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

Although I had taken pictures of the Mambo Sauce show, I didn't bring my camera in to Tradewinds because I wanted to have fun. It turned out it would have been logistically difficult anyway due to how packed it was. I was earlier than usual. The difficult (to find a parking space) parking situation returned. When I walked in, Ebo said hello to me. She had shaved her head. She was with her friend Cyangela (spelling?). Britney and Shelly, and Tasty were there.

Cindy was there.

Shawnisse (Ebo's friend), Sanisse, Yolanda, Nita, RE Angie, Tracy, Archie Paige, Arielle, and James were there.

Sherray (Always Showtime!!) and Danielle (Pinkprincess) were there. I talked with them about the Mambo Sauce show. I later told Pinkprincess that it was good that she didn't go to the Mambo Sauce show since Thi Lai wore the same shirt as she did.

Ebony and Cyanne rapped. Ebo told me a story about Shawnisse. Ebo had bought her a zombie at a Rare Essence show and she passed out against a pillar in the middle of the dance floor. Shawnisse said, "I was just napping." Janetta, Tiffany F., Renee, Shawn, her cousin Nia, Ebony and "original" Nikki were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Sean wore a Superman shirt.
1) Alternating Mike-led Glenn Lewis' Don't You Forget It - James was on backup vocals / Percussion solo - there was a nice crank, especially Charlie on the cowbell
Donnell said, "Let it come y'all"
Shauny, the bartender, and Mona were there.
2) Alternating Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It - Mike said of Donnell, "He put on the headband early" / Percussion solo
Regi was there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Shameika was there.
4) Donnell-led "It's another hate crime, somebody's got to do the time", he added some lyrics from Rare Essence's Get on the Wagon, Smoke played a nice conga solo
5) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Renee danced with Charlie / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
Sharon was there.
6) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Smoke played timbales, Donnell chanted, "We're going to lean with it", He would chant, "Lean with it" and the rest of the front line responded, "Rock with it" repeatedly, Renee danced with Donnell / 50 Cent's In Da Club
Tata and Pinky (dyed hair) were there.
7) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You - fans put their hands up at the appropriate time in the lyrics / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
Tony was there.
Donnell said, "Sorry about the hairdos (because of the heat). We're trying to get them to turn the air conditioning on."
Even thought I had my jacket on during the Mambo Sauce show, I was much hotter with my jacket off at Tradewinds due to the packed house.

Peg Leg was there.

Mike pointed out to James that they were wearing the same shirt.

Slick Rick and Shanti were there.

I said to Tata that it's been a while since she came out last. She said she was working. I asked her where, she said in a band called Reminisce.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - ladies sang it / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / Percussion solo
Ray was there.
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
4) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - interrupted. Donnell said, "Hey fellas, I know it's hot, hey ladies, I know it's hot, cut that 'Bama sh*t. This is the grown & sexy, not Romper Room. We ain't beating our feet.", Mike said, "Another thing, let the ladies go upfront. I prefer to be behind them anyway. You should see the looks on the faces when you're bogarting them." Donnell said, "The Neon's down the street. We might make it twenty-five and older next week" - a bunch of people cheered Donnell said, "We aren't going back to that yet, let's do a slow song."
5) Alternating Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Donnell said, "Oh my my my", it cranked, Sean rapped, Halima said, "Uh oh" repeatedly / "___ on the Floor"
6) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
7) Alternating Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That (reprise) / Percussion solo - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smok1", Donnell said, "Say what? What y'all say? What you want me to do?", Halima said of Smoke, "You are making blush y'all", the house lights came on, Some guy kept throwing crumpled dollars onto the stage, it really cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hey Tamika (tease)
Tijuana was there. I teased her about her different hair color. Roe was there.
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell said, "On behalf of Dave and the people of Tradewinds, we appreciate you coming out. There's a lot places you could go.", Donnell said, "Fellas, y'all could roll out.", Halima sang, "Ooh, ooh" repeatedly, Donnell said, "Gimme a socket, that's all. Charlie, Smoke, and Stomp.", Donnell said, "Shut 'em off. They're trying to be disrespectful."
9) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
10) Stomp briefly played samples
Security said, "We are closed." Halima repeated it.

Mambo Sauce at Jammin' Java
Jammin Java, 227 Maple Ave, Vienna, VA 22180

Jammin' Java is in mall (Glyndon Plaza). Mambo Sauce was opening for SOJA's album release party. I immediately noticed a bunch of white kids coming out of Jammin' Java. I walked in and there was a line for Tickets/Reservations. They had a list of names of people who had paid and rather than give physical tickets, they used hand stamps. It was eighteen and up and the crowd was overwhelmingly white, it looked like a college alternative music crowd. They said to someone ahead of me that they were sold out, that they had sold over three hundred tickets. I asked a guy who turned out to be the manager to get Red. He said he'd wait until it was a little less busy. Black Heart and Chenke came up and I told them the situation. Black Heart called Red. He said Red would get the manager to let us buy tickets, which he did, but after Mambo Sauce had already started playing.

Mambo Sauce - started at 8:50 PM (Red had sent me an email via myspace saying that they were hitting at 9 PM, them being early is a rarity in GoGo)
Red had told me on February 9th that they had finally added the cowbell, that Thi Lai would be playing it. As Bruce Dickson said, "I have a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell." This was the first performance with it, adding the key missing element in my opinion. Both Black Boo and Thi Lai played the cowbell tonight.
The line up was: "Black Boo" Duncan (vocals and cowbell), Thi Lai Simpson (vocals and cowbell), Drew White (guitar), Khari Pratt (bass), Chris Wright (keyboard), Barry Talbert (drums), and "Lil Pep" Cole (percussion).
Black Boo said, "Buy us a drink"
1) Black Boo-led Things Will Get Better - Black Heart, Chenke and I were in the front of the club, about fifty-some feet from the stage when they started, then we bought tickets and walked in, I stood over by the right side, about ten feet from the stage, I didn't start taking pictures until I noticed other people doing so
2) Thi Lai-led Sweet Baby "Yes you are, sweet baby" - Black Boo said, "I want all the mothers to..." and women in the crowd responded, not too many people were dancing except in the very front, Black Boo said, "How many of you know about GoGo up in here?" - about half the audience responded affirmatively
3) Thi Lai-led Fairweather "Where you..." - Black Boo played the cowbell, it cranked / Percussion solo

Lil' Pep, Drew, Chris, Black Boo, Thi Lai, Khari
4) Thi Lai-led "I know I am, you told me..." - Black Boo rapped, Chi Ali sat in, Chi Ali chanted, "GoGo for Red?, Hey Ho" and the crowd responded, Chi Ali said, "Everybody in the club, hands up!" and the crowd did, they swayed from side to side, Chi Ali said, "This is GoGo right here.", Chi Ali chanted, "What you going to do with that junk in the trunk" repeatedly, Chi Ali said, "Everybody say, 'We love GoGo'" and the crowd responded, Chi Ali chanted, "Hey ay, Ho oh", Chi Ali left

Lil' Pep, Drew, Chris, Black Boo, Chi Ali, Barry, Thi Lai, Khari
5) Thi Lai-led "Get low, Get low" - Black Boo played the cowbell, it cranked, the song was keyboard driven
6) Black Boo-led Love Them Jeans "I just want to... 36, 24, 36, This dirty chick..." - Black Boo rapped, Black Boo said, "All the girls with the tight girls, try to dance like you're trying to loosen them", Thi Lai danced, Black Boo said, "Work it Thi", much more of the crowd was dancing by this time, there was applause at the end of the song
Black introduced the band, Black Boo said, "I'm Black Boo, I'm the co-host, with the beautiful lady Thi Lai" people shouted, Black Boo said, "You didn't yell when I introduced myself". Barry played a solo when Black Boo introduced him. Black Boo said they have a song that's playing on the radio, Damn Joe. Black Boo asked the crowd to call in requests for it. Thi Lai announced the numbers to call in.
Black Boo announced their next show, also with SOJA, on March, 17 2006 at IOTA Club & Cafe, 2832 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201
7) Black Boo-led Damn Joe - Black Boo said, "At what school do you go to?", He called out names of schools, then he said, "who's in the work force" and there was some response, Black Boo then said, "Who goes to school, but doesn't really go to school?" and that got the biggest response, Thi Lai played the cowbell

Lil' Pep, Chris, Drew, Black Boo, Barry, Thi Lai, Khari
8) Black Boo-led Senorita - it had a Caribbean flavor, Black Boo sang addressing Thi Lai and vice versa, Black Boo said, "Anyone know how to do anything but the two step?", then they played much faster, there were different keyboard riffs

Lil' Pep, Drew, Chris, Black Boo, Thi Lai, Khari
9) Thi Lai-led Cool Points - Black Boo and Thi Lai danced together, it cranked, fans put their hands up, Black Boo said, "Hey y'all" and the fans put their hands up
10) Black Boo-led Oh Lawdy "You never asked for money... finer things like Polo..." - Boo rapped, it was keyboard driven, Lil Pep briefly played the roto-toms
11) Thi Lai-led Go "We run this town, We run this city" - Thi Lai said, "This song is about DC", Black Boo said, "Put your hands up, we want some unity", Thi Lai said, "George Bush don't run this", Lil Pep briefly played the roto-toms, Black Boo said, "I love the crowd response", it really cranked
12) Thi Lai & Black Boo-led Long Time Comin' "You were struggling" "Y'all got... on this" - guitar driven (power chords), Black Boo, Thi Lai, and fans put their hands up, Black Boo said, "Let me see all your hands" - the fans held their hands up and swayed from side to side, the song became more laid back, largely Lil Pep on congas, then returned to crank, Drew played a solo, he played the guitar with his teeth, there was lots of applause, Chris played other keyboard riffs, Khari and Drew played an outtro Black Boo asked, "Do you want one more?" and the crowd responded affirmatively. Black Boo said, "This is our bread. It's called Mambo."
13) Black Boo-led M.A.M.B.O. - It was almost like a march, the cadence was building, Lil Pep played the roto-toms (not briefly like before), Thi Lai said, "Let me see your hands" and most of the crowd put their hands up

Lil' Pep, Drew, Chris, Black Boo, Thi Lai, Khari
Thi Lai and Black Boo both said, "Give it up for SOJA."

Since they were done a little after 10 PM, I decided to leave and go see Familiar Faces at Tradewinds. I said good bye to Red and headed out.

Another fan's description

Friday at the Icon
The Icon, 2106 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601

For some reason, they had us go in the side entrance. Nicole was still working at the front entrance.

John was there. We talked. A woman named Latasha, who said she was from South Carolina by way of Florida, introduced herself to me. Yvette, Felecia, Tony, Lashonda, Shawn (monitor), and Tyrell were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "Rico gave you a sample of the music he strips to at the Hangar Club. Monday through Thursday, check him out." DJ Rico said, "Just wait until I get on the radio Sunday." Donnell said, "He works on the lunch shit."
1) They started to perform the music to Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) / Alternating Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Lashonda, I'm glad to see you. I thought we wasn't going to see you after we left the Safari. By the way, we're going to start playing there on Wednesdays soon.", Donnell said, "Rico don't wear nothing but a thong and a HOBO head band." / Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean rapped
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
4) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club - "Go Tina, It's your birthday!"
5) Donnell shouted "Yeah!" repeatedly / Donnell-led "It's another hate crime, somebody's got to do the time. They're guilty of a hate crime, somebody's got to do the time.", it cranked, initially it was just over percussion, then Donnell said, "Hey Dwayne, Hey Doc, Hey Smoke!" repeatedly, Godfather and Lorenzo added some keyboard riffs
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
8) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You (tease)
Gary was there.
9) Donnell-led Hold the Note - it cranked / Smoke conga solo / Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love (tease) - altered lyrics
10) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind - Donnell said, "Where you at, Tyrell?" Tyrell said, "What?" Donnell said, "Where you at, Tyrell? You scared?" Tyrell said, "Whatever.", Tyrell walked off the dance floor and later went onstage and danced, Donnell said, "I guess you weren't scared."
A white woman asked me what I was doing there. I get asked that a lot, but this is the first time a white person asked me that.
Donnell said, "Where you at Rico (to start playing music during the break), did Rico go to the Hangar Club already?" DJ Rico said, "Donnell, you my n*gger. Later he'll be hanging from the chandelier, Sax in one hand and light rod in the other. Tomorrow he'll be dancing with the mic stand between his toes.

Los and Maya were there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "Ladies, if you want to see Rico take it off..." DJ Rico said, "You can see Donnell on Comcast 76 tomorrow. Twenty-four hour marathon starting at 8 AM. (DJ Rico mentioned different channels for different cable systems). Pay-per-view $19.95 with $35 for shipping." Mike said, "Somebody said they're going to have old Chance Band clips on there."
T-Bird and RE Angie were there.
1) The Temptations' My Girl (tease) - instrumental
2) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
3) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - Sean sang at the edge of the stage, it cranked
6'9 was there.
4) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
5) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Donnell said, "Oh my my my", Sean rapped, "That's when I saw you at the bar...", Halima watched Smoke playing congas, it cranked
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Los (celebrating his birthday) danced onstage (and continued to for most of the rest of the set)
7) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Donnell & Mike-led Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Smoke played timbales, Jacques played congas with drumsticks, Tina danced with Mike, the song was reduced to just bass, keyboards and cymbals
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Donnell called DJ Rico onstage, DJ Rico danced, Donnell said, "Hey Los, It's your birthday!", Tyrell danced onstage, Donnell said, "Give it to him Tyrell!", the lyrics were sparse -->
9) Donnell-led Hey Tyrell (Miss Keta) Do Your Dance for Me - Donnell did verses for Tyrell, Tina, Lashonda, RE Angie, and Pam
10) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
11) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell said, "Give me a pocket y'all" it cranked, Donnell said, "I don't know what y'all doing, we're supposed to get on up out of here", there were different keyboard riffs, Donnell said to the fans, "If you're all tired, you can go home", Donnell said, "I don't know why we're still here" / Percussion solo - Packy was playing the cowbell, Donnell said, "Hey Dana, It's your birthday!" / Stomp solo / keyboard riffs
12) Instrumental - just grooving, they were still playing as the equipment guys broke down the congas Donnell said, "Rico, a lady wants to know what's your stage name and your website."
It was Dana's birthday. I recognized her as a regular who was on the bus trip (on the other bus).

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

When I arrived at Zanzibar, there was a long line. Ro'chelle (Toosweet), Danielle (Pinkprincess) and Sherray (Always Showtime!!) were already in it. Darrell F. arrived while I was still in line. He said that even though he was in line at 8:39, he didn't get inside until 9 PM and that they charged him. He said they are trying to limit the number of people who get in free, but speculated that they will not have as big crowds because of it. Once inside, all five of us discussed the bus trip. Some guys played chess the whole evening.

Cookie said, "You can say DeeDee is in Atlanta."

There was a woman, Jalila, dancing on the dance floor the whole night by herself. She had really striking dance moves.

Cindy and Kiki were there.

A woman winked at me a couple of times, but I wasn't able to talk to her.

Simone, JoJo, Weenie and Toonie (still celebrating their birthdays) were there.

Mike was not present tonight.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Blueprint? - instrumental
2) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
Missshaunte (celebrating her birthday) was there.
3) Alternating Halima-led Faith Evans' Again / Instrumental - included music from "Unh, unh unh"
Tony was there.
4) Donnell-led "___ Is Yeah!"
5) Sean-led Dave Hollister's One Woman Man - Dwayne played guitar riffs from It Is What It Is
6) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself / Alternating Floetry's Say Yes - Halima did her speech, Mama Chelle sat in on backup vocals / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease)
Tracy, Mo (Slim Goodie, still celebrating her birthday), and TT were there.

Jackie, Mona, Roosevelt, and Tamiko were there.

Second Set
1) Donnell & Halima-led (Sade's) Cherish the Day
Gary and Trina were there.
2) Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Sean-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
3) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
"Original" Nikki and Ebony were there.
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Peg Leg was there.
6) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - Dwayne played Funky Stuff guitar riffs
7) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
Tiffany F. was there.
8) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Donnell said, "Oh my my my", Smoke & Jacques played strong percussion, Donnell rapped different lines
9) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind
Choo Choo, T-Bird, L-Boogie, and James were there.

Third Set
1) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny
2) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
3) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
4) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Kay Kay rapped
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
6) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh"
7) They started to perform the music to Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell said, "Lanisse, you're not going to fight me on this", A guy said, "Don't be a copycat" of my writing down what Donnell was saying, he thought I was another musician / D4L's Laffy Taffy / Donnell said, "Alright now, Lanisse. We straight now?" / Alternating Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell said, "Give me a socket beat", Halima sang something and Donnell said, "I thought I turned them off" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
8) Donnell-led DIP
9) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is - Donnell said, "Googie turn her mic off."
Donnell said, "Another hate crime."
Nita was there.
Donnell said of a pregnant woman, "I'm the pappy. I'm the baby daddy."
Donnell said, "Sammy Dews, Hey Sammy."
Donnell said of the pregnant woman, "I remember you were on the bus trip."
Nephew said, "Belly?"
Donnell said, "Kal'el and only Kal'el" (referring to shutting off of the other singers' mics).

When I was walking to my car, I saw a female peeing by the other side of her car.

Here's another review.

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

Kevin Lee, Darrell F., Vonshawn, Michon, and Tamara were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "We have recording artist Lady Day in the house." I had noticed her and man with her had posters with them.
1) Alternating Mike-led Bernard Ighner's Everything Must Change / Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine (same music) - nice singing by both, first time they've performed these in a while
June was there.
2) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop - Halima sang on the dance floor.
Tony and Tim (LJ) were there.
3) Halima-led Jill Scott's Golden
Netty was there.
4) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima sang, "Ooh", Halima sang on the dance floor / Alternating Floetry's Say Yes - Halima said, "We haven't had this talk in a long while ladies" / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease) - again the first time they've performed this medley in a while
5) Mike-led Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You
Sharmba Mitchell was there.
6) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - Sean sang on the dance floor
Sharika was there.
7) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
Donnell said, "Special dedication to Lady Day, got an album coming out?"
8) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind

GoGo Mickey was there.

Shadonna and Tyrell were there.

Second Set
Donnell talked about their upcoming live DVD recording at the Icon. He joked, "Mike will butter up and strip naked. We'll find out what's under the hat." Mike said, "Donnell will wear his electric headband." Donnell said, "I have one that has my name flash across."
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) / Percussion solo
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean rapped, there was a nice crank / Percussion solo
3) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - there was a nice crank / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
6) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You
7) Alternating Donnell-led "___ on the floor" / NORE's I'm a G - there was a nice crank
8) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - there was a nice crank
9) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
10) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell rapped, Sean rapped, there was a nice crank, GoGo Mickey sat in on timbales (starting in the middle of the song)
11) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - GoGo Mickey switched over to playing congas, which he played with drumsticks, the crowd shouted, "GoGo Mick-ay" repeatedly, Donnell said, "Say what, What y'all say?" -->
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's We Used to Let the Pocket Ride / GoGo Mickey conga solo
13) Rare Essence's Body Snatchers - instrumental, Donnell said, "That's it y'all, I know this is as Takoma Station."
14) Alternating Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell did a shout out to (AAU basketball coach) Curtis Malone, GoGo Mickey played the timbales, then the cowbell / 6 Minutes percussion solo - Donnell said, "Don't nobody say nothing, don't nobody play nothing", I danced with Talia, whom I met last week 15) Alternating GoGo Mickey cowbell solo - Donnell said, "Let the Pocket Ride. Whiteboy'll be so proud of you, hold a socket on the bell, let the bell ring.", Donnell held his mic to the cowbell, Sean sang something I couldn't make out, they performed some music from "Unh, unh unh" / Sean-led Luther Vandross' So Amazing (tease)
16) Donnell-led Rare Essence's We Used to Let the Pocket Ride (reprise) - Doc and Godfather left during the song
A woman named Shanti asked me what I was writing.
Donnell said, "Goddamn, that's a pocket right there y'all. That's the old school religion. GoGo Mickey studied well. He took me back to the old DC sh*t when DC was playing, Mickey was still on the porch. Googie had to go ask Grandma if you could come out. I'm going to call Whiteboy and tell you to switch to bell." Packy said, "He do. He plays congas and cowbell." Donnell said, "They lose the hi hat?" GoGo Mickey said, "Yes." Donnell said, "GoGo Mickey says 'Are there any stragglers left?'"

Sunday at the Classics
The Classics 4591 Allentown Rd., Camp Springs, MD 20746

Nita and Tasty (wearing a shirt that said Familiar Faces 4 Life on the back) said hello to me in the parking lot.

This was my first time at the Classics. There was an enclosed (with rails) dance floor in front of the stage. No one was allowed to bring drinks on it.

Arielle, Tony, Michon, Dana, Kim, Pinky, Tracy S., and 6'9 were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
Tina (TT), "original" Nikki, Ebony, Shawn and her cousin Nia (she introduced me to her, but I told her I had met her at Safari already)
2) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It / Percussion solo
3) Mike-led John Legend's Used to Love U - Nita and Tasty screamed, Donnell said, "That's what you wanted, Tasty?"
Tim (LJ) and Chris were there.
4) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
Shameika was there.
5) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House" - Donnell climbed over the railing and stood on the speaker (he stood there for the rest of the set and got back on the speaker at the start of the second set) / Donnell chanted, "Party party, everybody"
Lolo was there (still celebrating her birthday).
6) Alternating Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Donnell rapped / "___ Is on the Floor" / "___ Is Yes!"
Tracy (the one I've known since '04, not the one on the bus trip) was there.
Donnell said, "Special dedication to those went on the bus trip. We put it in at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Why weren't you with us, Tasty?"
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Jacques played the timbales, Donnell said, "Let's go back a little. I think I was at a place like this about five years ago."
Slick Rick was there.
Donnell used his cell phone to signal to the band -->
8) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Halima said, "Happy birthday Dana!" / Donnell-led "___ Y'all"
9) Mike-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved
Mona (still celebrating her birthday), and Mama Chelle were there. Mama Chelle introduced me to lilone?
Tina said, "You can write that Tina and Lisa talked about how great the band is."
10) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You - Halima said, "This is for the ladies, Hey Ladies!" / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
Tiffany G., Lima, Simone, and JoJo were there.
Nita's stylist, Nicole, was there.

Tiffany G. came up and asked me who I was. When she heard about my thesis, she was interested and she introduced me to Lima.

Gary was there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Donnell went back on the right speaker and Sean went on the left speaker, Sean rapped, Halima said, "Alright!" repeatedly / Donnell-led "___ You're head bobbing" / Donnell called out women's names
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - there was a nice crank, Halima sang with her head right over the railing / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell said, "Happy birthday, Lolo!" / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "We got ____" / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
4) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Halima sang with her head right over the railing
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang, Donnell said, "Let the beat ride, Let the beat work"
Peg Leg was there.
6) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - the house lights came on, Jacques played timbales / Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp / Kanye West's Gold Digger
Tijuana, Tamara and her friend Brittney were there.
Donnell said, "I got to sing every part, my part and their part."
7) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Smoke left the stage
8) Stomp played a sample of D4L's Laffy Taffy (tease)
Donnell said, "Security is furious!"
Donnell joked, "I'll fire all three of you. I'll let my hair grow and get a bucket of red paint."
Donnell joked, "Tasty's back on the scene. She got rid of her load, got the bread out of the basket. She done some sit ups, some crunches. I'll let you know when the knuckles are back, then you're really back."
Donnell said, "Sweet Ariel, the mermaid."
When the security was making Nita, and Tasty leave, Donnell said, "That's my ride, we came in a Winnebago."
Donnell said, "Tasty used to be shake and bake, now she's shook and burn."

Return bus trip
Hampton Inn, 1460 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114

After I woke up, I watched TV, showered, dressed, packed and checked out. I sat in the lobby, where I was really zoning out. I was more tired then than when I first woke up. Tom Ellis sat at a table over by me (with his laptop open) with Little Benny and JuJu. JuJu and Chuck came over to me. JuJu talked about "Chopped barbeque" (how Chuck wants his drummer to play). Chuck said, "He don't know about chopped barbeque", which was not true, since Donnell had talked about it at rehearsal on October 11th. Chuck said, "Then when he exaggerates it, it's hot chopped barbeque". Tom asked me if I wanted a poster, I said yes and he gave me one. One of the hotel employees asked Chuck about his band. Chuck said something about playing in Baltimore. Chuck's bus was the first to leave.

The other two buses left at 1 PM. Everyone got on the same bus as the trip up. They asked me to switch seats a couple of times, the second time so Chris could join in a drinking game of 7 Up. They drank Hennessey. At first they were not pouring even amounts, Nece was pouring "drinks" not shots. Pinky said, "That's so ghetto" about them comparing the level of their drinks. Dana made a makeshift shot glass by ripping a Styrofoam cup, but then went the bus stopped for gas, they bought a shot glass. Some of the participants in the game of 7 Up were: LJ, Darrell, Nece, Simone, Chris, and Tracy. Darrell was the first out. You had to do two shots to leave the game. Darrell had previously declared that he never throws up, but that vow went unfulfilled. He threw up into trash bags several times and then passed out for most of the rest of the trip.

Picture taken by and Copyright - Pinky
Ironically, when he left the bathroom, Nece went in. Nece was the second person to leave the game. She ended up passing out in the bathroom for about two hours. This was despite the fact that a number of people banged on the door to try to wake her up for concern over her. We ended up taking an unscheduled stop in Somerset, PA so that people could go to the bathroom since she made it unavailable for others' use. Most of us went to the Wendy's (1030 North Center Av, Somerset, PA 15501), but some went to Ruby Tuesdays (1019 North Center Av). I was the last to return to the bus. Godfather didn't realize I don't have a cell phone, so he called my home. Pinky called Donnell at the Wendy’s, who told me they were waiting on me. We didn't leave until the other bus was also ready anyway. When I got on the bus, I saw Godfather get in the bathroom. During the stop, Nece had woken up, so after fifteen minutes of telling her how to unlock it and her doing it, they got her out. Chris held a bad for her to puke in. Then she passed out for most of the rest of the trip.

Chris & Nece
Picture taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
Among the movies we watched this trip were Antwone Fisher and The Brothers. I finished reading Dave Barry's Big Trouble - a hysterical novel. We in the back smelled burning and could tell something was wrong. Tim stopped on the shoulder and checked it out. He said nothing was wrong, but that was not true. We stopped again and he told us that a belt in the motor had broken. He tried driving more, making a few more short trips. During this time, Nece woke up and cursed a blue streak. She hadn't realized how long she had passed out in the bathroom (Marvin timed it) or that she had puked. She kept talking, so her sister Simone and others, including surprisingly Angie, joned on her. Tim drove to the next exit #22 on 270, because it was safe to be off the highway. He called another bus. It took so long waiting for the bus that some people left and got people to pick them up. It was at least an hour before another bus came. Tim said the driver was a mechanic and that he would drive to fix our bus. He had us switch to the new bus, but he said we would leave the luggage and have the original bus follow the new one unless it couldn't get fixed now. It ended up that the original bus couldn't be fixed, so all the luggage was transferred over and we left. During this time Darrell woke up. The new bus had a DVD player, and we watched Bruce Bruce. When we got to the parking lot, it was about 10:15 PM. When I walked to my car, one of the other women said to me, "Did you have a good time?" I told her yes. She said, "When you got on, I thought you were on the wrong bus (I guess because I am white)." It was late enough that by the time I got home, I would have to leave for Tradewinds, so I hung out at the nearby McDonald's, changed my clothes, and headed over to Tradewinds.

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

I was not surprised that Godfather was the first band member I saw at Tradewinds, since he lives even further away from it than I do. Britney & Shelley, June, Simone, Nece, JoJo, BY, Archie Paige, Sanisse, James, and Peg Leg (and Charlie) were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "A lot of people thought we wasn't going to be here tonight. We'll be here every Saturday if we have to fly from Alaska. I was here last week (despite the snow)..."
1) Alternating Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) / Percussion solo / Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Tiffany F., Tamika, and Janetta were there.
Donnell said, "Sanisse, I almost ran you over when you was crossing the street."
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - there was distortion in the speakers
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
5) Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You (tease) - instrumental / Percussion solo / Donnell-led "___ Is on the floor" -->
6) Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Donnell rapped, there was a nice crank, the lighting alternated between dark and lit (though still somewhat dark), Donnell gave his mic to Kay Kay (celebrating her birthday), she rapped
7) Alternating Brown & White - Donnell sang, "Who’s that girl?" / Ride Out - Slick Rick and Roe went onstage / Northeast Groovers' The Water (tease) / Mike-led Parliament's Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) (tease)
Danielle and Lolo (Celebrating her birthday) were there.
8) Alternating Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - a guy shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" repeatedly, Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho" / Donnell-led Kanye West's Gold Digger (tease) - "Go down baby, Go down" / Donnell chanted, "This is for my man Skip, This is for my main man Skip, This is for my man Chuckie, This is for my main man Chuckie"
Shawn (monitor) was there.
9) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind - Donnell said, "Rest in peace Ronnie T.", Donnell did a birthday shout out to Kay Kay
Tony was there.

Second Set
Donnell did birthday shout outs to a number of women including Lolo and Kay Kay. He said, "A whole lot of ladies are getting older."
Mia, the bartender from Cranberries, was there. Donnell asked her her name.
Donnell joked about just "Ladies at the Zanzibar, we don't need the million man march."
1) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - there was a nice crank
2) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar
3) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Donnell said, "Lolo, it's your birthday!"
4) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell rapped, Sean sang
5) Roe-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Pee Wee danced on the stage floor, Donnell said, "This is how we got started y'all, Pee Wee.", I think Roe's rap including more than just lyrics from Lock It, Roe was still celebrating his birthday
6) Donnell-led Notorious BIG's Warning / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / Donnell chanted, "Ladies free all night, each and every Sunday night"
7) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Mike danced with a female fan (I would guess one of the birthday girls), there was a nice crank, Packy played the cowbell
9) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
10) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls
11) Donnell-led DIP
12) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
13) 6 Minutes percussion solo - Smoke had a cranking conga solo, Mike said something I couldn't make out, Donnell said, "Wave to 'em Smoke", Smoke waved while playing, Donnell waved also
14) DP played the Odd Couple theme on his trumpet Donnell said, "Come out tomorrow ladies, James will take care of you".
Donnell told a woman, "Come out tomorrow, I'm going to leave your name at the door, so you can come free, just for you." Shawn was laughing since it's free for every woman.
Donnell said, "I like the way you shake / tote that..."
Donnell joked, "You too Nicole. Too bad I know your man; I'm too young to die."

When I walked out to my car, JoJo said, "Simone says good night."

Bus Trip to Cleveland
A big thank you to Tim (LJ) and Nephew for allowing me to join the bus trip at the last minute.

Most of us met at the parking lot by the former Chesapeake Bay Seafood House. 8321 Annapolis Rd, New Carrollton, MD 20784. Chuck Brown's bus (including Vincent among the passengers) left later on from Liaison in Laurel, MD.

Tracy S. came by, she dropped Angie off. Michon dropped Jacques off.

On my bus were (whose names I know): Tim (LJ) the co-organizer, Simone and Tony (first time I met him) were in the row in front of me, with Simone's sister Nece (celebrating her birthday) across the aisle. Tim's brother Roosevelt and his girlfriend, Darrell F., Angie W., Dana, Tracy (first time I met her), Pinky, L-Boogie, Neita, Marvin (first time I met him), Chris (first time I met him), Los, Kim (first time I met her), and Sharika. Our driver was named Tim.


On the other bus were (whose names I know): Nephew the other co-organizer, Sean, Mike, Halima, Donnell, DP, Doc, Dwayne, Lorenzo, Stomp, Smoke, Tony (security), Omar, Googie, Packy, Jacques, Tyrell, RE Angie, "original" Nikki, Ebony, Shawn, Arielle, another Dana, Nora, Shaun, and Tiffany G.

The band bus left about fifteen minutes before our bus left (a little after 9 AM). We pulled onto Annapolis Road. We weren't even at an intersection when Godfather stopped the bus and came on. Despite the other bus having left fifteen minutes before us, we caught up to it on the highway. LJ asked us if we wanted music or movies first. We chose music, a number of people slept.

The three (Simone, Tony, Nece) in the row ahead of me and Darrell, who kept moving around, were the most active on the trip. They and others drank Hennessey and Remy.

Tim (LJ) (Arm only visible), Nece, Darrell, Tony, and Simone

The bus had a CD player, and Tony gave over some CDs, including Familiar Faces' October 15, 2005 PA, and a compilation of GoGo Soul. Dana kept asked for Jazz and they kept kidding her, "next track." We stopped at a rest stop. There was a McDonald's there and most of us went in. We saw snow flurries. It was there that I saw that all the members of FF were on the two buses.

We watched Juwanna Mann, which was directed by Jesse Vaughan, who had directed Familiar Faces' Lap Dance video. Someone mentioned that Tommy Davidson went to B-CC, which I didn't know before.

Tim talked about co-organizing this trip. He said that he has an annual ski trip with eight buses. We went by a housing project and people talked about it being like home. We turned in there, people were joking about our hotel being there. They said it was like Barry Farms. Tim talked about some of the difficulties of organizing the trip. He tried to do an impression of Donnell Floyd by using Simone's scarf as a bandana.

All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich
It was hard for him, since he was obviously drunk. Tim gave out party favors. To Pinky, who had been the first to pay him, he gave a clock. To Chris, who always whines, he gave a pacifier. He gave out a hoop to a guy he called "Baller." L-Boogie worried about whether everything would go as planned, so Tim said there was no itinerary so it wouldn't be a trap. Tim gave L-Boogie a glue trap. Tim gave Dana a thermometer because she had to deal with the heat from him. They joned on people they saw on the street. First there was a woman that limped, then a guy at our hotel: Hampton Inn, who wore a green riding cap, a dark brown fur coat, a jeweled earring, a plaid shirt, and blue jeans. We arrived at around 4 PM. Hampton Inn, 1460 E 9th St, Cleveland, OH 44114

Ro'chelle (Toosweet) apparently drove up.

I went to cancel my reservation at the Holiday Inn Express. We were told to meet in the lobby at 8:10 PM to go to the performance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It actually wasn't that far from the Hampton Inn, but because it was so cold, it made sense to take the bus.

I took a nap (I only had a couple of hours of sleep since Zanzibar), then ate at the Subway's across the street. Since it was so cold and there was no dress code, I wore a sweatshirt instead of a button down shirt.

When we gathered in the lobby, Nephew passed out tickets.

The buses dropped us off right in front of the Hall.

Cleveland After Performance
Panini's Warehouse District, 1290 West 6th St, Cleveland, OH 44113

I went back the hotel and changed, and then went with Simone, Nece, Marvin, and Chris to get something to eat. We ate sandwiches at Panini's, recommended by our cab driver. For some reason, they put the coleslaw and french fries directly on all of the sandwiches. We then took a cab to two gas stations (one was closed) so people could get sodas and cigarettes. Then we went back to our hotel.

The after party was supposed to be at Club 75, 75 Public Square, Cleveland, OH 44113, but I didn’t go.

Familiar Faces & Chuck Brown at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, 1 Key Plaza, Cleveland, Ohio 44114

We walked in and went to the left where the ripped our tickets and gave us wristbands.

The end of the room had the stage they performed in. The hall is multiple floors, with escalators behind the stage. Some people watched the performance from the floors above.

While waiting for them to set up, they encouraged everyone to go downstairs. I talked with Tom Ellis, the curator of the Funk events going on at the Hall this month. I then went downstairs. Downstairs they had bathrooms, a coat check, and drinks. They had a cashier who took cash and exchanged for different colors of tickets depending on what kind of drink you wanted.

Then we went upstairs for the performance. I talked with Ro'chelle (Toosweet) and told her I was surprised she came.

Familiar Faces

DP, Stomp, Smoke, Jacques, Packy
Tom Ellis introduced them.

Lorenzo, Godfather, Stomp, Tom Ellis
1) Halima-led Pearls - initially it was only Halima (with the same red and black hair as she had for the New Year's shows, I hadn't seen it earlier today because she had her denim Rasta cap on), Lorenzo, Godfather, and Stomp performing

Lorenzo, Godfather, Stomp, Halima
Donnell said, "Cleveland, thank you for having us"
2) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) / Percussion solo

Lorenzo, Godfather, Sean, Mike, Stomp
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny

Lorenzo, Godfather, Doc, Sean, Mike, Stomp
5) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
6) Donnell-led "When you walk in the door & you're going to GoGo. Say what?" - the crowd responded, "Hello"
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized - the lighting changed onstage, Halima jumped around
Halima said, "It's getting a little hot in here."
8) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Donnell held his mic to the crowd, the frontline, Doc, and Packy danced
9) Alternating Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You - Donnell held his mic for women in the crowd to sing first on the right side of the stage then the left, then DP held his mic to the women on the right / Prince's Sexy M.F.
Lorenzo, Donnell, Godfather, Sean, Doc, Mike, Dwayne, Stomp
10) Donnell-led Hold the Note - a spotlight briefly came on facing the audience
11) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That / Percussion solo - it sounded like the music to Floetry's Supastar, Donnell did announcements
12) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "What you say LJ, You want Smoke to wind it up? Wind it up, Smoke!", the crowd shouted, "GoGo Smoke-ay", Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Woo" repeatedly, Donnell said, "Y'all feel that?", Donnell did a birthday shout out to Keisha
13) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - blue spotlights came on the audience, Packy played a tambourine, the frontline (other than Halima), and Packy (who came up from behind the percussion) danced behind Halima
14) Alternating Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) / Rare Essence's Spotlight (tease)
15) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease) - different blue spotlights aimed at the fans
16) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease)
17) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Smoke played the congas with drumsticks
18) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
19) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
20) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell held his mic to the fans, Donnell introduced Stomp / Stomp played a drum solo

Lorenzo, Godfather, Sean, Doc, Dwayne, Stomp, Mike, Packy, Jacques, Smoke, DP
Tom Ellis did the outtro

Godfather, Tom Ellis, Dwayne, Packy, Vincent
There were a few hundred fans in attendance. The performance cost $5 for the general public. It was a nice performance.

Tom Goldfogle, Chuck's manager and co-founder of Liaison, came onstage. It was the first we saw of Chuck's entourage.

We went downstairs again. Little Benny was down there.


Front: Simone, Nece, Sharika
Back: Darrell, Marvin, Tony


Pinky, Angie, RE Angie, and Kim - picture taken by and Copyright - Darrell Foster

Chuck Brown & the Soul Searchers
The line up was different from the last time I saw them: Chuck Brown (lead vocals & guitar), Sweet Cherie (vocals & keyboard), Bryan Mills (saxophone & keyboard), young white trumpet player, young Black trombone (same as last time) & keyboard player, bass player, William "JuJu" House (drums), a young Black conga player. Little Benny later joined in on vocals and trumpet. I was surprised Kay Kay wasn't there.
Sweet Cherie let me know:
bass...Doug Crowley from suttle thoughts
bone..Mark.. howard univ grad student (my alma mater woohoo!!)
tpt.....Brad (Clements)...been with chuck for at least 5 yrs and is on the 930 dvd
perc...Foxxy Rob..been w/ chuck and eu for more than 10 years

Chuck Brown - picture taken by and Copyright - Darrell Foster


Sweet Cherie, Bryan, JuJu, Brad, Mark, Foxxy Rob, Chuck

Sweet Cherie, Bryan, Doug, Brad, JuJu, Mark, Chuck

Bryan, Doug, Brad, Mark, Foxxy Rob, Chuck, Little Benny's & Chuck's significant others

Bryan, Doug, Brad, Sweet Cherie, Chuck, Foxxy Rob, Little Benny

Mark, Bryan, Brad, Doug, JuJu, Sweet Cherie, Foxxy Rob
1) Chuck-led "Tell me what you feeling like doing y'all" - the crowd responded, "Feel like moving that body" / Hoochie Coochie Man
2) Chuck said, "What's up, Cleveland? What's up, DC?" - Chuck played grinding guitar riffs
Chuck thanked the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for inviting them. He said he traveled around back in the "Salt of the Earth" days
3) Chuck-led Wind Me Up, Chuck - Chuck said, "Give yourself a hand", Chuck said, "The first time I came to Cleveland I was driving a tractor trailer."
4) Chuck-led T-Bone Walker's Stormy Monday - nice horn solo
5) Chuck-led Duke Ellington's It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That GoGo Swing) - Chuck held his mic to the fans who said, "Doo wop doo wop doo wop doo", Sweet Cherie played a nice (and different) solo
6) Chuck-led Lionel Hampton's Midnight Sun
7) Chuck-led Moody's Mood for Love - the horns would move to the right, then left to the mic to play: it was synchronized
8) Chuck-led Louis Jordan's Woody Woodpecker - a woman approached me and asked me to take a picture of her and her friend, they later danced with me Chocoltchp said they are Nora and Shaun and that one of them (Shaun) is her older sister.

the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Chuck!", Bryan Mills temporarily left the stage
9) Chuck-led Louis Jordan's Run Joe - the crowd sang along, Chuck held his mic to the fans, Chuck chanted something I couldn't make out
10) Chuck-led Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (tease)
11) Rare Essence instrumental (familiar, but don't remember the name of it) - keyboard driven
12) Chuck-led Rare Essence's Do You Know What Time It Is? - Chuck said, "Tick tock don't stop"
Sweet Cherie left her keyboard and took over on vocals (there was a towel on her mic which she took off to perform)
13) Sweet Cherie-led "1, 2, 3 Cleveland, what you want me to do?" - it was reminiscent of one of Kay Kay's raps
14) Sweet Cherie-led Jill Scott's It's Love? - Sweet Cherie held her mic to fans
15) Little Benny-led "Do you feel that?" - Chuck chanted "Eya eya" and the crowd responded "Woo"
16) Sweet Cherie-led Beyonce's Check on It
17) Little Benny-led "Work that sucker... Sweat..." - Sweet Cherie went back to her keyboard
18) Little Benny-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Little Benny held his mic to the crowd
19) Little Benny-led Rare Essence's Body Moves - Little Benny started it off by saying, "Hey ladies!", Little Benny said, "Work it overtime", Little Benny said, "Everybody in the club, hands up" and fans put their hands up, Little Benny said, "Hold up, wait a minute"
20) Little Benny-led Cat in the Hat
21) Little Benny-led Kanye West's Gold Digger - Chuck was on backup vocals
Chuck said, "Thank you Cleveland. Three more generations of you wonderful, beautiful people."
22) Chuck-led Bustin' Loose - Little Benny played trumpet (only song he did) and held his mic to the fans
Kimberly came up and said hello. She had driven up, which she told me she would do a few weeks ago at Zanzibar. Little Benny said, "Give it up for Chuck Brown!"
Chuck said, "Please drive carefully 'cause we love you so much. We need to learn to love each other." They seemed to be done, but Tom Ellis got them started again by chanting, "Chuck don't give a f*ck!" repeatedly
23) Chuck-led Chuck Don't Give a F*ck
24) Chuck-led 2001 Theme (actually the intro to Richard Strauss' Also Sprach Zarathustra)
25) Little Benny acapella Wind Me up, Chuck - the crowd responded
Chuck said, "Thank you very much. God bless you."
Chuck said, "The first time I came to Cleveland I drove a tractor trailer. I never dreamed of playing here."
This was much tighter performance than the last time I saw them.
After the performance, Chuck and the members of Familiar Faces sat at tables facing the front door and signed autographs. CDs of Chuck and Familiar Faces were being sold. Some people had LP covers being autographed as well. Donnell sat to Mike's left and Tiffany G. to Mike's right. Donnell said to me, "Jordan, you've got to hear Tiffany's new nickname for Mike, this is priceless!" Tiffany G. finally repeated it, "Mike is the motherf*cking Hurricane!"

Closest to furthest: Stomp, Smoke, Lorenzo, Doc, DP, Halima
Toosweet, Donnell, Mike, Tiffany G.

Mike and Tiffany G. - the stage is in the background
All pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich (except as noted)

Posted by funkmasterj at 12:01 AM EST

Updated: Saturday, 8 April 2006 4:14 AM EDT

Share This Post

Post Comment | Permalink

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

Maya said, "Hi Jordan!" Then to the other bartender she said, "That's my boyfriend." I said, "Not yet."

Missshaunte, Danielle (Wellfhed), her sister Che're, China (celebrating her birthday), Shameika, Nataki (~butterflies~), Ebo and Natalie were there. Missshaunte introduced me to T-Bird. Big G of Backyard Band, Renee and "original" Nikki were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Grover Washington's Mr. Magic
2) Mike-led Ruff Endz' Someone to Love You - first time they've performed it in a while
3) Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva / Floetry's Supastar (tease) - instrumental
Mike Smith, Dey (celebrating her birthday, which is actually on the 21st), Mo (Slim Goodie) was there, celebrating her birthday, which is actually on the 20th).
4) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
5) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind
L-Boogie was there.
6) Mike-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved? (it’s hard to make out my notes)
A woman named Kim with Mo referred to me by name, I asked her her name. Mo introduced me to twin sisters also celebrating their birthdays, Weenie (sexy in her glasses (actually sexier with them) and I told her so), and Toonie.

Pinky, Bryant "Luther" Roberts, Slick Rick, Arielle, Regi, Mona (Celebrating her birthday, Donnell gave her a birthday shout out), and Ebony were there.

Second Set
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)
2) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
Candall was there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
4) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You (tease) - instrumental / Donnell-led "___ is yeah!" / Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
6) NORE's I'm a G (tease) - instrumental / Donnell-led "___ Is on the floor" / Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Donnell said, "Oh my my my", a woman asked me, "You a G?", Big G rapped including "I know they don't love me"
6'9 and Sixx of Raw Image were there.
7) Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally
Tamika and Tiffany F. were there. They had waited an hour to get in.
8) Mike-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease)
9) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease)
10) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease)
June was there.
11) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked / Donnell & Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love (tease) - altered lyrics
12) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean rapped & sang, "Come in my bedroom... once we get into... you won't want to stop"
Shadonna was there.
Cookie, Simone and Nece were there.

Michelle H., Tiffany G., Tyrell, Yolanda, Sanisse, Big Don Pimp, and Dynomite were there. I introduced myself to Shannon. I also introduced myself to Laurie.

Third Set
1) Instrumental
2) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
GoGo Mickey was there. I introduced myself to a woman named Maya.
3) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / Donnell-led "___ Where you at?"
4) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Dwayne's guitar riffs were more prominent that usual for this song
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
6) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
7) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
Scooby, Tuffy and O from L!ssen Da Grew ^p, Darrell F., Peg Leg, and 32 of Rare Essence were there.
There was an argument and Donnell said, "Anyone over twenty-one fighting, that's the most 'Bama sh*t. I don't care who it is, you need to grow up, get out of the sandbox."
It was packed to capacity again.

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

Tamara was there. She introduced me to her friend Brittney. Brittney had just turned 21 on Friday. She had tried to come to Takoma Station last week with Tamara, but they wouldn't let her in. Darrell F., Tyrell, Shadonna, Pinky, Tim (LJ), and Vonshawn were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Blueprint - instrumental, Donnell played his Sax on the dance floor, Donnell said, "Dana is celebrating her birthday. I expect to be eating cake in an hour", Dwayne played a nice guitar solo, Donnell did a shout out to Dewey of the Circle Boys, Donnell said, "We got my man Lorenzo, tall man" / Donnell briefly played Parliament's P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) / Donnell said, "Since we play Jazz, and Jazz is all about improvisation. We're going to get my man Kal'el in here.", Sean sang freestyle including "Happy birthday Britney", then Halima and Mike separately also sang freestyle
Los was there.
2) Mother's Finest's Love Changes (tease) - instrumental
John was there. 3) Mike-led I Dreamed You - Donnell played on the dance floor and later Mike sang on the dance floor 4) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You - Tamara sang back up, Halima sang on the dance floor, fans put their hands up at the appropriate time in the song
Tracy S. was there.
5) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
6) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - Mike sang on the dance floor / Percussion solo
Stinky Dink and Sharika were there.
7) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean sang on the dance floor
RE Angie was there.
Donnell said (not sure who to), "I see how you look at me, you want me to sing this song"
8) Sean-led Burt Bacharach & Hal David's A House Is Not a Home
Roe was there.
The owner of Takoma Station asked why I was taking notes. When I told him, he said, "This is my place."

GoGo Mickey was there.

Angie W. and Stacey were there.
Second Set
1) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
2) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Mike said something I couldn't make out.
3) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - Sean sang on the dance floor
4) Mike-led 50 Cent's In Da Club "Dana, it's your birthday!"
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
7) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You
8) Percussion solo
Tiffany G. and Lima were there.
9) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
10) Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Stinky Dink sat in / Stinky Dink-led One Track Mind
Donnell did a birthday shout out to Roe.
11) Roe-led Rare Essence's Lock It - GoGo Mickey played the congas with drumsticks
12) Roe-led Rare Essence's Do You Know What Time It Is?
End of Roe sitting in.
13) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
14) Donnell-led Trina Was Great
15) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
16) Mike-led Lap Dance - Sean played congas while GoGo Mickey played timbales, GoGo Mickey played a nice solo
Donnell said, "Mickey play one more. Blind dude over there, thinks he's still got it."
Brittney said, "Play one more song, and I'll give you a show."
17) Stomp played a solo - Brittney danced
Donnell said, "Don't go nowhere Brittney, you all can go."
Connie was there.

Friday at the Icon
The Icon, 2106 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601

This was my first time at the Icon. I drove past it, before stopping at places to see the address numbers and figure out where it was. Lorenzo walked in before me. It is a nice place and roomy. It is the furthest GoGo venue I've been to (other than out-of-town venues).

Nicole was taking covers, as she did on Fridays at Safari.

Familiar Faces
Sound Check
The line up was: Mike, Sean, Halima, Donnell, DP, Doc, Dwayne, Godfather, Lorenzo, Mike Smith (drums), Smoke, and Jacques.
They are still using the same "Bike Week" configuration they used at Safari.
1) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady (tease)
2) Donnell sang along with Kanye West's Gold Digger, which DJ Rico was playing
Donnell said, "One more Rico, I know you have a limited number of records, Rico Suave!"
Donnell said of Mike, "He want to be Halima so bad" and mocked Mike's arm gestures.
3) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's I'm Getting Ready (tease)

First Set - started at 11:26
Donnell said, "Rico giving us a lot of love on the radio". DJ Rico said, "That's a lie!" Donnell said, "Tell somebody (we're at the Icon on Fridays), spread the word. In two weeks, we're shooting a live DVD down here."
1) Alternating Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean rapped "Alright" / Percussion solo
Donnell said, "Come on down ladies, don't be shy."
2) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
3) Alternating Percussion solo / Donnell-led "___ Is in the House" / "___ Is Here"
4) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
7) Donnell-led "___ Is on the Floor"
8) Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Donnell said, "Oh my my", there was a nice crank
9) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
10) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Smoke played the timbales, Jacques played the congas with drumsticks, Mike sang something, Halima said, "Uh oh, uh uh oh"
6'9 was there.
Donnell said, "We need the ladies up front. See if you can wind for us, real slow and sexy." Donnell teased the men and suggested they "go back and buy some binoculars or something..."
11) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind - Donnell shouted, "Boo!" repeatedly
Donnell announced DJ Flexx playing to start the break, "My man DJ Flexx, I can't joke on my man Flexx, he don't like that."

It was really dark from the time they started playing until the house lights came on at the end, so it was tough to recognize people. Also, since it's in Charles County, there's no smoking ban that I know of.

DJ Flava (AKA GoGo Rudy) was there, he said hello. Tamika, Tiffany F., and June were there. Donnell introduced me to Damond, whom I recognized as a regular. John, who had asked me the schedule at one of the Thursday Fur shows, talked with me and confirmed the schedule. Lashonda (with a new hairdo), Maya, Shameika, Peg Leg, and Chocoltchp were there.

Second Set
Donnell said, "They wanted me to say something to the fellas. Y'all need to snazz it up with your clothes. They turning away a lot of guys 'cause of the way their dressed. This is the grown & sexy."
1) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - I danced with Maya, Packy played the cowbell, Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho!"
2) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning - Dwayne moved up front to the left of Sean / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes - Dwayne moved back to his regular spot / Tupac's Hail Mary (tease)
4) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
Nina (spelling?), Tasty, and Nita were there.
5) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Doc moved into the spot in front Dwayne had been in earlier
6) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - the house lights came on / "Brandywine, Friends of mine" chant
RE Angie was there.
7) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go / 6 Minutes percussion solo
Angie W. was there.
Donnell said, "I'm playing at Tradewinds tomorrow, know that. I'm going to get paid." Halima said, "He's like the mailman, rain, sleet, or snow."
Donnell joked of Tasty, "I'm the pappy!" Tasty laughed and starting walking out. Donnell said, "Where you going Tasty? I'm bringing the pampers, the milk. That's right, you got the milk."
I was surprised how packed it was since there was only two days notice.

I asked Nicole if she had been at the Wizards game the other night because I saw her on TV (when I was at Takoma Station). She was.

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

When I walked in, Red and Black Boo were standing by the bar. They were going to give a Mambo Sauce press kit to Epic Concepts.

Pinky, Darrell F., Danielle (Pinkprincess), Ro'chelle (toosweet), and Kato were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Miles Davis' Tutu
2) Sean-led John Legend's Ordinary People
3) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy
4) Halima-led Jill Scott's Golden
Miss T (Theresa) & Miss V (Vernice) were there.
5) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop - the tones (or timbre) sounded different from how they usually perform this
6) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
Tyrell, Shadonna, Tracy S., Michelle (DeeDee's Cousin), Sweet Michelle, Sweet Sidi, 6'9, Yolanda, and Sanisse were there.

Second Set
1) Mike-led Anthony Hamilton's Since I Seen't You
RE Angie and Gary were there.
Donnell said, "Sweet Michelle, I think she's still got it."
2) Alternating they started to perform the music to Gerald Levert's Funny / Percussion solo / Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean rapped
Tiffany F., Tamiko, Chi Ali, Nikiya, and James were there.
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
5) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
6) Mike-led Prince's Take Me With You / Prince's Sexy M.F. (tease)
7) Donnell-led Hold the Note - there was a nice crank / Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love (tease)
8) Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - there was a nice crank, Donnell said, "Lord a mercy"
9) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind
Choo Choo was there.

Dynomite told me FF "Needs to release more PAs. The bald man with hair agrees."

Preston Blue and Tracy were there.

Third Set
I was talking, so there might have been a song before Check on It I missed.
1) Alternating Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It / Donnell-led "Brandywine, Friends of Mine" chant Nece was there.
2) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - there was a nice crank
Peg Leg and Scooby from L!ssen Da Grew ^P were there.
3) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
Angie W. was there.
4) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang something
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
Simone was there.
I danced with toosweet for much of the early part of this set, but it was really just me teasing her since clearly she wasn't interested in dancing with me.
6) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - 32 of Rare Essence sat in and rapped
7) Donnell-led Brown & White / Ride Out / Northeast Groovers' The Water - 32 rapped / Mike-led Parliament's Aqua Boogie (A Psychoalphadiscobetabioaquadoloop) (tease)
End of 32 sitting in.
Sixx from Raw Image was there. He told me he had seen and liked my website. I didn't even know he knew who I was.
Donnell said, "This is where the stars be partyin'."
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
9) Donnell-led DIP
10) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
Donnell said, "Choo Choo, I'm disappointed in you."

Sidi pointed out the body of girl I recognized as a groupie. She asked if I was interested in her. I said that I wasn't interested in anyone's groupie, that I am interested in women who like me, not someone else.

I talked outside with Stomp about his website. I asked him if he wants it publicized. He does.

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

Netty, Vonshawn, and Sharika were there.

Familiar Faces
Sound Check
1) Donnell played Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg's Over the Rainbow (tease) - instrumental
2) Donnell sang along with Trey Songz' Gotta Go played by the DJ
3) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's I'm Getting Ready (tease)
4) Mike acapella Marvin Gaye's Distant Lover (tease)

First Set
1) Don't Stop - instrumental, nice solos played by Smoke on the congas and Jacques on the timbales
2) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy
3) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop - Halima said, "Get started up" repeatedly, Halima sang on the dance floor
Donny Ray of EU was there.
Mike said, "That was hot." Halima replied, "Not as hot as you."
4) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean sang on the dance floor
5) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - Donnell said, "This is my song y'all", Mike sang on the dance floor
Stacey was there.
6) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You - Halima sang on the dance floor / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
7) Mike-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved - Mike sang on the dance floor
Tim (LJ), Pretty Nikki of After Hours and TJ (formerly of After Hours) were there.
8) Sean-led R. Kelly's Slow Wind (debut of Sean singing it)
Tracy, whom I met at Zanzibar, was there (with her same friend as at Zanzibar).
9) Alternating Halima-led Erykah Badu's Cleva / Percussion solo - Donnell did a shout out to Pretty Nikki (although he just called her Nikki), Halima said, "Lincoln Heights!" / Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Superstition
Donnell announced they would be playing on Fridays starting the Friday two days from now at Icon from now on.

Second Set
Donnell announced they would soon have live DVD by initiation and that "Mike will strip naked (I hope not!)."
1) Alternating Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It / Percussion solo / Donnell-led Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (tease)
Darlene, a regular, was there. 2) Donnell-led "___ Is up in here" - spoken, not chanted
3) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - there was a nice crank
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
5) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
6) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You - Donnell said, "Say what? Do What?"
Nikiya was there.
7) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Jacques played a nice timbale solo / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
8) Donnell-led "___ Is on the Floor"
9) Alternating Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Stinky Dink rapped, Donnell rapped / Percussion solo - it cranked / Halima-led Mariah Carey's It' Like That - Godfather or Lorenzo played something different
10) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell rapped, the house lights came on, Sean sang, "We'll take a train together... Come into my bedroom"
11) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Packy played a tambourine / 6 Minutes percussion solo
12) Stomp played a sample
13) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is - Donnell said, "This is my theme song. I don't know what's going on, I thought we was done."
14) Stomp played more samples
15) Dwayne briefly played riffs from a familiar Funk song
In talking about the bus trip, Donnell told ladies, "If you need a roommate, we'll pick names out of a hat."
Donnell said to Packy, "No vacation (they were originally not going to play on Friday), tell that trick you aren't going to Vegas. Fill up the bath tub, that's as close as your getting to a Jacuzzi." Packy laughed.

Super Bowl Party
Hyatt Regency Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis Hwy, Arlington, VA 22202
Positive Black Men Coalition World's Largest Super Bowl Party

I was still feeling the effects of my all night work on Friday, so I slept until 5 PM on Sunday. I knew I would be late for the game, but that was okay. As I walked by the side of the hotel, a hotel employee outside said hello and told me that Seattle had just kicked a field goal.

When I talked in, Cindy and Kiki were sitting at a small table in the lobby. They had been trying to call me all day. They had hoped that I could save a table for the three of us. They said they were sitting in the lobby because all the seats downstairs were taken.

We talked and ate until around 8:30, then we went downstairs. I circulated a bit. I saw Nita, Ebo, Sonya, "original" Nikki, Ebony, Tracy, MeCelle, Ron Moten, Mama Chelle, Stacy, Jay Floyd, Monique, Regi, Nikki, Michon, and Big Youngin. A guy named Bo introduced himself to me. He said he recognized me from going to so many GoGos. He is promoting the downstairs show at Zanzibar on Thursdays. Stomp's friend Kenny, who had been his guest at the NEG Reunion and at Tradewinds, was there. Stomp said Kenny is Fat Cat from the Drum Clan.

UCB (They introduced themselves as Uncalled 4 Experience)
This was my first time seeing them perform after hearing so much about them from Duane Face. The line up was: Tre (lead singer), two other male vocalists (one of them a rapper, one of them also played the cowbell), a female singer, a guitar player, a bass player, two keyboard players (one had a double keyboard), a drummer, and a percussionist. The DJ was also onstage with the band in the front on the right side.
1) Tre-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
2) Female-led "Crazy?" - the female singer's vocals were much harder to make out over the band than Tre's, I am not sure if that was a mic matter or not
Krystal was there.
3) Female-led ?
4) Male-led "Southside" chant - there was a nice crank
Tre said that Uncalled 4 Experience was celebrating their ninth anniversary. He said they had three singles, one you've heard on the radio -->
5) Tre-led Sexy Lady - the band and fans held their hands up, there was a nice crank, the percussionist played the roto-toms
6) Male-led Purple Ribbon All-Stars' Kryptonite
Tre said that was all their time.
Jay told me he liked that, "It was clean, they were musicians."

Nataki (~butterflies~) was there, we danced. Here's her take.

Nicole, the cover taker at Safari, was there.

Familiar Faces
1) Halima-led Sade's Pearls
DeeDee and Packy stood in the back on the stage, RE Angie danced on the left side. Cookie stood on the right side.
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny
3) Mike-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - there was a nice crank
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
5) Halima sang "Let's go now" from Mariah Carey's It's Like That, but the music was to Floetry's Supastar, Donnell said, "That's what we're talking about" / Halima-led Floetry's Supastar
6) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
7) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
8) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
9) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
10) Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - it went dark for bit, then the lights returned to their previous level, Halima danced with a mic stand, it really cranked, Smoke really hit the congas hard
11) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - there was a nice crank
12) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
Big Don Pimp was there.
13) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - the house lights came on
Shameika was there.
14) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - the lights dimmed again, Sean sang again
15) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - I danced with Regi
16) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes - I danced with Ro'chelle (toosweet)
I had previously danced with Tracy, Cindy, and Monique during the set.
Sherray (Always Showtime!!) was there.
Donnell said, "Stomp, I've never of such a thing, that's Larry. Cancer, my name is Larry."

Saturday at Tradewinds
I missed Friday's performance due to my doing spring cleaning. They are off next Friday.

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

"Original" Nikki and Ebony called to me from behind as I walked to the main door from my car.

Britney & Shelly, JoJo & Simone, and Britney (who sat on the right speaker as usual) were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Alternating Percussion solo - Donnell joked, "My baby Britney (the one sitting on the speaker), I haven't seen her since... She ain't my baby no more, I quit her a few weeks ago, if anybody's looking for a..." / Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) - Donnell played a nice Sax solo
Renee (with a new hairdo) and Tiffany F. were there.
2) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
L-Boogie was there.
3) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
5) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
6) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
7) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You
8) Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - Packy played a tambourine / Donnell-led "___ is Yes!"
Peg Leg and RE Angie were there.
9) Rare Essence's One on One (tease) - instrumental, Donnell said, "We got some old school, Metro Club, what you want to do?"
10) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Donnell said to Halima, "Sing to Peg Leg", Donnell said, "Sing it ladies"
11) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes - Lorenzo, a vocalist, sat in, I believe it was the same one I met at the Virgo Bash
Donnell joked about all Lorenzos being tall.

6'9, Los, Big Youngin, Shawn, and March were there.

Second Set
1) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
Ray was there.
2) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - a guy in the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" repeatedly and Donnell said, "Say what? Do what?"
3) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Donnell rapped new lines, a guy named Dirty sat in and rapped. He then walked into the crowd and I talked with him for a bit
4) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
6) Trina Was Great - I danced with O'Shayley (spelling?), her friend Helena came by with her
7) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is - the house lights came on, I was surprised, but I looked at my watch and it was 2:45 AM
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
9) 6 Minutes percussion solo - Halima sang, "I see you ___, hey lady", Donnell said, "Just another hate crime, going to have to do the time", Donnell said, "I told them to stop y'all" repeatedly
Donnell said, "Palmer Park all day."
Donnell said, "I picked the wrong one, but I'm about to throw her into a garbage pail."
Donnell teased Packy about Shelly being "underage".
Donnell said of Britney, "Had fun withya, done withya. Fellas, her number is 202..."
Donnell was selling tickets for tomorrow's show. At first he said, "Nikki, you don't need to pay me." But then he said, "She paid me, no favors..."
Godfather said to me and told me to write, "Look at the Big 'Bama Lorenzo, Reverend Whore, first one out the door..."

D Ball's Bon Voyage at Zanzibar
Zanzibar on the Waterfront, 700 Water Street SW Washington, DC 20024

Kimberly, Darrell, Darrell F., Tanya, and Trina were there.

When I was circulating before the performance, I went to the right side and ran into a rack of my fellow TMOTTers. The first one I saw was D Ball, whom most of the others were here for since he is moving to Houston next month. Here are all my fellow TMOTTers that I believe were there (other than of course, Nephew, Mike (The AssMan), and Kal El): D Ball (TRUMPETER), Danielle (pinkprincess) and her cousin, lady$tyle$06, sweetangelmd27, Sweet Tyra, Mz. Laydee, SweetAKA, Danielle (WELLFHED), Junior, Unique, .oOMampiOo., Peaches, Sherray (Always Showtime!!), Ro'chelle (toosweet), missshaunte, Chocoltchp, jay113, ~*Bobbiedoll*~, delano795, ThatsHotSexie, that44dog, Dey, Black Heart, $TYLE$, Trina, T-bird, YEAHOE, brwnhornet, Marvin (TCB_M), and SupaDan. (I haven't formally been introduced to brwnhornet, YEAHOE, T-bird, Trina, ThatsHotSexie, and SweetAKA.)


D Ball, toosweet, Sweet Tyra, pinkprincess


Junior and Unique


missshaunte, Always Showtime!!, ~*Bobbiedoll*~, Sweet Tyra, pinkprincess, lady$tyle$06


delano795, TCB_M, WELLFHED, and Me


ThatsHotSexie and Mya


Me and Nena

Gary, Simone, Nece, Tijuana, Shameika, and JuJu of EU were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Mother's Day - instrumental, Donnell played on the dance floor
Cookie was there.
2) They started to perform the music to Faith Evans' Mesmerized / Alternating percussion solo / Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
3) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean rapped
4) Mike-led Dave Hollister's One Woman Man / Percussion solo
5) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You - fans put their hands up at the appropriate time / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
Tracy S. was there.
6) Mike-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved
Regi, Los, Sanisse, Yolanda, and Tiffany F. were there.

Second Set
The dance floor was so packed that I watched this set and the third set from the left side of the stage area. It was written on the TMOTT board that Black Heart sat in on the congas during this performance, but since the congas are on the right side of the stage, I couldn't see them during the second and third sets, so I don't know when he sat in.
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) / Instrumental - Donnell said, "TMOTT, look at all the TMOTT we got here."
2) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
3) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Slow Down - I didn't notice the Georgy Porgy intro, but it's possible they did it and I missed it
"Original" Nikki was there.
4) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
5) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - there was a nice crank
James was there.
6) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
7) Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) - Donnell did the keyboard effects vocally, I didn't notice them performing Rare Essence's Spotlight
8) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease)
9) Mike-led Lisa Stanfield's All Around the World (tease)
10) Mike-led Rick James' Mary Jane (tease)
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease)
12) Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (tease) - instrumental
13) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Roll Call
14) Mike & Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - there was a nice crank, Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded "Ho"
15) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease)

Third Set
Donnell said, "Just the grown, just the sexy!" Sharmba Mitchell was there.
1) Mike-led Bobby Valentino's Tell Me - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
I met a woman named Tracy who asked me what I was writing. I had danced with her during the second set.
Nicole, the bartender at Tradewinds, was there.
2) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up - Kay Kay rapped, there was a nice crank
3) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
Imani was there (with blonde hair). She asked me what I was writing.
4) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang something
5) Little Trey (from UCB)-led "Sexy Lady?" - Donnell and Trey held their mics to the crowd so they could sing
6) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - there was a nice crank
8) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - there was a nice crank
9) Short cowbell solo by Packy

Here's a thread on this performance.

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

Darrell F., Selena and her sister Trina, and Kevin Lee were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady (tease) - warming up
Sharika was there.
2) Grover Washington Jr.'s Lock It in the Pocket - instrumental, nice Donnell sax solo
3) Mike-led I Dreamed You - Donnell played his sax on the dance floor
4) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Golden Lady
Angie, Omar, Lima, Tiffany G., and Ray were there.
5) Sean-led John Legend's Ordinary People
6) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes - Halima sang on the dance floor
7) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
Stacey and Tamara were there.
8) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean sang on the dance floor
Tim (LJ) and June were there.
9) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's I Want You - Mike sang on the dance floor
Chris Wright was there.
Donnell teased Ray, saying, "Another tape from Saturday night without Ray on it."

Donnell said that Jimmy owns (couldn't hear, but it was the name of a strip club), "Ladies, if you need to earn extra money. What would you do for the money?"

Second Set
1) Mike-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology) (debut)
2) Donnell said over percussion, "I need to get used to Mike. If you're twenty-five and older, you know this", Tiffany danced with Mike
3) Donnell rapped
4) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It - Tiffany danced with Mike and Lima danced with Sean
5) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
6) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - the crowd responded
7) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
8) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies, Oh my God!" Donnell said, "There you go, Smoke!"
9) Smoke percussion solo - Godfather played a tambourine, Donnell chanted announcements
10) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - there was a nice crank
11) Mike-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version) - the band and fans held their arms up, Jacques played a nice timbale solo and Smoke played a nice conga solo, Donnell said, "You want to do it again? You want to back it on up?"
12) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
13) Mike-led Stevie Wonder's Tell Your Heart I Love You
14) Donnell-led "___ Is on the Floor"
15) Donnell-led NORE's I'm a G - there was a nice crank, Donnell said, "Look here, this is not the Black Hole, this is the Grown & sexy. I don't care if it's your birthday or your girlfriend's birthday. This is not the Black Hole or the Metro Club, even though we'd like to go back."
16) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
17) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
18) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean Sang, a guy names J-Rock (spelling?) sat in and rapped, there was a nice crank, Donnell rapped new lines
19) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go (debut)
Donnell said, "If Doc wants to play another song, that's alright. I call another song, everybody's packing up. I don't get any respect."
20) Donnell acapella Halima Will You Dance for Me (tease)
21) Donnell-led Common's The Corner - Donnell rapped, but he forgot some of the lyrics
Vonshawn, Ron Moten, and Stinky Dink were there.
Donnell joked, "Someone might not be here Tuesday. Derek, you might have to drop a check off on Thursday. Sweet Cherie say she can play all that and sing a song. Please one more time..."
Lorenzo said, "I can sing." Vonshawn said, "No!"
Donnell said, "You can sing tall man?"