“Twas two weeks before Christmas, at a lounge named Jade, where soulful and deep house music helped its listeners worries fade.

Gifts were-a-plenty as DJ Joshua Wilkins gave out his newest CD with glee, whilst DJ Chad Neiro passed around House Division tees.

The congregation was ready as the Ministers of House took over the party, what a shame for all those who were tardy.”

As the outside temperature was quickly dropping, Lust4house vs. House Division’s Christmas party at Jade on Miami Beach, warmed the crowd back up with their brand of deep and soulful house.

After mistakenly entering the front doors of Jade and discovering someone’s private party, I finally found my way to the side entrance leading to the upstairs lounge. Upon entering, I was pleasantly overwhelmed by the room’s distinct red color and lavish décor as it imbued within me a sense of warmth and comfort.

A canopy bed/couch with red and black pillows strewn atop was situated alongside the wall to the right as one entered. Nearby, were tables encircled by plush chairs. Curtains were hanging over the dance floor and bar creating a Mediterranean look. Paintings of hearts were delicately placed upon the walls.

Taking the center spot on the dance floor was a well stocked bar with just the right “ales” to warm one up on such a cool night.

Adjacent to the bar, was a small performance stage with a “Lust4house” banner adorning it. The semicircular DJ booth was located on the opposite end of the bar with a “House Division” banner emblazoned upon it.

Delivering the opening sermon (set), was John Corradi (JC), proud member of “House Division.” Full of jazzy riffs and vocal house his set lifted the congregation’s spirits with such tracks as Soulmagic’s “Yah Yah” (Original Mix).

Sheldon Prince, co-founder of “Lust4house” as well as promotions director for Soulfuric Recordings and current resident DJ at Opium Garden, ascended the pulpit next.

His deep and soulful house set had the revelers drinking at the bar and lounging throughout the venue, tapping their feet and nodding their heads in conjunctive appreciation. “Back In My Life” (ChuckLove EP), an unreleased track on Miguel Mig’s new record label Salfed Music, was one of many tracks that elicited a positive reaction from the crowd.

During the next hour, JC and Sheldon tag teamed back and forth for the congregants. Hallelujah!!!

Amidst the smiles and praises from the “House worshippers,” Opium Garden resident DJ and co-founder of Lust4house Vaughan Lazar approached the pulpit . Defected In The House’s “3 a.m.,” the classic Eddie Amador track entitled “House Music,” and the drum thumping beats of “Commited” by Danny Marquez were some of the gifts he lavished upon us. Testify!!!

Well known for his “Paradise" residency at the Hyde Park Café in Tampa, alongside his partner Jask, Joshua Wilkins exuberantly continued the sermon. Energetically clapping, head bobbing and even fist pumping, the energy flowed from his fingertips into the congregants’ souls. Jask’s “Dirty Lowdown” and “Naturally” by Slow Train Soul were two tracks that had me wanting to shout, “AMEN.”

After a warm reception by Vaughan, female vocalist and New York resident Female Dixon, delivered a great performance. Her smooth and silky complementing the soulful sounds played throughout the evening.

Shortly after Female Dixon descended the stage area, Chad Neiro’s (House Division), tech-house set answered the prayers of some whom were waiting patiently for that “harder” and “grittier” sound. “School of Acid,” exemplified that sound, as the track reverberated throughout the lounge with its thumping relentless beats.

As the sermon came to a close, the duo of Sheldon and Vaughan retook the pulpit. Vocals. Classics. Pure “unadulterated” soul. Though the crowd was small it felt as though there were thousands in that room dancing in unison to the soulful sounds of Lust’s co-founders. From “House music all night long” by Jungle Brothers to other heavenly classics, the congregation was spiritually reborn!

“As the djs packed away their records, shaking hands with the crowd, away they went to spread more joy and glee with their sounds. But I heard them exclaim, as I descended with my party down one flight, “Thanks for coming out, and to all a good-night.”