*Summertime in Los Angeles is normally filled with great local events. But it seems that Summer 2025 was super special. Folks came together in a unique demonstration of unity and camaraderie.
Perhaps in determined opposition to the widespread uncertainties and chaos, the entire country has been facing since the election of the current political leaders.
Thankfully, many Angelenos turned off their news-laden television sets, shed sad, worried faces, and came together in deliberate efforts to just BE HAPPY – even for just the weekends.
If any people know how to laugh—and dance their worries away, it’s the veteran Soul Train dancers. In collaboration with a few Solar Records execs, Soul Train dancers kicked off the summer fun with their 13th Annual Soul Train Reunion Picnic. There was a special sense of unity, a maturity level not previously witnessed. Love was definitely demonstrated, along with gratitude and a “sense of family” that they all embraced.
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Then, later—in August—Jeffrey Daniel of the Shalamar singing group celebrated his 70th birthday. (Wow! How time flies! Folks from all areas of entertainment showed up and showed out—with a genuine love you felt from the moment they entered the place. Hugs, laughter, and photographs were the order of the evening! Jeffrey paid homage to all who had been a part of his life and who had made it so special and successful.
Jeffrey’s shoutouts, of course, included Don Cornelius. But he did not overlook others, including the whole crew of dance buddies he grew up with from the Soul Train television show. He told funny stories and had the crowd laughing—as well as reminding them, too, of how far they had all come.
He mentioned “yours truly” (Flo Jenkins) after almost forgetting where much of his—AND Soul Train’s fandom and publicity came from—via her editorialship at Right On! Magazine. The nation and world’s most popular, widely-read Black magazine for the younger generation during the 1970s. Jeffrey’s gratitude was contagious, as most in the crowd seemed thankful just to be alive, in decent health, and present with those who had been an important part of their earlier lives.
Damita Jo’s Backyard Event Honored True Originals
Summer fun continued with Soul Train favorite, Damita Jo Freeman, throwing a well-attended backyard party. There was a well-decorated wall full of precious, long-ago-taken photos on display. Fun, laughter, and hugs abounded. She said this gathering would be her “last one” (but we doubt it). Damita wanted to bring together the Campbellockers and other dance masters—those original buddies who go way back with her, dancing at house parties and local clubs like Maverick’s Flat before there was ever a dance show called Soul Train.
She said, “I just wanted to gather my long-time dance friends and have a good time—it could be our last time together. Who knows? So many of them have suffered certain health issues, and I would never forgive myself if I didn’t get us all together—maybe one more time.” Indeed, Saturday, August 27th, was truly a special day for everyone. Cameras, hugs, and a knowledgeable DJ playing the right music at the right time! Legacy was honored.
Masquerade Ball
All Black and Bling Masquerade Ball was the fun, well-attended event that again brought together some very well-known and well-dressed dancers from the Soul Train TV show. And to say the least, they all had a ball! Going down the historic Soul Train line at this party proved to any doubters that these seniors still had rhythm and creativity. It has been proven throughout the years with these gatherings that, indeed, “age ain’t nuthin’ but a number!” Unless the individual yields to the thoughts of others and decides otherwise.
This year, the host, Charles (Charlie Woo) Washington, made sure not to forget Freddie Maxie, the lady who’s considered one of the sweetest, kindest, fun-loving dancers from the 70s era. It was her birthday week, and friends showed this Louisiana native such love with loads of gifts. “I had a ball! And I’m just so thankful for all the friends who still know how to have a good time after all these years!”
Indeed, summer in L. A. is the best time of year—mainly because of the energy and spirit of unity and love that the Soul Train dancers spread to each other—and across the whole city!
Photo credits: Charles Avelon, Charles Washington (photographer for Jeffrey Daniels’ 70th Birthday and Masquerade Ball) – Leonard Jones (photographer for Damita Freeman’s “Last Event”) Leonard Jones and Charles Washington are former Soul Train dancers
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