Lisa of the World's birthday celebration at J?s
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

Two women, NeeNee and Kia, introduced themselves to me as we walked in the parking lot to J's.

Khari (of Mambo Sauce) was there.

I caught the end of Jammin' Jeff & Da Band's set - they finally had their conga player - it was the most crankin' I've ever heard them (their sax player was rapping, as was Doc (not FF's)).

Fat Cat, Britney (both of them), Danielle (whom I haven't seen in a long time), Christina, Nikki, Tony, Steve, James, Damond, Shadonna (with new hairdo), Val "Tina Turner", Chris, Los, Netty, and Ray were there.

I wished Lisa of the World a happy birthday. I told her she didn't look real celebratory, she said she was still recovering from last night (at Zanzibar).

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked, Donnell did birthday announcements. He said, "We need to talk about Lisa of the World. Last night, she was on her head." / Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
Asmoothpoet, Danette, Mousie, Tasty, and Keta were there.
2) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell B.G.'s I Know (tease) - the crow responded "Hey, hey, hey"
5) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Sean sang at the edge of the dance floor to a woman named Shawn (celebrating her birthday), it cranked / Percussion solo
6) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is Yes" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low"
7) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life - Scooby sat in
A woman got on the mic and did an announcement in Spanish.
Alexis was there.

6'9 was there.

Second Set
1) Alternating Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender / Lil' Scrappy's Money in the Bank (tease) / 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya", Sean tossed Packy a tambourine
2) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis / Percussion solo - Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya"
3) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell said, "We don't do that anymore. Cheverly Terrace, we'll say your name, but we don't do crew symbols. If you have to do that, this may not be the party for you."
4) Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful / Donnell-led "But is it like that, is it really like that"
Tyrell was there.
5) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, Party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked / Percussion solo
6) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
7) Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" / Percussion solo - the house lights came on, the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!", Donnell said, "Say what? Do what?"
8) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - it cranked
9) Donnell acapella "The greatest story never told"
10) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's How Can I Know?

Wednesday at the Phish Tea Cafe
Phish Tea Cafe, 1335 H St NE Washington, DC 20002

Darrell, Shameika, March, Mama Chelle, Yvette, Felecia, Shawn, Tracy, RE Angie, LA, Chanel, Stacy, June, Sixx of Raw Image (with crutches), and Los were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Instrumental - Donnell played on the dance floor, Donnell said, "We made this up right here, right now"
2) Grover Washington Jr.'s Mr. Magic - it cranked
Benjiy was there.
3) Mother's Day
4) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - it cranked -->
6'9 and June were there.
5) Sean-led Ne-Yo's Sexy Love / Percussion solo
The set ended early because they had technical problems.

Tony, GoGo Mickey, Tamara, Nena, Maiah, Kay (with a couple of female friends celebrating their birthdays), and Peg Leg were there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "This is where the stars be partyin'"
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
4) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Find Myself in You
Imani was there.
5) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club
6) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked
7) Donnell-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - Donnell performed on the dance floor / "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
8) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo
9) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / sample "What?" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low"
10) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - it cranked / Percussion solo / Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender (tease)
11) Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful
12) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life (samples Roy Ayers' Everybody Loves the Sunshine) - Godfather played the flugelhorn, Donnell and Lorenzo continued to play, Lorenzo was the last to finish playing
I talked with Byrd.

Damond was there.

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

Keshia, Nita, Sharon, Ebo, Debbie, James, Miss T & Miss V, Shawn, Los, and Fat Cat were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Sly & the Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (instrumental tease) / Halima-led Cherri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked, Halima held her mic to fans, she said, "She's scared, y'all" / Percussion solo
"original" Nikki, Alena & Shawn, and Angie (Ebo's friend) were there.
2) Alternating Sean-led Ne-Yo's Sexy Love / Michael Jackson's Human Nature (tease) / Percussion solo - it cranked, Donnell said, "If it's your birthday, put your hands in the air. God almighty, we got a lot of birthdays in the house" / Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
3) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Find Myself in You
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy" / Percussion solo - it cranked / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
6) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / sample "What?" / "Keep it low" / Donnell B.G.'s I Know (tease) - the crow responded "Hey, hey, hey" / "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful (tease)
Keshia, Jan, and Monica were there.
7) Sean-led Chingy's Pulling Me Back featuring Tyrese
Shameika, Jackie, and Mona were there.
Ariel, Pinkey, Tia, Rachelle, Ray, Choo Choo (celebrating her birthday), Keshia, and Mimi were there. D Ball was there. I talked with him. He said he was trying to get a GoGo band to come play in Houston.

A woman named Cinda (spelling?) introduced herself to me. Vic, Christina, and Nikki were there.

Second Set
1) Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender - it cranked
2) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - the frontline danced 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
Mousie and Archie were there.
4) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh"
I zoned out a little so I may have missed a song.
5) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) - it cranked
March, TT, and Peg Leg were there.
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time / "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Conga solo - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Donnell responded, "Say what?"
7) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) - Donnell shouted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell said, "Hands free, they're f*cking with me!" - interrupted by a fight, Donnell called for the house lights, Donnell said, "This is a good party, if you can't the number, find somebody else"
Mama Chelle was there.
8) Donnell-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo"
9) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - it cranked, Packy played the cowbell, the house lights came on / Instrumental
Donnell did his usual joning on Charlie about Choo Choo.

Unseen Band at Club Kingdom
Kingdom Baptist Church, 2574 Business Park Ct, Waldorf, MD 20601

It took me an hour and a half to get there due to the rain. I could hear the crank from Unseen Band warming up from the parking lot. I went in and paid the highly affordable $7. The cover taker asked me where I heard of the show. I told her an email from DK the Rapper. She said, "That's my husband!"

Unseen Band
DK (lead talker, City (rapper), Queen B (female vocalist), Ms. Kisha (female vocalist), Will (keyboard player), Ty (drummer, guest sitting in), J Redz (conga player), and a cowbell player.
Sound Check
1) DK-led "Praise God with Me"
City said, "Sing this with me if you know the words."
2) City-led "At Eastern Motors, your job's your credit"

City's son Lil Jo at the middle mic, he sat on a chair to the left of City throughout the performance.
Unseen Band had a group prayer.


Set
Front: City, Queen B, Ms. Kisha, DK the Rapper, Back: J Redz, Ty, Will (The guy behind Will and the guy standing in fron of the right speaker are members of Connection)
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
Queen B-led "Hands up, Hallelujah, Do you want to see the light, Do you want to go to a place" - it alternated between crankin' and laid back / "Have you never been the..." - music was to Michael MacDonald's I Keep Forgettin' (Every Time You're Near) / DK-led "When I use the word of God with (second time "on") the demon attack"
They definitely cranked. It was really all one circular track as they kept repeating parts - it was certainly different. It was a short set, less than half an hour. That was because the audience was so small due to the heavy rain. Most of the audience consisted of members of the Connection Band, the Gospel GoGo band that was playing next.
After Unseen's performance, they played the entire PA of the performance. The break was too long for me and I left.

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

Jammin' Jeff & Da Band
They had a percussionist, playing cowbell and timbales. Black Heart sat in on congas.
Michelle T., Tanya, and Scottie Jay were there.
Set
1) Jay-led "Treat her right... speak to me baby"
Shadonna was there.
2) Allison-led Alicia Key's Unbreakable
3) Allison-led Jill Scott's Golden
4) Jay-led Prince's Kiss
Ebo and Debbie (celebrating her birthday) were there.
5) Jay-led Marvin Gaye's Got to Give It Up
6) Jay-led Earth, Wind & Fire's September
7) Allison-led Rose Royce's Carwash
8) Allison-led A Taste of Honey's Boogie Oogie Oogie
Tasha (T-Bird) and Sashay Shaunte were there.
9) Jay-led Michael Jackson's Billy Jean - it had a rough crank
10) Jay-led Michael Jackson's PYT
11) Allison-led Kelly Clarkson's Since You've Been Gone
Fat Cat was there.
12) Allison-led "recognize... I have... oh yeah"
Chanel was there.
13) Allison-led ?
14) Jay-led "but it wasn't because..." - Doc (not FF's) was in as lead talker
15) Jay-led ?
16) Allison-led Ashlee Simpson's Pieces of Me
17) Allison-led Beyonce's Deja Vu / Jay-led Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It
18) Allison-led Mary J. Blige's Enough Cryin'
It was nice hearing them with a conga player for the first time. I enjoyed it.

Britney, Shelly, JuJu, and Alexis were there.

Duane told me that Tiger is his cousin and Omarr's cousin.

Big Don Pimp and Peg Leg were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Donnell & Sean-led Luther Vandross' Promise Me - Donnell said, "Hey Scooby" / Percussion solo - it cranked
Shaunte (Stacey's cousin), Danielle (Wellfhed), and Stallion were there.
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led Lil' Scrappy's Money in the Bank (tease) / Brown & White - it cranked, the frontline danced, Halima sang, "Who's that girl?" / Ride Out - Los danced onstage
4) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion solo / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
Stacey and Isis (celebrating her birthday) were there.
5) Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) - Donnell shouted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
6) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
6'9 was there.
7) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / Sample "What?" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low"
8) Sean-led Chingy's Pulling Me Back featuring Tyrese
Donnell announced that they would be playing at Lee Center in Alexandria at 4 PM the next day (a make up for the original being rained out).

Muffin, India, Ray, and Shawn were there.

I met Shay.

Second Set
1) Sly & the Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (instrumental tease) / Halima-led Cherri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked, Halima said, "Come on Isis"
2) Alternating Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - it cranked, Halima rapped "Let it... here we are..." / Donnell-led DJ Webstar featuring Young B's Chicken Noodle Soup
3) Alternating Donnell-led "Reggae" - it cranked / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful (tease) / Donnell-led "But is it like that, is it really like that"
4) Donnell-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo"
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - it cranked
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked
8) Donnell-led 911 - it cranked, the frontline danced, the house lights came on
9) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Duane Face sat in on Godfather's keyboard while Godfather played the flugelhorn, it cranked, Donnell and DP played on the floor of the reserved seating area facing the stage (right in front of me)
I talked with Tarita (spelling?) who looked very familiar to me.

Wednesday Familiar Faces' debut at Phish Tea Cafe
Phish Tea Cafe, 1335 H St NE Washington, DC 20002

Tamara, Tracy S., Pinkey, Darrell, LA (she asked me to advertise her passion parties, you can email her here), Chanel, Angie W., Sam (Black Heart), Damont (02), "original" Nikki, Shawn, Shaunte (Songbird), Ras Lidj, Sashay, June, and Los were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Blueprint (instrumental) - Donnell played his Sax on the dance floor, Halima had a new hairdo, Donnell said, "This is the expression of real music... freestyling... improvisation... this was our plan from elementary school" / Sean improved "Phish tea... we're going to play for you... how you been it's a long day" / Halima went on the dance floor and improved
Danielle (Wellfhed) and Nece (the promoter) were there.
2) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Anytime - Sean sang on the dance floor back where the TMOTT crew was, it appeared he was singing to Ro'chelle (toosweet), Ras Lidj & Black Heart held up their lit cell phones
Danielle (Pink) was there.
3) Halima-led Sade's Pearls - Halima sang on the dance floor, there were echo effects
4) Halima-led Betty Wright's Tonight Is the Night - Halima said, "This song made me think of my Mama. This is the music we used to play", Donnell said, "You know what she's talking about Nece? Nece's about 41 herself"
Shameika was there.
5) Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - it cranked, the dance floor was filled / Percussion solo - Donnell said of Nece's dancing, "You alright Nece?"
Muffin and Damond were there.
6) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Sean sang on the dance floor
7) Sean-led Ne-Yo's Sexy Love - Sean sang on the dance floor / Percussion solo
Tyrell was there.
8) Donnell-led "On the small the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - it cranked
Tim (LJ) was there.
9) Sean-led Peabo Bryson's Feel the Fire
Chris was there.
10) Sean-led Chingy's Pulling Me Back featuring Tyrese
Chipster, Nataki (~Butta~) (first time I've seen her in 6 months), and Imani were there. Chipster for some reason introduced me to her sister Shaun and her friend Nora, even though I've know them for a while. However, it is the first time I've seen Chipster and her sister together. Chipster said, "I introduced them to Familiar Faces, now they are groupies."

Donnell, DJ Flava, and Danielle (Wellfhed) all wore similar red collared shirts.

Donnell joked that "Drew Bledsoe is 75 years old."

02 talked about how in Miami, DP had beaten Black Heart in checkers in only 5 minutes. 

Second Set
1) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Find Myself in You / Percussion solo
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" / Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Packy played the cowbell, it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
4) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Alternating Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute" / Percussion solo
5) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / sample "What?" / "keep it low"
6) Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) - Donnell said, "Killazoo"
7) Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful - Halima sang, "Give your love to me"
8) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Packy played the cowbell
I quote 02's description of Nataki's dancing in the second set: "Young Butta... You jive LOST IT for a sec... I looked over at you and you was swinging your hair around in circles.....GUNS N ROSES style! I said to myself..."Oh deez bammas are CRANKIN""
Darlene was there.
I talked with Byrd.
9) Donnell rapped "If you like it a lot, just make it a double... pop theatre"

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

I came too early at first; it had been pushed back due to Maryland's home game against Middle Tennessee State. (Maryland eventually won 24-10).

When I came back, Darrell, his sister Darlene, and Starr were there. Over time, Tracy Smoot, her sister Debbie, LA, Chanel, RE Angie, Darlene's husband Johnny, Yvette, and Tiny were there.

We read the responses to Darrell's listing of his house for rent, strangely they read like personal ads.


RE Angie, Darrell, Chanel, Cornel, Tracy


Tiny posing


Rhonda (spelling?) and ?

Darlene, her husband Johnny, and ?


Chanel, RE Angie - playing air congas to the FF July 8th PA of her playing congas during Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome, Tracy

I left when it was time to go to Tradewinds.

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

Ebo, Trea, Javonne, Danette, Keshia, Nita, Archie, Pinkey, Shawn, Ray, Kandi, Tasha, 6'9, Shanti, Pee Wee, Los, and Fat Cat were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Instrumental - it cranked / Alternating Sean-led Ne-Yo's Sexy Love / Percussion Solo / Michael Jackson's Human Nature (tease) - Charlie played the cowbell
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked, the frontline danced, Halima sang at the edge of the dance floor, Halima held her mic to a fan who declined, Halima said, "She's scared y'all" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "keep it low" / Percussion solo
Britney (blonde hair), RE Angie, Keshia, and Jan were there.
5) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion solo / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell said, "Eya eya", Los danced onstage
Tata and Pinky (dyed hair) were there.
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked
Shaunte (Stacey's Cousin) was there.
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Geraldine - Los went back onstage
8) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song - different keyboard riffs
Jazzy Layse, Bam, Chevy, Nikki were there.
9) Sean-led Chingy's Pulling Me Back featuring Tyrese - Halima held her mic to the fans

James, Vic, Byrd, Derek (keyboard player for CCB, he told me he's there every week), Mousie, Shameika, Quay (Shorty Q), "original" Nikki, Mona, Shelly, and Slick Rick were there.

RE Angie played congas during the break.

A guy must have thought I was the Post reporter since he said to me, "You decided to come out tonight, too?"

Second Set
1) Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender / Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked, interrupted by a fight, in pushing the fight outside, the monitor board was knocked over, Halima held her mic to fans
Ian and Peg Leg were there.
2) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - it cranked, Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute" / Percussion solo  / Donnell-led B.G.'s I Know (tease) - the crowd responded, "Hey hey hey" -->
3) Donnell-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - Sean stood on the right speaker, Donnell added new lines "I don't know where I stand, I need to be your man", it cranked
4) Alternating Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful - Halima sang, "Give your love to me", Packy played the cowbell / Donnell-led "But is it like that, is it really like that" - Jazzy Layse danced onstage, it was interrupted by a fight, Halima said, "Nicole, Nicole" / Halima & Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go (tease) - the house lights came on / Shawnna's Getting Some (tease)
Big Don Pimp was there.
5) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Packy played the cowbell
6) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome - RE Angie played congas / "RE, Angie" chant
7) Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender (tease)
8) Donnell-led It Is What It Is
9) Donnell-led 911 - John and another manager made them stop
Donnell announced they would be playing at Phish Tea Cafe starting this Wednesday.
10) Donnell acapella "Greatest story never told"

Filling up at the Sunoco, Godfather told me to come out to Phish Tea Cafe for at least the first show. He was in a car with his friend Steve, and another friend, Rodney, who introduced himself to me.

Rickea & Nephew's birthday celebration
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

I arrived in time to hear the end of Jammin' Jeff & Da Band's second set: Alison-led Floetry's Say Yes. I heard 02 and Black Heart performed with them, sorry I missed that.

Tracy S., LA, 6'9, Ria, Netty, Simone, Nece, Jay Floyd, Tim (LJ), Marvin, Yvette, Felecia, 02, Black Heart, Songbird, Tamika, Janetta, Tiffany F., Rickea, Big Don Pimp, Lisa of the World, "original" Nikki, Shawn, Ray, and Los were there.

The Washington Post photographer that Nephew said would be there was easy to spot. I guess the other white guy he was talking to was the reporter.

Familiar Faces
Sound Check
Donnell acapella Nicole the bartender (J's also has a bartender named Nicole).

RE Angie was there.

Sean wore his tie dye Superman shirt.

First Set
Donnell said, "Don, don't you never wear that Cowboy jersey in my house again."
1) Sean-led Luther Vandross' Promise Me - it cranked, Donnell said, "There's a Washington Post photographer, make sure you don't knock him over.", Halima sat on a speaker behind the drum kit, Donnell said, "My brother Jay, treat him easy, don't make him greasy" / Percussion solo
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Donnell posed to the lyrics, Halima sang on the dance floor and held her mic to a fan, it cranked
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
5) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Sean sang at the edge of the dance floor to Tamika, Donnell went on the dance floor
6) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / sample "What?" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "keep it low" - ended by a fight unfortunately, I was a little too close as one of the guys fighting grabbed my arm to help himself up
7) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
The photographer was right up front during the set. He took pictures of the band and the crowd - he had a digital camera. I didn't see him in the second set.

A guy told me, "That's an aberration." I said, "I'm not the Post reporter."

Kay, Mia, Blue of Y2K, MeCelle, Tracy, Tori, Dana, Dawn, Archie, and April "JuJu" were there. JuJu introduced me to a friend of hers, Alexis.

A couple of jerks grabbed my notes, I don't know if they thought I was the Post reporter.

Boo, Tyrell, and Mousie were there.

Second Set
1) Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (instrumental tease) - it cranked
2) Donnell-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo"
3) (can't read) / Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - it cranked, Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute" / Smoke conga solo / Donnell-led Lil Wayne's Earthquake (tease)
4) Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell said, "Killazoo" repeatedly, Halima held her mic to fans / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant - Donnell said "Langston Lane love" - it cranked / Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful, Packy played the cowbell / "But is it like that, is it really like that" / Shawnna's Getting Some (tease) - Scooby sat in
5) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - it cranked, the house lights came on, Los danced onstage, Donnell said, "It's your birthday", Donnell said, "Happy birthday Jacques, kept it low..."
Kim (the one I don't know) was there.
6) Donnell acapella Nicole the Bartender
Donnell said, "Jay's still got it. He locked me in the closet for three years..."
Jay replied, "Stop talking about Eric's mother." (repeatedly)
Donnell said of Los, talking on his cell, "Los struck out. He'll say, I was thinking of you all night, but I saw him strike out four times." He continued on and Los laughed.
7) Donnell acapella "The greatest story never told" - Donnell said, "I can sing. I'll fire Sean and Halima, press the button Googie."

The article was published in Friday September 15th's Weekend section. You can read it here.

Reminisce Band at Martini's
Martini's Restaurant & Lounge
725 Cady Dr, Fort Washington, MD 20744

I went to see Reminisce Band, which my friend Tata sings for.

Reminisce Band
Lead talker/percussionist, male vocalist/cowbell, Tata, Danisha (spelling?) female vocalist), bass player, 2 guitar players, a keyboard player, and a drummer.
First Set
1) male-led Kem's Find Your Way (Back Into My Life) -->
2) male-led "I worked hard to get the things you need, Why you wanna play with me?" - he played the cowbell
3) Earth, Wind & Fire guitar riffs / male-led "Baby, there's no need to tell you, I wanna give you all of my love, let's pretend for one night that everything's alright"
4) male-led "reveal... baby... This falling inside... you make... I'm the kind of man who treats you with the utmost respect"
Tata said this song is for Nina (spelling?, celebrating her birthday) because I know you'll know what the song is about"
5) Danisha-led (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes - Danisha said, "I'm going to sing this even though I have a cold"
Tata went on the dance floor, she said, "Any of you ladies tired, been crying?"
6) Tata-led Mary J. Blige's Enough Cryin' - it cranked
The lead talker said, "We're going to slip into darkness"
7) Alternating male-led War's Slipping into Darkness / BT Express' Do It ('Till You're Satisfied) / EU's Da Butt - the lead talker played timbales

The lead talker came over and thanked me for coming out.

Tata and I talked. A woman gave out some pie - it was good. Later she passed out business cards - "The Pie Lady: Myra Riggs"

The DJ went and danced during the break and got back to the DJ booth in time before the song ended.

Second Set
1) Danisha-led Betty Wright's Tonight Is the Night - Danisha went on the dance floor, the male singer played the cowbell
2) lead talker-led "Piece of that pie pie" - it cranked / male-led Levert's Casanova - it cranked
3) male-led "thinking of you, never too much... get me started... broke" - nice guitar solo
4) male-led William DeVaughn's Be Thankful for What You Got
5) lead talker-led "Can we start this thing off right?" - it cranked, he said, "Chicken noodle soup" repeatedly
Danisha said, "This is one of our originals"
6) Danisha-led "Everybody get up, shake your fantasy, make that body move" - it cranked
7) lead talker acapella Kanye West's Gold Digger (tease)
The lead talker went on the dance floor
8) lead talker-led Cameo's Single Life - he said, "Single ladies, clap your hands", the male singer played the cowbell, it cranked, the lead talker played timbales, then went back to congas
The lead talker went on the dance floor
9) lead talker-led DJ Webstar featuring Young B's Chicken Noodle Soup - he said, "I need a Soultrain" - the male singer played the cowbell, it cranked / Average White Band's Schoolboy Crush
10) lead talker acapella Sly & the Family Stone's (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)
11) Riff from the O'Jay's Money
They had nice vocal harmony.

The food was good (I love seafood), but pricey. My waitress was very attentive (and beautiful).

Their manager, Wanda Vaughn, gave me her business card.

Sunday Labor Day Celebration at Zanzibar
Zanzibar on the Waterfront, 700 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20024

Kim, John, his brother Derek, Gary, and Fat Cat were there.

A female bartender I didn't recognize waved to me.

I asked Paul who was playing first, he said Familiar Faces. When Doc arrived, I discussed it with him; he said Familiar Faces was playing 3 sets, with EU playing 2 sets in between downstairs.

A number of people asked me if I worked there, or even owned Zanzibar. A number of people asked me about my taking notes and I told them about my website.

I said hello to Maya briefly.

Angie, Ebo (celebrating her birthday), and Kandi "Catseyes" (she wrote in my notes) were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
The members of Familiar Faces were all semi-formally dressed.
1) Mother's Day - Donnell played his Sax on the dance floor, Donnell played his Sax directly for Ebo, the various members of Familiar Faces had their own solos
Shawnisse, Debbie, Arielle, and Michon were there.
Donnell did announcements.
2) Sean-led John Legend's Ordinary People - Sean sang to Shawnisse -->
Natalie, Gene, and Los were there.
3) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Anytime - Sean danced with Kim, walked around and sang to Ebo and Natalie and went back onstage
4) Halima-led Sade's Pearls - Halima had a new hairdo
5) Sean-led Peabo Bryson's Feel the Fire - Donnell did a birthday announcement for Ebo
6) Gerald Levert's Funny (instrumental tease) / Percussion solo - they started the crank / Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny -->
7) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - it cranked
This is the first time I've seen a happy hour set (stylistically) since they left Takoma Station.

As I and virtually everyone else walked downstairs, a beautiful girl I later learned is named Lisa asked me what I was doing there. I told her I go to lots of GoGos, largely Familiar Faces. She tested me by asking where they play on Saturdays. EU had already started playing when I walked into the room.

EU
First Set (in progress)
Most of their line up was unfamiliar to me: Junie (male singer), female singer (didn't perform until the second set, but stood on the right side of the stage), Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott (vocals and bass), Demitrius "Demi-Doc" McGhee (vocalist/keyboard player), Tony (guitar), keyboard player (he played for Chuck later on), drummer, Derek (percussion), and another percussionist.
1) Junie-led Alexander O'Neal's If You Were Here Tonight?
2) Sugar Bear-led "Go Virgos, it's your birthday" - it cranked
3) Alternating Junie-led Dave Hollister's One Woman Man - it cranked, both Junie and Sugar Bear held their mics to the fans / Sugar Bear-led "Let the beat drop" -->
4) Sugar Bear-led Medley: "When are we going to get to the good part" / "I ain't got no dance... No steps y'all" / "Ooh ah, with your body" / Trillville's Some Cut / "Go Sheena, it's your birthday, Go Junie, it's your birthday" / "I love your..." / "Do it for the ladies/fellas" / "If you're sexy and you know it, raise your hands" - Junie held his mic stand over to fans / "Hold up, wait a minute" / "Party with your body"
5) Junie-led Luther Vandross' Take You Out "possibly can i take you out tonight?" / Derek conga solo
6) Sugar Bear-led Medley: "Party with your body" / Nelly's Flap Your Wings / "keep it right..." / Sly & the Family Stone's Family Affair - Sugar Bear did a shout out to Michelle Wright who was on the right side of the stage / (still the music to Family Affair) "Pump it up" - Michelle Wright walked over and kissed Sugar Bear on the cheek / Percussion solo - the 2nd percussionist played the timbales, Sugar Bear said, "Shake it shorty" / Kanye West's Gold Digger - the 2nd percussionist played the timbales / "Good googlie mooglie" / "Shake that thing" / "Are the Redskins the real deal?" / "Hold up wait a minute" / Freak a Deak Zone / "Hey ay" / Rare Essence's One on One / "If you're twenty-five and older, throw your hands up" / "S, SW" chant / "Party with your body" / "Hey ay, Ho oh" -->
7) Sugar Bear-led (UCB's) Sexy Lady
Natalie introduced me to her sister-in-law, but I couldn't hear her name over the music.

DeeDee was there.

Familiar Faces
Second Set (in progress)
1) Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - it cranked / Percussion solo
Britney, Simone, Nece, Sharika, and Delano were there.
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) "Go Ebony, it's your birthday"
5) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - it cranked, Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute", Sean sang at the edge of the dance floor
6) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - the frontline and fans danced the bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / Tupac's Hail Mary (tease) - the crowd said, "Ra da da"
Peg Leg was there.
7) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion solo / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Michelle Wright was onstage, Donnell said, "Sing something to my baby", Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C", it cranked, girls danced onstage
8) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / Sample "What?" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / "keep it low" / "Reggae" - Packy played the cowbell / "But is it like that, is it really like that?"
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (literal tease)

EU
Second Set (in progress)
1) ?
2) Sugar Bear-led "Go Virgos, it's your birthday" - Godfather and Lorenzo were already in the room, I asked Lorenzo if they had a private elevator, he said, "Stairs" / "___ Is here" / Demi-Doc-led Lil Wayne's Earthquake - it cranked / Sugar Bear-led "Wow" / "Gimme that beat" / alternating (with Um Bop Bounce) Notorious BIG's Crush On You / Um Bop Bounce / "All the Redskins fans throw your hands up" / Slick Rick's La Di Da Di / Junie-led "Romantic..." / Sugar Bear-led "Shake that booty" - the 2nd percussionist played timbales / "Tell me what you feel like doing" - the crowd responded, "Feel like moving that body" / "Gimme that beat"
3) Junie-led Ne-Yo's Sexy Love - one of the women standing on the right side of the stage walked over and started singing backup vocals, but the mic wasn't on, so she borrowed Demi-Doc's mic, Junie went to the edge of the stage and held his mic to fans, the 2nd percussionist played congas and Derek played the cowbell, it cranked / 2nd percussionist conga solo -->
4) Sugar Bear-led "Time to work the body" / "Fellas, want to party with the ladies? / Rare Essence keyboard intro / music to Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot, but lyrics "1, 2, 3, 4..." / Derek conga solo - Sugar Bear said, "Let the beat work" / "Yes indeed, we make you weak in the knees" / Young Joc's It's Going Down / "Don't you play with Sugar" / "Do it for the ladies/fellas" / If you're sexy and you know it, raise your hands" / "Ah, ya ya ya" / "Hold up, wait a minute" - it cranked / Funkadelic's Undisco Kidd (tease) / Bad Girls (Cops theme) (tease) / "Hey ya ya ya" / "Pop the Coochie" / "Beat your feet everybody" / "Eya eya" / "Booty, booty, booty" - Junie pulled a girl onstage, I later learned her name is Vicky and she was celebrating her birthday / OutKast's I Like the Way You Move / "Rock the... work the middle, Change positions" / Hues Corporation's Rock the Boat / "Party with your body"
Halima, Sean, and Omarr walked past me and greeted me on their way back upstairs.
Val "Tina Turner" was there.
5) Female singer-led "coming on the... alright alright" - the 2nd percussionist played timbales / Sugar Bear-led "Let me see you do the butt, you scared" / Rare Essence's Do You Know What Time It Is / a familiar guitar riff from a cover - Derek threw a towel at JuJu (JuJu was by the right wall), JuJu laughed and threw it back
James and Christina were there.
6) Sugar Bear-led R. Kelly's Snake / "Do if for the ladies" / "Hello" / "Get your freak on" - it cranked / "Is Sugar Bear the real deal?"
7) Sugar Bear-led (UCB's) Sexy Lady / I stood behind the timbales (in anticipation of going upstairs) so it was heard to hear what Sugar Bear was saying / Da Butt
EU's performances were interesting, the contrast between the Junie led songs and Sugar Bear medleys.

When I got upstairs, Familiar Faces hadn't started yet. The DJ was playing a James Brown song. Doc called me over and asked me to take some pictures with his digital Olympus.

Familiar Faces
Third Set

Dwayne, Sean, Doc with Jacques, Nephew, and Donnell in the background


Doc, Sean, Donnell Michon is taking pictures on the far right

Sean with a Superman tie

1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Halima held her mic to fans
Shameika and Gene were there.
2) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - it cranked, Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute", Halima said, "Hey", Sean sang something
3) Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) - Donnell said, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell-led "Hands Free, they're f*cking with me" -->
4) Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a Tattoo" / Donnell did announcements / Sean-led "I need to be your man" / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Eya eya", Donnell said, "Sweetchelle my belle"
5) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Godfather played the flugelhorn, Smoke played timbales

Godfather, DP, and Donnell playing during a horn hit in Deja Vu
I talked with Tanya and Ashante (pictured below).

All pictures taken by Jordan Rich and Copyright - Kenny "Doc" Hughes
A woman asked me not to move so she could lean on me while she took off her shoes.
Nikiya was there.

Bryan Mills came up to me. He said, "Are you on TMOTT?" I said yes. He said, "I'm Blazin." I said, "I know who you are."

Lisa was sitting by the stage, laughing with a friend of hers about me being a GoGo fan.

Mama Chelle, Jessica, and March were there.

Gary asked me if I wanted to go up front. He cleared the way for me to go a few feet from the stage.

The timing of the start of the Familiar Faces and EU sets was very precise: Familiar Faces first set started at 9:30, and every succeeding set by both started 45 minutes later. Chuck did take some more time setting up.

Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers (downstairs)
The line up was: Chuck Brown (lead vocals & guitar), Sweet Cherie (vocals & keyboard), the second keyboard from EU's performance, Bryan Mills (saxophone & keyboard), Brad Clements (trumpet), Mark (trombone & keyboard player), Doug Crowley (bass player), William "JuJu" House (drums), I didn't recognize the conga player. Kay Kay later rapped with a female backup vocalist, and Little Benny later joined in on vocals and trumpet.
Chuck talked about playing in the Panorama Room, the Black Hole, etc. He also did a birthday dedication to Vicky.
1) Instrumental - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Chuck!" / Chuck-led "When you walk in the door" - the crowd shouted, "Hello, hello" / "What do you feel like doing?" - the crowd responded, "Feel like moving that body" / "Hey ay, Ho oh" / Chuck talked about back in the Panorama Room
2) Earl Hagen's Harlem Nocturne - the horn players played a number of solos, and there was a keyboard solo - it cranked / conga solo
Chuck said to a guy, "Don't stand in front of the ladies. I'll dedicate the next song to you."
3) Alternating Chuck-led Barry White's Playing Your Game, Baby / Sho Ya Right - Mark put a dollar on Brad's shirt, Mark played a trombone solo, various horn trios
4) Chuck-led Hoochie Coochie Man - it cranked, Bryan played Hail to the Redskins as a Sax solo -->
5) Chuck-led "Y'all tired yet?" - the crowd shouted, "Hell no!" / Rare Essence's La Di Da Di - the crowd recited lines "it's all because of you", Chuck held his mic to the crowd / Bryan held his middle finger to Mark's PDA, Mark was taking pictures, Kay Kay came onstage - I noticed she had a jeweled grill, why does such a beautiful girl have to do that?, she also had a choker with a chain hanging from it
Chuck said, "Are you ready for Kay Kay?"
6) Kay Kay rapped "I've been careful too long... I said smile for me daddy... break me off a piece of that, just a little piece of that... Hey Brandywine... Hey it's Kay Kay" (I believe I remember her performing PFunk's Other Side (Get the F*ck Out)) - another woman played tambourine and was on backup vocals, Chuck said, "Hey Kay Kay, you ain't finished yet", Natalie's sister-in-law went onstage and talked to Chuck
Chuck said, "Happy birthday Vicky"
Chuck said, "We got Sweet Cherie in the house". The crowd responded, "Wind me up, Chuck!"
7) Sweet Cherie-led "Let me see your grill" to Kay Kay / "Where y'all from?" / Luther Vandross' Take You Out - Bryan and Mark played Cherie's keyboards, Kay Kay was on backup vocals / Beyonce's Check on It - Little Benny was on backup vocals -->
8) Little Benny-led "Feel alright?" / "Hey ay, Ho oh" / "Everybody in the house" / "Hold up" - the crowd responded, "Wait a minute!", the frontline danced / Cat in the Hat / Alternating Young Joc's It's Going Down - Benny held his mic to the fans, he stood on the edge of the stage / "Everybody in the house move this way" - the frontline danced, Benny said, "One more time, this way" / "Everybody show your" / Dem Franchize Boyz' Lean With It Rock With It (tease) - the frontline danced / Rare Essence's Lock It - the crowd recited lines, Benny held his mic to fans / Freak a Deak All Night Long - the house lights came on / Rare Essence's One on One (tease) - Benny played his trumpet / Benny & Chuck-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" - both held their mics to the fans -->
9) Chuck-led Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That GoGo Swing) / Horn duo then trio
The ceiling was leaking, since it wasn't raining, it must have been from air conditioning
Chuck said, "Y'all got it in here.
I went over and said hello to Bobby Smoot.
Bryan called me over and gave me a flyer for Soul Sponge.

Outside there were a whole lot of people standing around.

I introduced myself to Lashan, whom I have seen at many shows. Darrell said, "Now he'll put you on the internet." She replied, "Only write good things."

A guy talked to me briefly as I walked to my car, he was upset that his friend was busy talking with women while he had to pee. He said he didn't want to be disrespectful and go in the bushes.

Ebo and Omarr's Birthday Celebration at Tradewinds
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

As I walked from my car, Ebo called out, "Hey Jordan!" She and Angie were in her SUV right by my car. Ebo said, "You know it's my birthday at midnight?" I said, "Yes."
Tina, Mama Chelle, March, Sharon, her friend Chris, Ray, Fat Cat, Peanut, Chanel, LA, Tracy S., Arielle, Delano, Junior, Los, and Kiki were there.


Ebo and Angie

Familiar Faces
First Set
Familiar Faces started so early that not all of the band members had set up yet. Sean, Dwayne, and Halima were late.
1) Alternating Donnell made up a song about Nicole the bartender, "Nicole the bartender, she makes the drinks you won't remember, have you all slipping all over the floor, still have you asking for more" - Donnell said, "It's Omarr's birthday" / 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) / Donnell said, "Glad you came by Kal-el, Godfather, Dwayne, Charlie (Charlie was on time)", Sean added lines to "Nicole the bartender", Donnell said of Halima, "Look who finally got here y'all", Halima stood on a speaker in the back
Renee was there.
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Donnell said, "Hey Chris, slow down baby", it cranked, DP and Halima held their mics to fans, Halima sang on the dance floor
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Chevy of Fatal Attraction came and hugged Sean and sang briefly
Tata and Pinky (dyed hair) were there.
6) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
7) Donnell-led Familiar Faces rap
8) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion solo - Charlie played the cowbell, it cranked / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Sean held his mic to fans, Donnell said, "Sweet Nicole the bartender", Donnell chanted, "Eya eya", Donnell said, "D-O-C"
9) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low, nobody got to know"
Tamiko was there.
10) Donnell-led 911 - fans recited the lyrics, Packy was on backup vocals, the frontline danced side to side, Donnell said, "This is how we started out y'all and this is how we're going to end it" - it cranked, Los danced onstage
11) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Anytime
Duane Face, Sanisse, Mary, Mona, Ebony, Nikki, DeeDee, Shawn, Mike Smith, Peg Leg, Sweetchelle, and Yolanda were here.
12) Halima-led Chingy's Pulling Me Back featuring Tyrese
Monique (with a new hairdo) was there.


Bam, Jazzy Layse, Stomp, Chevy

Omarr's cake was half yellow filling, half chocolate filling.

Telando, Nikki, Charlie, Stomp, and Omarr

Archie, Ian, Slick Rick, RE Angie, Angie W., and Mia (who briefly made a point of dancing in front of me) were there.


Delano795 (or Southern-Roots1) and Junior

Second Set
1) Alternating Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - it cranked, Donnell did special dedications to Omarr and Ebo / Percussion solo - Charlie played the cowbell, it cranked -->
Jan, Keisha, and Shadonna were there.
2) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis / Percussion solo - it cranked, -->
3) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease)
4) Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked, Donnell said, "Killazoo" / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant, Donnell said, "Represent, Brandywine"
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked, Charlie played timbales, Packy played the cowbell -->
6) Donnell & Sean-led "Reggae, wind it, wind it go down" / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Don't do nothing fellas, let's watch the ladies freak. Let's watch the ladies, fellas. Hey DJ, lights up.", Donnell said, "Oh good gracias, like that one" / Tata danced on the stage floor / "But is it like that, is it really like that" / Shawnna's Getting Some (tease) - Halima stood on an amp
7) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Godfather played the flugelhorn, the house lights came on, Smoke played the timbales
Shameika was there.
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - TT sat in on congas, John told Donnell to stop, but he continued:

Front: Donnell, DP, Tony    TT played the congas, with Charlie and Packy behind him
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
9) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) - the crowd sang along, RE Angie briefly sat in on congas, but John turned off the PA.
I talked with Jazzy Layse briefly. I told Chevy I had put her performances at Kato's birthday party up on the web.

Additional photos from this evening are up at on Stomp's gallery.

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

It was raining hard. I could tell there was a small crowd just from how close I was able to park in the lot. Kay was parked next to me. Peg Leg and Ian were also in the parking lot.

Los, Tiffany F., Tyrell, June, Yannie of L!ssen Band, Fat Cat, and MeCelle were there. I introduced myself to MeCelle's friend Tori (spelling?).

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "It don't matter if it's a monsoon. We're going to be here: rain, sleet, or snow"
1) Alternating Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - Halima sang on the dance floor / Percussion solo
2) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - Doc was on backup vocals, Halima sang on the dance floor, Donnell mocked Halima's movements, Halima said, "Wait a minute y'all"
Tim (LJ) and Nicole, the bartender at Tradewinds, were there.
3) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Alternating Percussion solo - the strobe lights went on, it cranked / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell said, "Don't say we didn't party in the rain", Sean sang on the dance floor, Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
Kim (one I don't know) and Big Don Pimp were there.
4) Donnell-led D-I-P

Darlene was there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "We know everyone who came out tonight it's nothing but love. And the Cowboys fans, anyone who knows Joe Gibbs knows he is just playing possum. Last year your money took me to Mo's."
1) Alternating Percussion solo / Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a Tattoo"
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Donnell said, "Is that where she learned that from, Tyrell?" (referring to Halima apparently picking up moves from Tyrell), Halima sang on the dance floor to me, she held her mic to me, but I declined, Halima then had other fans sing
3) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis / Percussion solo - Halima hit a conga with a drumstick, Donnell said, "Shake your body body"
4) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low" / Percussion solo - Donnell chatted
5) Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell said, "Killazoo" / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell & Sean-led "Reggae, here we go, here we go again my love" / "But is it like that, is it really like that" - the house lights came on / Shawnna's Getting Some (tease) - Packy played the cowbell / Donnell sang, "Sweet Chelle my belle", Donnell said, "Good googlie mooglie"
Donnell said, "Thank you for coming out in the rain."
Donnell said, "Nicole, we say a whole new side of you tonight. You weren't serving drinks, but you were still serving 'im up."
Donnell said, "We're celebrating Omarr's birthday tomorrow at Tradewinds. Your three friends will celebrate with you."
There were no slow songs so the entire performance cranked.

I talked briefly with Nicole outside.

Wednesday at Bud's

Bud's 501 Club, 501 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002

It was raining. I got the white man treatment, even though I've talked with a few of the ERT Security people working the door many times before, including Tamika, in charge at Stomp's Birthday Party. They said, "This is a GoGo."  I said, "I know."

Xclusive Thoughts was warming up. I was one of the first fans there. Bud came up and said, "Why haven't you started yet?" They said, "We're trying to find the beat!" They started shortly afterwards. The sound was so rough that it was almost noise: it really makes me appreciate the really good soundmen like Googie. The songs I made out in their set: Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis, "Grey Goose" chant, Phil Collins' In the Air Tonight, "Hip Hop hooray" chant, and "You got to bang that p*ssy". Bobbie Doll, Nena, and Angel were the bartenders. I talked with Angel, I told her I read her post mentioning me on the thread, "who is the hottest white guy on the planet?." TCB_M greeted me when he came in. I talked briefly with Nena then left.

Styles Expo Barber, Beauty and Spa?s Grand Opening
Styles Expo Barber, Beauty and Spa 7925 Crain Hwy., Glen Burnie, MD 21061

I hurried over and Mambo Sauce was warming up. They had a moonbounce for kids.

Red was there with his friend Shante.

Dig Dug was there.

Madd Chuck was the sound man.

Mambo Sauce
Sound Check
Black Boo acapella Ne-Yo's When You're Mad

Set

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



1) Instrumental - cranked, Black Boo said, "Thanks for having us. We're a band. I want to say we're a GoGo band, but we're a band in the GoGo format. We want to take GoGo to the next level with original music." Black Boo went on to say they want to bring other GoGo acts with them.
2) Black Boo-led Things Will Get Better - Black Boo said, "This band has been a long time coming", it cranked, Black Boo said, "What you see on MTV, we're 5 times tougher."
3) Black Boo-led Sweet Baby - it cranked, Black Boo said, "Any single mothers out there? Anyone raised by a single mother?", there was applause at the end of the song, Black Boo said, "Feel free to clap, feel free to party."
4) Yendy-led No - Black Boo played the cowbell, it cranked -->
5) Alternating Yendy-led Fairweather / Percussion solo - Black Boo did shout outs to the members of Submission band and Me, Black Boo said, "I can always find 2 of them here, I can always depend on it" -->
B, Double D, and Walter were there from Submission.
6) Black Boo-led Damn Joe - Black Boo said, "This song is on the radio", Black Boo played the cowbell, Black Boo said, "We aren't being selfish
Black Boo said, "I know I keep telling you our name, but I want to keep it in your mind."
7) Black Boo-led sung intro - it cranked, Black Boo said, "Mambo, give me some sauce with that", Black Boo did more shout outs, Pep played timbales
8) Yendy-led Cool Points - Black Boo said, "I don't know if you're going to admit it, but you ever in such a big hurry to get out of bed that you tripped on a chair?", Black Boo played the cowbell, Pep played timbales -->
Redsmoke introduced himself to me. He said he had seen me at Cafe U-Turn.
9) Alternating Black Boo-led Long Time Comin' - Drew played some grindin' riffs, it cranked and then they went laid back, Pep made phallic gestures with his drumsticks and Khari laughed, Black Boo said, "Come on Drew, Drew, Drew" / Drew guitar solo, Black Boo said, "Yesterday was bad for me" -->
Black Boo said, "I love everything about DC, even the swim team and the chess club. There's one thing about DC, I don't mess with that's George Bush"
10) Black Boo-led Go - Pep made fun of Barry's drumming
They finished a little before 7:30 PM.

Black Boo thanked everyone for coming out. He mentioned an upcoming show at Cranberries - I was surprised. I discussed with him how they didn't have live bands anymore.
I kidded Red about the picture of Northeast Groovers on Dig Dug's myspace page. I asked him how old it was. He asked Dig Dug, he said 2000.

I meant to go see Familiar Faces at Tradewinds that night, but when I got home, my body ached. If the Tradewinds show was right after Mambo Sauce's I would have been fine.

Submission Band at the Back to School Jam
Mount Calvary Baptist Church, 608 N Horners LN, Rockville, MD 20850

There were kids from Elementary School through High School and adults. There was food, water, and orange juice. There was a moon bounce.

Barry Melton, who was overseeing the event, came over and talked to me. We found out we both appreciate music, but can't play music ourselves.

Tony, Submission's manager and sound engineer, introduced himself to me.

Submission's performance was filmed by Walter.

Submission Band
Submission had some guests sitting in for the performance.
The line up was: 02 (lead talker), B (vocalist), Cliff & Dre (vocalists from Total Praise), Phonzo (three keyboards), King (drummer), Double D (percussion), and Isaac (cowbell player from another band).
Submission's bass player wasn't present.

B said they were hoping to start before 4 PM because they, like me, wanted to see Mambo Sauce's performance this evening.

First Set

Backline: Isaac, King, Double D, Phonzo, Frontline (closest to furthest): B, Cliff, Dre, 02


Tony, ?, and Walter

B, Cliff, Dre, 02



1) Instrumental - Dre chanted, "Pop, pop, yeah" repeatedly / 02 said, "Jesus is here", he did a shout to me "FunkMasterJ, the picture man" -->
2) 02-led "From the streets to the church, youngin's put in the work" / Percussion solo - first with Double D playing timbales, then congas
3) 02-led "Feeling it from the heart, feeling it from the soul... lose control" - I filmed it, it was really crankin'
4) 02-led "Put your hands in the air right now, let the beat ride in the name of the lord" - 02 said, "It's like a family affair, the complete body of Christ"
5) 02-led "Shake up the church, talk I'm listenin', don't let nobody control your vision, battle between the flesh and the spirit" - 02 said the crowd was looking at them like "looking at a fish tank", 02 said, "Get your groove on" / Percussion solo
6) 02-led "99.9, You better open your eyes, there's nowhere to hide, Jesus Christ is coming back, lord help me change my ways, because I don't want to burn" - Double D played the timbales / Double D timbale solo -->
7) 02-led "Back to..." - they passed out flyers for the new weekly Gospel Go-Go show with a revolving set of bands at Club Kingdom
8) B-led "The more you hate off me, the move blessings I'm going to receive, Christ be the love of my life" - 02 said, "We're just having some fun"
9) 02-led "SMB will not die, we're going to purify, we're going to praise, remember who you're dancing for, we're going to praise the lord" - Double D played timbales
10) 02-led "Who what when.. Are you living for the world, or are you living for Christ? Are you living for the girl, or are you living for Christ?, I shall proceed... This is for the people who love to praise the lord."
02 said, "I don't know what I was saying that joint just came out of me"

They took a break and asked for water and orange juice.

B said, "Everyone who said I looked like Kid N' Play, I need to see you after the show"

02 said, "I'm trying to stall to catch my breath"

Second Set
1) 02-led "I've got to keep... This is about a modern day Job, it's all taken away from him, but he still has his love for the lord, the lord gave and the lord take a way, no matter how hard, I got to... the storm, Last night drunk as a mug, Sunday morning, I praise the lord... You can take anything away, but I still pray" - lots of false starts, Double D played timbales
2) 02-led "Take the picture, this ain't school" - 02 nonverbally showed taking pictures, 02 said of a girl, "You're already posing", Double D switched to congas, 02 said, "This will be on the internet tomorrow", 02 said, "I want the socket", 02 rapped briefly
3) 02 said, "We got to leave, we don't want to, but we got to move. Get your tambourine" / Percussion solo - 02 said, "Oh, I'm about to drink my mic,", 02 said, "Give me a little something for FunkMasterJ", 02 said, "We gotta go. Look here y'all, God bless you"
Barry called everyone over with the kids in the middle to pray. A female Reverend led the praying.

Barry said, "I don't want to hold everyone longer", but he wanted to make sure everyone of the kids had Christ in their life. Then the circle broke up for him to hand out school supplied.
4) Submission's backline played accompanying music in the background



Submission really cranked.

As Barry went to pass out the supplies, I left to head over to Mambo Sauce's show.

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

I talked with Zach Cutler and Duane Face for a little bit.

John, his brother Derek, Los, June, Britney, Trina Boo, Netty, Twan, Alena, Tasha, DJ Rico, Tamara C., and Shadonna were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell did birthday shout outs to Tasha and Christie.
1) Instrumental / Alternating Sean-led "Deep, just like I... make me say... I just can't wait... hear you say, why why, 'cause we do it that way" - Sean sang on the dance floor to Tamara C. / Percussion solo
Danielle (Pink), Sherray (Always Showtime!!), SweetTyra, Ro'chelle (toosweet), and Peg Leg were there.
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
4) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!", Halima jumped around, Donnell said, "Bring it back, Doc", Donnell said, "Back him up, Dwayne Lee"
5) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - the frontline danced, Packy played the cowbell, Donnell held his mic to fans, Halima held her mic to Netty, who turned around and said "Nope" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Hollywood" - Donnell went to the edge of the dance floor, Halima held her mic to fans
6) Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" - Donnell sang it directly to Netty and another fan / sample "What?" / Donnell & Sean-led "keep it low, nobody got to know" / Percussion solo
Shawn and Tyrell were there.
All of the above songs cranked.
7) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
Gary was there.
8) Halima-led Chingy's Pulling Me Back featuring Tyrese
Boo, and Ian were there.

Toosweet asked me if I knew Ten5. I told her no, and she introduced him to me.

Stacy was there.

Dwayne came in and he was putting his shirt on.

Second Set
Donnell said, "Dwayne came in putting his clothes back on, he was naked, and he was late."
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You / Percussion solo -->
Stacey and Mia were there.
2) Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo"
3) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" / Smoke conga solo / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
4) Donnell & Sean-led "Reggae, Wind it, wind it, go down, Hear we go, I will never let you go, my love" / Donnell-led "But is it like that, Is it really like that" - Packy played the cowbell / Percussion solo
6) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis
7) Alternating Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) / Smoke conga solo
8) Alternating Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Halima held her mic to Netty, a male fan danced with Halima / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) - Donnell said, "Killazoo" repeatedly / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell-led Lil Wayne's Earthquake (tease)
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Smoke played the timbales and Jacques played the congas with drum sticks, Halima sang, "Uh oh" repeatedly
10) Alternating Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Godfather played the flugelhorn / Donnell said, "It's your birthday" repeatedly - Smoke and Jacques switched places, the house lights came on
Donnell repeatedly did shout outs to the River Terrace crew.
Donnell said, "Mama Mia, I didn't know she got the tattoo all across the cleavage."

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

Ebo (wearing a choker with a chain attached), Shawnisse, Natalie, Tanya, Angie, and Debbie were there. Matthew, Tata, Julia, their friend Tootsie (celebrating her birthday), Tracy, MeCelle, Sanisse, James, Nita, Keisha, Shameika, Tijuana, Sweet Buff, 02, Mary, Fat Cat, Sweet Pea (celebrating her birthday), and Sweet B were there.

I asked Tata when Reminisce plays. She said every Thursday at Martinis.

Junior was working the PA.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima said, "Wait a minute, y'all"
2) Donnell-led "___ Is up in here!" - it cranked
3) Sean-led Ne-Yo's Sexy Love - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked, Packy played the cowbell / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Donnell responded, "Do what? Say what?"
6) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - Tootsie danced on the stage floor -->
7) Donnell & Sean-led "on the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - Donnell went to the edge of the monitors and sang to a woman on the front of dance floor
8) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!" - it cranked, Donnell said, "Hands Free, they're f*cking with me!", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
6'9, Jan, and Keisha were there.
9) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Godfather played the flugelhorn, it cranked
Shawn, Ebony, and Mona were there.
I danced with Julia.
10) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's DJ Play a Love Song
Tamiko, Delano, Shelly, and Muffin were there.

Peg Leg was there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "Cowboy fans you need to cut that sh*t out. That's how pressed you are? Watching a pre-season game?"
1) Cheri Dennis' I Love You (instrumental tease) / Donnell-led "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy" / Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Halima said, "Brandywine, Hey!", Donnell said, "By yourself, ladies!", Sean held his mic to fans, Halima held her mic to Tata
2) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - Donnell said, "I got you Slick Rick, Mousie, El"
3) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
4) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is Yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "let's keep it low, don't tell nobody, nobody gotta know" - the frontline crouched down / Percussion solo - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Donnell responded, "Do what? Say what?", then Smoke played a conga solo
Ian was there.
5) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell said, "Hands Free, they're f*cking with me" / Donnell shouted, "Killazoo!" - Halima stood on a speaker, Peg Leg stood onstage by her, Donnell said, "They know what time it is" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, Friends of mine" chant
6) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked, Donnell did shout outs to Me, Trinidad, Wheeler Road, Tata danced on the stage floor / Donnell & Sean-led "Wind it... Go down, Reggae" - the house lights came on, Packy played the cowbell, Smoke played the congas with drumsticks / Donnell-led Shawnna's Getting Some (tease) / Donnell-led "But is it like that, is it really like that?" / Sean-led "I know... My love... Here we go again, I will never let you go again" - Donnell shouted, "Wait a minute!" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Wickedest Band Alive!" -->
Post Performance
7) Alternating Donnell over a percussion track "You don't want to see me" / Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease) / Rick James' Mary Jane (tease) / "I got a Superfly Snooka" / "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" / "In and out and up and down" / "can we come tonight, can we f*ck tonight" / Vinnie D's Porno Star? / "She started partyin' in the neighbor hood" - Stomp was dancing, they flashed the lights then cut off the PA
"original" Nikki was there.
Stomp and Packy were calling each other by their given names. Muffin told me she's Packy's cousin and has a son with his name reversed Zaevon. She said, "You're supposed to know those things!"

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

As I was driving into the parking lot, Smoke crossed my path. After I parked, I joked to Smoke that I could have hit him and "there would be one less conga" player. He laughed and said he "would have jumped over my car".

Darrell was just inside, with the cover takers. I talked with him for a bit.

I missed Jammin' Jeff & Da Band's performance. I did talk with Duane Face and Jammin' Jeff before they left. I asked Jammin' Jeff when Kraisy Praise was playing. He said they didn't play, but they will have a CD coming out soon.

Natalie was there, with her friends Raymond and Tanya, her brother and her cousin. Tracy S., Chris, Ray, Michon, Candi, Jay113. Black Heart, Chanel, LA, 6'9, Mia, Britney, Janetta, and DJ Rico were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "I saw those shorts all the way up the street, Mia. Mama Mia is in the house."
Angie W. and Boo were there.
1) Instrumental - Donnell criticized Dwayne Lee for playing sitting down, Donnell said of DL "It is retarded... No wonder he ain't getting any action" (Dwayne stood the rest of the show), it cranked
DayDay (conga player), March, Los, and Stacy were there.
Donnell said, "Godfather just walked in. He's going to tell me something's wrong with his car... it must be the alternator..." Donnell continued to go over a litany of possible excuses.
Yvette, Jan, and Keisha (with a new hairdo) were there.
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - it cranked
3) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - it cranked, Sean went on the dance floor and sang to Jan and other fans / Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Shameika, Simone, Nece, RE Angie, and Mousie were there.
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - it cranked / Percussion solo - the (house) stage lights went off
Sixx was there.
6) Donnell-led "on the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - it cranked / Percussion solo
7) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Sean rapped, Donnell said, "I see white girl is getting down"
8) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - it cranked, Halima jumped up and down, Packy played the cowbell, Smoke played the timbales, Godfather played the flugelhorn
9) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind

Shauny, Peg Leg, Felecia, and Ian were there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "Mama Mia"
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked, Doc stood behind Donnell instead of on the left for this song
2) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion Solo / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked
3) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis
4) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is - first time I've heard it in a while, it cranked
5) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome - RE Angie played congas / "RE-Angie" chant - the girl I was dancing with kept questioning why I was writing things down
6) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) - Donnell shouted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Percussion solo - Donnell did shout outs to me, Shameika, Tracy, Lisa, Michelle, he said, "Mama Mia, glad to see ya" / Donnell & Sean-led "Wind it... go down, Reggae" - Reggae groove, Donnell said, "Look at Mia", Jacques played timbales, Packy played the timbales, the house lights came on, Donnell sang to Mia's friend as she danced, "Is it like that, is it really like that" / Shawnna's Getting Some (tease)
7) Stomp played a sample of D4L's Laffy Taffy

There was a big accident on the BW Parkway on my way home: a car on its side.

Meeting with Moe Shorter
Caribou Coffee, Silver Spring, MD

Moe Shorter was nice enough to meet me by my work after work. We had an informal discussion. It was informal, and I did not take notes (on paper - I certainly took mental notes). I got Mo's approval to post:

Moe said he stills works for the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities. He told me how he started into GoGo. He went to Ballou High School and had a friend, Derek, who was Junkyard's manager. Derek wanted him to see them play, but Moe worked after school. Junkyard would transport all their instruments in a shopping cart. He said one day he got off work early and they played just for him. He loved it. Then he went to Howard and he got them a gig there. That was still only the second time he had seen them. He got them another gig for a festival after that. Later he became their assistant manager from 1982 to 1986. He had to leave for a while in 1986.

I asked him about the DC's view on GoGo. He said many people don't realize it has nothing to do with GoGo dancers meaning the women in boots. He said when Marion Barry was mayor, Barry encouraged the GoGo Alliance (predecessor to the GoGo Coalition) to bring in members of the ANC to educate them on what GoGo really is.

We talked about the perceived connection between GoGo and violence. He said that it is ridiculous, they shut down GoGo venues when there is violence at them, but for instance they don't shut down a school when violence occurs at a school, etc. Often fights and other violence are due to pre-existing beefs between people, they see each other at the GoGo and act them out. Moe said, "Everybody's who's somebody will show up at the GoGo (not positive of the exact quote)." He said that you shouldn't have a problem if you don't put yourself in that position. He said he's a grown man, he's big enough to say, "Sorry for bumping into you." He said Mike, a fan who had been to all but 5 Junkyard shows that he could go to (geographically) in 9 years, was always up front and had never gotten into a fight. He asked me about my experiences. I said I have always felt safe, even at a Safari show where someone got shot in the parking lot while I was inside. He said one other thing about the media's bias is that they don't talk about all the friendships that develop between people who attend GoGos - I personally can't count just how many of those I've made. I mentioned reading DC Alcoholic Beverage Commission rulings that say no live or recorded GoGo.  He said that he asks anyone to bring him anything they see from the government that specifically discriminates against GoGo because that would be illegal. He said the only one who brought him documentation was Hollywood Breeze. He said that Breeze's conditions were originally developed by the community and he agreed to them and the city supported them. He said that Breeze could have fought them, but he was tired of dealing with it - 20 years ago, he probably would have. I mentioned how Safari and Cranberries no longer have live bands due to the lack of proper entertainment licenses. He said that it is important for vendors and bands to get their proper licenses. He said that venues get greedy and end up getting shut down. He said that bands need to be be properly licensed businesses and pay taxes. It is important for them to be able to properly deal with other businesses and the government. When Marion Barry met with bands, his first question was, "Are you properly licensed as a business?" Attending political functions, the important thing for Fenty/Cropp is - "Are you a taxpayer? Are you a voter?" Moe talked about when he created his label, Street Records, he wanted to sign an upcoming GoGo band, they weren't willing to sign a contract. A contract protects both parties, including what the expectations are.

Moe talked about an article saying that drugs were being sold in the GoGos. He said he knew that wasn't true but one of his good friends wouldn't believe him, she believed the article. He explained to her that you could tell from reading the article that the reporter didn't even go to the GoGos and that they search everyone coming in. He said she still wouldn't believe him. I said he should have mentioned Jayson Blair to her.

Moe said that he didn't like bulletin boards/chat boards on the internet - that people believe things are true just because they are posted on the internet.

Moe doesn't like PA recordings being used as a reflection of GoGo music to those people who don't go to the clubs. People who go to GoGos tend not to like the studio GoGo, but they can just go to the clubs anyway to listen to what they want to hear. Liaison is there to distribute recordings including PA recordings, but most groups aren't willing to do that.

I asked him if he was still Junkyard's manager. He said no, he's a consultant to their day to day manager, Yvette, who is the girlfriend of one of the band members. He said she isn't willing to do some things, such as tell them what they can and can't play. He said the fight occurred at the show I attended when they played Ruff It Off; they don't need to play that. I asked him if Junkyard was properly licensed, he said they were when he was the manager. He said he still books out of town gigs for Junkyard, he has connections.

We talked about Halima. I mentioned how the band views it as an advantage that she's not from DC. He agreed, saying that DC needs to unlearn some of their bad habits. One he mentioned was how band members "need to stop banging on stuff" before they start performing. He also talked about punctuality and starting early. He said that if you start playing early, the fans will come earlier - they don't want to miss their favorite song, etc. He told Junkyard, "They're paying to see you play, you aren't paying to see them."

Moe asked me what bands I had interviewed. I talked about Mumbo Sauce Band out of Hampton, Virginia. He said he liked the song Go. I told him that's a different band, Mambo Sauce. I said that Mumbo Sauce Band was unhappy about the similarity of names because they think they sound better than Mambo Sauce. He said when he first heard Go, he thought a white guy must have co-opted it. When he found out Red was their manager, he said, "I was half right." He asked if Thi Lai was still singing with them. I told him that she wasn't because she stripped her vocal cords.

Moe said he had thought I was faking it at the Market Lounge, that I was bobbing my head and just sitting at the bar. I told him I was at the bar because of 2 reasons: I had my camera because Unity Band rarely plays and I am always really tired on Fridays since I went back to working.

Moe discussed working with EU. He said that one of the band members told him EU hadn't rehearsed for 2 years! He said he didn't believe it until Sugar Bear said the same thing. The first thing he got them to do was start rehearsing. He said one of the best kept secrets is EU on Wednesdays at The Meeting Place 1707 L St NW, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 293-7755. He said it is an older audience and they play 70s Funk covers and it's tight.

Moe said that Donnell had talked with him about managing 911, but that Moe rejected them before it could come to the offer stage because they had too many band members: it was about 15. He said they talked about needing this or that person. I talked about Godfather, we exchanged stories. Moe said that he thinks Donnell is the most talented person in GoGo and he's waiting for him to explode.

Moe said he was able to live off of GoGo for 12 years as Junkyard's full-time manager: he has a nice house and a nice car. I discussed how impressed I was with the members of Familiar Faces being able to stay awake working during the day and performing at night. He said for him sometimes he would see the numbers dancing at work (he's an accountant). 

Kato's Surprise Birthday Party
Uniqek Banquet Hall, 3130 Branch Ave., Marlow Heights, MD 20748

I got there about 5 PM. Getting the sound system to work without a buzz noise was difficult. Kato arrived, and was truly surprised:

Kato reacting to the surprise - he jokingly tried to lock out Teago and Preston

Kato, Chocolate Drop (to his left), Kato's daughters, and his grandson


Foreground: Always Showtime!!, Dey, 02, Background: Sweet AKA, Bobbiedoll, Maiah


6th & Miss and his wife


KC of the Junkyard Band


Donnell Floyd wearing the Wes Unseld jersey, Jay113 to his left, Moe Shorter and Bobbiedoll to his right, Supa Dan is the DJ


Mz. Laydee, Trina, Lady$tyle$ at the front table, Nephew at the back table


Marvin of TCB in the middle back (black shirt), Preston Blue and Teago (with the blue jersey) to the right


Dey, Always Showtime!!, and RE_Admin


Sweettyra in the light blue shirt to the left, Sashay Shaunte is in the black shirt in the back (she was the bartender)



Here was the program:
02 was the MC.

There was a DVD with recorded messages for Kato by Ras Lidj & Deep Band (it was really funny), Fatal Attraction (Kato & Teago manage them), D-Floyd and more. Here's a message by D Ball that didn't make the DVD.
1) Speeches by the All Around Honies (I recognize Trina, I don't know the other 2)

2) Acapella performance by Chevy of Fatal Attraction - Parts 1 and 2
3) A speech by Kato's cousin Marlon (Money Green)

4) A speech by SweetTyra

5) A speech by Weaze of Metroboys

6) A performance by KC of the Junkyard Band
7) A presentation of a plaque by Nena and Maiah

8) A performance by KC and Chevy - Parts 1 and 2
9) A speech by Kato.

I was touched that I was one of the people Kato mentioned in his speech, even if he did call me Lee Harvey Oswald.
Supa Dan was the DJ.

Front of table: 02 and RE_Admin, Rear of table: Chipster, Diva, Always Showtime!!, Pink, Dey is standing, BJ of Rare Essence and Michelle at the next table


Fatal Attraction is at the rear table


Fed Up with her back to the camera


Chipster, BJ, and Sweetchelle


Donnell Floyd is talking to Big Buck of Publicity Band




Kato in front, Diva, Fed Up (face hidden), Dey, RE_Admin, Sashay Shaunte, Always Showtime!!, Pink, Chipster, Miss Gomez


Fed Up on the far left, Bobbiedoll on the far right



Kato, Preston Blue, Teago and Fatal Attraction


Michelle and BJ

All pictures above taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
All pictures below taken by and Copyright - B's wife, Tamyko

B and Kato


BJ and I


Kato and his cousins

Among the guests beyond those mentioned above: Teago & Preston Blue who had brought Kato, his daughters and grandson, Chocolate Drop, 6th & Miss and his wife, B and his wife Tamyko, Dey, Always Showtime!!, Bobbie Westmoreland, Sweet AKA, Donnell Floyd of Familiar Faces, Big Buck of Publicity Band, BJ (Kato's cousin) of Rare Essence (he sat with me and Sweetchelle), Mo Shorter, Mz. Laydee of Dynasty Band, Lady$tyle$, Nephew, the Fatal Attraction Band, RE_Admin, Pink, Diva, Jay113, Chipster, Fed Up, Sashay Shaunte, Marvin of TCB, Southern-Roots1, and Miss Gomez. Fairley of the GoGo Coalition sat at my table and she introduced herself to me. Outside, before I left, I introduced myself to Moe Shorter - he recognized me from the recent Market Lounge Junkyard show I attended.