Skate For Life 2024
POSTED 4.16.24

COLUMBUS, OH  –  On April 27, 2024, Skate For Life, the Trend$ettas and the WoodStars invite one and all to come for an entire day of fun with the skate family.  Saturday afternoon, the WoodStars are hosting a Tie-Dye Day Party at the Social Club with the sounds curated by DJ Jigg and DJ Sneaks.  Then Saturday night, Skate For Life will be celebrating their 14th Anniversary with a skate party at United Skates East with DJ Sneaks, DJ Jigg and DJ Technical.  Doors open at 11:00 PM.  Admission is $20 at the door.

11th Annual Skating for Scholarships 2024
POSTED 4.3.24

DALLAS, TX  –  The Chuck Burch Scholarship Fund is hosting its 11th Annual Skating for Scholarships event.  Your participation in the week’s events will help raise money to support education for the next generation.  The events include a North-Side Mixer on Wednesday; an HBCU, Greek and Professional Organization on Thursday; Skate Groups Styles and Vibes on Friday; a Basic, Ballroom, and Style Skate and a Family Community Organizations and National Simulcast on Saturday; and to wrap up the week, an Old School Celebration of OG Skaters on Sunday.  There will be a skate competition each night with prizes for the winners.  College students that attend will be eligible each night for a scholarship drawing.  All proceeds go to scholarships and are tax deductible.

15th Annual Roll for Soul: Naptown Real Rollers Rodeo
POSTED 3.30.24

“This ain't Texas (woo), ain't no hold 'em (hey)

So drive on down, down, down ta Nap-town,

Put yo skates on (woo) and throw yo hands up (hey)

and roll around, 'round, 'round, 'round, 'round

Bring some-one along to slow skate with you

Cause the DJ gonna put it down too

It's a Real Rollers Rodeo and a Naptown hoedown

Be a true skater, come take it to the flo’ now, woo, huh (woo)”

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – The Naptown Real Rollers is inviting all cowboys and cowgirls to Naptown July 25-28, 2024.  The weekend includes four nights of skating, a Meet and Greet at Kulture’s Bar and Lounge, a Midwest Hoedown at Georgia Street Rhythm and Blues, The ATL Experience Workshop, and a skater’s brunch at the Kountry Kitchen.  All skate sessions will be at Skateland on Glen Arm Road.  Save some cash by purchasing your tickets in advance. Book your room at the host hotel, the Holiday Inn Express with the code “Naptown” to get the group rate.

5th Annual Peach Roll
POSTED 3.25.24

SAVANNAH, GA  –  Be in Savannah September 26-29 for the 5th Annual Peach Roll.  The fun starts Thursday with a “Skate at the Park” where sounds will be provided by DJ Live Child.  Friday, Meet, Greet and enjoy a few games of bowling at Bowlero before rolling at the Warm Up with DJ Blaq Label, DJ Fanatic and DJ Alley Al.  Saturday party hard at the Day Party with sounds by DJ Yoga at Tybee Island Beach.  The main event goes down Saturday night starting at 11:00 PM with DJ CJ, DJ Moony Dee and DJ Brian hosted by SAV and JBX.  Wrap it up on Sunday at The Closure with sounds by DJ Master Toby himself at Star Castle.  Skip the line by purchasing a 3 Day VIP Pass or take advantage of early bird specials by purchasing your ticket in advance.

13th Annual INFERNO
POSTED 3.20.24

ORLANDO, FL  –  Join the Candace, Bootz and Ced as they host their 13th annual Inferno weekend skate event at Semoran Skateway.  Skate three days from June 12 - 16.  Purchase your tickets in advance to get your Saturday food voucher.  Book your room now at the host hotel, Staybridge Suites.

Cancer and Sickle Cell Skate Event
POSTED 3.13.24

ST. LOUIS, MO –  Skate and raise awareness for a two causes that affect millions of people worldwide, Cancer and Sickle Cell Anemia.  Come and support ACT STL Team’s Non Profit 8th Annual Cancer and Sickle Cell Skate Event, Saturday, August 24 at Skate King.  Purchase tickets, play games, take a chance at winning a raffle and break bread with fellow skaters and guests from 12:00 PM until 4:00 PM on Saturday at the Meet and Greet at the Julia Davis Library.  Book your room at the Doubletree by Hilton @Westport.

Boom on Orbit
POSTED 3.12.24

DAYTON, OH  –  It’s going to be explosive in Dayton at Orbit Fun Center the weekend of July 12-14.  The Boom on Orbit will be felt throughout the Midwest as skaters are invited to roll two nights to some of the best DJs.  Friday is the Indoor Boom Welcome Party at Scene 75 Entertainment Center followed by the Crew Coaster starting at 10:00 PM, wear orange and olive.  Saturday, join the family at the Orbit Skate Workshop with instructor Killa B.  Registration limited to 50 skaters.  Then the Dip Girlz are hosting the Summer Spray Day Party, Air Brush edition starting at 4.  Saturday night is the Boom Experience main event starting at 11:00 PM with a Style Call at 1:30 AM.  Wear red because this event will be fire!

7th Annual State-2-State Sk8 Off
POSTED 3.12.24

CHINO, CA  –  The weekend of September 2-15, Yorn2Tainment is hosting the 7th Annual State2State Sk8-Off with eleven talented DJs bringing their “A-Game” to the turntables for your musical enjoyment.  There will also be a skate competition to award the Best Female, Male, Couple, Backpackers, Slow Walk and Dip skaters.   The skate themes for the weekend are:  90’s Vs 2000’s, West Coast Meets Dirty South, Industry Skate Night and Pajama Night (Bonnet Edition).  In addition to skate events, there will also be a Skate Workshop and a House Party Brunch Meet and Greet.  Book your hotel now at the Hyatt Place Ontario Rancho Cucamonga. Guests must be 20 or older to attend and tickets can be purchased in advance. 

SkateVille 2nd Annual Skate Jam
POSTED 3.10.24

HUNTSVILLE, AL  –  The Dogg Pound Skate Crew and Skateville is hosting their 2nd Annual Skate Jam, August 16-17, 2024 in Huntsville.  There will be two meet and greets and a two-part skate jam.  Part 1 is the Blackout Skate with DJ Bounce (STL) and DJ Donye West (AL).  Part 2 is the main event with DJ Arson (NYC) and DJ Jerry (STL).  Admission to each session is $18 in advance and $20 at the door.  Book your room now at the Marriott Space & Rocket Center before the July 16 deadline. 

10th Annual Red Alert Skate Party Weekend
POSTED 3.7.24

RALEIGH, NC  –  The 10th Annual Red Alert Skate Party is taking place Saturday, May 18, 2024 from 11:30 PM to 4:30 AM at United Skates Raleigh.  Music will be provided by DJ Tone Capo of New Jersey and the Carolina Mix King, DJ Young Soul.  Special appearances by Torranio aka “Tito” of Chi Town.  A cash prize will be awarded to the largest JB skate group. Admission is $20 at the door and skaters must be 18 or older to attend.

AJAX 12

ATLANTA, GA    –  Jam the weekend of April 18-20 in the ATL at the AJAX 12 Skate Jam Weekend.  Friday April 18 is Jersey Night at Cascade hosed by the Cascade Dream Team from 8 PM until 12 AM.  Saturday is the Pajama Warm up at Golden Glide hosted by Sidewayz Sk8 Club featuring a tribute to DJ T Smooth starting at 11:30 PM with DJs Tootz, Flyy and Jazz.  Sunday will be the House Party Main Event at Skate Zone with DJ Ham.  Wear your AJAX Gear.  Then on Sunday Night come to the ATL vs. Skate World Cascade starting at 8 PM with DJs Brian and Yoga.  Admission ranges from $10 - $14 per event.

Mile High Rollin

APRIL
Apr 8 - KatchmeifuKan~~KK, Kansas City
Apr 8 – Stanley a.k.a. “A Beast”, MD bwo NJ
Apr 9 - Darryl "Crazyleggs" Byrd, Columbus Finest, Columbus, OH
Apr 10 - Daryl "DemoD", Columbus, OH
Apr 10 – Troy Myree, Cincinnati, OH
Apr 10 – Gerald Givens, Dallas, TX
Apr 11 – Travis Givens – Memphis, TN
Apr 12 – Darlene Washington, Pittsburgh Steel City Rollers, Pittsburgh, PA
Apr 12 – Davinea Johnson, Milwaukee, WI
Apr 13 - Andre Dean aka Dre, DC/MD
Apr 14 - Wesley "Wes Jiggs" Jones, Jr., President, Crowd Cutta Productions, Columbus, OH
Apr 15 - Easter aka "Spicy-E", Columbus, Finest, Columbus, OH
Apr 15 - Ms. Lisa, Ohio Skaters, Akron, OH
Apr 15 - Felicia “Bambi” Fluitt, Brooklyn, New York
Apr 15 – Amy Givens, Houston, TX
Apr 16 – Marcia Bowie, West Coast Skater, Los Angeles, CA
Apr 17 - Loretta Cobb, VA Skate Connection, Hampton, VA
Apr 17 – Toni “Tot”, Kansas City. MO
Apr 18 - Tony "Big Body" Watson, Columbus, OH
Apr 18 - Nina Watson, Columbus, OH
Apr 18 – Rose Bean, Dynasty Rollers, Baltimore, MD
Apr 19 – Patrice aka “Sparkle”, Louisville, KY
Apr 20 - Dee, Rolling Wheels of Memphis, Nashville, TN
Apr 20 – DJ Storman Norman, DC/MD/VA
Apr 20 - Rhonda aka "Skater Gurl", Seattle, WA
Apr 22 - Tiffany, Branch Brook Park, NY-NJ
Apr 22 – Edna Davoll, aka “Ms. Edna”, Bronx, NY
Apr 23 - Mr. Neal "Freaky Deaky" Artis, Skate Freaks, NC
Apr 23 - Baby DJ, Nashville Quad Dymes, Nashville, TN
Apr 24 - Phelicia Wright, Los Angeles, CA
Apr 25 - Wanda, Branch Brook Park, NY-NJ
Apr 25 - Daryl "D-Mac" McNeil of Mil-Town Rollers, Milwaukee, WI
Apr 25 – Alicia Reece, Cincinnati, OH
Apr 26 - Lauretta Lawrence, Branch Brook Park, NY-NJ
Apr 26 - Dre MJ Thomas, Branch Brook Park, NY-NJ
Apr 27 - Lance Hull, Baton Rouge, LA
Apr 28 - April “N2SK8N” Major, Skate King, St. Louis, MO
Apr 29 - Margaret "Killer", Branch Brook Park, NY-NJ
Apr 30 - Myles "Chilly-Mac" McPherson¸Ohio Legends, Huber Heights, OH

MAY
May 1 - Charlene (Winky) Demby, Unique Rollers, Delaware, Tri-State Area
May 1 - Darrell "Jokey" Martin, Vice President, Crowd Cutta Productions, Columbus, OH
May 2 – Andrea “Moneymaker”, Tampa, FL
May 3 - Edward "Speedy" James, Virginia Skater BWO Michigan
May 3 - JuJu, Secret Skate Society (owner), Memphis, TN  
May 4 - Lauren Fountain, Little Rock, AR
May 9 - Tammi "Dark Chocolate" Williams, Cincinnati, OH
May 10 - Sharnell "Ms. Charm, DMV
May 11 - Anthony "Tee" Baker, Rock Town, Hell on Wheels
May 13 – Tom White, Pittsburgh Steel City Rollers, Pittsburgh, PA
May 14 - Joanne Fountaine, Prescious Productions
May 16 - Dawn Hilton, Jus Sk8, New Jersey
May 17 – Kendra Davis, Flint, MI
May 17 – Shakiyla Smith, Decatur¸GA
May 17- DaLisa Ball, As The Wheels Turn Skate Club, Oakland, CA
May 17 - Jai Bounce, C-Land Freestylers, Cleveland, OH
May 17 – Hotshot, C-Land Freestylers, Clevelan, OH (Mig Skating Rink)
May 18 - Delores Donald, NSC Freestyle Rollers
May 19 - Michael Moss, Skateology, Columbus, OH
May 19 - Miss Cookie, DC/MDC
May 20 - Tanisha Davidson, Master Rollers, DC/MD
May 20 - Stich, Ruff Rollerz, DC/MD
May 21 - Jeanette J.L Littlejohn, Indianapolis, IN
May 21 – Milo,  NYC BX /Louisville, KY
May 23 - Ebony Hood VA Skate Connection, Hampton, VA
May 23 - Brandi "Fancy" Christia, Richmond, VA
May 24 - Marcial Wiggins, aka Mouse, Diamond State Rollers, Wilmington, DE
May 28 - Shawn Lo-Key Lawhorn, Skateology, Columbus, OH
May 31 - Marsha Cepeda "Heaven on Wheels", North Jersey
May 31 - Khannie Butler, The Scenario, Philly, PA
May 31 - Chel SoChic Mason, Jacksonville, FL

Do you know a skater who has a birthday, graduation or anniversary in April or May? Show your love by sending e-mail letting SkateGroove know the name, city, state, and birthday/anniversary and we will post it.

Have a news item you would like to submit to the Groove? Send e-mail to Desi: Desi [at] SkateGroove [dot] com

All submissions will be reviewed by the SkateGroove crew prior to posting. SkateGroove reserves the right to accept or reject submissions.

What's with BOB?

PHOENIX, AZ – SkateGroove is introducing something new, the BOB designation.  You may have noticed some of the rinks on the Rink Link pages and some businesses have the letters BOB next to their company name.  The BOB notates this is a Black Owned Business.  Please check your state’s page and if you see a rink that you can confirm is BOB, please send an email with that information to Desi at SkateGroove.com.  In addition, if you know of any Hispanic (HOB) or Female Owned (FOB) that information is also being requested.

Thank you.
Desi

Are you seeking prayer from the community?
Send your prayer posting request to
Desi [at] SkateGroove [dot] com

Roll in Peace

NATIONWIDE – Hello SkateGroovers.  It is not widely known but since 2003, to preserve our history, SkateGroove has been keeping a database of beloved skaters who are no longer rolling with us.  There are many skaters not listed and I would like to ask for your assistance.  If have a loved one, family, friend or someone you rolled with that is not included on this list, please send an email with the skater’s first and last name, skate name/club/organization, date of passing (if known), city and state.  Here is a link to those names already collected. http://skategroove.com/rollinpeace.htm