June's birthday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

I talked with Doc and Val "Tina Turner" a bit. Halima came by briefly, Doc joked about her walking so fast. I talked with Tina Turner about how her hair had changed every time I had seen her. I said I had noticed that she changed it after Shadonna had the same hair style. She was surprised at how observant I was. When I asked why she didn't have the real Tina Turner's hair style, Doc said she used to. I asked if she sang like Tina Turner, she talked about getting on the mic last week - she said Halima had to turn it on for her. I told her about a guy I know who stalks Ike Turner. Doc left his drink briefly and Stacey asked if it was mine. Archie said he had his eye on me - he wanted to see what I would do.

Shaun, Tim (LJ), Dave, Ray, Sharika, Shadonna, and June were there.

Donnell talked about the birthday celebrations. Donnell mentioned one in particular: "My good friend, former co-worker, Anthony Moten, he was going to celebrate it this week, but he didn't make it." Donnell asked for a moment of silence. People at the bar yelled to get everyone to be silent.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Mother's Day - DP, Mike and Halima were not onstage, Donnell said, "For my man Moten, y'all."
Roosevelt was there.
2) Mike-led John Legend's Ordinary People - Donnell stood on the right by Lorenzo, Mike said, "How's everyone this evening. I hope you feel alright.", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Packy played the Cowbell
3) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Golden Lady - Mike said, "Back to the days of the silver Christmas tree", Mike moved around, Donnell danced and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike went on the dance floor, Nece was there celebrating her birthday, she wore a black dress and a tiara, Mike said, "I love you" (don't know who to)
Shante and Nita were there.
Mike said something to Doc - he shrugged
Mike said, "The main thing we all need to do especially as Black people is to love one another. There was a thing called Katrina that showed the people in charge don't care about us. All we have is each other. They say God travels through music."
Donnell went onstage on the left side
Mike said, "What our forefathers did..."
4) Alternating Mike-led Bernard Ighner's Everything Must Change - Mike said, "They say the revolution won't be televised. The revolution starts here (pointing to his head). Let's do it like this one time.", Another woman pulled Nece away from Donnell and tried to pull her away from Mike, Mike went on the floor, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike had a nice long solo, Halima smiled and clapped, she came on the stage floor and sang backup, Mike said, "Where would you be without God? I'm not a preacher, but in the bible pull that trigger on your brother and... Time is coming.", Halima held her mic stand with both hands as she sang / Halima said, "Sometimes you wonder what's going on inside, your mind makes you hear things you don't want to hear, your heart makes you feel things you didn't know even existed", Donnell stood to the right of the stage, Donnell said, "Go Halima!" / Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine - Halima's singing was excellent, she used a number of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike said, "Alright!"
Halima said, "Good evening everyone. How y'all doing?"
DP went onstage
James was there.
The dance floor filled during
5) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - Halima initially sang, "Ooh, ooh", Donnell did birthday announcements and shout outs, Donnell said, "Gimme the top" and Halima started singing, Donnell said, "I hear you ladies", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, She changed the lyrics to "This is how I look with makeup"
Angie, Tamara, and Nikki were there.
6) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Love U - Donnell said, "You ready Nece?", Mike said, "That's my baby", Donnell said, "I see you Halima", Donnell said, "We got my man Scooby and Tuffy from L!ssen in here", Halima clapped, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", the frontline dance during the hits, Halima smiled
Donnell said, "I don't know birthday, I know I'm forgetting one: June or Sly" Shadonna went up and talked to Donnell.
7) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima went onstage, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, bounced and kicked, DP gave Doc his mic stand, Halima went on the floor, Halima bounced, Halima's singing was excellent, Halima repeated "Don't talk to me", Nece, dancing in front of the stage floor, showed her appreciation for Halima's singing, Halima moved around, there was musical transition ->
8) Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - Mike chanted, "Hey ey", Halima said, "Hey ladies, sometimes you have say, "Don't talk to me", but your heart tells you something different, Halima held her mic to the crowd, Mike said, "Hey Baby" (not sure who to), Scooby sat in - on the left side by the monitor, he used Donnell's mic, Scooby sang, "Whoo hoo" then sang the lyrics, it was nice, Halima smiled, Halima, Mike and Scooby all soloed, Scooby said, "Break it down" to Stomp, girls in the crowd sang along, Halima sang, "So, so, so" / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - Scooby said, "Sing it girl", Halima sang, "I've kissed your lips a thousand times" three times, Halima bounced, Donnell walked past her to pass on a signal to the band, Scooby said, "Thank You Donnell", Donnell said, "Look here y'all, thank my man Scooby from L!ssen. He wanted to be a national act. Nothing wrong with that, we support DC, we want to be a national act. We left Rare Essence. Are you going to be mad at us?"
Donnell announced the line up for the Night of Elegance (Wednesday the night before Thanksgiving): After Hours, Raheem DeVaughn, Mint Condition, Familial Faces (not a mis-spelling) (performing in that order).
Donnell said, "You hear us Nece? You're not going to remember anything tonight, I'll call you tomorrow. She's been drinking... Who's taking care of her? She made me an indecent proposal, whoa!"

Stinky Dink was there.

Second Set
Tiffany G. was there.
1) They started performing the music to Alicia Keys' Unbreakable (or Eddie Kendricks' Intimate Friends) - Donnell said, "Sunday is take your man to Mo's, Ocean Air, Ruth's Chris, or you can cook", Halima went onstage, the rest of the frontline stood in their normal spots / Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Tiffany G. stood to the left of Mike (his right), Donnell said, "You ready?", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell went onstage to the left of Halima and danced, Halima moved around and grabbed her stomach, Donnell went back on the floor, Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell said, "Come on with it Halima", Donnell said, "Happy birthday to all the Libras, Libras put your hands up"
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Tiffany G. danced behind Mike, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell called someone, "Solid Gold dancers", there was a nice crank, Mike said, "Get on down Nikki", Halima danced, Donnell said, "Where's the old school at?"
Lima was there, she had changed her hair.
Tracy S. was there.
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Donnell said, "Hey look"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Halima danced
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Donnell said, "Come on with it, girl", Halima went on the floor, Halima waited while a guy talked to Donnell, the crowd sang along, Halima's singing was excellent, Halima bounced and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, DP shouted, "Yeah!", Halima moved around, Donnell said, "I see you Tina Turner", DP shouted, "Yeah!", Halima repeated, "off my"
6) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - (I should note that Donnell starts singing this song - a verbal start signal essentially and Mike takes over the lead), Donnell said, "Let's get it going y'all", Donnell said, "One more time Michael Muse", Donnell called out names, Donnell said, "By yourself ladies", The ladies did sing it, Mike, Donnell and Halima danced, DP bounced, Donnell shouted, "Yeah!"
7) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Donnell started off with "Hold the note y'all" and held his fist up, Halima smiled, Donnell called out names, Nikki danced on the stage floor, Halima clapped, Donnell said, "Dwayne Lee" and Dwayne took a solo
8) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell called out names, Halima rapped and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Gimme the Woo", Halima and Mike sang, "Woo", Donnell said, "Next verse Halima", Donnell said, "Oh, oh, oh", Halima moved around, smiled and clapped
9) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - "It is what it is, it's just a matter of time", Donnell and Halima used a lot of lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Tiffany G. mimed singing, Donnell said, "Are you ready Tamara? Do you want to go back or go forward?", he showed how she could indicate it by pointing her thumb one way or the other, Halima went onstage in front of Godfather
Tamara indicated back.
10) Donnell-led Rare Essences' One on One (Footz version) - the band and fans put their hands in the air, the crowd shouted, "Go-Go Mickey", he sat in (I hadn't seen him until people shouted his name), Donnell said, "What y'all say?", a fan sang choruses from Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) (tease), Donnell said, "Godfather", Donnell sang, "These faces are familiar"
11) Mike-led Rare Essence's Take Me Out to the Go-Go - the fans started singing first, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Some guy was hitting on Tiffany G. from the dance floor
12) Go-Go Mickey solo - the crowd shouted, "Go-Go Mickey" really loudly, Donnell said, "Say what? What y'all say? Mick-ay", Donnell said to someone, "Hey baby, you got the wrong one", Halima danced
13) Rare Essence's Body Snatchers - instrumental, Donnell said, "Look here y'all, we're getting ready to get on up out of here"
Donnell said, "Come on with it Godfather"
14) Rare Essence's Oprah Winfrey - instrumental / Mike-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Halima smiled, Go-Go Mickey switched to the timbales, Mike sang, "Girl rock my world" twice, Donnell said, "Old school", Donnell said, "One more time Michael Muse", Mike stared at a woman dancing hyperactively in front of the monitor, "Doing Da Butt" was part of the lyrics
15) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima went on the dance floor, Donnell shouted, "What", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, her singing was energetic, Go-Go Mickey played timbales and Smoke played congas
16) Donnell & Halima-led Minnie Riperton's Memory Lane - different beat, Donnell said, "Look here y'all we're getting ready to get on up of out of here", Donnell then Halima sang, Donnell said, "Right there Halima, come on with it", Donnell said, "Each and every Wednesday night back down memory lane", Halima's singing was excellent, Donnell said, "Look here y'all we're getting ready to get on up of out of here", Donnell sang it acapella
I noticed an unopened condom on the floor between the monitor and Donnell's mic stand. I pointed it out to Donnell and Mike.
Stinka was there.
Donnell said, "Thanks for coming through Mickey, thanks for coming through Stinky Dink."
Archie asked Donnell if he called him Sweet Archie, Donnell denied it. I had earlier teased Archie about it. Donnell did call him that, but I am sure he didn't mean to.

Saturday at the Tradewinds
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

I asked Lorenzo about playing in the Millions More Movement. He said he had played all day. I joked that he only played one note, that he had one of those birds with the liquid that just go down.

Shante, Stacey, Tiffany, Arielle and Tracy were there.

Halima wore a formal black dress with a gold jacket.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - sound check
Shawn, James, and Los were there.
Donnell said "Tomorrow, 2519 Pennsylvania Avenue. If you got somebody, get them down here so we can get..."
Donnell shouted, "Yeah!"
2) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about y'all", Donnell said, "Uh uh, let's go, come on with it y'all, come on with it Smoke", Donnell bounced, there was a nice crank, Donnell said, "Wait a minute y'all", they played a sound from the keyboard or drum machine, Halima went onstage, a guy asked me if I worked the PA, Donnell said, "Someone tell me how old Shay (spelling?) is, she won't tell me".
Tijuana, Shameika, and 6'9 were there.
Donnell said, "A new PA is coming out"
3) Long instrumental transition - Halima danced and smiled, she went back on the floor / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Jennifer went and told Donnell how old Shay was, Donnell said, "I know how old she is now", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Right there, Mike", Donnell shouted, "Yeah" repeatedly, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Archie Paige was there.
Donnell said, "We're going to warm it up"
4) Donnell-led "__ Is in the house"
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima and Mike posed at the appropriate times, Halima sang, "Oh my God!", Halima went onstage
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute", Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike and Donnell bounced, Halima really go into it with her singing, Halima went on the floor, Halima bounced
The two light skinned girls from Wednesday, Tiffany G. and Lima, were there.
8) They started performing the music to Alicia Keys' Unbreakable (or Eddie Kendricks' Intimate Friends) - Donnell went onstage and then back on the floor, Donnell said, "I think it's a little warm tonight" / Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Donnell said, "Come on with it baby", Donnell went onstage and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Donnell said, "Sing it ladies" and they did
Val "Tina Turner" was there.
9) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Donnell went onstage and threw a towel at Stomp, Halima smiled, Halima sang backup, Donnell called out names, Donnell said, "By yourself ladies", Donnell went on the floor and held his mic to the crowd, Halima sang, Donnell said, "One more time, by yourself ladies", there was a nice crank, Halima danced onstage
10) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Donnell started it with, "Hold the note, y'all", Donnell said, "Don't do that Kay Kay", Donnell said, "RE Angie is in the building", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima laughed, Donnell said, "Dwayne Lee, Hey Smoke" before their solos, Donnell danced, Donnell said of some girl, "I see you dancing, you can't hide from me girl", Mike said something I couldn't hear, / Sade's No Ordinary Love (tease) - Donnell said, "Now that I tell you, now that I got ya"
Nita was there.
Halima went on the floor.
11) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - Donnell said, "I hear you ladies", Donnell said, "Come on with it, Yeah!", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima sang "Baby, baby" three times, Halima smiled, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Come on Halima", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima moved around / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa - Donnell said, "That what we're talking about Trinidad, That's what we're talking about baby", Donnell said, "Come on with it Halima" and they went back to Hollaback Girl
Janetta, Tiffany F., and Shadonna were there.
12) Alternating Donnell-led It Is What It Is - "It is what it is, It's just a matter of time, 06 is mine, Now who's the best, I want the best to contest me", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima went onstage, Kay Kay went on the floor and sang backup / Kay Kay rapped - her hair is still dyed red, but she wore different sunglasses, not her "diva glasses"
Donnell said, "Look at my baby, Kay Kay, wearing apple bottom jeans. I remember when she was a little round thing from the hood. Slow down, you stirred them up"
13) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike sang to Tiffany G., but Tiffany F. also responded, Donnell went onstage with his Sax Donnell said Sunday's show would be 7 - 10:30. "You can leave drink before you go to work, not you 6'9, no free drinks for you. Dallas fans can go back and put on their hats and jerseys for a week, Sorry n*ggers".

Doc talked about Lorenzo's red eyes. Lorenzo spent most of the break on his cell. DP talked about how BJ used to take calls while playing. He commented on how he couldn't have possibly been able to hear. I can understand that. I tried to listen to the MD game when I went to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, but gave up because I couldn't hear.

Packy talked about me sandwiching last night.

I asked Charlie if he could have taken Stomp. He said yes, he wouldn't enjoy giving him a beat down, but he would do it. He would take him to dinner afterwards.

Mike talked about Tiffany G. and her friend Lima.

Second Set
Donnell said to a woman, "I should have played that in the first half, but you weren't here".
Donnell said of the female Cranberries owner who was in attendance, "Cranberries owner made me buy her a drink, I come to Cranberries and pay full price and they kicked us out".
DP said to a woman, "He ain't going to play that."
1) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's What Would You Do for the Money? - Donnell said, "She gave me fifty dollars to sing it", Mike called him a man ho, Donnell said, "Give me another fifty dollars and I'll sing another song. I'll do anything for fifty dollars, right?" Mike said he was a cheap man ho.
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Halima went onstage then returned to the floor, Donnell said, "Come on with it, Michael Muse", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell went onstage, Halima danced, James sang backup on Doc's mic (just this song), Halima smiled, I danced with the girl (I later discovered her name is Mia, she's a bartender at Cranberries) I had meant to dance with a few weeks ago, the owner of Cranberries, who knows her, had me tap her butt first, the girl obviously didn't want to dance with me, nor did her three friends (all young), Mike said, "Get down Jordan" as a I danced with her
Mama Chelle was there.
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Halima rapped, Donnell called out names, Donnell said, "Come on Halima", Donnell said, "Where you at Kay Kay?", Kay Kay rapped with Donnell's mic onstage (She just sat in this song this set), Donnell said, "Give me the woo"
JoJo was there.
4) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Stomp played the dialtone while the frontline did the bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, JoJo danced behind Doc like last week, Halima went onstage, Tiffany F. went to grab my notes, I hugged her and got them back then danced with her
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima's singing was energetic, Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Let's go Mama Chelle", Donnell said, "That's what I'm talking about Halima". Donnell shouted, "Yeah", Mike said, "What you say, baby?", Donnell said, "Slow down baby, this ain't what we do", there was a nice crank
6) Donnell-led "Tired yet, ready to quit?" - Donnell went onstage
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Stomp played the drum machine, Donnell chanted, "Oh yeah!"
8) Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby (tease) - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Fun withya, done withya", Donnell said, "Look out we got to get on up out of here"
9) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - "It is what it is, I'm on my way baby" - Donnell said, "This is the cool out song"
10) Mike-led Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It - Donnell said, "Looking good, Cousin Archie.", Donnell said, "Listen up, we're going to have this put on the streets.", I noticed a guy sitting on the right speaker, Halima smiled, there was nice percussion / Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (instrumental tease)
Donnell said, "We're going to put this on the streets. Cheese and scrambled eggs, a lot jam in that jelly."
The four young girls, particularly Mia, talked with Omar. Mia wore a white tank top with a picture of Bob Marley on the front.
Tiffany F. again tried to steal my notes, but I just hugged her. She tried to get behind Archie.
I asked Janetta when she was going to dance with me, she said next week.
When I hugged Tiffany F., Donnell said, "You're making me jealous, that's my baby Mama"
Donnell said, "It's just a matter of time".

This performance was released as a Live PA on November 18th.

CD 1 55:13
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again / percussion solo 8:30
2) Long instrumental transition / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down / Donnell-led "__ Is in the house" / Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" / Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" 8:37
3) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized 6:33
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable 3:38
5) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You / Donnell-led Hold the Note / Donnell-led Sade's No Ordinary Love (tease) 7:56
6) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa 5:31
7) Alternating Donnell-led It Is What It Is / Kay Kay rapped 4:11
8) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself 10:15

CD 2 44:45
1) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me 10:34
2) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Kay Kay sat in 6:33
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes 8:23
4) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That / Donnell-led "Tired yet, ready to quit?" 6:04
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great / Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby (tease) 5:33
6) Donnell-led It Is What It Is / Mike-led Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It / percussion solo / Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (instrumental tease) 7:36

Donnell Floyd Jr.'s birthday at Safari Steakhouse
Safari Steakhouse, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

They used Reo's sound system tonight. Tee Bone said hello to me.

I talked with Doc about how I had heard today that Rich Harrison was in a GoGo band; Perfection Band. He insisted he had told me that before. He hadn't read the recent article in the post on Rich Harrison, but did remember him playing keyboards.

Sharon was there. I talked with her in the lounge. She's thirty-four. She told me again about her having a birthday celebration at Tradewinds on the 22nd. She introduced me to her friends, both old school and new school. The younger one was twenty-seven. I told Sharon about Danielle and her birthday. Sharon told me about going to see TCB with her eighteen year old sister. I asked her if she beat her feet; she danced for me. Sharon's purse was on a chair, Stomp sat in the next chair. She was going to leave the room, she told him not to mess with her purse. I assured her as long as it wasn't food, she had nothing to fear from Stomp. She told Stomp if he messed with her purse she would get - showing a number on her cell, to take care of him. It was Charlie's number. Stomp called him on his cell and they both talked with Charlie. Sharon was with a man, she introduced him as her husband on Saturday. I asked Stomp if Charlie could take him. He said, "He knows better..."

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "Welcome everybody, three sets, this is the happy hour set"
1) Anthony Hamilton's Comin' from Where I'm From - instrumental
2) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Didn't Cha Know - Halima sang, "Doh, doh", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Halima improved - it was different, she was really into it, Mike said, "Lordy, Miss Halima".
Googie arrived and worked on the sound.
Mike said, "Welcome to another Friday night at Safari. Thank you for spending time with us this Friday."
3) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You - Donnell said, "Come on with it", Halima smiled, Mike left the stage
Shadonna was there.
Donnell said, "This is happy hour still, wait while we get this thing warmed up."
Donnell said, "What happened to Michael Muse, did you quit on us?"
4) Halima-led Jill Scott's Golden - Mike went onstage, Donnell said, "You ready Shadonna? What made you think I was talking about you?", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, bounced and moved around, Donnell said, "Right there Halima, right there Smoke", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Halima sang, "Hey, heyah", her singing was frenetic, Halima sang, "Yeah!"
Shaun was there.
Halima said, "Hey, this is a song for the ladies. How are you? So glad to see you. This is a song from the ladies to the men. Sometimes we have to say it, but we don't know how to."
5) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima's singing was excellent, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, bounced, and moved around, Halima sang, "Yey, yeah!", Halima sang, "Talk to me baby, baby", Omar sang along - I told him Halima will make him into a backup singer, he said no.
6) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - Halima launched right into it, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, she went to the edge of the stage, she moved around, there was distortion in one of the speakers, Halima said, "Let's break it down for a bit, okay ladies? I need some audience participation. You do know what happens sometimes; your heart is saying one thing, your mind is saying another thing.", Halima went on the dance floor to talk to a guy, a girl asked me what I'm writing, Mike said, "She just wants to hear you say I'm sorry. 'Baby, I'm sorry' All I want you to do baby." / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - Halima repeated the lines, Mike said, "Randy Watson"
Danielle (Wellfhed) and Kato were there.
Donnell said, "Ten for ten, nine for one. Where you at, Flava?"

I talked with Danielle about owing me a lap dance.

Peg Leg told me, "That was a great show last night."

Second Set
Peg Leg, Donnell Jr. and Derek Floyd were there.
Donnell said, "My son Donnell Jr. is celebrating his birthday. He's just a child. He's just a little boy, he thinks he's a man, but he's a little boy. I beat his ass when he was wearing my sh*t. He's got little kids with him. I hate when Nephew's right."
Donnell said, "Special dedication to everyone who came out to the Fur Sunday"
Kiki and Cindy were there.
1) Instrumental intro / Mike-led Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You - Halima played on one of the congas, Halima smiled, Donnell said, "Got my other son up here.", Donnell said, "Hey kids"
James was there.
2) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy (tease) - intro / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Donnell said, "That's my Kiki, Sweet Cindy up in here y'all", Halima danced and clapped, Donnell clapped, Mike said, "Sweet Shadonna", Donnell and Halima danced
3) They started performing the music to Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima shouted, "Yeah!" repeatedly / 6 Minutes percussion solo - there was a nice crank, Stomp played on the drum machine, Donnell said, "Don't nobody say nothing", Halima danced / Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute", Donnell said, "Smoke, come on with it y'all", Donnell said, "Let's have it", Halima moved around, used a lot nonverbal arm & hand gestures, and bounced, there was a nice crank, Donnell said, "What y'all say, they getting ready"
4) Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
5) Donnell-led "Da na ah, We got the __"
6) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell did a shout out to Peg Leg
7) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
8) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima posed and danced, Mike posed, Halima said, "Oh my God!" on the mic
9) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Halima danced, Donnell did lots of names - Tony, Sharon, Cowbell, etc.
10) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima sang, "Baby, baby" repeatedly, Halima moved around and bounced, Halima clapped during the hits, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima grabbed her mic stand
11) Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally / Rare Essence's Spotlight - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal gestures, Donnell said, "Hey look" / Rare Essence's Get on the Wagon?
12) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease) Donnell said, "Old school"
13) Donnell-led Vinnie D's Porno Star (tease) - "reputation"
14) Mike-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease) - Doc laughed because Donnell made a mistake, Donnell said, "One more time, old school", Donnell said, "Old school", Donnell said, "Godfather", Donnell said, "We're going to play some old school. Get you youngsters here, don't belong up in here, not old enough, let's hear the word"
15) Mike-led Rare Essence's Take Me Out to the Go-Go - Donnell said, "Sing it Michael Muse", Donnell said, "One more time, Michael Muse", Donnell said, "Old school"
Blak was there.
16) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Freak A Deak All Night Long
17) Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - Every one held their hands up, Halima and Donnell danced
18) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Donnell said, "Old school", Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about Trinidad, 58", Donnell said, "Up at Tripples", Donnell, Mike, and Halima clapped, Donnell said, "Godfather", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Shawn was there.
19) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease in a literal sense)
I danced with Sharon during the set.
Tiffany F. was there.
Mike said, "What you say, Blak?"
6'9 and RE Angie were there.

I went in the lounge and talked with Danielle (Wellfhed). Danielle said she looked for me in the second set. I told her that I was on the dance floor. She said, "You're never on the dance floor." Danielle, Kato, Mike and I talked. Danielle asked Mike about being on the board. He said he was The Ass Man. Danielle didn't believe him after first until we talked about his website.

I talked with Doc and Dwayne. Dwayne had read the Rich Harrison article. I told him that Jimi Blake is doing another documentary.

I talked with Sharon's younger friend and grinded with her a little.

I asked Tony how he celebrated his birthday.

Third Set
Stomp danced to "the Percolator". Donnell and DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) made fun of him. Flava said to him, "Send you down to EDS". Stomp reacted. Donnell said, "One more time so he can do that dumb sh*t."
They performed the music to Fantasia's Free Yourself during warm ups.
Donnell said, "If you only heard one set, must have got here late. We have three sets starting at 11:15"
1) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Donnell said, "You think you're loud enough, got the keyboard loud enough?", Donnell did a shout out to Darrell from 20th St, Donnell said, "6'9 came from somewhere else, RE Angie is in the house", Donnell said of someone, "I see you doing that Baltimore sh*t", there was a nice crank, Kiki danced back to back with me but balked when I danced front to back and then another girl danced with me, she said "Are you cheating on me?" and grinded with me
2) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell and fans held up lit cell phones, Donnell said, "Let's go Halima", Halima rapped, Donnell and Mike danced, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Hey Michael Muse, give me the woo", Mike and Halima sang "Ooh, ooh", Mike sang something I didn't hear, Halima said, "I like that", Donnell said, "Next verse Halima", Donnell called out names, Donnell went over and talked to Godfather
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Since Tiffany F. wouldn't dance with me, I danced with her and held my arms up, the frontline, Doc, Dwayne and Packy danced the bowing dance / Donnell-led Notorious BIG's Warning - Donnell said, "Hey Jay Gotti", Donnell and Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike, Halima and Donnell danced, Jay Gotti went on stage / Donnell-led Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) - Donnell Jr. and Derek Floyd went onstage, Donnell gave his mic to Jay Gotti / Jay Gotti rapped - Mike bent over the monitors to watch a girl grind with a security guard / Derek Floyd rapped - Peg Leg was really into it, he tapped on my shoulder and really showed his appreciation, Derek & Donnell Jr. did backup vocals not on the mic during this medley
Jay Gotti left the stage
4) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima's singing was energetic, Donnell said, "Y'all ready? One more time Halima", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Let's go Halima, Let's sing y'all", Halima moved around, Donnell and his sons danced, Halima bounced
5) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - "Huh huh, Not yet, It is what it is, It's just a matter of time, 06 is mine, whose the best, up to contest me, D-Floyd is my name, that's good, I'm on my way", Halima smiled, Donnell said, "Hey Smoke", nice percussion solo, Halima danced
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Donnell said, "Let's go for real this time" - Halima, Donnell Jr., and Derek Floyd danced, Donnell said, "Hey Godfather", Smoke played timbales, Jacques played congas, Halima smiled and clapped, Donnell went over and talked to Godfather, Halima danced at the edge of the stage, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about Trinidad"
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - full lyrics, Donnell said, "RE Angie, she's working it", RE Angie danced in front of the drum with her back to the audience
8) Donnell-led Dem Franchise Boyz? I Think They Like Me - "I think she like me", a girl danced between two monitors in front of Donnell
9) Mike-led Lap Dance - Donnell said, "Look here y'all, we're getting ready to get on up out of here", there was a nice crank, Jacques played timbales, Donnell chanted, "Swing your body girl", Mike and Halima chanted, "Swing", Donnell called out "Hey DP" before DP soloed
Derek Floyd said to me, "I told you!" His rapping voice wasn't what I had expected.
Mama Chelle and Shorty Q were there.
Donnell said, "Derek Potts, owner of Cranberries, they threw us out".
Donnell said, "Don't lie to me". Donnell talked about Mike talking with a girl. He said, "Sing to her." Some said, "Michael Muse is wack." Donnell said, "Mike that's old school rapping."
Donnell started to sing, then said, "Who turned off this off, someone's going to get fired!"
I sat in Tiffany F.'s lap and another girl sat in mine. I got a lap dance as I gave Tiffany F. one. Mike's eyes went wide.
10) Donnell acapella Lap Dance
I talked with Patrick, the other security guard I see all the time. I asked his name, he said, "Tony." I said, "I know that's not true." Tony told me, "Mario."

Thursday at the Fur
Fur Night Club, 33 Patterson St NE, Washington, DC 20002

I parked. While walking up Patterson St, I said hello to Vincent. Packy said hello to me from the back seat of a van as I passed by.

A woman stood ahead of me in line. She wore a pink jacket and had long black curly hair. She talked to the bouncers about being a VIP. Mike Muse came up behind me and they let us all in. Mike said, "Aren't you going to go in?" Lorenzo drove by as we walked in.

Donnell wore his black riding cap. That's obviously a fall/winter weather thing.

Cindy, Kiki, and Peg Leg were there.

Stomp danced while Smoke warmed up on the congas.

Mike Smith was there with a friend of his named Tony Ray Ray. Mike had a blue fishing cap on; Tony had a camouflage cap on. Tony had a really firm grip.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said "There was a miscommunication, everyone is on their way" - he had told us at rehearsal the start time was 12:15 when he meant 11:15.
DP was not there tonight.
1) Mike-led I Dreamed You - Mike said, "Find that special love, if you find that love tonight, you are fortunate"
Mike said, "Once again I want to thank you for coming out this Thursday evening especially those who have to get up and work tomorrow."
Donnell did announcements.
2) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Lisa, the Rare Essence and FF fan who I'd never seen smile was there.
3) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Donnell said, "Come on Halima", Donnell shouted, "Yeah! Uh huh.", Donnell said, "Almost there, baby", Donnell said, "What you say Mike? What's up Mike?" not sure if he meant Mike Muse or Mike Smith as Mike Smith and his friend Tony danced together on the dance floor, Donnell moved around, Halima danced facing the band
4) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - Halima started off singing "Ooh", Halima danced, Donnell said, "We're trying to get this thing warmed up here", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Mike Smith", Halima sang, "Ooh, ooh, ooh", Halima sang, "Ey, ey", Donnell & Halima said, "Gimme the top", Mike Smith danced right in front of Halima & Donnell, Mike Muse and Donnell bounced, Halima moved around, Donnell bounced, the frontline danced, there was a different beat
5) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Halima moved around, Halima sang, "Hoh!", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima said, "How you doin', y'all, You got it.", Halima smiled, Donnell said, Right there Smoke, Right there Stomp", Donnell said of a light skinned guy wearing a pink baseball cap, "Mike, that's the other Whiteboy"
6'9 was there.
6) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Halima danced, Donnell said, "Who's the professor... with the best, it is what it is..."
7) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Donnell said, "One more time, Michael Muse", Donnell called out names, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell and Halima bounced, the frontline danced, Mike said, "I don't know", Donnell said, "Michael Muse"
8) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Donnell, Halima, and DP bounced, Mike and Halima danced, Donnell bounced, Donnell called out names, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal gestures, Donnell did some while chanting "Wait a minute", Halima smiled, Donnell said, "Dwayne Lee, hey Smoke", Mike sang something - Sam & Dave's Soul Man?, there was a nice crank
Donnell said, "Ten for ten... We got here a little late, next week (actually the week after next) 11:15".
I told Doc it was definitely Michael Hampton on the DVD. We discussed with Donnell the wrong time he gave us for tonight's show.

Go-Go Mickey and Jay Gotti were there. There were fifty some people in the audience.

I went over and talked to Doc, Dwayne and Halima. Halima wore boots. Doc talked about which women were my type. He pointed out a woman with a phat butt. Doc said 6'9 knows everyone. I told Doc about Ytee thinking Kiki was Adia. He said she does look like Adia. I told Doc I have a lot of types I like.

Lisa was there, waiting for food. Packy talked with her and then I talked with her, I told her I had never seen her smile.

Second Set
Donnell said, "Mike used to be in the sopranos and altos".
Donnell said, "We won't be here next Thursday, but every Thursday after that".
1) Mike-led Frank Sinatra's Theme from New York, New York (tease)
2) Doc-led Sativa's Something Stank (tease)
Donnell said, "Ladies and gentlemen at the Tropicana..."
Halima bounced.
Mike completed Donnell's sentence referring to Halima as "Lola Fontaine."
3) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Where you at Mickey" repeatedly, Go-Go Mickey sat in on congas, Donnell said, "Godfather", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Halima danced, Mike said, "That's my man Mike Smith", Donnell said, "Hey Godfather", Donnell chanted, "Mick-ay" repeatedly, Mike couldn't hear, Donnell chanted, "Trans-Europe Express" / Doc-led Sativa's Something Stank (tease), Mike said, "It's no party without 6'9"
4) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell held up his lit cell phone, some fans held up lit lighters, Halima rapped, Packy held up drumsticks, Donnell talked to Mickey, who was no longer sitting in, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Halima said, "Stacey, 6'9", Halima sang, "Ooh", Donnell said, "Halima, Mike give me the woo" twice, Halima danced
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Halima went on the steps, Donnell watched her dancing and said, "That's Sweet Halima", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, bounced and clapped / "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded, Mike and Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima watched herself dancing in the door, Donnell moved around, Mike sang, "Ooh", Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute", Stomp played a dialtone and the frontline danced the bowing dance (even Halima on the steps) / Notorious BIG's Warning - Mike said, "That's my man 6'9", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal gestures and danced, Donnell said, "Hey Tony, It's your birthday", "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell went over to Stomp, Donnell toweled off, Halima came down to the stage, "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima danced / Tupac's Hail Mary (tease) / "Hey... Say what"
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima's singing was energetic, Halima moved around, Halima and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima sang to Tony, "It's your birthday", a woman danced with me from behind and Kiki danced with me in front
7) Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
8) 6 Minutes percussion solo - Donnell said, "Don't nobody say nothing"
Donnell said, "We're getting ready to get on up out of here."
9) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima danced, bounced, used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Donnell smiled at her dancing, girls screamed, Halima smiled, Donnell said, "Put it in the pocket, I haven't seen a rap like that since the O'Jays, Eddie Levert"
10) Donnell-led Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp Donnell said, "Goodnight y'all".
Nikki and Whitie were there.
I went over to Lisa and asked to see her smile and she did.

Donnell said, "She's taking her mic home with her, she's that professional. Call her LL Cool Halima. We'll get her a tattoo of a mic." Halima pointed to her left upper arm, but Donnell said, "In her armpit, she's funky like that." Halima laughed.

The same guy who had asked me for money Sunday asked me again as I walked to my car.

Black Heart's birthday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

I talked with Lorenzo. I told him my computer crashed; he said it would come back. I talked about Wayne Short'ers performance at the Sylvan Amphitheatre on October 1st. He said he had played with Wayne Shorter and knew his wife. He said he thinks she left him. I said, "Because he's shorter?" I don't know if Lorenzo referred to Wayne Shorter's late wife Anna Maria, who died in 1996 aboard Paris-bound flight TWA 800, or his more recent wife Carolina Shorter.

Tim (LJ), Donnell Jr., Nita, Michon, Shaun, and Tamara were there.

I let in Halima. Halima had a flower in her hair.

Doc talked to me about the PFunk Documentary, One Nation Under Groove and whether Eddie Hazel or Michael Hampton played lead guitar on Cosmic Slop in the Houston 1976 concert on DVD. (It was Michael Hampton, Hazel only played on a studio track for Mothership Connection.)

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) The band performed Quincy Jones' Sanford & Son theme during warm up.
Darrell was there. I asked him why he hadn't been out much lately.
2) Anthony Hamilton's Comin' from Where I'm From - instrumental
Donnell said, "Where you at Halima. Halima singing this Sunday and every Sunday at the National Grille with half the band."
Halima said, "A funny thing happened to me tonight. She talked about having had her drawers gone through and asked the audience if they had similar experiences, reading what you wrote (in your diary), etc."
Donnell said something and then said to Halima, "I'm not breaking your concentration?" Donnell went onstage on the right side (where Godfather sits) with his horns
Halima continued her talk on the dance floor.
Donnell said, "Sing it, baby!"
3) Halima-led Whitney Houston's You Give Good Love - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced, she moved around the dance floor and the stage floor, Tamara sang back up, Halima's singing was excellent, Michon took pictures, Halima thanked Tamara for singing backup and said, "I always let you do your thing, whether it's singing your songs or whatever."
Tracy Smoot and Archie Paige were there.
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Diary - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, her singing was excellent
Ray was there.
5) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima stood onstage, she said, "I want to be tall, this song makes me feel big.", Mike gave the verse signal, Halima went on the floor then the dance floor, she kicked up her leg, she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, her singing was excellent, Halima bounced and danced, Donnell went on the floor ->
6) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - Halima's singing was excellent, Halima and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease)
Mike shouted, "Yeah!" and Halima said, "Thank you."
Mike said, "I guess everyone is in a love mood, right Paulette?"
Halima laughed.
Mike said, "Welcome everyone to Takoma Station, if nobody else tells you I love you, I will".
Halima laughed.
7) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike said, "That's how much I love you baby, I love you from the bottom, I love you from the top", Godfather replaced Donnell onstage, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, he went on the dance floor, Donnell went onstage
8) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro, Halima went on the floor / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Mike and Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "We're trying to get this party warmed up on behalf of Jauhar Abraham, Mike Come on with it", Donnell said, "Let's go Tamara, Let Go T", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell said, "You better dance, you better get with it, right there Mike, right there Smoke", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!"
Arielle was there.
The dance floor filled for
9) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Donnell said, "You hear me, Mike?", Mike danced, Halima bounced.
Angie was there.
Donnell said, "Ghingus is in the house y'all. I see my man Sixx, where you at Sixx?"
A member of TCB, wearing a black TCB varsity jacket was also there.
10) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Stars Be Partyin' - Donnell did announcements: "Each and every Wednesday night...", Halima and Mike danced, there was a nice crank, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about Wheeler Road, That's what were talking about Trinidad", Stomp played the drum machine, Donnell said, "It won't be long, before I..."
Donnell said, "Sixx did you have these problems with Stomp? Come here Ghingus, I want to ask you about Stomp."

I teased Nita and told her she needed to get down, especially considering the black jacket she wore. She said she was going to leave after the first set but stayed for the whole performance.

It was raining when we went outside during the break. Mike talked with Stinky Dink and a minister. I told Mike about my computer crashing, he said it was God. I told him I had emailed him at his hotmail address. He asked where I got that info, I told him it was in the registration for his site. He asked if I knew his shoe size too. In the gas station, Mike joked about me having buried five bodies. Dwayne said something to me and I said, "You could be the sixth." They asked where they were buried, I said at a house in Manassas (where Doc lives). I told them about some serial killer in Canada that kept burying bodies closer and closer to his house. Doc said he'd have no problem turning me in (as if there would be any reason to!) I said I'd never even had a passport. Doc said, "I bet you haven't". He implied I didn't need one, I had other means. Lorenzo bought a big bag of stuff. We got into Doc's SUV and listened to a recording.

Second Set
Ray, Nikki, and 6'9 were there.
1) Donnell acapella "DC n*ggers, oh my my..." - warm up
Black Heart was there, celebrating his birthday at midnight.
Donnell did a birthday shout out to Tony, the security guard. Donnell said, "He's working, don't buy him any drinks."
The two hot light skinned women from September 28th were there.
Donnell said, "Special dedication to everyone who came to the Fur on Sunday".
Donnell said, "My man Ray, my man Stinky Dink."
Donnell said, "Each and every Wednesday night on behalf of Jauhar Abraham..."
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Mike said, "I'm going to dance with...", Donnell said, "My man Stinky Dink", Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about Tata, Hey Jacques, Hey Smoke, Come on with it Mike"
Shawn and Jennifer were there.
Donnell said, "Where you at, Sweet Halima? She's going to do something for the ladies."
3) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Halima moved around, the rest of the frontline bounced, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Mike and Donnell held their mics to the crowd
5) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Halima danced
6) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Donnell said, "Special dedication to my baby Stacey", a woman said, "Excuse me" to me and as she passed by me, she adjusted my collar, Halima moved around, Halima bounced and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", the crowd clapped during the hits, the crank started, Halima bounced, the horn hits were pronounced, Mike said, "Get all the way to the ground", Halima smiled
7) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell held up his lit cell phone, Halima held up a lit lighter, Halima smiled, Donnell said, "Let's go Halima", Halima rapped, Donnell called out names, Halima moved around and smiled, the frontline danced, the frontline danced, Halima danced
8) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about 58, Wheeler Road", Halima mimed, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima danced, Mike and DP bounced, the frontline danced the bowing dance as did some people on the dance floor while Stomp played a dialtone, Halima flapped her cloth / Notorious BIG's Warning - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced, DP bounced, Halima went onstage, Halima danced / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) - there were different echoes of Donnell, Stomp again played a dialtone / "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell bounced, Donnell shouted, "Yeah!" three times, there was a different echo, Donnell signaled to Halima and she returned to the floor
9) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - the crowd sang along, Donnell said, "Let's go, Halima", Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, one of the light skin girls (I later found out her name is Tiffany G.) danced in front of Mike on the stage floor, Halima moved to the edge of the monitors, Halima went onstage, her singing was energetic, Lima (the other light skinned girl) danced on the dance floor facing Donnell
10) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - it went dark then the lights came back on, Donnell said, "One more time, Michael Muse", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell called out names, Donnell said, "By yourself ladies, by yourself", Donnell & DP held their mics to the crowd, Halima danced
Shante was there.
11) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Donnell called out names, Lima danced with her back to Tiffany G., Dwayne bounced, Halima and Lorenzo smiled
Trina Boo was there.
12) Donnell-led "Now that I... Familiar Faces" - Jauhar went behind Donnell, Halima clapped along
13) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally / Rare Essence's Spotlight - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima smiled, Donnell went onstage / Rare Essence's Get on the Wagon?
Stinka was there.
14) Alternating Donnell & Mike-led Lisa Stansfield's All Round the World (tease) - Donnell said, "Old school yeah!", Donnell said, "One more time, Michael Muse" / Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease) / Vinnie D's Porno Star?
Donnell said, "New School".
15) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Donnell used lots of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Smoke whipped Doc with a towel, Donnell said, "Look here y'all, we're getting ready to get out of here."
Donnell said, "Where you at, Stinky Dink?"
Donnell said, "Come on man, hey Whitie!"
16) Whitie rapped - he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced
17) Stinky Dink-led One Track Mind - Whitie was on backup vocals, "Gotcha getting, Rickety Raw", Halima and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Whitie shouted, "Yeah!"
Donnell said, "Old school, new school"
18) Donnell-led Common's The Corner - the sample and Donnell rapping
Donnell said Mike was Champ Bailey. I said, "What about Fred Smoot." Donnell said, "You mean and the whores?"
Donnell said, "Jauhar, good luck with that, let me know how that goes." Donnell said to the woman, "Please date him, he's the owner of a lonely heart." Tracy asked me to get Donnell to stop talking, but I said that's not possible.
Donnell said, "Mike is rapping. He sealed it with a kiss. That's an old school move. He gave her the ultimate kiss." Mike talked to Tiffany G. and kissed her on the cheek.
Mike said, "The wedding is in six months."
Donnell said, "Cherry to the chapel."
Donnell said to the crowd, "If you haven't got the number yet, it's too late."
Packy said, "She's cheating". Tiffany G. talked to a guy named Bobby Ray who wore a Redskins jersey. Donnell said, "Bobby Ray about to intercept. Too many men on the field. He's running it back. Hey Mike, you still got to tackle. He threw what looked like a perfect pass. You went from quarterback to safety.
19) Donnell acapella "Look at..." - Donnell said, "Can I get to this song."

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location

Familiar Faces
Doc arrived right after me. We walked inside together.

Lorenzo was already in the rehearsal room.

Doc talked about his mother being a minister and being raised in the church. This expanded into a discussion on Willie Wilson, whom Lorenzo plays for. He believes Jesus wasn't a sissy and acts accordingly. Donnell arrived and joined in the discussion. He said he switched to Steve Young because he taken in anyone, what he said was, "He told people that even if you were getting high last night, you can come here." They discussed how a band stole the organ from the Willie Willson's church. Willie Wilson found out who did it, busted down the door and made them give it back and play in front of the church on Sunday.

Halima was the next to arrive.

Sugar Bear had five top ten pop hits - now no one in GoGo could do that. The two greatest runs in GoGo are both his. No one else in GoGo has his resume.

Lorenzo said a bad note isn't far from a good note.

Donnell said Doc was fabulous in leading the band (at the Fur); he was Funky Ned for a night. He got in people's faces and made sure they did everything correctly.

Godfather arrived.

Donnell said that Chuck fired Milton over a long snare roll; it made everyone stop for a night. Chuck said to his replacement, he just wants chopped barbeque.

In some ways it was like the first Fur show.

The guy I thought was another rapper is his manager. Donnell said he's as close to being his manager except for Cheeks' wife. He knows Cheeks' raps better than Cheeks.

Halima played congas.

They rehearsed Minnie Riperton's Memory Lane. Dwayne said 16 bars. Donnell said most R&B is 8, rap is 16.

Stomp arrived.
BR> Donnell said Godfather was fantastic on the hammer. Curtis is the meanest. Louis played chords with his left hand.

Halima played Godfather's keyboard.

Mike arrived. I didn't realize it was him because he was outside the room until Godfather called him Dickie, his nickname.

They worked on Tell Me, but first Donnell had Godfather show Lorenzo the lead line for Brown & White. Donnell played on a tom. I identified the name of Tell Me and Doc called me the minister of information. Mike did an affected voice and Halima cracked up. Donnell decided to not go back to the song from Trans-Europe Express, but have Mike sing over it. Doc said, "You just want to play the tom." Godfather played with his eyes closed.

They discussed Unbreakable - Doc anticipated. Stomp wanted to know the verse indication. They worked on Lighters Up. Donnell wasn't there for the original rehearsal they did of it. Donnell discussed going directly from another song to Unbreakable.

Donnell said the Fur will be two one-hour sets instead of three forty-five minute sets from now on. He made a mistake counting back and told us all it would start at 12:15 when he meant 11:15.

Video release party at the Fur
Fur Night Club, 33 Patterson St NE, Washington, DC 20002

I arrived at around 10:15. A guy waved me into my parking space and tried to hit me up for alcohol, money and cigarettes.

There weren't that many people in line yet. It was cold - I had decided to leave my jacket in my car because it's easier to dance without a jacket. They also had a sixteen year olds party at another entrance. The people in line with me discussed who was playing, the fact they weren't letting us in and made fun of Chuck. They also laughed at a guy who wore a T-shirt over a collared shirt. The first musician I saw walk in (I stood about thirty feet away from the entrance) was Doc - I didn't even see much of him; I mainly saw the bass strapped to his back and could tell it was not Sugar Bear. Yvette, 6'9 and Ray were there. DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) drove up in a WKYS SUV. Sugar Bear walked by us (he wore one of Ras Lidj's GoGo shirts); a woman named Stacy asked him where he was going. Googie said hello as he walked by. I figured correctly they wouldn't let us in until 11 PM. As I moved up in line, I saw Duane Face. He asked, "Is Floyd here?" I said I didn't see him yet. He said he meant the band and I told him the line up and that FF was showing their video and Mr. Cheeks was performing with them as he did on Friday and Saturday. The security guy told the woman behind me, "You barely made it." She asked why, he said, "You don't look a day older than twenty-one". She thanked him.

A number of the staffers said hello to me. The cover taker from Safari, Nicole, worked the covers.

They immediately let us into the main room downstairs. I stayed on the stairs for a bit to watch the video for Lap Dance for the first time. It was being shown on two big screens. GoGo Rudy tapped me on the shoulders as he walked past me. Despite what Donnell had said to me earlier, I could see myself in the video head bobbing. The credits at the end allowed me to correct the spellings of the names for Shelle Haynesworth (producer) and Jesse Vaughan (director). I figure Baba's first name is Salim, since Salim Tutu was listed as executive producer. Jon Miles was listed as editor; I don't know who that is. They were only showing it at that time to test the video and audio.

Tyrell, June & Shadonna, Mama Chelle, Tata, Ron "Moe" Moten, and Day Day (conga player) were there.

Doc, Vincent, Omar, and Paul worked on setting up the audio. Duane Face was confused. He thought because of this FF might be opening instead of EU, whom he was playing for, but they were just checking things out. Doc was the only band member of FF there at the time! Omar said he thought it was going to be really loud, I agreed with him.

Antonio "The Cuban Cigar Smoker" was the MC. He said Mr. G was taking pictures. He said "25 and older like the Howard Theatre and Cherry's".

Jacques and Michon walked in.
Nikiya was there.

One of the screens had the image projected backward. The floor is not completely flat - there are bumps, which are uncomfortable to stand on.

EU
Sugar Bear said, "Lots of old faces out tonight. That's good. Y'all know Sugar Bear don't age, I look good."
Sugar Bear said, "Familiar Faces, Chuck Brown, and EU."
Nikki was there.
Sugar Bear said, "I'm still a Redskins fan. We're still in first place."
The line up was: Sugar Bear (vocals and bass), Donny Ray (vocals), Stephanie (vocals), Duane Face (keyboard), JuJu (drums), a guitar player and a conga player (not Derek, possible Mighty Moe?)
Sugar Bear said, "Southwest, Northwest and Southeast"
Sanisse was there, she said hello.
Their set started at 11:45
The crank started right away
1) Sugar Bear-led Sly & the Family Stone's Family Affair - He began with: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me", Sugar Bear chanted: "Pump it up girl, just like you girl", Sugar Bear called out street names
2) Sugar Bear-led Nelly's Flap Your Wings
3) Donny Ray-led "All you got to do, Got to be good" - Donny Ray played air guitar, moved his right arm a lot and danced
4) Sugar Bear-led "Bop, bop, bop, bop" - Sugar Bear chanted, "Melissa" repeatedly, Sugar Bear chanted, "Hold up, wait a minute"
5) Sugar Bear-led Freak A Deak All Night Long
6) Sugar Bear-led Funkadelic's Undisco Kidd (tease) / Bad Girls (Cops theme) (tease) - Sugar Bear chanted, "Ye-ah ah, na na na na", the frontline danced, Stephanie smiled
7) Sugar Bear-led "Pop the coochie, pop, pop, you know why"
8) Sugar Bear-led Ludacris Number One Spot (tease) - Sugar Bear chanted, "We're so hot, we got the number one spot, eya yah yah yah", Stephanie and Donny Ray danced, Stephanie smiled
9) Sugar Bear-led "Hey ladies, can you do it for the fellas?" - the crowd shouted, "Oh my God!? Sugar Bear chanted, "Can you do it for the hustlers, Can you do it for Sugar Bear" / Sugar Bear-led "If you're sexy and you know it, raise your hand, JuJu give me that beat" - Donnell danced next to the conga player
10) Sugar Bear-led Kanye West's Gold Digger (re-written lyrics) - "I've got a woman, All this time, She's good to me, She gives me money when I'm in need" - Stephanie put a dollar bill on Sugar Bear's collar, Stephanie and Donny Ray danced, Stephanie smiled, Donny Ray sang the regular lines, he did a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures with his right arm, Stephanie & Donny Ray danced, Doc, Lorenzo, and Dwayne watched from the back of the stage
11) Stephanie-led Amerie's 1 Thing - Stephanie started out with, "It's my birthday", she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Donny Ray said, "Goddamn baby, want to be my family..."
Shaun was there.
12) Sugar Bear-led "Are the Redskins the real deal? Redskin fans hands up! Better than the Giants and the 49ers (that's not tough, it was probably a dig at JuJu, who wore a 49ers sweatshirt when the set was over), Who's going to the Super Bowl?"
13) Same guitar riffs -> Donny Ray-led "Y'all n*ggers don't f*ck with me", Sugar Bear chanted, "Get your freak on", Sugar Bear chanted, "Gotcha" repeatedly, Sugar Bear used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Sugar Bear chanted, "Shake your..." Stephanie used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Dey was there
Sugar Bear said, "Get ready for Familiar Faces"
Their set ended at 12:15. It was nice but short.
I expected that JuJu would also play for Chuck per a conversation he had with me at Bud's months ago about playing with Chuck.
Antonio "The Cuban Cigar Smoker" said, "This makes thirty years EU's been together. Don't be a hater, give them some love. Mr. Cheeks is in the house."

Familiar Faces

Doc and Mike


Dwayne and Jacques


I am on the left, Tijauna is behind my back



Tamara, Me, Lashonda, Tijuana on the far right, Slim Goodie and 6'9 in the middle back


Los, Donnell, and DP


Dancer, Smoke, Donnell, and DP


Donnell and Mr. Cheeks All pictures taken by and Copyright - Michon Battle

Antonio "The Cuban Cigar Smoker" stood onstage, he said, "Come and get your picture, you and your boo and your crew".
RE Angie was there.
Nephew played congas during the break,
Sixx was there.
Donnell wore his black riding cap initially. Halima wore a black hat that hid her eyes, a black wrap and a black dress. She took the wrap off for her performance and changed hats to a black fedora. Almost all of the guys in the band wore black slacks, white Seek Abundance shirts and black fedoras. Stomp wore a white sleeveless shirt and knitted white cap. Jacques wore a dark collared shirt unbuttoned with another dark shirt underneath.
Tijuana and Shameika were there.
DP and Halima passed me in the audience; Halima followed DP conga line style.
Los, Stacey, Tamara, and Tim (LJ) were there.
As soon as Halima started speaking (offstage) by saying, "Yeah!" The crowd shouted.
Antonio "The Cuban Cigar Smoker" said, "Don't forget Familiar Faces has a brand new video with Mr. Cheeks."
They showed the video on two screens.
The frontline (Donnell, Halima, DP, and Mike) was offstage.
I stood front and center for the performance
1) Instrumental prelude - long / Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima sang offstage, she said, "Hey ladies", the women screamed "Halima!" her singing was excellent and the sound was great, Mike went onstage when it was time for him to sing backup, Halima said, "Say what you have to say, it may not be what you feel inside, but you say it anyway. How you feeling?" She sang, "Yes!", women sang along loudly, Dwayne pointed to Halima in the crowd, she was behind Donnell, but in front of DP, being led by security - they walked up the steps and onstage, Halima barefoot, put her foot on a monitor, then went back to the floor, she moved around, I noticed she wore a jeweled choker, Halima pulled Mike to the left, he had a black cane, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima sat on the edge of the stage with her feet on the speakers, then she stood on the speaker
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - women sang along loudly, Halima moved around, she went back onstage, Halima went back on the edge of the stage, she held her mic to a male in the audience, Halima said, "Sing it Ladies", she held her mic to Tamara, the crowd sang along loudly, Halima held her mic to the crowd, she went back onstage, she moved around, Tijuana screamed, "Halima!" / Mike-led Lionel Richie's Hello (tease)
3) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - Donnell, Mike & DP stepped (fraternity style) with black canes, Halima stood on the left side behind Doc, women screamed, the frontline went to their normal spots onstage, Donnell clapped, Donnell said, "Come on with it, Michael Muse", the crowd sang along, Donnell said, "Sweet Tamara", the crowd was so cramped that I had trouble moving my arms to write, Mike held his cane in his right hand, he used it for a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima danced, smiled and clapped, she stirred up the crowd with her arms, Donnell thanked "Everyone, Seek Abundance, where you at, Nikiya?"
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - the crowd sang along, Donnell said, "We got my baby, Halima", Halima moved around, Donnell said, "Come on with it Halima", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Michon handed a card to Mike, who handed it to Donnell, Donnell said, "Right there, Smoke!", Mike danced
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd sang along loudly, Donnell went on the middle speaker, DP stood on the edge of the stage, Donnell held his mic to Stacey
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima and Mike (unbuttoning his shirt to show his hairy chest - ugh, not something I want to see) posed at the appropriate times, the crowd screamed, Halima crouched over a monitor, Donnell went on the left speaker, DP on the right speaker, Donnell held his mic to female fans, Donnell called out names, Halima moved around, Donnell called out names, he moved to the middle speaker, Donnell & DP danced
Los, Packy, Nephew and Tony were onstage.
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease) - Donnell said, "Y'all Know we don't play that", Donnell & DP went onstage, Halima sat on the edge of the stage with her feet on the speaker, Mike went to the edge of the stage
Angie (she wished me a belated happy birthday) & Tracy were there.
8) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - there were two female dancers encircled by translucent red curtains, they wore black bottoms and tops with "Nice Tits" printed on them. They also wore black caps and black boots. Mike said, "You know what the difference between a boy and a man is? A boy does what he wants to, a man does what he has to", Mike went on the middle speaker, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike sang directly to a female fan, she smiled a big smile, a guy behind me yelled, "Go get her, Mike", the stage lights went out and the spotlight went out briefly, Mike held his mic to Stacey and Tata, Mike unbuttoned his shirt again to show his chest
Monique was there.
9) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Halima and Mike went back onstage, Donnell called out names, Donnell went to the edge of the stage, Donnell bounced and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima gave Packy a tambourine and both smiled, Donnell said, "Y'all sing ladies, sing y'all", he held his mic to the crowd, and women sang including Halima on the mic, Donnell said, "One more time ladies, sing it", Halima and DP danced
10) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Donnell said, "Hold the note y'all", Tamara got down (dancing), the crowd sang along, Donnell got on the middle speaker, Donnell called out names
11) Donnell-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - "Give the baby, Familiar, tell you baby, What I tell you", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
12) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell went back onstage, Donnell danced, Donnell bounced and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell went on the right speaker, Donnell said, "That's what I'm talking about Wheeler Road", Halima smiled / "Wait a minute" echoes (three separate occasions) - Donnell held his fist up, Halima imitated him / Donnell went onstage, the frontline did the bowing dance, Stomp played dial tone sounds / Notorious BIG's Warning - Donnell went on the speaker, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) - Donnell called out, "Wheeler Road" / Donnell went on the middle speaker, he called out Dwayne Lee and Smoke, Donnell said, "That's what I'm talking about" - he pointed to Vincent, Vincent took pictures with a camera and smiled, Donnell called Los to the right speaker to dance, Donnell moved to the left speaker, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell moved around, Halima clapped as she spun around, Donnell called out names, followed by a "Yeah!" by DP after each one, Tim yelled, "Go D"
13) Alternating Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima got on the middle speaker, Halima sang, "Oh, oh", DP switched places with Los, a woman said to me, "You're writing all that down", Halima smiled, Halima held her mic to Tijuana and Stacey, Halima, Donnell & DP bounced, Donnell said, "Sing it to me, baby", all went back onstage, Halima moved around, Halima sang energetically, Donnell said something, Donnell sang, "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah", Donnell said, "Come on Halima", Halima sang, "What, what" repeatedly / Donnell-led "Tired yet, ready to quit"
14) Stomp played an instrumental with his drum machine
Donnell said, "Where you at, Mr. Cheeks? I know you're in the house somewhere"
15) Donnell-led Lap Dance (video remix) - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Slim Goodie was there.
16) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Donnell went to the edge of the stage, he did announcements, he went to the right speaker, Mr. Cheeks, wearing a black Madness Sports shirt, a Yankees cap with many tiny multi-colored Yankees symbols, and a gold chain, went onstage with Jauhar, Mr. Cheeks yelled, "Yeah!" Mr. Cheeks used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell went on the right speaker
17) Mr. Cheeks-led The Lost Boyz' Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz and Benz - Mr. Cheeks went to the edge of the stage, Donnell held his mic to the crowd, the crowd screamed, Mr. Cheeks used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima clapped, there may have been another rap, but I'm not familiar enough with Mr. Cheeks' repertoire, Mr. Cheeks grabbed his crotch, Mr. Cheeks' manager was onstage, he wore a black cap backwards and a white shirt, Donnell held his mic to the crowd again
18) Mr. Cheeks, Donnell & Mike-led Lap Dance (video remix) - Halima danced, Donnell went on the edge of the stage and back, Mr. Cheeks & Donnell bounced, Donnell and Mr. Cheeks used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, DP bounced, Donnell went on the middle speaker, Donnell's vocals were hard charging, Donnell went back onstage, Halima danced and clapped, Donnell said, "Look here y'all, we're getting ready to get on out of here", Donnell said, "Come on Mike", Mr. Cheeks gave his mic to Halima, Mr. Cheeks hugged Donnell and shook his hand, he appeared to leave the stage, Donnell said, "That's my man Mr. Cheeks", Mr. Cheeks came on and hugged Donnell again
Donnell said, "Getting ready for Chuck Brown. We'll be here again Thursday, free with a flyer. While we're waiting for Chuck, show the video one more time".
They improved upon their last big performance here, this is the best they've worked the crowd. They pulled out more stops and added more show to this performance. I knew some of their plans from rehearsal and they were successful with them, which was certainly no guarantee. I was surprised just how well Halima's singing & speaking came through when she performed offstage. I didn't check to see when they started, but their set was much longer than either EU's or Chuck's.

JoJo and James were there. Some people left after Familiar Faces' performance, but not many.

As they were setting up, the DJ played Nelly's Flap Your Wings and a girl literally got down and got her eagle on, she fell on the floor.

Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers
The line up was: Chuck Brown (vocals and guitar), the rest of the frontline was: a young trombonist/keyboard player, a young trumpet player, and Bryan Mills, wearing a brown t-shirt with a picture of a sax and the words "Sax appeal" printed on it. Left to right: keyboard, sax, trumpet, trombone, guest mic, Chuck
In addition, there was a second keyboard player with a double keyboard, a bass player, JuJu on drums, and a young conga player.
Guest vocalists: Little Benny and Kay Kay.
This was the first all-Black band I've seen Chuck with this year.
While they were setting up, there was a guy wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt that stood at the frontline and stuck his tongue out. He left the stage before they played.
Chuck wore a grey suit with a dark shirt and a patterned tie, a black broad-rimmed hat and sunglasses.
Antonio "The Cuban Cigar Smoker" said, "If you're ready for Chuck you know what you need to say"
The crowd pretty weakly shouted, "Wind me up, Chuck!" Their set started around 2:45.
1) Chuck-led Instrumental "Dooby do dedo", "Southeast, Northeast, Southwest"
Donnell danced at the back wall
The crank started with
2) Chuck-led Willie Dixon?s (I?m Your) Hoochie Coochie Man - the horns bounced, Little Benny used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures at the back wall, JuJu would hold a drum stick in his mouth at times
3) Chuck-led "Uh oh oh, I can, I will, keep the __,"
4) Chuck-led Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That GoGo Swing) - Chuck said, "Say What" the crowd, the crowd responded
5) Chuck-led Lionel Hampton's Midnight Sun
6) Chuck-led Moody's Mood for Love - the crowd sang along, the horns would move to the right, then left to the mic to play: it was synchronized, "Did do doo"
7) Chuck-led Louis Jordan's Woody Woodpecker - nice horn solos, "Gotta, Gotcha, I feel"
The room lights came on
8) Chuck-led Slick Rick's La Di Da Di - Brian played on the front keyboard
Little Benny sat in
9) Little Benny-led "Tired yet, ready to quit" - the crowd responded
10) Little Benny-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Chuck took off his jacket, Little Benny went to the edge of the stage, then the middle speaker, Little Benny said, "What y'all say?", Little Benny said, "Hey JuJu, Gimme that beat!"
11) Little Benny-led Kanye West's Gold Digger - Little Benny went on the left speaker, Little Benny used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, He pulled a female fan on the speaker, she went onstage and danced, Little Benny held his mic to the crowd, Little Benny said, "What y'all Say?"
Kay Kay came onstage, her hair was dyed red, she had a jeweled choker with a silver chain hanging down almost to her knees, she had a green jacket and black "diva" sunglasses
12) Kay Kay rapped / Kay Kay-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up, the trombonist played the keyboard, Kay Kay and Little Benny used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Kay Kay did shout outs to Familiar Faces and Sixx
Little Benny said, "Please leave carefully?.
Tijuana scratched my back, when I looked to see who it was; I almost fell over because I lost my balance
13) Chuck-led ?
They finished at 3:15. This was the tightest Chuck performance I've been to this year, but it was short.
Little Benny said, "Give it up for Chuck Brown y'all" Chuck said, "God bless you all, I love you baby. Much love to Sugar Bear & EU and Familiar Faces"
Chuck did a shout out to Footz (not the late RE's Footz)
He talked to a girl, asked her name - Nia. He said, "Nia, I'm so glad to see ya"
He then said, "Hold on Footz"

My ears were ringing after this performance which is pretty rare for me...

Dwayne's Birthday at Tradewinds
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

Sharon celebrated her birthday.

I was able to park on the paved parking lot for just the second time.

Julia danced, Packy smiled. She came over and danced in front of Packy and Smoke. She also caught my attention with the way she danced during the line dancing to the DJ pre-recorded music.

Donnell wore his black riding cap and blue blazer.

A guy asked if I was still working on my paper, I said yes.

I asked Dwayne about how his birthday was so far. That was his girl. He thought he had introduced her to me; he did to Halima and others.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Janetta and Tiffany F. waved to me, I wasn't sure they were waving to me at first because it was hard to see them in the dark.
Donnell said, "Look here y'all, we're going to start this off slow for all the ladies. Mike said, "This one goes out to the Libras. Only the female Libras; put your hands down. We're going to have Halima do it for you later."
Halima laughed.
Mike said, "I got one request for the ladies."
1) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike said, "That's Mr. Lee y'all"
The crank started and the dance floor filled for
2) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy (tease) - intro for -> Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell did birthday shout outs
Donnell said, "We got so many beautiful women here. (Guys) Put your hands up if you are standing next to a beautiful woman and you want to take her home."
Donnell said, "Watch yourself, Michael Muse. Watch yourself, Mike"
Donnell said, "We're trying to get this warmed up."
3) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima started with "Yes", Halima's singing was excellent, she moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, there was a nice crank
4) Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Say what y'all, do what y'all", the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" Halima went onstage
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima & Mike posed at the appropriate times, Halima smiled, Halima went on the floor
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima started with "Baby, baby", Donnell said, "I know I see Tina Turner back there", Donnell said, "Come on with it, Halima", Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima said, "Come on Dwayne, it's your birthday baby", Halima and Donnell bounced, the horn hits were pronounced, Halima said, "Come on Dwayne, it's your birthday, it's your birthday, it's your birthday"
8) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - Stomp played the drum machine, Donnell bounced, Donnell said, "I hear you ladies, Let's go Halima", Halima moved around, Donnell said, "What you say, Ladies?" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa - Halima did heavy breathing, Donnell said, "Hey 6'9, yo", Donnell bounced, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about 58, Trinidad"
9) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Mike and Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell called names, Halima smiled when he said, "Sweet Halima", Donnell said, "By yourself ladies, by yourself", Donnell said, "One more time ladies, by yourself", Donnell held his mic to the crowd, the frontline danced, Donnell said, "Do your dance Halima", Halima danced and smiled, Tata came on the performance floor from the stage
10) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Donnell said, "Hold the note y'all" and held his right fist up, Halima imitated it, Halima danced, Halima and Donnell danced, a guy in the crowd in front of me shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!"
11) Donnell-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - "I got you baby, Didn't I tell you, Familiar Faces..."
12) Donnell-led Brown & White - Packy held his arm up, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell bounced, Donnell said, "Hey Lorenzo", the frontline, Doc & Dwayne danced, Donnell "Wait a minute" twice, the guy in the crowd still shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!", Mike said, "What's he doing, Lisa?", Donnell chanted "Wait a minute" twice / Donnell-led Ride Out - Donnell said, "Hey Stomp, Hey Smoke", the frontline, Doc, and Dwayne danced, the band and fans did the Ride Out dance, Donnell went onstage to talk to Stomp, Mike said, "What y'all say?", Mike chanted, "Wait a minute" twice / Mike-led Northeast Groovers' The Water, Donnell went back on the floor, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about baby"
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease) Donnell said, "Tomorrow we're at the Fur with Mr. Cheeks and Halima"
14) Instrumental prelude / Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - it didn't start from the beginning of the song as usual, Halima's singing was excellent, Halima said, "Help me sing", Halima bounced, Halima said, "Don't take time" twice, Halima and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima moved around, Halima said, "Now Dwayne, I want you to give me something special because we know it's your birthday", Dwayne soloed ->
15) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - there was an echo effect to Halima's singing, Halima said, "How y'all doing?" The crowd responded, Halima said, "I like that. This is how it is, sometimes you have to say what you have to say," Halima sang "Doh, doh", Halima and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima sang, "Hey baby, you came home because you're the one I've been waiting for"/ Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - Halima started it by making a kissing noise on the mic

I talked to Sharon, her birthday is tomorrow. She said she's having another birthday celebration on the 22nd. She said we should celebrate all month.

Mr. Cheeks walked into the kitchen with David (Jauhar's business partner) ahead of me.

Telando called Donnell, "Mr. Floyd". Donnell said to the band, "Did you hear the respect he gave me?"

Junior was there.

A guy named Galloway walked in, he had a Redskins cap on.

Val "Tina Turner" came in the kitchen, she had another new hairdo.

They discussed people in GoGo going to the same people - "Ninety people go to them because they're hot, not necessarily because they're good". Doc said rappers don’t do that.

They asked where Jacques was since Whop-N-Em wasn't playing at Takoma Station, they had a fight after party. Packy said they played at Cranberries.

Jennifer and Delano were there.

The band members talked about how one woman was dancing. I think she was the woman Donnell pulled off the dance floor.

Second Set
Julia said to me as I went on the dance floor, "Go back, you're scared". I said, "I'm not scared, I just like their performances, not the DJ music". She gave me a hug and a kiss.
Donnell said, "One day I had a dream... Tomorrow at the Fur, we'll be with EU, Chuck and Mr. Cheeks. We got tickets, $20 a lot more at the door"
Donnell said, "Where you at, Mark? That must be a hell of a habit"
Donnell said, "Where you at, Ladies?"
1) They started perfoming the music to Alicia Keys' Unbreakable (or you could say Eddie Kendricks' Intimate Friends) - Donnell said, "Familia Faces (this is not a misspelling, he said it in a Latin accent), one million dollars. Look here y'all we're going to do this real quick for the ladies. Tiffany can keep doing what she's doing if she going to do that, we'll do this here. We got RE Angie up here", Halima went onstage / Alternating Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Halima moved around, used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, and bounced, her mic went out briefly / Donnell-led "Tired yet, ready to quit?"
2) Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell held up his lit cell phone, Donnell called out names, Donnell said, "We're going to get this warmed up", Halima rapped - first time I've heard her rap, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Halima sang, "Ooh", Donnell said, "Rest in peace, my man Chuckie", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell chanted "Wait a minute", RE Angie danced on the floor by Mike Muse, the frontline, Doc and Dwayne danced the bowing dance, Donnell went onstage, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, I danced up close with Julia so I wasn't paying as much attention to the band's visual movements / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease)
Donnell said, "My man is in the house". Mr. Cheeks went onstage - he wore a camouflage shirt and a Yankees cap, he had his manager with him
4) Mr. Cheeks-led The Lost Boyz' Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz and Benz - Halima went on the speaker, there may have been more since I'm not familiar with Mr. Cheeks' songs
5) Donnell, Mr. Cheeks & Mike-led Lap Dance (video remix) - Donnell chanted, "Swing your body, girl", Donnell said, "That's what I was talking about, Mr. Cheeks," Donnell said, "Can I get a Lap Dance?", Donnell said, "We got the ladies up front at this thing," Donnell called out, "Michael Muse" and Mike sang, Halima went onstage, Donnell said, "Look at my man, Mr. Cheeks, you ready 6'9? That's what I'm talking about"
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima's singing was energetic, Donnell said, "Halima!", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima bounced, Donnell said, "You better get your little sister, Mike", he was talking about a woman I later discovered is named Danielle, Halima sang, "What, what" repeatedly, Tata danced next to Godfather, he smiled at my head bobbing
James was there.
7) Donnell-led chanted announcements "Each and every Saturday night..." / "Eya eya"
8) Donnell & Halima-led Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp, Donnell said, "Wheeler Road"
9) Donnell-led Kanye West's Gold Digger - Doc was on backup vocals, Donnell & Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, JoJo danced behind Doc
10) Donnell-led Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me - "I think she like me"
11) Donnell-led Slim Thug's I Ain't Heard Of That (Remix) - Donnell sang, "Dusting off my shoulders" and did so nonverbally, Godfather danced
Slim Goodie was there
12) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - full lyrics, Halima sang, "Oh" repeatedly, they played different keyboard or drum machine sounds, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about baby, Wheeler Road"
13) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally / Rare Essence's Spotlight / Rare Essence's Get on the Wagon?
14) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease)
15) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario - Halima made faces to the lyrics
16) Donnell-led Vinnie D's Porno Star
Donnell said, "Sing it Michael Muse"
17) Mike-led Lisa Stanfield's All Around the World (tease)
Donnell said, "Old School"
18) Donnell-led Rick James' Mary Jane (tease) - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
19) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Geraldine (tease) - Donnell did the effects vocally initially
21) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about, Old school, Where you at, Trina, Trina Boo?"
21) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Trina Boo went onstage, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Donnell said, "Can we do one more old school?"
22) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What?
23) Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time
24) Donnell-led "If you look and you see... These faces are Familiar..." - Halima danced
Donnell told a true story of how Trina Boo inspired All Da Time at the Black Hole.
Donnell said, "Look y'all, we got to get on up out of here. Familial faces (again, not a misspelling), 100 million dollars"
Sharon said good bye to me.
Dey and L-Boogie were there.
Donnell said of some woman, "Three years arrived, married and divorced. He's crazy for letting you go; I need to speak to that attorney"

The girl who had danced and Donnell called out is named Danielle. She's an orthodontia student from St. Louis at a local university. She and her friend talked with Godfather, they couldn't believe he was forty-four. I told them to have him take his cap off and they'd see. He did so, but complained to me for suggesting it.

Birthday celebrations at Safari Steakhouse
Safari Steakhouse, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

I celebrated my 32nd birthday (7th), as did Ytee his 34th (6th), Crankindrumma his 22nd (8th), Peanut (8th), and Dwayne Lee, "the wrong side of fifty" (8th). It was raining heavily. Pooh and Packy were talking in front of the door. I asked Packy about his band, Unity Band, playing last Saturday. I said, "It's been a while, hasn't it?" He said that hadn't played in two months. He said on Saturday they played with UCB and Critical Condition Band. He said it mostly youngsters, like playing with his kids. I said, "You're not that old Packy". Packy wished me a happy birthday. Pooh said, "Really?"

Kato & KO stood by one of the tables, talking. Kato said, "You're early, I thought birthday boys were supposed to be late". I said, "Not in this weather".

Safari had been remodeled - they had re-painted a number of things, they had bolted the bench by the stage. The chairs in the lounge are all different from the old ones and there are shelves on the right side. The couches are gone as well.

Peanut was there. He said it was his birthday at midnight. I told him it was my birthday now. He said, "That's why we get along so well." Peanut said he's here because his leg is fine now.

Donnell wore his black riding cap. Halima wore an Angela Davis shirt.

Halima sang Beyonce's Wishing on a Star during the sound check. Halima played congas during the warm up, as did Peanut.

Googie assisted in the set up, then left to do the sound for Chuck's show. Junior worked the sound for the night.

Godfather gave me a disposable camera to take pictures for him.

I asked Dwayne if he was going to get a lap dance at midnight. He put his finger to his lips "sh..." because he doesn't want to get in trouble with his girl (even though he wasn't doing anything wrong). I said, "It doesn't have to be from a woman, Godfather can give you one." Godfather said, "That's f*cked up, Jordan!"

Familiar Faces
First Set
Pooh played drums for the first set
Donnell said, "We're running a little late, there's a major accident on I-95. All set Junior and Telando (he pronounced the second syllable "land"), Telando (he pronounced the second syllable correctly "lond")." DP made fun of Donnell's pronunciation.
Donnell said, "It's the birthday for Jordan and our Malcolm X (Dwayne), let him solo tonight"
1) Mother's Day - Donnell led on sax
2) Mike-led The Stylistics' People Make the World (Go Round) - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "We're getting warmed up, where you at Kato?"
3) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Golden Lady - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Happy birthday Stacy", Mike did more birthday announcements, "Sweet Tracy and Bobbie", Mike said of whom I don't know, "He's the doc, Dr. Jekyll"
Shadonna was there.
Donnell said, "We want to do something special for Bobbie, she's done a lot at Bud's and TMOTT. She's given so much for so long. She did a lot to organize the Locking Down the City hurricane relief. This song goes out to her"
4) Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine - Halima's singing was excellent, she put a lot into it, She showed a lot of facial gestures and nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell or Halima (not sure which) said, "Dwayne Lee on electric guitar, celebrating his birthday", Stomp smacked on one of the bongos, Packy played the triangle, Stomp mimicked Halima, Stomp played air guitar
Stomp said, "Whoo! Damn girl!"
Donnell said, "That's mean!" (I have heard that some have misinterpreted Stomp & Donnell's statements - they were complimenting Halima's singing).
They went to break, Donnell said, "A quick break".
Donnell said, "Where you at Flava? Flava is AWOL. Vanilla Ice, where you at? Someone play something. DJ Jauhar, press the buttons. I think Mr. Cheeks might be here ladies. Did your man (Flava?) run out on you? We're celebrating Malcolm X, Dwayne's birthday tonight."

I talked with Doc, KO and Junior. KO asked me I knew who he was. I said yes, I couldn't make it out to that show. He said Petworth's having a reunion on October 22nd. Doc said he'd be there. Junior asked me for a copy of a Redds' PA. KO said they're having a reunion too. I said how can you do that without Redds? Doc said they could put a picture of him. KO said it would be a tribute to Redds. He told me he is KO because Dwayne's brother is also named Kevin. I told him about the guy doing a Redds compilation in Italy. He said they appreciate artists in Europe. I said they don't have the same racist dynamic as the US either. I told Doc about how James Brown's sidemen make their living in Germany. He joked, "Maybe we should go there." I told them about Akira and his even having an autographed DVD from Chuck.

Shawn and Mike Smith were there.

Second Set
Stomp was on drums
Donnell said, "Let's roll". He told DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) to call the band: "They can't hear me"
DJ Flava picked on Stomp.
Donnell said, "My man Dwayne."
Mike said, "Happy birthday Peanut"
1) Alternating Mike-led "The beat goes on" - nice crank, Donnell said, "Right there, Smoke" / Donnell chanted, "Brandywine, Friends of mine", Donnell said, "Cindy was scared, Sweet Tamika is dancing a jig, Where you at, JoJo?" Stomp played something on his drum machine
2) Toto's Georgy Porgy - instrumental prelude / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Donnell said, "Make sure you got the moves", Donnell said, "Make sure you turn up the horns, Junior", Mike said, "Good to see Cindy, y'all", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Let's go Cindy, Sweet Nikki"
Crankindrumma, Donnell Jr., and Peg Leg were there.
3) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Where you at Kay Kay? Tina Turner", Halima moved around, her singing was excellent, Donnell said, "Hey Doc", Donnell said, "Right there, Smoke", Donnell said, "Do your thing, Halima", Donnell said, "we got up in here, Dwayne Lee is celebrating his birthday, We got all the stars up in here, I don't know why (meaning why for Dwayne)"
Mr. Cheeks was there. He and his manager wore green camouflage shirts.
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable, Donnell said, "Simone is it like that? Is it really like that?" Donnell said, "Come on with it, sing it ladies", Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima bounced, Donnell said, "We're trying to get Mike focused", Mike pointed at Donnell, it went dark and alternated dim and dark
June was there
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
6) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Halima danced and clapped, Donnell said, "One more time, Michael Muse", the strobe light came on, Donnell called out names, Donnell said, "Sing it ladies", Donnell said, "We got Mr. Cheeks. Look here; we went down to Miami two months ago, was it two months? And shot a video"
Mr. Cheeks went on stage and sat in for
7) Donnell, Mr. Cheeks & Mike-led Lap Dance (video remix) - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and sang really hard changing, Donnell clapped, / Mr. Cheeks-led The Lost Boyz' Jeeps, Lex Coups, Bimaz and Benz
Mr. Cheeks said, "Rastafari"
Donnell said, "We're not going to have him do much tonight."
Mr. Cheeks played on the congas.

Dey, Ytee, and Slim Goodie were there. Mike said, "Ytee looks like he just came from a Black Panther meeting". I told Donnell Jr. that Monique said he was her boyfriend. He gave a sheepish grin and rolled his eyes and said no. Kato also that Ytee looks like Kid Capri. Mike said Ytee looks like a vampire. Ytee went over to a girl (Kiki) and started to do something to her before retreating. Kato said, "He thought she was Adia". I asked Kato where Danielle (Wellfhed) was. He said she had said she might not come if it rained. I asked about a rain check. Dey asked which Danielle. I asked Dwayne if he got his lap dance, he said, "Do you want to get shot?" Kato asked if Dwayne was 41. Dwayne said, "21".

Third Set
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mr. Cheeks went on stage, Donnell said, "One more time for Mr. Cheeks, Sing Halima for Mr. Cheeks", Halima moved around, Donnell said, "Look here, we're going to get it going for Mr. Cheeks"
2) Donnell-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell held up his lit cell phone, Mr. Cheeks held up his lit lighter, Donnell said, "Goddamn y'all", Lorenzo played some new keyboard sounds, Mr. Cheeks used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima clapped, Donnell called out names, Lorenzo played more new keyboard riffs, Donnell gave shout outs to the Brandywine crew
Mama Michelle was there
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - the strobe light came on, Donnell moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima was behind Doc, Mr. Cheeks chanted "Everybody Down", Mike pulled a woman onstage and danced with her / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes, Mr. Cheeks shouted, "Hey y'all" / Donnell chanted, "My man Ytee got a birthday, my man Ytee got a birthday", Donnell said, "Sweet Tracy celebrating her birthday" / Mr. Cheeks said, "Make some goddamn noise, We get down", Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute" / Mr. Cheeks rapped
4) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima initially stood behind Doc, but Donnell moved, Her singing was very energetic, Ytee kneeled on the monitor directly in front of her, Donnell said, "My man Ytee slow down, are you alright, Ytee? Let's go Ytee?", Halima resumed singing
Tiffany F. was a faker, she wouldn't dance with me.
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Halima clapped, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima smiled at my freaking a woman, the woman kept moving my hands from her waist to her breasts, Halima moved around, Mike said, "Jordan's got some new moves; I don't know what he did"
6) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Mike-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Halima was behind Jacques, he played congas, Donnell chanted "Wait a minute" hand held up his left fist with his elbow perpendicular, when he moved his head, his red bandana was in front of his face, Halima played and mimed playing congas
7) Donnell-led 911 - not full lyrics, Jacques and Smoke switched places (Jacques went to the timbales, Smoke the congas), Halima went back to her usual spot, Mike said something to Dey, the frontline, Packy, Doc, and Dwayne danced, Packy went to Doc's mic and chanted "Whoop" repeatedly, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
8) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house" - the frontline danced turning around, not a synchronized dance
9) Donnell-led Brown & White - Halima did a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures to the lyrics, Donnell called out "Hey Godfather" twice, the frontline, Doc, and Dwayne danced, Donnell chanted "Wait a minute" twice / Ride Out - the frontline, Doc and Dwayne danced, with the frontline doing the Ride Out dance (obviously Doc and Dwayne needed to use their hands for their playing), Donnell chanted "Wait a minute" twice / Donnell-led Northeast Groovers' The Water "Hey Smoke, Hey Stomp, Get in the water" / Mike-led Parliament's Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) (tease), Donnell chanted "Wait a minute" twice
10) Alternating Donnell & Halima-led Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp - initially Dwayne's playing drowned out Halima's vocals, on the second go round, you could hear her / Donnell-led Kanye West's Gold Digger - Doc on backup vocals, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures to the lyrics / Donnell-led Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me - "I think she like me"
11) Doc-led Slim Thug's I Ain't Heard Of That (Remix)
12) Donnell-led "Eya eya" twice
13) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - Girls shouted as soon as the music started, Halima moved around and smiled, Donnell said, "Come on with it Halima", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures / Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Dwayne and Doc smiled, Mike danced, Dwayne had his girl come up and dance with him, I danced with a girl, Mike said, "I think Jordan needs a towel", Halima did arm gestures she wanted me to do and I did as I danced with the girl, Donnell said, "We're getting ready to get on out of here. We got a PA tape coming out in a few weeks", Slim Goodie looked at my notes and said, "Can you read that?" I said, "Yes, most of the time"
14) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me (debut) - Donnell said, "I don't want to wake anybody up back there. Sanson, thanks for coming, you're kinda chill. Mr. Cheeks will be at Tradewinds tomorrow" Mike said, "I love to tell her ___"
15) Stomp played his drum machine
Kelvin Robertson of Y2K came by. I told him it was my birthday, he said, "The same as Dwayne?" I said mine is the 7th, Dwayne's the 8th.
Donnell said, "Happy birthday Dwayne, I got the picture. Thanks seeing Dwayne kissed onstage, priceless". Dwayne said, "Priceless".
Donnell said, "That was perfect."
Donnell said, "Mr. Cheeks is running away, interception. About to intercept something. If it's yours, you better go get it. Champ Bailey and Fred Smoot over there."
Doc said to Donnell, "It may be yours."
Donnell said, "Nephew, I'm sending this to the website. The most unlikely characters. You're (Dwayne) so lucky (apparently the picture didn't go through)".
Donnell said to Dwayne's girl, "Come out tomorrow night. I guarantee to have a Polaroid camera."
Dey talked with Jauhar. Donnell said, "What are you doing back there Dey. Showing all the chitlins (her pants were revealing), scrambled eggs & cheese, chess is twenty-five cents extra. Jauhar might want to buy a gut-be-gone if you're chasing that"
Mr. Cheeks played the congas which were now on the dance floor by the fireplace.
Donnell said, "219, 211 that's what it was. That makes two of us (to Nephew, meaning they both are interested in Dey)"
Donnell said to Slim Goodie, "She's ready, she's waiting on you" Slim Goodie said, "She always got a ride."

Thursday at the Fur
Fur Night Club, 33 Patterson St NE, Washington, DC 20002

I celebrated my birthday, as did Ytee (his birthday is the 6th)

I was not sure when the start time was, but I knew from experience that the Fur normally opens around 10 PM. I arrived at around 10:15. The area where I have previously parked was filled. Where I did park, there were a number of people sitting in their cars. I went up the Fur and I was the first in line. I asked a security guy and he said they would be opening in about fifteen minutes.

A couple came up behind me. A guy wearing a black shirt with the Superman symbol on it talked with them. He asked them if they knew who Familiar Faces was. He said, "They used to be 911 and they changed their personnel so they changed their name to Familiar Faces. If they change their personnel again, they go back to being 911." He talked with them about Club V - Venus Hall and I joined in the discussion. While I waited, DP and Jacques arrived.

I was the first fan in. They were playing in a different area than either of the two other Fur performance areas I've seen. It was in the blue room, but behind the bar - to the right of the couches that are now in the area that Publicity and After Hours performed at in July.

I sat in a leather seat.

Familiar Faces
First Set
There were only a handful of fans there when they started at 10:30
There were multi-colored lights in various patterns - it was uncomfortable at times because the lights would shine directly in my eyes during this set
1) Miles Davis' Tutu - some distortion was audible
2) Anthony Hamilton's Comin' from Where I'm From - instrumental
3) Mike-led John Legend's Ordinary People - very noticeably, the drums had a very hollow sound, Mike said, "Welcome this evening", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell stood on the right side, he bobbed his head
Mike said, "Everything to the lady except my paycheck, isn't that right Halima?" Halima smiled.
4) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Alright", he chanted, "Yeah!"
Tamara was there.
Donnell said, "Take your picture with the world famous Mr. G." Mike said, "Against the wall." Donnell said, "Against the wall."
5) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Didn't Cha Know - Halima said, "Tamara", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, she moved around, She chanted "Yeah, yeah" with a different accent to it
Tim (LJ) was there.
6) Instrumental prelude / Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - it didn't start from the beginning of the song as usual, Halima improved "oooh, oooh", Halima played around and smiled, she said, "You know I try", Halima bounced, she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima at first stood at the edge of the monitors, then out on the dance floor barefoot, Donnell grabbed her mic cord so he could give her more slack, she went back to the stage
Donnell said, "Halima"
Donnell said, "Three sets, that was the first set."
There was distortion in one of the amps.

The DJ music was louder than the band - I left the dance area because of it. Googie took over the sound from Junior.

I went over the bar and talked with Tim. I asked him who was single from Verizon. He said those girls were inside, he's outside. He said one of them went to Miami.

Stomp slept in a chair, sitting next to Omar. I told Tamara to wake up Stomp with a lap dance, she smiled.

Tata & Julia were there.

Second Set
After Donnell called, "Let's roll," Halima danced as she walked up to the PA. Donnell said, "I know that's right!"
Mike sang "Ooh"
Donnell said, "Glad to say the air conditioning works fine." Mike said, "That's why they call it the Fur, 'cause you need to wear Fur."
Halima said something I couldn't hear.
Donnell said, "We're going to make this spot hot. We started at 10:30 Tata, you should have gotten here early baby."
6'9 was there.
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - Mike used a lot nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "My baby Yolanda, My man Jordan celebrating his birthday. Don't make me jealous Tata (she danced with 6'9), Halima moved her mic stand behind Mike
Mike said, "Goes out to Sweet Tata y'all"
2) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - Halima moved her mic stand back, Halima did an intro with improving "Ooh, ooh", Donnell said, "From the top, Let's go Halima", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell touched her, Halima moved around, Donnell said, "Hey Halima", Halima pulled up her shirt to show her stomach per the lyrics, Donnell said, "You look alright to me baby", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bobbed his head, Mike, Halima and Donnell did playful dancing during the percussion solo, Donnell said something I couldn't hear, Donnell said, "Give me the first verse"
Tijuana and her friend Shameika were there.
3) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Used to Love U - Halima clapped and danced, Donnell said, "Sweet Shameika", Halima made gestures as if she were smoking, and smiled, the frontline danced during the hits, just Halima danced later, nice crank
RE Angie was there.
4) 6 Minutes percussion solo - Donnell said, "Don't nobody say nothing", Donnell and Halima danced, Donnell said, "6'9 you know it's my man birthday, anyone else's birthday?"
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima started with "Baby, baby", Halima and Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima moved around and bounced, Donnell said, "Sing it, Halima", there were pronounced horn hits, Donnell said, "Trying to get this warmed up for my man" (the host, whose name I didn't catch)
6) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Donnell said, "Look at Cindy y'all", Donnell chanted women's names, Mike and Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, the frontline danced, Donnell clapped
7) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Donnell chanted "Hold the note (three times), Hold the note y'all (five times), yeah, and women's names", Donnell called out "Dwayne Lee, Hey Smoke", the frontline danced
8) Doc-led Young Jeezy's Go Crazy? (He couldn't remember which Young Jeezy it was, but based on the lyrics he rapped, this is it)
9) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Donnell said, "This is the second set, we started at 10:30," Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima moved Mike's mic stand back to give him more room and she used it for her mic behind him, Mike held the hand of Cindy, Halima chanted, "Heaven" repeatedly, Mike said, "It's all about love, baby"
I asked Shameika her name. She said, "I see you all the time."
Donnell said to some girl (I am not sure who), "Let's see that again for the camera phone. Something new for the website."
Mike said, "That's Rearview2.com"
There were thirty+ fans for this set

I sat in the chair when Stomp had sat in the first break.

Third Set - 1 AM
The band was slow getting back
Donnell said, "I love you"
Donnell said, "We'll be here Sunday in the big room with Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers or Chuck Brown and Bits & Pieces or Chuck Brown and Sluggo."
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - two guys danced to each other on the dance floor, Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima held her mic to a male fan, Donnell said, "Right there Halima", Donnell said, "Right there, Smoke" and Smoke went into a conga solo, Halima danced, Donnell said, "My man Redds, Scarface"
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd sang along
3) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima and Mike posed at the appropriate times, Halima smiled
4) Alternating Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Donnell said, "Godfather" and Godfather did the riffs, Mike and Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell clapped and bobbed his head, Halima and Dwayne smiled at each other, Halima danced, Tamara, next to me on the dance floor, shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke" / Mike-led Sam Cooke's Chain Gang - the frontline danced, it really cranked
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell bounced and clapped, Halima danced at the top of the steps to the right of the stage where she remained for the rest of the set, the frontline (including Halima) did the bowing dance, Donnell said, "We got my man Go-Go Mickey up in here" / Donnell-led Notorious BIG's Warning - they had harmony with the backup vocals / Mike sang something I didn't catch, Donnell said, "Hey Halima" / Donnell-led Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Donnell "Wait a minute" - Halima still danced, it went dark, the dance floor was packed for this set, Packy gave Halima her mic
Tata said hello and hugged me.
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima danced, her singing was energetic, she held onto the railing at times as she sang, there was a nice crank, Halima danced with her back to the crowd - looking at her reflection in the door, Halima did heavy breathing, Donnell said, "Right there, right there"
Ytee was there, celebrating his birthday. He wore a shirt and tie, and had a metro pass on a lavaliere.
Slime Goodie was there.
7) Donnell-led Trina was Great - with the full lyrics, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced
8) Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby (tease) to Tata
9) Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - Lorenzo played different sound effects from normal, Donnell said, "Let's Go Halima", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Go-Go Mickey sat in, Halima leaned on the railing
10) Go-Go Mickey conga solo - Donnell shouted, "Mick-ay, Mick-ay, Mick-ay", then "What y'all say, Say what?" the crowd shouted "Go-Go Mickey"
11) Mike-led Lap Dance - DP went up the steps to talk to Halima, she again danced, Donnell shouted, "Hey DP", Go-Go Mickey took his blue baseball cap off, Mike said, "Ytee's got a birthday. How old are you, fifteen?” Donnell said, "One more time Stomp, Packy messed up y'all" (He was joking, Packy stood against the wall, not playing anything), Donnell shouted, "Hey DP!", Donnell said, "Ytee, Jordan, Tina, Angie, and what's your name? Dwayne are celebrating their birthdays." Mike said, "Ytee looks like he came from a PTA meeting." Donnell said, "Not Mo, she would be swinging from the chandeliers by her hair"
Donnell said, "We'll be back here Sunday with Chuck Brown and the Soul Searchers or Chuck Brown and Bits & Pieces or Chuck Brown and Sluggo."
I told Ytee his "older brother" Little Benny performed with them the night before. Ytee said, "Everyone says we're brothers"
Donnell said, "Do your thing, Ytee"
Donnell said, "Candy, you changed your hair, that what you do?" He touched her.
Donnell said, "Be careful ladies"
There were fifty+ people in the audience.

I walked out behind Lorenzo. I caught up with Tamara and Tim. I talked about celebrating tomorrow.

Beginning of my birthday celebration at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

I started celebrating my birthday, which is actually October 7th. Stacey wished me a happy birthday. She and Tamara gave me birthday hugs. Stacey said she wasn't sure which Stacey I referred to on my blog. I told her she was the only Stacey I knew. I did say there were two Tiffanys and two Shawns I know. She said she preferred when my entries were one long paragraph. I told her about how I am editing it so that it has more of an active voice. I told her about the creative writing class I plan to take. I also told her about my job search. She suggested I check out Craiglist. Stacey asked me how long I've been doing this, since she hung out with Rare Essence for years.

Her friend Pinky, not the one with dyed hair, came over and talked with me. I recognized her as a regular. She said she knows the other Pinky, they've known each other for years. She said she wants more writing in my blog, not like "He said..." She corrected Wheeler Road for me. She asked me about my thesis, what I need to do. I told her about needing to interview fans. She said she's been going to GoGos since she was twelve. She said, "They're old." I said, "Except for Stomp, Halima, and Smoke." Pinky said that Lorenzo and Monica was a GoGo movie backed by the film industry.

Tim (LJ) talked about possibly going to New Orleans to work on restoring phone lines. He too works for Verizon. He talked with one of the Verizon Takoma Station regulars. I told him about my friend George Darden, a manager at Verizon.

The DJ played Lyfe (Jennings). Tim asked me if I had heard this. I said I had heard of Lyfe, but not heard his music. He said, "It's about real n*ggers doing real things." He said one of those things was Dads abandoning their children. I teased him, "Is that what happened to you?" He said, "I'm a happily married man!" I said, "I mean by your Dad." He laughed. Tim said he went to Jammin' Jeff's (he called him Jazzy Jeff) birthday party in Adams Morgan.

Sharika and Donnell Jr. were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said that tomorrow's show at the Fur was free with a flyer.
1) Miles Davis' Tutu - Lorenzo played some steel drum sounds on his keyboard, Donnell called out hits: "One hit, one time, two hits, two times, four hits, right there, three hits, three times, five hits, five times..."
June and his wife Shadonna were there.
Tracy was there, she brought me a birthday cake - strawberry shortcake. Thanks, Tracy!
2) Anthony Hamilton's Comin' from Where I'm From (debut) - instrumental, nice Dwayne solo and nice Lorenzo solo
James, Ray and Whop were there.
Mike said, "Do y'all feel alright this evening? Old time love song. Good to see you Lisa (one of the Verizon people). A song about love as the most powerful force in the universe."
3) Mike-led O'Bryan's Lady I Love You - James was on backup vocals, Mike went out on the dance floor Mike said, "Special request by Sharmba Mitchell (I didn't see him there) - Mr. James Lawson"
4) James-led Jill Scott's Not Like Crazy
Mike said, "Mr. James Lawson, That's Godfather's nephew"
5) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Golden Lady - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and went on the dance floor, Lorenzo did riffs with different keyboard sounds
Halima came up and Mike said, "She's got on Cinderella slippers."
6) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell clapped, Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell stood to the right of the right speaker Mike said something I couldn't hear
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Halima said, "Tamara!", Dwayne smiled, Halima smiled, Halima went on the dance floor and held fans' hands
Nikki and Monique were there.
Halima said, "Oh, I feel something tonight"
8) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Diary - Halima moved around, she sang to Sugar Bear, who stood right in front of her
Donnell said, "Watch yourself Sugar Bear. Grammy award nominee Gregory Elliott. Trying to slick it up. Hey you hugged her (Halima) three times. I know your secrets. Kids come up to me all the time."
I told Donnell that if people wanted some of my birthday cake, they should get it now.
He did a birthday shout out to me and said, "That strange little guy has been following us for a year now."
Mara, Sanisse, and RE Angie were there.
Donnell said, "The Fur tomorrow is free for everybody, man, woman, boy, girl, if you have a flyer."
Donnell said, "The Fur on Sunday will have the same line up (not quite - no Backyard Band) as the Chuck Brown birthday concert (on August 31, 2001, released on DVD)."
6'9 walked in and Donnell said, "6'9 just came in. He must have been at the free party across town. 6'9, if you're going to cheat on me..."

Tim was nice enough to buy me a meal.

Stomp said, "How old are you, eighty five?" I said, "How old are you, twelve?" I asked him if his tattoos on his arm where the names of his kids, he said yes.

Smoke asked me how old I was, I said the same age as you. He said, "We're still young men."

Halima and I went to talk to the other band members outside. Googie said happy birthday. Doc said he wanted to beat up Lorenzo for saying that Verdine White wasn't good on bass. They discussed Earth Wind & Fire's new album which features Raphael Saadiq. I told them how my parents have a TV/VCR and when I came home from Takoma Station last week, three members of EWF were being interviewed. Doc said R. Kelly produced Charlie Wilson's (of the GAP Band) album. Dwayne said he needs Marshall amps.

Monique said I almost spilled her drink backing up. I told her it was my birthday. She asked me how old I was, I said 32. She said, "Well, if you spill my drink, I'll kick your ass, thirty-two." Nikki and she both hugged me. I asked Monique to give me a lap dance like she gave Donnell Jr. on Friday. She joked, "That's different, he's my boyfriend."

Second Set
Donnell said something about Lorraine High School.
1) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - James was on backup vocals, there was a nice crank, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Donnell said, "My man, Ray"
3) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - James was on backup vocals, Halima moved around, Donnell said, "I know that's right, baby"
Mike said, "Birthday boy"
4) They started perfoming the music to Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Donnell went over the birthday girls, "Little Sis, Angie, Tamika" / Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club - "Go Angie, it's your birthday" / Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima started out by singing, "Baby, Baby", Halima moved around and bounced
5) Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell held up his cell phone lit, Canina, a woman who talked to Halima, rapped, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima took her mic back
6) Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut (tease)
Donnell said, "We got my man Sugar Bear in the house"
7) Sugar Bear long medley (I am not certain of the order performed) - "Now listen, Gimme that beat, Come on" / "Hey ay, Ho oh" / "Can we do it for the fellas/ladies, Oh my God!" / "The Sugar" / "If you're sexy and you know it, raise your hands" / "Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah" / Sydney Robin & Charlie Shavers' Undecided "First you said you will, then you say you won't" / Donnell went onstage and Halima sat onstage / Sly & the Family Stone's Family Affair / Nelly's Flap Your Wings / "Bop, Bop" / "I got a woman, Way across town, Special request, She's good to me" (rewrite of Gold Digger) -> Kanye West's Gold Digger / Funkadelic's Undisco Kid -> Cops Theme "Bad girls, The girls are bad (Cops Theme)" / "Eya, eya" - the frontline danced, there was nice percussion / "Come on Halima, I like to strut..." / "Four Bones" - Jacques played timbales / "Are the Redskins the real deal, better than the Seahawks? Who's going to the Super Bowl?" / "Old School, eya eya...” / "Hold up, wait a minute" / Freak a Deak All Night Long / "RE Angie" / "Aye, ya, ya, ya" / Rare Essence's One on One - the front line & RE Angie danced, Sugar Bear held Halima's hand up, nice crank / Donnell said, "We'll be releasing a new PA in the next couple of days, couple of minutes..." / Smoke solo / "When are we going to get to the good part"
Jennifer was there.
8) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell said, "That's my man Sugar Bear", Sugar Bear hugged Halima again, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, He said, "Thank my man Sugar Bear, a Grammy award nominee," Donnell did the "Wait a minute chant", the frontline did the bowing dance, Donnell & Halima clapped, the crowd sang along / Notorious BIG's Warning - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, He said, "My man Jordan is celebrating his birthday, it's your birthday" / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute echoes" - Donnell, Halima and DP danced, Donnell chanted "Yeah, Yeah, Hey Jordan, Ay ay, Wait a minute, That's what I'm talking about Jordan", Stacey and Halima (facing each other) dipped in dancing, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute", Donnell said, "Look here y'all, we're getting ready to get up out of here", Mike pointed at Stinky Dink on the dance floor
Val "Tina Turner" was there, with a new hairdo.
Donnell said, "Where you at Halima?" Halima returned to the floor
9) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - energetic singing by Halima, she moved around, Donnell said, "Stinky Dink, rickety raw", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, he bobbed his head, Donnell danced
Shante was there
10) Donnell chanted, "One, two, three, four", Little Benny (wearing a white Shooters jersey with the number 1 printed on it) sat in / Little Benny-led Rare Essence's Roll Call, the frontline danced the roll call dance, Little Benny did a shout out to Stacey, he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
11) Little Benny-led Rare Essence's Doing the Do - "What's that funk, Say what, Ain't got no dust, Doing the do"
12) Little Benny-led Stevie Wonder's Do I Do - Donnell and Halima danced
13) Stinky Dink-led Stinky Dink's One Track Mind
Donnell said, "This is where the stars be partyin'"
14) Donnell-led Common's The Corner - Donnell rapped over the sample
Donnell said, "We'll be at the Fur Sunday with Chuck, Packy, and Halima"
Donnell said, "Benny taught me to dance, I thought I would fall down. I thought I would have to go to one of Mike Muse's private dance rehearsals. Benny do you remember Mike's private dance rehearsals?"
15) Donnell acapella Trina Was Great
Stacey said she would get me a pad. I said paper is convenient, but she can get me a Blackberry. She said, "I don't love you that much."
Godfather wished me a happy birthday. I asked him how Benny's birthday affair went, he said he didn't go.
16) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's How Can I Know? Donnell said to the band, "Don't nobody go nowhere, tall man."
17) A white male fan tried to sing a Bob Marley tune

Pinky stood outside leaning against a car and said, "Don't forget my interview."

As I drove back up the street, I saw Doc and Vincent in the street and honked at them - I told Doc I needed to get him back for almost running me over at Takoma two weeks ago. He said, "I should have hit you, you would be pushing up daisies. You are having a good time on your birthday; I'll bet you celebrate all week..."

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location

Familiar Faces
When I arrived, Lorenzo and Doc were already in the rehearsal room.

Lorenzo flipped through a musical instrument catalog. We discussed the prices. I talked about Sax prices that one friend of mine lent a sax to another friend of mine. The owner was selling it. He bought it for $3000, but the girl who borrowed it said, “I could buy one back home for $200!” I mentioned how Donnell had originally bought one of his Saxes for his son. Doc talked about how Donnell left his Sax behind at a show, probably spending too much attention to the ladies. He told Lorenzo about his experience of leaving his bass behind at Takoma Station when he went on vacation. Packy noticed it, but just left it there. Doc called and then he hugged it like his girlfriend when he came back.

Donnell arrived next. He again wore his mustard yellow pants.

Donnell pulled out a copy of Blueprint. He asked Doc if he needed a copy. Doc said, "I have a copy, but I lost it. My daughter may have used it for a coaster." Donnell replied, "So it's like that?" Doc said, "At least I bought it. I bought thirteen plus copies of Evolution to send down south."

Dwayne arrived next.

Donnell had them practice Anthony Hamilton's Comin' from Where I'm From as an instrumental.

Doc asked Donnell when he left his horn behind. Donnell said, "Which time? I left one behind at the Metro Club and another at the Hispanic join, Davies". He never got them back - one was really expensive too.

Stomp arrived.

Donnell talked about using Comin' from Where I'm From like Mr. Magic. He liked the beat that Stomp used; Stomp said he was just following the bass. Stomp talked about how EU plays this song. Donnell said, "This is what we do, crank songs. You fight it, but..."

Doc said sometimes he can't see signals.

Donnell wanted Stomp to support the timbales on Hollaback Girl.

Godfather arrived.

Later, Mike and Halima arrived at the same time.

Halima said something to Mike and started laughing. I asked Mike what was up and he said, "She's just crazy."

Halima worked on rapping Lighters Up, but Donnell said she can just sing it.

Mike worked on the new Bobby Valentino (single) Tell Me. Donnell talked about using Kraftwerk's Trans-Europe Express

Halima went over and played the congas, first with her hands, then with drumsticks.

DP and later Smoke arrived.

Donnell talked about Jammin' Jeff's birthday party later tonight.

They discussed the tempo for Trina Was Great.

Donnell said they should dress a certain way up for the show at the Fur. Donnell said it would be Chuck Brown, Mr. Cheeks and EU.
Mike said, "EU?"
Donnell said, "Experience Unlimited"
Mike said, "As if I couldn't figure that out."

Donnell said, "If you know where to get fedoras and canes". Stomp said, "I just know Kool Aid." Doc said they need to "Turn it out".

Mike called Doc, "Second tall man". He then said to me, "I'm third tall man." I said, "third bald man too."

Donnell excused everyone but the front line. Stomp made fun of Donnell's "honey mustard pants"; Donnell jokingly hit Stomp in the head.

Donnell did allow me to stay for the frontline meeting. Donnell said the performance will be interrupted to show the Can I Get a Lap Dance? video. He said the house system is fifty times as powerful as any GoGo PA system a band could bring in. Then they will perform the song with Mr. Cheeks. They decided to have the frontline make a grand entrance. The band will play an instrumental prelude like the one they use for Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You. Halima will be singing offstage. Rather than start at the very beginning of the song, they will start at the bridge. Someone talked about how all the women will recognize that bridge. They will walk down the stairs, have security clear a path for them, then later do steps, which they practiced, onstage. They will be using the canes.

Saturday at Tradewinds
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

Tracy Smoot was there with Chanel, watching the Roy Jones-Anthony Tarver fight - Tarver won.

James, Val "Tina Turner", and Diva were there.

Donnell wore his black riding cap.

Packy was not there tonight.

A guy named Kevin stood by the band, he briefly played the congas. He asked me if I was their manager, I explained how I work with them. He said he works for the Tradewinds.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "Once again, I am correct. Roy Jones is a sucker, just like the Cowboys. He don't have to knock him out, Roy Jones didn't throw a punch the whole night."
1) Mike-led Tony Terry's Freaky Little Game - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Donnell said, "Where you at, Choo Choo?"
2) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell went onstage, Halima moved around and bounced, Donnell went back on the floor, he clapped, Halima went onstage, Halima said, "Sometimes you got to let 'em know", there was a nice crank, Donnell said, "I knew you all was like that, jumping up and down to Smoke", Donnell said, "That's the problem with Lincoln Heights. You don't want to dance, you just want to stand in front of everyone", Halima went back on the floor
3) Toto's Georgy Porgy - instrumental tease / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "What you doing out there, Tracy? My girl Sweet Tracy, she's dancing a jig." James was on backup vocals, Donnell said, "Right there, Mike", there was a nice crank
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Halima stood onstage leading the crowd, Donnell held his mic to the crowd
5) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Mike and Halima pointed to each other at the appropriate times, the crowd sang along really loudly
6) Donnell-led Brown & White - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, the frontline, Doc and Dwayne danced, there was a nice crank / Ride Out - the frontline and the crowd did the Ride Out dance, Donnell said, "Just like home for us, where it all started. My man Chuckie, rest in peace." / Northeast Groovers' The Water - Donnell said, "My man Smoke, Stomp, Northeast Groovers, Wheeler Road"
Donnell said, "We got some old school in the house. Old school, watch this."
It went dark
7) Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally / Rare Essence's Spotlight - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal gestures, the crowd sang along, Tina Turner sang on Halima's mic / Rare Essence's Get on the Wagon?
8) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease)
9) Donnell-led Vinnie D's Porno Star - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
10) Mike-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease) - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, the crowd sang along
Donnell said, "Old school"
11) Donnell & Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the band and the crowd held their hands in the air, the crowd sang along, Halima danced, Mike held his mic to the crowd
12) Mike-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Mike said, "There it is. Don't start no sh*t, ain't going to be no sh*t", Donnell said, "My man Archie said we got to go back", the crowd sang along loudly, Halima stood on the floor, she danced and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures to imitate Mike, Halima went back onstage, there was nice percussion, Halima danced, four girls in front of the monitors argued, Donnell had the band stop playing, he said, "You know that's not how we do it."
13) They started perfoming the music to Fantasia's Free Yourself - Donnell said, "We have no fights here ever on Saturday night. To be bumped on again, it's crowded. Come up here and bump on me, Lincoln Heights. That's enough chit chat all of you, come bump on me, I ain't scared of none of y'all, you're scared of me." / Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima's singing was excellent, Donnell stood onstage, the crowd sang along, Halima moved around, Doc was on backup vocals, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, she bounced, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, there was an instrumental transition to ->
14) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - Halima's singing was excellent, she moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima said, "Sing Mike", nice singing by Mike, Halima said, "Sometimes you have to... I've got something on my mind" / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - Halima said, "Ladies even if you can't sing, tell him..."

Netty, Nikki, Archie Paige, Britney, Delano, and Janetta were there.

The band members talked about my sun burn. Donnell joked that it was because I slept with a sista last night.

Doc had a migraine. He said he could only get rid of it by puking. I told him to induce it.

Donnell and Charlie woofed about women.

DP asked Vincent how the sound was. He said you never need to worry about it when Googie's working the sound.

Slick Rick came in the kitchen. He and his friends teased Mike and Godfather about their signature tunes.

Doc talked with a bouncer about boxers.

L-Boogie was there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "We'll be at the Fur on Thursdays. It is free for women, men, everybody, even Britney. You still mad at me, I'll love you anyway. We're going to try something new, get the party warmed up at the Tradewinds."
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Donnell did a shout out to the owner of Cranberries, she was there - she later teased me about my dancing, as did one of the women, Sharon, from last week who had - she particularly made fun of my head bobbing - it turns out she likes it, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Lincoln Heights ladies", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Hey Smoke, 6'9", Halima moved around
2) Donnell-led "Tired yet, ready to quit?" - the crowd responded, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
3) Alternating Donnell-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell held up his cell phone with the light on, as did many fans / Donnell-led "Sweet ___ come to get down, going to get down", Donnell went onstage, he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
4) Donnell & Halima-led Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp
5) Alternating Donnell-led Some Cut - a girl asked me what I was writing, I told her, she later danced with me and asked me the names of songs as they performed them, she moved on to dance with another guy, Nephew said to me, "you lost your girl", I said, "That's okay, I'm sunburned", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell went on the floor, Donnell chanted "Wait a minute", the frontline, Doc and Dwayne danced a bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning - it went dark again / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) - Donnell went onstage / "Wait a minute" echoes - longer and different than usual / Tupac's Hail Mary
6) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - "Once upon a time, I knew a chick named Trina", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around
7) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - her singing was very energetic, she moved around, Donnell went onstage, he bounced, Halima bounced
8) Percussion solo - the crowd shouted "Wind me up, Smoke!", Donnell said, "What, say what...."
9) Donnell & Halima-led Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp - Donnell stood onstage, he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
10) Donnell-led Kanye West's Gold Digger
11) Alternating Donnell-led Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me - "I think she like me" / Slim Thug's I Ain't Heard Of That (Remix) - Doc on backup vocals / Percussion solo - the crowd shouted "Wind me up, Smoke" - Donnell and Halima switched places
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's How Can I Know? - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about Trinidad"
13) Mike & Donnell-led Lap Dance (video remix) - Donnell stood onstage, he bounced, Mike's mic had an echo, the lights came on, Donnell chanted the announcements, "Each and every Wednesday night..."
Donnell said, "This is the Grown & Sexy"
14) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima stood behind Donnell onstage, she bounced, Donnell bounced, he used nonverbal arm & hand gestures during the percussion hits, Donnell went on the floor, Halima moved around, there were pronounced horn hits, there was a nice percussion solo, Donnell said, "Ain't no more Smoke, ain't no more Stomp", the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Funk!"
Jennifer game over and danced with me, but she hit my sunburn, so I moved away, I told her I was sunburned, but (dancing) next week is cool...
15) Godfather played the music to Young Jeezy's Go Crazy
Donnell said, "Tracy Smoot is doing her thing tonight, Bobby's little sis."
Donnell said, "You can bake a turkey all night long, if it's juiceless, it's juiceless, Charlie is juiceless."
Donnell said, "I'm keeping this one (Britney hugged him) Nephew, no misunderstandings"
Stomp played his Roland SPD-S sampling pad, Donnell said, "He's just trying to make it so he can play with himself."
Donnell said, "We're taking a collection for Vincent, he's got that Eazy-E" - Vincent disconnected the mic before he could say any more. Donnell laughed and said, "He sure moved fast."

RE Angie, Tijuana, Shameika, Jennifer, Los, Shorty Q, Mama Chelle, Slim Goodie, March (whom I didn't recognize without her glasses) and Tina were there.

Omarr asked how I could have gotten burned so badly.

Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Sylvan Amphitheatre, National Mall, 15th St & Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC

I went early. The festival performances were going to be from 12 - 8 PM. I really hoped to see Wayne Shorter and Chuck Brown perform, but the order of the bands was not posted. Finally a guy showed me the order: Wayne was scheduled for 4 PM, Chuck after him. The first band to perform was Jerry Gonzalez & the Fort Apache Band - it was a quintet - Jerry plays congas, trumpet and flugelhorn, his brother Andy plays acoustic bass, Larry Willis on grand, piano, a drummer and a sax player. The configuration for the congas was different from GoGo bands - five congas, no bongos - four of the congas were black, and the fifth was tan colored. The four black ones were in a semi-circle around the other one. One of the black ones had supports to remain firm, but the rest were loose. Jerry played in a Latin style. Larry played the piano more as a percussion instrument than foundation. I was already sunburned, but I wanted to stay longer.

Wallace Roney was up next. His band was him on trumpet, a sax player, an acoustic double bass, a keyboard player with the grand piano, a Korg and another keyboard, a drummer, and a female turntablist. The music was good, but I realized I really had to go before my sunburn got worse.

Friday at Safari Steakhouse
Safari Steakhouse, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706


DP, Stomp, Donnell


Doc, Dwayne

I arrived much later than I intended - I was there only a little bit before they started playing. I had trouble finding a parking space. Lorenzo walked in after me. Donnell wore his black riding cap. He said, "Multi-talented Halima, performing for the first time at the Tropicana." Donnell said, "We're the only band with a real happy hour." Lorenzo took his time getting in. Donnell said, "Lorenzo, you're already late, you might want to come in!"

Familiar Faces
First Set
Packy played the tambourine.

Michael Muse (aka Kanye West)
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Michon Battle
1) Miles Davis' Tutu - Donnell played his Sax at the edge of the stage.
2) Grover Washington Jr.'s Lock It in the Pocket - Donnell said, "Halima, this is the song I was talking about", Donnell went on the dance floor playing his horn
DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) put up lights on the left side of the stage
Donnell repeated, "The first time at the Tropicana, Halima"
3) Halima-led Whitney Houston's You Give Good Love - Halima said, "First I want to say happy birthday to Maurice, is there a Maurice in the house? We dug deep into the record stack for this one", Donnell talked and Halima stared at him, Donnell said, "Sing baby", Halima held herself, danced a little, moved around, and bounced, her singing was excellent, Doc sang, "Hoop!", and then so did Halima
4) Halima-led Jill Scott's Golden - Halima and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima bounced and danced, there was a nice crank
Mike said, "Happy birthday to everyone who is having a birthday this evening"
5) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima danced
6) Mike-led John Legend's Ordinary People - Mike gave a speech about "Trying to keep people together", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
7) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima called a guy over to the stage and asked him some questions, she said, "You ain't going nowhere", she tried to get him to sing, she smiled, she stood at the edge of the monitors, she told him to sit down, she was bounced and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, he had a chair at the edge of the monitors, she stood at the edge the edge of the monitors, she got on one knee, She sang to another fan, there was an instrumental transition to ->
8) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, it looked like she was directly looking at someone, but there was no one right on the dance floor, Mike said, "I'm Russell Simmons", after Mike sang, Halima said, "Tell 'em again, Mike", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, there was a nice vocal finish by Mike, then Halima / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - Halima said, "This is what you can say"
There was a larger crowd than lately for the first set, the later start time probably helped.

Michon was there, taking pictures. Love was there.

Sanisse and Yolanda were there.

Peg Leg was there, he said hello to me.

Doc said he picked up and likes the new PFunk album except for some of the rap stuff. I meant to tell him about a recent George Clinton interview.

I talked with Michon. I talked about exchanging digital photos - she said some of her pictures are on the band website, including the ones of Venus Hall. She said she specialized in photography. I talked about going to the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, but taking a radio to listen to the MD game (we won 45-33). She said her two twins sons are fifteen. They play football for Lee high school - they are undefeated. Their father was in football, but switched to being a body builder. I said that at community colleges, fathers and sons can play together. She said Steve Francis is their cousin. I told her how Doc and Dwayne couldn't believe Marquis Melvin quit the football team until I showed them a quote from his coach. I told her about Halima wearing a similar hat to hers and Candy’s at Takoma Station last week. She said she and Candy went to the hat store and came back with the same hat, so they got different colors.

Second Set
Feedback came out of Doc's amp.
Mike said, "That's what happens when you buy your instruments at the toy store."
Donnell said, "Tirico, I haven't seen him since he was a little boy"
The crank (particularly by Smoke) started with
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - Donnell said, "We're trying to get started a little early", Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Rudy can we get some house lights on?", he repeated it calling him Flava as well, Halima moved around, Donnell said, "Right there, Halima", she bounced, Donnell said, "Right there, Smoke" during his percussion solo
2) Toto's Georgy Porgy - instrumental tease / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
3) Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Right there Stomp, don't you go nowhere."
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Omar stood onstage, the crowd sang along, Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Right there, Smoke", Halima bounced, she did some vocal hits, the stage is not completely level - Smoke had trouble with the congas not staying still
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Donnell said, "Right there Smoke" during the percussion, Donnell said, "Get this warmed up", there was a nice crank, Mike took off his sweater and Donnell said, "He's taking off his sweater"
6) Donnell-led "Oh my DC n*ggers, GoGo n*ggers", Doc was on backup vocals, the frontline danced, Donnell sang? "We're so fine, we can't..."
7) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, the crowd sang along, Halima moved, Donnell had Smoke switch to timbales and Jacques to congas, the frontline danced / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa - Donnell said, "Right there, Halima" before they switched back to Hollaback Girl, then he later said, "Right there, Smoke" and they switched back to Hook Me Upa
8) Smoke conga solo - opened with Donnell shouting, "Yes!"
9) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell called out names
10) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Mike and Halima danced, Donnell went to the edge of the stage, he was used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, he chanted "Wait a minute",
11) Donnell-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Halima sang
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Donnell said, "You ready, Pam?" Halima danced, Halima and Donnell stood at the edge of the stage
Donnell said, "I know what you want. I'm going to give you what you want. I'm going to slow it down."
13) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, he held his mic at the edge of the stage, Mike held the hand of a woman at the edge of the monitors, he then went on the floor and sang directly to more women, he said, "It doesn't matter what kind of car he drives, it only matters how he treats you"
Mike said, "Yeah, ten for ten..."
Donnell said, "Mike's singing to everyone, a smorgas board."

Donnell Jr., Stacey & her cousin Shante, Nikki, Shawn, Tijuana with Shameika (who asked me how my thesis is going), 6'9, and Sixx were there.

Third Set
1) They started performing the music to Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Donnell said, "Next Sunday (October 9th), we're at the Fur with Chuck Brown, you might not see us on the flyer, but we'll be there. Mr. Cheeks will be there." Donnell said, "We will have laid back Sundays (starting October 16th), at the National Grille, free drinks to you, you hear that 6'9? Free drinks for everyone but 6'9. No GoGo, just happy hour sets.", Halima said, "We're not a GoGo band on Sundays.", Donnell said, "We're recording a live PA this Wednesday. You hear that Jauhar? Even though I'm not on the flyer" / Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, moved around and bounced more than usual, Omar stood onstage, Dwayne smiled, the horn hits were really pronounced, Halima sang, "Ain't you funkin' now"
Donnell said, "I think ___ is ready"
2) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Donnell did a shout out to Sixx, Halima's singing was energetic, but not as early as when she normally sings this, Donnell said, "You hear that, Ytee?", Donnell said, "Hey Smoke", Smoke did a percussion solo, Donnell danced
3) Donnell-led "She's... she's elated"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
5) Donnell-led "I Don't See or Hear No Evil" - nice percussion, Mike said something I couldn't hear
6) Donnell-led "Eya eya"
7) Donnell-led One on One (Footz version) - the band and the crowd put their hands in the air, Halima, Doc, and Dwayne danced
8) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Yolanda alternated dancing with me and Omar, Donnell danced, moved around and used a lot of nonverbal gestures, he stood at the edge of the stage, he chanted "Wait a minute", Jay Gotti and Killa Cal stood onstage / Donnell-led Notorious BIG's Warning - he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around / Donnell "Wait a minute" echoes" / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Jay Gotti rapped / Killa Cal rapped "This is how we do it Friday night, I'm a familiar face" / Donnell "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell and Halima danced, Donnell held his left fist with his elbow perpendicular, Halima imitated it
9) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Mike-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Halima danced, Donnell stood at the edge of the stage, Halima played congas, Sanisse also played on one of the congas
10) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Stacey played with the conga mics, Halima walked offstage and Yolanda also left, Donnell forgot some of the lines, Donnell said, "Hey Stomp, we're getting ready to get up out of here."
Mike said, "Tiffany's doing the cabbage patch. She almost broke her shoulder"
11) Young Jeezy's Go Crazy - instrumental tease
12) Stomp solo
Donnell said, "It's Toya's birthday, she loves me. Dwayne's birthday is next week; it's the only band birthday we aren't going to celebrate."
I told him my birthday is the day before - next Friday. He told Nephew to get me a cake and put Dwayne's name somewhere on it.
Ytee and Tyrell were there
Doc told me to "ball that (my notes) up". He said that Kanye West (making fun of Mike's sweater) said he dresses like a kid. I told him about reading about greenlighting on the MD board. I said in the thread, there was a picture of Kanye West with a green collared shirt with the collar popped.

Doc said that Halima did the robot.
Donnell said, "I hate Roy Jones, I'm taking all bets, even if he fights Little Mike (Mike Smith used to be a boxer)."
Tiffany F. called me bobble head; we stood over by one of the tables. She got into an argument with a friend whose name I don't know. She asked me to handle it; I got behind her and pushed toward her friend. She made me stop when she saw I was serious.
15) Donnell acapella Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp (tease)
Donnell said that "Monique is looking like she came out of the prom". She responded that she was thirty. She went over to Donnell Jr. and gave him a lap dance. Donnell said, "Stay away from my son."
Donnell said, "We're taking a collection for Vincent, he got his test results, Eazy-E"

I asked Googie if he knew the order of the bands tomorrow at the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. Unfortunately, he didn't.

I told Donnell about the TMOTT thread talking about his son.

I talked with Monique about her rapping there a few weeks ago, and moving all over as she did it. I said I wanted to see that again.

I then talked with Mike. I told him Doc called him Kanye West because of his sweater. I told him about greenlighting and that Kanye West had a picture exhibiting it.

Wednesday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012

Tamara, Tim (LJ), Sharika, June and his wife Shadonna, Shaun (celebrating her birthday) and Tyrell were there.

Donnell wore a black riding cap, the first time since the night of the the Katrina Relief show, probably the same cap. Halima wore a denim cap over her hair that looked like a Rasta cap.

I told Lorenzo that Dwayne has a Maggot Brain pedal for his guitar.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Grover Washington's Mr. Magic - the keyboard hits were really tight, Donnell had a different Sax solo at the end
2) Mother's Day - instrumental, the one Donnell leads with his Soprano Sax. Donnell went over and played at the birthday table. Tamara said something; I asked if she was jealous. She said she really likes this song and wrote words to it. I asked her the title, Tamara said it's called Mother's Day.
Tim said, "Next thing you know, Donnell will be playing outside."
3) Donnell sax solo / Instrumental Prelude / Mike-led Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You - Mike said, "Welcome to Takoma Station", Donnell was felt Halima's hat, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and clapped, Mike said, "You ready, Pinky and Tina Turner?", Halima danced
4) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy
Mike said "Donnell play that damn horn, this goes out to all the beautiful girls celebrating their birthdays. It kind of makes you feel like a kid on Christmas."
5) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima sat onstage, apparently Lorenzo made a mistake, Doc smiled at him
Mike said, "I don't ___ here we could do it like this, Hey thank you."
Donnell said, "We haven't played this in a while, but I've missed Halima singing this one. I don't know if we will play this long or short, but we're going to play this song."
Halima said, "I think you'll like this song." She said something more I didn't hear and laughed.
6) Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine - excellent singing by Halima, she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced, Donnell touched her hair during the appropriate part in the song Donnell said, "Hold on, hold on, hold on. Wait, wait, wait. What was that?"
He announced their upcoming Sunday shows featuring Halima at the Xcalibur (now called National Grille) starting October 16th. He talked about free drinks all night. He said, "I don't drink, you must love that" to a guy who kept repeating "2519", the address for the National Grille
7) Halima-led Whitney Houston's You Give Good Love - her best performance of it so far, she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, she moved around - at the beginning of the song, she was on the only one in the frontline area, she bounced, then Mike came sang backup, Halima said, "Come on, Tamara", Tamara came up, but took a little bit before she sang backup, Mike said, "Yeah!", Halima thanked Tamara for singing backup
Halima said something about it being some kind of night.
8) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima said, "I like to be tall when I sing this", she stood onstage, she continued "I got a lot to say", She had a speech about having something to say with the good times and the bad, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, Donnell moved his mic stand onstage so that Doc could sing backup, Halima stood on the floor at the end, instrumental transition to ->
9) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes - Halima went on the dance floor to a guy (the same guy Donnell teased about repeating National Grille's address), she said he looked serious, she asked if a woman ever said, "Say yes" to him, he said, "No," she went back to the normal frontline area, Mike and Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima moved around / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - She said, "Do you know this song?"
Donnell said, "We have a hater in the house, Malcolm X" - aimed at Dwayne, I'm not sure what he did/said.
Donnell said, "We have a DC celebrity in the house from the Wire, Big G. G, don't act like you don't hear me or you'll make me tell what happened in basketball this summer." Big G responded to that and acknowledged Donnell.
DP said to me, "It worked."
Donnell talked about Chuck Brown sitting in with them at the Fur on October 9th.

Archie Paige, Jay Floyd, and Stacey were there.

I asked Donnell what hosting last night's show meant, just MCing? He said pretty much (he turned his palm up and down), but he did sit in on Sax with Whop-N-Em.

6'9, RE Angie, DeeDee and Nikiya were there.

I asked Godfather the name of his son, he said Marcus. He said he's something.

Jacques, Tony, Godfather, and others talked about a recent prison break.

Godfather pointed out the rappers from the splash party walking in.

I told Mike about the hater message I got in response to my blog.

I talked with Doc, Dwayne, DP, and Lorenzo.

Donnell came out to get us.

A guy asked me if I was taking pictures tonight. I told him no, that I don't like to take pictures every time becsuse I like to enjoy myself.

Second Set
Donnell did birthday announcements to Val "Tina Turner", Dan and Shawn
Donnell again announced their upcoming Sunday shows featuring Halima. The free drinks are Grey Goose and Remy Martin.
He also announced their Thursdays at the Fur starting October 6th.
Donnell talked about Chuck Brown sitting in with them at the Fur on October 9th. It is their DVD release party. Donnell said, "Mike got too much time screen time". Halima posed.
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable (debut) - Halima moved around
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima and Donnell danced
3) They started perfoming the music to Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Donnell said, "Hey Tina Turner, it's your birthday", Halima sang, "Happy birthday" / Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, bounced and moved around - there was a lot of room in the frontline area - Donnell stood behind DP
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Donnell-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up (debut) - Donnell and audience members lit their cell phones
6) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - nice percussion, Halima and Donnell danced
7) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Tina Turner, Shawn, it's your birthday"
Mike started in honor of Tina Turner:
8) Mike-led Rare Essence's Take Me Out to the Go-Go - Donnell said, "Tina Turner, she's darn near fifty years old." Mike said, "He's so disrespectful." Tina Turner sang on a mic, Mike held his mic to the audience
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the band and the audience held their hands in the air, Mike held his mic to the audience
10) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Doing the Do "I ain't got no dust, what's going to..., Do the do"
11) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Halima went back on the floor, Donnell, DP and Halima danced, first just dancing, then the bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, he moved around / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell and Halima danced, the crowd shouted "Wind me up, Smoke", Mike danced, Donnell held his left arm in a fist with his elbow perpendicular, Halima and Mike imitated the gesture
12) Donnell-led Tupac's Hail Mary (tease)
13) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - very energetic singing, Halima moved around and bounced
14) Mike-led Lap Dance - Halima danced, the band members pointed out two hot light skinned women (I later found out their names are Tiffany G. and Lima) dancing to the left of the dance floor. I had earlier noticed them dancing on the dance floor
15) Donnell solo Sax Maceo & the Mack's Soul Power '74 (sampled in Jennifer Lopez's Get Right)
When I talked with DeeDee, a woman said, "I remember you". I asked who she was; she is Michelle, DeeDee's cousin. DeeDee said she recognized me from the last time she came out.

Felecia and Ray were there.

Tuesday at Rehearsal
Private location

Familiar Faces
DP, Doc, Lorenzo, and Stomp were already there when I arrived.

They were already working on Whitney Houston's You Give Good Love and Fantasia's Free Yourself.

Dwayne arrived shortly after.

They planned to have a short rehearsal - Donnell was not there. I asked why and they joked that he was hosting a male strippers party with James Funk. I asked why Lorenzo wasn't there since he had joked to me that he was a male stripper at the Hangar Club. I asked Doc at the end where he really was, he was hosting the Lock Down the City hurricane relief show at Safari Steakhouse.


They also worked on Lil Kim's Lighters Up.

When Mike Muse walked in, he said, "What the f*ck is that smell?" There was a rancid smell, but we couldn't figure out what it was.

Doc joked about what Halima and Godfather's reactions would be to their rehearsing, he imitated their voices as well as what they would say.

They said that Dwayne played as loud as Boolah on Friday. Then they talked about how loud Boolah played on Wednesday, he wasn't even on the system. Since Mike wasn't there on Wednesday, he didn't know Boolah played.

Doc said that Lighters Up (which they all called Put Your Lighters Up) is based on Julian Marley. I am pretty sure he said Julian, but it is actually based on Damien Marley's Welcome to Jamrock.

They discussed the Lock Down the City shows. They discussed who was now in Petworth. I talked about Kevin Miller. Dwayne said, "You mean KO" and described him. I said yes. He said he's a friend of his. I talked about Mambo Sauce. Stomp said all of the guys from Northeast Groovers quit because they were too busy, but Chris Wright was still with them according to a report on TMOTT the next day. They talked about why they weren't performing tonight - they had already done their part.

Marcus Lawson criticized the band, he said, "You all suck," except for his Dad and Dwayne. Dwayne said, "What are you a music critic?" DP said, "Be quiet or your Dad won't get his gas money." Marcus said he preferred 911. He asked me if I was a musician, I told him why I was there. He said that having only one fan (me) there wasn't good. He asked who played the congas. I told him and that the percussionists (Smoke & Jacques), don't have to come to every rehearsal.

Halima came in.

They worked on Alicia Keys' Unbreakable, which samples Eddie Kendricks' Intimate Friends.

Someone came in and handed out flyers for the upcoming Sunday shows at National Grill featuring Halima.

She said she didn't want do the rap yet to Lil Kim's Lighters Up. They said she could just sing the verse. They worked on that too. She talked about the lines about places in DC, they said she's from Maryland, she said Miami. They talked about changing places to Rockville, etc. I said, "Bethesda!"

Lorenzo talked about doing Funkadelic's Maggot Brain. He asked Doc if he knew the part, Doc said there wasn't much to it. Lorenzo then asked Dwayne if he knew it. Dwayne said he should receive a demerit just for asking.

I went to my car and unfortunately got a headache. It was bizarre because I didn't have it until I was in my car. So I didn't go to see Mambo Sauce, even though I wanted to.

Saturday at Tradewinds
Today I finished transcribing my interview of Byron "BJ" Jackson, former bass player and keyboard player for 911/Familiar Faces. He is now with Rare Essence. The transcript of the interview can be seen here.

Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

It was hard finding a parking spot tonight.

The one bouncer (who up until last week worked the front door) was by the kitchen door, he waved to me.

James, 6'9, Sanisse and Yolanda were there.

Junior worked the sound.

Some male fan yelled out to Halima during the sound check, "Go get him girl!"

Familiar Faces
First Set
Line up: Mike Muse, Halima, Donnell, DP, Doc, Dwayne, Godfather, Lorenzo, Mike Smith (first set only), Smoke, and Charlie.
The DJ, East Coast, acknowledged losing out on the Cowboys-Redskins bet to Donnell. He did a shout out to Redskins fans. He said he had to do a lot of crazy things because of the bet. One of those things, which he said he would never do again, was that he played Hail to the Redskins on the PA.
Donnell said he was glad he was public about it, most of the suckers who lost their bets with him tried to hide it.
He said the Cowboys fans made excuses, saying it was a fluke, as if the Cowboys win over the Redskins last year wasn't...
He said he didn't respect Cowboys fans.
He also said, "We only do the DC thing - Redskins, Orioles, Nationals, Wizards..."
He said, "Do you want to double the bet? They couldn't beat us at home, there's no way they can beat us on the road."
East Coast called for a "Noise Meter" - he asked every Cowboys fan to make noise, then Donnell asked every Redskins fan to make noise.
We Redskins fans were much louder and East Coast acknowledged it.
A male fan yelled out, "Halima!" - I think it was the same one who had yelled to her during her sound check.
Donnell said, "I'm glad you knew we weren't on the boat ride."
1) Mike-led Tony Terry's Freaky Little Game - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, there was a nice percussion solo
Donnell said, "Trying to warm up for all these lovely ladies."
2) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - Halima changed the line, "this is how I look with makeup", she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, bounced, and moved around, Donnell touched her hair during it, the frontline danced
3) Toto's Georgy Porgy - instrumental intro / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Donnell said, "You alright, Monique?", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, there was nice percussion
Donnell said, "I think they're ready now."
4) Donnell-led "Hey ah, Ho oh" - the crowd sang along
5) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima (onstage) & Mike (on the floor) posed at the appropriate times
Halima went back on the floor
6) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - she added "Baby, Baby" to the start, Donnell referred to his male friend, "Scrambled Eggs", She sang toward Scrambled Eggs, she moved around, bounced, and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell danced onstage then on the floor, she held the hand of the fan who had yelled her name - I'll bet he got a kick out of that
Donnell said, "We got some old school"
7) Mike-led Rare Essence's Take Me Out to the Go-Go - Halima went onstage, Donnell said, "My baby ___ since Howard Theatre." Donnell said, "Y'all are too young to know this", he then said, "Let the crowd sing" - they did
8) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the band and fans held their hands in the air, Mike danced with a woman on the dance floor
Donnell said, "We're trying to find out just how old you are"
9) Mike-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Halima danced, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike held his mic to a female fan
Donnell said, "We're trying to find how old you are. We don't want any youngsters here. Go beat your feet somewhere else."
Mike said, "Take you back to a time... Do you believe in fairy tales?"
10) Mike-led O'Bryan's Lady I Love You - I noticed James sang back up, Donnell played his horn onstage, Mike went on the dance floor and hugged a female fan (she had earlier stepped on my foot with her spike heel - ouch. She did apologize.) while singing, Another female fan moved that first one out of the way and hugged Mike, Mike said, "I know it's your birthday, but don't get naked", Mike and Donnell both used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
A couple of girls made fun of my head bobbing in both sets, it turns out one of them, Sharon actually likes my head bobbing.

Archie Paige, Nikki, and Monique were there.

Dwayne talked about The Fugees' new single "Take It Easy" being a GoGo track. He talked about even the third guy (Pras?) still gets paid. Stomp talked about Rich Harrison and his songs with GoGo beats.

DP talked about how packed it was at Tradewinds. I told him how hard it was to find a parking space the last two weeks and I arrived early. DP said that at the Black Hole, whenever someone left, someone else was let in.

Mike went outside with the woman he had hugged. He came back in; someone asked him if he wanted some chicken. Godfather said, "He don't want no chicken, write it down Jordan." Then Godfather walked outside.

Mike drank Rockstar - a no-carb energy drink. I told him that I thought of him on the way to rehearsal because a Red Bull truck passed me.

Mike ordered the Rayful Edmonds movie. It was distributed by Liaison.

Slick Rick came in the kitchen.

RE Angie played the congas.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - the crowd sang along, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, moved around, and bounced, Donnell moved onstage then back on the floor
Halima said, "Hey ladies"
2) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - the crowd sang along, Halima moved around, bounced, and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, she held her mic to a female fan / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa - Halima danced, she did some heavy breathing, Halima went offstage and then back on the floor
3) Alternating Donnell-led Brown & White - fans held their hands up, Halima was onstage, the frontline, Doc and Dwayne danced / Donnell-led Ride Out - the frontline danced the Ride Out dance, Donnell called Slick Rick up to dance, he did, first onstage, and then on the floor, Donnell directed his dancing, saying things like, "Pop the clutch" / Donnell-led Northeast Groovers' The Water / Mike-led Parliament's Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) (tease), Halima went onstage, then on the floor
4) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima stood onstage, her singing was very energetic, she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Halima said, "DC, Tradewinds"
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell stood onstage, Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, the frontline & Dwayne danced / Notorious BIG's Warning - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and bounced / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) - Donnell went on the floor, he stood on the edge of the dance floor, Dwayne moved Nikki to the right a little, she danced in front of him, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures / "Wait a minute" echoes - Donnell held his fist up with his elbow at 90 degrees
A fan yelled, "Lincoln Heights"
The lights dimmed, it was very dark
6) Alternating Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls / Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" - Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, he went onstage, Mike said, "Who said Lincoln Height?" / Donnell-led Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp (tease) / Donnell-led Kanye West's Gold Digger / Donnell-led Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me - "I think she likes me, I think you like me" / Donnell-led Slim Thug's I Ain't Heard Of That (Remix) - nice percussion, Lorenzo added some different keyboard sounds, Donnell had Smoke wave while playing the congas / Donnell rapped for Don & Mike, "Back in the day"
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Body Snatchers
8) Dwayne started to play a guitar riff from 911 - Donnell said, "I told them to stop, they are so disrespectful."
9) Donnell rapped, "D-Floyd got the fly sh*t for you"
Mia, a bartender at Cranberries, was there.
Donnell told a woman "next time, leave him home."
A woman complained that he didn't do a birthday shout out to her. He said, "I'm sorry, I'm 41, memory is the first thing to go."
He teased some woman saying she has "a lot of butter on them grits"
He said, "Don got his back up against the wall" - referring to Rare Essence's Back Up Against the Wall?
Donnell joked, "Stomp was fired in the first half, he just keeps coming back".
A guy asked me why I was taking notes. I told him.

Post Performance
1) Donnell rapped "Takoma Station, Masturbation..."
He further teased Stomp, "She had three kids for you and you couldn't..."
Donnell addressed some woman, "Cha Cha, Choo Choo, or Co Co". She was with Charlie. Donnell teased Charlie about his ability to handle her. He said, "He is still scared of you, since the bus trip. If you're not dancing on a table, he don't know what to do with the money." He repeated that you need a garter belt for them to know what to do.
Another woman pulled out her red lace underwear and said James can't handle her.
Donnell sang, Rare Essence's What Would You Do for the Money (tease).
Donnell said, "He's thirty, but he's intimidated."
She had a matching red brassiere, which she showed us.
Donnell said, "Somebody else already paid for the drinks, you don't even need to do that."
He then shifted back, "Poor Charlie, sacred since the bus stop. He wants the Million Mans March, he don't want no woman. All he wants is to scramble the eggs, marinate the steak, and hope you go to sleep, no work. You need a stopwatch for Charlie, Carl Lewis on that, Renaldo Nehemiah... This is a case study why you should date little boys."
Charlie replied, "You're over the hill. I will scorch your ass."
Donnell said, "When you're chasing Baloney, you'll get nothing but a sammich."
Donnell said the women needed to give him a progress report next week. One of the women said, "it will be the same."
The other woman said, "94/95, he still hasn't hit this yet."
Donnell said, "Eazy-E was alive back then."
Donnell said of Charlie, "He has the Primatene Mist with him". Donnell crouched as he said it for emphasis.
Charlie said, "Jordan, I'll bust your ass if you put this on the internet." - Lighten up, Charlie - everyone knows it's just Donnell joning
Stomp said, "It will go up tomorrow, maybe tonight."

I went to 7-11 after leaving Tradewinds. As I walked out of the 7-11, a guy said to me, "Next time you should let me in free", he said something about spending $200. I said, "I have nothing to do with that." He said, "It's your club." I said no and that "I wish I owned a club."

Friday at Safari Steakhouse
Today I finished transcribing my interview of Duane "Pooh" Payne, former drummer for 911/Familiar Faces. The transcript of the interview can be seen here.

Safari Steakhouse, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706


This is their preferred set up. I refer to it as the Bike Week set up, since that's where they started using it. I wasn't there, but Donnell told me about it, and I've seen video footage of their performances there. Notice Smoke is on the frontline and DP is a little further back.
Doc, Lorenzo, Mike, Dwayne (barely visible behind Mike), Halima, Donnell, DP, Jacques, Packy, Smike


My usual perspective at Safari performances:
Mike Muse, Halima, Doc, Smoke, Donnell, Dwayne, DP, Lorenzo, Mike Smith, Jacques


Mike Muse, Halima, Doc, Smoke, Donnell, Dwayne, DP, Lorenzo, Mike Smith, Jacques, Packy

All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich

When I pulled up, this was the emptiest I've ever seen the parking lot. Inside, it was even emptier.

Googie brought a bass. Packy talked about how Googie claimed he couldn't play anymore, but had played at an outside show (at Banneker Field).

Doc didn't know about DIP being performed at the Northeast Groovers reunion.

Donnell asked if Mike Smith, Stomp, and Smoke knew the beat to "I don't see or hear no evil".

Packy talked about how Junior would be working the sound (he called him J R) tomorrow since Chuck (Brown) was playing.

Mike Smith played in the first set even though Stomp was there.

When Donnell asked Paul if he could move an equipment case lid from on top of the one monitor gage, he was really nice to Paul. Paul said something about it being bad when Donnell is nice. Then Donnell said something about Paul's butt moving like a rump roast.

There was a lot of speaker noise, as if the speakers were blown, during the sound check.

Donnell announced that 11:15 PM would be the new start time for Friday performances at Safari Steakhouse. The only other person in the audience at first was a woman Donnell referred to as Kia. She was there to celebrate her sister's birthday - she had a bunch of balloons tied to a chair at the big table by the bar. However, by the time the first set started, there was a typical sized first set audience.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Line up: Mike Muse, Halima, Donnell, DP, Doc, Dwayne, Godfather, Lorenzo, Jacques, Smoke, and Mike Smith (He performed in the first set only. He performed even though Stomp was there as well.)
1) Grover Washington Jr.'s Mr. Magic
Donnell joked, "I fired Stomp, just in case you want to know why Mike Smith is playing."
Mike said, "One more Friday".
2) Mike-led The Stylistics' People Make the World (Go Round)
Mike gave a speech about "Being lucky to have someone and those three words that can do more magic than David Copperfield."
3) Mike-led O'Bryan's Lady I Love You - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, nice singing by him
Donnell said, "Is Tina here yet?" She said yes. She sat in the chair with all the balloons.
Donnell joked, "Don’t let that chair fly away". It reminded me of this hilarious true story.
Mike said, "This goes back to when Michael Jackson had..." (I couldn't hear what he said.)
The crank started with
4) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Golden Lady - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
5) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
6) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - really nice crank
Donnell told DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) to start playing. He wasn't sure what to call his laptop that he used to DJ.
DJ Flava said, "Buttons of plastic."

Archie Paige, the other Tracy, Candall, Shawn (we waved to each other), and Peg Leg were there.

I asked DP about being cousins with Donnell. Mike said, "You didn't know that?" DP said they were and that he's known Donnell since they were five years old. I told Mike about how some guys in the band didn't know that Nephew was Donnell's nephew until I told them.

Archie and Mike Muse were talking about his bad back, which is why he didn't come to Wednesday's show. Mike said that his back has had problems since he was rear ended by a thirteen year old girl in 1994. I jokingly asked if it was because he broke up with her. Archie asked how many drinks I had had. I told him and Mike about why I don't drink. Mike joked, "You should smoke boat."

Googie played his bass during the break.

Stacey, Kato, and Danielle (Wellfhed) were there.

Second Set
There were alternating flashing lights during the set
1) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's I'm Getting Ready - as a call to the other band members to come to the stage
Donnell said, "I told you..."
Donnell said, "Let the good times roll..."
Donnell announced this for Kato (he's said that I Want You is one of his favorite songs). He said that he's the owner of the most controversial website on the 'net. It has everything that's going on and everything they think is going on. It has lies and spies. It has who likes us and who hates us.
2) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - nice Smoke solo
Donnell said, "Ebony, Ebony"
3) Mike-led Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima moved around, used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, and bounced, she added the line "Baby, Baby"
6) Donnell-led "Ey-ya ey-ya / Mike or Doc-led? I couldn't tell which one led this or whether this is part of the same song - nice crank
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - nice percussion
8) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Halima conducted the women during their part
I noticed smoke machines going, not from the stage, but from the ceiling closer to the front entrance
9) Donnell-led Hold the Note - nice percussion, Donnell moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell and Halima danced
10) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a Minute" echoes - Donnell stood at the edge of the stage, he moved around and bounced
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - I noticed DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) danced in the booth, Donnell bounced, Mike, Halima, and Donnell danced
Donnell said, "It's time to turn on the air conditioning". He talked about slowing down because of the heat (referring to moving on to Free Yourself) - it was really hot
Donnell did a shout out to Dey "who he hadn't seen since the Fur".
She apparently said Hi, because he said, "Hi, that's all you got for me?"
12) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - one of her best sung performances of this, She went on the dance floor and sang toward Peg Leg, then she went back onstage - the edge of the stage, she bounced, used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved
Donnell said, "Rita, I didn't know you were here, unhand my woman!"
Both Candall and Danielle teased me about my dancing. Candall asked if I felt comfortable dancing. Danielle said I wasn't dancing correctly and said she would teach me (whether I liked it or not). I told her about the guys who taught me how to dance.


Darrell, 6'9, Adia, Vic, Tata, and the other female Shawn, Chocoltchp, and SweetAngelmd27 were there.

Nikki, Monique and Ytee were there.

6'9 sat next to Danielle, who sat to my left. 6'9 kept looking on the floor for parts of her bracelet.

Third Set
Donnell called the band to the stage. They were a little slow getting up there, so when they did, Donnell joked, "I told you they didn't quit."
1) Doc-led Young Jeezy's And Then What - sound check
2) Donnell joked with a woman and said, "All you have to do is say yes" - they performed the music to Floetry's Say Yes
Donnell called Halima to the stage. Mike said, "Someone said she's out in the parking lot, brewing tea. Witches' brew. She's making a potion to do..."
After Halima came in, Donnell asked, "Adia, are you working tonight?"
She said yes.
3) Adia-led Erykah Badu's Danger - She moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Adia left the stage
4) Donnell chanted "Each and every Wednesday night at Takoma Station, etc."
5) Donnell chanted names of people, after each name, DP chanted, "Yeah"
6) Doc-led Young Jeezy's And Then What
7) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - Halima moved around and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa - Donnell stood at the edge of the stage, he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima danced and did heavy breathing
8) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Donnell was bouncing, there was nice percussion, Halima's singing was very energetic, she used a lot of nonverbal gestures and was bouncing, Omar stood on the side of the stage, I moved to the right of him - I immediately felt nice cold air - I was right under the vent
9) Alternating Donnell-led 911 - performed with the full lyrics, Donnell stood at the edge of the stage, Donnell & Halima danced / Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me - "I think she likes me, I think you like me" / Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp (tease) / Kanye West's Gold Digger - nice percussion
10) Smoke solo with Packy dancing next to him
11) Donnell-led "I don't see or hear no evil"
12) Donnell-led "We got the"?
13) Donnell-led "Tired yet, ready to quit?" - the crowd shouted "Hell no" in chorus
14) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25, don't be a fool with your money" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - some lyrics not normally in it "Is it like that, is it only..."
15) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Tiffany, It's Your Birthday," Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
17) Donnell-led Lap Dance (video remix) - Donnell added the line "Baby, Baby", he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima played a cabasa, Mike said, "Wow", then Donnell said, "We fumbled that one", so they resumed playing. When they finished, Donnell said, "I had to cut you short, Peg Leg, you were making me jealous"
Danielle danced harder with me this set - she kept playing with my hair. Both Packy and Halima smiled at me. Danielle said of the band, "They're just jealous."
Candall asked me if I knew her name, I told her and why I didn't know it before. She said it is pronounced candle.
Kia got on the mic and said happy birthday to her sister Tina. Donnell talked about how much they resembled each other.
Donnell talked about taking a collection, but not for Vincent this time.
Packy said I went to the wild side.
Donnell said that I got more than a handful and she (Danielle) knocked my wig off - as if I would ever wear a wig. He said I wouldn't write this.
Nephew said, “We should write our own blog.”
Donnell said to a woman, "You finally want me; you came to your census bureau..."

I talked with Doc and Dwayne about why the PFunk show was cancelled - their booking agent quit. Besides, the tickets were $75. Doc said that was fine, but Dwayne said that was too much. Doc said he'd pay that for them and for Prince. I said only with Larry Graham. I said Prince is too poppy for me.

Wednesday at Takoma Station
Takoma Station, 6914 4th St NW, Washington, DC 20012


Donnell, Stomp, Godfather, Lorenzo, Boolah, Vincent


Smoke, Packy, Jacques, Donnell, Doc, DP, Boolah


Smoke, Packy, Jacques, Halima, Doc, Stomp, Boolah


Smoke, Packy, Jacques, Halima, Doc, Boolah


Smoke, Packy, Halima, Jacques, Doc, Donnell, Stomp, DP


Donnell, Smoke, Halima, Packy, Jacques, Doc, Boolah, DP
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich

Tim (LJ) was there.

While I waited for all the band members to arrive, I looked outside and I saw a man that I knew would be a guest guitarist. Doc was already inside, and this guy had a baseball cap on and a soft guitar case. He had his back to me and talked with someone at the curb. (Dwayne never wears caps that I've ever seen and has a hard case). It was Boolah. I didn't recognize him at first, but as soon as he started playing, I knew it was him.

Darrell, Shaun, Archie Paige, and June & his wife Shadonna were there.

Mike wasn't at the show tonight.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Packy played a tambourine
Donnell said, "My baby Halima is going at y'all with the hats."
Donnell introduced Boolah, "Somebody I've fired many times. Seriously, one of the meanest, best musicians..."
The strobe light I saw by the drum on Monday is actually in the drum
1) Instrumental - really nice Boolah solo, Boolah played in the area the frontline stands in
2) Grover Washington Jr.'s Lock It in the Pocket - another nice Boolah solo
Donnell said, "My man Demi Doc walked in, Demi who?"
Jay Floyd walked in. He asked, "Who's the singer?" He didn't recognize Halima.
Halima said, "Good evening everybody. Crazy day today, I got lost!"
3) Halima-led Whitney Houston's You Give Good Love - she moved around, bounced, used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, her singing was consistently excellent throughout tonight's performance
Donnell said, "All you, no Michael Muse tonight, all you..."
Halima said, "Is that Tina Turner?" It was.
4) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Didn't Cha Know - She used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Boolah played a nice solo, he used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures - Halima danced during it
Donnell said "It's Lisa of the World's birthday. She must be at least fifty. She swung from the ropes at Howard Theatre with Disco Dan."
The dance floor filled during
5) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Donnell danced
A very smooth transition to the next song:
6) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - Donnell and Boolah stood onstage, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures and moved around, the frontline danced, there Boolah played a nice solo
Tim had asked me who the guitarist was before I recognized him. I told him when he came back. He didn't know that Boolah was Dwayne's predecessor.

RE Angie, Tamara, Dave, Tracy Smoot, Ray, and 6'9 were there.

I said hello to Boolah. I told him that I regretted that he is the only Familiar Faces band member I never go to know personally. He said we could talk later; he's going to be in the area for a while.

I talked with Jermaine and joked about him going to Dupont Circle.

Donnell came out and got us to come in.

Second Set
Donnell spoke (not sang) Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (tease)
Lisa of the World danced in the frontline area between Halima and Donnell. I later noticed Shante dancing to the left of Halima.
Donnell said, "If you owe me money, give it to me. First of all, they're Cowboy fans so I don't respect them. Second they are delusional. They used half time to honor the pipe smokers and the whores. Who was that player who took weed from Miami to Houston? Leon Lett. Making all that money and he wanted to deal weed."
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
Donnell said, "It's your birthday" to Lisa of the World
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Go Lisa, It's Your Birthday"
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, moved around, and bounced, Boolah played onstage, there was nice percussion
6) Alternating Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl - she used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa - Halima did heavy breathing, Halima, Lisa and Donnell danced
7) Donnell & Halima-led Prince's Take Me With You - there was nice percussion, Lisa got on the mic during the "just the ladies" part, the frontline danced
8) Donnell-led Hold the Note - the frontline danced, there was nice percussion
9) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
10) Donnell & Halima-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - Halima also passed the mic around to various fans including Lisa of the World and Tina Turner, there was really nice percussion
11) Donnell-led "Want to dance, want to back on up?"
12) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - She had very energetic singing and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures
13) 6 Minutes percussion solo - Donnell didn't actually say those words, but he said, "Don't nobody say nothing", which he always says during this - the frontline danced, the crowd shouted "Go-Go Smoke-ay!"
14) Alternating Donnell-led Lap Dance - nice Boolah solo and nice percussion solos - Donnell said, "One more time, he (Boolah) f*cked up" / Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up (tease)
A woman who I have danced with several times at Takoma Station said hello. She talked with me about dancing. She drank champagne out of the bottle. Her name may be Angie, because Donnell mentioned an Angie celebrating her birthday.
Donnell said, "Boolah can still do it. I am trying to remember why I fired him."
Donnell said, "We are not on the boat ride, deceptive advertising. We are at Tradewinds on Saturday."
Donnell said, "Halima went crazy at the hat store."
Halima joked, "Five for $10."
Donnell said, "Don't see a lot of Cowboys jerseys."
Donnell did a shout out to Curtis Malone (coach of the DC Assault AAU basketball team).
Donnell said, "We need to do a collection for my man Vincent, he got the test results..."

DeeDee, Nikki, Monique, and Sharika were there.