DJ ALEX GUTIERREZ

  The All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Experience in Miami in the '70s: A Comedy of Carbs, Cubans, and a Quest for More     Alex Gutierrez Let me take you back to the magical, carbohydrate-loaded days of the mid-1970s in Miami, a time when the all-you-can-eat buffet was more than just a meal—it was an Olympic sport, a rite of passage, and, to be honest, a test of survival. This was long before the Fuddruckers sign graced the spot at 14875 South Dixie Hwy, which was once home to the legendary Sweden House , the hallowed ground of many a hungry, money-savvy kid. Now, in retrospect, it was more than just a place to stuff our faces with a week's worth of calories; it was the Sunday pilgrimage we dreamed of all week long, and it was way better than anything our moms ever made ( although we would never tell her that ). The Quest for Cash: A Story of Coke Bottles and Lawn Mowing Picture it. Miami. The '70s. The average hourly wage was a lofty $2. Gas was 50 cents a gallon (yes, y...

  "Gonna Get Along Without You Now": The Soundtrack of a City and Anthem of a Generation Alex Gutierrez There are songs that define eras, that become woven into the fabric of our lives, and then there are anthems that transcend time, connecting generations with their universal themes and infectious energy. "Gonna Get Along Without You Now" by Viola Wills is one such song—an iconic disco classic that has, over the years, evolved into much more than just a track to dance to. For those of us in our late fifties and sixties who spent our formative years in the  heart of Miami's club scene, this song is nothing less than our official anthem. Miami's nightlife in the 1970s and 1980s was a vibrant, electric world where music and community danced  in places like Alcazaba and Mezzanotte. It was here that I, as a DJ, saw firsthand how "Gonna Get Along Without You Now" had a unique power to bring people together. The song was much more than just a tune on ...

  The Timeless Struggle: Men, Hairspray, and the Fine Art of Maintaining a Full Head of Hair Alex Gutierrez Ah, the 1970s—a time when men had hair like untamed lions, shoulders wide enough to rival a linebacker’s, and more cologne than a Macy’s perfume counter. If you were a man with a full head of hair, you were a symbol of confidence, style, and—let's be honest—a bit of vanity. Think John Travolta, David Cassidy, Leif Garrett, Peter Frampton, and the one and only Rod Stewart. These guys didn’t just have hair, they had hair. Their locks flowed like waterfalls, caught in the breeze of their perfectly styled lives. And when it came to keeping those luscious locks in place? Enter the magic of hairspray. Back in the day, hairspray was essential for men to maintain their pompadours, feathered haircuts, and disco-ready dos. I vividly remember stepping out of the "Estilista" (fancy word for “hair stylist,” but really it just meant a fancy way of saying "someone who could ...

  Miami High School Gangs of the '70s: Fraternities, Fights, and Fear with a Disco soundtrack Alex Gutierrez  Back in the 1970s, high school in Miami wasn't just about algebra, acne, and awkward dances. No, there was something more sinister lurking in the halls: gangs. But don’t get it twisted — these weren’t your modern-day "terrifying, real gangs" with intricate tattoos and actual weapons. Oh no, these were Fraternities ( what they called themselves). Yes, Fraternities, like the  Utes, Vulcans, Lynks, Crowns, Helix, Aztecs, Titans, Gents, Dukes, Celts. , the West End Gang, Athenians, and the Gators. It’s almost laughable when you think about it today. I mean, how scary can a gang be when their name sounds like a college club for aspiring philosophers? But back then, my friends, it was all too real. Picture this: you’re walking down the hallway of West Miami Junior High, minding your own business, when suddenly, BAM—a ninth grader (who, by the way, has a full beard,...

  The Cover Charge: A Retrospective and Modern Challenge for Baby Boomers For Baby Boomers in their 50s and 60s, the club scene of yesteryear holds fond memories of a simpler, more affordable time. In the 70s and 80s, nearly every nightclub had a cover charge, with some venues like The Limelight charging $5 on regular nights and $8 when there was a live act. Other beloved spots like Pete n Lenny’s, Flanigan’s in the Springs, and The Playpen were no different. Even in the 80s, places like Club Mystique, Gabriel’s, and Alcazaba required a cover to get in. The premise was simple: pay a set fee to enter, and the rest of the night was yours to enjoy. Fast forward to today, and the concept of a cover charge still looms large in the club scene, but the dynamics have shifted. Baby Boomers, many of whom are facing retirement and managing a fixed income, are finding it harder to justify paying cover charges for a night of dancing and socializing. On top of that, the cost of drinks has skyroc...

  Living the Music: The Authenticity Behind the DJ Booth In the world of DJing, the music is not just a collection of tracks; it is a reflection of eras, movements, and cultural moments. For a DJ to truly connect with an audience, they must embody the essence of the music they play. This is not merely about selecting the right songs or knowing the latest trends; it’s about having lived the music, understood its roots, and felt the energy of its time. For a DJ to deliver an authentic performance, they need more than just technical skill—they need a genuine, lived experience of the music they share with the world. As someone who has been part of the South Florida DJ scene since 1976, I’ve had the privilege of being immersed in a rich tapestry of genres that span Soul, Rock, Classic Salsa, Disco, Freestyle, House, and Trance ( not a fan of Trance ). However, one of my deepest connections lies with Disco music—a genre that I didn’t just learn about from records or websites, but one I l...

  Telephones and Grandfathers How important do you think a Grandfather or Grandmother's role is in today's society? When I was a kid here in Miami, I admired my grandfather " Gutierrez" more than anyone else in the world. We shared the same name, and because of that, I always felt a special connection to him. He was a man of few words, but when he spoke, I hung on to every one of them, as if they held the secret to understanding life. I looked to him for wisdom, for guidance, and for a sense of direction. His words were like treasures, and I was a young explorer eager to find them. I remember walking with him for hours, wandering the streets of Miami around Flagler and 8th Street. eating "Pastelitos" at San Bernardo Bakery or " Los Pinos Nuevos" going to the movies at the Tower theatre. Those walks were never rushed; there was no place more important than being there, in the moment, together. My grandfather had a way of making everything feel sign...

  You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine: A Disco DJ's Reflection on Lou Rawls' Timeless Classic As a DJ here in South Florida, I've witnessed first-hand how certain tracks become permanent staples on the dancefloor, transcending generations and taking on a life of their own. One such song that still gets people moving, no matter the time of night or the era, is Lou Rawls' "You'll Never Find Another Love Like Mine" . First released in 1976, this track has found its way into every Miami disco, club, and event that prides itself on good, soulful music. And the truth is, even though it was often played in the discotheques of the time, it doesn’t necessarily fit the mold of a traditional disco track. Let’s talk about it from the perspective of someone who spins music every weekend: The first three notes of "You'll Never Find" are iconic. As soon as those soulful "ooohs" and "ahhs" ring out, you can almost feel the ant...

  The Special Song: How Couples Pick "Their" Song (And Why It’s Always an Emotional Roller Coaster) What's yours and when and where did it happen? Ah, the special song. Every couple has one—or at least, they should. It’s the track that holds the emotional weight of their entire relationship in one catchy melody, the lyrics that say what neither of them could express in words (or possibly even text, because let’s be honest, emojis aren’t that deep). As a DJ, this concept is endlessly fascinating to me. You’d think that with a million songs bouncing around in my head at any given moment, I’d be immune to the siren call of the "special song." But nope, when I met that person, it happened. Out of nowhere, one song came to mind. The lyrics practically screamed "This is what you feel, right now!" And I thought, Who am I, and what have I done to the other 999,999 songs I was holding onto? But wait—how does a couple stumble upon their "special song"?...

  Modern Reactions to Machines' "There But For The Grace Of God Go I" Released in 1979, Machines' "There But For The Grace Of God Go I" is a song that blends societal commentary, parental fears, and the unintended consequences of a sheltered upbringing. While the track was banned and censored upon its release, it nevertheless became a staple of disco clubs and DJ playlists. Bob Lombardi of the Limelight was the first DJ I heard play this track. While the song resonated with many dancers at the time, its portrayal of sensitive themes such as race and class may provoke different reactions in modern audiences—especially those unfamiliar with its historical context. The Story Behind the Song At its core, "There But For The Grace Of God Go I" is a narrative about overprotective parenting and the dangers of isolating children from their roots. The Vidals, in their attempt to provide a better life for their daughter, move to a more affluent area, hoping...

 T he Importance of Friend Maintenance Alex Gutierrez I played at a great party last night, if you're a DJ you know that feeling you walk away with from an extremely satisfying event. It's a " High" the lasts for days. So many great people there ....and we were all on the same page . Over the years, being a DJ has introduced me to a multitude of individuals, many of whom have become some of the closest friends I’ve ever had. As time goes on, I’ve realized just how crucial these friendships are to my overall psychological well-being. While we all lead busy lives and often get swept up in the rhythm of daily routines, maintaining and nurturing our friendships is something we should all prioritize. As we grow older, the role of friends becomes even more significant. When we’re young, friendships can often feel more spontaneous and free-flowing. However, as we age, it becomes increasing...

  What’s Your Story? I complimented my wife on a beautiful dress I had never seen her wear before, and what followed was an incredible story. Have you ever noticed that every article of clothing a woman owns has a story behind it? I tried it with my Mom , same thing, an incredibly detailed story on where and when the item was purchased , who she was with, and how after they went to Pollo Tropical and they forgot to give her a bun. A woman’s wardrobe is unique—each piece represents a memory or experience. Want to start an interesting conversation? Compliment a woman on her blouse, and you might hear about “the blouse that almost got me killed in Greece,” or shoes that led to a life-changing decision. Clothing holds emotional value. The blouse worn on a first date, the dress bought on a spontaneous shopping spree, or the heels worn at a career milestone—each item is a reminder of a significant moment. It’s not just about looks; these pieces represent personal history and self-express...