D.R.D. On The Scene

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D.R.D. On The Scene

Thu 23 May 2013

D.R.D. On The Scene

Written by Jacque Hood

Friday, 17 August 2012 09:17

Reggie Handy, DeDe Ewing, DonTae "Smooth"

ChiStepper recently talked to Reggie Handy of D.R.D. Productions after hearing great feedback about their 3 day weekend set out in Waukegan,IL. While the individuals of this group are not new to steppin, collectively D.R.D. is fresh on the scene when compared to other longstanding groups like Majestic Gents, Paradise Productions, After 7, etc….

The original members and founders of this group are Dewitt Walker, Reggie Handy and Dontae Smooth McCoy, hence the name D.R.D. Productions. Last year Dewitt moved to Texas however, it was decided to keep the name and today the group has expanded to include other members such as DeDe, Rashima, Latrice, Big James, Clyde, Jonathon, Michelle, Brian and Genoris.

They formed D.R.D. with the desire to bring Steppin to the Waukegan, IL area which lies in between the Steppin mecca (Chicago) and Mill Town (Milwaukee). In the beginning, members of D.R.D. took lessons from Johnny King and then they met Jenny from the west side of Chicago, as well as Cliff. Big Henry and Strictly Steppers mentored the group when they decided to start hosting sets. It is admirable that D.R.D. is committed to passing the love of Steppin on by mentoring other groups such as D.S.D., a new group out of Racine, Wisconsin. Come January 2013, D.R.D. will be celebrating its 4^th year of existence.

Their most recent set was held Friday, July27th –Sunday, July 29th. They received a lot of love and support from a slew of steppers from Chicago and many out of town guests from Rockford, Milwaukee, Cleveland, Atlanta, New Jersey, Baltimore, and Detroit. Most of the feedback received was on how much everyone loved the venue and its dance floor. The Saloon is setup to give everyone a VIP feel with comfortable booths circling the floor with about 4-5 places to enter (fewer dance interruptions). I was told the floor is a Stepper’s dream and many feel it’s the best they’ve stepped on. The sound system was perfect and it’s a great setup for DJs (they just have to plug in and play). The venue was spacious without seeming overwhelming. Saturday’s main event hosted at least 500 people with space to hold more people.

Friday night kicked the weekend off with a casual t-shirt & jeans Meet-n-Greet. Layin down the cuts for the steppers were DJ Roy Smooth Shannon and DJ Mike Black Cool with a guest appearance of DJ Shorty Smooth.

Saturday included daytime workshops given by Sherry & Jenny, Ken Amorio & Otis and Pat & Tim. The main event was held that evening (Steppin in Shades of Yellow) with plenty of B-Day celebrations and a grab bag contest won by Doc (3 Deep) and Santa (MSBU). Keeping the crowd on their feet that night were DJ Larry Cross and DJ Dan.

Sunday wrapped the weekend up with good food, more music and fun back in Chicago at Tina Cook Kimbrough’s 6978 Soul Food restaurant. Out-of-Towners found their way and Chicago steppers who were not able to make the other weekend events stopped by to hang with D.R.D. on Sunday while DJ Dan and DJ 2Much kept the music flowing.

Overall D.R.D.’s first 3 Day Weekend event was a hit with the Steppers leaving everyone with the question… ‘Should They Do It Again?’, so ChiStepper asked Reggie what D.R.D. has planned next. His response was to be on the lookout for a set this October out in Waukegan again at the Sundance Salon (Monaco Banquet Hall) where they will celebrate DeDe’s B-Day and then January of 2013 D.R.D. will celebrate their 4th Anniversary. ChiStepper will definitely be in attendance!

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