The ugly rumors are true , the Raven is gone. I never knew how important this place was to so many in the neighborhood until last night. Everywhere I went that night the locals were talking about the fire. Along with that look people get, you know the look of being gutted and surprised at once. Thank God no one was seriously hurt and most if not all of the music was saved.
The Raven sure didn't look like much inside, it wasn't a bar that catered to tourists and the Bridge and Tunnel crowd (that didn't stop them from coming down and having a good time). There were other things that made the Raven special. The comraderie the staff had with its regulars, it's poltically active owner, it's wild mix of DJs (from 80's music to reggae to garage to metal, and while I was spinning there I covered all other genres) It was a bit of the pre-guliani NYC, a more seedier but more inclusive city.
In the all too short time of DJ'ing at the Raven I really grew to love the place and the atmosphere the people there gave it. Cheers to all you guys, hopefully with some luck and some time the Raven can come back but until then let us all spill some for the homies.
I guess I'll put together some songs that remind me of the Raven, or songs of loss or some crap. Anyways enjoy, and I'l keep you guys tuned into when/where i'll be spinning again.
Peace from (a sad) djshoghi
BTW
To Beth
I don't remember if I ever gave you my card but if you are reading this e-mail me. Although the last thing you are probably thinking about is your going away party I am sure it's gonna happen. Let me know I would still love to DJ it!!
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