I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I actually cooked dinner all by myself for the first time. I especially put my foot all in the stuffing, sweet potato pie (from scratch thank you!), and baked mac and cheese. My relatives from The Sticks, South Carolina would have been proud.

As I was cooking, I had time to reflect on some of the things I’m thankful for as the year comes to a close. For one, my career path has taken an interesting turn as I was blessed with a very nice promotion, just in time for the holidays. I’ve been having career woes/ambivalence for a while and this does muddy the waters up a bit, but I’m still very blessed all the same.

Ya’ll should already know the other thing I’m grateful for….being able to feed my music jones with artists like Chrisette Michele. This was my second time seeing her live. First time was up in Philly during one of the numerous outdoor festivals. She ripped it then, but I really couldn’t enjoy it like I wanted since it was raining cats and dogs and we had to stand so far away from her. So I was excited about seeing her again at The Black Cat when she was there in August. I messed around and dropped the ball on getting tickets. I didn’t make that mistake this time. I was on it…and thankfully so. When I arrived, the line was so ridiculous I swore it was Black Friday at Best Buy. Advance purchase and early arrival were definitely the move as I got to bypass the never-ending line and head on inside to get prime videotaping position.

As I mentioned in the Keite Young post, the crowd was more than ready and showed her much love and energy. She could barely even sing her own songs at times, having to share the mic with the crowd. I know artists love that though.Ya’ll should already have I Am in constant rotation, but really you can’t appreciate the music until you’ve heard it live. The rawness and passion in Chrisette’s voice are unmatched by most singers her age, especially in today’s music scene. This girl done experienced some thangs.

If I Have My Way

Golden

While her voice does have a maturity beyond her years, this girl still wants to have fun.

Like A Dream

Good Girl

I managed to fight my way through the mob for a signed poster and a quick photo op.

 I could have slapped my own self for not bringing my CD to be signed. In the brief time that I met and observed her, she truly seemed to be very personable, definitely someone you can hang out shopping with (she and I both have a jones for the mall – only she can actually afford to feed her habit). This “Good Girl” definitely has a long career ahead of her. I’m already looking forward to her next album. I’m ready to rock all over again!

Let’s Rock