Get that pink Cadillac out of storage and take a ride on down the Freeway of Love on Friday, May 4th to Detroit’s signature circuit weekend, MotorBall. Having been born and raised in the Detroit suburbs, I admit I initially had my doubts about the city’s ability to support a full-fledged circuit event. Eight years later, however, I am proud to report that MotorBall is thriving, and clearly on its way to becoming a world-class circuit extravaganza. This year’s tremendously talented line-up and percolating palette of parties is a definite testament to how much nightlife has improved in the Motor City over the past several years.

Geared for Life is the name of the group of volunteers responsible for this most important fundraiser. Like many similar organizations across the country, Geared for Life was formed by a cluster of altruistic friends who were looking for a way to raise much-needed money and awareness for their friends and family in the Detroit area who were affected by HIV/AIDS. This year’s beneficiaries include AIDS Partnership Michigan, Children’s Immune Disorder, Midwest AIDS Prevention Project, and Wellness House of Michigan. More information about these organizations and their life-saving work can be found by visiting www.Geared4Life.org.

Drop the Pedal and Go

You’ve got some places to see, so jump right in and experience MotorBall’s Opening Party on Friday night at Cobalt Nightclub. Conveniently located in fashionable Ferndale, this event, hosted by local club personality Chuchie, features Cobalt’s Saturday night resident DJ Bill Bennett. Inside sources reveal that this local boy has the talent and ambition to become the next circuit sensation. The venue is also perfect to get the ball rolling (as it were) with two luxurious levels for your drinking and dancing pleasure. Dance1 will also be on hand tonight and throughout the weekend videotaping the festivities. Please pay a special visit to my good friend and bartender extraordinaire, Tony, who will be serving you with a smile from the first floor main bar.

City traffic moving way to slow? Well then make a pit stop at the historic St. Andrew’s Hall on Saturday night for MotorBall’s Main Event. Toronto’s Sylvain Girard shifts the party into high gear by revving up the main floor while DJ Jason Kendig from Detroit performs mood-enhancing tune-ups from the lower level turntables. Miami’s Power Infinity will guide you through the dance floor’s delicate hairpin turns as host of the party, and superstar dance diva Kim English (“Unspeakable Joy” and “Higher Things”) and the Mighty Miss Lena Love from Toronto will work the crowd for an action-packed evening of high-octane entertainment.

It’s sometimes easy to forget to eat during a circuit weekend, but the Geared For Life gang has you covered with a special “gospel and chorus” brunch at noon on Sunday. The scrumptious spread awaits you at Detroit’s premier nightclub/restaurant, The Temple, in Ferndale. With the DJ playing your song, you’ll keep rolling on right into MotorBall’s Tea Dance immediately following refueling. Power Infinity once again heads up the pit crew while DJ Steve Dearborn takes revelers on a musical joyride with a lighter selection of circuit favorites.

You can’t quit till you get through Sunday night, so don’t even think about missing MotorBall’s Closing Party at the Royal Oak Music Theater. DJ Alex Lauterstein, who recently mixed Centaur’s latest Global Groove CD, Feel My Drums, brings his energetic “future house” sound straight from New York City to Motown for an exciting evening of deep underground vibes and uplifting modern house. Power Infinity and the Mighty Miss Lena Love team up to cautiously monitor the crowd – watching for speed violations, dance floor pile-ups, and other assorted hazards. The Royal Oak Music Theater was voted Best Closing Venue of 2000 by Dance1, so don’t take any detours before making your victory lap at this final party of the weekend.

Dancers from PSMale.com will provide erotic visual entertainment throughout the weekend while Dance1 captures it all on tape. Detrix.com will also provide a live simulcast on the internet for your listening pleasure. For more information on MotorBall and event tickets and passes, please visit www.Geared4Life.org.