Once Upon a Time on Glenwood
Breyonna Beats looks back on the catharsis and communal spirit of the 2009 Raleigh nightlife series known as Tigallo's Two Step Thursdays.
Picture it: Summer 2009. Raleigh, NC. Glenwood Avenue is the mecca of nightlife, a vibrant strip teeming with all types of clubs and people. You could always feel the heartbeat of the city any day from Thursday to Sunday.
Enter Tiggalo's Two Step. This was more than just a party or a gathering; it was the soundtrack of my summer that year, an ongoing series that perfectly captured the essence of community, healing, and authentic musical expression. Hosted by the oh-so-charming and charismatic Phonte of Little Brother, this series invited us to come together for warm nights filled with dancing, laughter, and the unifying power of music.
At 25, I was navigating a world of uncertainty and transformation. Fresh out of a long-term relationship, I was adjusting to life as a single mother. My days were filled with the demands of parenthood, yet I found myself wrestling with feelings of confusion about where I was headed. I worked a job that drained my spirit, leaving little room for the joy I needed. One day, while scrolling through Facebook (back when you still needed a college email), I saw an invitation to Globe Nightclub for Tiggalo’s Two Step Thursdays. I convinced my girlfriends to go out on a school night, and we headed down to Glenwood.
Each installment of the party brought together a beautiful mix of familiar faces and new friends, all gathered for one reason: our love for music. Here, pretentiousness took a backseat and authenticity reigned supreme, creating an environment where we could all express ourselves freely. Imagine the sounds of classic hip-hop from artists like A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, alongside feel-good soul from legends like Minnie Riperton and Teddy Pendergrass. Remember, this was 2009 — clubs were typically filled with catchy tracks from artists like Soulja Boy or Keri Hilson. That summer, while Drake was beginning his rise to mainstream popularity, glossy, super-produced music ruled the airwaves. Listening to soul and classic hip-hop was not the norm, making it all the more refreshing to bask in music that simply felt GOOD.
Each party throughout that summer and fall became an ongoing celebration of authenticity, bringing together artists, fans, and friends who simply wanted to experience the joy of music without the burdens of ego. The presence of iconic figures like Big Pooh, Chaundon, and Carlitta Durand further elevated the atmosphere. Nobody was there to flaunt accolades; we were all there to share in the magic that music inspires. It served as a stunning reminder that we were all interconnected, each of us contributors to a much larger narrative.
One Thursday in particular is etched in my memory: June 25, 2009, the day Michael Jackson passed away. His loss shook the very foundation of those who loved him. His death felt like our childhood dying. That Thursday evening at Tiggalo's Two Step was unlike any other; it was not just a regular party, but an impromptu memorial steeped in both grief and celebration.
As his iconic tracks filled the air, we danced and recalled memories of innocence intertwined with his music. When "Got to Be There" came on, the mood shifted palpably — people began tearing up, some cried openly as they were swept away by the bittersweet nostalgia of the moment. Surrounded by friends and fellow fans, we shared in our sorrow, each tear a testament to how deeply MJ had touched our lives. In that moment, through the rhythm and lyrics, we collectively mourned not just the loss of a musical giant but also the loss of a piece of our past, honoring the man who had shaped the soundtracks of our youth while finding solace in community.
Tiggalo’s Two Step became a ritual, a safe haven where we could let loose, dance, and heal together. Each night was a beautiful reminder of the resilience of our community and how music can help us navigate even the most challenging moments in our lives. The echoes of laughter and storytelling filled the air, urging us all to connect and share.
When the lights finally flickered at the end of that memorable summer series, I realized that Two Step Thursdays had given me more than just a summer of fun — it had equipped me with a renewed sense of self and community.
I made friends that I am still close with 16 years later. I was introduced to a great love of my life and went on my first real date there. That summer showed me that life is not just a solitary journey but a collective experience to be shared with friends, new acquaintances, and even strangers — all swept up in the same rhythm.
Breyonna Beats, better known as Bre, is a DJ, writer, and community outreach advocate in public health based in Raleigh, NC — known for her R&B-driven mixes and blending hip-hop, house, and throwbacks to create an unforgettable vibe.
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