WHAT? Band at the Classics
The Classics 4591 Allentown Rd., Camp Springs, MD 20746

02 had warned me that they would make me take off my shoes. Sure enough, all the security at the front had blue gloves on. Taking off my shoes was no big deal, but when the guy frisked me, I felt molested! They threw away my pen, so this entire entry is off the top of my head.

When I was waiting for them to start, PGSlim, who had been at the TMOTT Cookout, was there. I also recognized a percussionist from WHAT? Band had been at the TMOTT Cookout, Duce7.

The sound equipment guys there also work Familiar Faces shows: D and Paul. Paul asked me, "Are you here to scout?" (WHAT? Band on behalf of Familiar Faces).

Lady$tyle$ said hello to me. She was with Trina and some other people I didn't recognize.

WHAT? Band
First set
The line up was: Chris "The Rapper" Black (Second and Third Set), Stephan (spelling?) (male singer), Killa Cal (rapper), Michelle Blackwell (female vocalist), Rocket Rob (congas), Duce7 (percussion), 2 double keyboard players, guitar, bass, drummer.
1) Stephan-led DJ Play a Love Song - without percussion (other than drums)
2) Killa Cal-led Hold Your Drinks Up - Killa Cal gave me a shout out, Michelle arrived late and started performing right away
3) Michelle-led ?
4) Killa Cal-led Lil Wayne's Earthquake
5) Michelle-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You
?) Michelle-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy
They cranked somewhat this set (after the first song), but so much more in the two sets that followed.

A girl I didn't recognize said "Hello Jordan" to me as I walked by during the break.

Second set
I didn't recognize any of the songs they performed except Stefan-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind. I was really impressed with how they worked the crowd - it was packed and the audience was really responsive, physically, and vocally with repeating chants.
The Rapper went over a song at the end of the set: "You know what I'm Looking at, you know what I like... I need action... When? Tonight! How you know what I'm looking at when you're not looking at me?"

Killa Cal said hello to me during the break.

During the break, some guy said to me, "What we want to know is, are you the police?"

Third set
They performed the song (Tonight) The Rapper went over in the second set.
I also recognized:
Stephan-led Johnny Nash's I Can See Clearly Now
Stephan-led Lenny Kravitz' Fly Away
Kim and Jay Gotti were there.
Again I was impressed with how they worked the crowd.
They had a fight during the set, which The Rapper reacted to by telling people to grow up. He also complained about how the bass drum kept going out every 8 measures or 20 seconds. He said, "You know it's not the WHAT? Band or Do Dirty."
They turned on the house lights after the fight.
The show was ended by 2 fights at the same time. They flashed the houselights to tell people to leave. It was only a few minutes before 3 AM anyway.
I saw Buffie (YoungOne/Sweet Buff) on my way out (she was also at the TMOTT Cook Out)

When I walked to my car, a guy said, "You was at the WHAT? Show? Damn, WHAT? brings 'em out!"

TMOTT Cook Out
Pavilion 8, Watkins Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Sweettyra, her dog Baker, and Sweet AKA were among the few there when I arrived. Also there were (in no particular order): Sweetandsexy25, Nena-Bean, Torkavelli, Suri (celebrating her birthday), Kato and his kids and grandson, Fed Up, Stillyeahoe, Youngone/Sweet Buff, 02, Ras Lidj, Black Heart, Always Showtime!!, Wellfhed, Pink Princess/Psyc/Pink, Stallion, Mz. Laydee and her daughter, Songbird, Youngstunna and his daughter, Delano795/Southern-Roots1, That44dog, Dey/MissDey, Junior and his significant other, asmoothpoet, Scottijay32, Jay113, Chenke, her daughter Sexy Nee Nee, Thatshotsexie, Mommilan&Jr. with her daughter Milan and her friend Nat, Unique, Netboo/Miss Gomez, Nephew and his kids (Nephew told his son EJ, "Watch what you say around him" (as if I would post it on this blog), RE_Admin, Duce7, PGSlim, Dk the rapper with his wife and kids, toosweet, Black Heart, Peaches, Chipster, Preston Blue, Michelle, Ree Ree, Teago, Maiah, Sweet B, Sweat Pea, Twincutey, Sweat Pea, Sweet B, Fresh, Wayne from Fatal Attraction, Bryan Mills (Blazin) of Soul Sponge, and a whole lot others I don't know by sight or have forgotten were there.
Nephew provided the music - he mostly played Familiar Faces recent PA from his car stereo. There was a lot of socializing and bees - Sweet AKA went after them with a fly swatter. Nena passed out flyers for Kato's Surprise Party kept in her shirt.

If I've made any mistakes or you want to provide more information, please let me know

Delano is wearing the white shirt on the right, Scottiejay is wearing the black and white shirt on the right in the back, Mz. Laydee has the pink purse, Thatshotsexie is wearing the brown shirt on the right, Always Showtime is holding Kato's grandson


Nephew is eating crab on the right with his 2 daughters, Tyra is to his right with the black shirt


Suri on the right


Jay is in the center in the foreground, Fed Up to his right, on the right side of the middle table: asmoothpoet, Delano, Sweet Pea, Sweet AKA on the far right, Kato in the back left corner


Peaches in the yellow shirt with her daughter to her right, Peaches is looking at Uniqe in the pink shirt, Youngstunna is in the white shirt, standing between the tables, Nena and Showtime on the ride side of the left table




Torkavelli on the left


Songbird


Peaches and Sweet AKA are on the left side of the left table, asmoothpoet, Sweet Buff and Sweat Pea are on the left side of the right table


Kiki, Unique, Black Heart


MomMilan&Jr with her daughter Milan


Kiki, Scottiejay (Junior behind him), Unique, Fed Up, Jay113, on the right: Sweet Buff, Sweat Pea, Black Heart



Mz. Laydee and her daughter


Suri


That44dog on the left, Sweettyra is in the middle back with the black shirt on, RE_Admin is in front of her sitting down, Ras Lidj is to her left


Ras Lidj is in the back with the brown Reggo shirt





Wellfhed is wearing the striped shirt, Stallion to her right


Ras Lidj and Chipster


Ras Lidj, Chipster, Miss Gomez holding Kato's grandson, Dey


Chenke on the left standing with the blue shirt, 02 with the grey and orange cap, DK the rapper on the right front with one of his kids, his wife is across from him



Chipster on the left, Sexy Nee Nee on the right


Peaches and Chipster



Teago and Showtime



Black Heart is talking to Sweet B


Pink checking her cell phone


Stallion


Front: Kato, Pink, Songbird, Back: Stallion, Wellfhed


Kato and Wellfhed


Bryan Mills (Blazin) and his significant other


I believe that's Rashida of NCB in the back right, Stillyeahoe is on the far right


Kato taking a picture of Sweettyra and Suri


All pictures above taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
Pictures below taken by and Copyright - Sweettyra & Kevin Hammond

Twincutey on the right and her son


Ras Lidj and I


Baker




Duce7 of WHAT? Band


Ree Ree


Preston Blue & Ras Lidj


Fresh


Kato and LiveNLearn


Kato and Tyra's Mom


Fatal Attration guys: Wayne on the right


Toosweet, Sweettyra, Pink, and Always Showtime!!


Maiah on the left

I talked with 02. He asked me where I was going to tonight. I said the Classics. He said, "They'll make you take your shoes off." He told me to get with him before I left and he'd give a Submission CD finally. I did get the CD from 02 just before I left. Here's my review: I totally hear what people told me previously: Submission really cranks and could be a secular GoGo band if they wanted to... I believe this recording is of their performance August 1, 2006 outdoors at: Harriet Tubman Elementary School 3101 13th Street NW Washington, DC 20010

Friday at J's
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

There was a birthday party in the enclosed area in front of the stage.

Jammin' Jeff & Da Band
The line up was: Allison (female singer), male singer/cowbell, Dennis Turner (bass), Zach Cutler (guitar), Cleophus (sax), Duane Face (keyboard player), and Jammin' Jeff (drums).
First Set
?) Allison-led Red Hot Cinnamon's Somethin' Somethin'? - it cranked
Dana was there.
?) Jammin' Jeff played a nice drum solo
Donnell Jr. was there.
Tamara C., Tim (LJ), and Felecia were there.

Second Set
?) Allison-led Ashlee Simpson's Pieces of Me
Shante (Stacey's cousin) was there. Sanisse was there, wearing a different outfit then she wore at the Fur. She had a cake for Yolanda.
?) Male-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad
?) Tamara C. said, "Y'all ready?" Tamara-led "They say I'm sexy"
?) Male-led Prince's Pop Life
Mama Chelle, TT, and LilOne were there.
?) Allison-led Beyonce's Deja Vu
Ray and Yolanda (wearing a different outfit than at the Fur) were there.

Twink was there, she said hello. I asked her if she was going to dance this time, she said yes (and she did).

DayDay (conga player) was there.

Familiar Faces
Stomp warmed up on congas.
Stacy, DeeDee, her cousin Michelle, Sixx of Raw Image, and Mary were there.

Sound Check
1) Donnell acapella "on the small of her back she got a tattoo"
2) Donnell acapella Sade's No ordinary Love

Gary, Chris, and Angie W. were there.

First Set
Donnell did birthday shout outs to Keisha and Yolanda.
1) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What Would You Do (For the Money)? - it cranked
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Halima held her mic to Tamara to sing / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" - Halima held her mic to fans
Shameika was there.
Their performance was interrupted while Omarr worked on the drum kit. Halima talked and rambled and said, "I'm running out of things to say." A male fan said, "Turn her mic off".
3) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - it cranked
Renee, Nicole, and Kiana were there.
4) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - the frontline did the bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / Tupac's Hail Mary (tease) - fans said, "Ra da da" / "wait a minute" echoes - Halima played a percussion instrument
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It (tease)
7) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease) -->
8) Donnell & Sean-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease)
9) Donnell & Sean-led Rick James' Mary Jane (tease)
10) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked
11) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song - Halima stood on a speaker
Darlene was there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Halima said, "Sing it, ladies", Halima went on the dance floor
2) Alternating Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis / Percussion solo
Mousie was there.
3) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Donnell-led "Familiar Faces the way through... Sing that song Sweet Halima one time..." - Halima stood on a speaker, it cranked, Donnell said, "D-O-C"
4) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
5) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - the house lights came on, Halima said, "Halima sing it with me girls" / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight - Donnell shouted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine chant" - Donnell said, "This is where the stars be partyin'", Donnell joked, "Keep it secret, y'all"
6) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Smoke played timbales, Jacques played congas with drumsticks, Packy played the cowbell, Godfather played the flugelhorn
March and Tata were there.
7) Donnell-led "on the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - Donnell said stop to the band
8) Halima briefly sang
A girl danced with me at the end of the set and wrote her number on my notes. Her name is Deenah. She said, "Do what you do"
DeeDee veered her car toward me in the parking lot. She and Michelle teased me about my shirt being half out of my pants.

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

I hadn't seen Rare Essence in a while, so I decided to see them out at the Fur.
I arrived a little after 7 PM and all the women were scrambling to be considered free at 7 PM. The guy in front of me couldn't get in because he didn't have a proper ID and the guy behind me was charged $20 each for shoes and shorts.

When I walked down the steps, Yolanda and Sanisse said hello to me. They said, "You're as bad as us, going to all the shows!" Yolanda said she was celebrating her birthday tonight at J's.

I said hello to BJ before the set. We discussed the Heaven Sent show.

Derek and Markel from the same sound equipment crew as FF were there.

Rare Essence
The line up was: Dave "32" Ellis (vocals), Charles "Shorty Corleone" Garris (vocals), Tamira (female vocals), Andre "Whiteboy" Johnson (vocals/guitar), bass player, Byron "BJ" Jackson (Keyboards), Scooter? (keyboard), Darryl "Blue Eye" Arrington (drummer), Milton "GoGo Mickey" Freeman (congas), Quentin "Shorty Dud" Ivey (percussion).
First Set - started a little after 8
1) Shorty-led Remy Ma's Feels So Good - it was laid back, Shorty's mic had distortion, it was hard to make out what he was singing all night, Tamira rapped
2) Whiteboy-led "Coochie pop, ass into it, bounce hop" - Shorty Dud played the toms, it cranked
3) Shorty-led ? "feel it" - it had a keyboard intro, it cranked
4) Shorty-led Bumping My Music? - Scooter was playing pounding heavy bass
?) GoGo Mickey played a long conga solo
?) Whiteboy-led Geraldine
?) Whiteboy-led Djayz' Whoop That Trick
The last song was really loud.
GoGo Mickey played an outtro solo.
Toward the end of the set, a girl blew a kiss at me, then she came over and danced with me. Then she had to ruin it by asking me, "Do you work here?" Aside from that, I spent both sets watching GoGo Mickey play the whole time.  He had his conga in an L-shaped formation.

Stacey was there, we talked. I talked with GoGo Mickey during the break.

The lights came down really low during the break.

Second Set
32 said, "Hey Stacey"
1) 32-led Marinda - it was laid back at first, GoGo Mickey played the cowbell / Mickey conga solo
2) Whiteboy-led "Don't start no sh*t"
?) Shorty-led All Da Time
?) Shorty-led "SE, S, SE" chant - the house lights came on
?) Shorty-led "All I want to do" - Shorty said, "Why'd they turn the house lights on?"
White Boy said, "They have another party after this"
It was done a little after 10
I was really impressed with Tamira's stage presence - she danced and smiled a lot and clearly was enjoying herself. She is also very beautiful.

I went to the McDonald's nearby and ran into Mike Smith. His assessment was the same as mine, "Just when it was getting good, you had to leave..."

I drove straight from the McDonald's to Js.

Heaven Sent at Camelot
Camelot of Upper Marlboro, 13901 Central Ave, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774

Super Sundays - Open Ear Christian Entertainment

Everyone was semi-formally or formally dressed. It was in the banquet hall to the right of the church. Sean said hello to me as I walked in. There were 60+ tables - not assigned seats. I sat a little to right in the back row - I couldn't see the percussion from where I sat.

Heaven Sent
Heaven Sent's line up was: Yannie of L!ssen Band (female vocals), Kimese of Suttle Thoughts (female vocals), Sean of Familiar Faces & ASAP (male vocals), Dave (male vocals), TonySax202 (sax), Doc (Bass) (not the Doc from Familiar Faces/Physical Wunders), Dwayne Lee of Familiar Faces (guitar), BJ of Rare Essence (keyboard), Kwik of L!ssen Band (drummer), and Rick (percussion).

Lawrence was the MC at the beginning. He blessed the food before the buffet opened.
1) Lawrence-led "Everybody clap your hands with us if you know he's..."
2) Lawrence-led "Praise on my mind, I live to praise and I praise to live" - end of Lawrence's sitting in
3) Yannie-led (it was hard to tell who the lead singer was for each song, the person I list as lead is the person who first sang) "How many of you know that Jesus is the one? Jesus you're the one for me" - it cranked
Dave said, "God died on the cross for us, if that's not enough to make you shout!"
4) Yannie-led ? - I went to the buffet and it was hard to make out the lyrics from there, that chicken was so spicy, I had to get a Pepsi from the bar to cleanse my pallet
5) Sean-led "I can't understand why, Thank you Jesus"
6) Kimese-led "I got the victory" - it cranked
7) Tony sax solo
Dave said, "Thank you so much for having us."
I left shortly after their set. I had really only come to see them.

Saturday at Darrell's and Tradewinds
Darrell's Pool Party
Darrell's house, Beltsville, MD

Darrell, Tim (LJ), Tia (said we'd have to pay $75 for a new hairdo if we got her hair wet), Pinky, Nephew, Shaun, Tracy Smoot, her sister Debbie, Angie W., Chanel, LA, Rachelle, Chris, Simone, Nece, Tiny and Star were there.


In the foreground: Debbie, Tracy, LA. Darrell has his legs in the air. On the right side of the pool: Shaun, Nephew, and Rachelle are sitting


Darrell, Pinky, Tia, Angie


Darrell posing with Yvette


LA, Nephew, Tia, Tracy, Chanel




Chanel and Tracy don't like being splashed, Darrell's sister Darlene talking with Yvette


Nece, Simone, Darrell








Rachelle, Tia, Pinky


Some dude passed out on Darrell's couch




Angie, LA, Tracy, Pinky, (don't know the girl on the far right)


Chanel crashes the picture


Chanel doing her h*mp the ground dance




Chris stroking his pet wig.

I met and talked with Howard for a bit.

Many of us left and later went to Tradewinds.

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

Ebo, Candy, and Netty were there. Ebo introduced me to Debbie. Peanut, Michelle, Ray, Mary, Sanisse, Kim (celebrating her birthday? a Kim was celebrating her birthday, not sure if it was her), Danette, Everett "E", Simone, Nece, Los, Rachelle, and Fat Cat were there. Tamara C. was there, she introduced me to her friend Tammy.
Shameika, Tijuana, Peg Leg, Yolanda, and Big Don Pimp were there.

Packy told me a bunch of people had told him they had seen the video of Unity Band. He said he didn't know I was known as FunkMasterJ.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Alternating Donnell-led (Sade's) Cherish the Day - instrumental at first, Donnell did a number of shout outs including saying, "My man Jordan back on the scene", Donnell said, "Darlene is celebrating her birthday" -->
Chanel, Pinky, Tia, and Tracy Smoot were there.
2) Donnell-led "On the small of her back she got a tattoo, it looked like a bulls eye to me" / Percussion solo - Donnell did a birthday shout out to Kim
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy"
5) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - it cranked, Halima got on an amp / Donnell shouted, "Hands free, they're f*cking with me" / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Brandywine hooray, Trinidad hooray, Hands Free hooray"
Nikki, Christina, and Lashonda were there.
6) Donnell & Sean-led Prince's Take Me With You
7) Donnell-led Brown & White / "Who's that girl?" / Slick Rick danced onstage, Donnell said to Googie, "You need to hold down Halima" / Ride Out - Los danced on stage / Northeast Groovers' The Water / Halima sang something
8) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Donnell responded, "Say what? Do what?", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
9) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell said, "Gimme the woo" and Sean and Halima sang, "Woo" / Percussion solo - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya"
Tracy and Shawn were there.
10) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind
Tasty was there
11) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
Alena and Shawn were there.
Donnell joked about a girl who tried to kiss Sean, "She about to swallow you whole"

I talked with Dwayne for a bit about the Heaven Sent show I was attending tomorrow. I have been meaning to see them for a while (it also has BJ (Rare Essence, formerly FF) and used to have Pooh (formerly FF)). Dwayne told me they were the house band for Super Sundays. He told me about the songwriting done by the vocalists - Yannie, Kimese, Sean, and Shante. He said it's very different from Familiar Faces.  I also asked him about the original song FF performed last night.  I also talked with him about his myspace page.

Mia was there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Donnell stopped it to tell Shea to calm down with her dancing, Godfather played a siren noise, they resumed -->
2) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
3) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya", the crowd chanted, "Brandywine" / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) - Donnell chanted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" - Kim danced with me and she was literally hooked to me - a strap from her dress caught on a button on a back pocket on my pants
4) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Godfather joined Donnell & DP in the playing his flugelhorn during the horn hits, Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!"
5) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis
6) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning - it went dark / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "wait a minute" echoes / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / Tupac's Hail Mary (tease)
Mama Chelle, Jessica, and March were there.
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked, Halima sang, "Oh oh" repeatedly
8) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - the house lights came n
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What? - ended by a fight, Godfather played a siren / Sample "What?"
TT was there.
10) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - John (the cover taker), came back and gave a throat slash, but they kept playing because Donnell wasn't looking in his direction, then they cut off the PA because it was already 3 AM
Donnell joked that "rookies need to stay away from the left side of the bar" (implying that Nicole makes really strong drinks).
I asked Godfather when he got his Flugelhorn back. He said last week.

Friday at J's
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

Dana, Dawn, Natalie, Trea, Mama Chelle, and March were there.

Jammin' Jeff & Da Band
This was their first show at J's.
The line up was: Allison (female singer), male singer, Dennis Turner (bass), Zach Cutler (guitar, I've known him online for years as we both subscribe to the Funky-Music List), Cleophus (sax), Sam (keyboard player), Duane Face (keyboard player), and Jammin' Jeff (drums).
Second Set
1) Allison-led Jill Scott's Golden - it cranked
Tim (LJ), Sanisse, and Yolanda were there.
2) Allison-led Red Hot Cinnamon's Somethin' Somethin'? - it cranked
Marvin was there.
3) male-led Prince's Pop Life
Rickea, Ria, and Fat Cat were there.
4) Allison-led ?
I zoned out a little...
James and Tiffany F. were there.
?) Allison-led Ashlee Simpson's Pieces of Me
?) Allison-led Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone?
?) Allison & male-led Floetry's Say Yes
Lashonda, Shawn, 6'9, and Darrell were there.

Tyrell, Chris, and Mousie were there.

Stomp played congas during the warm up.

Donnell said "(GoGo) Rudy is half American, half African. He spends half his time in the continent of Africa, half his time in the continent of North America. Shawn, I know you thought the continent was the United States of America"

Darlene was there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Donnell & Sean-led Luther Vandross' Promise Me - it cranked / Percussion solo - the crowed shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Donnell responded, "Do what? Say what?"
Nikiya was there.
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked hard, Packy played the cowbell, Halima said, "Hey Darrell" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / Percussion solo
3) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Halima played on the right cymbals on the drum kit
5) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - a female fan danced with Sean / Donnell-led Lil Wayne's Earthquake (tease) - Donnell said, "D-O-C", Donnell said, "Get with him Lee", the crowd shouted "GoGo Smoke-ay", Donnell chanted, "Eya eya"
Donnell said, "Some original music written by Dwayne Lee with Halima"
6) Halima-led "If you call my name, I'll come running" - the lyrics obviously are not original, but the music was, it was a laid back slow song
7) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You
Damond, Stacey, Nora (celebrating her birthday), and Shaun were there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - I zoned out a little
4) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease)
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked hard, Donnell said, "It really don't... crabs, Hepatitis, Syphilis, I continue to do my thing" -->
6) Donnell-led 911 - the house lights came on, the frontline danced side to side, Halima on a speaker, Packy sang backup, then held the mic to Jacques playing the cowbell, it cranked / Percussion solo
7) Donnell rapped / Alternating Jay Gotti rapped / Killa Cal rapped "On the small of her back she got a tattoo" / Percussion solo / "Baby, I know I See You... I Love You... I want..."
Donnell said, "The police are furious. They need to put a clock on the wall. Tony said it's only 2:30. Tony and Patrick said it's 2:35."

The Firm Project / Mambo Sauce / EU at J's
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

John said hello to me in the parking lot.

The audience varied between 20s and up.

The Firm Project


Their set was in process - they had 2 male vocalists, 1 female vocalist, a guitar player (hidden behind the left PA speaker), a bass player, a sax player, 2 keyboard players (1 triple and 1 double keyboard), a drummer, and 2 percussionists.
Their sound was much rougher than the first time I saw them perform, but they still cranked. The Firm had also had some personnel changes. I recognized Shakira's Hips Don't Lie. Except for a few people, most people were sitting or standing, not dancing.
While I was taking pictures, the members of Mambo Sauce came in. Black Boo said to me, "Didn't I just see you?"

Mad Chuck (working the PA for Mambo Sauce), Stillyeahoe (I don't know) and Delano795 (now called southern-roots1) were there.

Red sat over by me. He introduced me to his friend Shante. He called over Twink to sit by us. He said Twink had played drums for S.O.U.L.O. He also said she had bought tickets for the last 5 Mambo Sauce shows and had not gone.

Mambo Sauce
Mambo Sauce was taking L!ssen's slot.

While they were warming up, Yendy played Khari's bass.

Sound Check
Black Boo sang India Arie's Beautiful Surprise

I noticed my camera's battery was dying, so I only took 1 picture of Mambo Sauce here.

Drew, Chris, Khari, Black Boo, Yendy, Barry (behind Yendy), Pep

Black Boo said, "All originals so everything you hear you've never heard. This is your taste test"
They took several minutes to warm up.
They started around 12:20
Black Boo said this band has been a struggle; we're going to do what ever it takes to take GoGo National. (He mentioned other bands being national with them too).
1) Black Boo-led Things Will Get Better
2) Black Boo-led Sweet Baby - Black Boo asked, "Who's a single mother?" Only one woman in the audience acknowledged being a single mother. Black Boo said, "I know damn well there's more than one single mother out there.", it cranked
3) Yendy-led No - it cranked, Black Boo played the cowbell -->
4) Yendy-led Fairweather - Black Boo played the cowbell / percussion solo -->
5) Black Boo-led Damn Joe - Black Boo said, "This is a song that we have playing on 93.9 and 95.5. You may have heard it" -->
6) Black Boo said, "Let me introduce one of the baddest bands in the area" / Black Boo-led sung intro - it cranked, especially Drew on guitar and Pep on the timbales -->
7) Black Boo-led Cool Points - Pep went back and forth between playing the congas and timbales -->
8) Black Boo-led Longtime Comin' - it varied between crankin' and laid back, Black Boo said, "Drew, Drew, Drew" / Drew guitar solo
Black Boo said, "You're grown ups doing an 18-year old dance. I do everything DC. There's only one thing I don't like in DC and that's George Bush"
9) Yendy-led Go - Yendy rapped, "You never seen anything like this, you ain't never heard anything like this" - Pep played he tombs / Drew & Barry Outtro
This performance cranked, but I thought their Jammin' Java show cranked more. They had a number of people dancing, but also a lot of people sitting and standing.

I talked with Tara, whom I have seen in a long time. She said EU has always been her favorite GoGo band.

I introduced myself to Twink. She said she's seen me around. I teased her because she heard, but didn't see Mambo Sauce's performance because she was sitting down the entire time. I asked her who she played with right now, she said 4Sho.

EU
I went over and said hello to Duane Face.
The line up was: Sugar Bear (vocals and bass), Donny Ray (vocals), Tony (guitar player), Sweet Cherie (keyboard and vocals), Duane Face (keyboard), JuJu (drums), Derek (congas), and later a 2nd percussion sat in on congas when Derek was playing timbales.

Sweet Cherie, Sugar Bear, Duane Face, JuJu, Donny Ray, Derek
1) Sugar Bear-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Go Rod, it's your birthday. Go Sugar Bear, it's still your birthday"
2) Sugar Bear-led "Party with your body" - Sugar Bear said, "Mambo Sauce, I like them. Firm Project, I love you all, you know that" / Donny Ray-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind / Sugar Bear-led Young Jeezy's Soul Survivor
3) Sugar Bear-led Kanye West's Gold Digger - Derek played timbales
Sugar Bear said, "Look at Yannie"
4) Sugar Bear-led Freak a Deak All Night Long / Funkadelic's Undisco Kidd (tease) / Bad Girls (Cops theme) (tease) / "Pop the Coochie" / Ludacris' Number 1 Spot (tease) - Derek played the timbales / OutKast's The Way You Move (tease) / ?
5) Sweet Cherie-led ?

Sweet Cherie, JuJu, Donny Ray, Derek, Tony
6) Sweet Cherie-led Beyonce's Check on It
7) Sugar Bear-led "Shake That Thang" / "Hey ay ay" / Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - Sugar Bear said, "Throw your hands in the air" and fans did / "Northeast, North, Northeast" chant / "Party with your body, baby" / "Where y'all from?" - Derek played timbales and another percussionist was on congas
Sugar Bear said, "This is a ladies song."
8) Sugar Bear-led "It's hard to control myself" - Sugar Bear said, "All you girls are GoGo girls"
9) Sugar Bear said, "Are the Redskins the real deal? Are the Redskins better than the Cowboys? Who's going to the Super Bowl?"
10) Donny Ray-led Yankees Connecticut's This Love - the house lights came on
11) Sugar Bear-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Go Sugar Bear, it's my birthday!"
12) Sugar Bear-led Notorious BIG's Crush on You / Um Bop Bounce
13) Sugar Bear-led Rare Essence's Lock It (tease)
Sugar Bear said, "I like Mambo Sauce"
The dance floor was packed and the audience was the largest. They cranked too.

Mambo Sauce - Early show at Jammin' Java
I had originally planned to go see the Funk bands Clones of Funk and Midnight Star perform at Fort Dupont Park.

However, I changed my plans when I saw on Mambo Sauce's myspace site that they were playing tonight in 2 shows.

Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave, Vienna, VA 22180
I learned from my prior attendance of a show at Jammin' Java with Mambo Sauce opening up for SOJA to buy my ticket in advance. Mambo Sauce's website listed the start time as 8 PM and since they sometimes start early, I arrived at about 7:40.

The only person I recognized was Red, their manager. However, B (formerly Solace) of Submission Band was also there.

I immediately noticed they had a different female singer. Red told me after the set her name is Yendy Brown, a former backup singer for Aaliyah. He said that Thi Lai had strained her vocal cords. Red also told me that Yendy's first show with Mambo Sauce was the Friday performance only in front of the judges, so this was really her first performance with the band.

The audience was mostly white, high school and college age. However, there were some middle age people and even some kids.

B (in the audience), Pep, Drew, Chris (behind Drew), Black Boo, Barry, Yendy


Pep, Drew, Chris, Black Boo, Barry, Yendy


Pep, Drew, Chris, Black Boo, Barry, Yendy, Khari

They started at 8:15 PM.
Black Boo said, "Are you ready for some Mambo Sauce? I put it on everything, even the napkins"
1) Instrumental jam
2) Black Boo-led Things Will Get Better - Black Boo said "a setback is before a come back", Black Boo said, "If you're already down, you can't go down no more"
Black Boo said, "This is dedicated to the single mothers out there, who's a single mother?" Black Boo said, "Who was raised by a single mother? I listen to the radio all I hear is "Bitches and Hoes"
3) Black Boo-led Sweet Baby - Black Boo asked during the song "Who are the single mothers?" again and a guy raised his hand, Black Boo responded, "I know you ain't a single mother. Raised by one..."
4) Yendy-led No - this song was new to me, they had cranked from beginning, but the cadence kept rising, Black Boo said, "You partying out there? You like that GoGo sound?" / percussion solo -->
5) Yendy-led Fairweather -->
6) Damn Joe (intro) - Black Boo said, "How many people here already know this song? Call 93.9 and 95.5 and request it" / Black Boo-led Damn Joe
7) Guitar driven instrumental - Black Boo said, "We're Mambo Sauce and we're found at every carryout in the DC area. Let me introduce one of the baddest bands in the area" / Black Boo-led sung intro - the crank continued to rise (up to the peak of the set) / Percussion solo - punctuated by a Barry drum solo
8) Black Boo-led Cool Points - Black Boo went into the audience and danced with a female fan
9) Black Boo-led Longtime Comin' - nice power chords by Drew, it became laid back, Black Boo said, "Can I see hands in the air?", he, Yendy and fans put their hands in the air, Pep jumped around, the music went back to crankin', I noticed a guy from SOJA, Ryan Berty, playing the timbales and cymbals from the side of the stage

Ryan Berty of SOJA, Pep, Drew (The fan with his back to the camera was the guy who raised his hand that he's "a single mother")
Black Boo said, "In DC, we don't let anyone tell us... I love the Wizards, the Mystics... The one thing in DC, I don't like is Bush" - there was applause
10) Yendy-led Go - it cranked, the crowd really got into it
Black Boo said, "Let me hear you say Mambo... Sauce... Let me hear you say GoGo... Music..."
11) Drew & Barry outtro
Black Boo said, "Get ready for SOJA. Thanks for the love."

I talked with Red, then decided to go home before going to J's Sports Cafe for their late show.

Familiar Faces at J's Friday
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

Britney, Shelly, June, Mama Chelle, Chris (celebrating his birthday), Tiffany F., Rickea, Ria, Dana, Pinky, Rachelle, Gary, and Tim (LJ) were there.

Mike Smith sat in for Stomp on drums.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "In the news..."
Rickea (standing right next to me) responded to him, "I'm going to f*ck you up!"
Donnell said, "Thank you Rickea"
1) Donnell-led "She got a tattoo on the small of her back, You know what really turned me on? Like Sarita" - Sean sang - it cranked, Halima played 2nd percussion, Packy played cowbell, Sean sang, Halima sang
Sanisse, Shanti, 6'9, and Shawn were there.
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You
Stacey was there
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, They're not ready, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
5) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad
6) Alternating Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Donnell went to the edge of the stage, Sean went to the edge of the stage and rapped
Mousie was there.
7) Donnell & Sean-led Prince's Take Me With You
8) Donnell-led Hold the Note - the frontline and fans held their right fists up
Yolanda was there.
9) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
10) Halima sang briefly

Imani, Tamiko, DeeDee, Janetta, Damond, and "original" Nikki were there.

Two girls AD and Lai came up to me and introduced themselves. They said, "We see you at Tradewinds all the time."

Mia, Nikiya, and Los were there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "If you want to go to the boat ride tomorrow, it's sold out. My man El and Mousie, they have a row boat going beside the Odyssey. How much are you going to charge for a ticket, $300?" Mousie held up five fingers. Donnell said, "$500. Who's going to row?" Mousie gestured to himself.
Killa Cal came over and said hello.
1) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
2) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis
3) Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" - it cranked / "Keep it low" / Smoke conga solo
4) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell chanted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
March was there. I went over and said hello to Jay Gotti.
5) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded "Ho!", the houselights came on, Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C" / Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome - Donnell called Killa Cal and Jay Gotti onstage, Jay Gotti rapped Welcome to the Terrordome, Killa Cal rapped / Donnell-led "She got a tattoo on the small of her back" - Jay Gotti rapped, Killa Cal rapped.
I went over and said hello to Ebony and Nikki.
6) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu featuring Jay-Z - a female fan played on a conga, Sean sang, "Girl I can't explain it, I'll get back to you"
Donnell said, "Ten for ten, nine for nine" - people laughed.

Angie's & 02's Birthday at Tradewinds
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

Nita, Ebony, Angie, Candy, Matthew, Damont (02), Sam (Black Heart), Pinky, Tia, Rachelle, Keisha, Shelly, Fat Cat, Los, Dee, and Peg Leg were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell did birthday shout outs to Angie and 02.
Donnell mentioned they had a PA for sale from their performance 2 weeks ago (July 8th). Donnell said, "There are new songs on it. Some bands play songs from 2 years ago... 4 years ago... 6 years ago..." I kidded 02 that the Bible is more than 6 years old.
1) Alternating Sean-led Luther Vandross' Promise Me - Halima played on a conga / 6 Minutes percussion solo / Donnell said, "Gimme a socket for Brandywine" / Stevie Wonder's Superstition bassline
Keisha, Jan, and Net Boo (now called Miss Gomez on TMOTT) were there.
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Donnell said, "How many Smokes we got in the band? (A joke about when he asks for nobody but Smoke to play) / "Star in the sky, take my time" - Halima said, "Help me sing it ladies", she held her mic to the fans -->
Nicole was there.
3) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it really cranked, Halima said, "Hey Jordan" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
I thought I saw TaTa. Vic was there.
4) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - the frontline and fans did the bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / "wait a minute" echoes - it went dark
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked, Charlie was on backup vocals, Donnell said, "02, it's your birthday!" / Donnell rapped "Guess who's back" (about Peg Leg) repeatedly, Donnell said, "Halima come sing for Peg Leg" / "Wickedest Band Alive" chant, Donnell said, "I think we're the wickedest band alive, and you can tell them on the website"
Slick Rick, Mousie, and Shawn were there.
6) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You - Sean said, "Hey Doc, take it back"
Everett "E" was there.
7) Sean-led ?
Delano, Gary, John, Ian, and Danette were there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!"
2) Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / sample "What?"
3) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Donnell-led "Brandywine hands free, they f*ckin' with me?" - the crowd shouted, "GoGo Smoke-y" / guitar & bass solo
4) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda / Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Halima-led Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Halima-led "Hands free" / Donnell chanted "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" / Donnell-led "Hands free" / Donnell-led Shawnna's Getting Some (tease) / Halima-led Kelis' Bossy
Tyrell was there.
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - the crowd shouted, "Hey hey hey"
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What? -->
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time
8) Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (tease) - the house lights came on
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) (tease) - Donnell said, "This is for my man Los" / Donnell-led "Tattoo on the small of her back, kind of big like Sarita" / Donnell-led "Is it like that, is it really like that, Are you really like that, I know anybody like that"
10) Donnell-led "Work it out, go down" - Tyrell danced onstage

I bought one of the PAs during the break from Telando. It's the first since I started following Familiar Faces that I wasn't present for :(

CD 1
Track 1 Intro - shout out for Packy's birthday / Donnell & Sean-led Luther Vandross' Promise Me 8:44
Track 2 Percussion solo / Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You / Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" 9:29
Track 3 Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad 5:06
Track 4 Donnell-led "__ Is in the House" 1:07
Track 5 Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv 7:13
Track 6 Floetry's Supastar (instrumental) / Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) / Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease) 8:13
Track 7 Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song 5:34
Track 8 Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You 11:02
TT 56:28

CD 2
Track 1 Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis 4:56
Track 2 Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Alternating Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / percussion solo 7:15
Track 3 Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / Sample "What?" / Percussion solo 3:38
Track 4 Alternating Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) / percussion solo - RE Angie sat in on congas / "RE Angie" chant 3:15
Track 5 Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell shouted "Killazoo" repeatedly / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell-led "Hands free, they f*ckin' with me" chant 5:23
Track 6 Donnell-led Trina Was Great 3:58
Track 7 Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" (part 1) 7:09
Track 8 Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" (Part 2) / percussion solo 1:15
Track 9 Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go / percussion solo 6:00
TT 42:49

Friday at Market Lounge
Market Lounge, 1309 5th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
Packy had told me last Friday that his band, Unity Band, would be opening for NCB & Junkyard this Friday at the Market Lounge.

I got to the Market Lounge a little after 10 PM. There were a bunch of people with chairs over on the sidewalk by where I parked, across the street from the Market Lounge. As I headed across, the street, somone called out to me. Antwon said he had recognized me from helping Packy set up equipment for Familiar Faces. He told me he's the lead singer for Unity Band.

I went up and asked if I could bring my camera in, I told him I was friends with Packy and wanted to take pictures. The guy okayed it, and I went back to my car and got my camera. However, there was apparently a miscommunication because when I left at the end, Darryl (the owner?) walked me out and told me, "Security told me you were taking pictures. We don't allow that. Remember that next time you come." I can respect that, but I did ask permission ahead of time and told him so. So this will be the only time I take pictures at the Market Lounge.

Unity Band was setting up. Unity Band is: Ron (rapper), Wayne (rapper), Antwon (lead singer), Packy (backup vocals, cowbell), Carlton "Big C" (keyboard), Vaughn "Drunk" (drummer, whom I also am friends with, he helps Packy with FF's equipment a lot), and Los (percussion).
They started about 10:15 or so.

Wayne, Los (behind), Ron, Antwon, Packy, Big C

Wayne, Los (behind), Ron, Antwon, Drunk's brother (in back), Packy, Big C

Packy, Ron, Los, Big C, Drunk's brother

Wayne, Los (behind), Ron, Drunk (back), Antwon, Packy

Wayne, Los (behind), Ron, Antwon, Drunk, Packy, Big C

Click here to see a clip of Unity Band's performance - with Packy's permission

There was only a small crowd. Unity Band cranked and the vocalists were good, and unlike a lot of young bands, Los played more congas than timbs/toms. Although the crowd was small, it didn't phase Unity Band and everyone enjoyed themselves - me included. Ludacris' Pimpin' All Over the World was the only song I recognized. Killa Cal said hello to Packy, and then to me. He was celebrating his birthday tonight. Unity Band finished at about 11:40.

Buffie (YoungOne, now Sweet Buff on TMOTT) brought in balloons and NCB equipment. She came over to me and asked me, "Is Familiar Faces not playing tonight?" I said, "Of course, they're playing." She seemed doubtful. Jay Gotti came over to me and said, "Now you get to see how we do it!"

NCB
Their line up was: Killa Cal (lead talker), Jay Gotti (rapper), Butch (male vocalist), Rah Rah (female vocalist), T.O. (guitar), Rico (bass, sitting in from WHAT? Band), Rodney & Scoop (keyboards), Chuck (drummer), KD Styles (percussion), GoGoPJ (blocks/cowbell). Their performance was being filmed.

Rico, Killa Cal, Rah Rah, Jay Gotti, Butch, GoGoPJ

Rico, Killa Cal, Rah Rah, Jay Gotti, Butch, GoGoPJ

Rico, Killa Cal, Rah Rah, Jay Gotti, Butch, GoGoPJ

Antwon from Unity Band with his back to the camera (orange striped shirt), Rah Rah, Jay Gotti, Butch, T.O., Rodney, GoGoPJ

Packy & Antwon from Unity Band in the audience, Rico, KD Styles, Rah Rah, Jay Gotti, Butch

Chuck, Rodney, TO, Scoop

The crowd grew larger, there were 50+ people there. They cranked and had a sophistocated sound. I recognized in their set, Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis and Young Joc's It's Going Down. Killa Cal did a number of shout outs to me (FunkMasterJ) (including thanking me for showing love to all the bands) and Unity Band. They roped off the VIP area and Killa Cal had a cake on a table.

Maiah was there. I said hello to BY of Junkyard. Killa Cal said, "JY, friends of mine, until the end of time". Buggs sat in and Killa Call said, "Buggs blessed the mic." Killa Cal asked people to put their fists up when he said, "Pimp game." At the end of the performance, Killa Cal said, "I studied under Bruce Lee, he was on the second floor, I was on the first floor." Killa Cal said good bye to me on his way out. He said, "They say I'm a legend, but I'm not sure yet."

Junkyard Band was the headliner.


(Sorry I don't know Junkyard's members by sight, other than BY)

They cranked with a raw sound until nearly the end. I recognized from their set: Stevie Wonder's Superstition, the Gilligans Island theme, Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me, War's The World Is A Ghetto, Lil Kim's Lighters Up, Nelly's Flap Your Wings, and Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis. They took a short break and most of the crowd left.

When they resumed performing, they played slow songs and it was laid back. The first song was Trey Songz' Gotta Go. They next said, "For our old old old schol, 25 and over..." I left during that song - I'm not into slow songs. As I was walking to the exit, a guy talked with me. He recognized me from Zanzibar, he told me there was a rack of new girls there.

Mumbo Sauce Interview
Outside Starbucks Bowie Town Center, 3924 Town Center Boulevard, Bowie Town Center, Bowie, Maryland 20716

I interviewed Ron and Ronitto of Mumbo Sauce out of Hampton, Virginia. I will post the transcript as soon as it is done.

Here are some pictures of Mumbo Sauce Band performing at the AFR'AM Festival 2006, which took place from May 27 - 29, 2006 at Town Point Park, Norfolk, VA 23510

Ronitto is on the left, and Ron is in the middle (playing the cowbell)





All pictures Copyright - Mumbo Sauce Band

Kim's birthday at J's
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

Nita, Lisa of the World, Marvin, Dana, Shaun, Kim (celebrating her birthday), Pinky, Tracy, Tia, Gary, and Rachelle were there. Shawn, Kim's sister, introduced herself to me. Rickea, Ria, Shawn, Janetta, and Tiffany F. were there.

Smoke was not present tonight.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "Happy birthday, Kim!"
1) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Jacques played congas, it cranked, Halima played 2nd percussion
Stacey (celebrating her upcoming birthday) and Tony were there.
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Sean played 2nd percussion (for the rest of the set)
Delano, Ray, and Val "Tina Turner" were there.
Donnell said, "You ready, Kim?"
3) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - verses for Kim, Tia (another birthday girl, whom I don't know, who was really excited tonight), and others
4) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
Shameika was there.
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Jacques!", Donnell responded, "Say what? Do what?, it cranked
Tamika, Kay, and Trea were there.
6) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
Connie, "original" Nikki, and Tyrell were there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - it cranked, Packy played the cowbell
Twan and Kelvin Robinson were there.
2) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked, Donnell said, "Hey Kansas, put your hands up"
Slim Goodie was there.
3) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked
4) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked
Jennifer was there.
6) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - ended by a fight, Donnell stopped the band from playing anymore
7) Donnell acapella "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / "You don't want to see me" / "Killazoo" - Donnell beatboxed
Donnell said, "Tell the bartenders to tone down on the fight juice."
Donnell said, "We need to have a short shorts night, women get in for free if they wear short shorts."
Donnell said of Stacey, "I love when Stacey is on the joy juice."

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

I arrived at about 10:15.  Personally, I usually find the L!ssen Band boring, so I was okay that they were just breaking down as I walked in.

Matthew, Tanya, Nita, her friend Keisha, T-Bird, and "original" Nikki were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Miles Davis' Tutu
Darrell F., Tracy S., and Natalie were there.
2) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Anytime
3) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever / Percussion solo - it cranked
Sharika was there.
4) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
6) Percussion solo / Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked, Packy played the cowbell / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
7) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
Gary, Sanisse, Mary, Yolanda, O'Shayley (spelling?), Big Don Pimp, Sharmba Mitchelle, Ebony, Shawn, Slick Rick, Tracie (RE_Admin) (I later introduced myself to her), Lashonda, Yvette, and Felicia were there,

When I went to go behind the stage to talk, the guys around there (whom I didn't know) treated me like a celebrity and opened the way for me.

Alena and her friend Shawn (celebrating her birthday) were there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked
2) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club
3) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - it cranked
Val "Tina Turner" was there.
4) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Sean rapped
Nece was there.
GoGo Mickey was there.
5) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) / Rare Essence's Spotlight (tease) / Vinnie D's $55 Motel -->
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease)
7) Donnell & Sean-led Rick James' Mary Jane
8) Donnell & Sean-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World - girls sang along
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked, GoGo Mickey sat in on timbales
Michon was there.
10) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - GoGo Mickey played the cowbell -->
Simone was there.
11) Donnell-led "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy..." - it cranked
12) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Mickey had a timbale solo
13) Donnell-led 911 - Packy was on backup vocals

James, Jan, and Stacy (Smoke's friend) were there.

Netty was there. I introduced myself to Yanna. Jamaica Steve and Los were there.

Third Set
1) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - I couldn't hear Halima over Dwayne's guitar, Kay Kay was onstage, Packy played the cowbell
2) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!"
3) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!", Donnell shouted, "Killazoo" repeatedly, GoGo Mickey played the timbales
Peg Leg and Nikiya were there.
4) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Go Mickey played timbales
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
6) Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / sample "What?"
7) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - it cranked, Mickey played timbales
8) Donnell-led Lap Dance - it cranked, Mickey played timbales, Jacques played the cowbell, the house lights came on, Mickey played a long solo
I enjoyed the night, even though I had to go to work early in the morning. I wish I could do this more often. The setlist was different from the weekend shows I've been to lately. I wasn't tired at work, but was when I got off work on Friday, so much so that I was too tired to go out Friday.

Tim (LJ)'s Birthday at J's
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

I followed Dana and Kim in. Tim (LJ), his brother Roosevelt, Chris P., Marvin, Lisa of the World, Tony, June, Gary, Britney, Shameika, Simone, Nece, Pinky, Angie W., Britney and Shelly were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - it cranked / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Special dedication to LJ", Halima played on 2nd percussion -->
6'9, Janetta and her sister Tasha, and Big Sixx were there.
2) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad
Shaun was there.
3) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club - verses for LJ, Tasha, and Lanisse
4) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - Halima said, "Wait a minute", Halima said, "Don't wear him out girls, don't wear him out" (not sure who the he was), it cranked
Tiffany F. and Tyrell were there.
5) Alternating Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped, it cranked
Tijuana was there.
6) Donnell & Sean-led Prince's Take Me With You - Jacques took over percussion from Halima
7) Donnell-led Hold the Note - the frontline put their fists up
Los was there.
8) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Halima went around the dance floor singing / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
10) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
Darrell F. was there.
Donnell said, "Whoever's in charge of the air conditioning, turn on the switch."
Shawn was there.

Chris Wright was there - I asked him about the Mambo Sauce performance for the judges.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked
Kintrea and Natalie were there.
2) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell said "LJ, it's your birthday!"
Ebony and Nikki were there.
3) Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) / Rare Essence's Spotlight (tease) / Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease) / "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / sample "What?" / Percussion solo - the medley cranked
Love was there.
4) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked
5) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell shouted, "Killazoo" repeatedly / Donnell-led "Brandywine, Friends of Mine" chant - the house lights came on
Peg Leg was there.
6) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked
7) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Sean sang on the dance floor / Percussion solo / Shawnna's Getting Some Head (tease) / Halima-led led "Ain't nobody's business if I do"
Donnell said, "Welcome home Jordan, we didn't see you in a minute"

LJ's cake was good.

Walking out, I teased Jacques that Halima was trying to take his job.

Emergenza Festival DC Finals
9:30 Club, 815 V ST NW, Washington DC 20001
I wasn't sure whether I would put this entry up because I didn't get to see GoGo, but decided to put it up anyway.

I had bought an advanced ticket from Red the week before to see Mambo Sauce in the Emergenza Festival band competition at the 9:30 Club. This was supposed my first time seeing Mambo Sauce since I started working in my day job.



The hard rain and thunder started before I left the house. I got to the 9:30 Club at about 8:30 PM because the flyer said 9 PM. The crowd was overwhelmingly white and almost all high school and college age. The first band to perform after I arrived, The Miles, was a white Rock quartet: lead guitar, lead vocalist/rhythm guitar, bass, and drums. Their music was somewhat entertaining, but the vocalist’s singing was nothing special. They appeared to be in their early 20s. The next group up was a white Punk quartet: Elixir of Jade, the line up was: guitar/vocalist, guitar, bass, and drums. Their thrash guitar playing was noise to me, reminiscent of the noise on Green Day's Dookie (which I can't stand). They also appeared to be in their early 20s. The frontline members wore matching black formal shirts with green neckties. The next group up was Ainzlee, a white rock quartet: female keyboard player/vocalist, female keyboard player, bassist, and a drummer. The bassist looked to be in his 30s, but the rest were in their 20s. I don't who told the singer she could sing, because her "singing" was awful. For all of these bands, the crowd changed, as supporters of the bands left when their band was done performing. Sam (Black Heart), Sherray (Always Showtime!!), and Ro'chelle (toosweet) arrived. The members of Mambo Sauce and Red arrived over time, except that I never saw Thi Lai (I later learned that it was because she's been replaced by Yendy Brown because she has strained her vocal cords). The last band that I saw perform was the best of the four: Harlen Simple, a Rock quartet: white singer, black bassist, white guitar player, white drummer. They were in their late 30s+. Their singer was good and so was their playing. Their set ended with the power going out in the 9:30 Club. Although they didn't announce anything, people understood what happened and filed out. It was again pouring out. The streets were so flooded that crossing the street to walk to my car, there was no way to avoid having my shoes completely soaked. I passed a PEPCO truck on the way to my car.

Red said Mambo Sauce's makeup performance for the judges was scheduled for Friday afternoon. Unfortunately, they didn't win.

Tracy S., Mama Chelle, and Neita's birthday
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

Slim Goodie and her sister Lachelle were there. I talked with them for a little bit. Then I talked with Dana and Dawn for a bit. Then I talked with Ebo and Angie. I watched Tracy's cake being carried over to one of the tables by the dance floor. Tracy introduced me to her sister Debbie and also Starr. LA, Pinkey, Tia (she had a new hairdo), and Darrell F. were there. RE Angie brought in 40 balloons, and handed them to Tracy, who was hidden by them. Angie W., Marquita, Janetta, Fat Cat, Danette, Rachelle, Nita, Shantel, Los, Matthew, 6'9, Gary, Alena & her friend Shawn, Britney, and Shelly were there.


Angie, Tracy, Pinkey, Tia


Darrell, LA, Tracy


Debbie, LA, Me, Tracy

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell did a special dedication for Tracy S. and Mama Chelle's birthdays
Foxy Rob was sitting in on congas for Smoke

Vincent, Doc, Lorenzo, Donnell, Dwayne, Godfather, Sean, DP, Stomp Dogg


Tony, Stomp Dogg, Tyrell, Foxy Rob, RE Angie
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked, Darrell took some pictures, Halima said, "Wait a minute" / Percussion solo
June, Tamiko, and Shawn were there.
2) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad
Keisha and Jan were there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!" - Sean & Halima held their mics to fans
6) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
7) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
Monique and Archie Paige were there.
8) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Sean sang / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease)
9) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
I danced with a girl for virtually all of both sets.
Tyrell, Ray, Neita (also celebrating her birthday), "original" Nikki, Ebony, Mama Chelle, and TT were there.

Neita

Dwayne Lee showed me a picture book his sister had made for him about the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame trip. Googie read it and I looked on - my fingers were sticky from eating some of Tracy's cake.

Second Set
1) Instrumental - warming up
2) Donnell-led Common's The Corner - Stomp played a sample and the band played, Donnell rapped, it cranked / Percussion solo - Donnell did a number of shout outs to the basketball players (former college players) in the audience
Shante (Stacey's cousin) was there.
3) Sean-led "I love..."
4) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell shouted, "Eya, eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho!", Halima stood on the right speaker, Sean said, "Hey Doc" / Percussion solo
5) Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be"
6) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) / Percussion solo - RE Angie played congas and Doc bass

RE Angie, behind: Charlie, Foxy Rob
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Darrell Foster
Jessica was there.
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (tease) - ended by a fight
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
9) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh"
10) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
11) Donnell mentioned Kiana and then he sang acapella Ashlee Simpson's Pieces of Me (tease)

Angie W.'s Birthday at Tradewinds
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

Ingrid, Danette, Ray, Tracy, MeCelle, Miss T (Theresa) (showing off her fine legs by wearing a mini-skirt) and Miss V (Vernice), Keisha, Jan, Rachelle, Felicia, Pinky, Shawn, Archie Paige, Renee, Los, and Nia were there.

Sean wore his tie-dye Superman shirt.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Halima said, "Wait a minute!", Donnell talked about Miss T, her painted nails and new skirt, Donnell said, "What you going to do, Jordan? Jordan is back", Halima went on the dance floor and danced with a guy / Percussion solo -->
Ebo, her friend Angie, and 6'9 were there.
2) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Donnell said, "What you going to do, Ingrid, my baby" / Percussion solo
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) Percussion solo - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho!"
6) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Donnell said "Britney is my baby", it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
Simone and Janetta were there.
7) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!", DP held his mic to the fans, Donnell said, "Say what? Do what?" / Smoke played a crankin' conga solo - Donnell shouted, "Killazoo" / "Brandywine, Friends of mine" Chant
The other Britney, Shelly, Julia, and Angie W. were there.
8) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You - Sean said, "Hey Doc, take it back one more time"
RE Angie, Tracy S., Kim, Tia, Tamara C., Chanel, Slick Rick, Mousie, and Monique were there.

Simone introduced me to her sister Keisha.

Second Set
1) Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Is it like that? Is it really like that? It's going to be alright."
2) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - Halima said, "Wait a minute", later Donnell did, the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!"
Ian was there.
3) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Halima said, "Hands up" repeatedly, Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!" / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house" - Kay Kay went onstage
5) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked, Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!" / Donnell-led Lil Wayne's Earthquake (tease) - Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C", there was distortion
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What?
7) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time / Shawnna's Getting Some Head (tease) / Halima sang something I couldn't make out / Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be", the house lights came on, Halima played on the congas / Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) - RE Angie played congas, Kay Kay rapped
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Donnell rapped
9) Stomp played a sample: "When I say whoa, I mean whoa!"
Donnell said, "Happy Birthday Angie"
Donnell said, "Sweet Kiana sang Pieces of Me"

Sean (Kal-el)'s Birthday Celebration at J's
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

I saw Stomp, Packy, June, and Tony in the parking lot.

Stacy, Lisa of the World, and Gary were there.

Halima had a new hairdo. Kal-el wore a black Superman shirt.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said of Kal-el, "I thought he didn't drink, but last night, I found out different. Lisa, buy him a drink, you've been here since 10:30."
Donnell said, "What's up, Jordan? I didn't know you were in the building. Special dedication to my man Jordan, where you been? He's got a 9 to 5..."
1) Instrumental - it cranked, Donnell said, "Jacques' brand new cowbell", Donnell said, "Special dedication to everyone who been down the road with us, up the road with us, through the road with us" -->
Tracy was there.
2) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - Halima sang on the dance floor
Los was there.
3) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - Sean used different vocal effects, it cranked
Shawn was there.
4) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
Donnell wished Twin a happy birthday.
Damond was there.
5) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!"
6) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - cranked harder, Sean rapped, Los was dancing onstage and Donnell said, "I don't know what's wrong with Los"
Ray was there.
7) Donnell-led 911 - the frontline danced, the band and fans held their hands up, it cranked
8) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You - Sean sang on the dance floor, Sean said, "Hey Doc, take it back one time, take it back old school" --> "I'm so glad to see you, girl I really love you," Janetta, her sister Tasha, Tyrell, and RE Angie were there.

Second Set
1) Donnell acapella The Five Stairsteps' O-o-h Child (tease) / Donnell rapped, "Shut it down Ray, get it right, get it tight"
They went back to the DJ for a song
2) Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - Donnell said, "Get it right, get it tight, my man Ray has got more time then Rayful Edmonds, I believe we got to put this one out", it cranked, Donnell said, "This is for my man Flexx"
3) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell said, "I feel good about this one", Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!", Donnell said, "Kal-el, it's your birthday"
4) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Halima jumped up and down
5) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / Instrumental - keyboard-driven / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be"
Donnell said, "I know what you really want, Metro."
6) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!" / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) - Sean had mic problems / "Wait a minute" echoes / different music, Halima sang something / Sean rapped "We get down", the house lights came on
7) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) - RE Angie played congas, Donnell said, "Angie, you still strong?", it cranked, the crowd shouted, "GoGo Mick-ay", Donnell said, "Say What?", Halima said something, Donnell said, "Look, she (RE Angie) about to fall out", RE Angie flexed her right arm in response
Byrd was there.
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Doc was on backup vocals, it cranked, Halima and Jacques played the cowbell
Candace danced with me.
Donnell said, "She was blowing kisses at me"
9) RE Angie played the congas and Packy played the cowbell
Donnell said, "Nephew, you got to pay East Coast (the DJ)? He should pay me, as much as he partied."

I talked with Tracy in the parking lot.