Saturday at Mirrors
Mirrors, 33 New York Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002


A girl I know said hello, but I wasn't sure who it was since it was dark and I only saw her for a second.

Robin and Rochelle were there.

EU - 12:15 AM
The line up was: Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott (vocals & bass), Mya (vocals), Kevin "KC" (vocals), Tony (guitar), Ivan Goff (keyboard), Mike Smith (drummer), Derrick Curry (percussion).

Sugar Bear, Tony, Mike, Mya, Kevin, Derrick


Rochelle, Ivan, Sugar Bear, Tony, Mya


Sugar Bear, Tony, CC
The dance floor was mostly empty when EU started so Sugar Bear said, "Come party with me, I promise I won't put you to bed."
1) Sugar Bear rapped - it cranked / Sly & the Family Stone's Family Affair / "Pump it up Redskin fans, just like this" - Sugar Bear chanted, "Gimme that beat" / Percussion solo -->
2) Mya-led Keyshia Cole's Shoulda Let You Go - it cranked / Sugar Bear chanted, "Party with your body" / "Drop down low and hit the floor with it and flap your wings" - Sugar Bear chanted, "Gimme that beat" / Percussion solo -->
3) Kevin-led Lil Wayne's Lollipop - it cranked / Mya-led "Call me" / Sugar Bear-led Nelly's Flap Your Wings (tease) / Alternating "Shake it shawty, shake it" - Derrick played toms / "She likes to do it do it" -->
4) Mya-led "I like to do it do it" - it cranked, Derrick played toms / Sugar Bear chanted, "Drop that beat" / "When are we going to get to the good part" / "Can we do it for the fellas?" / "If you're sexy and you know it, raise your hands" / "ya ya ya" / "Hold up, Wait a minute" / Funkadelic's Undisco Kidd (tease) "Girls are bad" / Derrick went back to playing congas - the frontline dance / "Pop the Coochie" / "Beat your feet every day" - Ivan set up his keyboard, Derrick played the toms / "Hey sexy lady, can I get to know you?" / Akon's I Wanna Love You (tease) "I wanna love you, you already know" / OutKast's The Way You Move (tease) / "Work the middle" -->
Val "Tina Turner" was there.
5) Sugar Bear-led "Somebody at this party, she wants to get down with ya" - it cranked / "Tired yet? Ready to quit?" / "Tell me what you feel like doing y'all" / "Hold up, wait a minute" -->
6) Sugar Bear-led "Go low, how low can you go?" - it cranked / "Move your body like a snake" / "You got ___, hello" / "Get your freak on" / "Is that my chick? I don't know" / "Southeast (etc.) is here" / "Are the Redskins the real deal? Better than the Cowboys? Better than the Eagles? Who's going to the Super Bowl?" -->
7) Sugar Bear-led "Tick tock" - it cranked / Kanye West's Gold Digger - Kevin rapped, Derrick played toms / "You wanna ride with me?" - Kevin rapped / "Shake it down" -->
8) Sugar Bear-led Isley Brother's It's Your Thing (altered lyrics) - "Shake your thang" (repeated), "It's old school, do what you want to" - it cranked, Mya rapped / "Don't tell me how to party" / "One, two, three..." - Derrick played toms / "Let me see you work it" / "Zu zu zu" (repeated) / "All you ladies whip it" / "It's hard to control myself" -->
9) Sugar Bear-led The Shop Boyz' Party Like a Rockstar - it cranked, Derrick played toms / Sugar Bear said, "Redskin fans raise your hands, I hate the Cowboys" / Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s Crush on You "heard me on the radio, Um bop bop" / a female rapper named CC sat in / drum outtro
They were done at 1:14 AM. I enjoyed it, Mya had great facial expressions especially with her eyes.

Felecia's sister, Keishi (spelling?) was there.

Kia was there.

Familiar Faces - 1:47 AM
Mike, Quese, and Lorenzo were not present.

Tia & Tina Turner on the left on the dance floor, Sean, Scooby, Godfather, Damila, Wendell, Jammin' Jeff, Donnell


Donnell, Jammin' Jeff, DP, Bojack, Packy, Smoke
Donnell said, "Special dedication to the Libras"
1) Scooby-led Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight - it started laid back and then went to crank, Wendell soloed, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo - Bojack played the cowbell / Donnell-led "Hold the note y'all"
2) Damila-led Jill Scott's When You're Around - it cranked / Percussion solo -->
3) Alternating Scooby-led Sunshine - it cranked, Scooby said, "you remember the first time ___" / "Hold it!" / Percussion solo - Scooby chanted, "oh oh oh", the frontline danced, Scooby chanted, "Eya eya" / "Ya party with me" / Donnell chanted, "Dance with me y'all"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - his mic had a lot of reverb
5) Donnell & Damila-led "Can we do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - it cranked
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Hey ay"
7) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) "Libras" - it cranked
8) Damila-led Rihanna's Take a Bow - it cranked
9) Alternating Scooby-led The Dream's I Luv Your Girl - it had a light crank, Scooby chanted "Ah ah ah" along with the horn hits / "___ Is bad" / Bojack played the toms / Scooby said, "Libra's got a birthday"
10) Donnell & Scooby-led "Jump your body" - it cranked, Scooby rapped, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Bojack tom solo -->
11) Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - it cranked, Scooby chanted, "Throw your hands in the air, throw your hands up", Scooby chanted, "Stick out your butt, shake what you got", Bojack played the toms (cowbell earlier in the song), Scooby chanted, "How low can you go?"
12) Donnell & Scooby-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked, Donnell invited a fan onstage and danced with her, Donnell chanted, "Kentland!", Tina Turner and a guy were onstage -->


All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What? - it cranked / Alternating Rare Essence's All Da Time - Donnell waved his mic stand / "Southeast, South, Southeast" chant - Packy played the cowbell / Donnell chanted, "Dance with me y'all" / Maino's Hi Hater - the house lights came on
14) Donnell & Scooby-led Do You Think About Me? - it had a light crank / Donnell-led ? / Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby (tease) / Scooby-led "DC Girls they drive me crazy" / "Uh oh" / Donnell-led Let Me Go One Time / ? / "Do you listen to my heartbeat?" - Donnell said, "Tia, 52 years old and acts like an 8th grader"
KayKay was there.
15) Donnell acapella Hail to the Redskins - Donnell said, "That girl (the fan who danced onstage) danced like Lock It was made for her. Tina Turner got no drawers on" / Goldfinger theme (tease) / Bill Withers' Lovely Day (tease) / Luther Vandross' Never Too Much (tease)

Friday at the Black Cat
Black Cat, 1811 14th St. NW, Washington, DC 20009


I've heard some live recordings of Los Amigos Invisibles, so when I saw they were playing here, I immediately bought a ticket.

I didn't even realize there was going to be an opening act until I went upstairs and Bio Ritmo was performing.

The crowd was diverse, with a lot of couples, who danced together especially during Bio Ritmo's set.

Bio Ritmo - in progress at around 10:30 PM
The line up was: Rei Alvarez (vocals & percussion), bass player, Marlysse Simmons (keyboard), Saxophone player, Tobias Whitaker (trombone), Mambo Bob Miller (trumpet), Giustino "Inspector Clave" Riccio (drummer), Gabo "Presidente" Tomasini (percussion), cowbell player/percussionist.

They performed about 6 songs during the time I was there, the third one cranked. They were done at 11 PM. They are a salsa band; their music didn't really stand out to me.

I bought a copy of The Venezuelan Zinga Son, Vol. 1 and their live DVD (I didn't know it existed and I couldn't find it on the net afterwards either). I prefer them live to studio. I enjoyed the DVD, but wish it were longer.

Los Amigos Invisibles - 11:39 PM
The line up was: Julio "Chulius" Briceño (vocals), José "DJ Afro" Pardo (guitar), José "Catire" Torres (bass), Armando "Odnam" Figueredo (keyboard), Mauricio "Maurimix" Arcas (percussion & vocals), Juan "Mamel" Roura (drummer/percussion).

DJ Afro, Odnam, Chulius, Mamel, Catire, Maurimix
1) Instrumental - Odnam walked on stage first, then DJ Afro and Catire, then Maurimix and Mamel, there was big response from the crowd it cranked, Chulius walked onstage / Chulius-led Mi Linda - they got the audience to clap
2) Chulius-led Amor - it cranked -->
3) Chulius & Maurimix-led Caliente - it had a light crank -->
4) Chulius-led ? - it had a light crank -->
5) Chulius-led ? -->
6) Chulius-led Ease Your Mind - Catire soloed, Chulius said, "Make some noise!", Maurimix soloed, Odnam soloed, it rose to a full crank
7) Chulius-led ? - Mamel left the drum kit for the toms -->

All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
8) Maurimix-led ? - it was laid back, Mamel went back to the drum kit -->
9) Chulius-led ? "eya yo yo" - it was guitar-driven, the crowd responded, the band members jumped up and down, it rose to a full crank
10) Chulius-led ? - it was laid back -->
11) Chulius-led ? "se sa" (very familiar) - it was keyboard-driven, it had a light crank -->
12) Chulius-led ? - it had a light crank -->
13) Chulius-led ? - the band and the crowd jumped up and down -->
14) Chulius-led ? - it was guitar-driven, it was laid back -->
15) Chulius-led ? - it had a light crank, DJ Afro soloed, Chulius showed a Venezuelan flag and rapped it around his neck
16) Chulius-led Cuchi Cuchi - Chulius got the crowd to clap, it had a light crank, Maurimix soloed, Odnam soloed
17) Chulius-led Ponerte E Cuatro - it cranked, the band jumped up and down, they held their mics to the crowd, there was a lot of response by the crowd
18) Chulius-led ? - it had a light crank, Chulius thanked the audience for coming out, DJ Afro soloed, they left the stage / outtro
Encores:
19) Chulius-led Yo Soy Asi - a female fan went onstage and kissed Chulius
20) Chulius-led ? - it cranked
21) Chulius-led El Disco Anal - it had a light crank, Chulius said, "Everyone jump" / Maurimix tom solo
It ended at 1:40 AM. Because I don't know Spanish and because it was dark and I don't take notes as well when I can't see what I'm writing. I really enjoyed - it was really fun, light hearted music. While they performed, a screen to the right of the stage showed a video - it was bizarre (it was not their live DVD).

Monday at WOW Winger (Part 5 of My Birthday Celebration)
WOW Café & Wingery, 800 E. Shoppers Way, Largo, MD 20774


This not only was my first time at this venue, but I had never been to this mall before (last time I was at this location was to see the Washington Wizards).

Miss TK was the cover taker, she said, "Happy birthday Jordan." Mohammed, with Da Mixx Band, introduced himself to me.

Nakia, Wanda (2nd2None), Ty (Delano795), Dogpound, and Tasha (T-Bird) were there. Cyrus (spelling) of Dynasty Band introduced himself to me, he recognized me from last night.

BJ was there, he told me he plays for Da Mixx Band now.

TonySax was there.

This was my first time seeing the new line up of Suttle.

Suttle
The line up was: Chi Ali (lead talker), Steve Roy (vocals), Lakindra (vocals), Tim (bass), Darryl Estep (keyboard), Glenn Cobb (keyboard), Don (trombone), Blue (trumpet), Lil James (drummer), Keith "Young Buck" (percussion), PJ (blocks)
First set - 10 PM

Don, Blue, Young Buck, Darryl, Steve, Tim, Lakindra, Chi Ali


Don, Young Buck, Blue, Darryl, Steve, Tim, Lakindra, James, Chi Ali, Glenn


PJ on the left


1) Chi Ali rapped - it had a light crank / Steve rapped
Chi Ali said the next song was "For the ladies."
Chi Ali left the stage
2) Steve-led Justin Timberlake's Until the End of Time - it was laid back
3) Lakindra-led Keyshia Cole's Heaven Sent "Now you can wait your whole life wondering, When it's gonna come or where it's been" - it had a light crank
4) Lakindra-led Jazmine Sullivan's Need U Bad - it had a light crank
5) Steve-led Lil Wayne's Mrs. Officer - it had a light crank
6) Lakindra-led Rihanna's Take a Bow - it had a light crank, Chi Ali returned to the stage
7) Lakindra-led "mean to me" - it had a light crank / Chi Ali-led "I said it's ready to go" - it rose to a full crank -->
Tamara (Gemini) was there.
8) Chi Ali-led ? - it cranked, Chi Ali gave me a birthday shout out
9) Alternating Steve-led The Dream's I Luv Your Girl - it cranked / Percussion solo - Chi Ali chanted, "Eya eya"
DJ Deuce Juan was there.
10) Steve-led TI's On Top of the World - it cranked, Chi Ali gave me a birthday shout out / Percussion solo

 

I wasn't able to get a table until the break, so I spent the second set sitting at a table eating.

Second set
1) Gemini-led Jill Scott's Hate on Me - it cranked / Percussion solo - Chi Ali rapped / Steve-led Maino's Hi Hater

All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
2) Steve-led ? (I know it's a song Scooby sings with Familiar Faces) - it cranked / Percussion solo - Chi Ali chanted, "Eya eya"
3) Steve-led TI's Whatever You Like - it cranked
4) Chi Ali-led "Somebody call the police" - it cranked
India was there.
5) Steve-led Snoop's Life of Da Party - it cranked
6) Chi Ali-led "Got a" - it cranked / Lakindra & Steve-led ? -->
7) Chi Al-led "Throw your hands in the air, like a freak"
8) Chi Ali-led "5, 25, 25" / Steve-led "Work it, work your body"
9) Steve-led TI's Whatever You Like - it cranked
They were done at 12:10. I enjoyed it.

After their performance, I had a long conversation with Nico.

Sunday at The Legend (Part 4 of My Birthday Celebration)
The Legend, 3225 Naylor Rd, Temple Hills, MD 20748

I saw a male deer on Massachusetts Avenue near American University on my way there.

DJ Lucky said that they were selling Obama t-shirts in the back and that if you wore it to the club, you would get in free for October.

A girl came over and danced with me before Dynasty Band's performance.

Dynasty Band
Mz. Laydee was sick.
The line up was: lead talker, 3 male vocalists, bass player, keyboard player, trombone player, Saxophone player, drummer, and 2 percussionists.
Dynasty played from around 11:15 to 12:30 (2 sets).
All that was familiar from their two sets were Lil Wayne's Mrs. Officer "woo woo woo" and The Dream's I Luv Your Girl.
I enjoyed their performance, it cranked.

Art of Junk
The line up was: Buggs (lead talker), 2 other male vocalists, Demi Doc (keyboard), 2 other keyboard players, Conga/toms player, blocks/cowbell/buckets player, buckets/tambourine player, drummer (drum kit & buckets).
They played from around 1:10 to 2:40 (2 sets).
First set
What was familiar from this set was: TI's Whatever You Like, "Let's freak... So high", Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads up), The Jackson 5's? "Enjoy Yourself", "Drop and get your freak on" - another male vocalist sat in, and Rare Essence's Lock It.

Second set
What was familiar from this set was: Lil Wayne's Mrs. Officer, Tiddy Balls, Nelly's Flap Your Wings - the house lights came on, and they performed Ray J's Sexy Can I.

When I walked to my car, a girl said to me, "Hey White man, did you have fun?"

Barry, who works security at Mirrors, was the only one I knew there.

Sunday at the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Third Annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, Sylvan Amphitheatre, National Mall, 15th St NW & Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC 20001

I saw the very end of the performance of AfroBlue, a jazz vocal acapella group at a little after 1 AM.

Taj Mahal - 1:33 PM
The line up was: Henry "Taj Mahal" Fredericks (guitar, keyboard, banjo), Bill Rich (bass), Kester Smith (drummer).

Bill, Taj Mahal, Kester
1) Instrumental - it had a light crank
2) Done Changed My Way of Living - it had a light crank
Taj Mahal said, "When you play the blues, you're not supposed to feel bad, you get the blues off of you."
3) Checking up on My Baby - it had a light crank
4) Annie Mae - it had a light crank
5) "I can get crazy, If you love me baby, be your lover man" - Taj Mahal played the keyboard, it had a light crank

Taj Mahal talked about Duke Ellington and his output.
6) Baby You're My Destiny - Taj Mahal was back on guitar, it was laid back
7) Zanzibar - it had a light crank
Taj Mahal talked about "Sea Breeze" his brother second down.
8) Good Morning Miss Brown - it had a light crank
9) Fishing Blues "catch more than you" - it had a light crank
10) Queen Bee - it had a light crank
Taj Mahal took out a banjo and said, "Bourgeois don't be leaving now. What's he going to be doing with that?"

All pictures above taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
11) Dueling Banjos (tease) as a joke / 'Merican / "Riverdance" - it had a light crank, the audience clapped along
12) Slow Drag - it had a light crank
The set was done at 2:36. I enjoyed it.

I had planned to see Christian McBride, Conrad Herwig, and McCoy Tyner as well, but it was so hot I went home. Had I known how bad it was going to be, I would have gone to see Rare Essence instead.

Saturday at Tradewinds (My Main Birthday Celebration & Jammin' Jeff's)
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

I did not try to bring a pen in and did not use my usual way of remembering (memorizing one set at a time), so this is really off the top of my head more so than usual.

Yvette, Rhonda, Janetta, Tracey G., Torrie, Stacey, Shaunte, Cindy, Nicole (trouble), Nicole (BF), Archie, Isha, Shawn, Ariel, Mia S., Keta, Muffin, Stacey, Sharmba Mitchell, Tamera, Angie W., RE Angie, Brenda, Rochelle, L-Boogie, Sam (Black Heart), Ty (Delano795), Donnell Jr., and Chappy were there.

Familiar Faces
Mike and Lorenzo were not present.
First set

Nephew, Shawn, Scooby, Sean, Wendell, Godfather, Damila, Jammin' Jeff, Donnell, Packy, Bojack, Quese


1) Damila-led Beyonce's Green Light? "give the green light" - it had a light crank, most of the band was strategically placed to one side of the stage

Wendell, Damila, Drunk, Bojack, DP, Donnell, Quese, Patrick
2) A recording was repeatedly played: a male voice saying, "Playing the drum is like making love" - girls (from the audience) played drums and percussion and marched down the left aisle to the front of the stage - at the front of the stage, I noticed Brenda and Archie among people playing percussion, being conducted by Jammin' Jeff, on the dance floor it was mostly women and they didn't dance at this point as they were so intent on watching what was going on onstage

Scooby, Wendell, Damila, Bojack, Packy, Smoke, DP, Jammin' Jeff, Archie


3) Damila-led Anita Baker's Been So Long
4) Scooby-led ?
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Hey ay"
6) Scooby-led "Familiar Faces is for the Grown & Sexy"
7) Donnell-led "Jump your body" - it cranked
8) Donnell & Quese-led We Don't Need These Phones - it cranked

Second Set
1) Scooby-led Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight
2) Damila-led Rihanna's Take a Bow
3) Scooby-led Sunshine
4) Scooby-led The Dream's I Luv Your Girl
5) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
6) Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - it cranked
Shorty Dud, 32, and Blue Eye of Rare Essence were there.

Nephew, Isha, Sean, Shawn, Jammin' Jeff, Bojack, Shorty Dud, Rochelle, Donnell Jr., Wendell, Smoke, Donnell, DP


Angie W., Nephew, Sean, Jammin' Jeff, Blue Eye, Bojack, Donnell Jr., Wendell, 32
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
7) 32-led Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (tease) - Blue Eye sat in on drums
8) 32 & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Geraldine - it cranked

Friday at Ram's Head Live (Part 2 of my brthday celebration)
Ram's Head Live, 20 Market Pl, Baltimore MD 21202


I got in line at 7 PM. I made a mistake: you could pick one of two lines and the one I picked got in later. I got in at 8:12 PM and Estelle had just started:

Estelle had a background behind the stage lit up: Estelle and then Shine below it.

Estelle - in progress at 8:12 PM
The line up was: Estelle Swaray (vocals), female vocalist, 2 male vocalists, bass player, keyboard player, drummer, DJ.

Estelle
1?) Wait a Minute (Just a Touch) - it had a light crank
2) No Substitute - it had a light crank
Estelle talked about a couple of ex-boyfriends leading up to:
3) More Than Friends - it had a light crank
Estelle joked about how the guys in the audience would think of her singing another such song...
4) Come Over - a male fan was invited up onstage to dance with Estelle, girls yelled, she said, "The last guy who came up started to break dance."
5) 1980 - Estelle had the crowd wave their arms, Travis McCoy sat in and rapped, then Estelle said, "Thank you, Travis"
Estelle said the next song was her tribute to Tina Turner, the Supremes, etc.
6) Pretty Please (Love Me) - it cranked
7) American Boy - Estelle said, "You may know it", fans sang it, her backup vocalists danced
She was done at 8:46 PM. I liked her performance and how she personalized it.

It went dark, and then a new background appeared with GymClassHeroes over a 6 paneled quilt.

Gym Class Heroes - 9:10 PM
The line up was: Travis McCoy (lead vocals), male backup vocalist, Disashi Lumumba-Kasongo (guitar), bass player, (black guy) keyboard player, (white guy) keyboard player/guitar player, Matt McGinley (drummer)
At the start the backup vocalist waved a flag that had GymClassHeroes written on it.
1) Clothes Off! - it had a light crank, Travis rapped, I smelled Marijuana / drum solo
2) Peace Sign / Index Down - Travis asked, "How many of you registered to vote?", Travis rapped
3) The Queen & I - it had a light crank, the roadie (white dude) who had tested all of the guitars sat in for just this song
4) Shoot Down the Stars - Travis said, "All the sexy people, make some noise, take a step back, put your chin up"
5) Sam Cooke's Cupid (tease) / Supertramp's Breakfast in America (tease) / Cupid's Chokehold - the white keyboard player played the guitar
6) Blinded by the Sun - it had a light crank
7) Papercuts - it was interrupted by a fight, Travis said, "Are you done? We came to have fun tonight. I've been known to get involved when required."
8) ? "romance" - some of it was sung acapella
Travis said, "A few weeks ago there was an accident where a couple of our friends got hurt (DJ AM & Travis Barker)".
9) ? - Travis encouraged the audience to jump up and down, the guitar players stood at the edge of the stage
Travis asked, "How many of you guys are addicted to music?"
10) ?
I have a problem when I text when I'm drunk."
10) Drnk Txt Rmeo - a female singer (blonde white woman) sat in briefly
11) On My Own Time (Write On!) - Travis rapped, Disashi soloed and walked over to the drum kit
Travis said, "On the internet, you may have heard about some trouble I had in St. Louis. I got charged with litter. I'm Innocent!" (He was charged on July 1 with hitting a man with a microphone who called him by the n-word).
12) Guilty as Charged - Estelle and Black Thought came onstage, Estelle sat in, it cranked, then both Estelle and Black Thought left the stage

Disashi, Travis, Estelle, Black Thought, GymClassHeroe's backup vocalist
Travis called out to his Mom in the audience.
13) ?
14) Cookie Jar
They were done at 10:16. I really did not like their music and couldn't wait for it to be over - it was too much of what is called "alternative music" and I didn't like the lyrics either.

It went dark, and then the black curtain covering the backdrop was dropped. Their background was an image of John McCain's face crossed out and with the word Nope on his forehead with script writing in the background of the entire backdrop.

The Roots - 10:51 PM
The line up was: Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter (rapper), Kirk "Captain Kirk" Douglas (guitar & vocals), Owen Biddle (bass), James "Kamal" Gray (keyboards), Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drummer), Frank "Knuckles" Walker (percussion), Damon "Tuba Gooding Jr." Bryson (Sousaphone).

Questlove and Black Thought


Captain Kirk


1) Instrumental - The band members except for Black Thought walked onto the stage singe file with Damon playing his Sousaphone as they walked on, the rest of the band started to play their instruments at a light crank and then Black Thought walked onstage 2) Black Thought-led Get Busy - it cranked, another male rapper sat in
3) Kamal-led Star - it had a light crank
4) Black Thought-led Step into the Realm - it had a light crank
5) Black Thought-led "Hustle, where I come from" - it was laid back, Knuckles, Captain Kirk, Damon, and Owen rushed from the right to where Black Thought stood on the left
6) Alternating Black Thought-led Mellow My Man - it had a light crank, Black Thought said, "Clap your hands, stamp your feet" / Percussion solo - Captain Kirk, Damon, and Owen all stood on Questlove's risers and played on the drum kit with him (all with sticks), it cranked, Black Thought said, "Say turn it up, say fire it up" / Damon Sousaphone solo - he stood on the left front of the stage, Black Thought said, "Y'all feeling my peoples or what?", Black Thought said, "Baltimore and all surrounding areas, say thank you."

Captain Kirk, Tuba Gooding Jr., Questlove, Owen, Black Thought, Knuckles
All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
Black Thought introduced the band
7) Black Thought-led "every time" - it had a light crank / Questlove-led Criminal - Black Thought said, "Turn it up"
8) Black Thought-led "people can say what they want" - it had a light crank / Alternating Captain Kirk-led You Got Me - it rose to a full crank, Captain Kirk scatted / Captain Kirk-led Guns N Rose's Sweet Child O' Mine (tease) - the crowd sang along / Black Thought-led George Thorogood & the Destroyers' Bad to the Bone (tease) / Black Thought-led Muddy Waters' Mannish Boy (tease) " Now when I was a young boy, at the age of five" / Kirk went up to the front and did solo notes / Owen bass solo - Owen and Damon were at the front
9) Black Thought-led The Next Movement - it had a light crank / Captain Kirk-led "You don't know... I don't... push..." - Captain Kirk, Damon, Black Thought, and Owen stood at the front of the stage, Black Thought said, "Clap" / Black Thought-led Curtis Mayfield's Move on Up - it cranked, Captain Kirk, Damon, and Owen stood at the front left then right, Captain Kirk duckwalked
Special presentation for the 4 Libras onstage - they (including Travis McCoy and the female guest vocalist during his set) brought out birthday cakes
10) Black Thought-led "ladies and gentlemen I'm... that's my..." - Black Thought rapped so fast it was hard to make out what he was saying, it cranked, Knuckles stood at the front and interacted with Black Thought, Kamal played guitar-like keyboard hits, Questlove soloed, Captain Kirk, Knuckles, Damon, and Owen danced
They finished a little after Midnight. They threw signed drum sticks, towels, and drum heads to the audience, Questlove threw something to the loft by the left side of the stage but the person dropped it and he waved at them like how could you drop that?, he threw a signed drum head into the loft in the center by throwing it like a Frisbee.
It was awesome, lots of the crank that I enjoy.

Part 1 of My Birthday Celebration: Thursday at Icon
The Icon, 2106 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601


Elements Band - 8:49
The line up was: Blinc (lead talker), Link (vocalist), Carilla (female vocalist), guitar player, bass player, keyboard player, drummer, 2 percussionists.
1) Alternating Link-led "someone else's girlfriend" (it was familiar) - it cranked / Percussion solo
2) Link-led Maroon 5's This Love - it cranked
3) Carilla-led Erykah Badu's On & On - it started off with a light crank and then rose to a full crank, Blinc said, "All the ladies" / Percussion solo - Carilla said, "What y'all say?"
4) Blinc-led "doing it... yeah" - it cranked -->
5) Blinc & Link-led "I like it a lot" - it cranked -->
6) Blinc & Link-led "Holler at you" (it was familiar) - it cranked, the frontline danced
Rachelle was there also celebrating her birthday and those of other friends she brought.
7) Carilla-led "that we're hot" - it cranked / outtro
Blinc said, "Sexual chocolate!"
Their set was done at 9:34. This was my first time seeing them and I had expected to see Publicity Band based on the flyer, but I liked their set.

Do Dirty worked the PA.

Tamera was there.

A woman named Keisha introduced herself to me, she recognized me from going to a number of Familiar Faces shows.

Snells was there.

Familiar Faces
First set
Donnell said, "We'll have a special dedication to the Dallas Cowboys (who lost to the Redskins on Sunday)... and Tony Homo".
1) Damila-led Ledisi's Alright - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo
Donnell did a shout out to me.
2) Damila-led Jill Scott's When You're Around - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo - Keisha danced with me -->
3) Quese & Scooby-led Jodeci's Come & Talk to Me - it cranked, Donnell did a birthday shout out to me
4) Scooby-led The Dream's I Luv Your Girl - Scooby did "ah ah ah" in synch with the horn hits / "___ Is bad!" / Percussion solo - the stage went dark
Shaunte (Stacey's Cousin) was there, celebrating her birthday.
5) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - it cranked
6) Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" - it cranked / Instrumental / Donnell & Quese-led "Jump your body" - Donnell got on the right speaker and Scooby on the left, then Donnell went on the dance floor / Bojack tom solo - Packy played the cowbell
Donnell joned on the Cowboys. Snell said, "You better cut that out" and Donnell said, "Or what?" Then ran away.

Tasha T. was there.

I talked with Lorenzo for awhile during the break, he had just been touring with Ledisi.

Second set
1) Scooby-led Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight - it started off laid back and then went to crank, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo - it was really long, I loved it
Stacy & ChooChoo were there.
2) Donnell & Quese-led We Don't Need These Phones - it cranked / Percussion solo -->
Yannie and Theos were there.
3) Scooby-led Sunshine - it cranked, Scooby chanted, "Hold it!" / Percussion solo - Scooby chanted, "Oh oh oh" / "Ya Party With Me" / Donnell chanted, "Dance with me, Y'all"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Quese & Damila-led "Can we do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - it cranked
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Hey ay"
7) Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - Scooby said, "Stick out your butt and shake what you got", Scooby said. "How low low can you go go"? - Donnell, DP, and Mike were in front of the dance floor
8) Damila-led Rihanna's Take a Bow - it cranked, Donnell, DP and Mike danced
9) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Alternating Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked, Scooby stood on the left speaker / Bojack tom solo
10) Donnell & Scooby-led Do You Think About Me? - it had a light crank / Percussion solo / "Slow Funk & Grind" - I zoned out a little so I may have missed a song / Scooby-led "DC Girls, they drive me crazy" / Bojack tom solo - Donnell said, "We have a special RIP for the Cowboys before we go" / Instrumental / Donnell acapella Marvin Sapp's Never Would Have Made It
Bojack imitated James Funk.
Michelle Blackwell of the WHAT? Band was there.

Sunday at Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
Ina & Jack Kay Theatre, Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland 20742

This was my first time at this venue.

Joe Castleman, a fellow member of the Miles Davis listserv I'm on, was also at this performance, his comments are in italics below.

My seat was in the first row of the (round) balcony, about halfway between the left entrance and the middle.

I was about four rows behind you!

I had missed seeing Wayne when he performed at the 2005 Duke Ellington Jazz Festival as I got so sunburned watching the earlier acts that I had to leave before he performed, so I didn't hesitate to buy my ticket as soon as I read about this performance last Month.

I did, too. We had a 2-month-old at that point and there was no way I could have stayed out there all day. I assumed that he'd be playing last, i.e. that evening, being the headliner. But we did get to see Chuck Brown finish (and FWIW, last year I took my son with me to WPFW's garage sale, where he saw Chuck Brown a second time).

However, I was frustrated when I found out that the performance would start during the Redskins game at the Cowboys (we (the Redskins) won 26-24). In fact, I left home early to eat at a College Park bar so that I could see any of the game at all. I ended up at the Cornerstone Grill when RJ Bentley's couldn't get TV reception for the game.

I wonder if that was why people were showing up halfway through the concert, inching their way down the seats. Nice.

The host, Ruth Waalkes?, came out and spoke briefly before the performance, including thanking Barbara and Charles Reiher as a gift of theirs partially funded this performance.

The audience area was pitch black throughout the performance.

They announced that the performances would not follow the order in the program, which was Imani Winds solo, Wayne Shorter Quartet, Wayne Shorter Quartet with the Imani Winds.

The Wayne Shorter Quartet
The line up was: Wayne Shorter (Saxophone), Brian Blade (drums), John Patitucci (bass), Danilo Perez (piano) (This has been Wayne's band for years now).
The arrangement was: the grand piano was on the left at an angle, Wayne stood in front of it about midway in its length and stored his mouthpieces covers not in use in the piano, John stood to the right of the piano, and Brian was at the right which his drum kit at an angle.
Brian's drum kit was the smallest drum kit I've ever seen. It had mics suspended above it from mic stands.
After just a few seconds, they started to play and played continually except for short pauses (for applause) from 6:13 to 7:06 PM, all at a light crank.
Brian was visually compelling, he played with mallets (both ends) and sticks and he moved his arms in various awkward looking positions, including often playing with his arms crossing each other.
Next the Imani Winds came out. Unfortunately, during the rest of the performance, some guy sitting in my row would not keep quiet.
Imani Winds
The line up was (left to right): Valerie Coleman (flutes), Toyin Spellman-Diaz (oboe), Mariam Adam (clarinet), Monica Ellis (bassoon), Jeff Scott (French horn).
The Imani Winds all played sitting down. They performed one piece alone, but with the Wayne Short Quartet onstage (Wayne sat down). Toyin moved her legs around as she played.
Then the Wayne Shorter Quartet played one piece with the Imani Winds. Before it started, Wayne pointed out some things on the sheet music to Valerie (she sat to his left). Wayne performed this piece sitting down.
After the end of this piece, they all stood up in the front of the stage and took a bow, arm-in-arm at 7:21 PM. Then they briefly left the stage and then returned for an encore.
They performed one piece; then again they all stood up in the front of the stage and took a bow, arm-in-arm at 7:40 PM.
I enjoyed the whole performance, but I don't know what pieces they played.

Same here, on both counts. The only time anyone spoke was when Wayne joked(?) about something but I couldn't hear it.

I have to say that I have found Wayne's music with this quartet to be difficult to follow. (Again, to make clear, this is my observation, my $0.02, and I'm certain I'm in the minority where this group is concerned.) Maybe it was the $40 admission, maybe it was being able to watch the guy in person, maybe both, but this time I got more out of it. However, I thought that when the quartet played together with Imani Winds, somehow this loosened things up and I enjoyed this even more. "Loosened up" might not make sense, seeing how Imani was (largely) reading from scores, but I think this forced the quartet to change its approach.

The program listed Imani Winds' possible selections as being from the following list: Wayne Shorter's Terra Incognita, Pegasus, Prometheus Unbound, the Three Marias; Lalo Schifrin's La Nouvele Orleans, Maurice Ravel's Le Tombeau de Couperin, Astor Piazzolla's Libertango & Fuga Y Misterio (both arranged by Jeff Scott), Paquito D'Rivera's Kites Over Havana (arranged by Valerie Coleman), Valerie Coleman's Suite: Portraits of Josephine, and Jeff Scott's Homage to Duke.

There was a reception after and the members of the Imani Winds came out to interact with the audience. A three piece band of white guys (undoubtedly music students at Maryland) played on a landing on the stairs: keyboard, acoustic bass, and drummer.
Toyin, the first one out, was especially friendly.

I also saw Chris Vidala, no big surprise since he teaches at the University.

Guy next to me at the bar:
"Is there any charge for the spirits?"
The bartender replied "yes" and so the guy left.
I remarked, "what's he think this is, a wedding?" but then again, I've been charged for drinks at a wedding.

P.S. A minor clarification, those were mouthpiece covers that Wayne set in the piano. Patitucci also kept his bow in there. Whenever I see someone lean up against the piano like Wayne was doing (and Like I've seen Pharoah Sanders do) I'm afraid the lid is going to slam shut.

Saturday at Marygold's
Marygold's Ballroom, 8827 Annapolis Rd, Lanham, MD 20706


This was my first time here.

Robin, Tracey and her Cousin C, Torrie, Val "Tina Turner" (celebrating her birthday), Archie from Trouble Funk, Brenda, Devlin from EU/Raw Image, Jai, Fee, Archie, Mike Jones, RE Angie, Shaunte (Stacey's Cousin), Wea, Tony, and Benji (taking pictures) were there.

Familiar Faces
Lorenzo and Sean were not present. Googie played bass and worked the PA at the same time.
Donnell said, "Happy birthday Tina Turner. Special dedication to Libras"
First set
1) Alternating Damila-led Jazmine Sullivan's Need U Bad - it had a light crank Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo
Theos was there.
2) Scooby-led Sunshine - it started with a light crank and then rose to a full crank, Scooby said, "We're celebrating life tonight", Scooby chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo - Scooby chanted, "Oh oh oh", Scooby chanted, "Eya eya" / "Ya party with me" / "___ Got a birthday" / Donnell-led "Dance with me y'all" -->
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - it cranked
4) Quese & Damila-led "Can we do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Hey ay"
6) Scooby-led Trey Songz' Can't Help But Wait - Scooby chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo - Scooby chanted, "Shake your body body, move your body baby"
7) Donnell & Quese-led We Don't Need These Phones - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo
Candi W. and Kia were there.
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked, Donnell said, "We're going to welcome home my man here properly, my man Bojack", KayKay was onstage
9) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked, Donnell said, "Happy Birthday Jordan", Mike danced / Bojack tom solo / Rare Essence's Hook Me Uppa / KayKay-led TI's Swagger Like Us
Donnell Jr. and Rochelle were there.
10) Donnell acapella Tina Turner's (Credence Clearwater Revival's) Proud Mary
Byrd, Muffin, and Sally were there.

RE Angie played the congas during the break.

Second set
Donnell said, "We're shooting a DVD next Saturday at Tradewinds. For his birthday, Jammin' Jeff is going to play naked."
1) Scooby-led Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight - it was laid back at first and then cranked, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya"
2) Damila-led Rihanna's Take a Bow - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute!" / Percussion solo
3) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - it cranked
4) Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" / Scooby-led The Dream's I Luv Your Girl / "___ Is bad"
5) Donnell-led "Jump your body" - it cranked -->
6) Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - it cranked, Scooby chanted, "Hold it", Scooby chanted, "Shake, shake your body baby" / "___ Is on the premises" -->
7) Donnell-led "Contagious outrageous" / Alternating Rare Essence's All Da Time / Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads up) (lyrics only) / Bojack tom solo - Donnell chanted, "Dance with me y'all", the crowd did the yell from All Da Time, DJ Big John flashed a portable light as the equivalent signal to turning on the house lights -->
8) Donnell-led "Back it on up" - it cranked
9) Donnell & Scooby-led Do You Think About Me? - it had light crank, the house lights came on / Donnell-led "Slow Funk and grind girl" - Byrd danced with her shadow and shaped her hair / Quese, Damila, and Scooby-led Lil Wayne's Mrs. Officer / Instrumental / Donnell-led Gangsta - Bojack played toms, it cranked, Mike danced, Donnell rapped
Tameka was there.
Donnell joked that Omarr was short for DC Omarrion, "he slicked it up".
It ended at 3:20 AM. I enjoyed it.

Friday at the Holiday Inn
Holiday Inn, 2460 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314



The promoter, CeeCee, recognized me.

Trouble Funk
The line up was: Big Tony Fisher (lead talker & bass), T O'Brien (vocals, keyboard, and cowbell), Shaza (rapper), Jerrica "Sweetness" White (vocalist, started performing late in the second set), Tony (guitar), Allison (keyboard), Archie (trumpet), Valentine (Sax), Yukon "Bigfoot" Denali (drummer), Chris (percussion)
Tony, Chris, Shaza, Archie, Big Tony, TOB


Tony, Chris, Shaza, Archie, Valentine, Bigfoot


Archie, Valentine, Bigfoot, TOB, Big Tony


Big Tony, TOB, Allison
First set
1) Big Tony-led "25 and older, get your hands up" - it had a light crank, Big Tony did announcements -->
2) Alternating TOB-led Kanye West's One Night Extravaganza - it started with a light crank and then rose to a full crank, TOB went to the front, TOB said, "If you got a damn drink in your hand, put your hands up", Shaza rapped, TOB said, "Trouble get busy", Big Tony soloed, the second time around, Big Tony chanted, "Back to back, side to side" / Percussion solo - Tony, Shaza and Valentine danced, the crowd shouted, "Oh break it down" and TOB said, "What you say?"
3) Big Tony & TOB-led Slick Rick's La Di Da Di - it cranked, the crowd recited the lyrics / Percussion solo
4) Big Tony-led "___ got a birthday y'all" / "Happy birthday to you"
5) Big Tony & Shaza Hey Fellas - it cranked, Big Tony chanted, "Take it to the bridge"

Second set
Valentine warmed up by playing Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II's My Favorite Things
Big Tony did shout outs. He said, "This is the Trouble Funk set".
He announced that the next song was being performed by special request:
1) Big Tony-led E-Flat Boogie - it cranked
2) Big Tony-led "We're going to get this started off right" - it cranked, Chris played toms, Big Tony said, "This is officially Alley Cat's birthday" / "We're going to keep it on the..." - Shaza rapped, Shaza sang "Happy Birthday" to Alley Cat / Shaza-led "___ in the house" (my name was mentioned), Chris went back to playing congas, Tony soloed / Big Tony-led "B-E-A-T, Gimme that beat" / "Alley Cat got a birthday y'all" / "Happy birthday to you" - they held mics to the crowd
3) Valentine Sax solo / Alternating TOB-led Dave Hollister's One Woman Man - it cranked, TOB went to the front, Big Tony soloed / Percussion solo - TOB said, "Help me out horns, gimme some hits" / TOB-led Trillville's Some Cut / Dave Hollister's One Woman Man (instrumental) -->
4) Big Tony-led "Work it" - it cranked / TOB-led Blazin' Squad's Flip Reverse - Shaza rapped
5) Big Tony-led Let's Get Small - it cranked, Big Tony chanted, "Throw your hands in the air, do it like this y'all", Big Tony chanted, "Hey Bigfoot, make it Funky" and Bigfoot soloed, Chris conga solo, Bigfoot drum solo, Big Tony bass solo / TOB-led Flo Rida's Low, the crowd applauded
Big Tony introduced Sweetness, their new female vocalist and she came onstage.

Tony, Sweetness, Chris, Shaza, Archie
All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
6) Sweetness-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - it cranked
7) Big Tony-led Drop the Bomb - it cranked
8) Sweetness-led Alicia Keys' No One - she held her mic to a fan
They were done at 1:20 AM. Like Tomcat told me last week, they were really tight - they must be rehearsing a lot.

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

I was not able to bring a pen in, so all of this is off the top of my head.

Toya, Nita, Lisa of the World (celebrating her birthday), Shaunte (Stacey's Cousin), Felecia & her sister, Keysha, Shawn, Shantel, Mike Smith, Renee D., and Theos were there.

Familiar Faces
Mike "Hardstep" Taylor was not present.
First set

Sean, Scooby, Wendell, Godfather, Jammin' Jeff, Damila


Jammin' Jeff, Damila, Donnell, Bojack, Smoke, Quese, DP


Wendell, Sean, Godfather, Scooby, Lisa of the World, Damila, Packy, Donnell , Quese, Smoke
1) Instrumental - Donnell did birthday shout outs / Damila-led Jazmine Sullivan's Need U Bad - it cranked / Bojack tom solo
2) Scooby-led Sunshine - it cranked -->
3) Scooby-led "Ya Party with me" - it cranked
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Quese & Damila-led "Can we do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
6) Donnell-led "Familiar Faces is for the Grown & Sexy"
7) Donnell-led "Jump your body" - it cranked / Bojack tom solo
8) Donnell & Quese-led We Don't Need These Phones - it cranked
9) Donnell, Scooby, Damila & Quese-led Do You Think About Me? - it had a light crank / Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You Baby (tease) / Rick James' Mary Jan (tease) / Scooby-led "DC Girls, they drive me crazy" / Quese-led Luther Vandross' Never Too Much / Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease) / Can We F*ck (Touch) Tonight?
Cindy, Nicole (BF, celebrating her birthday), Angie, Tricia (celebrating her birthday), Archie, Keisha (celebrating her birthday?) & Jan, and Dominique (celebrating her birthday) were there.
Little Benny (celebrating his birthday), Mousy, Keta, and Tasty were there.


Little Benny and a fan


Tasty, Jammin' Jeff, Toya, Nita, Lisa of the World

Steve Roy of Suttle introduced himself to me.

Second set
1) Scooby-led Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight - it cranked / Donnell-led "___ Is in the Building"
2) Damila-led Rihanna's Take a Bow - it cranked
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
5) Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" - it cranked / Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - Scooby chanted, "Stick out your butt, shake what you got"
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked
7) Donnell-led Miss Keta Will You Dance for Me - it cranked, Lisa of the World, Tricia, and Tasty danced
8) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" - it cranked / Rare Essence's Work the Walls / Bojack tom solo / Maino's Hi Hater -->
9) Donnell-led "Contagious, outrageous... gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV" / Rare Essence's All Da Time / Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) (lyrics only, no sample)
10) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome - it cranked / Smoke conga solo -->
11) Donnell & Little Benny-led ? (Rare Essence song) - it cranked, Bojack was on congas at first, then GoGo Mickey of Rare Essence

Shantel, Smoke, Damila, Lisa of the World, Tasty, Bojack, ?, Donnell Jr., Renee, Scooby, Donnell, Little Benny
RE Angie, Grady of Rare Essence, and Mia were there.
Rochelle was there.

CandyLady was there (working).


Angie & Tricia
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich

Friday at the Cardinal's Nest
Cardinal's Nest, 3748 10th St NE, Washington DC 20017


Rochelle (toosweet), Sherray (Always Showtime!!), and Tomcat were there.

Faces U Know
The line up was: Doc Hughes (lead talker & bass), Sean "Kal-el" Gross (vocals), Michael Muse (vocals), Halima Peru (vocals), Adia Doores (vocals), Dwayne Lee (guitar), Glenn Cobb (keyboard), Stomp Dogg (drummer), Supa Dave (congas), Kirky (percussion)
First Set - 8:34 PM
Halima had her mic stand in the middle of the dance floor and also walked around, as much of the audience was in the booths in the back of the club.
Halima said, "Happy Friday y'all"
1) Instrumental - it cranked
2) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life - it had a light crank, Halima walked around to the back, Dwayne soloed, Stomp cranked
Halima went back to the stage. Adia and Mike went from the back of the stage to the front.
3) Sean-led Al Green's Love & Happiness - it had a light crank
Mike said, "Taking it to back in the day".
4) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - it had a light crank, Mike sang on the dance floor
5) Adia-led Jill Scott's Whatever - it had a light crank
6) Sean & Halima-led Jordin Sparks' No Air - it cranked, Sean and Halima sang on the dance floor -->
7) Mike-led The Stylistics' People Make the World Go Round - it had a light crank
Ty (Delano795) was there.
8) Sean-led Usher's Here I Stand - it had a light crank

Supa Dave's girlfriend, April, came over and said, "Here's something you can write: 'She stole my seat!'"

Second set
Halima again brought her mic stand to the middle of the dance floor.
1) Halima-led Ledisi's Think of You - "As the world turns, You're always on my mind" - it had a light crank, Stomp cranked
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - it cranked / Stomp drum solo / tom solo / Sean & Adia-led "When I look into the mirror, the way that I feel, soon you will find, so cold" - Adia sang on the dance floor -->
3) Sean-led Familiar Faces' Reggae - it cranked, Adia was still on the dance floor, Kirky played the toms / Akon's We Taking Ova (tease) / Damian Marley's Beautiful - Halima stood on the windowsill
4) Adia-led Beyonce's Flaws and All - it cranked, Tomcat danced with Halima, bubbles went over the stage / Percussion solo
5) Sean-led Usher's Bad Girl - it cranked / Percussion solo -->
Mike said, "To all the haters in the house, I wish you lots of love"
6) Alternating Halima-led Jill Scott's Hate on Me - it cranked, Halima sang on the dance floor, Halima said, "Haters got a job to do so do it" / Percussion solo -->
7) Doc-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls (tease) - it cranked
They finished at 10:32 PM. I enjoyed it.

I talked with Tomcat about Trouble Funk, Deep Band, and the WHAT? Band. He said that Trouble Funk was really tight.

After they were done, I heard the Epitome was going to play next, but I went home as I needed to chill, it's been a hard week.

I talked with Danielle P. (Wellphed), Alicia, and Chere. We asked Dwayne why the headliners were up first. He said this was their first time playing here. He said every club asks them to do Smooth R&B.

Familiar Faces & Chuck Brown at Mirrors
Mirrors, 33 New York Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002



I missed Crossover Band's performance.

Junior, working the sound, said hello to me.

Familiar Faces - in progress at 12:13 AM
The line up was: The line up was: Donnell (vocals & Sax), Scooby (vocals & guitar), Damila (vocals), Quese (vocals), DP (vocals & trumpet), Wendell (guitar), Googie (bass), Godfather (keyboard), Lorenzo (keyboard), Jammin' Jeff (drummer), Smoke (congas), Packy (cowbell)

Googie, Scooby, Lorenzo, Wendell, Damila, Donnell, Quese
X) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - it cranked / "Hey ay, Hey ay" / "Familiar Faces is for the Grown & Sexy"
X+1) Scooby-led GoGo Is My Business - it cranked
Shaunte (Stacey's Cousin) was there.
X+2) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - it cranked
X+3) Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" - it cranked / Alternating Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - Scooby chanted, "Throw your hands in the air, throw your hands up", Scooby chanted, "Stick out your butt, shake what you got", Scooby chanted, "Hold it!" / Percussion solo / "How low can you go" / Donnell chanted, "Killazoo!" / "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
Sanchez was there.
X+4) Donnell-led "Jump your body" - it cranked, Smoke played toms, Quese rapped / tom solo
Mike Jones and Peg Leg were there.
X+5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it went from a light crank to a full crank, Smoke played toms and Packy played cowbell
X+6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked, the frontline strutted around the front of the stage, Donnell did a birthday shout out to me (my Birthday's not until October 7th), Mike danced
X+7) Alternating Donnell, Scooby, Damila, and Quese-led Do You Think About Me? - it had light crank, Donnell went on the dance floor / Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You Baby (tease) / Vinnie D's Porno Star - Donnell sat on an amp singing directly to one of the twins / Rick James' Mary Jane (tease) / Scooby-led "DC Girls, they drive me crazy" / All of them sang Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease) / "Slow Funk & grind, girl" / Donnell sang, "Do you listen to my heartbeat?"
Nicole (BF) was there.
They stopped, then were told they had a little more time.
X+8) Donnell-led Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
They were done at 12:55 AM.

Ray and Gary were there.

Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers - 1:44 AM
The line up was: Chuck Brown (vocals & guitar), Anthony "Little Benny" Harley (vocals & trumpet), KayKay (rapper), Sweet Cherie Mitchell Agurs (keyboard & vocals), Bryan Mills (Sax & keyboard), Brad Clements (trumpet), Greg Boyer (trombone), Karlston "Ice" Ross (bass), Kenny "Kwik" Gross (drummer), Mighty Moe (congas), Marcus (percussionist) with special guest: Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott (vocals).

Bryan, Brad, Greg


Marcus, Chuck
1) "Wind me up, Chuck" - it had a light crank / Earl Hagen's Harlem Nocturne - Bryan soloed, Brad soloed
2) Chuck-led "Lock it in, pop it in" - it had a light crank / Chuck chanted, "When you walk in the door" and the audience responded, "Hello hello!" / Chuck rapped, "Feel freaky deaky style" / "Ho oh, uh oh uh oh" - Twin was onstage / "25 and older, get your hands up" / "Hey ladies" / North, South, East, West" chant
3) Chuck-led Hoochie Coochie Man - it cranked, Bryan soloed, Greg soloed, Chuck soloed, KayKay went onstage, a girl grinded with me / Mighty Moe solo -->
4) Chuck-led Louis Jordan's Run Joe - it had a light crank, Sweet Cherie made faces to the lyrics -->
5) KayKay rapped "You want the good sh*t, I've had it up to here, clear out, I've had a lot of friends, I've had a lot of foes, that's the way it goes" / "I'm still here, I ain't going nowhere" -->
(KayKay acted as lead talker for the rest of the set)
Sweet Cherie walked to the front of the stage:

Sweet Cherie, KayKay, Chuck
6) Sweet Cherie-led "everyday, what you waiting for, it's time for you to get up, baby baby baby, choke it" - it had a light crank, she and KayKay danced -->
7) Sweet Cherie-led Mary J. Blige's Mary Jane - it had a light crank -->
Little Benny walked onstage

Brad, Greg, Little Benny
8) Instrumental - it had a light crank / Little Benny-led "Y'all tired yet?" / "I'm a keep, big boys too" / Rare Essence's Do You Know What Time It Is? / Lil Wayne's Stuntin' Like My Daddy - Little Benny did the "Ride Out" dance, "Hold up, wait a minute!" / Percussion solo / Cat in the Hat
Sugar Bear went onstage

Sugar Bear, Sweet Cherie
All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
9) Sugar Bear & Little Benny-led Freak A Deak All Night Long - it cranked / Little Benny-led Rare Essence's One on One - KayKay held her mic to a guy in the audience
10) Sugar Bear-led "Are the Redskins the real deal? Better than the Eagle? Who's going to the Super Bowl? / Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s Crush on You / Sweet Cherie danced with Sugar Bear and rapped "Yes, indeed" / Sugar Bear-led "Wind me up, Chuck!"
Derrick Curry of EU was there.
11) Chuck did shout outs / Percussion solo / KayKay-led Chuck Baby - KayKay held her mic to the audience, Little Benny played the trumpet -->
12) Chuck-led Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That GoGo Swing) / Chuck-led Lionel Hampton's Midnight Sun - the house lights came on
13) Chuck-led Sho Ya Right (tease) - it had a light crank -->
14) Chuck-led Bustin' Loose - it cranked
They were done at 3:01 AM.

Billy Cobham at Blues Alley
Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007

Billy Cobham is my favorite drummer, especially the work he did under his own name and with George Duke, but I had never seen him perform in person before now. I considered going to all four nights, but in the end opted to go to both shows tonight.

Billy Cobham's Spectrum Band
The line up was: Billy Cobham (drummer), Dean Brown (guitar), Victor Bailey (bass), Tom Coster (keyboards).
Early show ~ 8:10 PM
1) Mirage - it had a light crank / Billy soloed - it cranked
Billy announced the title of the song before and said the next song was another new song to appear on their next album. He introduced the rest of the band.
2) Obliquely Speaking - it cranked / Bill solo
3) Spectrum? - it alternated between crank and laid back, Victor soloed, Tom clapped, Billy soloed, Dean walked over to Tom
4) Billy drum solo - it cranked / ? - it had a light crank / Dean guitar solo / long Billy solo - a cadence and more
5) Panama - it varied from light crank to laid back to full crank
Billy announced one more before we close:
6) Red Baron - it varied from light crank to full crank.
It ended at around 9:20 PM.

I got Billy to autography my copy of the Billy Cobham Anthology. I also bought a copy of his album Fruit from the Loom.

Tom warmed up. Billy tuned his drums.

Billy changed his shirt (from a light green t-shirt to a white collared shirt) and his bandana (from tan to purple).

Late show - 10:21 PM
1) Billy warmed up - it had a light crank
2) ? (familiar, Stratus maybe?) - it went from crank to light crank
3) Spectrum - it cranked / Billy drum solo
4) Two for One - it went from a light crank to a full crank / Billy drum solo
5) Billy drum solo - it cranked / ? - it had a light crank
6) Billy drum solo - it was incredible, it cranked, first he played just with his feet, then with mallets, at first one each hand, then two each hand, then back to one each hand, then drum sticks, then by hand
7) ? (familiar) - it had a light crank, Billy soloed, Tom soloed, it rose to a full crank
Billy said they would perform one more song, he asked for requests. One guy said, "Hip Pockets", but Billy said they hadn't practiced that. Then the guy said, "Lady of Spain" and Tom said, "I think you're in the wrong kind of club."
Billy said they would do something featuring Victor Bailey.
8) Quadrant 4 - it cranked, Victor soloed
It ended at 11:22 PM. I loved it. I am sure that Stratus and Crosswind were among the songs performed tonight.

I drove from Blues Alley to Mirrors.

No Label at the Black Family Reunion
Black Family Reunion, National Mall, 15th St & Jefferson Dr SW, Washington, DC

No Label was the opening act for the main stage. They were originally supposed to perform on Saturday, but I believe the entire Black Family Reunion was rescheduled to Sunday due to Tropical Storm Hannah.

No Label (CJ, Danni Blaze, DaDa, Krys, Shawn Michelle)
& Faces U Know (introduced as the No Label Band): Dwayne Lee (guitar), Doc Hughes (bass), Glenn Cobb (keyboard), Stomp Dogg (drummer).

Stomp, Doc, Dwayne


All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
1) Whatchu Like
2) Shoes
3) When
4) Actions
I enjoyed their performance; their singing was really integrated with the band.

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

Tracey, Torrie, Muffin, Shelley, Shawn, Nikia, Matthew, Nicole (the former cover taker), Robin, Rhonda, Donnell Jr., and Tasha (River Terrace) were there.

Familiar Faces
The line up was: Donnell (vocals & Sax), Scooby (vocals & guitar), Damila (vocals), DP (vocals & trumpet), Wendell (guitar), Sean (bass), Godfather (keyboard), Lorenzo (keyboard), Jammin' Jeff (drummer), Smoke (congas), Bojack (percussion)
First set
1) Percussion solo - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Oh my my my" repeatedly, Donnell sang, "Nicole the Bartender"
2) Alternating Damila-led Jill Scott's When You're Around - it cranked, Donnell joked, "Security! Someone is wearing sneakers (Scooby)" / Happy Birthday (same music)
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Can we do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - it cranked / "Familiar Faces is for the Grown & Sexy"
5) Scooby-led GoGo Is My Business - it cranked, Donnell played air guitar with his Sax
6) Damila-led Rihanna's Take a Bow
7) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" - it cranked / "Keep it low"
8) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked / Bojack toms solo
9) Donnell, Scooby & Damila-led Do You Think About Me? - it had a light crank / Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You Baby (tease) / Vinnie D's $55 Motel (including porno star lyrics) / Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World / Scooby-led "DC Girls, they drive me crazy"

Second set
1) Warming up - Scooby-led "I just want to love you" (tease) - it had a light crank
2) Damila-led Jazmine Sullivan's Need U Bad - it cranked
3) Scooby-led Sunshine - it cranked, Scooby told the audience it was important to vote / "Omarr got a birthday" / Percussion solo - Scooby chanted, "Eya eya" / "Ya Party with Me"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, hey ay"
5) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - it cranked
6) Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" - it cranked / Damila-led Fergie's Clumsy
7) Donnell-led "Jump your body" - it cranked / Bojack tom solo
8) Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - it cranked
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it was laid back at first, a totally different style, then went to the usual way and cranked
10) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome - it cranked / Smoke conga solo / "I Gave my Whole Life" / "The run starts now"
11) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally, it cranked / Rare Essence's Spotlight (tease) -->
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked -->
13) Donnell-led "Familiar Faces only" - it cranked -->
14) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time / "Southeast, South, Southeast" chant / Maino's Hi Hater (tease)
15) Donnell-led "Had fun with ya, done with ya" -->
16) Instrumental - it cranked

A guy named Calvin talked with me in the parking lot and also introduced me to his friend Mark.

Donnell's 25 Years in the Business Celebration
Mirrors, 33 New York Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

I was the first customer they let in.

The woman taking covers said, "Hi Jordan" to me, but I didn't recognize her.
Yvette, Felecia "Cricket", Nakia, Tanya, Natalie, Tricia, Lisa of the World & Toya, and Isha were there.

Vybe - 10:21 PM
The line up was: Derrick Holmes (vocals), Kimese (vocals), Jacques Johnson (guitar), bass, 2 keyboard players, drummer, percussionist.


1) Kimese-led Jill Scott's When You're Around - it cranked, Derrick danced with Kimese / Percussion solo - Derrick said to a woman who had arrived and danced long before Vybe started: "You going to last all night?" -->
Tamara (Gemini) of 360 Band was there.
2) Derrick-led "Special new way of love, I want and love you" - it cranked -->
Gary was there.
3) Kimese-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - it cranked / Jacques solo / Percussion solo -->
4) Derrick-led Kanye West's One Night Extravaganza - it cranked, Derrick rapped / Jacques solo -->
5) Derrick-led Usher's Bad Girl - it cranked / Jacques solo -->
Toya and Tasha were there.
6) Kimese-led Fantasia's When I See You - it cranked, a guy came onstage and played the cowbell / Percussion solo -->
7) Derrick-led "money... up and down" - it cranked -->
8) Derrick-led Gucci Mane's Freaky Gurl - it cranked / Jacques solo
Derrick talked about D-Floyd's 25 years in the business and said that Sugar Bear had 85 years in the business.
They were done at 11:18 PM. I enjoyed it. By the end of their set, the dance floor was packed.

Wanda (2nd2None) was there.

Sabrina Fields, Kia, Stacy (Pretty Smile), Maketta, Mary, Sanisse, Kim (Sweet Kim), Kim, Maquita, Juanita, Nicole (BF), and Robin were there.

A woman named Sharon talked with me; she had seen me Friday as well.

EU
The line up was: Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott (vocals & bass), Mya (vocals, celebrating her birthday), Kevin "KC" (vocals), Tony (guitar), Ivan Goff (keyboard), Mike Smith (drummer), Derrick Curry (percussion).

Mya, Mike, Kevin, Tony, Derrick


Ivan, Sugar Bear, Mya, Mike, Kevin
Sugar Bear said, "I don't care who you vote for, just vote."
1) Alternating Mya-led Rihanna's Take a Bow - it had a light crank, Sugar Bear chanted, "Gimme that beat!" / Percussion solo - it rose to a full crank
2) Sugar Bear-led "Drop down low & touch the floor" - it cranked / "Uh oh" / "Throw up your hands" -->
3) Sugar Bear-led 50 Cent's In Da Club - it cranked / "Ya ya ya" / "Don't you play with Sugar" / "Ain't got no step" / "Move with your body" - a guy played cowbell / Trillville's Some Cut / 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) / "Gimme that beat" - Percussion solo -->
4) Sugar Bear & Kevin-led Lil Wayne's Lollipop - it cranked / Nelly's Flap Your Wings (tease) / "Shake it, shake your body" - Derrick played toms / "Hold up, wait a minute!" / "Hey ladies" - they responded "Yeah!", "Can we do it for the fellas" - they responded, "Oh my God!" / "If you're sexy and you know it, raise your hands!"
5) Alternating Sugar Bear-led Freak a Deak All Night Long - it cranked, Derrick played the congas / "Hey ay, hey ay" / Rare Essence's One On One - "Do it for Footz, & Bernie Mac & Isaac Hayes" / Field Mob's Can't Stop Us / "It's your birthday, Mya" / "Hey ay, Ho oh" / Funkadelic's Undisco Kidd "Girls are Bad" / Cops Theme "Bad girls" / ? / keyboard solo - the frontline danced in synch / "Pop the Coochie" - Derrick played toms / Ludacris' #1 Spot "We're so hot, we got the #1" / "Ya ya ya" / Yung Berg's Sexy Lady with altered lyrics "Hey sexy ladies, we're trying to get to know you" / "I want to love you"
Simone, Noelle, and JoJo were there.
6) Sugar Bear-led OutKast's The Way You Move (tease) - it cranked / "Rock that beat, work the middle" / "Somebody's girl is at this party, she wants to get with ya" / "Are you tired yet? - the crowd responded, "Hell no!" / "When are we going to get to the good part?"
7) Sugar Bear-led R. Kelly's Snake - it cranked, Derrick played toms / "Get your freak on, Is that my chick? I don't know" / "Tell me what you feel like doing?" - the crowd responded, "Feel like moving that body" / "Hold up, Wait a minute!" / Kanye West's Gold Digger - Derrick played toms / "Are the Redskins the real deal? Better than the Cowboys? Who's going to the Super Bowl?"
Darrell was there.
8) Sugar Bear-led Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s Crush on You - it cranked, Derrick played toms / Mya rapped "Yes, indeed" / "Go Mya, it's your birthday" / Percussion solo
Sugar Bear said, "I won't play more, I won't disrespect Donnell."
They were done at 12:20 AM. I enjoyed it, as usual. By the end of their set, Mirrors was about as packed as it possibly could be.

Mike Jones, Sashay Shaunte, Tracey, Torrie, Gwynn, Ariel, Ray, and Nikia were there.

Familiar Faces
The line up was: Donnell (vocals & Sax), Scooby (vocals & guitar), Damila (vocals), DP (vocals & trumpet), Mike "Hard Step" (vocals & trombone), Wendell (guitar), Sean (bass), Godfather (keyboard), Lorenzo (keyboard), Jammin' Jeff (drummer), Smoke (congas), Bojack (percussion)

Sean, Scooby, Godfather, (this guy had a guitar strapped on his back but didn't play), Lorenzo, Damila, Wendell, Donnell, Packy


Damila, Wendell, Donnell, Packy, DP, Bojack, Mike, Nephew, Donnell Jr.


Sean, Godfather, Scooby, ?, Lorenzo, Toya, Damila, Wendell, Donnell, Packy, Jammin' Jeff, Lisa of the World
1) Warming up - Donnell acapella Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight (tease)
Jessica, Tim (LJ), and Donnell Jr. were there.
Donnell announced that Quese wasn't there because his Mom had died that morning. Donnell asked for a moment of silence.
Donnell gave thanks. He said on January 7, 1983, when he went to audition for Rare Essence, Godfather came down the steps and told him to play Mr. Magic, which was one of the things he (Donnell) knew. He talked about the experience of his band members: 20 years for Bojack, who started in Junkyard, Derrick Page (next to me my whole life), Jammin' Jeff & Smoke in the Northeast Groovers, Googie 100 years. Little Mike from EU, he's got 28. We weren't supposed to like each other since I was in Rare Essence and he was in EU. The most talented one onstage, Scooby, is the puppy. Scooby pulled in (a crowd) from everyone (when L!ssen had its run). "It's been a pleasure; this is the best bunch of guys I've been with in my whole life." Lisa of the World, been with us since the Howard Theater.
1) Scooby-led Sunshine - it cranked, Scooby held his mic to the audience, Scooby chanted, "Oh oh oh" / "Party with me" / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Dance with me y'all" and the frontline danced in synch, some girl whooped
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Hey ay" - it cranked / "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led "Can we do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
4) Donnell-led "Familiar Faces is for the Grown & Sexy" - it cranked / "___ Da na ah"
5) Donnell-led 911 - it cranked, Bojack played congas, the frontline danced in synch / "Let's walk" -->
6) Donnell-led Brown & White - it cranked, Slick Rick danced onstage / Ride Out - they did the Ride Out dance

Slick Rick leads the Ride Out dance
7) Alternating Donnell-led Notorious BIG's Warning - it cranked, they did the bowing dance / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Derek Floyd went onstage, hugged his Dad and rapped

Donnell's oldest sons Donnell Jr. and Derek
All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
8) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocals, it cranked / Rare Essence's Spotlight (tease) / Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease) / Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease)
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "If you're 25 and older, put your hands in the air", RE Angie was onstage, Mike danced
10) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
Tina and Mama Michelle were there.
11) Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" - it cranked / Scooby-led "Uh oh uh uh oh" - Scooby chanted, "Throw your hands in the air, throw your hands up", Scooby said, "It's getting hot in here" / "How low can you go?" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) - Donnell chanted, "Bling bling bling, where my troopers at?" -->
Sanchez was there.
12) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked / "Outrageous" rap / Rare Essence's All Da Time
Peg Leg and Imani were there.
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked -->
14) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome - it cranked / Smoke conga solo - the house lights came on / "I Gave my Whole Life" -->
Stacy (ChooChoo's Cousin) was there.
15) Donnell, Scooby, & Damila-led Do You Think About Me? - it had a light crank / Donnell-led Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby (tease) / Scooby-led "DC girls, they drive me crazy" / Donnell-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease) / "Horny horns"
Angie W., Angel, Candi W., Bobbie Westmoreland, Shawn, Nena, Marvin, Fee, Janetta, and Chantelle were there.
They were done a little after 2 AM. I enjoyed it.
During their set, another woman who saw me Friday came up to me, as well as a woman who saw me at Juste Lounge the Friday before.

I introduced myself to Lo, RE Angie's friend.

I talked with Peg Leg outside on the way to my car.

Reverend Tony Lee's Birthday Celebration
Community of Hope A.M.E. Church (formerly Furniture Galaxy), Iverson Mall, 3799 Branch Ave, Hillcrest Heights, MD 20748





Ant was there.

I talked with Duane Face for a while.

I talked with TonySax.

Reverend Tony Lee's brother Bill joked about him joined AARP, needing a walker, but then said he was "one of the coolest pastors in the DMV area."

Ten Commandments Band - 9:35 PM
The line up was: TCB Tony (lead talker), J'Real (PG Slim on TMOTT, rapper), DB (male singer), David Hammett Jr. (singer), JP (male singer), Flo (singer), Tia L. Singleton (singer), Brandon (keyboard), Tim (keyboard), AD (keyboard), Scoonie (keyboard), Wed (drummer), Breeze (percussion).

DB, Flo, Tia, David, JP


Brandon, Tim, AD, Scoonie, J'Real, Breeze


Scoonie, Wed
1) Tia-led Roy Ayers' Everybody Loves the Sunshine - it had a light crank, for this song it was DB, David, JP, Flo, and Tia
After the song, David and Tia left the stage and were replaced by TCB Tony and J'Real.

DB, Flo, Scoonie, TCB Tony, Wed, JP, Breeze
2) Alternating TCB Tony-led "Praise God" - it cranked, TCB Tony did a shout out to me / J'Real rapped / TCB Tony said, "Redskins fans! Cowboys don't get the pre-season twisted. Happy Birthday Reverend Lee."
3) Alternating TCB Tony-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - it cranked, they held their mics to the crowd / "We rap about the Reverend Lee" - the frontline danced in synch -->
4) Alternating TCB Tony-led "Get low" - it had a light crank / Flo-led Jill Scott's Golden - it cranked, Breeze played toms / TCB Tony-led "Hands up, hands up" / Flo-led Happy Birthday
5) TCB Tony-led "We're going to kick rock that devil" - it cranked, the frontline danced in synch (including a kick as part of it)
6) Alternating TCB Tony-led "Oh hey, I see a cross when the lights get dim, then I can find my way" - it cranked, Breeze played toms / J'Real rapped "Oh lord, don't let me go" / tom solo / conga solo - DB organized line dancing on the floor in front of the stage -->

7) JP-led Taste of Honey's Boogie Oogie Oogie?
They were done at 10:20 PM. This was my first time seeing them, I enjoyed it.

Walker Mill was there.

I talked for a bit with XCB's sound man, Demetrius Owens, who had sat in with Familiar Faces on congas a few times back in 2004.

Antoinette (Agent Gomez), Audrey (DaRemxx), and Ty (Delano795) were there.

Submission Band - 10:52 PM
The line up was: Damont "02" Wood (lead talker), Jason "Scottie Jay" Jones (vocals), Drew "Chuckin' Drew" Wilson (guitar & vocals), John Roberson (bass), Alphonzo "Phonzo" Hampton (keyboard), Shannon "Worm" Moore (keyboard), Kenton "KC" (keyboard), Greg "King" King (drummer), Dana "Double D" McWhirter (percussion), Sam "Black Heart" Wolde (percussion)

John, Worm, KC, Sam, Phonzo


Phonzo, Worm, KC, Double D, Sam


Worm, Drew, King, Scottie Jay, Sam, 02
Reverend Tony Lee said, "Submission was the first band to pay with me at Ebenezer."
1) 02-led "You got me in the place" - it cranked
2) 02-led "Excuse me while I dance" - it cranked / "Party with SMB"
3) Percussion solo - it cranked
4) 02-led "5 TVs" - it cranked, Sam played congas and Double D played toms
5) 02-led "Take the picture" - it cranked, Sam played congas and Double D played toms
6) 02-led "Praise party, the more you hate on me, the more blessings I will receive, I'm straight..." - it cranked, Double D played congas
7) 02-led "It's a Holy Ghost party" - Sam played congas and Double D played toms, it cranked / "We keep rolling, rolling..."
8) 02-led "Well if it weren't for God, we wouldn't be able to..." - it cranked, Double D played congas
9) 02-led "I toss and turn" - it cranked, Sam played congas and Double D played toms / "What you going to do when they come for you?" / Percussion solo
They ended at 11:33. I enjoyed it a lot.

Members of Peculiar People were in the audience.

Kraisy Praise - 11:54 PM
The line up was: Lead Talker, 2 other male vocalists (one may have been a guest, he didn't perform the whole time), female vocalist, TonySax (Sax & vocals), D. White (guitar), Keith Snowden (bass), Duane Face (keyboard), another keyboard player, Jammin' Jeff Warren (drummer), Supa Dave (congas), Darrell (percussionist).

Duane Face, TonySax, Keith, Jammin' Jeff, lead talker, male vocalist, female vocalist


guitar player, Duane Face, Keith, percussionist, keyboard player, Supa Dave, April (Supa Dave's girlfriend)
The lead talker said, "Y'all are seeing the watered down version. In 2000, we used to wear three piece suits!"
1) Lead talker-led "We going to pray, We come to lift God up"
An additional male vocalist joined the frontline.
2) new male-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" / Percussion solo - "Put your hands p" - it cranked -->
3) new male-led "Get yourself..." / Rare Essence's Geraldine - it cranked / "Get your hands in the air" / Percussion solo - lead talker-led "Everybody now, Darrell hold that cow (bell)" -->
4) Lead talker-led "Open the door, let 'em on in" - it cranked
5) Lead talker-led "Keep it Gospel" - Supa Dave and Jammin' Jeff did rolls, it cranked / female-led "I want to be more like Christ" / Jammin' Jeff solo - he played the side of an amp, a fan, etc. / Percussion solo
6) Lead talker-led "It isn't how we play, it's what we say"
7) Tony Lee-led "Put your hands up & give to praise" (music from Grover Washington Jr.'s Mr. Magic) - it had a light crank / "Gimme something D. White" and he soloed / "Gimme something Keith" and he soloed / "Come on Jammin" - Jeff stood up and played with his hands on every one of the band members and the front of the stage / "When I ask you a question, I want you to respond, Who you love? I love God. Raise your hands" / Rare Essence's One on One with altered lyrics "Put your hands in the air and do it for Jesus" - it cranked / Supa Dave conga solo - the frontline danced in synch / Funkadelic's Let's Take It to the Stage with altered lyrics "__ and don't know how" / "They got a whole lot of Funk back there" / the music went faster and faster "Sha bop & rel star" / "to the brothers" - percussion outtro (the toms play was reminiscent of Bojack)
They finished at 12:32 AM. This was my first time seeing them. I enjoyed it, especially Jammin' Jeff's performance.

Faces U Know - 12:55 AM
The line up was: Halima Peru (vocals), Sean "Kal-el" Gross (vocals), Adia Doores (vocals) Kenny "Doc" Hughes (lead talker/bass), Dwayne Lee (guitar), Chris Wright (keyboard), Stomp Dogg (drummer), Supa Dave (congas), Kirky (percussion).

Stomp Dogg, Kirky, Adia, Supa Dave, Dwayne Lee


Chris, Kal-El, Stomp Dogg
1) Warm up: Stevie Wonder's Higher Ground (instrumental) / Chris keyboard riff
2) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life - it had a light crank
Demon Killa of Unseen Band and Showtyme of Da Mixx Band were there.
3) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - it cranked / Percussion solo - Doc chanted, "It ain't no joke"
4) Sean & Halima-led Jordin Sparks' No Air - it cranked -->
5) Sean-led Damian Marley's Beautiful - it cranked, Sean said, "Can't go too long with this song here, I'll get in trouble" / Familiar Faces' Reggae / Kirky tom solo / Supa Dave conga solo -->
6) Adia-led Erykah Badu's Danger - it cranked, Adia walked around, Halima played the cowbell / Tony Lee-led "Jack and Jill went up the hill, on the way, they met God and he told them about the One, Amen" / Rare Essence's One on One (instrumental tease) -->

Kal-el, Doc, Tony Lee, Dwayne, Supa Dave
All pictures (except flyer) taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
7) Halima-led Jill Scott's Hate on Me - it cranked, 02 went onstage
8) 02-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked / Soulja Boy's Get Silly
9) Chris closing riff
Their performance ended at 1:40 AM. I enjoyed it.

Tony Lee said that these were his favorite bands; he mentioned that Stomp & Halima were here every Sunday.

Ben's Chili Bowl 50th Anniversary Celebration
930 Club, 815 V ST NW, Washington DC 20001

One of the Ali brothers from Ben's hosted the event.

Throughout the performances, they had still pictures shown on a screen above the stage of the Ali family and celebrities at Ben's Chili Bowl, including Bill Cosby, Anthony Williams, Marion Barry, Doug Duncan, George W. Bush, Hilary Clinton, Sharmba Mitchell, Chuck Brown, EU, Carmelo Anthony, Malik Yoba, Serena Williams, Smokey Robinson, Dave Chappelle, Chris Tucker, and more.

Lady Pcoq and POEM-CEES - in progress around 4:40 PM
The line up was: Lisa "Lady Pcoq" Pegram (vocals), 3 male vocalists, percussionist, DJ, bass player.
1) Male (2 of them)-led "Chili fries and half smokes"
2) Male (2 of them)-led "She's (Lady Pcoq) got the heels on"
3) Lady Pcoq-led "Travel"
Their set ended at 5 PM. I wasn't feeling it. I sat on the upper level, right side during their set.

Freddi Vernell
Comedian who was voted "funniest federal government employee". I really didn't find her funny.

Thomas Sayers Ellis was there, taking pictures.

Mambo Sauce - 5:22 PM
1) Nate introduced them, one at a time, as they walked on stage - Drew came onstage and soloed, which included playing the Star Spangled Banner, it cranked / "the hottest female drummer since Sheila E" (I guess he's never seen Cindy Blackman or Susie Ibarra, both beautiful women but more importantly great drummers) M.A.M.B.O - Twink soloed with Drew playing, Khari played on the keyboard and then the bass, Chris, Pep, Yendy, and Black Boo joined in, Black Boo chanted, "I want some Mambo, gimme some sauce" / Pep tom solo
Black Boo said, "Anyone know about GoGo in the house? Anyone new to GoGo? This is GoGo."
2) Yendy & Black Boo-led Damn Joe - Black Boo played the cowbell, it cranked, Yendy chanted, "Party with me"
3) Yendy & Black Boo-led Come On - it cranked, Pep played toms, Black Boo chanted, "We'll lock it down like, Khari let's go" repeatedly and everyone except Twink danced in synch, Black Boo stopped it and asked for audience participation, Yendy said, "This is his favorite part y'all" and they resumed
Black Boo said, "Give yourself a hand. Any of y'all believe in miracles?"
Yendy said, "I know more of you believe in Miracles. Come on, clap with him."
4) Yendy & Black Boo-led Miracles - the audience sang the lyrics, but Black Boo stopped it to ask everyone to sing along, Yendy said, "Clap with me" and then they resumed, it cranked, Pep played the toms, Khari took Black Boo's shirt off the mic stand and put it on, first on one arm then fully on
5) Chris played a keyboard riff
6) Black Boo & Yendy-led Long Time Comin' - it alternated between crank and laid back, Drew went up front and soloed, he got on his knees / Black Boo & Yendy chanted, "Go Pep!" repeatedly, Pep backed up while playing the congas, Chris played keyboard hits Two guys in front of me said, "Give it up that lady in the middle!" Black Boo first pointed to Yendy, then Twink.
7) Black Boo & Yendy-led Go - Twink danced and then sat down and played and they went to the full crank, there were some lyrics unfamiliar to me, Black Boo said, "You ain't never seen nothing like this" and pointed at all the other band members, Black Boo and Yendy chanted, "Cool walk with me", they stopped it, Black Boo said, "Fellas, I know you can party harder than the ladies" and it resumed
Black Boo said, "Washington Redskins" and there were cheers.
Black Boo said, "Dallas Cowboys" and there were boos.
Black Boo said, "George Bush" and there were boos.
Black Boo said, "Obama" and there were cheers.
Black Boo said, "We would like to sing this song to Obama:"
8) Black Boo & Yendy-led Welcome to DC - it cranked / Drew outtro
10) Chris closing riff
Their performance ended at 6:15. It was a nice performance. I was on the floor up front for their performance.

I am in the middle, Sayers' friend Dehejia is in the front in center.
Picture taken by and Copyright - Thomas Sayers Ellis

Unfortunately, this would turn out to be the last time I would see them in this configuration as on October 22nd, they issued this announcement:
First off, Mambo Sauce would like to thank everyone that has supported us thus far. Your support is greatly appreciated and we never take that for granted. Because of your constant support we feel we owe you some type of explanation on the current situation. To end all speculation, yes it's true; Mambo Sauce has parted ways with our former singer Yendy Brown. We've also made a mutual decision to part ways with RedCRecords and Red 1 Management. The issues that surround this break up will not be discussed in a public forum because we think it's unprofessional and reckless. Yendy Brown and Malachai are still loved in our hearts and we refuse to defame their character in the name of good publicity. Yendy has given us many years of creativity and showmanship and we wish her the best of luck with her future endeavor. There is no debate that Malachai is the founder of Mambo Sauce. He has put in blood, sweat and tears to get us to where we are now. The truth of the matter is business decisions were made on both sides and we came to a mutual agreement that it was time to part ways. We wish Malachai much success with his label and management company. Check out his new artist, we've been hearing a lot of good things about him (myspace.com/nickhakimmusic). As for Mambo Sauce, all decisions that were made were well thought out with the rewards outweighing the setbacks. Besides, a setback is a setup for a comeback. We are determined to represent you well in the national music field and it will take more than obstacles, tough decisions or opinions to stop us. We are far too familiar with the road that the underdog has to travel. We live by the phrase "failure is not an option", so we are option less. With that being said, we already have a new singer in place. Come see how we rebound with your own eyes. Check out our schedule at myspace.com/mambosauce. We assure you that you won't be disappointed.

Once again, thank you for your continued support. We look forward to seeing you in the crowd soon.

Sincerely,

Mambo Sauce Entertainment, LLC

Also, Red posted:
Hey everyone,

Unfortunately, these are not rumors. Yendy was let go from Mambo Sauce and Tree and I have stepped away as well. There is no beef or love lost, just a difference of opinion in the overall direction of the business. We wish Mambo Sauce the best. I am currently managing and developing a new artist named Nick Hakim (myspace.com/nickhakimmusic). I will continue to push on with my mission to package Go - Go in a way that the outside world can understand and appreciate it in addition to attempting to improve the way Go - Go is performed and disseminated locally. Tree has begun managing Unseen and Yendy will be writing some songs with them and they will be her band, although she is not a member of Unseen.

Malachai
Red C Records | Red 1 Management

The host said, "You read about GoGo being violent. Do you see any violence here?"

Howard G
Comedian, known for the Senate Insurance "Kiss my bumper" TV commercials. He was funny, including participation comedy with Annie and Lauren from the audience.
Sayers had me go outside during his performance to take my picture. I saw Tracie (Model Chic) walk out and talk to some of the members of Mambo Sauce while I was out there.

Wes Felton & Friends - 6:10
The line up was: Wes Felton (vocals), 2 other male vocalists, Dennis Turner (bass, I recognized him from playing with Jammin' Jeff's The Band and Patrice Bowie), keyboard player, drummer.
The "friends" were: Wayna (female vocalist) and Raheem DeVaughn (male vocalist).
Wes did silly, exaggerated dancing before they started.
1) Wes-led "Wake up, sister" - it alternated between crank and laid back
2) Wes-led "every time she... that I love to go, postcards from the edge" - it had a light crank
I went upstairs (to wait for Trouble Funk's set) because the music quickly bored me.
I said hello to Ras Lidj, who came up after I sat down.
3) Wes-led "it didn't occur to me" - it had a light crank
Wes brought up the first of his friends, Wayna.
4) Wes & Wayna-led "curiosity" - it had a light crank
I said hello to Junior, the sound man.
5) Wayna-led "killing, killing, killing" - this was a song about police brutality, it had a light crank
6) Wes-led "Thank the lord, giving me one more day" - it had a light crank
Wes talked about the pioneer rappers in the area, including Stinky Dink and Fat Rodney.
7) Wes-led "They call me Wes" - it cranked
Wes asked for requests. He talked about some guy "yelling in his ear".
8) Wes-led Breathe It In - it had a light crank, Raheem DeVaughn joined in
His music was too light and I didn't like the constant harangues and yelling. After it was over, I went back downstairs.

Danny Williams
He was somewhat funny. However, after his performance, the host apologized for Williams' use of the n-word.

Trouble Funk - 7:54 PM
The line up was: Big Tony Fisher (lead talker & bass), T O'Brien (vocals, keyboard & cowbell), Shaza (rapper, he took pictures throughout the performance), Jakki Williams (vocals), Dave Gussum (guitar), trumpet player, Sax player, trombone player, Allison (keyboard), male keyboard player, Timothy "Tee Bone" David (percussion, celebrating his birthday), Lil Beats (percussionist), Yukon "Bigfoot" Denali? (drummer).
I yelled happy birthday to Tee Bone before the set.
Chuck's granddaughter Janice danced onstage throughout the set.
1) Warming up - Big Tony said, "My man Tee Bone got a birthday, happy birthday Tee Bone"
Big Tony said, "We took a break, but I told y'all, Trouble Funk never stop."
Big Tony asked for a moment of silence for Robert "Syke Dyke" Reid. Then Big Tony said they would perform the first song they recorded together (which I knew he meant E-Flat Boogie)
2) Big Tony-led E-Flat Boogie - it cranked, Big Tony said, "If you're 25 and older, get your hands up"
3) Big Tony-led "We come to boogie down, we got Trouble in the house tonight, everything's going to be alright" - it cranked / Xavier's Work that Sucker to Death (tease)
4) TOB-led Kanye West's One Night Extravaganza - it cranked, he chanted, "Throw your hands up" / Shaza rapped
5) Big Tony-led Hey Fellas - it cranked, Shaza held his mic to the crowd / Tee Bone percussion solo - the crowd shouted, "GoGo Tee Bone", Big Tony chanted, "Nine for nine, ten for ten, thank you for coming in"
6) TOB-led Trouble Funk Express - it cranked, Big Tony chanted, "Y'all tired yet?" and the crowd shouted, "Hell no!"
7) Big Tony got the crowd to say, "Pump it up, pump it up, pump it up" / Big Tony-led Pump Me Up - it cranked / Shaza rapped, TOB played the cowbell, Big Tony had the ladies say "Ow" and the fellas say, "Freaky deaky" -->
8) Big Tony chanted, "Everybody raise your hands in the air like this y'all" / Big Tony-led Lets Get Small - it cranked / drum solo / conga solo - Shaza chanted, "Go Tony" / tom solo - Big Tony chanted, "I like it, I really really like it"
9) Big Tony-led Don't Touch That Stereo - it cranked
Chuck Brown came onstage and the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Chuck!"
10) Chuck chanted "Ho, uh oh, uh" / "Twenty-five and older, get your hands up" / "Hey ay, Ho oh" / Chuck rapped / "When you walk in the door" - the crowd chanted, "Hello, hello" / "Tell me what you feel like doing y'all" and the crowd responded, "Feel like moving that body!" / "Oh oh oh oh"
11) Chuck-led Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That GoGo Swing) - Chuck held his mic to the audience, Jakki held up an umbrella / GoGo Mickey conga solo - it cranked -->
12) Big Tony-led Drop the Bomb - it cranked
It ended at 9:11. They released a PA from this performance.

I left after the set even thought I would have liked to see EU because I had things to do and it was a weeknight. EU released a PA from their performance here.