15 Monday Jul 2013
Posted in Music Legends, Music News
Another reason why Stevie is the 8th Wonder of the World.
He’s putting his money where his mouth is and pledging never to perform in Florida or any other state where Stand Your Ground laws exist. Activism is nothing new for Stevie though.
Bow down.
14 Sunday Jul 2013
Posted in Feeding The Music Jones
As I sit here 24 hours after the verdict was read, I remain in a state of depression, disappointment, disillusionment, disgust and every other “d” word you can think of — except for denial. It’s quite clear, yet again, that the lives of our black boys (hell, black people period) continue to be worth nothing. How does it feel to be a problem?
I’m going to stop here because I am absolutely not a cultural critic or an academic and I prefer to stay in my lane. I know a little bit about music. I know that it can help heal. Although right now, it seriously feels like nothing, not even putting it in God’s hands is enough. That’s coming from someone who is deeply spiritual. It’s becoming quite clear that this was not a case the prosecution cared to win since it appears they are quite capable of winning the cases they WANT to win.
We’ve got to act and I’m proud to see so many people coming together across the country peaceably to help each other process this and figure out how to continue supporting Trayvon Martin’s family as the fight continues and also the families of those being murdered in Chicago and all across the country.
This playlist, “A Song for Trayvon, is dedicated to Lester Chambers, a black musician who was assaulted on stage while trying to sing a song for Trayvon. The jury was still deliberating when the animal attacked. And WE are the problem. Mercy, mercy me.
12 Friday Jul 2013
Posted in Music Events
Tags
director's discussion, jill scott, jill scott museum in dc, johnnetta cole, national museum of african art, national museum of american indian
When this event popped up on my timeline, any other plans I may have had for that day mysteriously auto-deleted from my calendar. Certain artists have the power to make that happen. Jill Scott is one of them.
On Friday, August 9, Jill will be in conversation with Johnnetta Cole as part of the National Museum of African Art Director’s Discussion Series. We always love to hear Jill sanging and you can do that here and here. However, Jill is also a multi-talented actor, author, poet and philanthropist. In the midst of the beautiful, culturally rich space like the Museum of The American Indian, I expect it to be great discussion.
Tickets are on sale to the general public now here. Get them while they’re hot! I fully expect this to sell out.
This is the latest in the series of discussions that have previously featured icons such as Maya Angelou and other artists and musicians.
Conceptualizing and planning events like this would be my dream job. #WriteItMakeItHappen
11 Thursday Jul 2013
Posted in Throwback Thursday
This one is for Dilla.
Yesterday’s DC Loves Dilla show was nothing short of amazing. Shamefully it was my first one but certainly won’t be my last. Each and every artist that graced that stage brought their “A” game for Dilla, one of the most prolific producers of our generation. If you’re not familiar, please check the resume.
Bilal has much history with Dilla and I was thrilled when he was added to the show at the 11th hour, maybe right around the time that Black Thought decided he had better shit to do.
For this edition of #ThrowBackThursday* on the blog I decided to go with a classic from 1st Born Second, the Dilla produced “Reminisce.” I recorded this one at a show back in 2007.
Last night, D.C.reminisced on the career of a great man. Of 10 years since the release of Ruff Draft (yes, I turned ALL the way up for Crushin). It was a great night for D.C. music lovers.
*Yes, I know #ThrowBackThursday is a photo meme. But I do what I want!
SONGS IN THE KEY OF LIFE 