So far this year, I’ve seen Chris Botti, Jill Scott, Toni Braxton, Mary J. Blige & Jay Z, and Kenny Lattimore live. In September, I have the pleasure of seeing Musiq and Ledisi.
Below you will find the link to the schedule for some of my favorite artists. Be sure to check back often as I plan to update tour dates as they become available.
Jill Scott
Official site
Ticketmaster
Erykah Badu
Badu’s myspace page
Ticketmaster
Kanye West
Official site
Ticketmaster
Kem
Official site
Ticketmaster
Chris Botti
Official site
Ticketmaster
Musiq
Official site
Ticketmaster
Mary J. Blige
Official site
Ticketmaster
Alicia Keys
Official site
Ticketmaster
Earth, Wind & Fire
Official site
Ticketmaster
Stevie Wonder
Official site
Ticketmaster:
Santana
Official site
Ticketmaster
Janet Jackson
Official site
Ticketmaster
India Arie – not currently on tour, but will make her Broadway debut in Ntozake Shange's For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf beginning Sept. 8.
Official site
Me
- Soul Sista D
- Bay Area, CA, United States
- Music wakes me and keeps me going all day, every day. I’ve had a love for music since childhood, and it’s only intensified as I’ve matured. Musings On Music was inspired by Kenny Lattimore. I saw him perform in 2008 and realized there was something in his music that spoke to me on a level which said I needed to write about what I witnessed. I’ve been writing ever since.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
My “Dream” experience
I just spent July 13-20 in Washington D.C., celebrating the 100-year anniversary of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Founded Jan. 15, 1908 on the campus of Howard University, AKA is the first and oldest Greek-letter organization established for college-trained black women.
More than 25,000 members came together in spirit and sisterhood to honor our legacy and look toward the next 100 years. I came away for the experience with a renewed commitment to my illustrious organization.
With a gathering of so many individuals, there’s bound to be a party or three. My e-mail inbox was flooded with so many different celebrations that I eventually lost track. I did, however, make a list of what I received so I would at least have an idea of what was happening every night.
First, this is what I think about going to clubs – they should all be free and the drinks should cost $8 or less. I’ve been over the excitement of going to the club for some time now. I’m more of a lounge/restaurant/bar goer these days.
On Thursday, a few of us ventured out to Love Nightclub. From what I’ve been told from others, this place was known as Dream and had it going on. I was hoping it was still the same since we were shelling out $30 for the Love experience.
The main reason we headed to Love (outside of wanting to get our groove on) was Idris Elba (of The Wire fame) hosting the event, and performances by some R&B singers.
Sidebar: As we were standing in line, an employee made the mistake of telling me that Boris Kodjoe was hosting a party at another club called The Park. I was ready to get out of line and head there because seeing such deliciousness in person really would have made my night!
Upon entering Love, the music was your typical urban radio fare. On the second floor however, the DJ was playing the likes of Cameo, New Edition, Guy, Michael Jackson, etc. This was the floor I needed to be (and stayed) on the rest of the night.
During our cab ride, my thoughts were, “Is Idris Elba really worth $30?”
Three words – yes he was!
There’s something to be said for seeing such a fine specimen of a man in person. Idris didn’t disappoint in the looks department, but he needed to chill with all the profanity. Stringer Bell is dead (if you know The Wire you know what I’m talking about).
I guess I should talk about the performances since this is a blog about music.
The first act was Lloyd, and I’ll be honest – never heard of him, didn’t know what he was singing and won’t be buying his album after seeing him perform. He's a cutie though.
Mario took the stage next and I knew one song – “Let Me Love You.” Again, don’t own any of his albums and he won’t make it into my iPod rotation.
Dwele was up last. Now, I used to own Dwele’s first album “Subject” but sold it after I realized I never listened to it. He gave a decent performance though. Actually, all three acts sounded pretty good.
The night ended with Idris taking over the DJ booth (and mike). He’s apparently done it before because he had the crowd grooving for the rest of the night.
I would recommend Love to anyone looking for a good time. Although it has four levels, only two were open the night I went. Could be that the $30 price tag kept some away.
A bit of advice for those who decide to host parties when large groups come to town – unless there are true ballers and shot callers in town (i.e., NBA All-Star weekend), it’s not a good idea to charge upwards of $50 when the economy is on the brink of a recession and we’ve already spent a grip just coming to town.
More than 25,000 members came together in spirit and sisterhood to honor our legacy and look toward the next 100 years. I came away for the experience with a renewed commitment to my illustrious organization.
With a gathering of so many individuals, there’s bound to be a party or three. My e-mail inbox was flooded with so many different celebrations that I eventually lost track. I did, however, make a list of what I received so I would at least have an idea of what was happening every night.
First, this is what I think about going to clubs – they should all be free and the drinks should cost $8 or less. I’ve been over the excitement of going to the club for some time now. I’m more of a lounge/restaurant/bar goer these days.
On Thursday, a few of us ventured out to Love Nightclub. From what I’ve been told from others, this place was known as Dream and had it going on. I was hoping it was still the same since we were shelling out $30 for the Love experience.
The main reason we headed to Love (outside of wanting to get our groove on) was Idris Elba (of The Wire fame) hosting the event, and performances by some R&B singers.
Sidebar: As we were standing in line, an employee made the mistake of telling me that Boris Kodjoe was hosting a party at another club called The Park. I was ready to get out of line and head there because seeing such deliciousness in person really would have made my night!
Upon entering Love, the music was your typical urban radio fare. On the second floor however, the DJ was playing the likes of Cameo, New Edition, Guy, Michael Jackson, etc. This was the floor I needed to be (and stayed) on the rest of the night.
During our cab ride, my thoughts were, “Is Idris Elba really worth $30?”
Three words – yes he was!
There’s something to be said for seeing such a fine specimen of a man in person. Idris didn’t disappoint in the looks department, but he needed to chill with all the profanity. Stringer Bell is dead (if you know The Wire you know what I’m talking about).
I guess I should talk about the performances since this is a blog about music.
The first act was Lloyd, and I’ll be honest – never heard of him, didn’t know what he was singing and won’t be buying his album after seeing him perform. He's a cutie though.
Mario took the stage next and I knew one song – “Let Me Love You.” Again, don’t own any of his albums and he won’t make it into my iPod rotation.
Dwele was up last. Now, I used to own Dwele’s first album “Subject” but sold it after I realized I never listened to it. He gave a decent performance though. Actually, all three acts sounded pretty good.
The night ended with Idris taking over the DJ booth (and mike). He’s apparently done it before because he had the crowd grooving for the rest of the night.
I would recommend Love to anyone looking for a good time. Although it has four levels, only two were open the night I went. Could be that the $30 price tag kept some away.
A bit of advice for those who decide to host parties when large groups come to town – unless there are true ballers and shot callers in town (i.e., NBA All-Star weekend), it’s not a good idea to charge upwards of $50 when the economy is on the brink of a recession and we’ve already spent a grip just coming to town.
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
2008 BET Awards
First, a disclaimer (or two).
I don’t have cable. Well, let me clarify – I have very basic cable. Not expanded basic, but simple basic. You know, NBC, CBS and ABC.
A few years ago, I downgraded my cable because of some life changes. Even though things have greatly improved, I see no need to go back to paying $45 for TV. Once you go without, you realize you aren’t missing anything.
I said all that to say – I don’t have Black Entertainment Television, a k a BET – but I do have a friend who tapes things for me when I ask. After a few mishaps, I finally received the tape with the 2008 BET Awards on it, and I watched it tonight.
Second disclaimer – I’m not a fan of BET. Haven’t been for many years. I stopped watching it around the time they got rid of Tavis Smiley. BET needs a major overhaul – and quick.
I would be telling a small lie if I said I watched the entire awards show. I didn’t. I fast forwarded through the majority of it. See, I’m a product of the 80s – New Edition, Michael Jackson, Run DMC, you get the picture? I don’t listen to half of what’s currently out because I just can’t take it. (Don’t get me started on Lil’ Wayne and that damn lollipop song).
This is what I did see and enjoyed about the show:
Alicia Keys had me out of my seat when she brought SWV, En Vogue and TLC on stage with her to sing Weak, Hold On and Waterfalls respectively. Those are three girl groups I still listen to even though none of them have recently released an album. Shoot, I was jamming to SWV the other day. Their music is music I’ve always related to.
I don’t listen to gospel, but Marvin Sapp raised the roof. I couldn’t help but wonder though, if he and the gospel category were out of place at this show. With all the ass shaking other performers had on stage, it just didn’t seem appropriate after hearing Sapp sing about the Lord.
Maxwell, where have you been! When he walked out on stage to pay tribute to Al Green, I clutched my chest and held my breath. The man is still fine, sounds superb and needs to hurry the hell up with his next album. I mean, it’s been seven years already!
My real purpose for watching the show was Miss Jill Scott. I knew she was singing a tribute to Al Green and as usual, she didn’t disappoint. If you’ve never seen Jill perform live, you are missing one of the best artists of our time.
Al Green showed the younger generation just why he’s been in the music biz for 30 years. He wasn’t lip synching (come on Usher, you’ve been in the game too long for that!) and everyone in the audience knew his songs. I was up and dancing when he launched into Love and Happiness. Go head Al!
I really wonder (all the time) will the current crop of rappers be around in 30 years? And will there be people who will actually pay to go see them? I’ll save that for another blog.
I was disappointed when Alicia Keys won over Mary J. Blige for best female artist. I love both, but Mary’s album was just superior to me. I guess I should be happy someone with some talent won. Also, why did Mary not perform? I would have taken her over Rihanna any day.
Lastly, it’s never cute when an overweight person’s stomach is on display. Rick Ross knows he needed to close his shirt during the T-Pain performance. Dang, I sound like my mama!
I don’t have cable. Well, let me clarify – I have very basic cable. Not expanded basic, but simple basic. You know, NBC, CBS and ABC.
A few years ago, I downgraded my cable because of some life changes. Even though things have greatly improved, I see no need to go back to paying $45 for TV. Once you go without, you realize you aren’t missing anything.
I said all that to say – I don’t have Black Entertainment Television, a k a BET – but I do have a friend who tapes things for me when I ask. After a few mishaps, I finally received the tape with the 2008 BET Awards on it, and I watched it tonight.
Second disclaimer – I’m not a fan of BET. Haven’t been for many years. I stopped watching it around the time they got rid of Tavis Smiley. BET needs a major overhaul – and quick.
I would be telling a small lie if I said I watched the entire awards show. I didn’t. I fast forwarded through the majority of it. See, I’m a product of the 80s – New Edition, Michael Jackson, Run DMC, you get the picture? I don’t listen to half of what’s currently out because I just can’t take it. (Don’t get me started on Lil’ Wayne and that damn lollipop song).
This is what I did see and enjoyed about the show:
Alicia Keys had me out of my seat when she brought SWV, En Vogue and TLC on stage with her to sing Weak, Hold On and Waterfalls respectively. Those are three girl groups I still listen to even though none of them have recently released an album. Shoot, I was jamming to SWV the other day. Their music is music I’ve always related to.
I don’t listen to gospel, but Marvin Sapp raised the roof. I couldn’t help but wonder though, if he and the gospel category were out of place at this show. With all the ass shaking other performers had on stage, it just didn’t seem appropriate after hearing Sapp sing about the Lord.
Maxwell, where have you been! When he walked out on stage to pay tribute to Al Green, I clutched my chest and held my breath. The man is still fine, sounds superb and needs to hurry the hell up with his next album. I mean, it’s been seven years already!
My real purpose for watching the show was Miss Jill Scott. I knew she was singing a tribute to Al Green and as usual, she didn’t disappoint. If you’ve never seen Jill perform live, you are missing one of the best artists of our time.
Al Green showed the younger generation just why he’s been in the music biz for 30 years. He wasn’t lip synching (come on Usher, you’ve been in the game too long for that!) and everyone in the audience knew his songs. I was up and dancing when he launched into Love and Happiness. Go head Al!
I really wonder (all the time) will the current crop of rappers be around in 30 years? And will there be people who will actually pay to go see them? I’ll save that for another blog.
I was disappointed when Alicia Keys won over Mary J. Blige for best female artist. I love both, but Mary’s album was just superior to me. I guess I should be happy someone with some talent won. Also, why did Mary not perform? I would have taken her over Rihanna any day.
Lastly, it’s never cute when an overweight person’s stomach is on display. Rick Ross knows he needed to close his shirt during the T-Pain performance. Dang, I sound like my mama!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Kenny Lattimore @ Yoshi's July 3
I began my Fourth of July weekend with one of the most underrated vocalist of my time -- Kenny Lattimore. I purchased tickets to the first of his eight shows at Yoshi's in Jack London Square, Oakland (there's a newly-opened version in San Francisco), and spent the entire week excited about spending an evening with a man whose voice I enjoy listening to.
I love Yoshi's. The venue is intimate and there's not a bad seat in the house. The sound is always perfect and everyone I've seen perform there has always been on point.
I also love Kenny, and this is the first time I've ever seen him live, so the fact that I was blessed with the opportunity to see him at Yoshi's was exhilarating.
From the first note, Kenny had me hooked. "Come to me/Come closer/I'm feeling your love/All over," he sang -- and I sang right along with him (not as loud as I usually do when I go to a live show because, as I stated before, Yoshi's is intimate and I didn't want the couple sitting next to me to say, 'Hey, we came to hear Kenny sing, not you.'
From Come To Me (off his third album Weekend) he moved onto Days Like This (on From The Soul of Man). The transition was seamless and the audience was into him from beginning to end.
Other songs he delved into included Climb the Mountain, Never Too Busy, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know (which sent chills all up and down my spine!) and Beautiful Girl (from the The Best Man soundtrack).
Kenny has a voice that pulls you in and doesn't let go. When he sang "If I ever leave you baby/You can say I told you so/And if I ever hurt/You know I'd hurt myself as well" it felt like he was singing from a personal experience that has stayed with him despite being married for more than seven years.
Nothing is better than seeing an artist sing with so much raw emotion that you feel it in your soul.
Kenny took probably his most well-known song, For You, and sung a different version, which had a more gospel-feel to it. He then launched into the version we all know and love. The show's closer, Weekend, was just what the audience needed to get amped for the drive home.
At the show's end, Yoshi's announced that the first 50 patrons who wanted to stay for the 10 o'clock show would be admitted. Seeing as though my girl and I didn't have to work the next day, we jumped at the opportunity. And I'm so glad we did!
The 10 o'clock show was much better than the 8 o'clock (and lasted a lot longer), and even Kenny alluded to this when he said he rushed through the first show because he was so focused on time. During the short break in between shows, it appeared him and his band (who sounded phenomenal and was easy on a sista's eyes) regrouped and were better prepared this time around.
At the end of his set, Kenny obliged the audience by taking requests (thanks to the sistagirl who asked for my all-time favorite Can't Get Enough from the Love Jones soundtrack). Other requests were Forgiveness, Make Believe and an a cappella version of Well Done. If you haven't heard this song (it's on From the Soul of Man), look it up on iTunes and just imagine what it sounds like sans music.
I won't speak on the woman who sung a duet with him (I think she forgot she was singing with a married man).
In addition to sounding better than his CDs, Kenny is sexy as hell! Yes, that is Chante's (Moore) man, but good lawd he looks delicious in person! He had an engaging personality and the crowd was really into what he had to say.
If Kenny comes to your area, definitely check him out. The money you spend is worth every last cent.
During the show, Kenny said his new album is called Timeless, and should be out soon. (There's are still tickets available for his Yoshi's performance on July 6.)
Because he's married to a fellow singer, he said the couple spent the last few years focusing on Chante's album. Being the loving and supportive husband he is, he plugged her album -- Love the Woman.
I love Yoshi's. The venue is intimate and there's not a bad seat in the house. The sound is always perfect and everyone I've seen perform there has always been on point.
I also love Kenny, and this is the first time I've ever seen him live, so the fact that I was blessed with the opportunity to see him at Yoshi's was exhilarating.
From the first note, Kenny had me hooked. "Come to me/Come closer/I'm feeling your love/All over," he sang -- and I sang right along with him (not as loud as I usually do when I go to a live show because, as I stated before, Yoshi's is intimate and I didn't want the couple sitting next to me to say, 'Hey, we came to hear Kenny sing, not you.'
From Come To Me (off his third album Weekend) he moved onto Days Like This (on From The Soul of Man). The transition was seamless and the audience was into him from beginning to end.
Other songs he delved into included Climb the Mountain, Never Too Busy, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know (which sent chills all up and down my spine!) and Beautiful Girl (from the The Best Man soundtrack).
Kenny has a voice that pulls you in and doesn't let go. When he sang "If I ever leave you baby/You can say I told you so/And if I ever hurt/You know I'd hurt myself as well" it felt like he was singing from a personal experience that has stayed with him despite being married for more than seven years.
Nothing is better than seeing an artist sing with so much raw emotion that you feel it in your soul.
Kenny took probably his most well-known song, For You, and sung a different version, which had a more gospel-feel to it. He then launched into the version we all know and love. The show's closer, Weekend, was just what the audience needed to get amped for the drive home.
At the show's end, Yoshi's announced that the first 50 patrons who wanted to stay for the 10 o'clock show would be admitted. Seeing as though my girl and I didn't have to work the next day, we jumped at the opportunity. And I'm so glad we did!
The 10 o'clock show was much better than the 8 o'clock (and lasted a lot longer), and even Kenny alluded to this when he said he rushed through the first show because he was so focused on time. During the short break in between shows, it appeared him and his band (who sounded phenomenal and was easy on a sista's eyes) regrouped and were better prepared this time around.
At the end of his set, Kenny obliged the audience by taking requests (thanks to the sistagirl who asked for my all-time favorite Can't Get Enough from the Love Jones soundtrack). Other requests were Forgiveness, Make Believe and an a cappella version of Well Done. If you haven't heard this song (it's on From the Soul of Man), look it up on iTunes and just imagine what it sounds like sans music.
I won't speak on the woman who sung a duet with him (I think she forgot she was singing with a married man).
In addition to sounding better than his CDs, Kenny is sexy as hell! Yes, that is Chante's (Moore) man, but good lawd he looks delicious in person! He had an engaging personality and the crowd was really into what he had to say.
If Kenny comes to your area, definitely check him out. The money you spend is worth every last cent.
During the show, Kenny said his new album is called Timeless, and should be out soon. (There's are still tickets available for his Yoshi's performance on July 6.)
Because he's married to a fellow singer, he said the couple spent the last few years focusing on Chante's album. Being the loving and supportive husband he is, he plugged her album -- Love the Woman.
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