Many of you have heard the rumors circulating that I was planning on moving away from Atlanta. Those rumors are officially confirmed. I have signed a lease on an apartment in the Williamsburg neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. Jordan (my brother) and I will be moving on December 14th.
So, there have been a lot of questions thrown around: Why am I leaving? What will happen to KISSATLanta and the events? Will there be a going away party? Thank God, can we get you out of here any faster?
Why I’m leaving
As many of you know, I have an ever progressing genetic disorder known as FSH Muscular Dystrophy. Earlier this Summer, I finally lost the ability to drive. As my disease has progressed, I’ve always managed to adapt to my physical losses and keep some amount of my independence. Driving was a major part of this. Now, if I want to leave my house, I am 100% dependent on other people to do so. If I so much as want to get a coffee, I have to schedule it with someone else. This is something I am not coping well with. In fact, I’ve been horribly depressed and miserable about it.
I’ve lost the ability to do a lot of things in my life, and every time I make an adaptation to counter it. When I had a hard time walking, I went into a chair and was actually relieved to be able to get around so easily. Now, I just need to adapt again and move to a community where I can take a cab, bus, or walk anywhere I need to go regardless of time of day or night.
The future of KISSATLanta
I’ve made arrangements with my favorite DJ’s and promoters to continue operation of both the blog and my nights. Cobra Corps and Noize Industries will assume basic operations and I’ve asked Smiles and Skooter to fill in for me when I’m not available. I’ve played with virtually every DJ in Atlanta at some point, and these are the people that I feel best understand what I’ve been trying to do with KISSATLanta. In addition, I’ll also be flying back for special events like Disco 2000 as is feasible. Traveling can really suck for me, so I don’t know if I’ll make it back every month, but the plan is to be here for one weekend a month.
The going away celebration
I’ve lived my entire life in this city and I’ve been DJ’ing and throwing events for a total of 14 years. Simply having one event just isn’t enough for me to say goodbye.
Starting this Saturday Nov 7th, I’ve arranged a very special series of events, “La Famiglia”, at one of my favorite new spots in Atlanta: Noni’s. We’re going to be going back to our roots with an restaurant/bar based event that is more about friends, fun, and dancing than anything else.
Free entry… free PBR for the first hour… and a night of music that we’ve all grown up with. I’m not doing some massive promotional campaign. I just want to have a night where the people who come really want to be there. Every Saturday. Tell a friend.
November 13th, I’ll be opening up for Utah Saints at their first ever Atlanta performance at Halo!
November 14th will be my 34th birthday celebration at Noni’s.
Just before I leave, we are also planning a roast… where Atlanta can have a whole lot of fun at my expense. Whether you love me or hate me… I think this is going to be a cathartic experience for all. The Mayor of Ponce, Jay Winter, will be the roast master… along with many guest roasters from all over the Atlanta community. If you’d like to be a guest roaster please get in contact with me as soon as possible. if you are a venue that would like to host this roast, we are taking offers for Friday, December 11th.
Thank you all for being a part of my life… and for the honor of letting me be a part of yours.
Preston Craig
Thanks for all the good times!
Well what a post! I’m so happy for you Preston, and I bet that you will take NY by storm. Becca and I are forever grateful for youre guidance, support, generosity and wisdom during the DIRT days. I have to believe that the fact that your “La Famiglia” event kicks off on the very same day that my “Badonkadonk” monthly goes into effect, in a likewise new city for me (Santa Fe)… well that has to be a great sign for both of us. I cant wait to see you again and party in both New York AND in Santa Fe! xoxoxo M
Speaking as a former ATLien who relocated to Brooklyn a few months ago, I’m excited to hear you’re moving up here too!
I don’t know you personally, but I definitely miss Disco 2000 and your various other nights. Can’t wait to see what you put together here in NYC!
This makes me tear up a little. As one of my first friends in Atlanta and the first to let me delve into djing here, thank you, and I will be seeing you soon! Do what you have to do! I know tons of people in NY and I’m sure you do too. There are lots of people there that will be there for you and will support you just as your friends in Atlanta have. They’ll also fall in love with you just like we (I) have.
sometimes, there just aren’t enough words
love you, preston. hope to visit you both up there sometime soon! you should definitely get to know richy from a few comments prior — he’s the bee’s knees!
you will me SORELY missed! see you at Noni’s!!!
As a new New York-er, I’m happy to have an ATL expatriate headed my way. Safe travels!
Blogged at soldoutmusic.com
Best of luck, I’ve been regularly checking out your blog for over a year now! Great ATL coverage!! I have a couple cousins who have died from duchenne MD and know the struggles! Long road ahead, keep ya head up!
Looks like i’ll be seeing you around the ‘burg!!! Gimme a call when you get up here. If you need any help moving and I’m around, i’d be more than happy to help. Ben is up here too and living in Carol Gardens.
.neil
917-376-3529
does the L train have an elevator? i think at lorimer street and also at bedford, but i’m not sure.
I have steadily been chking this blog for a year now. I live all the way in a lil city in Nevada so I jus wanted to let you know you were cherished from ah far!
We never officially met, but you were the one to first introduce me to the constellations almost two years ago on your blog. Because of that, I was able to get them played on our radio station in Milwaukee in heavy rotation. I need to thank you for that.
Best of luck and my prayers go out to you.
Brooklyn is already better for having welcomed you two!!
Ive been reading your blog for a lil while now – I wasnt aware of your condition, im so sorry to hear. I admire your strength and motivation to adapt to your new challenges. I wish you all the best in New York!
Kaleigh
Toronto, Ontario