Nena, Donnell & Scooby's Birthday Celebration
Bud's 501 Club, 501 Morse St NE, Washington, DC 20002

Bobbie Westmoreland and Sugar Bear were at the front. Sugar Bear was taking covers. I said, "I've never seen you take covers before." He said he was doing it as a favor for Donnell.

I went upstairs. Sweet Tyra and Sherray (Always Showtime!!) were there. Nena came out of the VIP room. She wore a white shirt that had written, "Spank Me, It's My Birthday" and a black jacket. Money Green (whom I didn't know by sight) was with her. Sherray introduced me to the_bald_one. June, Lachelle, Stinky Dink, Danielle (pinkprincess), Ro'chelle (toosweet), Yanni of L!ssen Band, Mama Chelle, Lil One, TT, Kato, and Tyrell were there.

EU
During the sound check, they played Van Halen's Jump.
1) Donny Ray & Sugar Bear-led Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven - Sugar Bear said, "Happy birthday Donnell, Nena, and Scooby"
2) Donny Ray-led John Legend's Ordinary People Tony, Jay113, TCB Tony, Delano795, Net Boo, Chenke, RE_Admin (I didn't know her by sight. I recognized her as having been at the Night of Elegance and at Takoma Station some time after that) and Danielle (Wellfhed) were there.

Danielle (Wellfhed) and I
Picture Taken by and Copyright - Bobbie Westmoreland
3) Sugar Bear-led Medley: Young Jeezy's Soul Survivor / 50 Cent's In Da Club (lyrics only) - it cranked / Freak a Deak All Night Long / Cops Theme "Bad girls, The girls are bad" / "Pop the Coochie" / Ludacris' Number One Spot / Outkast's The Way You Move / Hues Corporation's Rock the Boad / John Legend's Ordinary People (drum roll only) / Snoop's Drop It Like Its Hot
Lady $tyle$, Ms. Minnie Me, and SweetAngelmd27 were there.

Ms. Minnie Me
Picture Taken by and Copyright - Bobbie Westmoreland
Net Boo asked me, "You writing a book tonight?"
4) Sugar Bear-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
5) Sugar Bear-led Kanye West's Gold Digger
Missshaunte and Songbird were there.
6) Sugar Bear-led "Move your body"
7) Sugar Bear-led "It's Hard to Control Myself"
8) Sugar Bear-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
Scottie Jay was there.
9) Donny Ray-led Young Jeezy's My Hood
10) Sugar Bear-led "Get Your Freak On"
Sugar Bear said, "Next up 911, formerly 911, happy birthday Donnell"
I said hello to some of the members of Familiar Faces, but left before their set and L!ssen Da Grew^P's.

TMOTT had a group picture taken after I left:

Back Row: Money Green, Jay113, Missshaunte, TCB Tony, Mama Chelle (Chelley), Danielle (PinkPrincess), Sherray (Always Showtime!!), Ro'Chelle (Too Sweet), Danielle (Wellfhed), Chenke, Scotty Jay, Nephew
Middle Row: Kato, RE_Admin, BobbieDoll, Songbird, Delano795
Front ROW: Maiah, Skinny Pimp, Nena, $tyle$

There were other members of TMOTT after I left who also missed the pic. I heard that Nena’s parents were there as well.

Donnell's Birthday
Safari Lounge, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

Jammin' Jeff & the Band
This was their first performance at Safari. This was also my first time seeing Jammin' Jeff's band. Their set was in progress. When I talked in, Lorenzo and Tamara C. were sitting in the first booth. The line up initially was: 2 keyboard players (Duane Face was one of them), a guitar player, a percussionist, Jammin' Jeff on drums, and a sax player (on the frontline). (Note: their line up in August, possibly all the same personnel was: Allison (female singer), Jay (male singer), Dennis Turner (bass), Zach Cutler (guitar), Cleophus (sax), Sam (keyboard player), Duane Face (keyboard player), and Jammin' Jeff (drums).) At first they were playing light R&B and jazz. Then a female (Allison) and male (J. Hill) vocalist walked onstage. They performed Rose Royce's Car Wash, and A Taste of Honey's Boogie Oogie Oogie. They cranked. They also performed Alicia Keys' Unbreakable. Then Allison introduced a musician who had been performing with them - J. Hayden. He played a keyboard and sang. While he performed, Duane took a break. J. Hayden performed with his keyboard on the frontline. I didn't care for his performance: the music was too light for my taste. After he was done, Allison invited Tamara up to sing. She performed Vivian Green's Emotional Roller Coaster. Allison then asked her to perform another song. She sang Jill Scott's It's Love. They performed a few Prince songs and Michael Jackson's PYT. They also performed "You're My Lady".  Roosevelt and his brother Tim (LJ), June, and Big Don Pimp were there.  They last song they performed was Jill Scott's He Loves Me (Lyzel in E Flat).

Shawn, Kato, Tony, Sharmba Mitchell, Mara, Angie W., Tracy S., "original" Nikki, and Ebony were there.

I talked Sherray (Always Showtime!!) and asked her about her birthday. She said she had celebrated at Zanzibar and had a great time.

Familiar Faces
First Set
It was dark with a spotlight on Sean.
1) Sean-led Peabo Bryson's Feel the Fire
Big Sixx of Raw Image and Shadonna were there.
2) Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - Halima sang on the dance floor, it cranked / Percussion solo
Mia, the bartender at Cranberries, was there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Tiffany F. (with a new hairdo) was there.
4) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - Halima sang on the dance floor
Damond was there.
5) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
6) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean, Duane Face (I was impressed), and another male (Shorty Dug?) rapped
RE Angie came in with balloons. Darlene, Stacey, and GoGo Mickey were there.
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - Smoke played timbales and Jacques congas
8) Donnell-led 911 - Donnell said, "It's my birthday"
9) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You, Donnell did a shout out to L from Rare Essence, sitting in on congas

I had to leave after the first set.

Stomp & Fat Cat's Birthday
Safari Lounge, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706


See additional photos of this event here.

As I pulled into Safari's parking lot, I noticed a cloud of smoke. A fire engine came into the parking lot by the liquor store nearby. I walked in and Shonda said hello. Tee Bone said hello. Shonda was here tonight because her sister had her bridal shower there. Tamika, a security guard, made us all leave the building. The smoke I saw was because a car in the adjacent parking lot (not right by Safari) had caught on fire. Someone played Trouble Funk in their car while we waited.

After we went back inside, I noticed all of the female bartenders wore green tops (not the same except for the basic color). Stomp & Fat Cat’s cake was already on a table on the dance floor area, along with black and grey balloons.

The members of Remedy came in and started setting up. I recognized, Love, the conga player, and Chris Wright, the keyboard player. Unfortunately, my Lakers were getting killed in Game 7 against the Suns.

Remedy


I knew from the flyer that Stomp's little brother was in the band. I assume he's the guy with the white t-shirt and sunglasses. He came over and asked why I was taking pictures. This was my first time seeing them perform. The female singer with the short dress was very beautiful and she was hamming it up during the warm ups. They went on at 11 PM. They had a nice crank, with the cowbell helping. They played for about half an hour.

I went over to the bar and saw Ms. Minnie Me. I kidded her, "You're only here because Junkyard is playing." She laughed.

I noticed Familiar Faces' usual band security crew: Tanya, Patrick and Tony were here. Supa Dan said that Stomp wanted him to play Northeast Groovers all night. A number of people came in wearing Mental Attraction Band t-shirts.

Dynasty Band




This was my first time seeing them perform. I recognized them both because I know Mz. Laydee and I had previously met their bass player and his brother at Byrne Manor last June 30th. They went on at midnight. They also had a nice crank and a nice sound. I recognized Ne-Yo's So Sick, Lil' Jon & the Eastside Boyz' Get Low, NORE's I'm a G. Stomp arrived and appeared on the left side of the stage during their set, together with BY. I also recognized Rihanna's Pon De Replay. The band did a synchronized dance. They played for about 40 minutes. Peaches said hello to me and Ms. Minnie Me.


Peaches and Ms. Minnie Me

SweetAngelmd27, Omar, Nikki, Ebony and her little sister, and Marvin (TCB_M) were there.

Three girls, Michelle, Sade, and Dee had me take their picture.


Mia, the bartender at Cranberries, was there.

Mental Attraction Band

This was my first time seeing them perform. Most of the band members and a number of fans wore Mental Attraction Band t-shirts. They cranked, but had a really rough sound. When they called out "Where y'all from", one of the singers held his mic stand to the crowd. I heard "Get Down", Rick Ross' Everyday I'm Hustling, and the song that samples "Mr. Postman". They had an interruption while they fixed their congas. They played Purple Ribbon All-Stars' Kryptonite, the frontline jumped up and down, they performed NORE's I'm a G, and Kanye West's Gold Digger. They played for about 30 minutes.

A girl named Twan who had been onstage with Mental Attraction, holding, but not wearing, one of their shirts, had me take her picture. Her name is Twan. She had it tattooed on her wrist.


There was fight during the break. I heard a crash behind me then saw a couple guys fighting and security threw them out. It turns out the crash was a guy knocked unconscious on the floor. It took them a while to wake him up.

Junkyard Band
They started off with a group hug.





Their sound was much better than the last time I saw them. One of the promoters with Sparky at that last performance was there. They performed, "Time to Party", Hee Haw, "Take Me Out to See Junkyard", which really cranked, Freak a Deak Zone, Neko Case's Pretty Girls? the crowd sang along. They asked, "Where y'all from", War's The World Is a Ghetto, Lil Kim's Lighters Up, then the house lights came on. They performed Ruff It Off and the band and the crowd got real amped. They performed, "Doing the Do, Take off your laundry." They said, "Ladies, you got to play fair." They performed Freak a Deak Zone, Nelly's Flap Your Wings, and Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable. Nena hugged me from behind. I went into the lounge to talk with her. I told Supa Dan, "Gilbert, next time make that free throw." He laughed. GoGoPJ of TMOTT introduced himself to me. I took some pictures of TMOTT members.

Maiah, Peaches, Mz. Laydee, Ms. Minnie Me, Supa Dan, Nena, SweetAngelmd27, a guy from Mental Attraction
All Pictures taken by and Copyright - Jordan Rich (except for the Flyer at the top)

Junkyard got done playing around 3:15.

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

Shante (Stacey's Cousin), Mary, Sanisse, Peanut, Michelle, Lachelle, Slim Goodie, Britney & Shelly, Nicole (whom I met at The Classics), Matthew, Blue of Y2K, Jessica, BY, Fat Cat, Sean, Tracy, Delano, and Ray were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - Halima said, "Dwayne Lee, you got something special for me?", Halima said, "Smoke", the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Halima responded, "What you say?"
Jimmy Parker and Mama Chelle were there.
2) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable / Percussion solo - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!"
Keisha and Jan were there.
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Rickea, Ria, Tiffany F., and Janetta were there.
5) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv / Percussion solo
Pinky, Kintrea, Javon, and Kay were there.
6) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Sean rapped, James was on backup vocals
7) Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease)
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Body Moves
Shawn was there.
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It - it cranked
Shaun & Nora, Britney, and L-Boogie were there.
10) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What?
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (tease)
Donnell said, "She's a diva, I second that emotion"
13) Donnell acapella The Temptations' I Second That Emotion (tease)
14) Sean-led Peabo Bryson's Feel the Fire
TT was there. She introduced me to a friend of hers, Brenda. Los was there.
15) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You
Felecia, 6'9, Rachelle, Kim, and Natalie were there.

My friend Sean and I were by the bar for the entire second set
Second Set
1) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - they stopped it because Donnell made an emergency announcement to a woman in the audience, then it resumed / Percussion solo - the lights went off for a while
2) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
3) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Sean sang, it was interrupted by a fight, the house lights came on / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes / "This is for my man Chucky"
4) Donnell-led "Party, Party, Everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick
5) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho!"
6) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
7) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Anytime
8) Instrumental
Late in the set, Nicole and one of the other female bartenders danced behind the bar.
I talked with Stomp and Dwayne for a little while. I walked to my car with Sean and we talked until the police made us leave.

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

Big Don Pimp said hello to me in the parking lot.

Yvette, Stacy, Felecia, Tamara C., Brittney, and Britney & Shelley were there.

Junior was working the sound.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Percussion solo -->
6'9 was there
2) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go / Percussion solo
Tyrell (dyed hair), and Nicole (the bartender) were there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House" - Donnell stood at the edge of the dance floor
4) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
5) Donnell & Sean-led Prince's Take Me With You - Dwayne played different guitar riffs than usual
Damond was there.
6) Donnell-led Hold the Note / Donnell & Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love (tease) / Percussion solo / Donnell sang, "People want us to break up, but we did not" / Vicious Smoke conga solo
Stacey was there.
7) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - they did an echo effect
8) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - prolonged horn hits / 6 Minutes percussion solo - Donnell said, "Make it gangsta, Doc", Donnell counted off the minutes, Donnell said, "We might put you in the history books for this one, Jacques (playing the cowbell), 'till we find out where you stole it."
9) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped, the Christmas-type lights blinked
June was there
10) Instrumental outtro - Halima played congas
Donnell said to 6'9, "I don't drink and I don't know the name of no songs; so I know you don't. Do you know your phone number?"
Delano was there.
11) Sean-led Brian McKnight's Anytime - Sean went to the edge of the dance floor
Tony, Arielle, Peg Leg, RE Angie, Angie W., Rickea, and Ria were there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Unpredictable
Jay Gotti was there.
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / "Brandywine, Friends of Mine" chant / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be" / "___ Is Yes!"
3) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo
4) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Body Moves
Yannie of L!ssen Band was there.
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
6) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
7) Donnell-led Hey Tyrell (Miss Keta) Do Your Dance for Me
8) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) - RE Angie sat in on congas (Delano filmed it, you can view it here) / Rare Essence's Body Snatchers - Smoke took over from RE Angie during the song
9) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - Jay Gotti sat in and rapped, Don sat in and rapped
"Original" Nikki and Shawn were there.

Marvin said hello to me at the end.

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

This was my first time at J's Sports Cafe. The bar is decent sized, but the dance floor is rather small. The stage is an enclosed semi-circle with Christmas lights hanging from the top. There is an enclosed eating area with tables in front of the stage and another to the right of the stage. There are pool tables behind the stage and the bar is adjacent to both enclosed eating areas with more pool tables around it.

Nicole was taking the covers.

Tim (LJ), Dana, Tony, Marvin, Archie Paige, John, Shawn, Shadonna (with dyed red hair), Damond, Sanisse, Yolanda, June, and MeCelle were there.

They had a different sound system from Bobby Smoot's.

Familiar Faces
Sound Check
1) Donnell acapella Donna Summer's Love to Love You, Baby (tease)
2) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady (tease)

A woman named Sheila introduced herself to me.

They had their light show and smoke machine.

First Set
1) Instrumental - Donnell said, "Let the socket ride", he teased June and Shadonna, he said "Back together again", then June went on the dance floor and Donnell said, "See, when I put him on display, he had to get separation", Donnell said, "Shout out to Big Jordan, missed a lot of shows, I thought you quit us. I know you was going to write that down."
2) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
TJ was there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
4) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv / Percussion solo
5) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
6) Alternating Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped, it cranked / "___ Come on"
7) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
Rickea, Tamika, Tiffany F., Janetta, and Shaun were there.
8) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
9) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Sean sang, Doc played to the left of the stage / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
10) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Heaven
"Original" Nikki, 6'9, Arielle, Tamiko, Nicole (the bartender), Stacey, Los, and Nikiya were there.

Second Set
1) Donnell acapella Tina Turner’s (Credence Clearwater Revival's) Proud Mary (tease) - there was static
Donnell said, "Fellas, my baby Shawn is about to tip over. Fellas, you buy her one more Budweiser and you might be alright tonight."
Mona, Ebony, and Maya were there.
2) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Sean sang it differently than usual, Donnell said to Halima, "Stay right where you at (on the dance floor)."
3) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" - Donnell went on the dance floor, then back onstage, it cranked / "Freak a Deak Zone"
4) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" - Donnell said, "Rock the bell, Jacques" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked / Percussion solo
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh"
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda - it cranked, Smoke played timbales, Jacques congas, Halima said, "Uh uh oh"
Mousie was there.
7) Donnell-led Hey Tiffany (Miss Keta) Do Your Dance for Me - Donnell also called up Nikki, Shadonna, and Rickea
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked
9) Alternating Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Smoke played timbales / "You make me want to see, just how freak you can be" / "___ Is Yes!", Halima shouted, "Wait a minute" / Percussion solo - featured samples, Donnell said, "Let me know one time and a I sure would", Donnell said, "I'm like Superfly Snooka..."
10) Instrumental
11) Stomp played a sample from Kanye West's Gold Digger
I introduced myself to Janetta's sister Tasha.

Shawn & Kim's birthdays at the Icon
The Icon, 2106 Crain Hwy, Waldorf, MD 20601

Lashonda was there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "Rico Suave! Ladies, give Rico a tip on his way to the Hangar's Club."
1) Sean-led Marvin Gaye's Mercy Mercy Me (the Ecology) (debut with Sean singing) - Sean's mic had distortion, it cranked -->
Tony, Britney & Shelley were there.
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - it cranked especially Jacques on the cowbell, Donnell said, "I haven't heard a bell like that since DC"
Shawn was there.
3) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
John introduced me to his brother Derek (spelling?). Damond was there.
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House" / Percussion solo - Lorenzo played prominent keyboard riffs
5) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv
6) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Sean rapped
Tim (LJ) was there. Donnell did a shout out time, he said, "I never thought he'd come down here."
7) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Heaven - Sean sang to the two birthday women, Shawn and Kim up front

Imani was there.

Tim introduced me to the two birthday women.

Gene, Danette, Tiffany F., Tamika, Ria, Ian, and Peg Leg were there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - it cranked / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant / "You make me want to see just how freaky you can be, It's as easy as one, two, three, get at me..." - Donnell said, "New y'all" / "___ Is Yes!"
2) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Donnell stood on the right speaker
3) Donnell-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version, tease) - fans put their hands in the air 4) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Donnell said, "Let's go Miss Halima" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / "Freak a Deak Zone" 5) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Percussion solo / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked, Donnell said, "D-O-C", Donnell said, "Get with him, Lee" / Donnell rapped, "They keep comin', and I keep gunnin'"
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What?
9) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time - Smoke played the timbales, Jacques played the congas with drumsticks / Dem Franchise Boyz' I Think They Like Me (tease) "I think she likes me, girl I think she likes me" / Djayz's It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp (tease) / "Brandywine, Friends of mine" chant / Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) (tease) / Donnell sang "That's Imani... y'all"
10) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - it cranked, Donnell said of Tamika, "I like that see-through blouse, one more thing see-through and it would be perfect" / Percussion solo - Donnell kept asking Godfather to play the Hammond and he finally did, Donnell complimented the dancing of a woman named Tiffany (a friend of Stacey's)
11) Sean-led Anthony Hamilton's Charlene (tease) - Donnell said, "Alright, he learned it. It he learned it for you baby. Damn, he singing that song like he know you. Charlene, are you happy now? You need a cigarette?"
Everett "E" (a trombone player and vocalist) was there.
Donnell said, "Godfather, you can always put that Hammond on."
Donnell said, "Jacques, tell me who to give the money to, Packy played half the show."

Tia's birthday at Zanzibar

I am starting a new job next week, so I will not be attending as many GoGo performances and more that I do attend will not be the complete performances.

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

Jalila and Gene were there.

I sat down at a table. Pinky and Tia (celebrating her 22nd birthday) arrived and I gave them my table. Michelle was there. A woman named Robin came up to me, she told me she was upset that another girl grabbed me to dance first last Friday.

JuJu (Tia's female friend), Los, and Darrell F. were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Grover Washington Jr.'s Mr. Magic - Nice Dwayne and Stomp solos
2) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever - Halima was by the PA when she started singing, Darrell led her through the crowd, I teased him about being a chaperone, he said, "I'm more than a chaperone, I'm a bodyguard!"
Darrell introduced me to a woman named Cindy. Sanisse, "original" Nikki, and Ebony were there.
Donnell said, "It's ladies night tonight, is that alright?"
3) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Packy played the cowbell
RE Angie was there.
4) Alternating Percussion solo / Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny
Ebo, Kintrea, Tracy S., and Angie W. were there. Danette was there.
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
6) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Heaven
7) Halima-led Sade's Pearls
Sharika and 6'9 were there.

Second Set
I missed a song as I was talking to Tracy and Darrell.
1) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It - Halima yelled, "Wait a minute!", Halima did a birthday shout out to Tia
2) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
Slick Rick and Yolanda were there.
6) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable - Donnell did a shout out to Antonio "The Cuban Cigar Smoker"
Britney & Shelley, and Big Don Pimp were there.
7) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv - it cranked
8) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
9) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
Nece and Simone were there.
10) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You - fans put their hands up at the appropriate time in the lyrics, Halima said, "Sing it ladies" and they did / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes

June, Tyrell, Peanut, and Matthew were there.

Third Set
1) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go / Percussion solo
Pocahontas and Mousie were there.
2) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - TJ walked up (they now have security on stage), talked with the security guy (told him why she was walking onstage) and sat in on backup vocals for the rest of the set, Lorenzo or Godfather played different keyboard riffs, Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho!" / Donnell-led "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy..." -->
3) Donnell-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version, tease)
4) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar
5) Donnell-led "Freak a Deak Zone" / Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
6) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Sean rapped
Chris, the female bartender, was there.
7) Donnell-led Tom Tom Club's Genius of Love (tease) / Rare Essence's Get on the Wagon (tease)
8) Donnell & Halima-led Lisa Stansfield's All Around the World (tease)
9) Donnell-led Rick James' Mary Jane (tease)
10) Donnell-led Vinnie D's $55 Motel (tease)
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Overnight Scenario (tease)
12) Rare Essence's Lock It (instrumental tease)
13) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25"
14) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda
Ayisha was there with her sister.
15) Donnell-led 911 - mostly instrumental
16) Halima & Sean-led Luther Vandross' So Amazing (tease) - ended by a fight
Donnell said, "Take their pictures for real, I don't care what your name is, don't mess up the party."

Wednesday at Safari Lounge
Safari Lounge, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

Netty was there.

The PA and DJ area had switched back to their old positions.

Tony was there.

They had their light show.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said they would be starting at 10:30 from now on. Sean wore a superman shirt.
1) Mother's Day - Donnell played his Sax on the floor, the lights dimmed
2) Halima-led The Brand New Heavies' Never Stop - Halima sang on the floor, Halima shouted, "Wait a minute!", Halima said, "How you doing out here?", She waved to Sherray (Always Showtime!!) and Krystal at the bar, they waved back
Shaun was there.
3) Halima-led Betty Wright's Tonight Is the Night (debut) - Donnell said, "We’re going to go back just a bit y'all", Halima talked about the song and went on the dance floor
4) Halima-led Jill Scott's Whatever
Sanisse and Yolanda were there.
5) Sean-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down / percussion solo - it cranked
6) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
Maya was there.
7) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Heaven - Halima played klavs, Sean went on the dance floor
Nikiya and Darlene were there.

Mary talked with me about my thesis project.

Ron Moten, Damond, Chris "The Rapper" Black, Tara, and Stacey were there.

Second Set
Donnell did a shout out to Michelle Blackwell, whom he pointed out was wearing a short skirt.
1) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv
2) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
Kato was there.
3) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
GoGo Mickey was there.
4) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Sean rapped
Tyrell was there.
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
6) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked
Nece, the promoter, and Shauny were there.
7) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
8) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / Puffy's Satisfy You (tease) "He don't understand you like I do" / Percussion solo - Halima sang something, nice Smoke conga solo, Donnell said, "I think Tyrell like that Smoke. I think Tyrell like the way your hands move."
Donnell said, "Is that you Rapper? He came in disguise, he look like Isaac Hayes back there."
Donnell said, "Watch out for Champ Bailey, Dave (Dave was talking with Nece and a female friend of hers). Dave, you can't handle both of them. That's all I need to do? Go to the Chicken and Waffle House?"
Donnell said, "Hey may man Mickey is still celebrating his birthday, but don't buy him no more drinks. I went to the CFE and they had to hold him up with a kick stand. He was playing guitar, congas, and timbales."
Donnell said, "Shauny, I'm really disappointed (she was hugging different guys), I expected it from those two."
Donnell said to Nece, "Last week, he (Dave) was pushing up on your girlfriend. He must like the one with the tightest jeans.
Donnell joked, "Hey Dave, did you tell them about the domestic violence case on you in Hyattsville?"
Donnell sang, "Just another hate crime."
Donnell said, "Tyrell need love fellas, she got a lot of tension." She said to me (I was standing right next to her), "Oh, don't write that!" Tyrell said to Donnell, "Someone's going to bust your head."
Donnell said, "We haven't seen Tasha since Adia scared her off."
Donnell said, "Michelle, I like that skirt. It rise to the rise. She been trying to hold it down all night." Michelle said, "It wasn't like that when I put it on." Donnell said, "Something happened on the way?" Michelle said, "I stopped at McDonald's."
Donnell said, "Andre better watch out, I thought Mickey was going to slide on the cowboy boots." The Rapper said, "He got them on right now!"
Tara went up to respond to Donnell and then walked back to the front. Donnell said of her behind, "Come up here and walk away from me one more time. They must have switched her mail route."
Donnell said, "Hey Michelle, next time you play, take a collection for Vincent, he got the Eazy E..." Vincent turned Donnell's mic off.

Drum Clan interview
Private Location

I interviewed Stomp, and his fellow drum clan members Fat Cat and BY. I will be putting video up from it on Stomp's website and a transcription here. Unfortunately, I left late for the Warner Theatre show.

The Roots at the Warner Theatre
The Warner Theatre, 1299 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington DC 20004

This was my first time at the Warner Theatre. I unfortunately missed all of Chuck Brown's performance. I arrived during the intermission. I talked with Red, who was in line at the bar. He had a CD copy of the Mambo Sauce single Damn Joe, which he hoped to pass on to ?uestlove.

The Roots
Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter (rapper), Kirk "Captain Kirk" Douglas (guitar), Leonard "Hub" Hubbard (bass), James "Kamal" Gray (keyboards), Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drummer), and Knuckles (percussion).
Black Thought wore a maroon jacket with a patch of a dagger on the right front and a large patch of a skull and crossbones on the back, underneath he had a formal white shirt. Kamal wore a white t-shirt. Kirk had a white t-shirt with a picture of Erykah Badu's head? Hub had a black sleeveless shirt. All four wore blue jeans.
I couldn't see ?uestlove from my seat, and could barely see any of Knuckles.
The setlist information was primarily provided by Randy Bayers of The Roots Live crew. Although I am a big Roots fan, I am not good at identifying tracks. Randy's setlist is based on a recording of the performance. No, I don't have a copy, don't ask me or Randy for one.
1) Intro - it was dark, Black Thought said, "Flow, you feel that?", there was lots of applause, Black Thought said, "We're going to have some fun"
2) Web - Black Thought moved around, he had vocal harmony with Kamal, fans put their hands up
3) Star - laid back
4) Proceed
5) What They Do / The Ultimate (tease) / Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (tease) - Kirk moved to the front
6) Mellow My Man - the crowd sang along, Black Thought said, "Clap your hands, it's alright", Black Thought said, "Hey ay, Hey" and the crowd responded / Ray Charles' What I Say - more call and response
7) Love of my Life
8) Ray Charles What I'd Say - call and response
9) Dynamite
10) The Mic - The band and fans clapped / The Isley Brothers' Shout (tease)
11) Stay Cool
12) What You Want
13) Band Intros Jam - Knuckles was cranking
14) Break You Off
15) Hub Solos - the second being a true solo, no one else playing / Sugarhill Gang's Rappers Delight / Black Thought said, "You're not really feeling it because of the seats. Clap your hands", the band and fans clapped, the band played to the beat of the claps
16) Water - it cranked
17) ?uestlove and Knuckles solos - Kamal, Hub, Kirk went off to (my left) the left side of the stage, Black Thought said, "Clap your hands, stamp your feet" / Kirk joined in, Black Thought said, "Y'all having fun this evening?" / Kirk solo
18) You Got Me - Kirk sang Erykah Badu's lines, the crowd sang along, it was laid back / Kirk went into the audience, Kirk sang, "Don't you tell me how to feel" / Richard Rodgers & Oscar Hammerstein II's My Favorite Things / Black Thought said, "My man's really emotional" - Kirk's playing rose in intensity, he held his guitar a couple of feet in front of him / Outtro
19) Don't Say Nuthin' - Black Thought chanted, "Early in the morning, left, right left"
20) The Next Movement
21) Black Betty
22) The Seed
23) Booker T & the MG's Melting Pot
24) Kamal Solo
25) Hip Hop 101 - included Kanye West's Gold Digger and Lil Kim's Lighters Up, Black Thought announced the after party
Black Boo was with Red at the exit.
This was my first time seeing the Roots. I really enjoyed it. I actually prefer them live to their studio recordings.
I drove to Tradewinds.

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

I had to put my jacket back in my car, they said no coat check tonight. On my way back to my car, I talked with Simone and Nece.

Familiar Faces was already playing. I was a little late (I made a couple of wrong turns), but it turns out they started early anyway due to the daylight savings time starting tonight.

Tasty, Rachelle, Pinky, Arielle, Vic, Alena & her friend Shawn, and Tim were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
They had their regular Saturday line up.
In progress, numbers are just from when I entered Tradewinds
1) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G
2) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Donnell announced that they would be finishing early because of daylight savings time
3) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself
Angie W., Tony, and Los were there.
4) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Heaven
Ray, RE Angie, Tracy S., 6'9, Mona, and Cherie were there. Tracy S. introduced me to Donny.

Michelle and Dee were there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
Slick Rick, Fat Cat, BY, Danielle (pinkprincess), Ro'chelle (toosweet), "original" Nikki, Ebony, Mama Chelle, Kay Kay, Nita, and Yvette were there.
2) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick
Peg Leg, Monique, Tracy, and Peanut were there.
3) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
James, March, and Tamara C. were there.
Donnell announced they go old school for Trina Boo.
4) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What?
5) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time - it cranked, lots of crowd response / Chanted "SE, S, SE... NE... SW... NW..."
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) / Donnell & Sean-led Dem Franchize Boyz' Lean With It Rock With It (tease)
7) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda
9) Donnell-led 911
10) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
Stacy was there.
Donnell joked to the men, "Some of you, don't get home too early, get your feelings hurt. Might find some boots under the bed."
Renee was there.
Felecia (whom I recognized, but didn't know) said hello. I asked her her name and said my name, but she said, "I know who you are, Jordan."
Archie Paige, Janetta, L-Boogie, and Rootie Baltimore were there.

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

Tyrell and Tasty were there. Imani and Chris were tending bar. There was a birthday cake for DP. Shawn, John, Peg Leg, Ian, June, Tamika, Ria, and Lashonda were there.

Dwayne wasn't present tonight.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "We're celebrating DP's birthday tonight."
1) Alternating Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine / 6 Minutes percussion solo
Nita was there. Donnell teased her saying, "I should have known Nita wouldn't let Tasty go alone. She must have just gotten off work and threw something on."
2) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized
5) Percussion solo - Donnell did announcements
6) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv
TJ was there, Donnell did shout outs to her.
7) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - it cranked, Sean rapped, Los was there, Donnell invited him onstage
8) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
6'9 and E of L!ssen Band were there.
Donnell said, "On the wheels of steel, one of the best that has ever done, DJ Flexx. Ever since he worked the dungeon at the Legends. All the way back to the Prophylactic All Stars."

Second Set
TJ sang backup.
1) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Percussion solo - it cranked / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
Nikiya was there.
2) Alternating Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) / "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
3) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
4) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked, Tyrell danced onstage
Julia was there.
5) Donnell-led Hey Tyrell (Miss Keta) Will You Dance for Me - it cranked, Donnell called up Pocohantas and Tasty
Mia was there.
6) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - the house lights came on, Donnell thanked TJ for helping out
Donnell said, "Sean, do you know the Anthony Hamilton song about Charlene? Sing it pretty please."
7) Percussion solo
8) Sean-led Anthony Hamilton's Charlene (tease)
9) Stomp played samples
10) Donnell-led "You may want to see..." - Halima sang something
Donnell said, "I like the way you dance, black shirt, I'm going to give Smoke, one more time so you can work it y'all."

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

Jalila, Gene, and Pee Wee were there. "Original" Nikki, Ebony, and their friend Kee (celebrating her 21st birthday) were there. Ro'chelle (toosweet), Sherray (Always Showtime!!), Danielle (pinkprincess), Mitch, Shawn, and Peanut were there. Michelle introduced herself to me. Kimberly was there. Matthew introduced himself to me, he talked bout our mutual interest in the band. Pinky, Tracy (from the bus trip), and Jay113 were there.

Halima had a new hairdo.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell said, "Please pray for Tim, he's having a serious operation in the morning. Tim is one of the Positive Black Men."
1) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Heaven
2) Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine - Halima started singing offstage by the PA
Tyrell was there.
3) Donnell & Halima-led (Sade's) Cherish the Day
4) Sean-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
Darrell F. and Tony were there.
5) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again
Nikki was there.
6) Sean-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved / Teddy Pendergrass' Love TKO (tease)
7) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself / Floetry's Say Yes
Natalie and Ebo were there.

Tiffany F., Cherie, T-Bird, Ian, Peg Leg, Kim, and Kintrea were there. Ebo introduced to me to a guy named Javon.

Chris, a female bartender at the Icon, was there.

Second Set
1) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv
Darlene and Big Don Pimp were there.
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
Mona was there.
3) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is in the House" / "When you walk in the door and you're going to GoGo" - the crowd responded, "Hello, hello"
4) Halima-led Faith Evans' Mesmerized / Percussion solo / Donnell-led "You may want to see... easy as one, two, three..."
Shameika (new hairdo) and Mousie were there.
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Donnell did birthday shout outs to Pinky and DP
6) Donnell-led Vinnie D's Porno Star?
7) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
8) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
Slim Goodie, Lachelle, Weenie, Cookie, Britney & Shelly, Tamiko, RE Angie, Shannon, Tia, and Steve were there. Darrell F. introduced me to Tracy, his former babysitter. She is friends with the other Tracy (from the bus trip).

Third Set
1) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
Tijuana and Nikiya were there.
3) Alternating Donnell-led "Party party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked
GoGo Mickey was there.
4) Donnell-led "___ on the floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped
5) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Hook Me Upa (tease) - GoGo Mickey sat in
6) Donnell-led "Hey GoGo Mickey" - the crowd shouted, "GoGo Mickey", Donnell said, "Say What? What y'all say?", Donnell said, "A reunion y'all", Donnell shouted, "Mick-ay!" repeatedly
Imani was there.
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Body Snatchers (tease)
Danielle, Kim and Lolo's friend, was there.
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Geraldine
Tracy (Darrell's babysitter) introduced me to her cousin Angie.
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda
10) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - different keyboard riffs, it was interrupted by a fight
11) Donnell-led "This is how we party in my neighborhood" - someone (male) rapped
12) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What Would You Do (for the Money)?
Donnell said, "I'm sorry about the hairdos (it was hot because of all the people), we're not going to do that next week. We're going to keep it grown & sexy.
I teased Imani, "Your hairdo wasn't affected." She said, "Not at all."
Donnell said, "Happy birthday GoGo Mickey (his actual birthday is Sunday). Mickey tell your boss I said happy birthday. Sorry about putting out this tape, I hope nothing bad happens. I hope he fires you."

Outside, some guy said to me, "Hey, don't write anything on this one." I have no idea why he said that.

Wednesday at Safari Lounge
Safari Lounge, 9430 Annapolis Road Lanham MD 20706

Kim and June were there.

Halima had a new hairdo.

They had changed their configuration back to the Bike Week configuration.

Peg Leg, Ian, Tony, and Netty were there.

Sherray (Always Showtime!!) was tending bar.

Shawn and Maya were there. Krystal was there (celebrating her birthday, not working) as was her sister Karina (spelling?), also celebrating her own birthday.

They had their light show set up.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Donnell did birthday shout outs to Krystal and Karina.
1) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Heaven (debut) - there was mic distortion, it was laid back: Dwayne, Smoke, and Jacques didn't play and there were no backup vocals
2) Donnell & Halima-led (Sade's) Cherish the Day - Donnell did a shout out to Darrin X in the audience
Marvin and Chris were there.
3) Halima-led Faith Evans' Again - Halima sang on the dance floor, she walked around to the tables
Lashonda was there.
4) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Can't Hide from Luv (debut)
5) Sean-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved - Sean, Donnell, and DP went on the dance floor / Teddy Pendergrass' Love TKO (tease)
6) Halima-led Fantasia's Free Yourself - Halima sang on the dance floor / Alternating Floetry's Say Yes / Lionel Richie's Hello (tease)
6'9 was there.
Tim (LJ), Shaun, Donnell Jr., Stacey, Slick Rick, and Ron Moten were there.

Steve was there.

Second Set
Donnell did a birthday shout out to Cherie.
1) Alternating 6 Minutes percussion solo - Donnell said, "Darlene, you cheatin' on me?" with a guy named Craig, Donnell announced that DP's birthday celebration was Saturday, but his actual birthday was Monday past / Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - it cranked
2) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
3) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
4) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick
Nikiya was there.
5) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That
Tiffany G. and Lima were there.
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) - Darrin X sat in on Lorenzo's keyboards (Lorenzo was still also playing) / "You may never see my face again, you don't know me, oh no..." / "Bling bling bling" / Rare Essence's Where My Troopers At? (tease) / Donnell & Sean-led Dem Franchize Boyz' Lean With It Rock With It (tease) - it cranked
7) Donnell-led Miss Keta Will You Dance For Me - Donnell called up Cherie, Krystal, Tiffany G., Nikki (not one I know), and Lima to dance
Nece, the promoter, was there.
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great / "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
9) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Donnell went on the dance floor / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / Tupac's Hail Mary (tease) - the crowd sang along
10) Donnell-led Can We Touch Tonight (tease) / Percussion solo - the house lights came on / Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Donnell was joking with Nece, "You're my number two.", She gestured and he responded, "Oh, my number one. I'll be home in about five minutes.", Donnell did a shout out to Curtis Malone, Sean rapped / Sean-led Sly & the Family Stone's Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) (tease) - altered lyrics
Donnell said, "Hey Ian, Saturday take him (Peg Leg) to the Neon before you come to the Tradewinds. Who's there? TCB? All you are going to the Neon, you're on probation."
Donnell said, "Nece, who're you hugging? Give him a handshake from a distance."

Derrick Parks' Birthday Celebration
Cranberries, 5740 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20747

This was the birthday celebration for Derrick Parks, the owner of Cranberries.

I arrived at around 9:30. Googie was in the parking lot when I parked. There was a pickup truck with a trailer that had rotating spotlights pointed skyward. There was also a tent setup outside; it was connected to the side exit of Cranberries. When I was inside, I saw that it had tables, it was a VIP room. There was DJ music in the VIP room.

Mia took the covers when I walked in. Sherray (Always Showtime!!) was tending bar.

Whop-N-Em
Whop said that they were short handed. He said they would play for thirty minutes, and then Familiar Faces would play for an hour.
The line up had changed a lot since I last saw them: Whop (vocals and Sax), Tony Blunt (rapper), a female vocalist, a double keyboard (left), bass player, drummer, a conga player, and a timbale player.
Whop said they would perform some originals.
1) Whop-led Rick Ross' Everyday I'm Hustling - Whop said, "We've never play this joint before", it cranked, Whop stopped it due to mic distortion / Percussion solo - Tony freestyled
2) Whop-led 50 Cent's Have a Party - it cranked even more
3) Whop-led Purple Ribbon All-Stars' Kryptonite - Tony freestyled / Slick Rick's La Di Da Di (tease) - Tony kept saying, "This is not a rock band"
4) Whop-led Sunglasses - Whop played his Sax, a second keyboard player arrived and brought his keyboard, Tony freestyled
5) Whop-led "I wanna see your body wet work that let me see you drip sweat, don't play with me"
6) Whop talked about NORE's I'm a G, about people performing it and not being a G / Whop-led "Game tight" - the back stage lights came on
Whop mentioned they would be playing afterward at the Louisiana Bar & Grill. Female bartenders kept walking back and forth in front of the stage throughout the performance. There were about thirty people there in the audience. This was much better than the last time I saw them. This time, they were clearly a GoGo band and cranked.

Familiar Faces
Familiar Faces had a different line up: there was no second percussion, neither the instruments (timbales, cowbell, etc.), nor the person.
The instrument set up was basically the same as with Whop-N-Em, Doc was on the left, Dwayne on the right.
Tony was there.
Donnell said that the tent was a VIP room; he said he believed it was $20, free drinks all night.

Sound Check
1) Donnell acapella Rare Essence's I'm Getting Ready (tease)
2) Donnell acapella Tyrese's Sweet Lady (tease)

Set
1) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You - Halima sang on the dance floor, fans put their hands up at the appropriate time in the lyrics / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes - Halima went back onstage
2) Sean-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved - Sean said, "Sometimes you got to go back", Sean went on the dance floor, Sean said, "Sometimes you got to go further back" / Teddy Pendergrass' Love TKO (tease) Donnell said, "My man Kal'el and my baby Halima. I think we're going to have her get a mi with a cord, I don't like all that moving around. A short cord."
3) Alternating Percussion solo - Donnell said, "You got to head bob" and demonstrated / Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Donnell said, "Not since the 501" about Shaquita, Sean went to the edge of the monitors, Sean rapped, Dwayne went on the dance floor
Mama Chelle was there.
4) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked, Donnell said, "Erica, damn the skirt, you know how to shake a leg", Halima went on the dance floor and walked over by the buffet, Donnell said, "Come on back", Donnell said, "Hey Googie, turn her off", Halima said, "Just another hate crime" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" - Some guy was talking to Smoke while he played
TT was there.
5) Alternating Donnell-led "__ Is in the House" / "Party, party, everybody"
March was there.
6) Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / Percussion solo - Donnell said, "Right there Doc, make it real good" repeatedly, Donnell said, "Get with him Lee" repeatedly
7) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut - Sean sang / Notorious BIG's Warning - Dwayne went on the dance floor / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
RE Angie was there.
8) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped, it cranked
9) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - Donnell made fun of Halima's "ooh hoo"
Jessica was there.
10) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is / Halima & Sean-led Luther Vandross' So Amazing (tease)
Donnell said, "Happy birthday to my man Big Derrick, Derrick Parks." Donnell said, "Where my man Benny at? He said he had something special, some dance steps." The audience had grown to over fifty by the end of their set.

Lil One said, "Are you on TMOTT?" to me, when I walked by her booth.

I said hello to Little Benny in the parking lot on my way to Tradewinds. I decided to leave despite the fact that Natural Soul with Little Benny, L!ssen Da Grew^P, and Publicity Band would be performing.

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

Sharon, Sanisse, Yolanda, BY, Big Cat, Vic, Tracy S., LA, Pinky (celebrating her birthday), Tia, RE Angie, Britney & Shelley, Trea, Javon, Tamika, Jackie, and Natalie were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
Familiar Faces had their regular Saturday Tradewinds line up (Charlie on second percussion).
Donnell said of Trea, "I like to watch the young & the restless. You got to dip on time"
1) Percussion solo - Donnell joked, "I'm waiting for Halima to get her courage up... in the land of the Geechee Dan, it's a DC thing."
Tracy and Peg Leg were there.
2) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - Halima said, "Hey Pinky", Donnell said, "Turn her off when she's not singing, she's trying to take my job, even though I can sing", there was distortion from Doc's bass
3) Sean-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down
4) Donnell-led Prince's Take Me With You - Natalie sang along
Kay and Renee were there.
5) Alternating Donnell-led Hold the Note - it cranked, the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!", Donnell said, "Say what?", Halima said, "Say it again", Donnell said, "I knew it, she ain't got no more, that's all she got" / Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love (tease)
Rachelle was there.
6) Donnell-led "___ on the floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho"
7) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
8) Donnell-led 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
9) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
10) Sean-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved - Sean said, "Ladies, sometimes you got to dig deeper" / Teddy Pendergrass' Love TKO (tease)

Mousie, Slick Rick, James, and Los were there.

Shameika, Tijuana, Mama Chelle, Jessica, March, Ebony, Nikki, Shawn, Steve, Nita, Tasty, and Tamika (whom I met on Thursday) were there.

Second Set
1) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang
2) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
Nicole, whom I met at the Classics, was there.
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Halima said of something, "Don't put that on the website, Jordan", Donnell said, "Where you at, Jordan?" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's One on One (Footz version, tease) - Packy played the cowbell
6) Alternating Donnell-led "Party, party everybody" / "___ Is in the House"
7) Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick
8) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked, it was ended by a fight, the house lights came on
Donnell said, "I know some people don't think they can have a party without a fight. I haven't seen a fistfight between grown men in a long time. The Neon's down the street if you want to beat your feet. This is the grown & sexy, not the young & the restless. Take their pictures. Don't blame me if the age limit goes up. Sorry, we're going to end early, one more song."
9) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell said, "Thirty-five and older next week" and laughed, Donnell said, "You say forty?", Donnell said, "That's it", Donnell said, "Hey Lorenzo, can you hear me over there?"
Donnell said, "If you see any children outside, please stop them at the door."
Donnell said, "Forty and over, starting next week."
10) Stomp played a sample of a motorcycle pealing out.
Tony was there.
Donnell said, "I forgot the Tasty story. Stay tuned for next week."

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

Lashonda was there.
The sign "& the Icon" on the wall behind the stage was all that remained from the live DVD recording alterations.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Percussion solo - Packy played the cowbell, Donnell was joking about Tiffany, "She can sing too. She'll sing, "Guess who stole your boyfriend."
Darrell, Stacy, Yvette, Tiffany F., and Tasty were there.
2) Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable
Tyrell and Shawn were there.
3) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
4) Percussion solo - Donnell joked, "Tyrell must got something down here, she ain't missed a Friday yet.", Donnell called for DJ Flexx to shine a spotlight on the dance floor
Kimberly talked about how "Smokie on the congas, Baby Huey on the drums", the bass player (Doc), and the keyboards are locked up in synch.
5) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny
6) Alternating Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped, it cranked, they had speaker problems that Markel worked on
7) Donnell-led Brown & White / "Who's that girl?" (tease) / Ride Out - the frontline did the Ride Out dance, Donnell had Halima do the Ride Out dance, Donnell said, "You'd never know she was from the dirty south, by the land of Geechee Dan, way down by Louisiana", Donnell teased Nita, "Wearing the shortest dress on the rack"
8) 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
Tamiko was there.
9) Sean-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved - Sean said, "Ladies can I talk to you for a minute, it's serious, sometimes you gotta go back", the stage lights went darker / Teddy Pendergrass' Love TKO (tease) - really laid back
Tony, Nece, and Simone (her actual birthday) were there. Danette (I haven't seen her in a while) was there. Ebony and Nikki were there.
Donnell said Tasty, "Slick it up. I know your government name; your Mama didn't name you Tasty. Who gave you that name? The Good Humor man?"

Second Set
1) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes
Donnell said, "Tomorrow we're going to give out the real names, we're going to tell the story behind the name.", Donnell said of Tasty, "They should call you window basher.", Donnell said, "Write all this down Jordan, we're going to talk about the real names tomorrow."
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Eya eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / Donnell chanted, "Party, party, everybody"
3) Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick / 6 Minutes percussion solo - it cranked
Jay Floyd was there.
4) Donnell-led 911 - Packy was on backup vocals
6'9 was there.
5) Donnell called Lashonda up onstage / Donnell-led Lashonda (Miss Keta) Do Your Dance for Me - He called up Tasty, Tiffany, Tay, T, Nikki, they again had speaker problems, Donnell thanked all the girls, Donnell said, "Still looking for my baby, Tyrell, she must be scared" (I think she had already left)
6) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Donnell joked, "Sweet Nikki, you cheatin' on me?", Donnell joked, "I'm not going to say... but you were obviously with someone else before, you live down the street", Donnell said, "Too late Simone (to dance onstage), but if your mother was here...", the house lights came on / Percussion solo - Halima stood onstage with Dwayne's guitar, Donnell said, "She got the look, but she ain't playin' nothing. She trying to take over the band y'all."
Donnell said of 6'9, "Listen to his excuse why he was late. 'You was at the Georgetown game in Minneapolis?' 'Oh, you was watching the Georgetown game.'"

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

Jalila, Lolo, Kim, Mitch, Nece, Simone (celebrating her birthday), their Mom Faith, Missshaunte, Gene, and JoJo were there. I introduced myself to a woman named Melissa. Darrell F. and Sharika were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Rodgers & Hart's My Funny Valentine
Tony was there. A woman named Tamika introduced herself to me.
2) Sean-led Eric Benet's I Wanna Be Loved / Teddy Pendergrass' Love TKO (tease)
3) Donnell & Halima-led (Sade's) Cherish the Day - Donnell did a birthday shout out to Simone
Peg Leg was there.
4) Sean-led Toto's Georgy Porgy - intro / Bobby Valentino's Slow Down / 6 Minutes percussion solo - it cranked
5) Alternating Halima-led Alicia Keys' Unbreakable - first time in a while (although they could have performed it last night) / Percussion solo - Halima said, "Wait a minute", Donnell laughed and said, "Oh my goodness"
Dynomite was there.
6) Halima-led Mary Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
Donnell said, "She okay... Big John, we can't give her too much. She's not from here; she's from down south, the land of Geechee Dan."

I introduced myself to Alena. She only would dance with me during the ads as she was watching the basketball game. She introduced me to her female friend Shawn.

Ron, Lolo's husband, introduced himself to me.

Mousie was there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - Sean rapped
Imani, Jimmy Parker, and Cookie were there.
2) Percussion solo / Donnell-led "Brandywine, friends of mine" chant
Tyrell was there.
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies/fellas, Oh my God!"
5) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
6) Halima-led Beyonce's Check on It
7) Donnell & Halima-led Lil Kim's Lighters Up
8) Halima-led Mariah Carey's It's Like That - more lights came on in the stage area
9) Sean-led Jamie Foxx's Unpredictable
10) Donnell & Sean-led Rare Essence's Lock It - Sean's been working on it, Pee Wee danced in the stage area / Donnell & Sean-led Dem Franchize Boyz' Lean With It Rock With It (tease)
11) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Marinda (literal tease)

DJ Mello T, who was talking with Godfather, introduced himself to me.

Shadonna was there.

I introduced myself to Tarika, who looked familiar to me, but she insisted she's never seen Familiar Faces before.

A friend of Darrell's named Paula talked with me about my thesis.

Roe, Nikiya, James, Ayisha, Renee, and Tiffany F. were there.

Third Set
1) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - I may have missed a song as I was talking to someone, Donnell said, "DJ Kool is here (celebrating his birthday), this is where the stars be partyin'"
2) Alternating Halima-led Floetry's / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood" / Donnell chanted, "Party party, everybody"
Big Sixx was there.
3) Alternating Donnell-led "___ Is in the House" - it cranked, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - it cranked
4) Alternating Donnell-led Trillville's Some Cut / Notorious BIG's Warning / Keith Murray's Call My Name (tease) / "Wait a minute" echoes / Scarface's I Seen a Man Die (tease) / Tupac's Hail Mary (tease)
5) Alternating Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm G - it cranked, Sean rapped / Donnell chanted, "Familiar Faces is for the grown & sexy..." Donnell said, "Every Thursday night, this is where we're going to be. This is where the stars be partyin'."
6) Donnell & Halima-led It Is What It Is
7) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - it cranked / DJ Kool-led "If you're a Redskins fan, put you're hands up, If you're twenty-five and older, put your hands up, If you're from DC, put your hands up, If you got a birthday, put your hands up, If you a Pisces, put your hands up, What's your zodiac sign, I'm a Pisces", DJ Kool said, "You at it Donnell, Uh oh, uh oh oh, one more time, let me know", DJ Kool chanted, "Hold up" and the crowd responded, "Wait minute" / Let Me Clear My Throat (tease) / DJ Kool said, "If you're ready and you know it, clap your hands"
RE Angie was there.
8) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh"
Strike a pose was there.

A woman outside referred to me as "Court reporter."

Wednesday at Cranberries
Cranberries, 5740 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, MD 20747

I had pmed the Firm Project's manager Rod and asked which night was best to see them, they said Wednesday. So I finally made it out this week. Cranberries wouldn't let me bring my camera in. GoGo PAs were played before the Firm Project performed. A litte before 10:30 the Cranberries staff took the tables and chairs on the dance floor away. I bought an advance ticket for Saturday from Mia, the bartender. Ceiling fans came on, even thought it was cold anyway. Rah came in, said hello to me, and sat down by me.

The Firm Project
The keyboards (Jay (co-manager) a triple keyboard in front and Brian, a double keyboard behind it) were on the left, Tyrese (female vocalist), the lead talker, Candice (female vocalist), the male lead singer, Larry (the guitarist) all the way on the right, in back was Jesse (the drummer) and two percussionists Eric (congas), Chico (roto-toms) (percussion was on the right).

Manager me Rod. Front line is B.O., DeVon, Tyrese, Candice, drummer Jesse, congos Eric, roto toms Chico, keyboards & [co manager] Jay and Brian. Led Larry and Bass Nick. And that's the Firm Project

The bass player started off behind the vocalists, but quickly moved on to the dance floor to the left of the monitors, leaning his back on the left big speakers. They started at 10:40. They had a very nice sound and cranked too. It's hard for me to come up with a setlist, not just because I didn't recognize most of the lyrics, but: They did not play the music behind the songs (to my ears), with what I played, the fact that they played continously, and the lack of noticable transitions (to me), all but the last song was essentially one long medley. This was something very different and I liked it. The lead talker started off by saying, "Damn, it's chilly y'all.", then he said, "Tyrese isn't going to be with us much longer, she's certainly going to be missed." (I had already read that she was leaving.) Among the the songs I recognized the lyrics to were Salt N Pepa's My Mic Sounds Nice and Erykah Badu's Cleva. I also recognized riffs from the Bar-Kays' Holy Ghost. The lead talker joked, "The Firm Project got designated drivers for all the drinkers." The lead talker also did shout outs to Rah and Funky. The lead talker kept saying one more song, but they kept playing beyond that. The final song, definitely with the original music to it, distinguishing it from the rest of the set, was Floetry's Supastar. Starting in the middle of the set, multi-colored spotlights came on from behind the right side of the stage. Virtually everyone I saw sat down during the performance (I was at a booth), but my waittress danced. I didn't realize ahead of time that it wasn't going to just be the Firm Project performing. After the peformance, I went and introduced myself to the lead talker, he introduced me to the two managers. Rah and his friends left after the Firm Project's performance.

L!sen Da Grew^P
L!ssen Da Grew^P was the head liner. Some new fans came in, including a couple of girls who sat at my booth. One asked me if I was having a good time. I couldn't tell it was L!ssen until I saw Songbird, partly because the combination of the mostly darkness and the spotlights in back that were now only yellow and white (which made it so your eyes couldn't adjust to the dark), it was hard to see the stage. This was only my second time seeing them, the first was on New Year's Day. Quite frankly, they bored me, so after talking with Black Heart briefly, I left during the third song.