Jim Cooper is an active member of our community volunteering his time as a facilitator with the L.I.F.E. Program and CHOICES. Both programs are offered through the PALS Project at The Pride Center and provide HIV Positive men a safe environment
Jim Cooper is an active member of our community volunteering his time as a facilitator with the L.I.F.E. Program and CHOICES. Both programs are offered through the PALS Project at The Pride Center and provide HIV Positive men a safe environment to learn health supporting behaviors while developing a social network. Jim observed one of the most expressed challenges faced by the men in these programs is isolation. He is thankful for the opportunity to facilitate these programs which help many of the men to develop friendships and end their isolation.
Jim discovered house music enabled him to end his own feelings of isolation and connect with those who shared a common love. Many of the practices he instructs translate well to the ideals of the house music community. He identifies with the sense of spirituality found within many of the lyrics of house music as uplifting and creating a feeling of happiness.
HOUSE-XL is a venture Jim hopes will introduce and promote the house music community in Wilton Manors. Jim was introduced to house music and event promotion by his close friend Joe Solar when they collaborated to create “WoofFest.” Recently, Jim promoted several events benefiting the community for Beach Bear Weekend.
“ONE” represents HOUSE-XL’s first production scheduled for New Year’s Day at BOOM Nightclub from noon through close at 2 AM. The event features five DJs and two performances in the main dance room and two DJs performing in the lounge. A complete description of the event is online at HOUSE-XL.COM.
It was nice to sit down with Jim to discuss his new venture for this Hotspots exclusive interview.
When did you become involved with the club world?
I don’t consider myself to be part of a club world. Rather, I enjoy house music on a personal level and hope by creating HOUSE-XL I can share this appreciation with our community and develop a sense of inclusiveness. My vision is for anyone to feel welcomed to a HOUSE-XL event and know they are appreciated.
What made you start House-XL?
I am concerned when I hear a person express they are feeling isolated. For me, house music provided a venue where I could share the dance floor with others and feel connected. Hopefully, HOUSE-XL events will be known for providing a safe place for everyone to make a similar connection.
Tell me about your DJ Line-up?
We assembled one of the most amazing line ups of DJs ever presented in Wilton Manors for New Year’s Day. The Main Dance Room at BOOM Nightclub will open to the sounds of DJ Ricky Sinz (Chicago), followed by DJ Rob Conner (SF), DJ John LePage (SF), Bill Hallquist (Miami), and end the night with DJ Chris Padilla (NYC). Local DJ favorites Jeffrey Jacobs and Doug Jackson provide guests with their style of house music in the Lounge. A complete biography for each DJ and appearance schedule is provided on our web site.
I heard we should expect incredible performances by Unit 911 and KromOzone Project. Tell me more about them and their performances?
UNIT-911 is an adult musclebear musical group which reinforces their talent with masculinity and power. Their single, “WOOF! (Give it to Me) is a favorite on YouTube and will be performed on stage at “ONE”.
Recording Artists Randy Lance and Angela Garner bring KromOzone to “ONE”, with the performance of the classic “Take My Love”, and the debut of two new releases.
What’s the overall experience you expect people to have at your first party: One?
“ONE” was selected as the name of this event to signify our community coming together to unite and celebrate the New Year. We hope our guests feel the same excitement and pride we experienced by working with the various artists, business owners, and organizations that contributed to “ONE” and made this event possible.
To Purchase tickets or to find out more information go to House-XL.com or you can purchase tickets in person at GayMartUSA.
