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

John said hello to me in the parking lot.

The audience varied between 20s and up.

The Firm Project


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

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

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

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

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

Sound Check
Black Boo sang India Arie's Beautiful Surprise

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

Mike Smith sat in for Stomp on drums.

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

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

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

Mia, Nikiya, and Los were there.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chuck, Rodney, TO, Scoop

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

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

Junkyard Band was the headliner.


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

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

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

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

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

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

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





All pictures Copyright - Mumbo Sauce Band

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

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

Smoke was not present tonight.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LJ's cake was good.

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

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

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



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

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

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

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


Angie, Tracy, Pinkey, Tia


Darrell, LA, Tracy


Debbie, LA, Me, Tracy

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

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


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

Neita

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

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

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

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

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

Sean wore his tie-dye Superman shirt.

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

Simone introduced me to her sister Keisha.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I talked with Tracy in the parking lot.

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

When I got out of my car, Kiki cried out "Jordan!" I went over and talked with her.

Kim, Danette, Chanel, and Tracy S. were there. Mama Chelle, Lil One, and March told me they had just come from the TMOTT fashion show. Tia (whom I didn't recognize at first because I had never seen her without glasses before), Vic, Archie Paige, and Shawn were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
The Line up was: Sean, TJ, Donnell, DP, Doc, Dwayne, Lorenzo, Stomp, Smoke, and Charlie.
1) Parliament's P. Funk (Wants to Get Funked Up) (instrumental) - it cranked, Donnell said, "What's up, Jordan?", Donnell said, "Welcome back Kiki, I see you brought the super short mini shorts" -->
T-Bird came over and said hello. Keisha and Jan were there.
2) Sean-led Gerald Levert's Funny - it cranked
3) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad -->
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
5) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh" - Sean held his mic to the crowd
6) Donnell-led "Do it for the ladies, Oh my God!"
7) TJ-led Floetry's Supastar - it cranked, the frontline danced, Packy played the cowbell / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
8) Donnell-led Brown & White - fans put their drinks in the air at the appropriate time in the lyrics / Alternating Ride Out - Donnell invited Slick Rick onstage to dance, then Los / Donnell sang "Who's that girl?" / Northeast Groovers' The Water (tease) - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!"
Julia, TT, and Jessica were there.
9) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Smoke played the timbales / Donnell said, "This is for my man Chucky..."
Pinky was there.
At the end of the set, Donnell asked the DJ to turn the lights on bright to emphasize that Godfather had just arrived.

DeeDee, Tamika, Arielle, Twan, Tracy, Nita, Ebony, "original" Nikki, L-Boogie, Delano795, Tamiko, Monique, Lachelle, and Dee were there.

A bunch of people I don't know said hello to me over the course of the evening and most said, "You haven't been here in a while". This included a woman named Ingrid.

Second Set
1) Rare Essence's Do It on Down - it cranked, the crowd said, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Donnell responded, "What you say?" -->
2) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go - Sean sang at the edge of the monitors, it cranked
3) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya" and the crowd responded, "Ho!", the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!", Donnell said, "Hey D-O-C"
4) Alternating TJ-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy - Donnell shouted, "Killazoo repeatedly" / Donnell-led "Brandywine, Friends of mine" chant
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean rapped
6) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What? - Smoke played the timbales -->
7) Donnell-led Rare Essnece's All Da Time / "SE, S, SE..." chant / Lil Wayne's Earthquake (tease) / Shawnna's Getting Some Head (tease) -->
8) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) (tease) - Smoke went back to playing congas
9) Donnell-led Public Enemy's Welcome to the Terrordome (tease) - it cranked, the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" / Smoke conga solo - it really cranked
10) Donnell-led Trina Was Great - the house lights came on
Mary was there.
11) Donnell-led 911 - Godfather danced / "___ Is Yes!"

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

Chris, Ebo, her friend Angie, Candy, Nita, Lisa of the World, and Mia were there.

Jammin' Jeff said hello and asked me what I thought of his band. I said I liked them and found it interesting that they cranked Disco songs. He said they tried to do things differently. He told me he was sitting in for Stomp tonight.

Tim (LJ), 6'9, Keisha, Jan, June, Shanti (celebrating her birthday), Britney & Shelley, Shawn, Los, Gary, Mike Smith, Big Don Pimp, Janetta, Tasha, Damond, Tyrell, GoGo Mickey, and Peg Leg were there.

Familiar Faces
First Set
In addition to Jammin' Jeff sitting in for Stomp tonight, TJ was sitting in for Halima who was on vacation.
1) Donnell-led Parliament's Clones of Dr. Funkenstein (tease)
2) Percussion solo / TJ-led Sade's No Ordinary Love
Shaun was there.
3) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House" / Percussion solo
Nikiya was there.
4) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad -->
5) TJ-led Floetry's Supastar - Packy played the cowbell, Donnell said, "What's up, Jordan?" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
6) Sean-led Raheem DeVaughn's You
7) Sean-led ? - I was at the bar
The entire set cranked from beginning to end.
Darlene, John and his brother Derek were there.

Second Set
1) Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go / Percussion solo - the crowd shouted, "Wind me up, Smoke!" and Donnell responded, "Do what? What?"
2) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
3) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - Donnell said, "Flyboy, it's your birthday", Donnell shouted, "Hey D-O-C"
4) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped, it really cranked -->
5) TJ-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy
6) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Alternating Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Smoke played the timbales and Jacques the congas, the house lights came on / "Brandywine, Friends of Mine" chant / 50 Cent's In Da Club (tease)
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's What N*gga What? -->
8) Alternating Donnell-led Rare Essence's All Da Time / Lil Wayne's Earthquake (tease) / Shawnna's Getting Some Head (tease) / Percussion solo -->
9) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Uh Oh (Heads Up) (tease) - Smoke went back to the congas
10) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean sang, Donnell said, "Let me come... and I sure would"
11) Donnell acapella imitated TJ's singing of Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy
This set also cranked from beginning to end - this was a great performance.
Donnell thanked Jammin' Jeff and TJ.

When I went out to my car, I said to Shanti, whose car was parked behind mine, "I've never seen you dressed down before (she wore a t-shirt and jeans)." She laughed.
Before I got into my car, I heard girls say to me, "Hey, Tom Cruise!" Three young girls said, "We saw you dancing, you were getting down."

RIP Jazz
I read the unfortunate news that sounding / recording man, James "Jazz" Bazemore III, died this week. He was a real nice guy. His obit and guestbook are here.

RIP Jazz

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

Kim, Danette, Lachelle, Vic, Sanisse, Mary, Yolanda, China, Britney & Shelley, Tony, Los, Fat Cat, Archie Paige, and BY were there.

Junior worked the PA.

Sean wore a tie dye Superman shirt.

Familiar Faces
First Set
1) Halima-led Sade's No Ordinary Love - it cranked, Donnell said "Happy Birthday, Dawn", Halima sang on the dance floor and walked over to the PA, Donnell did special dedications to Me (Welcome Back!), 6'9, Archie, and others, Halima said, "Wait a minute"
6'9, Big Don Pimp, and Tyrell were there.
They paused while Packy fixed the drum kit.
Halima said, "Happy birthday to everyone who has a birthday tonight."
Halima said she was going to break out some poetry.
2) Sean-led Ne-Yo's When You're Mad
Shawn, and her cousin Nia were there.
3) Donnell-led "Hey ay, Ho oh"
4) Donnell-led "___ Is in the House"
5) Halima-led Floetry's Supastar - Halima said, "Hey Jordan", it cranked, Donnell said, "Killazoo" / Donnell-led Rare Essence's "Going to Hollywood"
Keisha and Jan were there.
They paused due to technical problems.
6) Donnell-led "___ on the Floor" / NORE's I'm a G - Sean rapped
Janetta and her sister Tasha were there.
Donnell said, "Let's go back in time for Trina Boo"
7) Donnell-led Rare Essence's Lock It
8) Halima-led Mary J. Blige's Be Without You / (Jamie Foxx's) Mother's Finest's Love Changes
Cookie, DeeDee, Slick Rick, Mousie, and L-Boogie were there.

A girl said her friend, Nefertoya, wanted to meet me. She saw me dancing.

I picked up a copy of Familiar Faces' new PA from March 10, 2006.

Second Set
1) Alternating Sean-led Trey Songz' Gotta Go / Percussion solo
2) Donnell-led "Party, party, everybody" / Sean-led Ne-Yo's So Sick - interrupted by a fight, Donnell chanted, "Eya, eya"
3) Halima-led Christina Milian's Say I featuring Young Jeezy
4) Donnell-led "25, 25, 25" / Rare Essence's Work the Walls - Charlie was on backup vocals
5) Donnell-led "Unh, unh unh" - Sean Sang
Dee was there.

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.