RIP Scotty Beats
Today I was saddened to hear of the death of Raymond Scott "Scotty Beats" Brown II in an attempted carjacking.  I met Scotty when I sat in on some recording sessions for Familiar Faces' album Evolution in July 2004 at Night Flight Studio.  He was a very nice, personable guy who had a love for music.  Here is an article on his death.

Scotty's Funeral

Friday October 20, 2006
Viewing 9 AM
Funeral 11 AM
Reid Temple A.M.E Church
11400 Glendale Blvd
Glendale, MD 20769
Here is an article on his funeral.


Scotty Beats with Donnell Floyd at Night Flight Studio on July 25, 2004
Picture taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich

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

Jazzy Layse and Chevy of Fatal Attraction were right ahead of me in line to get in.
Val "Tina Turner", Danielle (Wellfhed), Simone (Stallion), and Sashay Shaunte were there. Danielle introduced me to Chris from L!ssen Da Grew^P who had played for Jammin' Jeff & Da Band tonight.
Nikki, Lashonda, Big Don Pimp, and Ytee (celebrating his birthday, which was October 6th, this was the first time I've seen him in a long time) were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "We lost a family member last night." He asked for a moment of silence for Scotty Beats. Afterwards, he said, "Rest in peace, Scotty Beats"
1) Instrumental / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Give me a pocket just to get warmed up" / Donnell did special birthday dedications to me, Alicia, and Libras / Sean-led Brian McKnight's Find Myself in You
Tim (LJ), 6'9, Shawn, Dana, and Kim were there.
2) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go / Percussion solo - with modulation, Donnell said, "Go Ytee, it's your birthday! Go Libras, it's your birthday!"
Donnell Jr. was there.
3) Sean-led Omarion's Entourage / Percussion solo
Audrey (Da Remixx) was there.
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, Party, everybody" / Percussion solo - Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
Candylady and John were there.
6) Donnell & Sean-led "Unh, unh unh"
Mousie was there.
Donnell said, "I'd like to wish all the Libras a happy birthday"
7) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
Damond, "original" Nikki, and Ebony were there.
8) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life

Rickea, Derek Floyd, Renee (a friend of Ebo's), Peg Leg, Suri, Sharmba Mitchell, Janetta, Kiana, and Tiffany F. were there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back
RE Angie and Angie W. were there.
2) Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender - Donnell chanted, "Whoa, whoa" / Lil' Scrappy's Money in the Bank (tease) - Donnell stopped it chastise a fan
3) Sean-led India Arie's There's Hope - it cranked / Percussion solo - Donnell stopped the song and said, "This ain't the Metro Club. We done grown up. We got shirts with buttons on and sh*t."
Darlene was there.
4) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / Sample "What?" / "Keep it low"
Tyrell was there.
5) Halima rapped "I've been doing it so long, I'll be damned..."
Big Buck of Publicity Band was there.
6) Alternating Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful - Jazzy Layse danced onstage / Donnell-led "But is it like that, is it really like that?"
7) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - the house lights came on, Packy played the cowbell, Ytee danced onstage (and did until the end of the set), Donnell said, "Hey Ytee, it's your birthday" / "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Rare Essence's How Can I Know? (tease, music to Lock It)
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Geraldine (tease)
9) Donnell-led What Would You Do? (For the Money) - RE Angie sat in on congas
Skaci was there.
Peg Leg saw I was wearing an Orioles jacket, he said, "You need to get a Yankees jacket" - no way!
10) Donnell sang, "Chevy to the levy and the levy was gone"
11) Donnell-led Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (tease)
Donnell was still talking when I left.

Mambo Sauce at the State Theatre
Mambo Sauce was interviewed on the TMOTT radio show on GoGoRadio.com. You can listen to the interview here.

The State Theatre, 220 N. Washington Falls Church, VA 22046

I bought my ticket in advance, but it unfortunately turned out it wasn't necessary, as it didn't sell out. Mambo Sauce was opening up for the Skatalites.

I said hello to Red up front.

All the tables were reserved for eating; I picked a table front and center. This venue has a really nice stage; I've never been here before.

Most of the members of Mambo Sauce came out a little after 9 PM. The house lights dimmed and the stage lights came on.

Mambo Sauce
Kevin "Kali" Kalifornia was sitting in for Drew on guitar.
Their performance was being filmed by 2 cameras - one hand-held on stage and on the dance floor, another on a tripod next to the PA.
1) Instrumental
Black Boo and Yendy came out. Black Boo said, "Anyone got chicken wings? I we're about to put some Mambo Sauce on that". I gave a further intro speech.
There outfits the various members wore varied in formality: Barry had a shirt and tie.
2) Black Boo-led Things Will Get Better
3) Black Boo-led Sweet Baby - Yendy said, "This is my personal favorite", it cranked
Black Boo said, "If you feel like dancing like the beautiful woman I just saw, do what your body tells you to do. That's what this music is all about."
Black Boo did a shout out to Moe, "the other Moe".
4) Black Boo-led sung intro - Black Boo pulled out the cowbell, it cranked
5) Yendy-led No - it cranked -->
6) Yendy-led Fairweather - Black Boo played the cowbell, it cranked -->
7) Black Boo-led Damn Joe - Black Boo played the cowbell, it cranked
Black Boo said, "We got one more for you, we got to get out of here a little earlier than we expected."
8) Black Boo-led Long Time Comin' - Kali played grinding riffs, Kali had a really nice solo, the song went to being laid back, Black Boo introduced the band, then Yendy introduced Black Boo saying, "Sexual Chocolate!"
The set was about an hour.
Pep just played congas the whole set, no toms (fine by me).
Left to right: backline: Chris, Pep, Kali, Barry (on a riser in the back middle), Khari, frontline: Black Boo, Yendy
The audience was mostly white. They applauded after every song. A number of people danced.
Red was on the dance floor at the end. He said Drew was in Atlanta. Red introduced me to another fan who attends most of their shows.

Up front, Ro'chelle (toosweet) was minding Mambo Sauce's t-shirts for sale. Disco Earl (formerly Spearchucker) introduced himself to me, a fellow Whitman graduate. He said he mostly posts on TMOTT between classes (he's a teacher), he takes out his frustrations on TMOTT, which explains his sarcastic posting style. He asked me why I wasn't at Familiar Faces' show; I said they don't play until after midnight.

V's Mix Tape Release Party
Sky Club, Zanzibar on the Waterfront, 700 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20024

Patrice Bowie's brother, Vernon "V", invited me to his mix tape "I'm Here" release party. He's a rapper. I saw Bryan Mills out front, he said, "See you inside". This was my first time at the Sky Club. They took my pen, the same one I had just bought at 7-11 Friday. Jade, the event organizer, took me up. I was one of the first guests to arrive - I watched the VT-BC game for a bit. I was a little disappointed Maya wasn't bartending up in here. I went into the VIP area, where you could see into the stage below. Dali was there, taking pictures.

I had a long conversation with Buzz, Patrice's manager. He talked about DC's "secret" conspiracy against GoGo - it's really not secret, just not written as it is illegal. He said that PG County's government and police forces have close ties to DC, and that they will get rid of GoGo too. He believes that when Chuck Brown dies, GoGo will be exterminated unless they become national and don't just play in one place. I told him about Mambo Sauce and how I think they have the best business model to go national. He said Chuck is the only GoGo artist allowed to perform at a lot of DC venues, including the Lincoln Theatre. He said the city owns Zanzibar and H2O and they will soon become condos. He said the city gets rid of GoGo from venues through not allowing renewal of liquor licenses. He also said the service at these clubs is terrible, including having to be frisked. I think frisking people is a necessity.

He said he intentionally is having Patrice's performances be outside the city (Bethesda). He talked about his plans for her - the current band is just a few months old, as he fired a number of band members, keeping Ricky Wellman. He said that Patrice is very successful hair stylist (she owns her own salon), so she can afford to be patient about signing a record deal. He called her his 100 million dollar baby. I said I wished she didn't sing covers, but he said they are a necessity, since she isn't known and that people wonder if she can sing in such a such manner... He said they will be careful about signing: he talked about how at Raheem DeVaughn's release party in DC, no one from Sony was there, he said that was a punk move. He made a point of Patrice being able to perform live and in the studio: he said that track singers' careers don't last long. He said she is a fully packaged product. He said that had Patrice told him earlier about my birthday, he would have razzed me on the mic on Tuesday. He said he wants to put Little Benny and Sugar Bear in a group together and make it GoGo Rock. He also talked about putting Little Benny together with other artists like: "What if I put you together with a 19-year old white rapper?" He said that Da Butt is played at a lot of clubs across the county, but that if Sugar Bear walked in that club, he wouldn't be recognized. We were watching Soul Spnge, he also talked about Bryan and Brad since he's a horn player. Buzz said he hasn't played in 18 years. We talked about Rich Harrison and Scotty Beats, who ironically was killed that night. Buzz talked about hooking me up with a woman who has worked in public relations with Arista who wants to do a documentary on GoGo.

A woman named Dawn who had sat next to me at Patrice's show 2 weeks ago introduced herself to me. She introduced me to her sister Jenny; they are cousins of Vernon & Patrice.

I saw Familiar Faces take the stage; it was weird watching them and not being able to hear them. I haven't seen them perform at Zanzibar's on a Thursday in three months. During the break after their first set, Dwayne and Sean came upstairs. Dwayne said of Vernon, "This is my little brother". I was going to leave around then (due to the lateness), but Vernon asked me to stay longer. He said he really liked my writing, and he wanted me to do some writing for/on him. He gave me a copy of the album - some of which was being played. The party had a DJ and an MC.

Patrice pointed out family members to me; she said she has 5 sisters. She said it's (the party) really a family affair. She said a cousin she hadn't seen in years was there, she didn't know he was in the NFL. Patrice asked me if her brother had contacted me on myspace. She said he's always going through her friends on myspace, but she said to him, this is someone you should look up.

Buzz introduced me to Mustafa. 

I saw Omarr and Stomp briefly before I left, Stomp asked me who the party was for.

Vernon had treated me very well. When I walked out, Renee was outside. She asked me when FF had started. I told her and said I was actually at a different show, she said, "I'm telling! I'm putting it in the paper."

Tony's Birthday Celebration
I passed by the Gallaudet University protesters on my way to the club. 

Phish Tea Cafe, 1335 H St NE Washington, DC 20002

Tonight was a celebration for Tony of Familiar Faces' band security.

Halima had a new hairdo.

Skaci, Angie, and Chanel were there. I introduced myself to Rita. "Original" Nikki, Ebony, Renee, India, and Shawn were there.

Familiar Faces
Dwayne Lee was back.
First Set
1) Alternating Sean-led Bernard Ighner's Everything Must Change - Donnell played on the dance floor, Sean sang on the dance floor, Halima sang along in the second go round / Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine (same music) - Halima sang on the dance floor, her movements were quirky
Tracy S. was there.
2) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life - Halima took her mic stand on the dance floor, later she went back on stage / Instrumental - Godfather came in, Halima said, "Sometimes he's on time"
Los and Ras Lidj were there.
3) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Find Myself In You - Donnell did a birthday shout out to Tony, it cranked, Donnell did a special dedication to Pee Wee (dancing onstage): Donnell said, "That's how Lock It got started", Donnell said, "They fixed the air conditioning, it was a little warm when we was celebrating my man Jordan's birthday"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club - verses for Tony and Libras
5) Halima-led "ah ah, I need you... Drive me crazy"
6) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house"
7) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Sean sang on the dance floor, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya" / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
8) Halima rapped "I've been doing it so long, I'll be damned..." - it cranked
Donnell said, "Something new right off the radio"
Mike Smith, Mousie, Yaquim, and Tasha (T-Bird) with Cory (spelling?) were there.

Sound Check
Donnell acapella Yung Joc's I Know You See It

Donnell joned about Los and the Dallas Cowboys, saying, "We'll watch the Redskins game at Carlos' house.
What did TO say, "What the f*ck am I here for? He got it started already..."

Second Set
Donnell said, "Something new"
1) Sean-led Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back - I really hate that song, it's not FF's performance of it, the song is just awful
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked / Percussion solo -->
3) Alternating Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Alternating Donnell-led "__ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low" / sample "What?" / Percussion solo - it cranked, Jacques played the cowbell
6) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked / Percussion solo
7) Alternating Donnell-led "Reggae" - Donnell said, "For real?" about India's dancing / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful
8) Donnell & Sean-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell added "unh unh" grunts and there was heavy percussion, it cranked
9) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu featuring Jay-Z - it cranked, the house lights came on
10) Instrumental - false start, Donnell asked Googie to turn the bass drum back on, Donnell said, "Something new right as you leave"
Donnell said, "Happy birthday Kiana, Happy Birthday Tony"
Shante (Songbird) was there.

LiveNLearn said she was there, but I didn't notice her.

Patrice Bowie Project at South Beach
South Beach, 7904 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20810

This performance was downstairs unlike the last one I attended.

Dali again took pictures.

Kanika and Cindy had new hairdos.

Patrice Bowie Project
They had an additional keyboard player, Dawoud.
First Set
1) Stan-led "Until you're using me, I'd rather... You're trying to tell me... If you were only in my shoes" (music sounded like Herbie Hancock) - the singers did not perform yet, Stand said that Ricky had made fun of him, dared him to sing
2) Stan-led William Devaughn's Be Thankful for What You Got - Kanika and Cindy joined in during the song
Buzz introduced the band. He talked about how you may not recognize Patrice's face, but you've heard her, she sang the theme song to Jeannie's Juice and is on the Barbershop 2 soundtrack.
3) Patrice-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
4) Patrice-led Mary J. Blige's Be Without You
5) Patrice-led Alicia Keys' Diary
6) Patrice-led Butterflies (an original from her album) - Patrice made a speech, Patrice did a shout out to Jeannie Jones in the audience
7) Patrice-led Letoya Luckett's Torn
8) Alternating Patrice-led Give It to Me (an original from her album) - I saw Little Benny was outside / Patrice did band intros and the band did solos - in order: Randy, Stan, Dennis, Dawoud, Ricky / Another Ricky solo

I told Stan I didn't know he could sing.

Buzz said that my blog is "intense."

Buzz went around and introduced entertainers in the audience: Stephan Thompson (spelling?), Jeannie Jones, Mustafa, a woman named Charlene on the Essence of Fire calendar, and another couple of people whose names I didn't catch.

Second Set
Jeannie Jones went up to the stage and said, "Women rule the DC area", she talked about "Elevate the DC Music".
1) Patrice-led Fingalickin (an original from her album)
2) Patrice-led Say Yes (an original from her album)
3) Patrice-led Heather Headley's In My Mind
4) Patrice-led Amazing (an original from her album)
Lenny Benny went onstage
5) Little Benny-led Jeannie's Juice Theme - Kanika and Cindy sang "meow"
6) Patrice-led Beyonce's Deja Vu featuring Jay-Z - Patrice said, "I don't want nothing but the bass, high hat", Little Benny and Buzz played the trumpet, Randy played different keyboard riffs
Pooh was there.
7) Little Benny-led Yung Joc's It's Going Down - the frontline danced in synch, it cranked
8) Little Benny-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Go Libras, it's your birthday"
9) Patrice-led Close to Me (an original from her album) - Little Benny rapped, Patrice had a hand symbol for Close to Me, Buzz played on Randy's keyboard
10) Little Benny-led B.G.'s I Know
11) Patrice-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Randy was back
12) Little Benny-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked

Bobbie's Birthday Celebration
J's Sports Cafe, 12617 Laurel Bowie Rd (Route 197), Laurel, MD 20708

I went to this show planning to see at least Fatal Attraction, and then go to the Best Western. I noticed when I got to J's that I didn't have a pen (it had fallen out of my pocket at home). I was one of the first fans there. Sweet AKA and Sweettyra were there.

I said hello to Teago.

I talked with Supa Dan about Safari Steakhouse. He said that their entertainment license wasn't pulled, but they were getting push back on having Rare Essence. He said the county called Rare Essence "a menace to society". He said they wouldn't re-open until they had dealt with the situation.

Jazzy Layse was there.

I noticed Fatal Attractions keyboard players putting away their keyboards. I asked Kato, "You're not playing?" He said, "The drummer didn't make it".

One of the bartenders, whom I've never talked with, came over and said, "Not that I don't want you to be here, but why aren't you at the" Best Western? I told her I would be there later, I just find L!ssen Da Grew^p boring.

Duce7 of What? Band came by, he was disappointed Fatal wasn't playing; he had come early just to see them.

Publicity Band warmed up, the one vocalist was joning on Bobbie.


I talked with Bobbie, and we wished each other happy birthday. I then left - no slight on Publicity Band, but I wanted to be on time for Familiar Faces.

Simone (Stallion), Danielle (Wellfhed), and Tameka (Ms. Minnie Me) were in Danielle's car in the parking lot. I talked with them briefly, and then headed out.

I stopped at a 7-11 on my way to the Best Western to buy a pen.

Familiar Faces' Columbus Day Show
Baystreet Nightclub, Best Western Capital Beltway, 5910 Princess Garden Pwy, Lanham, MD 20706

I saw RE Angie in the parking lot on my way in.

Sherray (Always Showtime!!), Danielle (Pink), Ro'chelle (toosweet), Danielle (Wellfhed), Suri, Ron Moten, and Darlene were there.

There was a film crew shooting a documentary called "Curfew" for ARD German TV in the hallway (I later talked with one of the cameramen, Tom Wegner).

"Original" Nikki, Mona, Ebony, Kim, Marquita, Tracy S., Angie W., 6'9, Damond, Jay113, Yolanda, Chevy of Fatal Attraction, Jazzy Layse, Darrell, Simone, and Jackie were there.

Junior was working the sound as Googie was doing the sound for Chuck Brown.

Familiar Faces

Tanya (security) in front, Onstage: Flo, Doc, Lorenzo, Boolah, Donnell


Jacques, Smoke, Sean, DP, Los
Clarence "Boolah" Roper again was again sitting in for Dwayne Lee (off for his birthday)
Set
1) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life - nice Boolah solo
Delano and Mama Chelle were there.
2) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked, Sean held his mic to fans / Percussion solo
Gary and Los were there.
3) Alternating Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Packy played a tambourine, Halima stood on the left speaker, Sean stood on the right speaker, the film crew went up front and Darrell said of their camera, "I need to get one of those", Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya" / 6 Minutes percussion solo - the film crew went onstage
Candal was there.
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Sean-led B.G.'s I Know
6) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Alternating Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick, Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C", Donnell said, "Come on Boolah" / Percussion solo - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya"
7) Donnell-led D-O-C (D-I-P re-done)
8) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - it cranked, Halima held her mic to fans / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell chanted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell said, "Langston Lane love"
Nikiya, Ray, and Shawn were there.
9) Donnell-led All Da Time (tease) (basically the yell) - Sean went back onstage, Donnell said, "Dance with me y'all"
10) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (literal tease) - Donnell started to go to break, saying "Ten for ten, nine for nine, eight for breaks", but then retracted that saying Sean wanted to sing another song
11) Alternating Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You
Lilone, Sashay Shaunte, and Mousie were there.
Donnell said they were going to play straight through.
12) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - either Godfather or Lorenzo was playing different keyboard riffs, Halima went back onstage, Sean went on the left speaker / Percussion solo - Sean said, "Don't nobody say nothing"
13) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / sample "What?" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low" -->
14) Alternating Donnell-led "Reggae" - Jazzy Layse danced onstage, Donnell went on the right speaker / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful / Donnell-led "But is it like that, is it really like that?"

Jazzy Layse dancing onstage
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Darrell Foster
Donnell went back onstage
15) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu featuring Jay-Z - it cranked, the house lights came on, Sean switched to the right speaker, Yolanda said of a guy wearing a shirt with a tuxedo print, "That guy looks like Dave Chappelle"
Donnell said, "We need to stop, one more"
16) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Halima went on the left speaker
17) Donnell-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - Sean went back onstage, Donnell said, "Chicken noodle soup"
18) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Go Kiana, it's your birthday"
19) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's Hey Tamika (tease)
Archie and Ariel were there. Donnell had done a shout out to 02, but I didn't see him.
Donnell said, "Omarr's got some 'splaining to do, she's furious!"
Donnell joned on Sheid and L!ssen Da Grew^p about their bowling match.

My and Natalie's birthday celebration
Tradewinds Night Club, 5859 Allentown Way, Camp Springs, MD 20748

The parking lot was really crowded again for the  first time in a while.

Nita, Keshia, Tracy, Tory, Britney, Antoinette (Miss Gomez), Ebo, Natalie (same birth date as me), Tony, Marquita, Sam (Black Heart), Los,

Familiar Faces
First Set
Clarence "Boolah" Roper was sitting in for Dwayne Lee who was taking today and tomorrow off for his birthday.
1) Instrumental / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "I told you she didn't quit. Here comes Halima. She had trouble with her car, she couldn't find a babysitter, etc.": Halima's facial reactions were great / Sean-led Brian McKnight's Find Myself in You - Donnell said, "Someone left their keys in the bathroom. Are you sure they're not Godfather's? He done lost everything else", Donnell said, "Special dedication to all the Libras"
Danette and Shelly were there
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Sean-led B.G.'s I Know
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - "Go Libras, it's your birthday!"
5) Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender / Percussion solo / Lil' Scrappy's Money in the Bank (tease)
6) 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 / Donnell said, "Langston Lane love"
7) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo - Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya", Donnell said, "Hey Jordan, it's your birthday", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C", Donnell said, "Come on, Boolah"
8) Donnell-led D-I-P
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked -->
10) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
Renee, Janetta, and Rickea were there.
11) Donnell-led "Unh, unh" / "Two, and number three, number four, worry about number one" - it cranked -->
12) Alternating Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful
13) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life - nice Boolah solo
Delano, Big Don Pimp, Peanut, Vic, and Kay were there.
14) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You - Doc was on backup vocals, nice Boolah solo
15) Sean-led "Girl you know I love you no matter what you do"
Archie, Tiffany F., Tasha, "original" Nikki, Stacy (Choo Choo's cousin), and Mousie were there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Donnell said happy birthday to me and Tiffany
2) Sean-led India Arie's There's Hope / Percussion solo
3) Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo"
4) Alternating Donnell-led "____ Is yes!" / "Keep it low" / sample "What?" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "___ Is up in the building" / "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy"
Shameika and Choo Choo were there.
5) Alternating Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis / Percussion solo
6) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - the houselights came on
Felecia was there.
7) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu featuring Jay-Z - Packy played the cowbell
8) Stomp played a sample of Kanye West's Gold Digger
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Used to Let the Pocket Ride / Boolah solo
Kim (the one I don't know) was there.
Donnell said, "Is it still good, Toya?"
Keshia introduced me to her cousin Kelly.

Rachelle's birthday celebration
I got back from work too late to go see Burnt Sugar at the Kennedy Center for the Duke Ellington Jazz Festival, but I was able to watch it online (click here to see it). I am big fan of them, but most of there shows are in New York City.

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

June, Darrell, Tia, Pinkey, RE Angie, Dana, Kim, Rachelle, Shante (Songbird), Danielle, 6'9, Gary, Los, Ian, Shauny, Jazzy Layse, Janetta, NeeNee, and Kia were there.


Rachelle


Front: Kim, Tia, Rachelle, Nephew Back: Ian, Peg Leg, Pinkey



Pinkey, Tia, Kim


Los and Rachelle


Lorenzo, Sean, Dwayne, Los, Stomp, Packy


Me dancing with Tiffany and Rickea
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Darrell Foster

Familiar Faces
First Set
Jammin' Jeff sat in for Stomp, who was late.
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - Halima held her mic to ladies, it cranked
Britney, Nikiya, Peg Leg, and Ray were there.
Donnell did birthday announcements for me and Dwayne Lee (his birthday is the 8th)
2) Donnell-led "___ Is in the house" / Percussion solo - it cranked
3) Donnell & Sean-led Ne-Yo's Sexy Love - Donnell said, "I can sing it" / Percussion solo - it cranked / Sean-led Michael Jackson's Human Nature (tease)
4) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Spotlight (tease) / Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease)
5) Donnell & Halima-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease)
6) Donnell-led Vinnie D's Porno Star?
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease)
8) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease)
9) Donnell & Sean-led Rick James' Mary Jane (tease)
10) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion solo - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Stomp took over on drums, Donnell said, "D-O-C"
Boo and Bam were there.
11) Donnell-led D-I-P
12) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be"
Chevy of Fatal Attraction was there.
13) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life
Rickea, Tiffany F., Mousie, Ron Moten, Steve, Shelly, and "original" Nikki were there. I introduced myself to Skaci.
Donnell joned on Ray.

Two girls I had talked with at the Eastside Rare Essence show were there and said hello.

Shadonna was there.

Dwayne said he had trouble getting back in during the break, they didn't recognize him.

Second Set
1) Sean-led India Arie's There's Hope - Godfather played the flugelhorn / Percussion solo
2) Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender / Lil' Scrappy's Money in the Bank (tease)
3) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell chanted, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led "Hands free, they're f*cking with me" chant
4) Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" / Percussion solo
5) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
6) Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful - Jazzy Layse danced onstage / Donnell-led "But is it like that, is it really like that?"
Damond was there.
7) Donnell-led Welcome to the Terrordome - RE Angie sat in on congas / Percussion solo / "RE-Angie" chant
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - the houselights came on
9) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu featuring Jay-Z
10) Donnell acapella Nicole the Bartender

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

Ron Moten, Darrell, Chanel, Prince Hall, Pinkey, and RE Angie were there.

Darrell took pictures.

Skaci was there.

It was very hot.

Familiar Faces
Donnell did a birthday shout out to me.
1) Grover Washington Jr.'s Mr. Magic - Donnell played his Sax on the dance floor
Michon, Candi, and Shante (Songbird) were there.
2) Miles Davis' Tutu
Tracy S. was there.
3) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life - Halima took her mic stand on the dance floor
RE Angie told me, "Write this down: this broad is the best thing to come to DC. You can tell just from her talking voice." I asked her, "What about Yannie?" She said, "I love Yannie" but Halima's better.
LA was there.
4) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean sang on the dance floor
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Donnell said, "Lena, it's your birthday" -->
6) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Sean sang on the dance floor / Percussion solo
7) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease) - verses for Lena and Libras
8) Sean-led Chingy's Pulling Me Back featuring Tyrese
Donnell apologized to the ladies for their hair (affected by the heat).

Ian was there.

Tracy kept putting napkins on her forehead to soak up the sweat.

Sound Check
Donnell acapella Nicole the Bartender
Donnell also performed along with Shawnna's Getting Some, which DJ Flava (aka GoGo Rudy) was playing

Big Sixx of Raw Image and 6'9 were there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "Jordan's celebrating his birthday tonight"
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You / Percussion solo
2) Sean-led "So you are... don't have to bring... You don't have to make me smile, you don't have to make me laugh... drive me crazy" - very stylized singing
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Sean & Donnell-led B.G.'s I know (tease)
5) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion solo / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya"
6) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell chanted, "Killazoo" repeatedly / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hey Tamika (tease)
7) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis
8) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see, just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low" / sample "What?"
9) Alternating Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome - Donnell called up RE Angie to play congas, Donnell said of her playing, "She must have been practicing y'all" / "RE, Angie" chant -->
10) Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful - the house lights came on
Sugar Bear and Byrd were there.
11) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu featuring Jay-Z
Nikki was there.
12) Donnell acapella Nicole the Bartender

Non-GoGo: Mike Stern at Blues Alley
Second Annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival
Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007

I met Dwayne Lee and his friends, relatives of Ricky Wellman (Vincent, Barry, and Manny) in line for the late show. I talked a lot with Vince Wellman and Dwayne. Vince had been at the Patrice Bowie Project show last week. Dwayne had worked with her early in her career. We talked about music a lot.

We sat at a table in the middle, 2nd from front.

Mike Stern Band
The line up was: Mike Stern (guitar), Richard Bona (vocals, bass), Bob Franceschini (Sax), and Dennis Chambers (drums).
Late Set - went from 10:45 to 12:15.
There was a lot of humor in the set as well as great solos. Mike identified 2 of the songs, Tumble Home and KT, from his new album, Who Let the Cats Out? Mike smiled a lot as he played. I also recognized some of the tunes as ones that Jaco Pastorius had performed. I really enjoyed the performance. At the end, Mike was selling his CDs. He joked, "If you buy 10 of them, you get one of these cymbals free."

Non-GoGo: Les McCann & the Javon Jackson Band at Blues Alley
Blues Alley, 1073 Wisconsin Ave. NW Washington, DC 20007

I got an email about the Second Annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival. I remember the first all too well, I got terribly sunburned. I saw that the Mike Stern Band with Dennis Chambers and Richard Bona (all of whom I am a fan of) was to perform at Blues Alley October 3rd and 4th. When I went online to get a ticket, I saw Les McCann was playing at Blues Alley - I'm an even bigger fan of him than them. I decided to get a ticket for the early show on his last day at Blues Alley: tonight.

The hostess sat me down at a table four seats down from Les. He's a very funny guy. He wore a shiny shirt and explained his band gave it to him, he's "N*ggeracci." He said that Switzerland and Sweden aren't in Europe because they aren't in the EU.

Les McCann & the Javon Jackson Band
Early Set - started around 8:20
Javon Jackson (Sax) introduced the band:

The drummer, out of Denver, CO, Rudy Royston.

The guitarist, out of Cambridge, MA (much applause), David Gilmore. Javon responded to the applause by saying, "Long live, Harvard!"

The bassist (electric bass guitar), out of Chicago, "Long live Al Capone", Kenny Davis.
1) Easy Does It - Javon introduced it by saying, "I wrote it", lots of nice solos
Les was helped up and walked over to the keyboard. The Blues Alley employee who helped him up also served as a clap leader, which I thought was cheesy.
2) ? - at the end Les yelled, "Ah ah", then he said, "Hello, hello", "Okay, okay" -->
3) Javon played Frere Jacques then the Jeopardy Theme on his Sax
4) ? - Javon's Sax lines were familiar, Les scatted over the song
Les said, "There's a celebrity in the house, Paul Anthony". Les mentioned they used to play tennis together.
Les asked how many people in the audience lived in DC, a number of people raised their hands, and Les said, "Only three".
Les asked how many people in the audience were over 30, virtually everyone raised their hands (I was probably the youngest person in the audience), and Les said, "Two."
5) Les announced this as Eddie Harris' Cold Duck Time - the audience clapped to the tune, David played a nice guitar solo, Les scatted over the tune
Les said, "We also have another name that we call it 'Da na'"
6) Les-led With These Hands (Benny Davis/Abner Silver) - it started out with just Les singing and playing the keyboard for a bit before the band joined in
7) Les-led Compared to What (Gene McDaniels) - it cranked, Javon said, "Kenny Davis, do not try to do what he does at home, it won't work."
Javon said, "At the keyboard, he is also our vocalist, our leader, our spiritual advisor, our financial consultant: the money is in escrow, a legend, but still doing things. Les McCann. He is also celebrating his birthday this week (His 71st birthday was September 23rd.)"
8) Les-led Compared to What (Gene McDaniels) (reprise)

Even though they announced that we could stay for the second set with no extra cover, I didn't stay because I had to go to work on Monday. I did get Les to autograph my copy of his 2-CD Rhino anthology.

The food was good, but very expensive.

Rare Essence at Lime
The Lime (formerly Eastside), 1824 Half St SW, Washington, DC 20024

When I at first unintentionally got into the line for Beenie Man, the security for the other side of the club called me over for Rare Essence (one of the security guards recognized me as a regular at Zanzibar). Even so, while I was waiting since the club wasn't open yet, some of the security asked me over time who I wanted to see.  (I actually did see Beenie Man once with Junkyard Band, Backyard Band, and Trouble Funk, but I didn't go there to see him and his performance didn't move me). They took away my pen (but interestingly said that if I were there for business I could keep it), so everything is off the top of my head.

Kim and Monique (whom I haven't seen in a long time) were there.

I went over by the right side of the stage to watch GoGo Mickey perform.

Rare Essence
They had no singers, the line up was: The line up was: Dave "32" Ellis (vocals), Andre "Whiteboy" Johnson (vocals/guitar), bass player, Byron "BJ" Jackson (Keyboards), Scooter? (keyboards), Darryl "Blue Eye" Arrington (drummer), Milton "GoGo Mickey" Freeman (congas), Quentin "Shorty Dud" Ivey (percussion).
I talked with BJ for a little bit.
First Set - started at 12:45 AM
I recognized "Hold It" (don't know the title, but I remember them performing it last time I saw them), Bumping My Music, Lock It, And Unh, Work the Walls (they used the "25, 25, 25" part in the middle of the song rather than as an intro), NORE's I'm a G, and B.G.'s I Know. The set was an hour.
Chris, the bartender, was there with Renee (not Footz' daughter).

Second Set - started around 2:15 (Ended at 2:55)
Included "don't start no sh*t, there'll be no sh*t", "it's a motherf*cking freakshow girl", "Greygoose" and What It Do.
They cranked, but I feel they played the toms too much - GoGo Mickey is the best thing about Rare Essence to me.

I gave Monique a ride home. She told me Shorty Corleone is her cousin and he wasn't at tonight's show because he's in Atlanta.

Submission Band at Family Jamz Summit
Kelly Miller Middle School, 301 49th St NE Washington, DC 20019

I arrived during the intermission - around 8:45 PM. As expected, I was the only white person there - a few people came up to ask me why I was there.

When they resumed, there was a lot of tough love: A police officer got people's attention and said if people didn't settle down, they should know, "in DC you can be arrested if you are 8 years old". The organizer of the event was up next, she said, "We've been telling you since 9 O'clock this morning to be quiet."

They had a pair of dancers "Heaven and Earth dancers" perform. Their performance didn't move me, but I can appreciate the skill and practice that when into the performance which was clearly closely choreographed to the music.

Next was a pair of Christian rappers, Catch 2.
They delivered some more tough love as they talked about what can happen if you aren't on the right path, the one said he was locked up at 14 for attempted murder.
Their performance was okay - most of the rap I like is with bands. They performed "Nothing but the blood of Jesus". They were really polite - they greeted me later.

Submission Band
The line up was: 02 (lead talker), B (rapper/cowbell), Phonzo (keyboards), King (drummer), and Double D (percussion).
Second Set (Their first set was at 7 PM) - 9:15 PM
02 did a shout out to me.
1) 02-led "Coming out swinging, get your hands in the air" - B played the cowbell, it cranked, the kids went up to the stage, 02 said, "Lincoln Heights"
2) 02-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - 02 and B held their mics to fans
3) 02-led "Hey ladies, Hey soldjas" - the crank increased, the kids left after 02 asked them to get off the stage, 02 called them back, telling them they can be up front, just not on the stage, 02 did a another shout out to me
Antoinette (Miss Gomez) was there.
4) B-led "Remember who you're dancing for"
5) 02-led "Everybody hands up and belts, Everybody hands up and belts, Funkin' for Jesus"
6) 02-led "God is good, God is great... I was making $20,000, Press through the storm..." - Double D played the toms, it cranked, most of the kids left in the middle of the song
7) Double D conga solo - it cranked
I went out of the auditorium and hung out with Submission and Antoinette. Submission talked about the performance and how to minister to kids.  I was surprised to hear that King has only been to three GoGos.

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

Duane introduced me to Dave, who plays congas in the other band he performs in, for the Hip Hope Network.

Pooh, Shante (Songbird), June, Tony, Britney, and Sam (Black Heart) were there.

Jammin' Jeff & Da Band
They had a different other keyboard player - a white guy. Dave played congas with them.
Set
There was a guy taking still pictures of Da Band and filming them as well.
1) Jay-led The JB's Doin' It to Death
2) Allison-led Rose Royce's Carwash
3) Allison-led A Taste of Honey's Boogie Oogie Oogie
4) Jay-led "She's my guiding light, at the top of my list, all my love"
5) Jay-led Marvin Gaye's Got to Give It Up
6) Jay-led White Cherry's Play That Funky Music, White Boy
Yolanda was there.
7) Alternating Allison-led Beyonce's Deja Vu / Jay-led Michael Jackson's I Can't Help It "little bit"
8) Allison-led "I'm quiting?"
Allison said they were taking a vocal break and having a guest artist: Smokey.
Smokey said, "For the old school"
9) Smokey-led Prince's Purple Rain
Smokey left the stage.
10) Allison-led Alcia Keys' Unbreakable - Allison said, "We're between 93 and 96.3"
11) Allison-led Jill Scott's Golden
12) Allison-led "I have... today... I wonder why"
13) Jay-led Gnarls Barkley's Crazy
Peg Leg was there.
14) 02 sat in and talked, it cranked, people started dancing
15) Allison-led Toni Braxton's Take This Ring
Val "Tina Turner" was there.

Shadonna, Lashonda, Tyrell, Ian, and Nikki were there.

Dig Dug, Los, Danielle (Wellfhed), Stallion, Trea, Michelle T., Boo, Ray, Tracy S., Alexis, April "JuJu", DJ Skeet, Delano, and Angie W. were there.

Familiar Faces
Sound Check
Donnell acapella "The greatest story never told"

Jazzy Layse and Chevy of Fatal Attraction were there.

First Set
1) False start, then Donnell said, "Give me a pocket" / Percussion solo - a guy dressed like in the 70s danced onstage, Halima said something I couldn't make out / Donnell & Sean-led Luther Vandross' Promise Me
Shawn was there.
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell & Sean-led ?
6'9 was there.
4) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - it cranked, Chevy went onstage, Sean sang to her
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Sean sang, the frontline did the bowing dance / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes / Percussion solo - Halima said something I couldn't make out
6) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Halima held her mic to fans / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / "Hands free, they're f*cking with me" - ended by a fight between girls
Derek (John's brother) was there.
7) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life
Kay was there.
8) Sean-led "I hope you understand every word I say is true"
Donnell said, "We bust L!ssen's @ss. Kicked @ss in the bowling alley. L!ssen had the custom outfits. Shante some sh*t. She's the reason they lost."
9) Donnell acapella Mary J. Blige's My Life (tease)

Flo, Big Don Pimp, Sixx of Raw Image (nice to see he's off crutches, I wish him a speedy recovery), Gary, and Big Buck of Publicity Band were there.

Warming up
Donnell acapella "The greatest story never told"

Second Set
1) Halima-led Cheri Dennis' I Love You - it cranked / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Give me a party beat, Stomp for all the Libras in the building (including me)"
Donnell did shout outs to Big Mike and 32 of Rare Essence
2) Sean-led "Why can't I have a little bit to satisfy me, make me happy" - ended by a fight
3) Alternating Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender / Lil' Scrappy's Money in the Bank (tease)
4) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
Damond was there
5) Donnell-led "___ Is yes!" / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / "Keep it low"
6) Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful - Packy played the cowbell, the house lights came on
7) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu / Percussion solo
8) Donnell & Sean-led "On the small of her back, she got a tattoo" - it cranked
Donnell joined more on Shante & L!ssen Da Grew ^P's bowling performance - saying "Whoop that trick" and "If it weren't for Shante's gutter balls, L!ssen could have won".

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

Bryan Mills had asked me to come out when I saw him on Labor Day, and when I heard Adia was moving out of the area soon, I decided to come see Soulsponge tonight.

Soulsponge
The line up was: Derek Holmes (singer), Adia Doores (singer), Anthony "Little Benny" Harley (talker, second set only), Blazin' Bryan Mills (Sax, and keyboards), Karlston "Ice" Ross (bass), Taylor Pace (keyboard player), Brad Clements (trumpet, first set only, he plays with Chuck together with Bryan), Kenny "Kwik" (drums), and Mark Hollingsworth (percussionist).
First Set

Taylor, Ice, Bryan


Kwik, Bryan, Brad, Mark


Taylor, Derek, Ice, Adia, Brad
Bryan said they're called Soulsponge because they "soak you up like a sponge"
1) Instrumental (a cover, familiar jazz song)
2) Instrumental (a cover, also familiar) - Bryan introduced it by saying, "I love this song. If I could sing, I would sing it to my sweetie.", Bryan did shout outs to Big Mo and me
3) Ne-Yo's Sexy Love (instrumental) - Adia came over and said hello, Bryan talked about being late on Ne-Yo, a friend of his introduced him to Ne-Yo's music and he's grateful
4) Instrumental (a cover of Wham!) - Bryan offered a free drink to the first girl who could identify it, he said it takes you back to high school dances. He ended up identifying it as by Wham!
5) Derek-led Sugababes' Round Round
6) Adia-led "All night long, shake up, been so long"
7) Derek-led "Forget about the past, those things don't matter, I ain't find a job" / Earth, Wind & Fire's You Can't Hide Love (tease)
Bryan said, "This is our version of Mary J. Blige's My Life"
8) Roy Ayers' Everybody Loves the Sunshine (instrumental)
9) Derek-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad - Derek walked around the dance floor
10) Adia-led Erykah Badu's Cleva
11) Derek-led "Give it up, whenever, tell me, I feel like, oh baby, she calls" - Derek said, "Guitar solo on the keyboard, I had to turn around because I didn't see a guitar when I came in"
12) Adia-led "Woke up this morning" - very stylized singing
13) Instrumental
It was nice to hear the horns being used as lyrical instruments rather than primarily for hits.

Brad left during the break.

Bryan told people in the audience to get a copy of the free CDs before they left from Smoke, the promoter. They were 2 CD PAs from the prior week's performance at Takoma Station - the setlist was similar, they were good.

I talked with Bryan about my friend George Darden who talks about him a lot. He said George has known him since he was a baby, George went to high school with Bryan's brother Rico. George told me Rico is still his best friend.

I talked with Adia, Kwik, Adia's friend Ayisha (spelling?), and the security guard about Heaven Sent, Rare Essence, What? Band, and Adia's move.

Second Set

Derek, Bryan, Mark, Smoke


Adia, Ice, Derek, Kwik, Bryan, Little Benny


Bryan, Little Benny, Daneze, Mark, Smoke Ayisha is sitting at the table on the right
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan A Rich
1) Adia-led ? - conga crank -->
2) Derek-led "you really... bad (or mad) love... make me" - Smoke played the cowbell, it cranked, Little Benny walked in: he was amused to see me for a second night in a row
3) Derek-led Prince's Pop Life - Little Benny joined in, he macked on Ayisha the entire set, Derek walked around the dance floor
4) Derek-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Daneze (spelling?) took over in the middle -->
5) Adia-led Mary J. Blige's Enough Cryin' - smoke played the cowbell, it cranked
6) Little Benny-led "Big or tall... work that beat"
7) Derek-led "got to see... fantasy... drink" - Derek sang on the dance floor, GoGo Mickey was there, Little Benny said, "Mickey's in the house y'all"
8) Derek-led NORE's I'm a G - the house lights came on
Sean of Familiar Faces & ASAP was there.
9) Little Benny-led Young Joc's It's Going Down - I filmed it, Little Benny got GoGo Mickey to sit in on congas / Conga solo - it cranked
10) Derek-led Rare Essence's Lock It - I filmed it
11) Instrumental (cover) - I filmed it
It's a shame the audience was small, the music was good.

Someone was playing the congas still when I walked out and drove by.

Little Benny's Birthday at South Beach

I had added Patrice Bowie on myspace, and she sent me this message:

Hey Jordan

I'm glad to have you as a friend. I want to invite you this Tuesday at 6pm to 10pm at the South Beach Restaurant in Bethesda. You say like go go will come it will be Little Benny's Birthday and he'll be jamming with me. Also Sugarfoot" Rick Wellman" will be kick the on the drums. Please say you'll come......Patrice

So I decided to come.

It is really close to my home.

South Beach, 7904 Woodmont Ave, Bethesda, MD 20810

I came by after work. I didn't realize until I looked at a menu that this restaurant belonged to Gary Clark, the former Redskins wide receiver.

I had my camera. Jai Mallory, who helps market the event, came over and talked with me. This weekly event is not just to see Patrice Bowie perform, but also it is "Industry Night" - networking for the entertainment industry.

Jai introduced me to Ted "Buzzy" Pindell, the promoter, soundman, producer, Patrice's manager, and trumpet player.

Dali was taking pictures, he's a pro. 

Patrice Bowie Project
The line up was: Patrice Bowie (lead singer), Cindy (backup vocalist), Kanika (backup vocalist), Little Benny (talker & trumpet, second set only), Ted "Buzzy" Pindell (soundman & trumpet player), Stan "Strumfunky" Cooper (guitar), Dennis (bass), Randy Choice (keyboards), Ricky "Sugarfoot" Wellman (drums).
First Set - Started at 7:18

Dennis, Ricky, Stan, Buzzy (back to camera), Randy


Patrice, Cindy, Kanika


1) Instrumental - the three singers went off to the side (to coordinate?), Patrice took the mic and walked around - she did so most of the performance, Patrice mentioned they would be performing songs from her album "Fingalickin Good"
2) Patrice-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
Little Benny and Soldierette arrived.
3) Patrice-led Mary J. Blige's Be Without You
4) Patrice-led Alicia Keys' Diary
5) Patrice-led Butterflies (an original from her album)
6) Patrice-led Letoya Luckett's Torn
7) Patrice-led Give It to Me (an original from her album) - nice band solos
The backup singers danced in place throughout the set.

Patrice introduced Little Benny.

I introduced myself to Stan and Ricky.

Second Set
1) Patrice-led Fingalickin (an original from her album) - nice guitar play by Stan, he came up to Patrice as he played, Patrice held her mic up to fans
2) Patrice-led Say Yes (an original from her album) - Patrice held her mic to a male fan who was a singer, ladies screamed
3) Patrice-led Heather Headley's In My Mind - nice guitar play by Stan
4) Patrice-led Amazing (an original from her album)
5) Patrice-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - Little Benny joined it, he said, "Feel alright? Now scream", Little Benny and Buzzy played the trumpet, Little Benny said, "Wave your hands in the air", Little Benny said, "I'd like everybody to say happy birthday"

Little Benny, Patrice    Jai, is on the far right

All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan A Rich (but not the Copyright on the flyers)
6) Little Benny-led 50 Cent's In Da Club - fans stood up
7) Little Benny-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Patrice held her mic to fans
8) Little Benny-led Jeannie's Juice Theme
9) Little Benny-led "Tired yet?" - Patrice held her mic to fans
10) Little Benny-led "Uh oh, turn off the radio, don't even touch that dial" / Patrice-led Close to Me (original) / Little Benny-led Cat in the Hat
11) Little Benny & Patrice-led Lighters Up - People held candles from their tables up, it cranked
12) Little Benny-led Young Joc's It's Going Down
13) Little Benny chanted, "Go Benny, it's your birthday" - he held his mic to fans
14) Little Benny-led Rare Essence's Lock It - not bad, but strange without congas
I enjoyed the performance. I preferred Patrice's originals to the covers she performed. I will definitely come out to see her perform again.

Gary Clark was talking outside with a couple of fans about all the current Redskins who have come to his restaurant recently. 

Soldierette also has pictures she took at this event on her website, she warned they will not stay in a fixed address. Currently click on Da Folks, click on Photo Gallery, click on GoGo - right now the pictures are on pages 2 through 4.

Sweetchelle's birthday party
Mirrors, 33 New York Avenue N.E. Washington, DC 20002

When I first arrived, I went to the front door. As I was showing my ID to the security guy, a beautiful woman stuck her head out the door. I went in and obviously this wasn't the event I had come for: it was a music video shoot. As I watched them filming a club scene, a Mirrors employee asked me if the artist was Godzilla (I have no idea). I watched for a while, then I asked where L!ssen and Dynasty were performing. I had to go around to the side entrance, it was upstairs.

Nita and Gaylynn (whom I met for the first time) arranged a private room, placing the cakes, etc...

I didn't like how there was a translucent curtain between the seats and the dance floor and how all of the furniture didn't face the stage.

L!ssen Da Grew ^P
I'm not sure of the line up, but Shante (Songbird) wasn't there, It's a shame because she's friends with Sweetchelle and I.

They took a while warming up, it was hard to tell when their warming up ended and their set began. They played a familiar Jazz tune. They were playing music that was way too light for my taste. Scooby did birthday shout outs to Michelle. They played Beyonce's Deja Vu, which was the first song that cranked, it was initially an instrumental. I also recognized: Bobby Caldwell's What You Won't Do for Love, R. Kelly's Fiesta, Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis, Lil Kim's Lighters Up, their original Sunshine, Snoop's Drop It Like It's Hot, B.G.'s I Know, Vinnie D's $55 Motel, Freak a Deak Zone, Rare Essence's One on One, "Hey ay, Ho oh", they played a sample of Shawnna's Getting Some, D4L's Laffy Taffy, and Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me. I don't like how they choose not to crank, but even they cranked, they really didn't move me much. They've got great vocal talent, but their music really isn't for me.
I introduced myself to Toya, a friend of Nita's. Tracie (RE_Admin/Model_Chick) was there.

Even though Dynasty was performing later on, I decided to leave at 12:45 to go see Familiar Faces at Tradewinds. I said good bye to Sweetchelle before I left. I had wished that Dynasty had opened so I could have seen them instead of L!ssen (since I much prefer Dynasty), but since L!ssen plays at J's on Saturdays, they opened.

The woman on the right was celebrating her birthday too. The guy tried to convince me to become a professional GoGo pics guy.
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan A Rich (but not the Copyright on the flyers)

The video shoot was still going on, but outside, as I walked to my car.

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

Mousie and Tasha (T-Bird) were there.

Familiar Faces
Most of members of Familiar Faces were formally dressed, as they had earlier performed at the Virgos Party. I went to last year's.
First Set
Last song) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's My Life

Shameika, Jazzy Layse, RE Angie, Darrell, Los, Pinkey, Val "Tina Turner", Tracy, Boo, Shaunte (Stacey's cousin), Ray, Angie W., Archie, Mia, Simone, Nece, and Shawn were there.

Doc told me at the break that Marion Barry had been at the Virgos Party.

Halima played congas during the break.

Second Set
1) Alternating Donnell-led Nicole the Bartender - it cranked, Donnell said, "If you went to Nicole, hold your drinks up" / Lil' Scrappy's Money in the Bank (tease) - interrupted by girls arguing
Keisha, Jan, India, and Tasha were there.
2) Donnell-led "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy"
3) Sean-led Busta Rhyme's I Love My Chick featuring Kelis - it cranked
4) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Sean sang, it cranked, 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) / "wait a minute" echoes
5) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - it cranked
6) Donnell-led Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) - RE Angie sat in on congas / "RE-Angie" chant"
7) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy / Aaliyah's I Need You Tonight (tease) / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / Donnell-led "Hands free, they're f*cking with me" chant / Donnell-led "Langston Lane love" chant - the house lights came on
8) Halima-led Beyonce's Deja Vu - it cranked
James was there.
9) Donnell-led "Reggae" / Sean-led Damien Marley's Beautiful - ended by a fight