Lepage, the brainchild and voice of the ever popular dance duo Lime, what was your experience working with Lepage as well as Ian Levine? (CJ) Both are geniuses, way ahead of their time, working with them was a pleasure, they drink,eat and live music. Which "New Age Diva's" of today do you enjoy listening to? (CJ) There are many Diva's representing the Diva nation well, I enjoy listening to Robin S., Lonnie Gordon & Celine Dion amongst others. What advice can you give young ladies looking to break into the business, does and don't's etc.? (CJ) First and foremost remain classy, a lady at all times, try to learn as much about the business as you can, understand it well and make sure to have a good advisor (attorney) near by checking all agreements properly, and never compromise yourself. Favorite Dee Jay's? (CJ) I enjoy listening to Lauren Schark, David Morales, DJ -N- Joy & Delmar Brown. You're known to be a showstopper while on stage, giving your all each time you step on stage, some may even say you are wild and crazy on stage, but once the lights dim, you're actually as tamed as a kitten, humble and a very private person, what is it about the stage that draws that animal out of you and performers alike? (CJ) From my own experience, having had a rough childhood with the separation of my parents, I was determined to make my stumbling block, my stepping stone, all the trauma gave me character & strength. It taught me to bring out the best in me, and that's exactly what I do when I'm on stage, where I am happiest, it's a safe environment, a part of my world that I get to share with many, I let go of it all and put 110% into my performances, Diva's can relate to this. What can we expect from Carol Jiani in the near future, new releases, tour dates etc.? (CJ) Carol Jiani is as hot as ever baby! This May 2007 I have a new slamming release coming out called "Stop The Music". It was produced by the talented " Laurent Pautrat ", will be out on Poole Music. You opened a Myspace page and are constantly in contact with your fans personally, how does it feel to have such direct contact with your fans and what it has meant to you? (CJ) Thanks to technology today, nothing is impossible, Myspace has been a great platform to network while being able to talk to fans, it takes a lot of work at times, but it's worth it, I rather stay in touch directly with my fans, then rather have someone else do it for me, like many singers do, but you do have to be careful! Let's move on to word association, I say a word, you respond with the first thing that comes to mind. Disco - Happy wild times at Studio 54 Canada - Launched my career Levine - A legend to have had the privilege to have worked with S. Florida - Sunshine & fun, many happy memories Hi-Nrg - Evelyn Thomas & some crazy, happy times! MCA - 1st Major deal in England Coke or Pepsi - Whiskey baby! Diva's - Aretha Franklin, Tina, Glady's etc. and of course, me! Life - A gift not to be taken for granted Lime - In my margaritas! "Hit n Run Lover", Genius! Bellbottoms - Sexy freedom Platforms - Heavy Passion - Are you hitting on me? Love & Music DJ'S - A Diva's best friend! The Stage - My home away from home,my life, my domain, hit the music! Carol Jiani, like many Diva's displays an array of masks, from her wild and show stopping performances to her private and humble personal life, Carol Jiani's many faces are actually one in the same, a no frills, down to business, positive attitude, Carol Jiani is all that and a bag of chips, because to Carol Jiani, it's all about business, her main business focus is to deliver the best dance music to her adoring fans, a task she has constantly delivered on for many years with no end in sight. Again 305Disco.com thanks Carol Jiani for this Discoview and wish her nothing but the best in her already legendary career, and respectfully I dare say, the last thing I'd be is a Hit n Run Lover if I had the opportunity to seduce the seductive and sultry Carol Jiani off her feet. For more on Carol Jiani you may visit www.CarolJiani,com a fansite loaded with Jiani's discography and present happenings, you may also join Carol Jiani on Myspace at Carol Jiani Myspace Crutchfield Electronics