I was four years old when I received a Close N Play record player for Christmas. I don’t think my parents got it for me to nurture my already growing obsession with music, but more so to get me to stop using their stereo. It was the best present I received as a child. I carried that thing around like it was a boom box. I would sit in my front yard with it and when someone walked by, I’d make this huge production of opening it, putting on a 45rpm and the closing the lid and cranking the volume. Yes, you saw that correctly, I can play my records in the front yard! I believed I was the only kid on the planet who had one. I only owned a few 45’s, but I played them incessantly. I would record radio shows on my sister’s handheld cassette recorder. WBIL had an extensive play list of three songs all recorded by the cast of the 1950’s Mickey Mouse Club. Some kids grow out of their childhood obsessions, but not me. My obsession with music has stayed with me my entire life. Most people who’ve known me awhile will say that my becoming a DJ was pretty much inevitable.

Three and a half years ago, I was at the bar Somewhere Else (now Springstreet) for happy hour one Friday after work. The place was kind of dead. Timmy (no not THAT Timmy), the bartender, leaned over and asked, “What can I do to get people in here for Friday happy hour?” It was then that I got the idea to start DJing. I told him that I was really into neo-soul and some of the laid back house music from the Naked Music series and I thought it would go over really well at a happy hour setting. It was really groovy music and I knew it would create a great vibe. He was all for the idea and the next Friday, with only nine mix CDs, I officially became a DJ. I called my happy hour, “The Chocolate Hotbox” after the group Cooly’s Hotbox. The Chocolate Hotbox became VERY popular and soon enough happy hour went from a few people sitting at the bar to 40+ people hanging out and dancing. It was an absolute blast.

Through three owners and three managers, I am the one person who has been there through it all. I used to joke that someday the bar would be turned into a Laundromat and I would off in the corner still DJing. I’ve had a good run though. I learned three new trades at the bar: DJing, music promotion and graphic design. I won Best DJ in the Best of Gay Portland Awards in 2005. Last year, they didn’t give out DJ awards, but I’m up for one again this year. Also in 2005, I had the distinct privilege of hosting & DJing the “Pride in the Park” festival (thank you Nate & Tony). I’ve thrown some great theme parties and I even got the fantabulous Andy Bell of Erasure to guest DJ for us. When I DJ, I interact with everyone in the bar and even go as far as asking individuals if there a song they’d like to hear. As a promoter, I created The Springstreet Sessions, which featured some of Portland’s best musicians in an acoustic setting. Artists like Ben Hammond, Leah Finkelstein, Andi Fawcett, Heather Caston, Mark Nelson, Pam Baker, Jessi Mallory (Bangor), Andrea Paquin and Jarrod Bennett…just to name a few. As a graphic artist, I went from making fliers to creating artistic posters that were of professional grade. A few posters have even been framed and hang in some friend’s apartments.

So, if I’ve had such a good run, why walk away now? I’m an artist and it’s time to get back in the business of creating art. At the height of my DJ career, I would spin a set that included pop, R&B, disco, 80’s, house and techno. I could spin a flawless set and keep the dance floor full until last call. I was creating art with my DJ sets. It’s such a unique and amazing feeling to keep a room full of people dancing all night long. It’s indescribable. Even though 80’s Night is an absolute blast and I enjoy spinning 80’s music, I feel like now I’m just playing songs. Granted, I’m really good at playing the songs in the right order, I no longer feel like I’m creating art or that I’m throwing a party every week. So, now it’s time to get back to my writing, my photography and creating my own music. I’m really looking forward to the free time and I hope to also fill it with camping trips and hiking and actually enjoying a Maine summer.

Does my departure mean you should stop going to Springstreet? Absolutely NOT! Springstreet has the best staff it’s ever had and they have some of Portland’s Best DJ’s on the roster. Also, the Springstreet Sessions run on Wednesdays through the end of June and they’re going out with a bang! We have Jaye Drew, Lee Stearns, Jarrod Bennett, Leah Finkelstein, Ben Hammond and Beck Albert finishing us up.

So, farewell and thank you to everyone who has supported me, but the biggest thanks to Russ and Michele. They have been there for me through it all. From helping me build my music collection to helping me promote my happy hours and for believing in me every step of the way. They really are the best friends anybody could ask for.

And here are some of your memories of Fridays over the past three years:

Andi:
the first time i went to spring st for happy hour (three years ago) was the first time that i
heard the voice of joss stone..and i remember looking over at wil with this
awed expression, and him just shaking his head with that "i told you so"
grin...he introduced to me to so many artists that i would never find on my
own..that was what it was all about for me...going down to the bar...hanging
out with friends...having a few drinks - or several more than that if you're
me :) ...and coming together over the joy music brings us all...
that will definitely be missed...

Straity:
One of my first nights bartending at Spring St., I was a nervous wreck both scared and intimidated. There you were, in the corner doing your thing and spinning out the tunes...you put a Madonna song on (dance and sing), pointed at me to come out to the dance floor, and we danced to our FAVORITE woman!!! Step touch, step touch, step touch! Having you there at the bar with me every Friday eased my nerves and besides, how can anyone go wrong with Madonna coming through the loud speakers??? :) I love you and its NEVER going to be the same!

Cathy:
As you know and witnessed I have always had a great time at Spring Street. Love the people and the drinks are spectacular!!! But most of all, I like the MUSIC and you will truly be missed.......Love ya, Cathy

Jes:

I just want to wish you a fabulous night and end it with a bang baby. Balls to the walls! You should be so proud of everything you have accomplished in recent months and even years past. You have truly joined friendships together through music and lots of alcohol -duh!!. Thankyou for introducing me to songs I would never play for my mother and some that I will only play for my father :) Everything that ends means a new beginning is coming... I believe yours is just around the corner waiting (next to the midgets). I love you Wil and wish I could be there tonight. I promise we will get together soon and hip hip hooray!

Cheers!

Randy (a.k.a. Miss Beulah):
Walking in the door and, without even seeing you yet, hearing whatever was playing fade out and a classic Cher song come on in its place. You know me so well. Gonna miss your Fridays babe!!-----Kisses

Lia:
Wil, I went there only just once. I went there to see you DJ. What I noticed was that although people came to party and socialize, they also seemed to get your vibe, your style. I liked it. It was sensitive and raw and fun and emotional and real. I didn't realize that DJ's actually created an aura in a club when they play there kind of music in the structure or form they chose, and, different than another DJ. I suppose I was a little naive but I really had a great time. I loved it. I loved the loud music. I should have had another beer because I was too uptight to dance much, if I did at all! I have an feeling that you will be missed

Hey Wil, For SpringStreet, I'm sorry to hear you'll be moving on...but for Wil, I'm sooo happy for you that you're finally going to have some free time to enjoy the summer. You've been a great friend, and even better supporter of SpringStreet and also the "Portland scene". You should be proud of who you are and what you stand for :) It was a pleasure working with you...and THANKS for everything you've done for me. Hopefully the SpringStreet story will end in a positive way. Be well, Wil. Enjoy your free time...and thanks again :) -----Normand Paquin, owner of Springstreet

Here are some pictures from the last four years. I wish I had more.