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

I talked for a bit with 02. I talked with him about Submission Band. He said that they are playing on New Year's Eve. I hope to attend that and FF's NYE show. We also talked about Familiar Faces. He's been chilling lately and when he goes to shows, he goes to observe and pick up the music. I asked him if he would sit in with FF, he said to work with Donnell "would be a dream come true".

Kim and Dave were there.

Kiki, Cindy and Archie Paige were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
For the first set, Googie played bass and set the PA, while Omar worked the PA.
James was on backup vocals.
1) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady (tease) - sound check
2) Grover Washington Jr.'s Mr. Magic
3) Mike-led The Stylistics' People Make the World (Go Round)
4) Mike-led I Dreamed You
Shorty Q was there.
5) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Didn't Cha Know
6) Halima-led Sade's Pearls - Googie worked the PA as this song only requires the keyboard players and Stomp keeps time, it was unusual to have it not end the set
Yvette was there.
Mike asked, "How many of you are rooting for the Redskins Sunday?"
6) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - it cranked, especially Smoke and Jacques (cowbell), it came to a sudden stop
Mike asked DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) to play some Christmas music, but Donnell asked him not to.

Ebony, Shawnisse, Danica, Love, and Black Heart were there.

Doc arrived during the break and took over on bass; Googie went back to the PA.

Shadonna and Peg Leg were there.

Second Set
1) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's I'm Getting Ready - sound check
2) Halima acapella "It's your anniversary" - sound check
Donnell said, "Three sets, happy hour set, the warm up and the wig splitter."
Donnell said, "That’s what I... about Cowboy fans. Why don't they wear jerseys from current players, they wear jerseys for Roger Staubach... Their new players are some sh*t. Who's the dude who tried to sell a boat load of weed? Not Michael Irvin, he tried to smoke a boatload. The dude with the U-Haul, Leon Lett, made a million dollars and tried to sell some weed, stupid sh*t. Not Dexter Manley, he used cocaine, everyone did in the 80s. Irvin got caught with a pipe; it had his lip prints on it."
Halima said, "He was holding it for a friend." (Who could possibly believe that garbage?)
Donnell said, "He got caught with those whores at that hotel..."
Donnell said, "Lorenzo get off the goddamn phone, she ain't with nobody..."
Tyrell was there.
3) Alternating Mike-led Dave Hollister's One Woman Man / Percussion Solo / Donnell-led Rare Essence's I'm Getting Ready (tease) - Donnell said, "Smoke's already warmed up, I don't know which one I want to do."
4) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - Halima changed the lyrics to "with my makeup" / Percussion solo
6'9 was there.
Donnell said, "Something must have happened, 6'9 is already here."
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God" - the crowd responded
7) Donnell-led "When you walk in the door, you got the GoGo, Say what?"
8) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Love U
9) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - women sang it / Prince's Sexy M.F. (tease)
10) Donnell-led Hold the Note
Between Cleva to Hold the Note, I danced variously with Cindy and / or Kiki.
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda
Simone and JoJo were there.
12) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Halima played on a conga, James sang backup / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes - Mike sang, "Spread your wings and fly", Halima sang, "Da da da da"
13) Donnell-led Tupac's Hail Mary (tease)
14) The started to perform the music to R. Kelly's Slow Wind - Donnell said, "Slow it down before we take it to break, this is for the ladies. Fellas, go get them a drink, we just want the ladies", Halima called out drink names / James-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind - I danced with a woman
16) Bells - instrumental sample
Donnell said of a guy wearing a Cowboys jacket, "Who let him in with that ugly jacket? That's the ugliest jacket I ever saw. I don't know who let these 'Bamas walk around like that... My man Roe said he's a Cowboys fan, I was going to let him do something..."

Keisha, Vic, and Bizzle were there.

Omar spent the whole break talking to a girl, but he "didn't get nothing."

Third Set
Donnell said to Cookie (not the PBMC one), who was celebrating her birthday; "Did you do that? I'm even going to say what you did, don't do that?"
Donnell announced that they would be playing with Publicity and L!ssen Band at the Fur on New Year's Day.
Donnell again said to Cookie, "Don't do that."
Halima said, "Security!"
1) Halima-led Alicia Key's Unbreakable
Nicole (new hairdo) and Lashonda were there.
2) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
3) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
4) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Funky Stuff guitar riffs
Choo Choo was there.
5) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - briefly interrupted when security removed Cookie, I danced with a woman
6) Donnell & Halima-led Lighter's Up - Halima held up a flashlight and used it as a spotlight, Donnell said, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded "Ho", Donnell said, "Stop lying" in response to Halima's singing "Ain't going to smoke no mo'", Halima sang the verse the second time around
7) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima said, "Peg Leg", Donnell said, "Peg Leg, did you get her to say that?", I danced with Shorty Q
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Halima played a conga, I danced with a woman
9) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh"
10) Donnell-led "25,25,25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Smoke played timbales, I danced with Kiki
11) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is - Jay Gotti sat in (before Halima's part), Donnell said, "I don't know why y'all still here, we been done."
12) Donnell said, "Uh uh ah" over percussion
13) Stomp played the sample, "She's your queen" from Coming to America.
Donnell called the band members, Omar and Googie into a meeting in the lounge, probably to discuss the logistics for their show in Baltimore tomorrow night before they play at Tradewinds.

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

I talked for a while with Derek Floyd (Donnell's second son). It was briefly interrupted when he and Marquis Melvin helped bring in Donnell's stuff. I asked him how often he performs (he's a rapper). He said not often. He said it's hard performing with a live band (like when he sits in with Familiar Faces) because he (and Donnell also) has to yell. He said that that's hard for him because he has bronchial asthma, he needs to get in shape. He said it's also hard for him when he sits in with Familiar Faces since Donnell's mic is set for Donnell's vocals, not his. He did say that he worked with Jauhar and recently finished recording his own album called "1:18 or 118" after a Bible verse. He said that his job is working with community service. He said that he had problems when he was growing up and he uses those experiences to help others. He said that he doesn't have much to give other than his heart, which he gives through his music. He said that he really respects his father as an artist (he later said his Dad doesn't really know just how much he looks up to him). He said that he tries to follow his Dad in that respect, he doesn't want to be his Dad, but that he wants to follow his professionalism (Derek didn't use those exact words, but that's what he meant). He talked about how he wants to stay humble, but it can be hard. He knows so many people around the city because of his dad and himself, some people call him "the prince of the city." He said it's hard when like at the Night of Elegance, he performed in front of 3,200 people. He said he wants to keep away from people using drugs and other negative influences. He plans to pass out a number of copies of his album in order to generate a buzz. He said it's hard to have a relationship when working in the music business. His regular job and recording take a lot of time and girls (including his girlfriend), expect a lot of time with you. He said he just finished his album and now he's working on another one. He also talked about his working with Marquis. He said he first met Marquis in Miami and met him again later. Marquis is also working with Jauhar. Derek said that he is now writing songs for Marquis. He said that Marquis can sing really well in way he can't, so it's a good match. He said they are like brothers now. He also said he thinks they are both going to succeed in the music business. He said Marquis will probably sing tonight. I told them both that Doc and Dwayne didn't really believe Marquis had quit the football team until I posted a quote from Rich Rodriguez (head coach of West Virginia's football team). Marquis smiled. Derek plans to take college classes next semester, psychology and communications because he feels they are important to bettering his art. He applauded my writing on my blog and asked if that was my profession. I told him no, but I plan to continue writing.

Ray was there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Blueprint - instrumental, Donnell said, "This is our theme song right here. This is the blueprint, how we want everything to be", Donnell played his sax on the floor, it really cranked / Donnell called over Halima to sing, he said, "A dancer (why he said dancer, I'm not sure) is all about improvisation. That's the difference between an artist and a musician, what they can do on the fly. Halima improved (the music was different from Blueprint, it was just grooving)
Tamara, Tim (LJ), and James were there.
Donnell said, "Off the top of her head. Come on up here Tamara. I've been looking at you like Allen Iverson, throwing no passes... part of the family."
2) They started to perform the music to Vivian Green's Emotional Roller Coaster - Donnell said, "I think they already know what they want you to sing" / Tamara-led Vivian Green's Emotional Roller Coaster - Halima was on backup vocals
3) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's As
Spanky was there.
4) They started to perform the music to Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It - Mike said, "From one legend to another. For those of you who haven't, pick up the new Stevie Wonder album. There's a song on there that will make you cry." / Mike-led Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It - they played some new riffs in it
Britney, Shadonna and June were there.
5) Mike-led O'Bryan's Lady I Love You - James was on backup vocals (and for the rest of the show), Mike went on the dance floor
Donnell said, "Where you at Quisy (spelling?, he meant Marquis Melvin)? He's young ladies, he may look old, but he's young. We took him down to Miami; we had to keep a rope on him. Got to watch what he sings, he's got a dirty mind. Keep it clean."
6) Marquis-led John Legend's So High - the crowd sang along
Donnell said, "Look here ladies, when I said young, I mean young, so don't scream at him. He wrote a filthy little song..."
7) Marquis-led Secret
Donnell said, "He's seventeen, so don't serve him. He's Jauhar's boy, filthy little pervert. Come on Halima, let's get it mature. Listen up Quisy, so you can write a grown and sexy song like this..."
8) Halima-led Sade's Pearls - Halima ended sitting on the floor
Archie Paige, Nikki and Monique were there.
9) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop
Donnell did announcements. He said, "We will be at Tradewinds on Christmas, not Christmas Eve. Ray can stay home and wrap the presents. You got a lot of deliveries to make."
Shaun was there.

6'9 was there.

Fon (not sure I heard right), security guy I talked with at Legend. He said he's from UNXpected Entertainment.

Second Set
Donnell announced that Chuck Brown would be the third band with Familiar Faces and After Hours Band at the New Year's Eve event at the Hilton in Alexandria.
1) James-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind
2) Mike-led Bernard Wright's Who Do You Love
3) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down / Percussion solo
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - I danced with Angie
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - the crowd responded
7) Donnell-led "If you're twenty-five and older, put your hands up" -->
8) Donnell & Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - Doc held Halima's hand up, the crowd responded / Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
9) Alternating Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Donnell led it off by saying, "From the old school to the new" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hey Tamika (tease) - I danced with a friend of Angie's until Angie got jealous and separated us
10) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
11) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell shouted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
12) D4L's Laffy Taffy - instrumental, Donnell joked, "I didn't know Godfather knew this" --> Donnell said, "Hey Dwayne, give me the gangster sh*t before we get out of here"
13) They started to perform the music to It Is What It Is - Donnell said, "This is the gangster sh*t" / Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
14) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" (Donnell calls it, "We put it in")
Donnell announced that they would be playing at Cranberries on Sunday for the second Redskins-Cowboys game.
Donnell said, "I got Ray's real name. He likes to call himself Slick Ray, but that's not what's on his license. Ladies, give me some money and I'll tell you his name."

Archie said, "Write that DeeDee was there."

Pooh was there. I asked him who he's playing with. He said Marc Cary. Dwayne said Halima needs to edit her lyrics in It Is What It Is; she needs to replace Donnell's name with his. Pooh said, "Both Dwaynes (or Duanes) say that."

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

Peg Leg, Ebony, Natalie, and Danica were there. Ebony introduced me to Tamika (celebrating her birthday), and two sisters, Javon and Kintrea (I am not positive on the names; I usually need to hear someone's name multiple times due to the loudness of the music playing). They were all having a lot of fun.

Nicole, the bartender, was wearing a tiara. I asked her why she didn't wear it last night.

Chanel, LA, Tracy S., and Pinky were there.

A dude from the TMOTT crew that frequents Bud's asked me about FF. I danced with a female friend of his.

Renee, Cindy, and Delano were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
James sang backup the whole night.
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - Donnell said, "Lots of beautiful women, come and get them fast, before he gets them all", Mike said, "That's the bunny man", I danced with Kintrea, Donnell said, "Charlie is just getting here, he must think he's all that", I danced with Ebony
Archie Paige, Rory "DC" Felton (formerly of Rare Essence), Tracy, and Arielle were there.
Mike did a shout out to Miss Brown.
2) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
Stacey and Nicole, the cover taker at Safari, were there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
I may have missed something since I was paying more attention to my dancing with women than the music.
4) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - I don't know if they did the Georgy Porgy intro
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - the crowd responded
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
6'9 was there.
8) Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - Renee held Halima's arm and they both danced, Donnell said, "Get the cowbell, DC" and DC did sit in on cowbell, the crowd sang along, James held his mic to the crowd
9) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Natalie, who was dancing with James, sang on his mic
10) Donnell-led Hold the Note - end of DC sitting in, a guy said, "Wind me up, Smoke" and so did Natalie on James' mic, Donnell said, "Say what?", Donnell said, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
RE Angie was there.
11) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself
Los, Slim Goodie, Dey, JoJo, Shameika, and Simone were there.

Charlie said, "Where is DC? He owes me $30. He pounded the hell out of my cowbell, turned it into a soup can."

Jackie was there. She had a good birthday (it was Tuesday) and she went to Takoma Station on Wednesday.

Second Set
Donnell said, "A quick moment of silence for Richard Pryor." He had died earlier in the day. Donnell said, "Some of you are too young to know Richard Pryor. We try to play the oldest stuff to keep the young ones away. I don't want to jinx it, but I think we have the grownest & sexiest party ever here."
1) James-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind - Donnell said, "I don't think the fellas understand this one, ladies." Donnell said to the ladies, "All you need is one more drink."
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Mike said, "We got Sweet Keisha from the Solid Gold dancers", Donnell said, "He couldn't hold you with a rope"
Tijuana was there,
Donnell said, "Don't stop the ladies."
3) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell sang, "Oh", from Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby, Donnell said, "What you talking about, Packy?"
4) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell said to the bartenders, "I'm only going to say this once, I'm not stopping the show so you can collect y'all money", there was a nice crank
Choo Choo was there.
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Donnell said, "Eya eya", Donnell said, "It is what it is, ladies."
7) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke", Donnell had Anya (spelling?) dance on the stage floor, Donnell said, "But is it like that, is it really like that?", Donnell and Halima said, "The world is mine" repeatedly, Donnell added a whole paragraph's worth of lines
"Original" Nikki was there.
Donnell said, "On the bus trip, I remember Charlie was so scared, he asked for a double bed. He didn't ask for nothing, he did you a favor and gave you a whole night's sleep." Donnell then turned to James, and said he's been working on his girl for ten years.
Stomp said of Charlie, "He's scared." Donnell said, "Scared to death, when he gets close to something, he has to pull out the Primatene Mist. He has to go to the 7-11, never in my life..."
Donnell said, "I love when they fall in love at the GoGo" of JoJo and Mike.

D is a new sound equipment guy whom I first saw on Thursday.

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

Archie Paige was there.

Donnell sang along with a Jaheim song, "Have you ever been in love" during warm ups. He specifically had DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) play it.

Kim and Lolo (new haircut) were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
James was on backup vocals for the night.
1) Anthony Hamilton's Comin' from Where I'm From - instrumental, Donnell played on the dance floor
2) Mike-led I Dreamed You - Donnell played on the dance floor, later Mike sang on the dance floor
Mike Smith was there.
3) Mike-led Glenn Lewis' Don't You Forget It - Mike said, "Whoever is in control of the fire, you ever go over to someone else's house and the fire's going and it's hotter than hell?", Donnell said, "Leave the fire on, it's sexy", Lolo sat by the fire, next to where I stood
4) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike sang on the dance floor
5) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop - Mike was being a ham with his movements
Tim (LJ) and Diva were there.
Mike said, "She said, 'Hey'". Donnell said, "That's my Verizon homie, Maisha (spelling?)."
6) Halima-led Sade's Pearls - Halima took her mic stand on the floor
Sanisse, Quita (celebrating her birthday) and her sister (both of whom I met at the Fur), and Shaun were there.

Diva introduced me to YoungONE

Nicole, the bartender from Tradewinds, and Shauny, the bartender from Safari, were there.

Supa Dan asked me where my paper was at and laughed when he saw me writing.

The fireplace by the dance floor was out.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
L-Boogie was there.
Donnell asked them to dim the lights and they did.
2) Percussion solo - Donnell did announcements
3) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - they turned on some more lights
Yolanda was there.
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - the crowd responded
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
8) Alternating Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Halima conducted the ladies / Prince's Sexy M.F. (tease)
9) Donnell-led Hold the Note - the strobe lights came on, the crowd said, "Wind me up, Smoke", Donnell said, "Saw what? What you going to do?"
Donnell said, "We got some old school in here"
10) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally / Rare Essence's Spotlight - a spotlight came on and Packy used a flashlight as a spotlight
11) Mike-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease) - the crowd sang along
12) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel - Donnell was doing the fully lyrics and the crowd was singing along, but he cut it off after he said, "You don't know what? I thought you was the real old school up in here" and abruptly went to -->
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Roll Call
14) Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the crowd sang along
Tiffany was there.
15) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It
16) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it went dark again
17) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself / Alternating Floetry's Say Yes / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease)
6'9 was there.

Charlie was there.

Third Set
1) James-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind
Cookie was there.
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Donnell said, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
Peg Leg and Los were there.
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
4) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - a guy tried to get me to dance with a particular girl, but she was doing her own thing
Blak was there.
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Donnell said lines from Brown & White / 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - same music as "Unh, unh unh"
6) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell asked Tony to remove someone, he said, "I don't care who you are, we don't do that sh*t in here." / Notorious BIG's Warning - the guy who had prodded me to dance asked me if I was writing an article, I told him about my website, but he said he wouldn't be able to remember the URL / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) - Security put out the guy that Donnell had requested, Donnell said, "That's why you should have put him out the first time instead of letting him cop a plea." / "Wait a minute" echoes - Nicole said hello to me, she asked, "Do you know who I am?", I said, "Yes.", smooth transition to (starts with Dwayne playing guitar riffs from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff) -->
7) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Donnell did a shout out to Chi Ali from After Hours in the audience, Donnell said, "We will be together on New Year's Eve"
Blak said hello. I told him that Coke is releasing a new soda with his name, Coca-Cola Blak. It has coffee in it.
8) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
9) D4L's Laffy Taffy - Godfather played a little bit before Donnell cut him off.
Donnell said, "Lolo, you know I'm just cheating (with Kim), but you're my main girl."
Some guy shook hands with Donnell. Donnell said, "Bring me a moist towelette. He might have the Eazy-E, the Arthur Ashe... You can't get that from a handshake?"
10) Donnell acapella Tavares' Remember What I Told You to Forget - he cut it off with "F*ck it, I forget (the rest)."
Donnell said, "We're going to start putting people out on an argument, on a bad look. We're going to put their pictures up like at Eastside."
"Original" Nikki was there.
A girl asked me what I was writing; her friend pulled her back by her belt. I followed them and talked with her.

Thursday at Zanzibar
Zanzibar on the Waterfront, 700 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20024

Bobbie Westmoreland was there.

The black curtain that was a backdrop for the band last week was gone.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Dwayne played drums (just this set)
1) Mike-led I Dreamed You - Donnell went on the dance floor playing his Sax, later Mike sang on the dance floor
Big Don Pimp was there.
James was there, he was on backup vocals.
2) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You
Cookie was there.
Donnell thanked everyone "For coming out despite the weather reports."
3) Halima-led Sade's Pearls
Donnell said, "I played that too early. I think I don't know what to play after that."
4) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
5) Mike-led John Legend's Ordinary People

Arielle was there.

June and his wife Shadonna were there.

Second Set
Donnell referred to the upcoming New Year's Eve celebration with Familiar Faces, After Hours Band, and "a soon to be announced guest."
Sanisse was there.
Donnell said, "You going to party with us, Krystal (spelling)?"
1) James-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind (first or second performance) - the poor girl who was the only one dancing on the dance floor left the dance floor a few minutes in and unfortunately fell on her head
Yolanda and Nikiya were there.
2) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
Nicole, the bartender at Tradewinds, and Darrell were there.
3) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - featured a Smoke conga solo, Stomp played samples used in "Unh, unh unh"
Kimberly and Darrell, who I met here last week, were there.
Donnell said, "I think Michael Muse is doing the matrix."
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
5) Mike-led John Legend's used to Love U
6) Donnell-led Ludacris' Number One Spot

6'9 and Tony were there.

Third Set
Donnell said, "That's my hat you got on 6'9, better take it off."
1) Mike-led Bernard Wright's Who Do You Love
2) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Dwayne played guitar riffs from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff
3) Alternating Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" / Vinnie D's Porno Star?
4) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - a girl was pushing on a guy as they danced, they both fell over (not hurt)
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
6) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - very smooth transition -->
7) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is - Donnell said, "Sh..." repeatedly, Donnell said, "I don't know why y'all are still here, we been done"
8) Donnell & Mike-led Lap Dance - Donnell said, "I see you Nicole, even though you aren't drinking what you was last week. It's not your birthday. It is your birthday? Nobody told me." / "Just in case you didn't know, my baby is free & single, she's single tonight"
Choo Choo was there.
9) Stomp played the sample from Coming to America, "She's your Queen"
10) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady
We checked both breaks and it wasn't snowing yet, but after they were done performing, it was.

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

There was a lot of parking spaces available, probably due to the threat of bad weather and the Taylor-Hopkins fight.

June, Sharon, Kevin Lee, Ray, Los, Sanisse, Kiki, Cindy, Archie Paige and Nikki were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
James was on backup vocals.
1) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
Lolo, Danielle, and Kim were there.
2) Mike-led Tony Terry's Freaky Little Game / Percussion solo
6'9, Britney, and Jackie (celebrating her birthday this week) were there.
3) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
5) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima held her mic to a fan
6) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
7) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - nice crank especially by Smoke on congas, nice Dwayne solo
8) Alternating Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - the frontline danced to the hits, Donnell said, "Sss...", Donnell sang, "Oh" from Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby / Vinnie D's Porno Star? (same music)
9) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself / Alternating Floetry's Say Yes / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - Mike yelled at the end, Donnell said, "What was that?", Mike said, "That was at the height of the moment", Donnell mocked it
Tijuana, Shameika, Delano, L-Boogie, and Tracy S. were there.
Donnell said they would be playing at the Tradewinds on the 25th, not the 24th. He also talked about the upcoming New Year's Eve show at the Hilton. He said rooms were $99, "Ladies, treat your man on New Year's Eve."
Donnell said, "A moment of silence... for the Dallas Cowboys... get your ass whipped tomorrow."

I teased Dwayne and Doc about their shirts the past two nights. I said Dwayne should have worn the bright blue shirt he wore that night on Friday, when Doc wore a bright red shirt. Doc said, "Why are you picking on my clothes, he (Donnell) is wearing a bandana with a blazer." Mike said, “He's (Donnell) a professional 'Bama.”

Stomp danced in the kitchen and we laughed.

I told Archie about the guys break dancing on Friday. We were laughing about them. Nephew said he got Tony to break them up when the one guy did a full spin on his back and spilled his own beer.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Halima held her mic to the crowd
Nita, Tata, Tiffany G., and Pinky (dyed hair) were there.
2) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You
3) Donnell-led Hold the Note - either Stomp, Godfather, or Lorenzo played a new sound
Blak was there.
4) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - it went dark and a lot of fans held up lit cell phones and lighters
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Donnell said, "All the way back to the Eastside, that's where we're going to", Halima used a flashlight as a spotlight on the crowd
Simone was there.
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
JoJo was there.
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
LA was there.
8) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Donnell added more new lines, "I change hoes like women change clothes"
9) Donnell-led "25,25,25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - a guy said to me, "Whatever you're writing, they crank", Charlie was on backup vocals, Halima played congas, Britney danced on the speaker, Mike said, "Look at Halima y'all"
Mama Chelle was there.
10) Donnell-led Alternating Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
11) Donnell-led Tupac's Hail Mary
12) Donnell-led D4L's Laffy Taffy - Donnell did a birthday shout out to Jackie, / Donnell Kanye West's I Heard 'Em Say (tease)
Donnell stopped the performance, he said, "I don't know what Tiffany is going to do."
13) Donnell acapella Family - he, Packy and Mama Chelle held their fists up
Donnell said, "Choo Choo, whatever you're wearing, Charlie is scared of this girl, I'll write you a permission slip like first grade, check here."
14) Donnell acapella Sly & the Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (tease)
Some guy said to me, "You're here every week!"
Donnell said, "Lolo, keep the boots on, you can take off everything but the boots."
Packy said, "Vincent is waiting for you to say something about him." Vincent stood over by the connection to the mics.
Donnell said, "Who's the real Nikki?" There were at least two last night:

Nikki at the Thanksgiving show at Zanzibar


"original" Nikki (Nikia) also at the Thanksgiving show at Zanzibar
Donnell said, "Yeah, Omar got the number, he's 1-0 at the Tradewinds, undefeated at the Tradewinds."
Donnell said, "Did you see Nicole (one of the bartenders) on Thursday? Bartenders, you don't know who you're working with; she damn near did a cartwheel and the splits on Thursday."
Donnell said, "We need to take up a collection for Vincent, he's got the Arthur Ashe..." Vincent unplugged him and said, "I was waiting on you."

Simone walked out of the club behind me. Her car was parked behind mine. Her sister, Nece, said, "That's the cool white boy who's here every week. You're a n*gger, not a white boy."

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

The fire was going in the fireplace when I arrived.

Dave, then later Googie, worked the PA.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) The Roots' You Got Me - instrumental
2) Don't Stop - instrumental (horn hits to start)
3) Mike-led John Legend's Ordinary People - Cindy and Kiki were there. I went over and sat with them.
4) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's As
James was there, on backup vocals.
5) Halima-led (Sade's) Cherish the Day

Cindy said she's interested in Mike's butt.

Sanisse and Yolanda were there.

Two guys break danced during the break.

Second Set
1) Percussion solo
2) Mike-led Bernard Wright's Who Do You Love
3) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What Would You Do (for the Money)? / "It's alright"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
6) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Dwayne played a guitar riff from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff
Tamiko was there.
7) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - nice Dwayne solo
Tyrell was there.
8) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You
9) Donnell-led Hold the Note / Percussion solo - Donnell told DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) to turn a light on Smoke, so the ladies could see him, Donnell had him wave while he played
10) Donnell-led Miss Keta Will You Dance for Me - I danced with Cindy and Kiki
11) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell did "Ssss..." and "Oh" repeatedly, Mike did heavy breathing, Donnell sang "Oh" from Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby, which Sanisse completed
12) Donnell-led Vinnie D's Porno Star?
Donnell announced that tickets for $50 were already on sale for the New Year's Eve show at the Hilton. It will also feature After Hours and possibly John Legend. Donnell said, "Ladies, leave your man at home, we put it in like unh, unh unh".

Third Set
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Halima held her mic to the crowd
2) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
Sixx was there.
4) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
A guy turned to me and asked me if I was FunkMasterJ. When I said yes, he said, "I'm oldschool."
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - interrupted, Donnell said, "Are you all serious with all that bumping and sh*t? Check their IDs, we're not about that. We're about working the women: get some numbers, buys some drinks and have some fun (he repeated this a few times). It doesn't matter where you are from."
A guy said to me, "You're always partying!"
6) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Donnell did a shout out to The Rapper, Donnell added lines, "I am what I am, I'm a raw n*gger, none bigger, pull the trigger", Donnell said of the bumping guys, "Don't just check their IDs, check their birth certificates", Rah sat in performing It Is What It Is, but first he said, "Before I go too far, the whole Southside", Rah said, "Gimme that beat", He called up Michelle Blackwell
7) Rah-led Brown & White - "Wait a minute" / Ride Out Rah said, "I got a whole lot to do, so we can get right to it".
Michelle Blackwell came onstage.
8) Rah-led "I love it... Say again" - the crowd responded
9) Rah-led "You won't ever see my face again, you don't know me, oh oh"
10) Rah-led "I'm an..." - the crowd finished the lyrics, Rah said, "Hold it on up Stomp, bring it on up, twenty-five and older, put it in the pocket, go hey", the crowd shouted, "Hey", Rah said, "Twenty-five and older, Whoa", the crowd shouted, "Whoa", there was a fight, Rah said, "We don't do that, not on Friday nights. We don't promote that, we keep it real grown up."
11) Michelle & Rah-led "Whatcha going to do when... Call that name... in those jeans, ladies", Rah said, "Whatcha going to do when congo city..., Let the beat work", the frontline danced, Rah said, "You still got it in you, you know I love to party. Safari go to work."
12) Rah said, "Settle down, let's start... boom ba bad doo. Stay everyone to show Smoke some love, everyone hands up" - the crowd all put their hands up, Rah said, "Wave to 'em Smoke, ay ay ay", the house lights came on, Rah said, "Get 'em up"
Rah and Michelle Blackwell left the stage.
Donnell said, "That's my man Rapper. You still working, Smoke? We're getting ready to get on up out of here."
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Stars Be Partyin' (tease)
14) D4L's Laffy Taffy - instrumental, Donnell said, "I almost forgot about this" / Lil Kim's Lighters Up - instrumental tease, Donnell said, "He switched the song, Godfather knows all the songs"
Donnell said, "Tamiko did you get something for your birthday?" She said yes and smiled. Donnell said, "Nephew we're going to have to have a meeting." She smiled and said no.
Donnell said, "I think we're going to have to have a dress code fellas. I think fellas are going to have to wear a three piece suit in here."
Donnell thanked The Rapper and Michelle Blackwell. Donnell said, "Did you bring church boy? Preacher boy? Rapper messed him up; he used to attend church..." Rah smiled.

One of the guys handing out flyers outside said to me, “What are you doing here? Are you a freak? (because I’m white) “. Another guy stopped him and said, “N*gger was getting down.”

Thursday at Zanzibar
Zanzibar on the Waterfront, 700 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20024

This was only my second visit to Zanzibar (the first was for the Fantasia After Party) and my first to the upstairs area. This was a different crowd than usual for Familiar Faces. It was diverse in make up, including the ages of the fans present. Many people were very dressed up.

Shonda, Michon and Candy were there.

A man named Darrell sat down at a table with me, along with his friend, a woman named Kimberly. Kimberly recognized me as a regular attendant at Familiar Faces shows. She asked me if I was their manager. I told her about my project and she told me all about her love for GoGo.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Mother's Day - Donnell went on the floor, playing his horn
Michon and others took pictures.
There was a lot of conversation amongst fans in the front bar area audible on the dance floor.
2) Grover Washington Jr.'s Lock It in the Pocket
A parking valet spoke with Donnell. Donnell announced that the valet garage was closing and people needed to report to get their cars if they parked that way.
3) Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine
4) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop
5) Halima-led Jill Scott's Golden

Simone and JoJo were there.

Sharmba Mitchell, Big Don Pimp, and Tony the security guard were there.

Second Set
Donnell did a shout out to Warren Williams, owner of Club U, in the audience.
1) Halima-led Sade's Pearls
2) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You
3) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
4) Mike-led Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
I may have missed a song as I was zoning out at this time.
6) Mike-led John Legend's used to Love U
7) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - there was mic distortion, Mike stood at the edge of the dance floor
Tiffany G., 6'9, and James were there.

Third Set
James was on backup vocals.
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - there was a different break/transition in it
Nikiya was there.
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
3) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Dwayne played a guitar riff from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff
Lima was there.
4) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Michon and Candy danced synchronized with each other, Candy was dancing with me, Mike said, "Candy, I think you got Jordan hypnotized", 6'9 did nonverbal gestures indicating writing and Shonda waved her finger at me
5) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
6) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh"
7) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
6'9 brought Go-Go Mickey to the stage.
8) Mike-led Lap Dance - Go-Go Mickey sat in on the congas, he played them from the opposite side of normal (the side where the mics are, across the congas from where Smoke stood), Donnell called "Hey Smoke", but Smoke wasn't playing, he turned around and saw that and said, "Hey Mick"

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

Shaun, Mike Smith, Tim (LJ), Nikki, June, Kevin Lee, Tamara, and Benjiy were there.

Donnell said of Benjiy (Editor of GoGo Swings Magazine), "Little Benjamin Little, I used to walk him to elementary school and drop him off."

Tracy S. was there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Donnell-led Sly & the Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (tease)
Donnell said to Benjiy, "I told them, I used to walk you to elementary school, keep the n*ggers off you. Look at him now, he's a big bully. Seven years ago, I almost had to smack him over a picture."
2) Blueprint - instrumental, Donnell played his horn on the dance floor for Benjiy twice / Parliament's P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) (instrumental tease) / Mike-led Donny Hathaway's Little Ghetto Boy - Donnell said, "Don't tell me that isn't you, Benjiy"
Benjiy said, "Keep it moving."
3) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop
Ray was there.
4) Halima-led Whitney Houston's You Give Good Love - Tamara was on backup vocals
5) Mike-led Tony Terry's Freaky Little Game
Archie Paige was there.
6) Mike-led Bernard Wright's Who Do You Love (debut)
7) Halima-led Sade's Pearls

Angie was there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
6'9 was there.
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me / Wali (another birthday boy) rapped
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
Ron Moten was there.
4) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You / Mike sang something I couldn't hear
5) Donnell-led Hold the Note
Val "Tina Turner" was there.
6) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - the crowd shouted, "Go-Go Mick-ay"
7) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
8) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - verses for Benjiy, Tracy, Wali and more
9) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Dwayne played a guitar riff from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff
10) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
11) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Donnell added a rap, also on prodding from 6'9, he said, "I am what I am"
12) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
13) D4L's Laffy Taffy - instrumental
14) Donnell acapella Trina Was Great
Donnell said, "Thank you Tony Tate for celebrating your birthday with us. Tony Tate was the hand clap for (Rare Essence's) Body Moves. He was in the Young Dynamos."
Donnell said, "Mike Smith, the wickedest man alive."
Donnell said, "JC, don't keep looking at me... We can take off together."
Donnell said, "Alright Packy, we need one more meeting, this will be meeting number three."
Donnell addressed Vanessa, Archie's girlfriend, "Guys need to start bringing their girls to the GoGos. Cousin Archie dancing in the middle of the floor (with you). I love when they fall in love at the GoGo. When he puts his shoes on Saturday, you need to put your shoes on." She laughed the whole time as he said this.
Some male fan said to Donnell, "When you going to bring your sand to the beach?"
Donnell responded, "They all in here. You was dancing with one of them."

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

Shadonna, Tiffany F., Tata, Ebony, Natalie, Danica, Cindy, Kiki, Sharon, Tracy, Nikki, Sanisse, Yolanda, Los, Archie Paige, Nita, Paula, Shante, James, Arielle, and Kevin Lee were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Johnny Burke & Erroll Garner's Misty - instrumental tease during warm up
Tim (LJ) was there.
2) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
Britney sat on the same speaker she did last week.
3) Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - James was on backup vocals
4) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Love U
Pinky and Jammin' Jeff were there.
5) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
6'9 was there.
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
7) Alternating Donnell-led Brown & White / Ride Out - Donnell said, "Slick Rick started this sh*t a long time ago"
Slick Rick was there.
8) Donnell-led Northeast Groovers' The Water / Mike-led Parliament's Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) (tease)
9) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh, let me know if you feel"
10) Halima-led Sade's Pearls
I danced with Cindy for much of the set.
Vic, Mama Chelle, Shawn, and Angie were there.

Sharmba Mitchell was there.

Stomp said, "Stomp is mad because he didn't get any food."

Simone, JoJo and Slim Goodie were there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - different keyboard play, Dwayne played guitar lines from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff, I danced with a girl who asked what I was writing
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke", Donnell said, "Do what?"
Tracy S. was there.
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
4) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Dwayne played different guitar lines and then later guitar lines from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff, Donnell added new lyrics, a girl came up and claimed her Sprint cell phone, she danced in middle of the stage floor
Donnell asked if Halima was ready, she said no, so:
5) Donnell & Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Donnell did the initial choruses, cleared out the women from the stage floor, then Halima took over
Britney danced on the speaker.
6) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
It went dark
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Spotlight - they literally used a flashlight as a spotlight (it was the only light on), I danced with Slim Goodie
8) Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the house lights came on
Ras Lidj was there.
9) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - verses for Tiffany and other people
10) Donnell-led Trina Was Great / Ras Lidj rapped
I believe Tamiko was there.

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

Cindy, Kiki, James, Archie Paige, and Arielle were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Mother's Day - Donnell went on the dance floor playing his horn
Ras Lidj was there.
2) Mike-led I Dreamed You
3) Mike-led The Stylistics' People Make the World (Go Round)
4) Halima-led Sade's Pearls

Lolo, Kim, and Danielle (celebrating her 22nd birthday) were there.

Charlie was there.

Sanisse, Angie, Tracy, Chanel, and Tiffany F. (celebrating her birthday) were there.

Second Set
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - I was talking with Tiffany F., so I wasn't paying a lot of attention, but I am pretty sure it was I Want You
2) 6 Minutes percussion solo
3) Mike-led Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You
4) Donnell-led rap "So listen to what we say, have a lovely"
Los and Jay Gotti were there.
5) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
6) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Danger
7) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
8) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
9) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me
10) Donnell & Halima-led Lighters Up / percussion solo
11) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You
12) Donnell-led Hold the Note
13) Donnell-led Hey Keisha Will You Dance for Me / percussion solo
I danced with Angie during the set.

Stacey and her cousin Shante were there.

Yolanda was there.

Archie joked, "DeeDee was there."

Third Set
1) Halima-led Stevie Wonder's Living for the City (tease) - just playing around
2) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Dwayne played Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff
Blak was there.
3) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It / Donnell-led "Lincoln Heights" chant / Mike-led Sam Cooke's Chain Gang
4) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Jay Gotti sat in
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
6) Alternating Donnell & Mike-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls / Halima-led Gwen Stefani's Hollaback Girl (tease)
7) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh, We do the work like... We make it real good, put in like... so you feel real good, like I can feel good" - Halima sang, "Want to... Have a time"
8) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Donnell added new lines
9) Mike-led Lap Dance - they ended, then Stomp, Packy, Jacques, and Halima (congas) resumed
I danced with Angie, Cindy and briefly Cindy and Kiki during the set.
Donnell talked about some girl wearing a garter belt, he said, "That's Charlie's thing."
Tiffany F. showed a GoGo pic with Mike. She said, "I'll tell the judge, that's when I got pregnant."
Lisa was there.
Donnell said, "Charlie had a thong on at Myrtle Beach, ass all hanging out. I don't believe you got on a girl's bike, I know it, I saw the pictures, he had his ass in the air (like Brown & White). Who got a bike, Charlie needs a ride down to…"
Charlie said to me, "None of that happened."

Wednesday at the Crystal City Hyatt
Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202
The Postive Black Men Coalition's 13th Annual Night of Elegance

It snowed on the way over.

I missed almost all of After Hours' performance. They performed two sets in the "lobby" (open corridor) of the basement: the first was during Raheem DeVaughn's performance in the ballroom, the second started during Mint Condition's performance in the ballroom and ended sometime around the start of Familiar Face's second set in the ballroom (I know because Pretty Nikki was in the audience for FF's second set).

Tony, the security guard, and Shaun were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
The line up was: Halima, Donnell, Doc, Dwayne, Godfather, Lorenzo, Stomp, and Jacques (congas).
Lorenzo's keyboard was on the left side of the stage, Godfather's on the right side of the stage. There were two drum kits in back, Stomp played on the left one during this set. I did not like its sound; it was reminiscent of a record scratching to me. The percussion was to the right of the drums, but to the left of Godfather's keyboard.
Halima wore a black dress; the band members wore black slacks and formal shirts.
Those with VIP tickets had plush chairs to sit in; the general admission was blocked off with standing room only. I didn't notice during their first set, but there were screens in the back showing what the camera feed caught.
The stage was at the left end of the ballroom. For the Allen Iverson event last year, the stage was in the back in the middle.
1) Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine - Halima was initially offstage when they started, the reaction from the crowd throughout the set was different in character from any other GoGo I've been to, it largely consisted of applause at the end of songs
Halima said she was from Miami, "But now I live in DC!"
2) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - Stomp joined in, Halima added "I like it" to the lyrics, Donnell said, "Let's go mama", Halima moved around and did a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures to the lyrics, Halima sang, "Yeah, aye, aye"
Halima said, "How many of us have had that special night where you feel oh my..."
3) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima moved around and bounced
Halima sat down on the right side of the stage, she said, "Look here, we're going to have a little moment, sit down, do you have a special someone in your life and he does something bad, don't talk to me... I said one thing, my music director said another, let me change my speech, so I don't get fired (Obviously Donnell told Halima there wasn't enough time for them to perform Fantasia's Free Yourself). Do you know someone in the (military) service? Ask God to protect them, wonder about the leaders."
4) Halima acapella Rachelle Ferrell's Peace on Earth (second performance) - Donnell, Godfather and Lorenzo played at the end, probably as a transition, there was applause
A girl standing next to me told another woman, "They're making her sound good, there is an echo."
Halima said, "It's time for us to go now, thank you for sharing your love with me. We hope to see you again real soon."
5) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop - Halima stood up, moved around and bounced, Donnell yelled, "Yeah!", Halima did band intros
Halima said, "Once again, thank you for sharing your time and love with us."
They were done at 9:28 PM.
The audience wasn't huge yet, as people were still arriving.

I walked out in the hallway. Go-Go Mickey, Donnell Jr. and Derek Floyd were there.

Michel Wright was the MC.

Raheem DeVaughn
The line up was: Raheem DeVaughn (vocals), a guitar player, a bass/keyboard player, a keyboard player, a drummer (again using the left drum kit), a conga player, two backup vocalists (who stood on the far right, by the bassist), and a painter.
The painter painted on an easel in front of the left drum kit.
They started at 9:38. I was impressed that they started less than ten minutes after Familiar Faces finished playing.
1) "If you're from DC, say yeah, this is home for me" - women screamed at the beginning
2) "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Raheem DeVaughn." - Raheem came back to us in the general admission on the left side, he said, "Put your hands up", he then went over by the PA board, he returned to the stage, Raheem said, "Make some noise DC, I've been on the road, so I haven't home in a while", people stood up and put their hands in the air
Raheem said, "How many of you have my mix tape, I'm releasing volume four tonight."
To be honest, they didn't really move me. I got bored and walked around to see who was there.
He did perform Guess Who Loves You More and Ask Yourself (which was interesting to compare to FF's cover), and everyone but the drummer donned large afro wigs.
James and Los were there.
Raheem again came out to the general admission.
When he sang, "Every king needs a queen", he was wearing a king's robe.
Members of Familiar Faces came in to watch.
Cookie came by and said, "You look like an esquire."
Jay Floyd and Ron Moten were there.
Raheem performed a cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's Can't Hide Love (interestingly, every band performed covers).
The lights came on at 10:37 PM.
Raheem said, "Y'all tired yet, want to play some more?"- there was a nice crank. Raheem chanted, "Southeast, South, Southeast... Southwest...", Raheem said, "Say hey, we want to party." That was the highlight for me. While he really didn't move me, the crowd did reeact and there were people dancing in the VIP section.

Mint Condition
They took longer to set up. They had a transparent plastic barrier in front of the drum kits.
Blak was there.
I talked with Chi Ali and asked him when After Hours was playing. He said they had already played a set and would be playing another one. I am sure I would have enjoyed After Hours' performance more than I did Raheem DeVaughn's or Mint Condition's.
Their line up was: a vocalist, a guitar player, a bass player, two keyboard players, and two drummers (only one played most of the set).
The congas were removed for their set.
1) "Get to it"
2) "Sister"
To be honest, they bored me too. I expected that since I own Life's Aquarium (Which thankfully, I bought at cost), despite people telling me how tight they were as a band. The vocal songs didn't do much for me, but a lot of women sang along with them.
Nikiya, Yolanda, Pinky, and JoJo were there.
They said, "Anybody know we got a CD out?" Women screamed.
They performed Rick James' Mary Jane - it was good.
They said, "Y'all ready for some drums? They had nothing in common, so someone locked them in the closet for twenty years until they learned to play drums."
A crankin' drum duo followed, then a sax and guitar joined in. This was the highlight of their set to me.
L-Boogie was there.
They mentioned their new CD (Livin' the Luxury Brown) was recorded in DC.
They said, "Want some more? Are you sure"
They performed Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes).
A guy asked me if I was enjoying the show.
They concluded with an instrumental outtro.

After Hours
Second Set
I went out to the open area.
The vocalists were standing on a higher level than the rest of the band.
Tyrell, Gene Pratt, June and Blue of Y2K were there.
They performed "All aboard the night train" and the music to Rare Essence's Body Snatchers.
I didn't stay outside the ballroom for long as I wasn't sure when exactly Familiar Faces would go on and it was too crowded outside.

They removed all the chairs and removed the distinction between VIP and general admission for Familiar Faces' second set.

Ray, Val "Tina Turner", Yaquim, Tijuana, Nita, Shadonna and Simone were there.

Familiar Faces
Second Set
The line up was: Mike, Halima, Donnell, DP, James, Doc, Dwayne, Godfather, Lorenzo, Stomp (this time playing the drum kit on the right), Smoke, and Jacques.
The percussion (congas, timbales, etc.) was now on the far left, and both of the keyboards were on the far right - Lorenzo in front of Godfather.
I noticed the DJ area was to the right of the stage.
The dance floor was full.
There were red spotlights on the stage from where the PA board was located in the middle of the room
1) Halima-led Sade's Pearls - there was distortion, it was instrumental at first with only Lorenzo, Godfather, and Stomp onstage, Derek Floyd said this was Sade's Jezebel before I corrected him, a female dancer sat on the left side of the stage, Halima went onstage on the right side, the dancer started dancing as soon as Halima got to the lyrics, Halima moved to the middle of the stage, Halima and the dancer left the stage
Shameika was there.
A woman asked who is this? I told her Familiar Faces.
2) Stomp played a drum sample as the band members marched in from the back right with poles holding "flying" doves, it was hard to hear their chant, "This is where we're from, why do we hide from", all of the men wore Seek Abundance dashikis with hoods, Lorenzo and Donnell's were sleeveless, the others' sleeves varied in length, Jacques and Smoke had black short sleeved shirts underneath, Donnell had a white bandana, Yvette said to me, "This is right out of the Lion King.", Halima walked onstage
3) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - Dwayne was on the left, Doc in the middle, James was on the left on the front line, Donnell said, "Give us a little time to get warmed up", Donnell said, "Come on with it, Michael Muse", Donnell shouted, "Alright", Donnell said, "Uh huh" repeatedly, Donnell shouted, "Yeah!" repeatedly, Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, DP shouted, "Yeah!", James, Donnell and Halima bounced, Donnell did shout outs, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "We got my baby Sweet Tina Turner in here", Donnell did announcements, "Each and every...", Mike moved to the right
4) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Donnell said, "What you say?", Halima said, "Hey ladies" repeatedly and women responded, DP shouted, "Yeah, come on", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell said, "Alright" repeatedly, Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima said, "Help me, ladies" and held her mic to the crowd, Donnell said, "Sing it ladies", Donnell held his mic to the crowd
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - DP held his mic to the crowd
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Halima posed and Mike sang "Oh my God!", James held his mic to the crowd, then Mike posed and Halima sang, "Oh my God!", Halima held her mic to the crowd, Donnell said, "Each and every..."
7) Halima-led Faith Evans Mesmerized - Halima moved around, James clapped, Donnell and DP bounced, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya!" repeatedly, RE Angie and Omar were on the left side of the stage, behind the percussion, Donnell said, "What's up Mike?", DP shouted, "Come on" repeatedly, Donnell said, "Come on with it", Halima and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell shouted, "Alright, yeah!"
8) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house" - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Mike said, "Get on down Ray", Donnell did shout outs
9) Toto's Georgy Porgy - instrumental intro / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Mike said, "Get on down Shadonna", the rest of the frontline bounced, Donnell said, "Whenever you're ready Michael Muse", Donnell said, "Alright", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, DP shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell went to the right to talk to the DJ?, Donnell said, "Big Ray over there in the black", Donnell said, "Uh huh", Donnell said, "Right there Mike, right there Smoke"
Multi-colored spotlights behind either side of the stage came on
10) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Donnell said, "One more time, Michael Muse", Donnell inserted names, Donnell said, "By yourself ladies", Donnell and Halima held their mics to the crowd, Donnell said, "You don't care?", Donnell said, "One more time ladies", Donnell said, "Play the music, the frontline danced, DP shouted, "Come on" and "Yeah!" repeatedly
11) Donnell-led Hold the Note- the frontline except Halima held their fists up, Mike held up both briefly, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about", Donnell used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute" and he and Halima held their arms up, James clapped, Donnell said, "Dwayne Lee, Hey Smoke", the band members looked up and the frontline except Halima, and Doc and Dwayne did synchronized dance steps, women screamed, Halima danced by up on the left edge of the stage briefly
12) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - the crowd was really into it, Halima mimed, James sang backup, Mike chanted, "Eya eya!", Donnell went to the left front edge of the stage, Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute", DP shouted, "Yeah, come on", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!", Stomp played the dialtone and the frontline, Doc and Dwayne danced the bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning - Donnell and Mike used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, DP shouted, "Yeah, come on", Los and Packy were on the back left corner of the stage, Donnell was really demonstrative and crouched, Derek Floyd came onstage, Derek used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "Yes sir", Donnell said, "This is my little son (he's actually the middle son, Donte is younger) yeah", Derek clapped, Donnell went to the edge of the stage and pulled Donnell Jr. onstage, Donnell said, "This is my older (or other?) son" / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes - the Floyds and DP used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Halima did different nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell Jr. clapped
13) Donnell-led "Tired yet, ready to quit?" - the crowd shouted, "Hell no!", Halima went over in front of the drum kit
14) Donnell & Halima-led Lighters Up - the Floyds held up lit cell phones, Donnell called out names, Halima rapped, DP shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell went over to Packy and toweled off, Donnell said, "Gimme the woo", James, Mike and Halima sang, "Woo", Donnell said, "Hey Smoke", Donnell bounced, Donnell said, "Gimme the woo", James and Mike sang, "Woo" while Halima rapped the second verse, Donnell said, "What you say?", Donnell Jr. had a funny grin on his face
Jackie was there.
15) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima's singing was energetic, Donnell Jr. clapped and used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Donnell said, "You ready Halima, come on with it", Donnell said, "Come on Tina Turner", DP shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell shouted, "Yeah!"
Raheem DeVaughn came onstage.
Donnell said, "That's my man."
16) Raheem-led "Just put your hands in the air and wave them like you don't care, say go DJ (like 50 Cent's In Da Club)" - Raheem rapped, Donnell said, "That's my DJ", Raheem said, "Oh yeah!"
Raheem left the stage
17) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally, Donnell Jr. and Derek used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures / Rare Essence's Spotlight - Halima went back in front of the drum kit, Donnell went to the edge of the stage, Donnell said, "Old school"
18) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease)
Donnell said, "Hey Michael Muse"
19) Mike-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease) - Donnell said, "Sing it ladies", Donnell said, "One more time Michael Muse"
Donnell said, "Old school" repeatedly
20) Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the band and fans put their hands in the air, the house lights came on, the crowd shouted, "Go ahead"
21) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Donnell said, "We must have some old school in here", Donnell said, "We got my man Ray in here, got to be forty-five years old", the frontline danced, Donnell said, "Hey Michael Muse", Donnell said, "one more time Mike", Halima stood at the left front edge of the stage, Donnell announced tomorrow's show with chuck Brown at Zanzibar, Donnell said, "You know what?"
22) Alternating Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Halima used a lot of nonverbal arm & hand gestures, Los, RE Angie, and Nephew danced onstage behind the frontline, Halima moved between James and Mike, Jauhar was at the left back corner of the stage / Derek Floyd rapped
23) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease)
The dance floor cleared out.
24) Stomp played the sample from Trina Was Great
Donnell did announcements
25) Donnell acapella It Is What It Is
26) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
27) Stomp played the sample from Trina Was Great
They finished at 3 AM.
Monique was there. I carried her in my arms. She kept counting money. Smoke took some and gave to me, but then gave it back before she could get mad.
Jacques said I was grooving, he said he thought my head was going to come off from the head bobbing.

And DeeDee was there.

JoJo said, "Good night" as we passed each other walking to our cars.

Three guys ahead of me were talking. One talked about a light skinned girl who had peed outside. He said, "She's a trifling whore, but I'd f*ck her anyway." A second guy said, "I'd f*ck her if she was hurling while I f*cked her. I'd f*ck her if she was puking on me as I f*cked her."

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

LA, Tracy, Chanel, Sharon, Ray, Ebony, Renee, Pinky, Sanisse, Shante, Paula, Archie Paige, Cindy, and Kiki were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Sade's Pearls - Dwayne stood by me to listen to the band
2) They started to perform the music to Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It - they stopped and went back to the DJ as they had technical difficulties / Alternating Mike-led Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It / percussion solo
James and Shadonna were there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
Britney was there.
4) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
Tyrell was there.
5) Toto's Georgy Porgy - instrumental intro / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - James was on backup vocals
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
7) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
8) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - I danced with a woman, Dwayne again played the guitar music to Kool & the Gang’s Funky Stuff, the PA went out, the woman I danced with said of my writing, "F*ck that writing, get with it" / Percussion solo - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke", after the PA came back on, they went back to Mesmerized
Tiffany G. and Monique were there.
9) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) – Dwayne continued to play Funky Stuff / Rare Essence's Spotlight (tease)
10) Donnell-led Rick James' Mary Jane (tease)
11) Mike-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease)
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease) - a guy had me write, "Happy birthday Wali and Tish"
13) Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - Donnell pointed out that Renee was Footz' daughter
14) Mike-led Rare Essence's Lock It
L-Boogie, Los, Nikki, Shawn, Nita, Tijuana, Shameika, and "original" Nikki (Nikia) (She introduced herself as that to Archie. I recognized her as a regular at Safari and Tradewinds) were there.

I danced with two women during the break.

Second Set
1) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You
2) Donnell-led Hold the Note
Peg Leg was there.
3) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - James sang backup
JoJo and Mama Chelle were there.
4) Donnell-led "Do the work, unh, unh unh" - I briefly danced with Kiki, Cindy, and Chanel
5) Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - interrupted when a girl in the front puked, DP said, "Clean up on aisle four" / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
Nikiya was there.
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - interrupted by a fight by people Donnell knows, Donnell said, "That's not what we do here, this is not the Black Hole, we got slow songs for all night, kiss and make up, Ray you're kissing everyone else", I danced with Ebony
7) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease)
Donnell said, "Someone step on your shoe, they stepped on your shoe. Someone dancing with your girl, you shouldn't have brought her down here. Tradewinds is a singles bar."
9) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
10) Stomp played samples from Coming to America

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


Damond, Me and Nephew
Picture Copyright - Supa Dan Richardson


Stomp, Donnell, DP, Packy, Jacques
Picture Copyright - Supa Dan Richardson

Yvette, Kim and Lolo were there.

The speakers were different from last week's.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) The Roots' You Got Me - instrumental
Candall was there.
2) Halima-led Sade's Pearls (debut)
Archie Paige was there.
3) Halima-led Brand New Heavies' Never Stop
James was there.
4) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - Mike had technical difficulties with his mic
Stacey was there.

Ytee was there.

Archie joked, "DeeDee was there."

I danced during the break with a girl who moved all over the place.

Second Set
1) Alternating Mike-led Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It - Donnell did a shout out to someone from TCB / Percussion solo
Darryl "Blue Eye" Arrington and Darrin "X" Frazier were there. Donnell kept calling Darryl "60 Cent".
2) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) They started to perform the music to Faith Evans' Mesmerized / Donnell-led Rare Essence's How Can I Know? (tease) - to a woman in front, of whom he said, "Everything's about to fall out", that she had taken off some of her clothes / Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Dwayne played different guitar (Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff)
6) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You
7) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Rah sat in

Mike, Rah, Dwayne, Smoke, DP


Mike, Rah, Smoke, Dwayne, DP
Picture Copyright - Supa Dan Richardson
8) Rah-led "You won't ever see my face again, you don't know me, oh oh, to the right, to the left" - Rah said, "Back to the 911 days"
9) Rah-led Brown & White / Ride Out - Rah said, "Say again, hands in the air", Rah said, "Donnell wants me to work"
10) Rah-led Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) - Rah said, "Back to the Metro Club, reminds me of Heart & Soul", Rah said, "I know what's up, I know what" / "You won't ever see my face again, you don't know me, oh oh"
11) Percussion solo - Rah said, "What you yelling?", the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke"
Rah said, "I got one more y'all"
12) Rah-led "Put your hands in the air" - the crowd shouted, "Aye, aye, aye", Rah said, "Gimme that beat"
End of Rah sitting in
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (literal tease)

Lexis and RE Angie were there.

Third Set
James sang backup vocals the entire set.
Donnell announced that their Thursday shows will now be at the Zanzibar, starting next week which will be with Chuck Brown on Thanksgiving.
Donnell said, "Brandywine n*ggers are the craziest, Hey Blue"
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
Shaun and 6'9 were there.
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me
3) Percussion solo - Go-Go Mickey sat in on congas, Donnell said, "Say what", Donnell said, "Mick-ay"

Mike, Donnell, Dwayne, Go-Go Mickey, RE Angie, DP
4) Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (instrumental tease)
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Geraldine (tease) - Donnell initially did the keyboard effects vocally
6) Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - end of Mickey sitting in, James sang (literally) backup vocals / "We do the work like, unh, unh unh" / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
7) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
Blak was there.
8) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
9) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
10) Short instrumental – probably just grooving
11) Donnell-led It Is What It Is
12) Donnell-led "If that's how you feel, you got to shake it for real"
13) Dwayne Lee guitar solo - Donnell said, "Don't nobody go nowhere", two girls freaked and grinded with each other, Blak smiled and said, "I know you're putting that in, you can put me in."
Donnell said, "Everybody leave. Jauhar is furious!" Donnell said, "Lolo, Danielle (an attractive girl with her and Kim), Sweet Kim, leave the vital statistics with somebody."
I asked Donnell who 60 Cent was. DP said, "Oh lord."
Donnell said, "Darryl, bullet holes all over his body like he's been through Vietnam."

I shook hands with Supa Dan as I walked out.

An attractive woman with dyed red hair said to me as I walked out, "I seen you bobbing. Whiteboy got rhythm too."

T-Bob's Birthday at The Legend
The Legend Night Club, 3225 Naylor RD, Temple Hills, MD 20748

I arrived a while after 10 PM, which was the start time according to the flyer. When I got to the sidewalk, the promoter Spanky was there and said hello. I hung out with one of the security guys, who told me that male dancers were performing at the time. The security personnel teased women as they came out of the club including a woman who responded, "I'm 25, a grown woman, I have my own place." Spanky asked me how Venus Hall was; he hadn't been there since he saw me there. When the dancers came out, they all had huge cases for their clothes. They let us in a while after 11 PM. I was the first fan in. This was my first time seeing Junkyard since last July. It was also my first time at the Legend. They wanded even my shoes and women couldn't bring purses in. They searched the band too. They had a mandatory coat check. The Legend is a length-wise rectangle, the stage is at the right end. Two bars lined the wall opposite the entrance, with the DJ booth in the middle near the roof. DJ Lucky was the DJ. The left end had two sets of seats for reserved seating. There was a dance floor of wooden tiles surrounded on all sides by carpet. The dress was casual and the crowd ranged in age from about 25 to 35 mostly. There were over a hundred people there.

Junkyard Band
First Set
Junkyard Band went into a group hug/huddle before they started performing.
The sound was the roughest of any GoGo I've ever been to, but it still cranked. The vocals were really hard to distinguish for me. It was also tough to distinguish the transitions between songs, so I am really unsure even of how many songs there were.
Their line up was: four on the frontline, a cowbell player/vocalists, a bassist, two keyboard players (one with a double keyboard), and a percussionist
1) Instrumental intro - it sounded like Bobby Caldwell's What You Won't Do for Love, the crank started immediately, warming up, Vocals, "Come on now", the frontline danced a synchronized dance
2) "So High"
3) "JY Oh hunh, So-oh-oo"
4) "I think that we're getting ready" - the frontline danced
5) "Get your freak a deak on"
6) "Who that be?" - the crowd responded, they held a mic stand out to the crowd
7) "Do it, don't" - the crowd responded, the frontline danced, they held a mic stand out to the crowd, three of the frontline danced, the cowbell player joined the frontline
8) "JY, get from my barber"
9) "It's the ripper" - the crank increased
10) Young Jeezy's Soul Survivor
11) Instrumental intro "JY" - the crowd responded, they held a mic stand to the crowd
12) War's The World Is a Ghetto
13) Instrumental outtro

Second Set
1) A female vocalist sat in just for Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
2) "Get yourself up" - nice crank, "pick yourself up"
3) "1, 2, 3 Do the do"
4) "Freak on the one"
5) Nelly's Flap Your Wings - "Drop down, get your eagle on girl", "Wait a minute" chant, they played a whistle on a keyboard, the percussionist played roto-toms
6) Bob Marley's Jamming - the percussionist went back to playing congas
7) Lil Kim's Lighters Up - they reversed the order Familiar Faces performs it, the part Halima raps came first, a number of fans and band members held up lit lighters
8) Ruff It Off - they held mics to the crowd, the crowd said, "am ___", the frontline bounced
9) "Hu ah, hey come on"
10) "Rock it down, whoop"
11) Rap - a girl onstage held a lit lighter behind the frontline for much of the set
12) "Who can? They funky man can" - a re-working of Sammy Davis Jr.'s The Candy Man
13) 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - T-Bob and Tom Tom, there was a second percussionist
14) "Hu ah"
15) Instrumental keyboard solo
16) "JY, listen to the groove that satisfies"
17) "Whiteboy ____"
One of the vocalists stood, then sat on one of the speakers, just below the ceiling
18) "I don't give a sh*t"
There were a lot more people onstage
19) "Tuesday was a workday (or wasn't working), on a Thursday wasn't worth it", "Eya"
20) "We got the honey"
21) "Gimme the ____"
22) "Loose Booty"
23) Roto-tom transition
24) "JY, listen"
25) "Stop with it girl"
26) "What would you do? - the crowd responded
27) "Pick your ___ crew"
28) "What you say?" - the crowd said, "GoGo Mickey" - it wasn't him playing the congas, conga solo
29) Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me
30) Instrumental outtro
It ended about 2:20 AM.
One of the vocalists said, "T-Bob partied his ass off"
I didn't see any of the special guests they said were supposed to sit in, but they did mention Darryl "Blue Eye" Arrington.

I didn't recognize anyone there, even other TMOTTers.

Other perspectives.

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

Chanel, Tracy S., Angie, LA, "original" Nikki, Arielle, Archie Paige, Shonda, Val "Tina Turner", Tiffany F., Janetta, Shadonna, Sanisse, Robin, Stacey & her cousin Shante, Nikki, Monique, Tracy, Wanda, Los, and James were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Instrumental prelude / Mike-led Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You - James sang backup, there was a new beat at the end / Donnell-led "Welcome to the show ____"
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
3) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
6'9 was there.
4) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Love U
Nikiya was there.
5) Donnell-led Ludacris' Number One Spot
RE Angie was there.
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
7) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
8) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - Doc was on backup vocals, Donnell added new lyrics: "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy, raise your hands if you're grown & sexy, if you feel that you're grown and sexy, Familiar Faces is your band. When you're walking in the GoGo, Say What?", the crowd said, "GoGo, GoGo, Hello, Hello"
Delano was there.
9) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - there was different guitar play, Dwayne later said that some James Brown was requested, but what he played was from Kool & the Gang's Funky Stuff
A girl who looked like Sharon made fun of my headbobbing in the same way Sharon does.
10) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - James sang backup
March was there.

Darren Rice's daughter and Slick Rick were there.

Jennifer was there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
Tamiko was there.
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me
JoJo was there.
3) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That / Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh, We put it in like that, We go to work like that, We push it in like that", Mike and Halima sang something
Mama Chelle was there.
4) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
L-Boogie was there
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute" / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
6) Alternating Donnell-led Trina Was Great / Turner's (Credence Clearwater Revival's) Proud Mary (tease) / "If That's How You Feel" - I danced with Robin
7) Mike-led Lap Dance
8) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You
9) Donnell-led Hold the Note
10) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What?
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time
13) Donnell-led It Is What It Is (reprise) - "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy, raise your hands if you're grown & sexy, if you feel that you're grown and sexy, Familiar Faces is your band."
Slick Rick shouted, "Northeast, North, Northeast"
Donnell said, "I don't care what part of the city you're from, I'm from the suburbs, my mom had a job."
Donnell said, "It was sunny, I drove to Lincoln Heights and everything went dark."
Donnell said, "Mambo Sauce, I remember that."
Bryan Mills was there. He wore shirt that had printed on it: "I heart my people."
Donnell said, "If you're a good woman, raise your arms. All I need is a few good women."

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

Khallisa was there.

The speakers were again Vincent & Paul's system rather than Reo's.

James, Keisha, Archie Paige, and "original" Nikki were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Grover Washington Jr.'s Lock It in the Pocket - Donnell played his sax on the dance floor, Go-Go Mickey walked up and kicked Donnell's butt repeatedly
2) Mike-led The Stylistics' People Make the World (Go Round)
3) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - Mike finished with "Uh aaah" (drawn out), the band laughed
4) Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine

Kato and Vincent were there.

Kiki and Cindy were there.

Shawn was there.

Second Set
1) Donnell acapella Raheem DeVaughn's Is It Possible (tease) - warm up
Preston Blue and JoJo were there.
2) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You
3) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What Would You Do (for the Money)?
4) 6 Minutes percussion solo
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - different beat in the middle
SweetAngelmd27 and Tyrell were there.
6) Percussion solo - Donnell said, "We're trying to wait until all y'all get drunk before we turn it up"
7) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Love U
Tiffany F. , Tijuana, and Shameika were there. I noticed Tiffany F. because she was making fun of my head bobbing.
8) Donnell-led Ludacris' Number one Spot - Donnell said, "Bounce, bounce", Mike said, "I think Jordan got this one. I think Jordan got this one down. Get down Jordan."
9) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - verses for Nikki and Big Boo
10) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
11) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
12) Donnell-led "Put your hands up if you see a beautiful woman/man... and you want to take them home"
Donnell said, "Kiki, push him (Big Boo?) away."
13) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
14) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself - I danced with Kiki, James was on backup vocals

Nikiya, Peg Leg, and 6'9 were there.

I danced too briefly with Tiffany F.'s friend Tasha.
Third Set
1) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - I danced with Keisha
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - I danced with a girl I don't know
4) Donnell-led It Is What It Is - I danced with another girl I don't know, Donnell chanted, "Eya eya"
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / "Unh, unh unh" chant / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
6) Alternating Donnell-led Trina Was Great / "Work to put it in" - same music as "Unh, unh unh" chant / Vinnie D's Porno Star? - "Reputation" / Rick James' Mary Jane (tease) – I danced with Cindy
The other female Shawn was there.
Donnell said, "Fellas, let's call each other in the morning. Let's talked about what happened."
7) Donnell-led "They got the hot..." - the music was familiar, I asked Dwayne what it was, he said Prince's Let's Work
Donnell said, "Jauhar is furious!"
Donnell said, "Lexis is grown and sexy."
Donnell said, "Hey Googie, don't ever let a squirrel touch the nuts."
Donnell said, "Jauhar: Simone & JoJo, make them get out."
Donnell said, "Start the bus Nikki, start the busy baby, start the school bus."

Veteran's Day celebration at the Fur
Fur Night Club, 33 Patterson St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Cindy and Kiki were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Packy played the cowbell or the tambourine when Jacques played the cowbell.
1) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady - sound check
2) Mike acapella Earth, Wind & Fire's Shining Star? - sound check
Bobbie was there.
3) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You - Donnell said to a girl, "Oh my goodness, are you going to do that dance with me?", Donnell said, "My friend Kevin is already juiced up"
Pinky was there.
4) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What Would You Do (for the Money)?
6) Toto's Georgy Porgy - instrumental intro / Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
7) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
8) Donnell-led "____ Is in the house"
9) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized / Mike sang something I couldn't make out
RE Angie was there.
10) Donnell-led It Is What It Is
11) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You
6'9 and Slick Rick were there.
12) Donnell-led Hold the Note
Los and Nikiya were there.

Tiffany G. was there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself / Floetry's Say Yes / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - I danced with Cindy
2) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lighters Up / Doc-led Young Jeezy's Soul Survivor (tease)
4) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes / "Unh, unh unh" chant
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - I danced with Kiki
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What?
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time
10) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Donnell & Mike-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls
11) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It
Donnell stopped, but the crowd shouted "South, Southeast..." and the band resumed performing
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (tease)
Donnell stopped, but a guy got on the mic and chanted "South, Southeast..." and the band resumed performing
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Geraldine / "Brandywine, Friends of Mine" chant
The audience was the largest they've had at a Thursday Fur show so far, seventy+.
Donnell said, "Tiffany, she wore the tight tights."
14) Donnell acapella song about Mr. G, the GoGo pics guy
Donnell said, "Start the bus Kiki, Nikki"
Donnell said, "Paul is about to celebrate a bar mitzvah."
Donnell said, "I see Vincent is steadily trying to come by the" - Vincent disconnected the mic's connection to the PA.

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

Kim and Lolo were there.

Googie played bass and Mike Smith played drums tonight. Bobby Smoot worked the PA.

Darrell, Ray, and Cookie were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady (tease) "Sweet Lady would you be mine" - sound check
James, Shaun, and RE Angie were there.
2) Mother's Day
Tracy S. was there.
3) Grover Washington Jr.'s Mr. Magic - Shawn walked in and Donnell said, "She brought me a cake, ain't that something." The cake was actually for Boo of Hypnosis.
4) Mike-led Raheem DeVaughn's Ask Yourself
5) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Didn't Cha Know
Tim (LJ) and Tony Sharpe were there.
Donnell did birthday shout outs to Tony Sharpe and Boo of Hypnosis.
Stacey was there.
6) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's As
Shadonna and Sharika were there.
7) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Tony Sharpe sat in (just this song)
8) Halima-led Floetry's Say Yes
Sugar Bear and June were there.
9) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
Tamara and Breeze were there.

Go-Go Mickey was there.

Angie was there.

Second Set
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
5) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - I danced with Kim, James sang backup
6) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
7) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like that
8) Mike-led Rare Essence's Take Me Out to the Go-Go - Go-Go Mickey sat in on timbales
9) Go-Go Mickey conga solo - I danced with Tracy
10) Mike-led Rare Essence's Do It on Down
11) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Go-Go Mickey didn't sit in on this song
12) Donnell-led Hold the Note - Go-Go Mickey played the cowbell

Nikiya and Tamiko were there.

A girl named LA, wrote in my notes, she wanted me to put in my blog: "Happy Birthday LA. She had a nice time. She has to get up early but she will be ok. LA will be back on Saturday at Tradewinds. Tracy had a nice time."

Donnell said, "Sweet Shawn and Boo, they falling in love at the GoGo. Sweet Shawn and Boo falling in love at the GoGo, y'all."
Rah was there.
Donnell said to a beautiful woman, "Whoa, whoa. Don't move, stand right there."
Donnell said, "My man Bobby Smoot, I raised him from a puppy. He's the first to get me drunk."
Donnell said, "Sweet Michelle, Sweet Gwen, start the truck baby."
Donnell said, "Jauhar, you see my Lisa Leslie here, going to get us a contract, buy a house. My Lisa Leslie here, going to get us a contract, buy a house, in the WNBA and I don't need to work no more."
Donnell said, "Sweet Cookie is working the room, nothing's changed. Nikiya, we are going to put this out. She can get tipsy, just when you thought she was a choir girl."
Cookie said, "That's (Donnell's joning) why I don't stay so long."
Donnell said, "Cookie is furious!"
Donnell said, "Yes, indeed, Cookie is working the room."
Jauhar said to me, "You getting this down?"
I said, "Yes."
Jauhar told Cookie, "He's going to put you in his book."
Donnell said, "Angie, I'm trying to teach her the ropes, she's getting a little sloppy. Cookie, I'm talking about Angie, not you."
Donnell said, "I stopped five minutes early just so I could do this."
Donnell said, "Angie, working the room, game not tight enough."
Donnell said, "Tracy has surpassed Angie, new champion in town. The champ is here!"
Donnell said, "Go-Go Mickey still trying to get some. The bar is closed."

Ron Moten was outside.

Saturday at Tradewinds

As of now, I will be scaling back what I take notes on and conversely post in the blog dramatically: it will largely be setlists, attendances, and Donnell's after-performance joning. The consequences of the blog have gone beyond what I intended and I no longer have the time or the inclination to continue writing in the same detail. I said to myself that I would keep it up in detail as long as I was still having fun - that's no longer the case. Taking notes for this in detail also interferes with my ability to have fun at performances. I am not paid to do this.

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

I had to decide between going to the Junkyard Band 25th Anniversary performance at Safari Steakhouse or Familiar Faces at Tradewinds. My lack of sleep decided for me, since I could leave for Tradewinds later. I had the easiest time in weeks finding a parking space, perhaps because of Junkyard's anniversary.

James, Sanisse, Archie Paige, Shadonna, Sharon and Yolanda were there.

Mike Smith came, obviously to play drums in the first set.

Dwayne walked in with someone. I introduced myself to him. He's Kevin, Dwayne's older brother (I thought he was his younger brother since he looks younger than Dwayne. I didn¿t find out he was Dwayne¿s older brother until months later.). I asked him what he played. He said he plays bass. He said he grew up playing with Dwayne.

I asked Mike how he's doing, he said fine. He wore a shirt that had printed, "I heart Black People".

Julia was there. I talked with her. I said it's been a while. She said, "Did you miss me?" I said, "Of course."

Los was there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Mike Smith played drums in the first set.
Donnell said, "It's going to be crowded, if someone steps on your toes" don't worry about it. This was in response to the two fights last week.
1) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - Donnell did birthday announcements, DP shouted, "Yeah, come on", I danced with Julia.
2) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - Mike said, "This time they fake me out" (whether they would do just the intro and move on to Bobby Valentino's Slow Down), Donnell chanted, "Wait a minute", Donnell said, "Just taking our time trying to get this thing warmed up for all the beautiful ladies.", Donnell did a birthday shout out to Coco, the girls behind me yelled, there was a smooth transition ->
3) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Donnell said, "This is a ladies song", DP shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell said, "Come on with it baby", Donnell said, "Sing baby", girls sang along, Halima sang, "Yeah" repeatedly, Donnell said, "Sing it ladies", Donnell said, "Come on with it mama", Donnell said, "What you say", Donnell said, "Sing it ladies", DP shouted, "Yeah!", Donnell said, "Wait a minute y'all", the frontline danced, Donnell said to some girl, "You keep doing that dance"
4) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Donnell said, "Gimme some of those old Footz joints Mike (Smith)", DP shouted, "Yeah, come on", Halima danced, a couple of girls were making fun of my head bobbing, they pulled me over and both danced with me at the same time
5) Donnell-led "If you walk (through?) the door and you're ready to go" - Donnell said, "Say what"
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
Tiffany F. and JoJo were there.
7) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies, Oh my God!"
8) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Love U
Nikki, Janetta, Tracy, Angie, and Chanel were there.
9) Mike-led Rare Essence's Take Me Out to the Go-Go - the crowd sang along
10) Alternating Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the band and fans held their hands in the air, Halima danced, the crowd shouted along, a girl danced with Mike / Parliament's Night Of The Thumpasorous Peoples (tease) - "Gaga googa ga ga googa"
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease)
I danced with Janetta toward the end of the set.

Tyrell was there.

Godfather pointed out a woman he said was a GoGo legend, Love.
I talked with Stomp. He talked about how late I woke up since he called and I was still asleep. I told him I went to bed at 7 AM.
Stacey came in. Packy teased her about her pink "ski boots" as Packy called them.

Khallisa was there.

Second Set
Stomp played drums in the second set.
Donnell did birthday announcements.
Donnell said, "6'9 don't know we went to Maryland University (actually called the University of Maryland, it's my alma mater) together, he got to be thirty-nine."
Mike said, "He went to school when Jo Jo White, Jo Jo Hunter was there (that's not true, Hunter was there in 77-78, 6'9 in 86)."
1) Donnell-led $55 Motel (tease) - Donnell said, "Gimme the top", Donnell said, "Hey Smoke"
2) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva - the frontline danced, there was a nice keyboard sound, Donnell said, "Single ladies put your hands in the air"
Shameika was there.
3) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Shadonna danced onstage, JoJo danced behind Mike, Mike said, "All my ___ n*ggers", there was a nice crank, Slim Goodie danced by Godfather, Halima played congas
Mama Chelle was there.
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Tyrell and Britney danced on the stage floor
5) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Halima rapped
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - the house lights came on
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Donnell said, "This is for my main man Skip, this is for my man Skip"
March, TT, and Delano were there.
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Stars Be Partyin'
Donnell said, "Phyllis Hyman", for her he sang from Brown & White: "Put your drinks in the air"
Donnell said, "Choo Choo, tell him I'm your boyfriend"
Donnell said, "Someone dropped their MasterCard, you better come and pay your tab or we'll run it up"
Donnell said of some woman, "This is my girlfriend now, you been had her for four years."
Donnell said, "Khallisa what you angry about? Someone promise you something they didn't give you?"
Stomp said, "Gimme the woo".

Some woman at the gas station said she thought I looked familiar. When I told her I came from Tradewinds, she couldn't believe it.