The ReaL Ms. JaCKson

KeiSha JaCKoN...This sista is a "trail blaizer for the Atlanta soul movement." But don't get it twisted! KeiSha is international, check her show schedule and you'll see show dates in Russia, Italy, Africa and anywhere else she pleases to go.

I met Keisha through a friend. When I finally sat in on one of her rehearsals with a group she founded [One Voice] I was amazed at her musical talent and repertoire. Her ear is sharp and quick. Subsequently, KeiSha became my vocal coach. Music is first nature for Ms. Jackson, daughter of outspoken singer Millie JAckson. Keisha continues to work with some of the biggest names in R & B, Neo-Soul & Hip-Hop.

I was honored when Keisha asked me to sing background vocals for her in Italy and most recently @ her "All-Star Birthday Bash." It was at SugarHill, Easter Sunday night. There were special guest performances by Anthony David, CoupeDeVille Theory, Danielle Moore, COCO Brown and DJ Cutmaster Swiff was spinning. Joi hosted the event. Dawn McClain and Gee Gee also helped out on background vocals. I had a blast!

My mom and grandmother came to watch the show. They were in town visiting from Houston, TX. My folks were completely out of their element but it was really cool to have them there. It meant the world to me because we're usually thousands of miles apart. 

I am learning so much from Keisha. She's a dynamic seasoned singer, songwriter, performing artist & vocal coach. Like Andre 3000 said, "She fire on 'em vocals....she ain't scarred to sang." 

Sol Fusion @ SugaR...SWEET!

Sol Fusion has always had a special place in my heart, I would go faithfully. Then my friend Ona Femi aka Kellie Woods started working with J. Carter on the Sol Fusion events.  Eventually, J. Carter became co-owner of club [SugarHill] and the rest is history.

This Sol Fusion was extra special because I went to support my friend [BROOKE "Viosocialist" ALFORD]....the dopest violinist I know!  Brooke did her renditions of Deja Vu & Buy You a Drank. It was hot ya'll! Brooke is such a classy sista. You can check her out this Sunday at our event @ CENCi 4/6 8:00.

Of course the party was bangin too.  To top it off Teedra Moses performed around 1:15am. She was worth the wait. She had a great tone to her voice, very dainty, edgy and sexy. I witnessed the entire performance from the DJ booth. This sista could stop singing at any moment and the crowd was shouting every word. Teedra moved the crowd like Moses reincarnate.

Shout out to Cocktails, DJ Jamad, Anthony David, J Carter, Brooke Alford, Antoine Knight, Sabrina of [Slick & Rose] and Salakida...all of which were in the building. 

APACHE the Native's Tongue

If you haven't heard of Choir Boy, Malachi, Mark Nelson, and Algebra then you probably haven't been to Apache Cafe on a Wednesday night. Every Wednesday @ [APACHE] on 3rd street downtown, there is an open mic. This event is hosted by the talented funny painter, Corey Whitehead. 

Anyone who claims to be a singer/performing artist must grace this stage and get the people's approval. These performing artists can be found doing their thing at many venues within and outside of Atlanta. 

Last night I did my rendition of ErykaH's Bag Lady that seemed to resonate with the crowd. Although I thought it was cool, I always know there's room for improvement. I can be my hardest critic...I'm never satisfied. Watch me do me @ Apache next week!

IS IgNorance bliSS?!?

Is there anyone who hasn't heard of Barack Obama?  For the 1st time in history an African American man and a woman have a good chance of winning the presidency of the USA. That doesn't mean they will win the presidency, but one of them will win the Democratic nomination. 

Well apparently there is someone...DMX. I encourage you  to read about it, this article is very interesting. Read his interview with XXL Magazine @ http://www.rhymeswithsnitch.blogspot.com

Harlem goes AtlanTa

If you didn't know, a tornado ravished downtown Atlanta this past weekend. My hommie DJ Larmarrous was affected, it huffed puffed and blew his roof off. He puts it down every Thursday at the [Harlem Bar] with Beats & Eats.  

So myself, Julie Dexter & Brandon Thomas came together and rocked out the [Harlem Bar] 3/20/08. Sometimes you just gotta show luv. 

You can check out me and Brandon Thomas at The Grape @ Inman PArk 4/3/08 and DJ Larmarrous at my event @ CENCi 4/6/08.

MEAT OUT

Ok I've got a lot to say in a short amount of time...here goes.

I volunteered at the MEAT OUT sponsored by the Black Vegetarian Society of Georgia [BVSGA] at Atlanta Technical College.

Dr. Richardson and Stic.man of Dead Prez were on the panel of guest answering health questions, among others. Yep, Stic.man and his wife Afya are vegetarian.  Afya is well respected in the veg community. This sister vends crochet creations, Nattral magazine and a vegetarian protein chart.

When I go to these events it keeps me on my toes, because I always find out that I could be living healthier. Have you heard of Alkaline H2O? Well the guy with the machine that balances the PH of water told me that most bottled water is like soda because of the ph balance. Actually he said it is toxic. Here I thought I was doing good drinking bottled water. I also need to give up all those carbs and bread products. Is anything safe anymore? Oh yeah, fruits & veggies as long as they're not chemically engineered. My family is still concerned about me getting enough protein.  I assure them I take vitamins.

On a different note, Julie Dexter performed with Brandon Thomas. It was hot! Julie is definitely the Queen of UK SouL. She did an old Beatles tune with her spin on it. Brandon recently signed with Harmon in Life records and he continues to make his mark. He's such and cool and humble brother. 

Shout out to [BVSGA] for bringing us health nuts together.  Look out for ya girl on the next MEAT OUT event!

Gritz and Jelly on my BuTTer

Thursday night I went by [The Grape] on Highland Ave to holla at Earnest, who is booking me for that location. 

For the first time I ordered food!  I decided to forgo my usual order of white wine.  I had the Greek salad, which was huge, along with a light Veggie Pisa. I really enjoyed it.

Much to my surprise there was a band playing a plethora of Hip Hop, Soul & R&B tunes. The band was [Gritz and JellyButter.] They covered the spectrum from T. Pain's Bartender to Erykah Badu's On & On. They also mixed in some original songs like Jamaica. That joint was jammin! 

Gritz and JellyButter started playing You Got Me by The Roots featuring Erykah Badu. That's a classic Hip-Hop Soul track. They were so cool, they let me get on the mic with no rehearsal. We rocked it! Shout out to GJB for allowing me to do my thang. 

I liked them so much that I booked them for my upcoming show @ CENCI 4/6. Can't wait to play with ya'll again. Check me out at The Grape on Highland 4/3/08.

Heard it Thru the Grape Vine

Last night I went to [The Grape] at Atlantic Station. I sat in support of my homie Maya Neiada, a lovely vocalist-songwriter with Karey Davis on keys. It was so packed...I had to wait for a seat at the bar. FYI: If you're alone, party of one, they will not seat you at a table:) So the bar it was. It was actually a cool seat.

Maya's smooth style and sultry vocals were stimulating to the audience and relaxing to the soul. Her renditions of Love Don't Live Here & Umbrella were uniquely jazzy! Karey has a style all his own. He knew the right places to embellish Maya's vocals. When he chimed in with background vocals, he was on point.

Maya & I along with our friend Deborah, are planning a show at [SaBor] right at the corner of Walton and Centennial Park. Joey, Deborah's brother,  is a co-owner of [SaBor]. Deborah is also a vocalist and songwriter. Be on the look out for us sistas coming together to rock SaBor!