INDIANAPOLIS — Since March 2020, a computer or phone screen is the closest many of us have been to a party or a club.
You may know the name and voice of Jerry Wade, better known as "The Loverman" on WTLC. But away from the airwaves, Jerry is a local businessman, DJ, and emcee. All jobs that could've made 2020 the best year ever, but instead came to a screeching halt.
"We kicked off 2020 with a bang with entertainment, DJing so many different events, weddings. We do it all, and we went from 2020 doing all this zero," Wade said.
One of Jerry's goals for 2020 was to open this new event space in downtown Indianapolis. With its prime location just off Monument Circle, the original plan called for parties, mixers and even corporate events in an office space Jerry started renting last year. But thanks to the pandemic none of that has been possible.
"Oh, we were getting ready to get down. yeah. But, because of all of the restrictions, nothing," Wade said.
But with lots of bills to pay and not being able to host events or even DJ at area night clubs, Jerry had to get creative. He became one of the first DJs to start hosting virtual parties on Facebook live.
"It's not just about me, and making money. I love people. I love Indianapolis, I love downtown Indy. It's about people who are going through this. I'm not the only one going through this there's so many amazing people that need to smile. They can't go out. They can't dance. They can't listen to music, hang out and have a drink with their friends."
Jerry turned his downtown space into a virtual club. Hosting virtual parties has allowed him to still earn some cash when viewers tip his Cash App during his shows. But it's also allowed Jerry to keep up on his DJ skills, while doing what he does best. Encouraging every person, he sees, in hopes of getting us all through a difficult year.
"Right now this is not all about us, this is about helping others, and I'm telling you, if people stay strong and stay with it, Cameron we're all gonna get through this. We're all in this together. I love that slogan. We're in this together."
You can join Jerry Wade's virtual parties Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. on Facebook live.
