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algebra blessett, algebra blessett concert review, good soul music, good soul music website, heather headley me time, kennedy center open house, live performances, marcus johnson project, soul music
by vivrant thang on all about me
This past weekend was one of the best I’ve had in a long time.
Friday evening, I took myself to see Tyler Perry’s new movie, Family That Preys. LOVED. IT. And I’m far from a Tyler Perry fan. This is only the second movie of his that I’ve really enjoyed. (Why Did I Get Married?was the other). So believe me when I say, support this movie. Maybe then we will see less of Madea and her tomfoolery.
Saturday, I went to the Kennedy Center’s Open House, a day of exposure to all the artistic, musical and cultural offerings of this historic institution. It made me smile to see all the families out with their small children who were playing with musical instruments, drawing, and participating in other creative outlets.
However, the top item on my agenda was to see Algebra Blessett perform. I’ve been a fan for a while now but I’ve never seen her live. I have her last album, Purpose, and I have to admit I wasn’t feeling it save a couple of songs, “Run and Hide,” and “What Happened.” So I was especially anxious to see her live performance. As I’ve mentioned before, a great stage show can turn me from a fan into a stan. She did not disappoint. Check out her reggae-flavored version of “Run and Hide,” complete with a side of Bob Marley’s “Waiting In Vain”and Jazmine Sullivan’s “Need U Bad.”
I got my album signed and also took a picture with her. We got that glow like Shonuff and Leroy, huh?!
On the way home, I popped the album back in and sure enough, I gained more appreciation for it. I definitely still have my stand out tracks, mostly on the first half of the album. Algebra will be on my list of artists to support whenever she is in my area.
That same day, I moseyed on over to the Silver Spring Jazz Festival. I was there to finally catch Marcus Johnson Project, one of the premiere jazz acts out of the DC area. I’ve been in the area almost ten years and I have never managed to catch him live. I’ve been sleeping. He had me grooving out there under the stars along with all the other jazz aficionados. Clearly, I’ve been sleeping.
I wasn’t able to get many videos as taping wasn’t “allowed” and I was too mellow to don my undercover operative hat. Here he is covering Floetry’s “Say Yes.” Sax man Marcus Anderson came up from North Carolina to sit in on the set.
Ironically, what made these days so wonderful for me is that the only company I had for the majority of the weekend (other than fellow music fans) was me, myself and I. I was telling my mother that I think I’m beginning to enjoy my own company a bit too much – especially after my solo vacation! I just loved be-bopping down the street at my leisure and doing what I wanted to do in my own time without having to take anyone else into account.
Although I ended the weekend by joining a fabulous group of women for the first meeting of our new Sunday Brunch/Dinner group, the still that time spent alone. Although I’m an extrovert, on occasion “me time” is just what the doctor ordered.
*Note: Raphael Saadiq concert review coming up on Wednesday. I know, a date late. coming very soon. I blame football. Meantime, cop The Way I See It, which is in stores TODAY.
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 
You saw the Eagles give the game away last night. There’s nothing worse than seeing Dallas win a MNF game.
I can always enter your site and expect for you to put your readers up on the hottest performers and sounds. I haven’t listened to Blesset tho I’ve heard of her. Good things too.
I plan to check out Sanaa’s new movie (LOL) this weekend. Glad that you didn’t reveal the movie. I feel you on Tyler Perry movies, I think he realizes that he owes us with this 1. Not that Why Didn’t I Get Married was too predictable or anything. LOL.
It sounds like you had a wonderful time. We should all spend time with ourselves. I make sure to do a movie and dinner at least once a month. One of these days i’m going to find the courage to go on vacation by myself. Girl, how did you do it?
spendin time on your own is def one of lifes more underrated pleasures! (along with bilal oliver but thats a different post lol). Its somethin i rarely get the chance to do, but u have inspired me to make more of an effort. With a busy life it almost seems like ur ‘wastin’ time that could be better spent … I need a rethink!
@don – No spoilers in here! some have said that if you’re a sanaa fan you won’t like the movie. i disagree. i think it just shows more of her range. she always plays these lovable roles. time to switch things up.
@strongblkwmn – First, thanks for commenting. I was actually forced to do it this time around after the person I was supposed to go with and I fell out. However, I took a planned solo vacay to the Bahamas a couple of years ago. Didn’t end up staying solo though! But you know what it is, I’m an only child and I’ve grown up being comfortable with self. So it’s probably easier for me.
@soul uk Indeed, give it some thought! Did you check out Algebra? No like?
To be honest Algebra is one of those artists I keep meaning to check out but never got round to. I heard the hype for her album and was set to purchase it when it was released but (as often is the case) it was only available on import over here in very small numbers.
I will definitely pay a bit more attention and try and track down the album.
Hey soror…thanks for the tip regarding Tyler Perry’s latest movie…I’ve heard nothing but good things about it so I hope to see it this weekend.
xoxo
Beautiful! Time with yourself is always a plus, always take it. I am a wife (14 years), homeschooling mother, and business woman, and I always take “me time”. It is all important. ;O)
Algebra was hot, thank you for sharing. The picture of you two is lovely.
Thank you for sharing.