Culture

Interfaith Night of Music and Spoken Word a success

2012-08-27T07:56:50Z

The Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento hosted a wide variety of musical and spoken word performances in celebration of faith this past Thursday evening at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento.

The second annual, “Interfaith Night of Music and the Spoken Word, A Cultural Event,” drew supporters from throughout the Sacramento area who were eager to experience the spiritual messages from a variety of religious traditions.

“When I saw the list of participants, I wanted to be here,” stated Dorothy Carpenter when asked why she attended the event.

Those who arrived early could sense the anticipation as several of the choirs and musical groups took turns setting up their musical instruments and warming up their voices prior to the 7:30 p.m. start.

The evening began with a solemn processional led by the Very Reverend Michael Kiernan of the Catholic Diocese of Sacramento, which was followed by words of welcome from Interfaith Council President Jon B. Fish.

Fish thanked and welcomed the audience to the evening’s celebration. He then explained that the performances would proceed as designated in the program without introductions or interruptions from a host.

All eyes then turned to Adnen Syed who explained that he would present the adhān, or the Islamic call to prayer, in its traditional Arabic before translating its meaning into English.

Syed then moved the audience with his sincerity, reciting in his stunning singsong voice the Islamic declaration of their statement of faith, the first of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Father Kiernan offered greetings to attendees along with his opening prayer, in which he declared, “What a blessing when brothers and sisters come together,” in reference to the many religious traditions present for the evening’s program.

Rev. Charles Gwyn of the Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Church read earnestly from the Holy Bible, Matthew 25: 34-36, before joining his church’s choir to sing contemporary gospel favorite, “How Excellent.”

Musical Director Glenn Smith led the choir as the selection’s vibrant harmonizing filled the cathedral. Smith’s expressive direction was matched with enthusiastic swaying by the choir as the song built to a crescendo. The appreciative audience rewarded the performance with spontaneous applause during and after the passionate performance.

The Rev. Carole Kight of the Church of Scientology followed with a brief reading entitled, “Observation.” During the reading she declared, "Let them hear and decide on their own,” as she expressed the intrinsic value of the sacred messages conveyed by the teachings of her faith.

Sister Hansa, the director of the Sacramento Brahma Kumaris then led her small group in the rhythmic meditation, “Omshanti.”

Accompanied only by one individual playing congas, the soloist’s clear melodic voice proclaimed, "I am a peaceful soul - not a heart of stone,” as those with her on stage subtly accompanied her message of inner peace and harmony.

Melissa Chapman of the Jewish Federation then briefly read the verses contained in the Torah, Deuteronomy 4:29-31.

Thereafter, the Congregation Beth Shalon Choir and Trinity Episcopal Choristers joined together to give a beautiful rendition of, “Al Shlosha d'Varim,” whereby the youthful singers convincingly expressed the innocence of their tender years.

According to sheet music publisher J.W. Pepper, the selection is a lyrical interpretation of a Jewish maxim, "The world is sustained by three things: by truth, by justice and by peace."

Monty Johnson of the Sacramento Valley Unification Church then shared a reading entitled, “Decency.” Johnson’s recitation espoused some of the principles of his church’s teachings regarding an individual’s day to day conduct as an expression of faith.

In one of the evening’s most unique presentations, the St. John’s Lutheran Bell Choir performed two selections, “How Deep The Father’s Love,” and the familiar, “He’s Got The Whole World.”

The refreshing music produced by the choir created a light, airy feeling of peacefulness and mystery through the bells’ ethereal sounds.

The Folsom Lake Youth Choir graced the audience with two selections including, “My America,” a medley that alternated traditional lines with contemporary lyrics. The high-pitched voices of the school-aged members of the choir were rewarded with a resounding applause.

With their selection, “Going Home,” the Folsom Lake Youth Choir’s angelic voices sang in unison before rotating designated members of the choir to step out and sing solos.

Buddhist Monk, Myoho Putai, then shared a brief reading from His Holiness, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.

The teachings of the Dalai Lama were delivered a cappella by Putai in a smooth, calm and controlled manner. The reading was consistent with the Dalai Lama’s core message of kindness, compassion, love and respect toward others as the principle means of discovering happiness from within.

The well rehearsed men’s choir of the LDS Missionary Choir then graced the audience with “Brightly Beams Our Father's Mercy,” a hymn originally composed by Phillip Paul Bliss.

Dr. Metwalli B. Amer, co-founder of SALAM (Sacramento Area League of Associated Muslims), then humbly shared from the Qur’an, S.31 A, 8-11. The verses express Allah’s promise of the Garden of Bliss for believers who follow the teachings.

The Spiritual Life Center (SLC) Choir convincingly expressed their beliefs that honor the many paths to God as a member of the Interfaith Unity Ministry with the selection, “We Are Not Alone.”

The uplifting arrangement led by choir director Paula Mandella demonstrated why the SLC choir has been recognized by Sacramento Magazine on their list of "Sacramento's Best Church Choirs" for two years running.

Tom Hamilton of the Seventh-day Adventist Church then shared a brief spiritual message entitled, “Kindness.”

Hamilton’s reading emphasized the positive spiritual value that is recognized by many religions as not only benefiting the receiver of kind acts, but also the giver.

Prior to playing, cathedral organist Rex Rallanka joked with the audience about his reluctance to perform organ music without vocal accompaniment. He then urged the audience to focus their minds on the words of the 23rd Psalm during his recital.

Rallanka then elegantly played, “Prelude on Psalm 23:4,” by Herbert Howells before dramatically filling the cathedral with powerful music resounding with praise, and winding down and bringing the audience back by peacefully returning to a soothing and relaxing melody that completed his performance.

Fish presented the final reading of the evening entitled, “Goodness.” His brief message espoused the positive nature of aspiring to a positive moral life replete with charity, happiness and love.

The evening’s final selections were performed by the Valley Choral Society (VCS), whose mission as stated on their website is “to bring God's light to the community, performing music composed with the intent to elevate the human soul.”

VCS director Paul Allen led the choir in three selections, “Consider the Lilies,” “Here I Am” and “I Am a Child of God.”

All three selections were very well received, and spontaneous applause erupted in response to the powerful harmonies and strong vocals exhibited midway through the choir’s second selection.

“I thought the evening was excellent - we need to do this more often,” gushed Colleen Hamilton when asked her impressions of the program.

“We’re all here for the same reason,” stated Hamilton, “to make it to where our Creator is.”

“It was an incredible evening,” said Vicky Myrtle from the Cathedral steps while surrounded by members of her family, "to have so many people from different walks of life come together and recognize each other’s value.”

Fish summed up his impressions of the program by stating, “It was all that we hoped for... I thought the music and readings brought the message of God and his love.”

The Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento will hold the California Interfaith Conference and Exposition October 16-17 at the Doubletree in Sacramento. Anyone who would like to learn more about the event can find out the details at http://californiainterfaithconference.org or may contact Interfaith Council President Jon B. Fish via email at President@sacramentointerfaith.org, through the Interfaith Council website at http://www.sacramentointerfaith.org, or by telephone at (916) 448-2212.

Editor's note: Edits have been made to the photos in this article after publishing.

Interfaith Council of Sacramento to host music and spoken word event

2012-08-20T05:46:51Z

The Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento will hold its second annual “Interfaith Night of Music and the Spoken Word,” this Thursday evening, Aug. 23, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament in downtown Sacramento.

The event will showcase a wide variety of musical and spoken word performances in celebration of faith and inspiration from the diverse array of spiritual traditions that are present in the Sacramento area.

The idea to hold the event was first generated at a meeting of Interfaith Council member representatives when discussing the question, “What could we do for the community?”

One of the proposals that met with an enthusiastic response came from Interfaith Council President, Jon B. Fish, who suggested “a nice evening of culture – music and the spoken word – to be held in [one] of the places of worship of a member of the Interfaith Council.”

After contemplating the idea for a few weeks, Fish spoke with Father Michael Kieran about holding such an event in the cathedral. Kieran thought it would be a wonderful idea. After putting together a program that merited approval, the plan moved forward and the first event was held last year.

Approximately 300 supporters attended the first event which, according to Fish, turned out to be “a marvelous evening of positive entertainment.”

“Admission is free and the music and spoken word is always uplifting and inspiring,” stated Fish in response to a question about why members of the public would want to attend.

According to the Interfaith Council of Greater Sacramento website, the organization incorporated in 1920 and their mission is to serve the Sacramento area by promoting “respect for all faiths and religious human rights for all, to encourage faiths working together for better understanding and acceptance of all faiths and their people, to encourage a cohesive hand of all faiths in social services, to implement programs for the basic needs in the community, [and] to help protect religious freedom as an element of human rights for all.”

“This kind of interfaith event is about the spirit of the work we do together,” stated Fish when speaking of the occasion scheduled for Thursday.

A wide variety of performances and performers are scheduled to appear on the program which will begin with the Muslim call to prayer.

The line-up of musical performances includes a solo recital from the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament organist, Sacramento’s Christ Temple Missionary Baptist Choir, the Folsom Lake Youth Choir, the LDS Missionary Choir, and the Valley Choral Society. The Congregation Beth Shalom Choir and Trinity Episcopal Choristers are also scheduled to perform together.

Attendees will hear readings from sources as diverse as the Koran, the Torah, the Holy Bible, as well as original works from spiritual writings including one from Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama.

All members of the Sacramento community are welcome to attend the event to enjoy the wide variety of performances.

Anyone who may like to inquire about the event is welcome to contact Interfaith Council President Jon B. Fish via email at boutfohr@comcast.net, through the Interfaith Council website at http://www.sacramentointerfaith.org, or by telephone at (916) 448-2212.

The Grown Folks Red Carpet Event at the Guild Theater

2012-08-13T21:35:13Z

The Grown Folks Red Carpet Entertainment Event was held at the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park this past Saturday evening.
Terry Moore of T-Mo Entertainment brought Courtney Dempsey of CW 31’s “Good Day Sacramento” to serve as the special guest host and emcee.

“We were determined to go all out and really make our last red carpet event of the year an evening to remember,” stated Moore before the show began. “We’ve put together a lineup of entertainment that will feature a few of Sacramento’s favorite performers as well as bringing some newly discovered talent to the stage for their first appearance at the Guild.”

The pre-show entertainment began with a fashion show featuring models recruited by Robin Melzer of Robin’s Nest Fashions.

Each of the models took a pass in front of the audience in casual wear and returned in evening wear displaying fashions from Melzer’s boutique or original designs from couturier Nathalie Medonza of NK Designs.

Sacramento’s Poet Laureate, Bob Stanley, opened the show after a warm introduction by T-Mo staff member and local entertainer, Tony R.

Stanley’s first two poems, “Shoes” and “Point Guard in Overtime,” displayed his skill in using metaphor, developed since the age of 15 when he first began to write poetry.

Stanley thread an analogy through athleticism in his first piece, expressing how as individuals, each of us places “shoes” on our feet that inspire us to achieve our best when we “run.”

The second piece, “Point Guard in Overtime,” which was dedicated to Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, spoke of more than simply his accomplishments as a former, elite NBA player.

The faces of attentive listeners responded as they absorbed the deeper meaning of the verses as applied to his game-winning accomplishments in athletics, education and politics, as well as their own lives.

Stanley’s next poem, “What We Imagine,” was inspired by a dream of his grandmother and features a wide variety of imagery that brought to mind the meaningful details embedded in the subconscious of those loved ones that passed on many years ago who are gone but not forgotten.

Stanley closed out his set with a brand new poem that was completed just that afternoon titled, “A Friend of Mine.”

The piece, inspired by a good friend and local poet, speaks to the struggles we as humans go through to find our niche in life. In this case the subject of the piece uses poetry to free himself of convention and achieve success by finding his creative voice, along with the willingness to share his discoveries with an eye toward serving others.

Moore then took the stage to welcome attendees to the Guild and to express his appreciation for their ongoing support of the series of shows featuring local talent.

He introduced Courtney Dempsey, the popular television personality who is one of Sacramento’s most well known faces. Dempsey then took over the emcee duties in a display of elegance, charm and humor, the mainstays of her success.

Shawn Raiford, known as “the Saxual One,” next took the stage with his tenor saxophone. Raiford showed a flair for entertainment with his smooth jazz rendition of Stevie Wonder’s hit tune, “I Wish.” Raiford also leads a local band, “Saxual Chocolate.” For his first performance at a T-Mo Entertainment event at the Guild, Raiford teased the crowd by playing only one song before leaving the stage.

Dempsey then introduced J. Black, known as Sacramento’s, “Partyman,” describing him as a triple threat - a singer, songwriter and producer. Black has garnered a well-established following as a solo entertainer through his ability to tailor his show to a variety of audiences.

Black showcased his roots as an R&B vocalist with original music from his 2009 EP release, “A Piece of My Soul,” available through online music outlets. Black began his set with his original tune, “I Don’t Care,” an upbeat, contemporary R&B dance song describing a breakup caused by a woman’s infidelity from the man’s point of view.

On his next song, “If You Need Me,” Black’s strong voice became more evident as he slowed down the pace, singing of male-female friendship. During the song Black came down from the stage and serenaded some of the ladies in the audience while bringing to mind popular R&B crooners such as Keith Sweat and Dru Hill.

Black followed up with another original song from his EP titled, “Let Me Know.” He demonstrated his comfort on stage by improvising a few lyrics along with encouraging the crowd to join him in a call and response.

Throughout his set, Black exhibited his skills as a musician, playing the keytar, an instrument that combines a keyboard with some features of a guitar. He encouraged the crowd to rise to their feet and join him during his enthusiastic rendition of Kool & the Gang’s hit, “Stand Up and Sing.”

Black completed his set with his soon to be released single titled, “I’m Gone,” a track steeped in R&B tradition featuring his soulful lyrics declaring his intent to terminate an unfulfilling relationship.

Dempsey then introduced popular local comedian, Daunte Burks, the host of the Funny Friday Comedy Show each first Friday of the month. Burks is also building a regional following through his Sunday Service Comedy Show in Oakland that follows each first Sunday of the Month. He is well known for hosting shows in Fresno, Davis, San Jose and San Francisco.

Burks took the stage and immediately had the crowd howling in laughter while describing his losing struggle to keep his language and material in line with T-Mo Entertainment’s “family friendly” policy during his previous appearance at the Guild.

Burks then went on to entertain the audience with jokes about dating women with bad breath, the dangers of traversing through International Street in Oakland, and having a nearly disastrous bathroom emergency while on the light rail. Burks also spent a few minutes poking fun at women in flip flops who are in great need of a pedicure.

Moore and Dempsey took the stage together to hand out door prizes from free raffle tickets passed out to patrons upon entering the venue. Moore then issued a challenge to a “dance off” contest that was taken up by only one young man from the audience. Despite Moore’s valiant and hilarious attempts to win, the youngster easily outshined him with a well executed display of break/turf dancing moves that had the crowd cheering in support.

When the show resumed, Dempsey presented Ana Marie Sprowl, a well regarded spoken word artist who is in constant demand at poetry venues and other events throughout the Sacramento region.

Known for her ability to take capture of and carry an audience with verses laced with themes of family, social consciousness, and even jazz poetry, Sprowl explored the vagaries of romance with a variety of poems that explored love and relationships from different perspectives.

With her first brief poem, “The Trickster,” she described a woman’s genuine feelings evoked by a suave and debonair man whose intentions may not have been honorable.

Sprowl became one with the verses with her piece titled, “A Love Poem.” She showcased her finely-tuned performance skills with verses that explored the depths of love that encompass sensuality, but then go to a place where body and mind meld on a spiritual level. With “Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” she thoughtfully and poignantly revealed some of the possible motivations that would keep an abused woman tethered to her abuser.

The audience reaction was especially expressive as both male and female members related to her vivid depictions of ongoing feelings of love that become overwhelmed over time by increased differences.

Sprowl took a break from love poetry with a piece titled, “Mean Streets.” She brought to life the sights, sounds and smells of homelessness, along with the indifferent reactions to their plight exhibited by preoccupied citizens tending to business in their work-a-day world.

During her extended set, the audience showed their heartfelt appreciation after each poem. Upon receiving a nod of encouragement from Moore, she closed her set with two brief pieces that returned to the theme of love.

She closed her set with a brief poem, called “Subconscious,” that described the battle of self-love and self-acceptance faced by the speaker upon hearing the inner voice speaking from the reflections from mirrors or grocery store glass cases.

Dempsey then introduced Sacramento native Kumandae Miller who came to the stage with a polished stage presence and high energy sound R&B sound singing his original song, “Just What You’re Looking For,” from his 2011 album, “If the Streets Could Sing Soul.”

He was accompanied by Dennis Austin (keyboards), Rob Scott (drums), Larry Smith (alto sax), Greg Willians (bass), and Tony Monday (congos). Arameya Scott and Tameca Ranae provided the background vocals for the urbane performer spent several years in professional baseball before answering to his calling to become a singer-songwriter.

Kumandae followed up with the Gap Band’s hit song, “Outstanding,” which had members of the audience grooving along with the familiar upbeat track.

During the group’s rendition of Floetry’s hit single, “Say Yes,” Kumandae’s smooth vocals blended with the musicians and background singers when he gracefully came down from the stage to serenade female members of the audience.

Saxophonist Larry Smith’s exceptional solo performance emphasized the strong influence of contemporary jazz to the group’s version

Kumandae ended his set with rousing rendition of his song, “Grateful,” also from his 2011 album release.

The evening’s big surprise came when world renown spoken word artist, poet, and recording artist, Taalam Acey, dropped in at the Guild after hearing there was a T-Mo Entertainment show when visiting an art function nearby.

After Acey agreed to take the stage for a few moments, he blew the crowd away with a brief set that included, ‘”5 Women,” his piece that traces the lineage of the women of his family followed seamlessly by a recitation of “Everyman,” his expression of how he treats his female companions with love and respect in accordance with his modernized version of the code of chivalry.

Acey then thrilled the ladies in the audience with, “Through a Wedding Ring.” The piece describes his inspired reaction to meeting a woman who immediately inspired in him thoughts of settling down into a permanent relationship.

Dempsey then introduced the glamorous up and coming vocalist, Thai Nicole, who put the crowd on notice of her talent with a spirited rendition of Destiny’s Child smash hit, “Say My Name.”

Thai Nicole followed up by showcasing her stage presence with a lively version of Cassie’s hit club single “Me and You.”

After a brief mention of some recent tragic events, Thai Nicole proved that she will soon be a force to be reckoned in the music business with a pitch perfect performance of Michael Jackson’s hit single, “Gone Too Soon.”

The final performer of the evening was poet Devin Tanee (pronounced tan-a), the current reigning Miss Black Sacramento Princess.

Tanee, a recent graduate of Franklin High School who will attend Wiley College in Marshall, Texas this fall, prefaced her poem, “Freedom,” by stating its purpose was to combat internalized oppression. The sophisticated verses exhibited a thorough understanding of the political history underlying oppressed peoples.

Tanee ended her set and the evening with a piece titled “Ironic,” wherein she explored the paradoxes between appearances and reality when conflicting ideas and emotions co-exist within an individual.

Akira Bailey and Winston Butler attended a T-Mo Entertainment event for the first time and indicated they were impressed with surprising range of talent on display during the show.

“I really enjoyed the spoken word artists and I thought Ana Marie was very good,” stated Bailey.

“I feel blessed as a native of Sacramento to be able to come out and support people like Terry Moore who are making it possible for up and coming local talent to have a place to showcase what they can do,” stated Cherene Briggs who attended the event with her friend, Tiffany Green.

“The show was magnificent-there’s so much talent in Sacramento,” said Briggs.

The next regularly scheduled T-Mo Entertainment Event will be the Love Jones Love Poem Slam competition featuring some of Sacramento’s best love poets.

The event will be held in the Obama Room at the Florin Road Arts and Business Complex located at 24th and Florin Road this Saturday, August 18.

Those who are interested in attending the event should contact Terry Moore at 916-208-POET (7638), or via email at fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets or for more information.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Red Carpet Event at the Guild Theater event. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Red Carpet R&B Concert a success at the Guild Theater

2012-07-31T07:51:26Z

A full lineup of local singers, dancers, and poets, were featured at the Red Carpet R&B Concert this past Saturday evening at the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park.

Host Terry Moore of T-Mo Entertainment invited some of Sacramento’s most popular R&B vocalists to perform for the event. The concert also featured a number of surprises, in the form of up-and-coming talent that was showcased at the Guild for the first time.

“It’s difficult not to bring some of Sacramento’s favorite R&B singers back to the Guild when I received such overwhelming feedback from supporters who wanted to see them return,” stated Moore, when describing why the focus for the evening was on R&B.

Moore explained that he determined a show dedicated to the genre was in order in response to audience demands to see more of the R&B artists featured in previous shows. Moore made it a point to include a number of artists never before featured as part of a T-Mo Entertainment event at the Guild.

“There will always be a place in our shows for newly discovered talent to be seen and heard for the first time, and tonight was no exception,” said Moore.

In addition to the lineup of musicians and singers, the show featured poets and dancers making their debut appearances at the Guild.

Tina B’s Men of Soul opened the show to Will Smith’s humorous rap song, “Men in Black.”

The well known line dance troop returned to the Guild by popular demand, and immediately put the audience in a festive mood that continued throughout the evening.

Decked out in coordinated black outfits, they displayed their synchronized dance moves to the upbeat tempo of the music.

Poet and graphic artist Lawrence Dinkins, known by his stage name, NSAA (pronounced en-sah-ah), demonstrated why he is one of Sacramento’s most unique and well-respected spoken-word artists .

NSAA’s first four poems “24 Frames, A Second to Freedom,” “Afrotroplis,” “Dem Damn Jeans” and “The Trap,” were delivered with a variety of jazz rhythms, and ranged in content from political themes, to acknowledging iconic black artists, to the celebration of the female body.

In addition to finger popping and enthusiastic audience participation in his request for call and response with an, “Oh Yeah,” NSAA joked with the audience that he is a starving artist who would be available to provide chapbooks and CDs of his poetry to interested members of the audience after his performance.

NSAA’s reputation as a socially conscious poet was affirmed with his final two pieces, “This Poem Is Stronger Than Me,” and “Thuggism.”

NSSA’s final poem included sharp commentary on the cultural influences that seduce young men into believing that an outlaw lifestyle is an acceptable choice. His observations that the resulting “feeding frenzy” of profiteers from the prison industrial complex include small towns, lawyers and judges were very well-received by the audience.

The Diplomatz Dance Team took the stage and displayed a phenomenal range of smooth moves and acrobatic feats to their mix of “That Girl,” by Marcus Houston and “Skippin’” by Mario.

Team members Rome, King, Nitro and Cliché each took their turns in the set that featured special guest Lady Giggaz. All of the young dancers awed the crowd with an extraordinary display of agility and versatility honed by years of hard work in their chosen art.
Multitalented artist Jamie Jackson then wowed the audience during her set, which included three very-difficult-to-cover hit songs.

Beginning with Denice Williams’ hit, “Silly,” Jackson displayed a surprising vocal range that moved members of the audience to respond with applause on several occasions, as she hit and held several high notes before she completed the tune.

Jackson then captured the subtle feeling of sadness and soul with her rendition of the Billie Holiday standard, “God Bless the Child That Has His Own.” The surprise choice has been one of the most frequently covered recordings in the music business. However, Jackson admirably took up the challenge and infused her personality and spirit into the performance.

Jackson’s final selection displayed yet another dimension of her talent. She took on the up-tempo disco beat of Donna Summer’s hit, “Last Dance,” and had members of the audience dancing in their seats and breaking out in applause in appreciation of her efforts.

Versatile musician Eugene “With the Talking Sax” Peebles brought his own interpretation of the R&B theme of the concert, with his renditions of “Love Calls,” by KEM, “Feel the Fire,” by Peabo Bryson, and “I’ll Make Love to You,” by Boyz II Men.

Peebles is a well-regarded veteran musician who is known for his smooth jazz performances on saxophone, as well as his talents playing traditional jazz on the Hammond B3 Organ as the leader of the Eugene Peebles Trio.

The always sharply dressed Peebles was greeted with several spontaneous rounds of applause while carrying the melody of the Boyz II Men hit song to perfection as he closed out his set.
The evening’s co-host, Tony R., provided a warm introduction to his good friend, Tone Malone, aka “Soulfish McGee,” one of the brightest up-and-coming stars working in the Sacramento music scene today.

The talented singer and musician electrified the audience immediately by hitting the difficult opening notes of Maxwell’s smash hit “Ascension.”

Backing Malone with live music were the six members of the band Prophecy, led by founder Tony Kenner.

The popular Malone took a few minutes to chat with the audience after the song to relate some details of his journey as an artist, performer, and member of Sacramento’s artistic community.

Malone then called for Tony R. to join him on the stage to assist with the lead vocals by Heatwave ‘s smash hit track, “Always and Forever.”

Prophecy backed the duo during their extended version of the Billboard Top 10 R&B song, before Malone came down from the stage to serenade several ladies in the audience, while Tony R. provided some smooth background vocals.
Malone then explained to the audience that he recently recognized the raw talent of vocalist Jay Mariie after being present when she won a singing contest in a local nightclub. He announced that they had been working together since then, before bringing the beautiful and talented singer to the stage.

The two then performed a well-received rendition of “The Closer I Get To You,” made famous by Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. Malone and Mariie then followed up with “Spend My Life With You,” by Eric Benét and Tamia.

The enthusiastic audience response to the newcomer was apparent, as both Malone’s and Mariie’s efforts were rewarded with spontaneous applause during both songs.

Malone completed his well-received set with an inspired performance of “Get There When You Can,” by Oleta Adams.

Prophecy then took a few moments to shine onstage, as band members Darryl Goodwin (electric guitar), Brotha Mac (percussion), D’Andre Williams (drums), Carlos Jones, (keyboards), Daryl Singh (bass guitar) and band leader Tony Kenner (keyboards) ran through a medley of R&B winners, before turning it loose with the hit song “Joy and Pain,” by Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly.

The talented band has recently been provided with a boost from the newly released album by Kenner, titled “Journey Through Life.” The selections were all written by Kenner with the exception of two tracks that were co-written by producer and sax player Ron Mouton, a member of the band Con Funk Shun.
Tina B’s Men of Soul returned to the stage, with dancer Jackie Peppers donning a poncho, boots, gun belt, hat and a cigar, to the loud approval of female audience members. After Will Smith’s “Wild Wild West,” commenced to play over the loudspeakers, the Men of Soul were greeted with cheers of appreciation for the fancy footwork, as many members of the crowd boogied along from their seats in the theater.

Co-host Tony R. then introduced Greta Stowe-Brown, who is better known by her stage name, “Lady G.” After she took the stage, Lady G. emphasized to the audience the importance of guiding our youth in the right direction.

Lady G. was accompanied by 16-year-old phenomenon Alexis Collazo, a talented, straight-A student, vocalist and acoustic guitar player. She stated that Collazo was a shining example of what’s right with young people today.

Lady G. then proceeded to sing Jessie J’s hit single “Who You Are,” with Collozo trading lead vocals while accompanying them both on the guitar. Just after the song passed its midway point, vocalists T.D. Trice, Pricilla Harris, Tracie Davidson and Sandra Robinson joined the duo onstage to sing backup. The crowd demonstrated its approval with enthusiastic applause several times during the song for all the singers.

Lady G. then displayed her sultry vocal talent and command of the audience during her performance of Jill Scott’s, “Hate On Me.”

Vocalists Priscilla Harris and Sandra Robinson stepped forward on lead vocals along with Lady G. during a heartfelt rendition of Whitney Houston’s version of the classic Isley Brothers hit, “For the Love of You.” Trice, Davidson and Collazo joined in to add a soulful feeling to the smooth harmonizing for the well-rehearsed performance.

Lady G. completed her set with Beyoncé’s hit single, “Love On Top.” Collazo stepped forward to assist with the lead vocals, as she displayed her youthful exuberance and passion. The enthusiastic singing by all of the vocalists had the audience members grooving along with the up-tempo dance tune.

Before host Moore came onstage during a brief intermission, Lenoris “P-Dub” Louis gave the audience a teaser of his upcoming set, with his cover of “Whip Appeal,” by Babyface. Many members of the audience who had never heard Louis sing before had astonished looks on their faces, in response to how similar his rendition sounded to the original studio recording.
During the brief break after the stage curtains closed, a playful Moore came out with a group of door prizes. Before he proceeded to award the prizes to those who received the loudest crowd response during several spontaneous “dance off” contests, he took the time to acknowledge Samuel and Connie Jenkins, who were seated in the front row of the Guild Theater.

Moore passed the microphone to Samuel Jenkins, who related to the crowd that Moore serenaded them with a love poem during their first date well over a decade ago, and they had planned to recite it together during their wedding ceremony, because they had not been able to contact him while making plans for their wedding.

Upon learning that his name and poem were included in the program on the day of the event, Moore rushed to the wedding, arriving just in time to be a part of the ceremony.

“I’m enjoying the show so far,” stated promoter Sherrie Henderson, who was busy passing out announcements of the “Sunday Night Blues,” an open-mic venue for musicians and singers that she started this summer at the Touch of Class nightclub, beginning at 5 p.m. every Sunday evening.

“There is some wonderful talent in Sacramento,” said Henderson.

Tim Wells first heard of the event when his friend and companion for the evening Sonja Banks send him an email on Facebook, expressing a desire that they attend the show.

“It’s my first time here,” stated Wells, when asked if he had attended a T-Mo Entertainment event at the Guild Theater in the past.

“The local artists in Sacramento are amazing — it’s a great show with lots and lots of great talent,” said Wells.

When the show resumed, Nicole Dominique, a former Miss Black Teen Sacramento, who is now a student at Fresno State University, graced the audience with an original poem titled “To Just Be Free.”

Dominique’s heartfelt verses spoke to the trials and tribulations of young womanhood, along with the difficulties of negotiating the difficult path of self-discovery, learning about unconditional love, and bringing back to life a heart previously deadened by emotional pain.
Co-host Tony R. then brought back Lenoris “P-Dub” Louis, the man who is often referred to as “Sacramento’s Crooner.”

Louis is a busy vocalist who can be spotted in various local venues singing lead vocals for the local bands Last Call and Saxual Chocolate.

Louis opened his set with such a stunning rendition of the hit song, “Before I Let Go,” by Frankie Beverly and Maze, that a member of the audience exclaimed to those within earshot, “He’s giving Frankie a run for his money.”

Louis then proceeded to amaze the audience with his vocal abilities, causing audible moans and sighs from female members of the audience on multiple occasions, with his versions of “Pretty Brown Eyes,” by Mint Condition and “Lady in My Life,” by Michael Jackson.

Louis showed his ability to evoke memories of R&B songs from days gone by when he put his heart into singing, “Happy Feelings,” also a track recorded by Maze.

With many audience members calling out for more, Louis responded with the final song in his set, “The Beautiful Ones,” by Prince from the “Purple Rain” movie soundtrack.

In a fitting finish to the singing performances for the night, Louis’ strong vocals and perfect falsettos were matched only by his mimicking the scene in the movie, when he fell to his knees while finishing out the final lyrics to the song.

Moore then thanked the audience, and informed then that the house lights would come up after the Diplomatz Dance Team returned for an encore performance.
Nitro, Rome, King and Cliché returned to the stage and put on an astounding exhibition of smooth rhythmic dance steps while dazzling the crowd with displays of nimble moves synchronized with the hit songs, “If I Was Your Man,” by Joe and “Turn Up the Music,” by Chris Brown.

“This was an excellent show,” stated Debbie Robinson, after the house lights came up and audience members exited the theater.

“Lanoris was the bomb,” said Robinson, when describing her favorite performer of the evening.

The Grown and Sexy Red Carpet Entertainment Event is returning to the Guild Theater on August 11. Courtney Dempsey of “Good Day Sacramento” will serve as the special guest host for the show that will feature a fresh lineup of local talent.

Those who are interested in attending the event should contact Terry Moore well in advance at 916-208-POET (7638), or via email at fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets or for more information.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Red Carpet R&B Concert at the Guild Theater event. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Ledisi and Eric Benét perform for a full house at the Woodlake Inn

2012-07-24T22:51:13Z

Popular Bay Area based vocalist Ledisi was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd estimated at well over 1,500 at the Grove Amphitheater of the Woodlake Inn this Sunday. Veteran R&B singer Eric Benét opened the show for the multitalented vocalist, who has been a mainstay on the Billboard charts since 2007.

“I love Ledisi,” stated Daisy Braxton, who arrived early in spite of the triple-digit heat to secure the best possible seat under the shade trees of the outdoor amphitheater.

“I love to see Ledisi in a more intimate setting because you get to experience more of her personality than in a larger setting,” said Braxton, who described herself as a huge Ledisi fan.

Ledisi put her personality on full display from the moment she burst onto the stage full of energy, singing “Raise Up,” a track from her most recent album “Pieces of Me.”

Ledisi is known for combing positive messages with her talented vocals. The audience responded by dancing along with Ledisi from their seats and in the aisles as she maintained the party style atmosphere with the single, “Higher Than This,” from her 2009 chart-topping album “Turn Me Loose.”

The audience was treated to coordinated dance steps with her backup singers and powerful vocals, in between Ledisi’s encouragements directed at the audience to become empowered in their lives.

With the crowd still on its feet, Ledisi turned a little sassy and saucy while performing the track “Shut Up” from her latest album.

Ledisi made sure to emphasize the song’s special message directed at doubters and naysayers by picking up a bullhorn, which she placed in front of the microphone.

By the time Ledisi moved on to sing the hit single, “Bravo,” she had settled into her groove and demonstrated that she was in full command of the venue. The sincerity of her vocals left no doubt that her intention was to “celebrate life,” while encouraging members of the crowd to give themselves a hand for being able to make it through the ups and downs of everyday living.

Ledisi convincingly proved her worthiness of headliner status for a traditional summer “party-style” concert. The musical arrangements for several tracks were considerably more up-tempo than the studio versions that were previously released.

That certainly was the case for the track “Coffee,” whose funk inspired neo-soul accompaniment was introduced by the bass line from Snoop Dogg’s track, “G’z and Hustlas.”

During the intro to the song, Ledisi reminded the crowd that she hadn’t lost sight of her roots in the “hood” of East Oakland, much to the delight of the many family members, friends and loved ones from the Bay Area who were present in the audience.

The extended version of the rock- and blues-inspired track, “Knocking,” from the “Turn Me Loose” album featured a hard-hitting rock guitar solo. Guitarist Robby McDonald took center stage while Ledisi danced enthusiastically between verses. She then “explained herself” to the crowd by reminding them of musicians like LaBelle, the Staples singers and other “old school” groups that blazed the trails that she is now honored to continue down today.

After taking a few minutes to talk to the audience, Ledisi then slowed the tempo down by singing her 2007 hit single “In the Morning” from her album “Lost and Found.” The soulful accompaniment from her background singers now sitting behind her on stools and swaying in the beat set the mood for love songs as nightfall set in.

Ledisi demonstrated her vocal versatility by flawlessly singing both her verses and R&B singer Jahiem’s verses on her Billboard Top 40 R&B single “Stay Together.”

She followed up with the title track from her album “Pieces of Me.” The resounding cheers in response to the beginning bars of the Top 40 R&B signaled the crowd’s approval. Many audience members stood and sang along, while Ledisi poured her heart into the lyrics that expressed a variety of feelings from a woman’s point of view.

Ledisi completed her set with an extended version of her 2007 hit single “Alright.”

She spoke of her struggles as an aspiring vocalist and musician before letting the crowd know that family and friends, and especially her mother, who was in the audience, always were there to support her and reassure her everything in her life would indeed turn out alright.

Before introducing the members of the band, including the backup vocalists, Ledisi shared with the crowd three things she learned from experience. First was to “step out on faith.” Second was to “love yourself by any means necessary.” Last was to “be careful of who and what you allow in your inner circle.”

Ledisi then paid respects and showed her love of each individual who performed with her on stage. First Sara Williams took the microphone and sang a solo verse for the audience, who showed their enthusiastic appreciation.

Next was Denetra Moore, who took her turn with a solo verse. Moore is a current contestant on BET’s gospel singing competition program, “Sunday’s Best.” She is originally from Stockton and also had a large contingent of friends and family members in the audience supporting her.

Ledisi then introduced each of the musicians beginning with Anthony “Tony” Walker on keyboards, Robby McDonald on electric guitar, Lorenzo Johnson on organ and keyboards, Idris Davis on bass and Timothy Steele on the drums.

All of the musicians took advantage of their moment in the spotlight to demonstrate their individual skills as members of the tightly knit and well-rehearsed band.

Opening act Eric Benét was not without his devoted fans, who attended the concert to see him perform live.

Mother Rose, proprietor of Underground Books in Oak Park, is a definite fan of Ledisi, but she came out to support Benét.

“It’s a warm summer night and I want to hear Eric Benét sing 'Real Love' to me,” stated Rose.

She was not to be disappointed as Benét demonstrated the talents that have kept him as a steady presence on the R&B Billboard Top 40 and Top 100 charts since 1996.

Benét hit the stage with a brief verse from his 2001 hit single, “Love Don’t Love Me,” before introducing himself to the audience, making a few jokes and commenting on the summer evening’s heat.

The audience immediately responded when Benét introduced the song “Spiritual Thang,” and informed the crowd that the 1996 hit song was also his first music video.

Benét reputation as an R&B singer with a strong following of female fans is well deserved based on his catalogue of hit songs based on love, relationships, and the celebration of the female mystique.

Benét’s smooth stage presence and easygoing personality provides the perfect complement to Ledisi for the B.G.T.Y. (Be Good To Yourself) summer tour.

Benét joked that radio deejays would often make confusing statements about him when introducing one of his first popular songs, “Femininity.” Benét went on to relate that he easily overlooked the sometimes strange comments because he just so thankful that the song was a hit.

The atmosphere of romance became palpable once Benét commenced singing “Real Love,” with heart-felt soprano vocals. The 2011 single is included on his recently released album, “The One.”

The video of the song features Manuela Testolini, whom he married in 2011. The couple welcomed their first child, baby girl Lucia Bella into their lives in December 2011.

Screams and sighs greeted Benét during the intro to the heart-wrenching ballad, “Sometimes I Cry.” At several points during the song audience members responded with cheers to Benét’s penetrating vocals as he flawlessly hit and held difficult high notes.

Benét then took the time to show appreciation and thank his fans for their support over the years.

He then introduced backup singer Candice Boyd to the audience when asking her to join him on the song, “Spend My Life With You.” The track from his album, “A Day in the Life,” was a Billboard number 1 hit single on the R&B charts and a top 40 pop hit.

Benét commented that the song remains one of his most popular selections after more than a decade and is frequently included as a part of wedding ceremonies.

Benét then described his newly released single “Harriet Jones,” as a “please baby please,” feel good song.

After singing “You’re the Only One,” from his 2008 album, “Love and Life,” thanked the crowd after it appeared as if he completed his set.

Benét, who had long since loosened his tie and opened his vest in response to the warm summer night, then returned for an encore with his 1999 hit version of the song “Georgy Porgy,” originally recorded by Toto featuring Cheryl Lynn.

With Candice Boyd performing the verses sang by Faith Evans on his studio album, “A Day in the Life,” Benét’s extended version of his hit cover single included a rousing call and response with the audience who danced and grooved along with him to the up-tempo beat.

Benét took the time to introduce thank the members of his band Greg Collier (bass), Steven Bethany (electric guitar), Jonathan Richmond, (keyboards), and Wes McVickers (drums), along with showing appreciation to Candice Boyd for her efforts with the background and lead vocals.

A long line quickly formed near the merchandise table where Eric Benét patiently signed autographs and took photos with fans. A variety of items were available for sale including the latest music releases from Eric Benét and Ledisi, as well as copies of Ledisi's new book, Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power.

“I’ve been following Eric Benét for a long time,” stated Ed Jones who attended the concert with his wife Gloria.

“I knew of Ledisi, but I was especially impressed by the way she talked with the audience at the end,” said Jones.

Cecelia Orais attended the performance with her daughters, Delina Dream and Sharlena Brooks, enjoyed the show together as a family.

Ledisi’s music reaches all ages,” stated Orais while relaxing after the event waiting for the crowds and traffic to die down.

Local poet and community activist Terry Moore who served as the emcee and host for the event was also impressed by the turnout and warm welcome that Sacramento fans gave to both Eric Benét and Ledisi.

“It was an honor and a pleasure to participate in this event,” said Moore after the show.

“My wife and I were able to relax and enjoy one of the best shows that is touring the nation this summer right here at home,” stated Moore. “I’m looking forward to being a part of more events like this in the future,” he said.

Spotlight on: Ledisi

2012-07-19T04:47:23Z

Veteran R&B, jazz, neo-soul and gospel vocalist and musician Ledisi will headline this Sunday evening at the Grove Amphitheater at the Woodlake Inn in Sacramento. Joining Ledisi as the opening act on the B.G.T.Y. (Be Good to Yourself) Tour is popular R&B singer Eric Benét. The emcee for the event will be the popular local poet Terry Moore.

Born Ledisi Anibade Young in New Orleans, the multiple Grammy-nominated artist is touring in support of her Billboard Top 10 album, “Pieces of Me.”

Ledisi comes from a family whose members were all involved with music. She grew up watching her mother sing in an R&B band in her native Louisiana.

Ledisi first appeared on stage at with the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra at age 8. After relocating to Oakland, she was nominated for a Shellie Award in 1990 for her outstanding performance as a member of the cast in a production of “The Wiz.”

Ledisi has a rock-solid foundation as a classically trained soprano and musician, earned through five years of studying opera and piano at UC Berkeley.

Ledisi’s career has steadily gained momentum since the mid-‘90s, when she first began to appear as a featured vocalist after forming her own group Anibade, with keyboardist Sundra Manning and four other well-schooled musicians in the Bay Area.

Ledisi and Manning paid their dues in the music business by performing local and regional shows while writing original songs. The duo then formed their own record label, LeSun, after their attempts to get signed to a major label were unsuccessful.

The resulting two albums, “Soulsinger: the Revival,” and “Feeling Orange But Sometimes Blue,” were released in 2000 and 2002 respectively. Following the 2002 release, Ledisi won the award for “Outstanding Jazz Album” at the California Music Awards in 2003.

Before signing to major record label VerveForecast in 2007, Ledisi stayed busy performing and recording. She appeared on numerous soundtracks and was a featured artist on a variety of recordings with some of the most well-respected names in the music industry, including Boney James, Rafeal Saddiq and a host of jazz, neo-soul and R&B artists.
Ledisi’s first major label album release in 2007, “Blues in the Night,” reached number 10 on the Billboard R&B charts. She recorded “It’s Christmas” in 2008 before hitting the top of the Billboard R&B chart with the album “Turn Me Loose,” in 2009. Her most recent effort released in 2011, “Pieces of Me,” has charted as high number 2 on the Billboard R&B charts.

Ledisi’s original songs span a wide range of themes, including love and relationships, self-empowerment and praise music. Her music is heavily influenced by jazz and is a staple on urban contemporary and smooth jazz radio station playlists.

Ledisi is a versatile vocalist who is well-known for putting her own stamp on a variety of jazz standards. Patti LaBelle seemed to not just be kidding around when she anointed Ledisi as her successor during a playful moment captured on camera, featured on YouTube.

Ledisi has appeared in films, been nominated for a series of prestigious awards, and charted a series of top 40 and top 100 R&B hit singles since 2007. The hard work she invested paid off, as she has deservingly blossomed into a major star in the music industry.

Ledisi teamed up with Essence magazine for the release of her first book earlier this year. Titled “Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power,” the publication is an inspirational memoir that reveals some of her struggles and triumphs along with the insight she has gained as she developed into the successful woman she is today.

Ledisi doesn’t subscribe to the notion that she is a diva in her personal life, but concedes that she may be one when performing on stage.

The Sacramento Press connected with Ledisi this past Wednesday morning. During the in-depth telephone interview that follows, she allows her warm personality to shine through, and reveals the inside scoop on some of her life’s experiences and insights, allowing us to get to know her better.Sacramento Press:

First of all, Ledisi, I want to thank you for taking some time out of your busy schedule and your tour to speak with the Sacramento Press.

Ledisi: Thank you for taking the time and being interested.

SP: Can you shed some light about the meaning of the name “Ledisi,” how you got that name?

LD: It’s a common question and I answer it in my new book, “Better Than Alright.” But I will say that my name is my name. It means “to bring forth.” It is a Nigerian name from the Nigerian culture of Yorba. My parents named me and I had no choice. (Laughing.)

SP: What or who in your opinion has had the biggest influence on your music and the development of your career?

LD: I would say my mother and everything she listened to. She was a singer from New Orleans and I would watch everything she did — the way she’d wear her hair, the way she interacted with the audience, when we were able to watch her.

Everything starts at home. For me, it was my mother and whatever music was around — that’s what I listened to. Patsy Cline, Zydeco music, Earth, Wind and Fire, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Marvin Gaye, Chaka Khan, Aretha, Diana Washington, I mean my mom would listen to everything.

I loved her and the musicians and singers who are able to perform R&B and still mix in other genres — I mean like Marvin Gaye who can sing jazz, R&B, gospel, pop, and classical — those are the people that I admire.

SP: You were born in New Orleans and came of age in the Bay Area. Where is your home base now?

LS: I would say the Bay Area still. But right now it’s on the road. (Laughing.)

SP: Ledisi, what do you do when you have time to kick back and relax?

LD: I like to sleep as much as possible. (Laughing.) I like to go for walks. I love reading. I love feeling the quiet.

SP: Is there anything special that you do or don’t do to maintain your health?

LD: I do work out. I drink a lot of water and I watch my sugar intake.

SP: Give us some examples of what’s on your iPod? What or who do you listen to?

LD: I actually like old people. (Laughing.) I also listen to A Tribe Called Quest. I listen to a lot of Miles Davis, a lot of Robert Glasper’s Black Radio. I’ll switch up and put on Beyonce’s “4” album when I’m on the treadmill. It just depends on kind of mood I’m in, but I always listen to the kind of music that’s positive — I’ll always go to that.

SP: You’ve mentioned your book, “Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power.” Can you tell us about the experience you had in writing that?

LD: I enjoyed it — I enjoyed collaborating with Essence (magazine). They captured me in a book. Meaning they pushed me and inspired me and gave me a great format. I already had the book laid out, but not in this way. I was adventurous and fearless. It was one of the best experiences in my life.

I’ve dreamed of being an author, but I never thought it was possible. The way it came about felt natural. They understood me as an entertainer and as a singer and everything. They rolled it all up into a book. It was great.

One of the hardest things to do is to sit down and write a book. (Laughing.) Being in a bookstore is even harder than being in a music store. Damn, this is hard work!

I loved the interaction between my audience and my readers. That was their idea to get them involved with the book. They really inspired me. I would love to do it again.

SP: I read someplace when I was doing my research about you that at one time you contemplated leaving the music business. What do you think you’d be doing with your life if you weren’t in music?

LD: I would probably be teaching somewhere — music or maybe English-being a teacher. I enjoy turning on the light — helping someone to find their light and inspiring others. So I’d have to say that I’d want to do something with helping others.
SP: That sounds good. Ledisi, what would you like to accomplish in your life, not just in your career, that you haven’t yet achieved?

LD: (Pause) Wow. I’ve never thought about that. It’s a great question.

There’s so much stuff. I have so many ideas — maybe something in film writing and being behind the scenes — maybe being in front of the camera — anything that has to do with film. (Laughing.)

In my shows now we have video occasionally — well in most of the shows at least when we’re able to. That was fun editing and filming footage. I love being behind the scenes. I think I love it more than being in front of the camera.

I love photography and I’ve been taking pictures. Some of my work is featured in my new book. The editors were like, “Oh, you’ve got to put that in the book.”

There’s more that I would like to do from behind the scenes — like helping someone else’s career. That’d be great. Maybe owning a label and helping someone with their career in that way.

I know that I have to focus with what I’m doing now: providing high quality great music. From that will come all of the things that I desire. I’ve learned that from never giving up and not quitting no matter what.

SP: That sounds wonderful. You’re doing an awesome job of it. The results are speaking for themselves.

LD: Thank you.
SP: I’m going to change the direction a little bit and ask you what is your most memorable experience from your performances at the White House?

LD: I enjoyed it. I had a fun time performing.

What I loved most was watching Stevie Wonder, Wayne Shorter and Herbie Hancock all on the same stage.

I enjoyed watching everyone at the White House — the first lady and president — everyone there — watching and listening to music. I really enjoyed that.

I saw them watching me but I was so nervous I couldn’t look at them. (Laughing.)

I really enjoyed just being in the room and experiencing people of that caliber. I mean there were stars everywhere, Jay-Z, Charles Barkley, all types of great people — different senators. I mean it felt so good watching all of these great singers and great people listening to and enjoying music. It was a great experience.

SP: I understand that you’ve been there three times, is that correct?

LD: Yes. I’ve done the Motown Special. A women’s mentoring event for the first lady going to different schools and talking about my journey. And the president’s birthday, which is the event I was speaking of.

It’s been very nice. Every time it’s been a moment. I’ve learned a lot from them. They love people. They really care about people. And they’re really in love — it’s great — and it’s genuine.

It really inspires you a lot to see how much they care about what’s going on around them. And they love music. They use music to help others and to bring people together and that’s great.

SP: Ledisi, in your career you’ve worked with an all-star lineup of individuals in the music industry. Who is the person that you would like to record a song with or do a project with that might surprise your fans?

LD: Q-Tip. I would love to work with Prince and Bonnie Raitt. I mean, I’m all over the place. I would love to do a duet with Kelly Clarkson. We did it on VH1 but I would love to record with her as well.

I have a lot of different eclectic sounds and people I would love to work with.

SP: What advice or words of wisdom would you give to any young musicians or singers who are considering a career in music?

LD: Remember that it’s a business. There’s music and there’s business. So understand the business. And that it changes drastically all of the time.

Also, that there’s no one more special than you. So just be yourself. You’re different — you’re who you are. There’s no one else like you. Celebrate that and hold on to that. Don’t copy. Be inspired by what was before, but find your own voice and celebrate it. Hold on to it for as long as you can — forever. Make your contribution to the world.

SP: Thank you so much Ledisi. I know we’ve run out of time. Are there any last words or parting comments that you’d like to say to the people of Sacramento?

LD: I just want to say thank you for taking time for me. That you felt like it was important to tell the world about who I am. I really appreciate that.

I want to thank the people of Sacramento. Every time I come they come out and show support and love in any situation.

Last time I was there the rain took the power out and they waited until the power came back on. So I really appreciate Sacramento.

SP: Ledisi, we’re looking forward to seeing you on Sunday. Thank you so much for taking the time. I know you’re going to give one of your great shows as usual. I really appreciate your taking the time to talk with me today.

LD: Thanks again.

Tickets to this Sunday evening’s concert featuring Ledisi along with Eric Benét at the Grove Amphitheater at the Woodlake Hotel in Sacramento are still available online through a variety of ticket outlets.

Disclosure: Some questions and answers have been slightly edited for grammar and punctuation without altering meaning and intent.

Drumvoices Revue book party honors Dr. Eugene Redmond

2012-07-07T10:27:42Z

Dr. Eugene B. Redmond was honored for his lifetime of contributions as a poet, educator, and leading figure the Black Arts Movement during the “Drumvoices” book party at the Master Barber and Beauty Shop this past Thursday evening in South Sacramento.

The septuagenarian was a professor of English and a Poet–in–Residence in Ethnic Studies at California State University–Sacramento, (1970-1985), before returning his hometown of East St. Louis. He served in various educational posts prior to joining the faculty of Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in 1990 where he is now emeritus professor of English.

Dr. Redmond is the author/editor of more than 25 volumes of poetry, collections of various writings, plays for stage and television, and has earned numerous prestigious awards and accolades during his fruitful career in academia.

Sales of the special 20th anniversary commemorative issue of “Drumvoices Revue” were brisk. Dr. Redmond warmly greeted all those who approached and personally autographed each copy of the latest edition of the multicultural literary journal that he founded.

The schedule of entertainment for the evening commenced with improv jazz music provided by Sacramento musicians Rodg Little (bass), Damarus Lewis (drums), and Russell Brown (guitar), known collectively as the Deeper Shades of Soul.

Joining the group on stage for the initial jam session on the saxophone was smooth jazz musician Ralph Gordon who complemented the group nicely with spontaneous melodic riffs.

Just before emcee and host Justin Desmangles took the stage to formally commence the evening’s program, poet Vincent Kobelt joined Deeper Shades of Soul on the stage.

Kobelt delighted the audience with a flawless performance of his jazz poem entitled, “Right Off the Ghetto Streets,” that was partially written, but largely improvised in keeping with the spirit of the music and the atmosphere of celebration.

Desmangles then took the microphone to first acknowledge and thank those who contributed making the evening possible including Mary Brown, Rodney Brown, and Marichal Brown, the proprietors of Master Barber and Beauty Shop.

Desmangles, the host of weekly radio broadcast, New Day Jazz at KDVS, 90.3 FM who is also an accomplished journalist, poet and producer, then went on to explain to the audience his involvement Dr. Redmond over the past 10 years. He provided details of their individual and collective efforts committed to the preservation and dissemination of Afro-American history and culture.

Desmangles emphasized the historical significance of Dr. Redmond’s bestselling book of literary criticism; “Drumvoices: The Mission of Afro-American Poetry, A Critical History.” The work was published in 1976 and written during his tenure as a scholar at CSUS.

At the time of its publication, “Drumvoices” was the first comprehensive survey and literary analysis of Black poetic expression tracing the arc of its historical development in the context of major periods going back over the previous two centuries.

The formal program of entertainment began when Desmangles introduced vocalist Ayla Doizer. She was accompanied by Brandon Stomsvik on the acoustical guitar.

Doizer’s first selection was a rendition of Stevie Wonder’s 1976 hit, “Pastime Paradise.” She performed the tune in the style of folk music style which emphasized her rich alto vocals.

Stomsvik then plugged in his acoustical guitar to an amp which highlighted his musical talents while accompanying Dozier who sang “Soul to Squeeze,” by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Dozier completed her set without accompaniment by reciting an original poem entitled, “Warrior of Joy.” Throughout the poem, she describes her self-appointed mission of spreading joy and to respond positively to the many challenges of life.

Local spoken word artist Malik Saunders then came to the stage and delivered a heart-felt performance of his poem entitled, “Reader’s Die-gest-This.”

The piece is inspired by local author and community activist Grace Carter-Douglas’ 1988 historical study of the Sacramento’s Women's Civic and Improvement Club from the book entitled, “The Griot: An Anthology of African Necromancers.”

Saunders followed up with “As “I” Drift,” a poem he dedicated to Master Barber and Beauty Shop. He then took a few moments to outline his near death experience following a serious automobile collision in 2004.

Saunders is the author of the book, “Memoirs for the 5th Floor, Running for My Life,” which details his experience following the accident. He then began his final poem on the subject before becoming emotional. The appreciative audience responded with an outpouring of love and support for Saunders, a man who faces serious medical challenges on a daily basis, with the motto, “Never Give Up.”

Desmangles then brought back poet Vincent Kobelt who electrified the audience with his stage presence and unique style of jazz poetry.

Kobelt seamlessly transitioned from his jazz poem “Right Off the Ghetto Streets,” into the piece “Hoppy’s Blues” without taking a break. His expression of the poetry was so rhythmically profound it seemed as if he had musical accompaniment.

Kobelt then read shared three selections from his recently published chapbook, “Textures of Pregnancy.”

The poems, “Fallopian Magic” and “Belly” were brief, but sophisticated pieces that were eloquently presented with the cadences and strong dramatic style of spoken word poetry.

Kobelt took a pause to share his feelings on the lack of human contact in the modern world while guitarist Russell Brown was on-stage preparing to accompany him on his final poem.

He went on to relate how as a teenager his “tongue was in his shoe,” when asking for a prom date, juxtaposed to his teenaged daughter’s recent experience of trading text messages when fielding requests for a prom date.

Kobelt concluded his set with his wonderfully inventive and creative piece entitled, “The Diary Maid,” which incorporates ice cream as metaphor for breast feeding.

Desmangles then warmly welcomed multi-talented author, jazz poet, playwright, performance and visual artist Charles Curtis Blackwell to the stage.

Blackwell spoke for many attendees of the event as he prefaced his performance with impromptu remarks about Dr. Redmond. Blackwell was a student at CSUS during the early 70’s when there was a strong cohesion in the black community that was especially centered in the arts.

Blackwell related to the crowd that his first impression of Dr. Redmond came when he accompanied a friend to one of his lectures and heard him to “talk about things people don’t want to talk about,” such as suicide in the black community.

His respect for and admiration of Dr. Redmond was shared by the audience, many members whom were also long time friends and acquaintances.

Blackwell stated what many people in the room experienced first-hand with Dr. Redmond and knew to be true; that he would want to be remembered for “doing something to help somebody,” and for “doing things,” and not for the laundry list of accomplishments and honors bestowed upon him personally during his lengthy career.

With the accompaniment of flautist Ralph Gordon, Blackwell then proceeded to put on masterful performances of his jazz poems, “Feeling Its Depths,” and “When Mingus Troubles Down.”

Dr. Redmond brought along several companions from the St. Louis-East St. Louis area, all of which are scheduled to participate in the weekend’s event, entitled “Drumvoices' for Ahaji,” A Three-Day Festival Of Arts & Conch/Us/Nest-Raising

Desmangles introduced Poets Darlene Roy East of St. Louis and Charlios Lumpkin of St. Louis. The women came to the stage together to celebrate their long-time affiliation with Dr. Redmond and to describe the purpose of the festival in Sacramento.

Roy, who has served as the president of the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club in East St. Louis for the past 25 years, explained how the evening’s book party was the initial event of the festival celebrating literary, cultural, and visual arts.

The planned activities which run through Sunday, July 8, include a play at the Guild Theater along with a series of workshops and events at the Women’s Civic Improvement Center in Oak Park.

The events are all intended to recall and celebrate a period of intense artistic, cultural and political fervor that was present all across the U.S. and felt here in Sacramento during the era when Dr. Redmond was a member of the community.

In addition to the celebration, the purpose of the event is to honor and raise funds in the name of the late George Austin “Ahaji” Jones (1931-2009) and Robzene Jones (1930-2008), Sacramento educators whose combined teaching experiences totaled 60 plus years.

Lumpkin’s first poem was entitled, “Miles Black and Blue.” She explained to the audience that its structure was that of a Kwansaba; a poem limited to seven lines of seven words per line, with no word having more than seven letters, except proper nouns and names.

The Kwansaba structure was created by Dr. Redmond in 1995 in East St. Louis. Its popularity has grown and spread and is now recognized internationally as an original African-American form of poetry.

Lumpkin then shared an original free verse poem entitled, It’s All About the Borders.” The piece is a socially conscious exploration of the nature of conflicts that result from artificial separation of humankind from each other due to geo-political, social, language, and gender divisions.

Roy then stepped forward and performed the poem, “Moving On,” a work she described as a self-explanatory “transition piece” centered on love.

Roy then graced the audience with one of her original Kwansabas entitled, “Miles of Jazz.” She explained that the poem was inspired by jazz legend Miles Davis, a frequent subject of East St. Louis poetry. Davis, who was born and raised in the area, is revered for his influence in jazz, art, and popular culture.

Lumpkin and Roy then finished their time on stage with a poet duet performing the Kwansaba, “Godfather’s Request.” The poem by George Austin Jones was written as a tribute to the late R&B, singer James Brown who was often referred to as the “Godfather of Soul.”

Desmangles then brought Dr. Redmond to the stage for an interview session. His sharp wit and sage wisdom on full display while as he touched on a wide variety of topics.

In response to questions from Desmangles, Dr. Redmond observed that there has been an erosion of the sense of “having each other’s back” in the black community during his lifetime that has resulted in a “discontinuity of the race.”

His overriding message was that there needs to be a “Conch/Us/Nest-Raising,” a process that can be taken through well defined steps that include self-definition, self-knowledge, and self sufficiency.

Dr. Redmond indicated that this “rekindling” should be approached with “evangelical fervor,” in order to bring the young generations into an understanding of the meaning of love based in the community.

Dr. Redmond also noted that there have been longstanding historical trends of black culture and black artists being imitated by the dominant culture. He provided several notable examples from the distant past and more recent times.

Dr, Redmond concluded his interview with several amusing reminisces of his experiences with well known figures and icons he has known over the years.

Dr. Redmond then demonstrated why he has been the poet laureate of East St. Louis since 1976, with his graceful presentation of three selections from his extensive collection of poetry.

His first piece was entitled “Avery Brooks.” It is a work inspired by and dedicated to one of his former students who maintained his roots in academia but still managed to attain celebrity status as an actor and performing artist.

Dr. Redmond then shared a poem that explored the heritage of many of his students whose roots were the South and the Mid-West before coming to the West Coast entitled, “Northern California.” The recitation was interrupted on several occasions by the enthusiastic audience with spontaneous applause and acclamation.

Dr. Redmond then completed his time on stage with a love poem entitled, “I Can Never Unlove You,” that was taken from his 1973 book of poetry, “In a Time of Rain and Desire: New Love Poems.” Toward the end of the recitation, Dr. Redmond delighted the crowd when he improvised several lines in the poem as a tribute to Sacramento and members of the audience.

After some brief remarks in conclusion, wherein the thanked Roy and Lumpkin for their collective efforts in editing the Drumvoices Revue over the years and providing leadership to the many writers who careers have been bolstered through the literary journal

The evening’s entertainment concluded with the Deeper Shades of Soul taking the stage for a brief jam session. Sitting in with the group was trumpeter Tim Glaze, a former member of the Stone City Band who became famous for their time playing for the late R&B/Funk singer Rick James.

Laura Cook, a member of the audience who along with many others lingered after the event formally ended to socialize with friends and take a photo with Dr. Redmond indicated that she was “pleasingly surprised” with the evening.

“I had heard of Eugene Redmond, but I wasn’t really familiar with him,” stated Cook, a local spoken word artist who is known in local poetry venues by her stage name, “immoBme.”

“I felt like I was sitting at the feet of elders-listening and learning,” said Cook.

Vann LaMarr Walker was one of Dr. Redmond’s former students at CSUS who attended the event to get reacquainted with his friend and mentor.

“It was really, really, grand,” said Walker when asked for his thoughts on the program featuring Dr. Redmond.

“Events like these are something that Sacramento needs to see a lot more of,” stated Walker.

An enthusiastic Darlene Roy paused to express her thrill at being back to visit Sacramento and accompanying Dr. Redmond for the festival.

“I really love the people here,” she stated, while going on to explain how blessed East St. Louis was to have Dr. Redmond return to his hometown in 1985 to lead the bevy of writers and poets that have benefited from his presence as the leader of the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club.

“The event tonight was historical,” said Roy as she described it in the context of the weekend’s ‘Drumvoices for Ahaji festival.

The Drumvoices for Ahaji: A Three Day Festival of Arts, will continue through Sunday, July 8, at the Women’s Civic Improvement Center located at 3555 3rd Avenue in Oak Park. A day pass for all events is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for students.

Anyone who is interested in attending the event should contact Faye Kennedy at fayek@springmail.com or may purchase a pass at the door.

Red Carpet Ladies Night Out at the Guild Theater

2012-07-02T10:25:24Z

All donned in glamorous outfits, a great time was had by those who attended the Red Carpet Ladies Night Out Event at the Historical Guild Theater in Oak Park this past Saturday night.

Terry Moore of T-Mo Entertainment put together a full lineup of some of Sacramento’s favorite local talent coupled with debut acts that graced the stage at the Guild for the first time.

“When planning the events, we pay close attention to our audience’s preferences,” Moore stated when responding to a question about how the performers were selected for the evening’s entertainment.

“An extra effort is always made to keep the shows fresh by inviting up-and-coming local talent and providing them with the opportunity to showcase their skills at the Guild,” Moore said.

The Ladies Night Out event attracted one of Sacramento’s most celebrated favorite sons, Dr. Cornel West, who came out to support his grand-niece, a featured singer of the RedCupLeague artists collective.

“There is no better place to be tonight than in the Guild Theater in Oak Park,” said West during his impromptu comments after being handed the microphone by Moore during his welcoming remarks.

“There’s love, freedom and community in the music - and a whole lot of funk too,” stated an enthusiastic West, which elicited a rousing round of laughter from the audience.

Local band LSB (Lovesomebody) warmed up the crowd as the pre-show entertainment with their sophisticated style of jazz, R&B and soul music before the festivities got underway.

Just before the show began, vocalist Inga Randle and drummer Brian Randle traded verses on Kool & the Gang’s hit single, “Ladies Night,” with band co-founder Leon “Scrap” Gray providing the melody on the keyboards.

Popular local entertainer Tony R. assisted Moore as co-host for the evening. Tony R. introduced Sacramento native, saxophonist Garrett Perkins, who led off the show with “You Are the One for Me,” by Kim Waters, followed by a smooth jazz version of “I Wanna Know,” by Joe.

Perkins concluded his all too brief set with a heartfelt rendition of his original popular tune, “Sax in the City,” from the 2010 album of the same name.

Local poet M.E. Miller shared three poems in keeping with the ladies night theme.

His first piece, entitled, “Ghetto Rose,” was dedicated to his own mother and those women who die too soon due to the hardships of urban life.

Miller’s second poem, “Trinity,” was based on a real life religious experience. His third and final piece, “The Whore,” explored the underlying humanity of women who are treated as sexual objects by men.

Comedian E. Clark tickled the female laden audience’s funny bone with his unique brand of humor that covered a wide variety of topics.

The Vallejo native who is now based in Sacramento teased Dr. West about his afro before launching into a hilarious description of his own inability to accept hair loss as a part of the maturation process.

The now completely bald Miller kept the audience in stitches with jokes about his finances, working as a substitute teacher, relationships and how being on Facebook can wreak havoc on one’s life.

The up-and-coming generation of recording artists was represented well by the soulful sounds of Dey Leone, Jordan Kalé and Zayah Belle, members of the recently formed art collective known as the RedCupLeague.

Their bio indicates that the collective consists of “singers, dancers, writers, photographers, videographers, producers and more,” with members from the Bay Area and Sacramento.

Leone introduced the group as “young people with old souls,” with an aim of bringing good music back to the speakers.

The influences of hip/hop, old school, jazz, soul and electro were heard from their wide variety of original songs including an a cappella track entitled, “Cool Love,” that started off their set.

RedCupLeague performed songs from their recently released mix-tape entitled, “The Tape/The High,” which is now available online and in regional music stores and boutiques.

The tracks, “Circles and “Be Without You,” were collaborative efforts as a group. The songs “She Got It,” “Untitled” and “Made For Two,” featured Leone, Belle and Kalé, respectively, with backup vocals from the others.

As the show proceeded, host Moore took the time to come out and thank the crowd while passing out a variety of gratuities that included women’s clothing from Konceited Boutique, a men’s athletic jersey from Leatherwood Marketing, free photography sessions from Truly Priceless Photography and January Rhayne Photography as well as tickets to the Banana Festival scheduled for mid-August sponsored by the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum. Copies of the book of poetry entitled, “The Warrior King,” by Claudia Epperson were also included amongst the prizes. Attendees were also treated to chocolate dipped strawberries courtesy of Alaina's Colorful Berries.

Former local beauty queen Akela Douglas stepped forward to assist Moore with the emcee duties during the second half of the show.

Douglas then brought out singer, Dallis, whose soulful renditions of R&B classics had the ladies swooning and cheering.

The 42-year-old singer explained that he first began to sing as a part of his healing process after his mother passed away 18 years ago.

Dallis first lent his smooth baritone voice to Al Green’s hit, “Let’s Stay Together.” When taking on “Me and Mrs. Jones,” by Billy Paul, he came down from the stage and serenaded female members of the audience.

Spontaneous applause erupted on several occasions during the performance, in appreciation of his ability to hit and hold the right notes while singing “Just My Imagination,” by the Temptations and “What You Won’t Do For Love,” by Bobby Caldwell.

Dallis completed his turn on the stage with a lively rendition of “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay,” by Otis Redding.

The final feature of the evening was a showcase performance by the Pierced Ear Poetry Slam Team led by Stockton resident and multiple award-winning spoken word artist, Anthony “The Saint” Gonsalves.

Gonsalves brought along two of the four other members of the only team from the Sacramento Valley area who qualified to attend this year’s National Poetry Slam competition in Charlotte, N.C. this August.

Gonsalves first mesmerized the audience with his introductory piece, entitled, “One Minute.”

After he completed the brief piece, Gonsalves went on to describe to the audience his vision to change the world through the power of spoken-word poetry.

“The Saint” proceeded forward with “Book by Its Cover,” a powerful poem that explores the sometimes questionable values utilized by women when determining the type of men they allow into their lives.

Gonsalves then brought forth the poet simply known as “-i-.”

The poet began her set indicating that her first poem, “Janice,” was a tribute to her mother. The captivating performance held the audience spellbound as its narrative described the trials and tribulations of a woman who instilled in her children a strong sense of morals and values.

“-i-” received a standing ovation following her next piece, simply entitled, “Woman.”

Her heartfelt and poignant descriptions of the feelings that women experience with a philandering mate struck a chord with the mostly female audience.

She closed her set with a poem called, “Put Your Boots On,” that she wrote to keep herself motivated and that she shares with others in hopes that it will have a similar effect on them.

Gonsalves then returned to the stage to introduce, “Perez,” who performed two poems that held to the theme of empowering women.

“Milk” was a superbly crafted poem that brought out laughter and created a sense of unity amongst the women in the audience. It described the many phases and aspects of what women go through in breastfeeding children while touching on the deeper social ramifications of a woman’s traditional role of nurturer.

Perez closed her set with a compelling poem entitled, “Carmalita Torres,” based on a true story of a domestic worker whose refusal to continue to submit to a daily gasoline bath while crossing the U.S.- Mexico border in 1917 sparked what became known as the “Bath Riots.”

Gonsalves then returned to finish out the night by giving the audience a choice between a poem themed with love or social consciousness.

The audience voted for the love poem and “The Saint” then delivered a tender, yet humorous, rendition of one of his most requested poems, “Let Me Hold You.”

The evening’s entertainment concluded with an encore by the RedCupLeague after co-hosts Moore and Douglas thanked the audience for their support.

“I love the fact that they are having this type of entertainment in Oak Park where I grew up,” said Alicia Moore during a brief pause as the audience members were headed out of the Guild Theater.

“I really enjoyed listening to ‘The Saint’ speak about Godly love,” stated Cherynn Yancy.

LeMarcus Malone, who attended with his college-aged son, Marion, was in full agreement.

“I thought the poets were inspiring,” stated Malone.

The “I Am A Queen, II” women’s conference is the next regularly scheduled T-Mo Entertainment event. It will be held this Saturday, July 7, from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Guild Theater.

Those who are interested in attending the event should contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET (7638) or via email at fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets or for more information.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Red Carpet Ladies Night Out at the Guild Theater event. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Celebrity basketball game a slam dunk

2012-06-18T12:09:08Z

A welcoming atmosphere of community and family was present at John F. Kennedy High School this past Friday evening at the Celebrity Basketball Game hosted by T-Mo Entertainment.

The popular event was the runaway winner of the weekly Channel 10 News/Weather StreetCasts Event of the Week based on votes from the community.

Meteorologist Darla Givens was on hand broadcasting live from the event. She interviewed celebrity guest, Brijet Finister, the reigning Miss Black California for 2012, on the air as a part of her segment focusing on community events.

“It was pandemonium,” stated an enthusiastic Terry Moore, poet, community activist, and founder of T-Mo Entertainment immediately after the event.

“This was definitely the biggest T-Mo event with the most people we’ve ever had in attendance,” said Moore.

Moore went on to describe that his vision for the twice a year event is to provide a positive environment for the whole family to come out and enjoy themselves free of negative influences.

“There are an over-abundance of nightclubs and entertainment venues for adults,” explained Moore.

“T-Mo Entertainment is dedicated to filling the void in the community for fun events where the whole family can come out and have a good time at an affordable price,” said Moore.

Those who performed and participated in the basketball game volunteered their time to support the family friendly event.

The $3.00 admission price was charged principally to offset the expenses of renting the venue and paying for the required insurance. Children 12 years and younger were admitted in for free.

The evening featured a wide variety of participants from ages 2 years old to senior citizens who played in the games or and provided entertainment between quarters and during the halftime show.

In addition to the little girls and little boys basketball games, some of the featured performers included the Sacramento High School Cheerleading Squad, the Nor Cal Youth Sports Cheerleaders, the Grant High School Drum Line, Tina B’s Soul Line Dancers, the Art of Teknique with Funky Fresh (hip-hop dancers), the Diplomatz dance team, and Marilynn Smith who sang the national anthem.

Also present were numerous vendors who offered something for everyone including home made food, bar-b-que, hot dogs, sweets, and treats.

Tables were also available for non-profit organizations to spread the word on their services as well as for a variety of vendors offering items such as jewelry, accessories, and makeup.

“I came out to see our folks at a family event having a good time,” stated motivational speaker and community activist Theodry Carruth.

“I’ve really enjoyed the game and watching the kids dancing and playing basketball during the breaks,” said Carruth.

Comedian and former Soul Train host Mystro Clark tended to the duties of emcee and served as the announcer for the game. D.J. Hustle (J. Elliot Leach) took care of the music inside the gym while D.J. Coy Vassell kept the atmosphere festive in the atrium by playing music in the atrium area.

The basketball game was a fast paced and well executed contest between the two evenly matched teams of local celebrities.

Retired Oakland Raider Rick Jennings served as the coach for the SWAT Team while former Sacramento King LaSalle Thompson coached the Ballers team.

Moore led the “SWAT” team and local singer and musician Tone Malone emerged as the driving force behind the “Ballers” squad.

Celebrity participants in the game included former radio personality Lee Perkins, poet BenOfficial, “the Great,” “Big Al Sams of V101.1 Radio, Kaleo Ross-lead singer for R & B group Hip Service, legendary 3-point shooter Brian Broadway, and Total Wrestling Federation Champion Jeremiah Grove, aka , “Jacc Movez.”

“It was a lot of fun and I had a great time tonight,” stated professional wrestler Jacc Movez, who participated in the game as a member of the Ballers squad.

Jacc Movez participated in the T-Mo Entertainment Celebrity Basketball game held earlier this year after his fans inundated Moore’s facebook page with requests that he play in the game.

“I love doing something for the community-anything I can do to help,” said Movez.

Tone Malone won the 3-point shooting contest held during half-time with a perfect 10 for 10 shooting performance from behind the 3 point arc. He walked away with a snazzy SWAC football jersey courtesy of Leatherwood Marketing.

The game was a close match with less than 10 points separating the two teams at halftime. As the fourth quarter passed its mid-way point, it appeared as if the SWAT team led by Moore would coast to victory protecting a comfortable 10 point plus lead.

In response, the Ballers team staged a ferocious comeback and managed to come as close as 93-91 as the game wound down during its final minute. The SWAT team caught a second wind thanks to a full court press defense and went on to win by a three basket margin.

“Terry put on a great basketball game,” stated Leon “Scrap” Gray, founding member of local band LSB (Love Somebody), who attended the game with his son Jason.

“We need more events like this for the community,” stated Gray. “Tonight was definitely as success.”

The Red Carpet Ladies Night Out at the Guild Theater is the next regularly scheduled T-Mo Entertainment event. It will be held on Saturday June 30 and the special guest host will be former Miss Black Sacramento, Akela Douglas.

Those who are interested in attending the event should contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET (7638) for more information or via email at fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Celebrity Basketball Game. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Spotlight on: Sonya Fe, Contemporary Artist

2012-06-15T05:43:34Z

Thanks to the efforts of Museum Director Shonna McDaniels, contemporary artist Sonya Fe is the featured artist this month at the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum located at 2251 Florin Rd. in Sacramento.

Fe is an award-winning, internationally recognized fine artist. She found her calling in childhood and developed into the renowned artist that she is today upon coming of age during Chicano Arts Movement of the 1970s as a painter and muralist.

During her lengthy career, Fe’s art has been exhibited throughout the United States, and internationally in Mexico and Tokyo.

The list of grants, awards and commissions Fe has earned is far too long to list. Her client list includes well known celebrities and organizations and corporations such as Coca-Cola, the California Department of Education and Pacific Bell.

Fe’s original paintings sell from $4,000 to upwards of $25,000. Limited edition prints may be acquired for as little as $300 and posters are available for as little as $10.

Fe was raised in the William Mead Housing Project in Downtown Los Angeles, where she was encouraged by her parents to draw using chalk on the cement floors of their home.

Fe has spent most of her career based in Southern California. After spending a few years in Humboldt County, including a stint on the Hoopa Indian Reservation, she settled in Elk Grove in 2008.

Fe earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the Art Center College of Design in 1976. Thereafter, she worked with the Mechicano Arts Center in Highland Park, directing screening printing workshops and painting murals. Although she has been lauded for her work as a muralist, her primary reputation is as a studio painter.

Fe’s technique combines oil on canvas with the use of wax along with copal medium to speed up the drying of the paint. The intended effect is to create transparency, movement and vibration through the layers of paint, ultimately leaving translucent and opaque images. Fe uses various shades of a color while painting a figure in a fashion that draws in the viewer’s eyes.

Fe’s art is influenced by Latin American art and iconography, which was greatly stimulated during a trip to Mexico in her youth.

Recurrent themes in Fe’s art include the celebration of the female form, uplifting women from their traditionally subordinate roles versus men, and advocacy for victims of domestic violence and child abuse. Fe has a long standing affiliation with the Chicana and Chicano arts movement and Latina empowerment. She is also a staunch supporter of creating a more progressive visibility of Chicanas in art.

Fe is married to Arturo Vasquez, an educator and gifted storyteller. Vasquez is the author of a number of children’s books including, “A Storyteller’s Nightmare,” and “Running Deer Plays Hookey,” both of which were illustrated by Fe. Fe is also the proud mother of her 33 year old son, Dante Cervantes, a graphic designer and graduate of her alma mater.

Fe is holding workshops to teach her unique style of painting at the Sojourner Truth Museum. Her workshops, available for both youth and adults, began on June 6 and are held from 6 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday night for six weeks. Space is limited but there are a few slots are still available. If interested, please reserve a space by emailing sojomuseum@gmail.com to obtain details.

Fe is a well-established artist whose comfort with her station in life is easily recognizable. She is an easygoing individual with a keen sense of humor. She is not one to mince words. Her approach is open and she is candid with regard to her opinions, many of which reflect her brash nature developed from struggling and paying dues in a tough business that can overwhelm those who are less than fully committed to fulfilling their vision as an artist.

The Sacramento Press sat down with Fe following an artist reception on June 9 for the following wide ranging interview focused on her career as an artist and her character as a person.

Sacramento Press: I’m here at the Sojourner Truth Museum with Sonya Fe, Contemporary Artist… My first question is, who is Sonya Fe?

SF: Sonya Fe, ooh, that’s a hard question. Sonya Fe has many personalities, so I’m told (laughing). Sonya Fe is basically a woman who is an artist and who loves life. When people ask, why do I paint, I tell them it’s because I don’t have a tail to wag, so it’s a form of self-expression which I enjoy doing- not all of the time, since sometimes the paintings can be really tough and really confront your problem solving. That’s basically what painting is, problem solving.

Overall, I am an artist. If I’m painting in the studio and I stop, I’m still an artist, whether I’m painting or not. It’s my make-up.

SP: When did you first come to understand that you have a love for art in general and/or painting-drawing in specific?

SF: I came from an artistic family. My father was an artist and I’ve just got his DNA, I suppose. Being a child growing up in a housing project, we would sit around the living room floor which was cement. We used to draw with chalk and just color and color, and every night, my mom would mop it up. The next day, we’d start drawing again.

I really enjoyed it. I guess I was a little bit competitive and with eight brothers and sisters, I wanted to stand out in something, so I guess I made art my thing. I guess that’s when it happened, drawing as a child with my sisters and brothers.

SP: What impact has family had on your art or upon your career?

SF: My father used to take me sketching as a young girl. He saw that I had talent and he wanted to cultivate it, so we used to go sketching a lot. He would egg me on.

The thing about my father - until this day, my father died in 1990, one of the things he said to me as I growing up was, “When you draw pictures or when you paint, you can make pretty paintings, but they can be empty, so you be aware of that. Don’t just make pretty paintings because they can be empty.”

I didn’t know what he meant until I got a lot older, and I would see these furniture paintings, you know, the kind that you hang over a couch. Let’s say, a beautiful Spanish lady with a fan. I would think, “Oh, that’s a pretty painting.” But I knew what he meant. It was like a cartoon. It was a beautiful painting of a woman, but it was empty, it was a cartoon. It was technique. My father taught me to go beyond that, and to see beyond the pretty surface.

To this day I thank him for that. Though I didn’t get along with him all of the time, I thank him for that.

SP: What or who has been the biggest influence on your art?

SF: What I would say it is, I would say it is life in general.

The challenges - I had a lot of people help me. I had school teachers, Thomas Neilson from Nightingale Jr. High School, he was my art teacher. He guided me a ways for art. There were tons and tons of other people. My mother, she sacrificed a lot for me. She would take me here and there to museums and galleries, and so would my father. My parents did a lot to encourage my growth in art, and so did a lot of teachers.

But the main thing, I think, that made me grow as an artist, as with practically anybody who’s in the field, is life itself - the challenges and the problems that are thrown at you and how to overcome them.

A lot of times when I had problems, I would go to my art and resolve it through that. Whether it’s pain or happiness, the art helps. That was like my - I hate to say this word, but for lack of a better word, that was my drug. (laughing softly)

SP: I’m going to read you a quote I read about your art.

“While one can trace the sophisticated influence of cubism throughout her work, she has created her own distinctive style.”

What do you call your style of painting?

SF: Well, to be honest with you, I can’t say. I can’t name my style of painting because it’s still happening. It’s just as when there’s certain arts that are beginning to happen, you can’t put a name on it until it stops. So I guess when I drop dead, that’s when they’ll come up with a proper style, a name for it. Right now, I just call it “Sonyaism.” (laughing), because it’s my technique.

Even though I went to art school, I did not learn to paint in art school. I went to a commercial art school, I learned to draw, I learned to see, and I learned to crack the whip so to speak. It was discipline, discipline.

But what I used to do when I had homework, was to go home and do my homework, really quick, and get it out of the way. Then I would study the old masters on my own and learn how to use this paint. I wanted to know if I put this paint with this, what would happen. If I mix it with this, what would happen, so I was mainly teaching myself how to paint.

So I hope that answers the question about how do I characterize my art, I just call it “Sonyaism,” and I hope that sticks. (laughing)

SP: I’m going to read another quote to you.

“Her work reflects social and cultural issues with themes centering around child abuse/neglect and women's place in society.”

Where does the inspiration come from?

SF: Okay. Now, if someone were to read that they would say, she must be a miserable person. No, I’m a very happy person, but as a child, and a young woman, and as an older woman, I’ve seen things in life that I felt were not right. Being an artist, that was my way of speaking out. Women’s injustices as you mentioned, we all know that happens with women and minorities.

It always blew me away because I always saw myself as a human being first… I painted things that affected my life. Things that I saw that were happening to people.

SP: How has your art evolved over time?

SF: Sometimes I go through a red period. Like, I just came back from Oaxaca, Mexico. I say just came back like it was yesterday. I came back from Oaxaca last November.

I found that the Triqui Indian people wear red. There was just red everywhere. I came home all excited. I did like 18-20 paintings of the Triqui people, all in red.

The red is a challenge for me. I just don’t want to put red-red everywhere. I have to make it interesting so that you can see vibrations and movements within the red, not just a solid red shape.

SP: What makes you different from any other painter/artist who’s out there today?

Because, I’m me. (laughing). I can’t speak about other artists. As an artist, I know this is going to sound awful, you have to be in tune to yourself. Yeah, sometimes you’re probably called egomaniac, but I can’t allow myself to open up too much to everything that’s out there because I’ll be affected. That’s not putting anyone down. I’m trying to keep true to my art.

For instance, when Sylvester Stallone was writing “Rocky,” in order to concentrate, he said he painted his windows all black, and he started typing. He couldn’t hang out with anybody.

You have to concentrate on your work and you don’t want to be influenced by anybody. Of course we’re all influenced… You can’t help but be influenced, but when you’re trying to create, really from your spirit and your heart, and from that dark place, you have to close the door and your mind to other people. That’s what makes me different, because I know.

Like I said, I really can’t speak for other artists. I spend a lot of time by myself, and many artists want to be artists, but they don’t want to pay the dues. And just like a writer, many times you have to be totally alone. It’s a lonely profession. You don’t go into it unless you really need it or really want it and have a burning desire to create, because it’s not a game for sissies.

SP: What is your experience in the “business” of art?

SF: On Lord! (emphatically) I could write a nightmare book.

The art scene-you get morons in here sometimes. They have a studio space or a gallery space and they think they know about art, and they want certain things that they want the public to see. They control it, and there’s certain works that the public should see that some of the galleries will say no to, that’s happened to me before.

I’ve had good experiences with some galleries and good experiences with some agents, but I’ve also had times where I couldn’t believe I was in this business.

Should I tell you, that some of them lie? Some of them lie straight-faced to you and you don’t know because you’re just starting off.

“Yeah, we’ll give you a spot.” You’re just so happy, “Goody-goody, I’ll tell my mama,” because who else are you going to tell?

Then they sell your work…. let’s just say for peanuts. “I got peanuts for this. Oh, that’s good, ‘cause last week I got walnuts.”

They give you things and they throw peanuts at you and you’re grateful. And then you find out how much they really get for the work, and what they’re giving you, and you go like, oh, that’s not right, because they told me they were going to sell it for this or for that.

It’s like any other business. You better do your homework and don’t go in there all naïve and green. A lot of times when you’re real young as an artist, when people give you attention… you’re happy, and you’ll more or less go along with the plan. Until you find out you were a big fool, and got burnt.

SP: What does the future hold for Sonya Fe? Or I’ll put it this way, what has Sonya Fe have left to do that she hasn’t yet accomplished?

SF: The next great painting! (in a low gravelly voice, then laughing)

SP: What is Sonya Fe’s proudest achievement?

SF: Some of my achievements that I’m proud of... are that I came from a housing project; I’m a little brown woman, I had everything against me, but I managed to make a nice career and a good living and a good life.

I never sold out… When the “in” thing was to paint pink lollipops, I didn’t do it. And when the next art fad, was to, let’s just say, paint pictures for your couch, I didn’t do it.

I stuck to what I knew, and I just kept plugging away. We’d have earthquakes, floods, and I just kept saying, “just keep painting, just keep painting,” and no matter what happened to me, I just keep telling myself, “just keep painting, just keep painting.”

The proudest thing I would say is that I did it my way.

SP: What advice would you give to a young person who wants to make a career as a fine artist?

SF: As a fine artist? Okay. There’s two things I would tell them.

Get a good job. But don’t get a job that’s going to drain you. Get a job to support your habit. That’s what I did.

I was trained in a very good art school in advertising, commercial art, and I couldn’t do it. Not because I thought I was better... My temperament wasn’t made out for that. I got a job that wouldn’t tax me. I got jobs working at night so that in the morning when I woke up, I had the energy to create.

So what I would tell young people is this. Don’t face reality. You have to listen to yourself, paint what you want. People are going to tell you all of the negative stuff. Surround yourself with positive people, and just keep working at your craft. But be realistic. You have to make things happen. It’s just not going to happen.

My suggestion to anyone who wants to be a fine artist is that you’ve got to have guts, and you’ve got to have persistence. It’s not a game for sissies, as I stated. It’s an uncertain life. You don’t know if you’re ever going to make it, but you do your art because you have to.

SP: Here’s the last question. Do you have anything you’d like to say to the people of Sacramento?

SF: To the people of Sacramento, let me show at the Crocker Museum. (laughing)

For more information about Sonya Fe’s Artwork, including items for purchase or general questions, she may be contacted through via email at Vasquetzal@aol.com or through her website at www.sonyafe.com.

Urban fashion show fundraiser held to benefit disadvanged youth

2012-06-05T14:36:38Z

Tasauna Murphy, Executive Director of Options Outreach & Resources Foundation, Inc. (OOR), hosted the First Annual Urban Fashion Show Fundraiser Saturday evening at the Scottish Rite Temple at 6151 H Street in East Sacramento.

The charity benefit fundraiser was held in support of OOR’s youth program, targeted towards adolescents 12 to 17 years in age who reside in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood of Sacramento.

“It was really a good experience putting together this event,” Murphy stated when discussing the personal commitment to doing all of the planning and promotion over the course of the two months leading up to the event.

“The best thing about it all is that it was for a worthy cause,” Murphy said.

The feeling of community and the promotion of positive family values were evident and a focus for all of the organizations and individuals who donated their time, energy and effort to make the event a success.

Urban Ice, a fashion styling and image building warehouse, and Blaque Diamond Entertainment, a cutting edge music label, are sister companies headquartered in the bay area. Between the two they provided the models, fashion, and musical entertainment that kept those in attendance captivated by their cutting edge expressions of the latest in urban fashions and hip-hop culture.

Ajiale (ag GEE ah lay) Couture also contributed a few of the designs that were modeled in each of the evening’s first three sets from the exclusive collection of couturier Ebony Russell. Ajiale designs were worn exclusively by each of the evening’s ten models in the final pass of its “one of a kind” swimwear.

Not to be discounted for their contributions in making the models appear stunning and glamorous were makeup artist Shanell Marshall and hairstylist Waddie Watkins. Essence Reynolds attended exclusively to the coiffure of the evening’s host, Tasauna Murphy.

D.J. C-Well kept the atmosphere festive throughout the evening with his selections of throbbing house music while the models strutted the catwalk. Hip-hop tracks led to spontaneous dancing during the brief intervals between the models' passes and performances by Blaque Diamond Entertainment artists.

I’m enjoying the models,” Krystal Dominguez stated during a brief interlude between the displays of fashion.

“The outfits are really on point,” Dominguez said.

Dominguez was seated at one of the V.I.P. tables along with event hairstylist Waddie Watkins and Christopher Fulton, collectively known as the “Glam Squad.”

"This is a really nicely done event,” Fulton stated when asked what he thought of the evening.

“I’m having a good time and very glad that my friend Waddie invited me to attend,” Fulton said.

Murphy’s talent as a community leader was evident by her ability to bring together a group of accomplished community-minded women entrepreneurs in support of her program intended to make a difference in the lives of at-risk youths.

Ajiale Couture was established in 2006 with the concept of family in its heart and soul. The company was founded by Ebony Russell and named for her daughter Elaija.

Ajiale Couture is a contemporary couture-clothing brand catering to women from all walks of life while emphasizing that size doesn’t matter.

Couturier Russell doesn’t believe in conformity as every piece is planned with immense execution and strict construction.

Ajiale Couture guarantees custom one of a kind pieces, choosing not to create in bulk. Each piece is made with intricate handwork, hand-sewn zippers, and custom created trims. Some pieces are made with recycled fabrics, trims and notions.

Urban Ice grew out of a business venture entitled, G.L.O.W Models and Management, which placed a stamp on the modeling scene in the Bay for over a decade. Their original vision was to provide an opportunity for young women who were interested in pursuing modeling and fashion but were faced with a lack of alternatives focused on urban chic.

When owners Sharlita Martinez and Sha-Nell Marshall updated their business model in 2011, they rechristened the venture, Urban Ice.

Their updated vision maintains their original intent, to guide young women in a positive direction. The focus is on building modeling skills by participating in professional wardrobe styling, makeup, hair, image consulting and photography.

Urban Ice is dedicated to providing its services to companies, athletes, artists and fashion designers. Ventures now include commercials, music videos and promotions, as well as fashion shows. Urban Ice created its own calendar for 2012 and has plans to expand on the idea for 2013.

Sister company Blaque Diamond Entertainment is another family-oriented business that began with the idea of providing an outlet for artists to keep them focused on positive endeavors and to steer them away from the temptations of urban street life.

The mothers, relatives and loved ones of some of its core artists determined that the youthful artists needed a means to keep them motivated and pursuing their love for music.

The CEO who oversees Blaque Diamond Entertainment is a 27-year-old woman enigma known as “Jay” or “J-Money,” who declined to provide any further details of her identity.

What is clear about Blaque Diamond is that it has made significant strides toward mainstream success in the music business during its two years of existence.

All of the artists on the label collaborated to create the first label mix-tape named, "Blaque Diamond Entertainment.”

Each of the Blaque Diamond artists are now pursuing solo projects tailored to their individual strengths and musical styles.

16-year-old singer and rapper Jerad, who opened the OOR fundraiser with an enthusiastic set taken from his solo mix-tape called, “Taken for Granted,” has already had the title track featured on bay area radio station KMEL.

Similarly, 16-year-old label mate, Vonnie, performed a four- song set between passes that featured tracks from his soon to be released solo mix-tape entitled, “2 Sides of Me.”

22-year-old Blaque Diamond artist, C-Money, concluded the evening after all of the modeling was complete with a performance of his song, “Play That.”

The single has already been released and is now being heard on bay area radio station KMEL. The music video that features Urban Ice styling and models is set to be released within the next two weeks.

The positive feelings about the event were evident from the attendees of the event, including LaToya Jackson-Harris, who was seated with friend Melissa Menefee.

“I’m here to support black women who are in business and trying to do something to improve the community," Jackson-Harris stated. "I really like the empowerment of locally owned businesses who are here in support of the community."

A visibly relaxed Murphy echoed the sentiments expressed by those who enjoyed the music, modeling and sense of community after the event had concluded.

“Everyone who came out I spoke with let me know that they had an excellent time,” Murphy said.

“We’ll be back next year with an even bigger and better show,” she said.

Urban fashion show fundraiser for disadvantaged youth

2012-05-30T06:07:23Z

Options Outreach & Resources Foundation, Inc. (OOR) is hosting the Urban Fashion Show Fundraiser this Saturday evening at the Scottish Rite Temple at 6151 H Street in East Sacramento.

The fashion show will be put on by Urban Ice, an upstart fashion styling and image building warehouse that specializes in makeup, styling, hair, image and model casting.

There will be musical performances by Blaque Diamond Entertainment artists as well as ~~appetizers,~~ beverages and a raffle. There will also be a full bar available. All proceeds will benefit the charity.

The models and entertainers who will be present at the event have all agreed to donate their time and efforts in order to help put on this benefit fundraiser. The funds will be used in support of OOR’s youth program, targeted towards adolescents 12 to 17 years in age who reside in the Del Paso Heights neighborhood of Sacramento.

OOR Executive Director Tasauna Murphy is the dynamic force behind this inaugural event which she believes is the first of many more to come.

“I am really looking for the community to come out to support this event as a means to generate funds for OOR’s summer program that is intended to help at-risk adolescents acquire life skills, build self-esteem, and learn to work together to overcome the issues they currently face,” stated Murphy.

OOR is a recently established grass roots organization that has gotten off to a strong start as a member of the non-profit community through the efforts of Murphy and the support of OOR’s board of directors.

OOR’s five member board of directors include Chairperson Tasha Bryant of the Sacramento Food Bank; Vice Chair Jared Coughlan, a local school teacher; Treasurer Gail Sckisel, an Immunologist and researcher at the University of California, Davis; Secretary Janae Derden-Draper; along with member at large, Donna Bahneman, Los Rios Community College District Professor of Human Services.

Murphy extended an especially heartfelt declaration of appreciation for local community activist Ron King.

“Ron King has been my mentor and teacher as he has shown me how to take my dreams of being of service to the community and take the necessary steps toward making them a reality,” Murphy said.

King is also a fan of Murphy and believes she will be a leader among the next generation’s grass roots community leaders.

“I will be personally providing mentorship to Ms. Murphy because I believe in the mission and goals that she has set forth,” King said.

King admires Murphy’s dedication to becoming a positive force with her vision to provide after-school activities, academic enrichment, mentoring, and to serve as a positive role model for at risk youth.

“Her goals and vision falls right in line with other 243 services providers within the grassroots collaboration that I have personally been able to work with over the past 18 years,” King said.

Murphy has seen and experienced enough difficulties in life to understand how important it is to have a system of support when times get tough. She has channeled her motivation to help others, and in 2011 earned an Associate’s Degree in Human Services from Consumes River College.

Murphy is now a social work major at California State University, Sacramento and is on track to graduate in 2013 before moving on to pursue a graduate degree.

The energetic mother of three still finds time to volunteer at the Sacramento Food Bank on occasion, even as she juggles her duties as executive director of her own organization.

Murphy indicated that she has learned a great deal in the past few years, including experience in an internship at the Transitional Living & Community Support agency in Sacramento.

“My eyes have been opened to just how many different populations are suffering here in Sacramento County from the lack of services,” Murphy stated.

“I am dedicating my heart and soul to making a difference in this world as I have been able to find myself with the assistance of those who helped me in my time of need,” Murphy said.

Anyone interested in obtaining tickets to attend the fundraiser this Saturday should contact Tasauna Murphy via email at Options_Outreach@yahoo.com or by telephone at (916) 519-7032.

Editor's note: Edits were made to this article after publishing.

Benefit concert held for Lincoln High School music department

2012-05-12T11:27:42Z

The Eugene Peebles Benefit Concert supporting the Lincoln High School Music Department took place Thursday evening at the campus auditorium.

Sharing the emcee duties for the evening were co-hosts Lisa Gonzales and Laura Skirde of the CBS 13 Sacramento Early News.

The development of young musicians in an era of budget cuts that have curtailed the flexibility of high school music departments everywhere inspired Peebles to volunteer his time, energy and efforts to take the idea of holding a benefit concert from dream to reality.

“What can I do to help?” Peebles asked himself before coming up with the idea to host the benefit concert and donate 100% of the proceeds to the Lincoln High School music department.

“This is a wonderful music program,” stated Shannon Peterson whose daughter Maya is a member of the jazz band that performed as a part of the program.

Peterson pitched in to help with the event with Lincoln High School supporters Jocelyn Cuenca and Kathy Black by selling pastries and beverages at the event.

The evening’s program of music began immediately after co-hosts Gonzales and Skirde greeted members of the audience and introduced the Eugene Peebles Trio.

Trio members John Armato (drums), Steven Krhon, (lead guitar) and Eugene Peebles (Hammond B3 Organ) began the evening by playing the “Theme from Star Trek, The Next Generation,” by Alexander Courage, Gene Roddenberry, and Jerry Goldsmith.

Peebles daughter, vocalist Erica Peebles, joined the Trio for the next selection, “The Girl From Ipanema,” by Stan Getz and Astud Gilberto.
Erica’s smooth alto vocals sung both in English and Portuguese were rewarded by an enthusiastic round of applause by the appreciative audience.

The Eugene Peebles Trio completed its set by playing jazz standards, “St. Louis Blues,” by W.C. Handy, “Tea for Two by Vincent Youmans and Irving Caesar, and ‘Satin Doll,” by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.

Gonzales and Skirde asked the trio to pause momentarily during their set to introduce State Senator Ted Gaines. Gaines briefly took the stage to provide some words of encouragement to the young musicians and their parents at Lincoln High School.

Gaines commented on the importance of music as a part of the high school educational experience while acknowledging the tough decisions he has made on votes as an elected official during an era of increasingly scarce resources.

Gaines took the time to especially acknowledge Peebles’ efforts to contribute to the community.

‘I’m grateful that Eugene Peebles is willing to take time out of his busy schedule to help raise money for Lincoln High School’s Music Department in these tough economic times,” stated Gaines.

Gonzales and Skirde then took the stage to introduce Rev. D. Robertson who in turn brought up the Macedonia Mass Choir to perform two selections. The choir was led by Minister of Music Kenneth Kinsey. Peebles also joined in with the musicians that accompanied the choir to lend a hand with the music playing the tenor saxophone.

The Choir's first selection was a stirring performance of “God is Great,” by Ricky Dillard. It was followed by a rousing rendition of “I Still Believe,” by Bishop Larry D. Trotter.

Andre Tutwiler stepped forward from the choir as the lead vocalist and enthralled the audience by bringing the song’s inspirational lyrics to life with a moving performance. The audience members responded by clapping and swaying in unison with the choir.

After a brief intermission to allow time to set up, band instrument teacher David Hill brought out the Lincoln High School Jazz Band and led them while they met the difficult challenge of playing Weather Report’s hit single, "Birdland.”

Eugene Peebles then joined the Jazz Band as guest soloist while they played “In A Sentimental Mood,” by Duke Ellington. Both Peebles and the band were rewarded with a generous round of applause in response to their efforts.

Gonzales and Skirde then returned to the stage and announced that three featured vocalists from the Lincoln High School Music Department would each perform a selection.

First up was singer Rose Stearns who surprised the audience with a touching rendition of “Silver Dollar,” while accompanying herself on the acoustic guitar. The song was made famous by Marilyn Monroe who performed it as a part of the 1954 western movie, ‘River of No Return.”

Emily Solozano’s confident interpretation of Alicia Key’s hit single, “No One,” matched her self-assured stage presence and skills as a vocalist. She was accompanied by Dillon Johnston on acoustic guitar and Abner Absley on piano during the upbeat performance.

Luis Garcia (bass), Ero Wainio (drums), and Dillon Johnston (acoustic guitar), provided the backup music as Alex Bass sang the vocals to John Mayer’s hit song, No Such Thing.”

Bass appeared to be having a great time performing and the audience responded to his enthusiasm. The song was a terrific selection for Bass as it complimented his singing style while the lyrics captured the essence of the high school expereince.

The final performance of the evening was reserved for Peebles, who fully demonstrated how he earned the moniker, “The Talking Sax.”

Peebles brought his own unique style to Lady Gaga’s hit song, “Born this way. He followed up with a smooth jazz rendition of R. Kelly’s hit, “I Believe I Can Fly.”

The final song of the evening was Peebles’ passionate rendition of Michael Jackson’s #1 smash hit, Billie Jean.” Peebles first encouraged the crowd to begin clapping to the beat with the background track. He then launched into the melody flawlessly while jazzing it up with solo riffs that were greeted with spontaneous applause by the audience.

During the final thanks and presentations, Peebles took the microphone and explained how his lifelong love for music developed during his school years as a youth. Peebles described how his confidence grew during high school while he participated in every musical activity that was available to him. He then expressed his concern that today's students may not have the same opportunities he benefited from.

In a touching moment, Peebles explained to the audience how his high school music teacher found out about the benefit concert earlier in the week and contacted him.

Peebles then called David Hill to the stage and presented the speechless Lincoln High band teacher with a generous donation to the music department from his mentor.

“Everyone who I asked to come out and lend support to the event showed up,” stated Peebles.

“I’m very happy that everyone who attended enjoyed the music,” said Peebles.

Band teacher Hill expressed his genuine appreciation for everything that Peebles has done in support of the music department after the event.

“Eugene has come out to the Jazz Band's 7:00 a.m. rehearsals to coach and mentor the students,” stated Hill.

“I’m very thankful that the students have been able to experience first-hand how Eugene carries himself as a professional musician and role model,” said Hill.

Anyone who is interested in getting in touch with Eugene Peebles for bookings may reach him at 916-209-8274 or via email at thetalkingsax@gmail.com.

Spotlight on: Eugene "The Talking Sax" Peebles

2012-05-07T02:37:23Z

Excitement is building in South Placer County in anticipation of the Eugene Peebles Benefit Concert to support the Lincoln High School Music Department this Thursday evening, May 10.

Eugene “The Talking Sax” Peebles is making his mark in the Sacramento region after having relocated to Lincoln with his wife and family in 2006.

Peebles is an accomplished musician who has played with some of the biggest names in Gospel music in his 30 plus years of performing music. He has traveled from coast to coast, internationally delighting audiences with his talents on the Hammond B3 Organ and with his “Talking Sax.”

Peebles was raised by two hard working parents in Kinloch, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis.
The defining incident of his childhood occurred when he suffered a traumatic head injury while riding his bicycle at age 10 that left him unconscious for ten days.

The doctors were not sure that he would survive and feared he would remain in a vegetative state if he did. When Peebles was recuperating from the incident, his family surrounded him with music and singing.

When Peebles recovered, his father made good on a promise made to him in the hospital to purchase the organ he had wanted before the accident. A few months later Peebles received a saxophone and went on to study and learn how to play both instruments.

Peebles dedicated himself to music at an early age starting with the seventh grade beginning band. In eighth grade he was the outstanding band member; in ninth grade, outstanding concert band member. He also performed with the jazz band.

In high school he continued winning awards as the most outstanding band member while participating in the concert band, the marching band, the pep band and the Dixieland band. As a high school senior, Peebles was a member of the St. Louis County All District Band.

During this time period, Peebles was also learning gospel music as an organist and saxophonist at his church home, the Devotional Missionary Baptist Church in Kinloch, Missouri, which featured one of the most sought after choirs and musician rosters in the St. Louis area.

Peebles was awarded a scholarship to study music at Central Methodist College in Fayette, Missouri. He continued performing with college jazz and concert bands before he graduated with a degree in Business Administration with a minor in music.

Peebles entered the world of business after college but always stayed active with his music. In addition to frequent performances, rehearsals and guest appearances with various jazz and gospel musicians and choirs, Peebles served as the minister of music for the Devotional Missionary Baptist Church.

Since relocating to the Sacramento region, Peebles made the decision to devote himself to music full-time as the President and founder of Talking Sax Music Productions.

About two years ago, he formed the Eugene Peebles Jazz Trio with John Armato on drums, Steven Krohn on lead guitar and featuring his own talent on the Jazz Hammond B3 Organ.

The Sacramento Press caught up with Peebles this past Friday. The in-depth telephone interview that follows touched on a variety of topics related to the development of his career and captured the spirit of faith he possesses as a soon to be ordained minister, a family man, an outstanding member of the community and a dedicated musician.

Sacramento Press: How did you come up with the name, “the talking sax” and when did you first begin to use it?

Eugene Peebles: That was something that was really developed by my younger brother. At the time I did not have an email address and he called me one day while I was at work. We started talking about it while I was on a break and he told me he was going to make me an email address. After that, the name just kinda grew on us.

SP: Who has had the biggest influence or inspired your music the most?

EP: I would say a couple of people. There’s Kirk Franklin on the gospel side. And a guy named Kirk Whalum with the sax. As far as the instrumental portion, I‘d have to go with Kirk Whalum. I admire the way he plays the tenor sax, which is primarily what I do also, along with the soprano sax. Then I appreciate the fact that he is an ordained minister and a Christian also. I am pretty much the same. I’m not ordained yet, but I’m working on that too. He’s had a big influence on me.

SP: I have noted that your church home is the Macedonia Baptist Church in Sacramento, and that you are affiliated with a number of professional associations that involve gospel music. How big of an influence has your faith had on you personally or on your career?

EP: I would [say] it has had the biggest influence on me. I’m sure you’ve read the story about what happened to me at the age of 10. After that, things really changed around for me, primarily because of my faith, which has been growing ever since. I definitely want to do songs, live my life and play music that God would smile on.

SP: That sounds very nice. How’s the work coming along towards becoming an ordained minister?

EP: That’s coming along good. I’m hoping to be ordained within the next 12 months.

SP: I’ve noted that you have performed the national anthem on a number of occasions and in a number of venues. How did that get started?

EP: I got the inspiration as a kid from my brother, but now this is an older brother. When he was in high school and I was in junior high school, he was an outstanding singer. He performed the national anthem at one of the high school basketball games. I thought, “Well if he can do that as a singer, then I can do it on the saxophone.” After a few years went by, I got better on the instrument, and when I became a senior, my music teacher encouraged me to do it as a solo for the first time.

SP: What year was that?

EP: That was November of 1981.

SP: Speaking of performances, what is the most memorable or meaningful performance you have given in your career?

EP: There’s so many that I could speak of. There’s about three that stick out to me for different reasons. One that really stands out for me is when I performed gospel music on the saxophone over in Ghana, Africa. I went with a group of gospel evangelists who heard me perform in St. Louis. They then asked me to go with them on a mission trip to perform. I consider that an honor to have went with them and performed over there.

Another one that really stands out for me is when I performed at Power Balance Pavilion, although it was called Arco Arena at that time. I performed at a Sacramento Kings versus the L.A. Lakers game. There was a lot of excitement at the game.

Another one that stands out to me was when I was in St. Louis and performed “God Bless America” at a St. Louis Cardinals baseball game. It made a big impression on me to perform in front of a full stadium with over 50,000 people there.

SP: I’d like to ask you a couple questions about the music business. Do you remember your first professional gig as a musician and how you felt about it?

EP: I don’t remember exactly when it was and I don’t want to tell you wrong. I do recall the first performances I did as a professional was when I was a junior in high school and I played the organ for a large church in St. Louis. I was connected to the organist and I was very happy about that and had a very good time. Then on the saxophone during my junior year I recall I started playing Christmas music at various malls in the St. Louis area.

SP: What was your career path before you went into the music business full-time?

EP: I was an informational specialist for a financial services company before we relocated to California from St. Louis.

SP: What does it mean to be the president/founder of The Talking Sax Music Productions? Just how many hats do you wear?

EP: I do everything from executive functions to serving as the custodian. I manage the artists, I am the producer and I do the bookings and make the decisions. The biggest benefit is that it allows me to work as a solo artist doing what I love to do.

SP: When did you first come to believe that you could become a professional and make a living doing music?

EP: Ever since my senior year of high school I’ve been debating on what I wanted to do. I’ve always had a strong feeling for music. I came to the point after I graduated from high school to have a business job and perform music on the side. It was going very well. I would work from 9 to 5 Mondays through Fridays. I would go to church and perform on Sundays and spend time going to rehearsals and doing shows. After I moved out here to the Sacramento area, I really decided to go into music full-time because that is where my heart is, so that’s what I’m doing now. I officially founded my company about a year ago and I’ve been really working hard on pushing the music.

SP: Speaking of pushing the music, what does Eugene with the talking sax do differently or do better than any other musician out there?

EP: Speaking as Eugene with the talking sax, I wouldn’t say I was better than anyone out there or the best, but I will say that I can perform with anyone in my own capacity.

SP: Is there anything that you do differently?

EP: I wouldn’t say that I do anything particularly different. I do keep my faith first and perform music that will be accommodating and family oriented.

SP: Aside from the Benefit Concert that is scheduled for May 10, what would you like the public to know about your upcoming recording studio projects or any touring that you (and the Eugene Peebles Trio) might be doing in the future?

EP: Just know that if all goes well, in the not too distant future, you will be able to hear two sides of music. One with the Eugene Peebles Trio that will be more focused on jazz. It will be a totally different style when you hear The Talking Sax. Then you will then hear everything from gospel to R&B to jazz.

SP: What advice would you lend to any young musicians who are trying to make a living performing music in this day and age?

EP: My advice is for the individual to keep the faith and believe in yourself. If that’s what you want to do, then work towards that and don’t give up. At the same time, do what you have to do to take care of yourself and your family. Like one well known person is famous for saying, “Keep hope alive!” (laughing)

SP: How did the idea to have a Eugene Peebles Benefit Concert to support the Lincoln High School Music Department develop?

EP: It came about over time after being here awhile in California. After I became aware of the situation with the schools, and not just here in California, I began thinking to myself, “What can I do to help?” As I’m starting to grow more professionally as a musician, even though I’m not where I want to be yet, I asked myself, “What can I do while I’m on my way?” So this was the thought that was given to me - to do a benefit concert to help the school, and the community, and to benefit the music department.

SP: How long has this concert been in the planning?

EP: I would say it has been in the planning stage about two years now.

SP: Here is one last question. Is there anything that you’d like to say to the people of the Sacramento area?

EP: I would like to say thank you. Since I’ve moved out here the community has been very friendly and very accommodating. I would like to say thank you for your support. I would also like to thank the Sacramento Press.

SP: Eugene, I would like to thank you for your time and the opportunity to let everyone get to know you a little bit better.

Those who are interested in attending the Eugene Peebles Benefit Concert to Support the Lincoln High School Music Department may contact Eugene Peebles for more information at 916-209-8274 or via email at thetalkingsax@gmail.com. Tickets are $10.00 and may be purchased at the door.

Disclosure: Some questions and answers have been slightly edited for grammar and punctuation without altering meaning and intent.

Laugh Time Comedy Night at the Guild Theater

2012-05-01T07:54:54Z

It’s Laugh Time Comedy Night at the Guild Theater took place in Oak Park this past Saturday night. The event featured a full lineup of local comedy talent along with live music and poetry.

Veteran comedian and actor Steph Sanders was the event emcee, which was sponsored by T-Mo Entertainment.

“We are always trying new ideas and concepts in response to community feedback,” local poet and T-Mo founder Terry Moore said. “It is our goal to showcase the best of Sacramento’s local talent while providing affordable family-friendly entertainment.”

Local veteran band LSB (LoveSomebody) warmed up the crowd before opening the show with an extended set from their extensive repertoire of gospel, jazz and R&B favorites. LSB band members include founder Leon “Scrap” Gray (keyboards), Brian Randle (drums and vocals) and Inga Randle (lead vocals).

While the audience settled in for evening’s entertainment, LSB performed memorable versions of hits like George Benson’s “Love X Love.” As their set wound down, Randle gave an outstanding vocal rendition of Jill Scott’s “The Way.”

The show officially got underway once Sanders took the stage to welcome the audience and acknowledge the hard work of Terry Moore and the T-Mo staff.

Sanders brought out Anna Marie Sprowl as the featured poet for the evening. Sprowl immediately connected with the female-dominated audience with her amusing romantic poem, “A Recipe for Love.” Sprowl’s poetry touched on a wide variety of subjects, including coming of age, the social consciousness and, of course, love and relationships.

Particularly poignant was her poem “Superman.” In the piece, Sprowl expresses fond memories of her father while detailing her feelings of helplessness brought on by his physical deterioration as he grew older. Sprowl completed her set with a new piece, “Behind Closed Doors,” wherein she explores a variety of secretive behaviors, such as substance abuse, adultery and child abuse, where “saints are sinners, behind closed doors.”

Once Sanders returned to the stage, he took a few minutes to poke some fun at LSB, Facebook and the sizes of audience members’ purses.

The first featured comedian, Anderi Bailey, appeared to have the easiest time keeping within “family-friendly” parameters of the show’s guidelines.

Bailey bills himself as a “Christian Comic,” which is evident on his website http://andrebfunny.mysite.com/, which states, “I have been given a vision to heal the hurting through laughter.” Bailey emphasizes that he does not use profane language at any time while performing.

Bailey is a regional veteran performer, a regular at the major comedy venues in Sacramento and the Bay Area. He displayed his well-honed comedic chops by teasing the crowd about their perceived fears of coming to Oak Park for the event.

He smoothly proceeded through his set by poking fun at the behaviors of members of his church and sharing stories about his recent marriage. Before his set ended, he even took a swipe at rapper Wocka Flocka Flame, much to the audience’s amusement.

Up-and-coming comedian Regina Givens was up next. Her set picked up where Bailey left off by clowning church members who catch the holy ghost every week. She then launched into her take on the dangers of spreading gossip, while pointing out that men are just as guilty as women of it

“I’ve been to the barbershop,” she said.

Givens had the female members of the audience howling with laughter as she exposed some of the things women will do to secure a husband, and the differences between a woman’s behavior before and after marriage.

When Sanders returned to the stage, he took the time to share a few more jokes before introducing Eugene “with the talking sax” Peebles.

Peebles is a seasoned musician who specializes in urban contemporary and Christian music. He has been a featured performer playing the national anthem on the saxophone at Sacramento Kings games and fronts his own group, the Eugene Peebles Jazz Trio.

Peebles began his set with a jazzy rendition of Johnny Gill’s “My, My, My,” followed by his version of “The Closer I Get to You,” made famous by Robert Flack featuring Donny Hathaway.

Peebles stepped up the tempo and got the crowding rocking when he played Michael Jackson’s hit single “Billie Jean.” He then closed out his set with a smooth jazz version of Eric Benet’s hit song “I Wanna Be Loved.”

Kareem J. Daniels’ comedy was easily the most political and thought-provoking of the evening, as he commented on Republican party angst and the rise and fall of presidential candidate Herman Cain.

When he moved away from politics, he made fun of himself and the difficult moments he has experienced living with a pet dog. He followed up with amusing anecdotes related to problems that occur at funerals, his childhood in the rural south and the culture shock he experienced during a recent trip to Iowa.

Sanders returned to the stage and got the crowd fired up before bringing out his good friend, headliner Dru Burks.

Burks’ presence immediately raised the energy level of the crowd. He made amusing observations on the spot about some of the previous performers, and even aimed a few barbs at one of the vendors.

He pointed out the humorous side of such diverse topics as Mayor Kevin Johnson’s difficulties with the arena deal, his personal difficulties with relationships while poking fun at himself for being a fully grown man but still having the physique of an adolescent.

When Sanders returned to the stage to close out the evening and thank the audience, he brought out all the performers for a round of applause from the appreciative crowd.

“This was a really good show,” said Tiffany Mixon, who attended her first T-Mo event at the Guild with her husband Laurent.

JoAnn Henderson also attended after hearing about it through a phone call from a friend.

“I loved the comedians,” she said. “They were off the hook! The guy on the sax was dynamite.”

The next T-Mo Entertainment event is the “I AM A QUEEN” Women’s Empowerment Conference at the Guild Theater on May 19 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. Those who are interested in attending the event should contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET (7638) for more information or via email at fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Laugh Time Comedy Night at the Guild Theater event. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Bill Bellamy brings his ‘Ladies Night Out Comedy Tour’ to Tommy T’s

2012-04-07T02:36:42Z

Bill Bellamy’s “Ladies Night Out Comedy Tour” came to the Sacramento area Thursday evening in a packed house at Tommy T’s Comedy and Dinner Club in Rancho Cordova.

Comedians Ali Saddiq and Jay Reid joined headliner Bellamy for an uproarious evening of comedy that was witty, thought-provoking and genuinely appreciated by the audience.

“How can you not come to see Bill Bellamy when he’s in your area?” attendee Giovanni Rodgers asked.

When the house lights went down, Tommy T’s host Ruben Mora kicked off the evening’s activities with its traditional “dance-off” contest for audience members celebrating a birthday.

Five members of the audience were invited to the stage and boogied until a winner was selected based on audience response.

The lucky winner was awarded free tickets to the upcoming show featuring comedian Aries Spears.

Mora then introduced Ali Siddiq, the host of Ladies Night Out.

Siddiq is an up-and-coming comic force out of Houston, Texas, who has gained recognition and success on the national stage through hard work and honing his skills as a featured performer in local comedy clubs.

He reached the national stage through appearances in various comedy contests, television shows and comedy tours, including Bill Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes?,” BET’s “Comic View” and D.L. Hughley’s “Unapologetic Tour.”

In keeping with the mainstay of the Ladies Night Out tour theme of relationships, much of Siddiq’s humor focused on the differences between men and women. He upended the crowd when discussing the antics of his 3-year-old son.

Saddiq then introduced comedian Jay Reid to the audience as he burst onto the stage dancing and full of energy.

Reid is a comedian based in Las Vegas who rose to prominence after appearing in local and regional comedy venues and competitions that eventually culminated in his winning Bellamy’s “Who’s Got Jokes?” nationally televised comedy competition in 2009.

Reid immediately engaged audience members sitting near the front with interaction and mild teasing that was humorous without being malicious.

The material in Reid’s set ranged from comments about sports and sporting figures, smart phones, family and, of course, the dating game and relationships between the opposite sexes.

Reid’s comedic talents include a gift for sound effects, imitation of celebrities and bringing out the characteristics of the different personalities that are the subjects of his humor through various voices and gestures.

In contrast to many comedians, Reid’s humor includes a strong element of physicality as he works the stage while incorporating the stool and the microphone as props to enhance the comedic effects of his jokes.

“It was a killer crowd full of energy,” Reid said after his set. “Every time I come to Sacramento, they show me a lot of love, and I really appreciate it.”

Saddiq returned to the stage and kept the high level of energy going with a few brief jokes before bringing out Bellamy.

Bellamy is an entertainment industry veteran who is native of Newark, N.J., and is now based in Los Angeles. He has experienced success since the mid-’90s in television, films and as a stand-up comedian after discovering he had the gift to make people laugh while attending Rutgers University.

Bellamy took the stage and demonstrated his ability to create new material on the spot by gently poking fun at Rancho Cordova and the Sacramento area and warming up the crowd by asking questions.

Hollywood celebrities and their troubles was one of the topics Bellamy delved into during his set. He made provocative comments laced with humor to an enthusiastic audience that was ready to hear an insider’s perspective.

Bellamy was funny yet insightful in his wit as he made observations from everything and everybody from TMZ to Jay-Z.

His light shined bright when he turned to the subjects of dating and relationships, older women and the interactions between men and women under the influence of alcohol.

He demonstrated a wide range of comedic ability, obviously honed over many years of experience, including imitations, performing characters, physical humor and the ability to tell funny stories laced with punch lines and astute observations.

Saddiq returned to the stage and brought back Bellamy and Reid so that the audience could show their appreciation for their evening’s work.

“I’m having a good time here in Sacramento,” Saddiq said. “This is my second time at Tommy T’s and I’m happy to come back.”

Before leaving the stage and bringing up the house lights, Bellamy announced he was holding a birthday celebration at Tommy T’s Saturday night and encouraged everyone to come out and join him after the second show.

“I love the fans out here,” Bellamy said after the show. “They’re very supportive of comedy, and it’s a great comedy town.”

Audience members who lingered after the show to meet the comedians appeared to be in full agreement with Bellamy.

“Jay Reid was funny as hell and Bill Bellamy hasn’t lost his touch,” Rodgers said. “I’d like to come back for the birthday party.”

Lynn Garcia echoed similar sentiments about returning for the birthday party as she hung out with friends snapping photos with Bellamy Reid, and Saddiq.

“The comedians kept it real tonight.,” she said. “I really enjoyed how they mixed in their personal stuff and were able to laugh at themselves.”

Tickets to this weekend’s shows featuring Jay Reid and Bill Bellamy, which runs through Sunday night, are available by contacting tommyts.com.

“Relaxed Poetry and Jazz Night Out” at the Guild Theater

2012-04-03T09:08:30Z

Local poet and community leader Terry Moore hosted a full house for the “Relaxed Poetry and Jazz Night Out” Saturday evening at the Guild Theater in Oak Park.

“T-Mo Entertainment is always willing to listen and act in response to what and who the community says it wants to see and hear when they come out to our events,” Moore said about combining poetry and jazz. “The fact that we provide an alternative to the nightclub and bar scene while focusing on family-friendly entertainment featuring locally based talent speaks volumes.”

Members of the audience who arrived early were treated to a fashion show sponsored by Robin’s Nest Fashions.

The fashion show featured original Nk Designs by Nathalie Mendoza and RcNrobn Originals (pronounced “rockin’ robin”) designed by Robin Melzer.

Robin Melzer, fashion designer and owner of Robin’s Nest Fashions, coordinated the unique presentation featuring models gracefully striding to “Fashion” by Lady Gaga and ending with all the models together displaying some tasteful dance moves to Madonna’s “Vogue.”

The evening’s featured musical talent was the local band Prophecy. The group has its roots deeply planted in jazz, R&B and funk.

Founded in January 2004 by saxophonist Tony Kenner, the current lineup includes original lead guitarist Darryl Goodwin, lead vocalist Avis Walker; drummer Elodie “Stixx” LaFrance, bassist Daryl Singh, Percussionist Brotha Mac, and keyboardist Carlos Jones.

The group released its debut CD, “Reflections,” in 2005 and is currently working on new material for a follow up.

Prophecy opened up with an extended 45-minute set that included such classics as “Inner City Blues” by Marvin Gaye, “Dirty Low Down” by Boz Skaggs and their own remixed version of Bill Withers’ hit “Lovely Day.”

Although most of the lead vocals were in Walker’s capable hands throughout the evening, both Carlos Jones and Tony Kenner occasionally took the lead.

Comedian Tristan Johnson took the stage next. Johnson is the host of the comedy showcase and open mic show “Nutty Mondays” at the Stoney Inn.

Johnson’s style of humor consists of clever wordplay, superb timing and zinging one-liners that had the audience regaling in laughter.

Johnson is an imposing figure, and his presence on stage doesn’t require that he engage in a lot of slapstick or physical comedy. His string of jokes about working for a temp service, going to jail, wearing skinny jeans and playing football for the University of Phoenix kept the audience entertained and enthusiastic.

Moore started off a round of poetry with one of his newest pieces, entitled “Self Esteem.” From there poetry descended upon the surprised audience tag-team-style from various corners of the theater, as Anna Marie Sprowl came down the aisle towards the stage reciting a heartfelt poem.

Mario Ellis Hill then took over from the other side, gracing the audience with his unique jazz rhythmic laced poem, “A Ripple of Jazz.”

Sprowl, Moore and Ellis each took turns and moved about while reciting poetry from the aisles and in front of the stage.

The appreciative audience rewarded each poet and the overall presentation with enthusiastic rounds of applause.

Featured poet Anthony “The Saint” Gonsalves mesmerized the audience from the moment he took the stage with a brief but intense poem entitled “One Minute.” From there, the Sacramento native now living in Stockton took on the topic of a man’s heartbreak after a failed relationship with “You Don’t Want Me.” That poem was followed by a piece called, A Book By Its Cover,” before he recited the hilarious crowd pleaser, ‘’Breath Stank.”

He also introduced the serious topic of breast cancer, inspired by and dedicated to a friend who suffered from the disease, with “Survivor.” The crowd was demanding that the Saint continue on and do more poetry once his time was up after he recited his final piece, “Let Me Hold You.”

“I love poetry, that’s why I came out,” attendee Tonya Lawrence said. “It was a nice surprise and I enjoyed myself.”

As the evening began to wind down, Prophecy returned to the stage and provided the audience with another set of their well-mixed live sound and joyful presence.

The enthusiasm they brought to the stage was enhanced by Eugene “with the Talking Sax” Peebles, who added his horn to “Wifey” and “Too Close” by Next and “When I Think of You” by Janet Jackson.

The night concluded with Peebles bringing out his “talking sax” and taking the stage solo.

Peebles provided the crowd with a jazzy rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Isn’t She Lovely,” and after a few riffs of improvisation, he ended by spicing up the “Flintstones” theme song.

“It was a lot of show for the money,” Gayle Guest-Brown said after the house lights came up. “A band, poets, a comedian. It’s all live and it’s supporting the local community.”

The next T-Mo Entertainment event is “It’s Laugh Time, Comedy Night at the Guild” on April 28. Contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Relaxed Poetry and Jazz Night Out. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Spotlight on: Jay Reid, Comedian

2012-04-02T05:57:17Z

Comedian Jay Reid is an up and coming comic force who is emerging as one of the new young comedians on the national stage.

Reid is the opening act for Bill Bellamy on his current “Ladies Night Out” national comedy tour. Along with Bellamy, Reid is scheduled to appear at Tommy T’s Comedy and Dinner Theater this Thursday through Sunday, April 5-8.

Reid, 28, is a native of Las Vegas, Nevada. He understood that he had a gift as a youngster before discovering as a young adult that he could channel his love for comedy into a career.

Reid’s career has progressed through small clubs in his hometown of Las Vegas, to local and regional comedy competitions, and on to national exposure. His first big break was when he was chosen to be a contestant on BET’s (Black Entertainment Television Network) comedy competition, "Coming to the Stage."

Reid parlayed the attention into bookings performances at notable comedy clubs such as The Laugh Factory, The Hollywood Improv and The Comedy Store.

Reid stayed connected to his hometown by performing at hotels on the Las Vegas strip and hosting his own monthly comedy showcases, the “Grown and Sexy Comedy Show” and "Comedy & Cocktails."

In July 2009 Reid’s newfound popularity resulted in him being chosen to tour Iraq to entertain our U.S Army troops.

Reid was also approached to be a contestant on the stand-up comedy competition, “Who’s Got Jokes?” This one-hour televised program, hosted by Bill Bellamy, aired on cable television network TV One. Reid competed against 24 other comedians from across the country for the title and won the event.

That win led to his TV One comedy special, “L.M.A.O.” He later released two comedy albums, “J. Reid: Comedy Mixtape Volume 1” and “J. Reid: Comedy Mixtape Volume 2.”

Reid’s burgeoning relationship with Bellamy led to his current national comedy tour which is coming to Sacramento this week.

The Sacramento Press caught up with Reid last Wednesday. The wide ranging telephone interview that follows touched on a variety of topics related to the development of his career, and captured the spirit of exuberance he possesses as a rising star in a competitive business.

Sacramento Press: How did you first come to understand that you had the gift to make people laugh?

Jay Reid: I believe that growing up I always had the gift. I used to always imitate family members and Mom always had me in front of them clowning around. When I was in school, I was always the class clown and in the yearbook clowning and things like that. I just didn’t really know until I turned 18 that I really wanted to try stand-up. Once I tried it, I just fell in love with it. I think it’s always been a part of me and I found it early and it has worked out for me.

SP: When did you first come to believe that you could become a professional and make a living doing comedy?

JR: My first time I got $100.00 for performing on a show, I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I only did maybe 10 minutes of comedy and they me $100.00. You get paid for doing this? I knew then that I wanted to use comedy to provide a vehicle to have some financial success and to be able to do what I love and get paid for it.

SP: How old were you then?

JR: I was about 21, just barely legal (laughing).

SP: What or who has been your greatest inspiration?

JR: I did this show when after about a year and a half of doing comedy that was on BET and it was called “Coming to the Stage.” It was a comedy competition and J. Anthony Brown was one of the judges. After the show…well I actually got kicked off of the show... but he kinda pulled me to the side. He gave me some of the best advice that I still use to this day in my career: That it’s not about money and how many people know you, but it’s about your love and your passion for the crowd. That if you go in it every single day with love, and just trying to get better at what you do. The money will come, the fame will come, and everything that people get into comedy for will come. You just have to love it yourself and put everything that you have into it. That’s something that I use every day when I wake up, when I get on stage, I try to become the best comedian that I can possibly be.

Also, Bill Bellamy has shown me a lot about the game that I didn’t know. He’s training me how to become a superstar and I owe some of my success to him for taking me out on the road and showing me the ropes. There have been a lot of other people who have been a big inspiration to me in my career, but those are the ones that have really, really been a huge inspiration in my career.

SP: What was your career path before you went into the entertainment business full-time?

JR: Before I was an entertainer, I was in the military. I was in the Army, I tried that out, you know I served my county…

SP: How long were you in the military?

Reid: I was in the military for four years. I did the Army Reserve first. Once I got done with basic training, that’s when I found confidence. I was in the military doing comedy. I did a tour in Germany and while I was there I did some comedy over there. I honed my craft. I'm just happy about the way my career is going.

SP: That leads directly to the next question. It seems like some of the comedy competitions have had a pretty big effect on your career. How many competitions have you entered and won? Can you briefly tell us about that?

JR: Well, yeah, I’ve done lots of competitions. I’ve done some Bay Area competitions. They have a competition every year for black comedians, I’ve done that. They have a couple of comedy events in Las Vegas that I’ve done as far as competitions. I’ve done some TV competitions, and BET’s “Coming to the Stage” as far as competitions.

I actually won Bill Bellamy’s show, “We’ve Got Jokes.” That was a comedy competition. There were 27 other comedians, and I came out the winner on that TV show. That competition is what brought my career up, it helped me to get where I’m at today. “We’ve Got Jokes” was a national TV show. Just to win that opened so many doors for me. It's great for comedians. It gives you a chance to actually see where you’re at as a comedian and what you need to work on.

I always tell any young comedian who asks me, I tell them that early in their career, it’s best to do them and get that experience under their belt.

SP: What does Jay Reid do different or do better than any other comedian out there?

JR: I don’t know…I don’t consider myself different or better than anyone else. Whatever I see in life on a daily basis just being with my family or being on the road or whatever, and I think it’s funny, I just talk about it. I just get myself all wild and crazy; I am intimate on stage. I just give all my experiences and the material from the way… how I look at from my point of view. I don’t try to be anybody else. I just do me. I do Jay Reid. That’s something that nobody else can do. (laughing).

SP: What do you do to stay current in your craft or what do you do to perfect your craft?

JR: I’m constantly on stage. I try to get on stage at least five to six times a week. You know, sometimes I do two shows a night. I just like to stay on stage. I love what I do. I love the mic in my hand and the audience in front of me. I just talk about what I’m going through that day or my problems. Even when I’m running, I look at things. I ask myself, how did Jay feel about this subject? While I’m relieving stress, I think about how things are going in my life, my relationships. I then just write and try to get better and stay on stage and get better at what I do. I love the craft.

SP: That’s good. I love it. Let me just ask the next question. Do you have training or have you been to drama school? Do you study, or is there anything special that you do?

JR: Yeah. I’m a student of the game. I’ve done acting classes, I’ve read several books on stand-up. I study it. I study comics like Richard Pryor and those who have done it. Everyday I’m always listening to comedy. On my phone I have visual apps that play nothing but comedy. I watch old comedy bits and stuff. Every day, I try to get better, to get better in my craft. You’ve got to love comedy. I love everything about comedy. Making jokes, trying to make a joke better.

SP: As a professional, what do you see as the biggest trends in comedy? That can be either performance-wise or business-wise or both?

JR: The trends that I see right now are videos. Everybody is putting their sketches out on the internet right now. Right now everybody watches YouTube for laughs right now. Not too many people watch a lot of TV. It’s not like how it used to be. Nowadays, people don’t come home and watch a lot of TV. People come home and get on their computers. Now it’s geared more toward videos. People have ipads and smartphones. You can get all of your material out instantly. You put a link out and people can watch all of your videos. That’s where everything is going now. I try to stay with the times and put videos up. I like to people to know where I’m going to be at. That’s what I’ve been doing, putting those videos up and try to stay with the trends.

SP: How does that play into the money piece? How is that from a business perspective for you to generate income by doing that?

JR: There are always ways. You can generate money with ads. I you get so many hits you can generate advertising dollars. The way it is now, you have to figure out different ways of making money. It’s not like how it used to be with everybody just making money off of their DVD’s. It’s not like that anymore. You have to think outside of the box and think unconventionally. You have to get digital downloads. You have to go get advertising dollars. It’s a little different now. You just have to try to stay current and stay ahead of the curve.

SP: Well, that sounds great. Let’s talk a little bit about your current gigs. One thing that caught our attention was a weekly radio show with Lawrence Weekly, the Las Vegas Commissioner. Are you still doing that?

JR: Yeah. Every time I’m in Vegas I try to go to the radio station with the Commissioner.

SP: What is the format of the show and the concept and how did you get started with him?

JR: The show is called “Straight Talk.” I’m one of the featured comedians that has a recurring role. It is a show geared toward uplifting black people and helping the black community to succeed. Whether it is to help get black people’s careers together, to help them buy houses, or just to uplift the community. With the economy being the way that it is, a lot of black people are struggling and can’t get into a home and stuff. It’s geared toward sharing tips to help each other to get up on our feet and do the right thing.

When I’m on the show, I bring a little comedy to it. When I’m in town I’m there and when I’m on the road I call in sometimes and just be me and encourage everybody to listen in.

SP: Jay, what do you have planned for the future? Sitcoms? Acting? Theater? Your bio includes a role in the film “21” with Kevin Spacey.

JR: As for me, the sky’s the limit. I definitely want to do everything that I possibly can. I love the work, I love the whole business. I just love stand-up. I know that I’m going to do stand-up for the rest of my life. I really want to be like George Carlin. He’s really a big icon to me as far as comedy goes. He did stand-up comedy until the day that he passed away.

That’s what I want to do. That how much I love stand-up. It’s always going to be a part of me. That’s my first love. I want to do sitcoms and do more of that. Stand-up is a part of me. I’m always going to do that no matter if I do films or whatever. Whatever God has for me, whatever that is, I’m going to do that. But I still want to do stand-up. It’s a part of my life and a part of my spirit.

SP: Although we aren’t trying to get too serious, I’d like to ask you one sort of serious question. Have you had any experiences with racism or barriers placed in your entertainment career due to your race?

JR: Have there been any barriers….?

SP: Because of the fact that you are a black man in America, I am talking about the race card. Have you experienced any racism in your entertainment career?

JR: I along with everybody else who is out here as a comedian gets to experience having doors being closed in your face. I haven’t really experienced anything racial or anything like that.

You know, everybody has problems in their career, you know, trying to get in, having doors slammed in your face and stuff like that. You just have to keep moving. But as far as anything goes that is racial, I haven’t had anything major or anything like that happen.

SP: How do you deal with hecklers when they are in the crowd?

JR: (Laughing) I love hecklers! I have a microphone. I’ve always got to be on my toes. I like that. I love thinking on my feet. I like working off the top. Anytime somebody shouts something out, I’ll have something for you.

If have to make up something or if I already have a joke or something that will kill that heckler, I’m going to come with something. You’re not gonna win. That’s just how I am. If I’ve got a mic, and you don’t have a mic, you’re not gonna win this.

SP: Here is one last question. Is there anything that you’d like to say to the people of Sacramento?

JR: Yeah. I come to Sacramento a lot. Every time I come there, everybody shows me so much love. They are really supportive of what I’m doing. I just want to say thank you to everybody that’s been supportive. When I come there, we’re going to have a really good time. I’ve got a lot of new material for everybody. A lot of fun stuff. It’s definitely going to be a great show. So anybody who comes out, they’re definitely going to have a great time.

I also want to tell everybody to look out for my Showtime Special coming out for the “Ladies Night Out” tour with Bill Bellamy that’s coming out in the fall.

SP: Okay, Jay, we certainly appreciate your time.

Tickets to this week’s show featuring Jay Reid and Bill Bellamy are available by contacting tommyts.com online.

Disclosure: Some questions and answers have been slightly edited for grammar and punctuation without altering meaning and intent.

Local bestseller co-author hosts gala and book launch event

2012-02-20T10:10:28Z

Local author, singer, songwriter and performance poet Loretta (La-Rue’) Duncan-Fowler joined internationally recognized author and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols for the book signing party for their No. 1 bestseller, “Unbreakable Spirit: Rising Above the Impossible,” Friday at Le Rivage Hotel.

Present at the gala event celebrating La-Rue’s most recent accomplishment were family, friends, and fans who have followed her career. Members of La-Rue’s family came from as far away as her hometown of Boston, Mass. including her mother, Rose Marie Clark, and stepfather, Minister Nathan Clark.

La-Rue’ was visibly moved by the standing ovation when Nichols asked her to stand front and center while she congratulated her for “playing big.” At the same time she informed the audience, “You’ve got to do something you’ve never done to get something you’ve never got,” before taking command of the room with her keynote address.

Nichols’ compelling message of self empowerment uplifted and challenged those in attendance to stop being “comfortable in their own discomfort” and to “become uncomfortable with mediocrity.”

“This entire project has changed my life tremendously,” stated La-Rue’.

“Working with Lisa has taught me how to ‘stand on my story’ after I held it within for so many years,” said La-Rue’.

Tommy Goss, host of V101.1’s “Gospel Express” weekly radio show emceed the event.

Goss opened the evening by announcing all in attendance were here for a party tonight before turning to La-Rue’ with a simple but heartfelt proclamation of, “You did it.”

The party began with a moving and heartfelt invocation and blessing for the event and its participants by Minister Clark of Southend Neighborhood Church of Boston.

Goss then brought local poet Eric “Eazi E.” Goines to the podium. Eazi E. set the stage for the theme of the program by sharing three original poems.

In his first poem, “We Thank You,” Eazi E. lauded the role of women in the lives of their men while expressing gratitude and appreciation for the sacrifices they make on a regular basis to keep their families together and healthy in an increasingly complex and difficult world.

With his second and third pieces, “Never Give Up-Never Surrender” and “I,” Eazi E. touched the audience by emphasizing the importance of individual perseverance and dedication to self and others while staying true to a set of principles that emphasize positive values and overcoming naysayers and difficult situations.

Yolanda Stevens, who is also known by her stage name, “CoQuest,” then came forward to share her unique style of customized poetry and multi-talented performance.

Stevens electrified the audience with her first piece entitled, “Unbreakable Spirit,” which was written especially for the evening’s event and was dedicated to the book. The poem spoke of love, positivity and the need to find the courage to do battle in the face of personal trials and tribulations.

After performing a second poem entitled, “Don’t Give Up,” Stevens then graced the audience with an original expressive dance entitled, “You Are.”

Her seemingly effortless dance movements combined with an elegant flowing costume served as an unmistakable tribute to femininity. With only the simple words, “you are” recorded over the original music composed by musician Mark Elliot, the audience responded with rousing applause in appreciation of her well-honed talents.

Emcee Goss then took a few moments to raffle off a few gifts while bantering back and forth with the audience when no one responded after the first few ticket numbers were called off.

Janna Waldinger, a fellow co-author of “Unbreakable Spirit” from Napa Valley then came to the podium and shared an excerpt from her story in the book entitled, “This Is It.”

After reading several paragraphs from her story, Waldinger began to express her heartfelt sentiments about the constant need for self-reinvention she has gone through in her life as a photographer, member of the Napa County Board of Education, community activist, and now as a writer and co-author of the bestselling book.

Particularly poignant were Waldinger’s metaphoric comments about gathering the tools for a lifetime that are required not just to “re-frame” oneself to get the most out of life, but to help to repair the world that is in dire need of individuals willing to contribute to others as a part of their journey and legacy in life.

Goss next introduced Ruby Yeh, the “Chief Make-It-Happen Officer” of eWomen Publishing Network and producer of the book, “Unbreakable Spirit,” which was published by Yinspire Media.

Yeh warmly congratulated La-Rue’ on her success and expressed how privileged she felt to be present at the book launch event.

Yeh acknowledged the entire team of writers, editors, designers and production people who contributed to the creation of the book. She then informed the crowd that the book has already appeared on more than one bestseller list and is gaining momentum.

Goss then shared the details of La-Rue’s extensive bio before he brought her forward to a stirring standing ovation.

La-Rue’ confidently took control of the room with a moving rendition of one of her signature poems, “Fairytales.”

During her heartfelt performance of the piece, La-Rue’ became emotional and began to tear up while expressing the depth of her struggles before delivering the recurring line, “I still believe in fairytales.”

The audience responded audibly with encouragement throughout the poem and enthusiastically showed their genuine appreciation for La-Rue’s willingness to expose her vulnerabilities in such an open and public manner.

La-Rue’ then took a few moments to thank and acknowledge all of those individuals who were there supporting her and who had contributed to this most recent triumph in her journey.

While describing the “Mother’s Day” she spent with her mother the day before, La-Rue’ informed the audience that she had to explain to her mother the meaning of one of her published poems, “Living My Momma’s Blues.”

Mother Rose Marie Clark had questioned her as to why she believed it was necessary to write about some of the highs and lows that did not always portray her in the most flattering light.

In response, La-Rue’s mother spontaneously emerged from the audience to join La-Rue’ at the podium and make a few remarks about how proud she was of her daughter. The hugs and tears demonstrated the mutual love, trust and respect shared between the two.

La-Rue’ then recited her poem, “Exiled,” a very moving piece that describes the struggles she faced upon coming to California from Boston in 1984. The poem details how she was a newly single mother with three children hoping to live the California dream, but was soon faced with the harsh reality of being “exiled by her family” and “abandoned by her King.”

It was La Rue’s experiences during those early years in California that were the basis for her story, “Fighting for Something Greater,” that is included in the “Unbreakable Spirit” anthology.

The story details her battle with the school district to provide an educational program tailored to meet the needs of her then 4-year-old developmentally disabled son, Raymond Austin Duncan (“Ray Ray”).

After two years of struggle that resulted in legal maneuvering that rose to national prominence, La-Rue’ and her family eventually triumphed over the prejudices of misinformation proffered by misinformed people who had wrongly linked his diagnosis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) with HIV.

La-Rue’ proudly brought Ray Ray, now 31, to the podium and described him as a “miracle child” who was not expected to live past the age of six months.

With the support of Lisa Nichols from the back of the room, La-Rue’ only read the opening paragraph of her story and laughingly encouraged everyone present to purchase the book so that they could enjoy the stories in their full splendor in the comfort of their homes.

In a fitting ending to La-Rue’s presentation, vocalist Yvette Gauff joined the band LSB (Love Somebody) to serenade La-Rue’ with a memorable rendition of her chosen song, “The Living Proof.” The song was recorded by Mary J. Blige and included in the soundtrack of the movie, “The Help.”

When Goss returned to the podium, he immediately announced that it was time for the audience to hear the keynote address by international bestselling author and motivational speaker, Lisa Nichols.

Nichols’ bio consisted of a laundry list of publications, accomplishments and awards including spending time on the New York Times Bestseller list, being responsible for several bestselling books under the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series, participating in the phenomenon known as “The Secret,” which was presented via print, film and in audio versions, and being the first black woman to sign for a million dollar advance on a book deal while becoming one of the world’s most sought after speakers.

When Nichols took over the microphone, it was clear that the energy in the room reached a new level as her electrifying presence extended throughout the room.

Nichols immediately brought La-Rue’ forward to share the limelight and another standing ovation. Nichols then acknowledged the hard work La-Rue’ put in to become a bestselling co-author of “Unbreakable Spirit” and congratulated her growth in confidence and spirit throughout the evening, which was visible for all in the room to see.

Nichols then demonstrated the depth and breadth of her lifetime of experience. She described herself as a “Transformational Coach” rather than as a motivational speaker. She stated that her “calling in life” is a commitment to helping others to learn how to tap into the “destiny for greatness” which is too often muffled by failing to “answer” when called in fear of what others may think.

In a whirlwind of stories and anecdotes laced with heartfelt reminiscing, Nichols described how she never got above a C+ in high school. Although she was well-liked by teachers, she never really learned how to achieve above the level of survival.

It was when she was in some of her darkest hours as a young mother on public assistance who “ran out of money before she ran out of month,” that Nichols began her own personal transformation that has culminated into her living a life far beyond her initial dreams and expectations.

Nichols emphasized that there was no substitution for hard work. She related that she did not get ready for the “Oprah” show in the green room, but prepared herself during the years of hard work that came before.

Nichols learned to be comfortable with being an imperfect person. By way of example, she stated that she would never have taken the stage in her life if she had waited to lose all the weight she desired.

Nichols advised her female-dominated crowd to “pass out sunglasses,” rather than “dim the wattage of their light” in deference to a mate who is uncomfortable with their glow.

In concluding her remarks, which Nichols insisted were not rehearsed but came straight from her heart, she recited a poem entitled, “What If.” The lines of the poem issued a challenge all within earshot to “play bigger” and stop judging yourself.

After Nichols received another standing ovation, attendees stood in long lines to purchase an array of books, dvd’s, and cd’s and have their copies autographed while taking photographs and exchanging ideas with Nichols and La-Rue’.

Others took advantage of the entertainment and took to dancing to the live music provided by LSB. The group included its full original lineup of Leon Steven Bryant (bass), Brian Randall (drums), and Leon “Scrap” Gray (keyboards), along with Russell Brown (guitar) and Robert Williams (percussion). Vocalists Inga Randall and Danielle Gray took turns on vocals to cap off the evening of celebration.

I really liked what Lisa said about someone else’s opinion of you not being any of your business,” stated Lisa Johnson while standing in the line to have her copy of the book autographed. “I thought the entire evening was great and I’m going to get started on writing that book I have within me,” said Johnson.

“I felt so much love and appreciation tonight,” said La-Rue’ in a brief moment between autographs after the program ended.

“On the other side of every breakdown there is a breakthrough waiting to happen,” stated Nichols when asked what message she would leave with the people of Sacramento.

“The very best of us all emerges from the challenges we face,” said Nichols after a moment of thoughtful reflection.

One of the final individuals to depart for the evening was Sharon Lambert, who hosts her own weekly inspirational radio show on the Access Sacramento radio station.

“I have no choice but to do some things differently after tonight,” stated Lambert.

“This evening has made me realize that not only do I have to redefine my paradigm, but I now understand how much more of me I have to give as a servant of the community,” said Lambert.

“Unbreakable Spirit: Rising Above the Impossible,” is available in local bookstores and online through all major outlets as well as through La-Rue’ Duncan Fowler’s own website.

Local bestseller co-author to host gala and launch event

2012-02-14T06:51:26Z

“A mind may be a terrible thing to waste, but a soul is a catastrophe.” —La-Rue’

Local author, singer, songwriter and performance poet Loretta (La-Rue’) Duncan-Fowler will join internationally recognized author and motivational speaker Lisa Nichols for the book signing party for their No. 1 bestseller, “Unbreakable Spirit: Rising Above the Impossible” Friday at Le Rivage Hotel.

La Rue’ is one of 39 co-authors whose stories are included in the popular inspirational anthology that reached No. 1 on Amazon’s Dream List the week it was launched in November 2011.

La Rue’s story entitled “Fighting for Something Greater” chronicles the trials and tribulations she faced while advocating for the rights of her developmentally disabled son, Raymond.

She experienced success in the literary world with her 2001 debut publication, “My Deepest Affections Are Yours - Love Poems,” which received wide recognition.

That effort was followed by a 2010 collection of poems, prose and short stories, “In Search of a Father’s Love,” which caught the attention of Nichols and led to the invitation to become a co-author of “Unbreakable Spirit.”

La Rue’ is a Boston native who relocated to Sacramento. She holds a bachelor’s degree in computer and information sciences, is a mother of three children, and is an active member of the local literary and poetry scene.

Her accomplishments include membership in the performing groups Born 2 Be Poets, 2nd Born and Uptown Poets. Born 2 Be Poets was nominated for the 2001 SOS Music Award in the spoken word category.

La-Rue’ has also graced the stage with many Grammy Award-winning recording artists, including The Whispers, The Clark Sisters, Shirley Caesar, The God Squad, Joanna Rosario, Vicki Winans and Fred Hammond, in addition to neo soul/R&B artists Bilal and Goapele, as well as Blues Hall of Fame percussionist and vocalist Mr. Big John Evans. She also wrote and recorded the song “Wretched Man” with notable gospel and blues guitarist Odell Ross Jr.

La-Rue’ has appeared as a guest on “Nightline” with Ted Koppel and several local talk shows, including “Look Who’s Talking and “Good Day Sacramento,” advocating for the rights of her disabled son to attend public school in Sacramento.

She maintains a busy schedule but finds the time to share her work at poetry venues, churches and before civic and charitable organizations

Nichols is a New York Times bestselling author with her book “No Matter What!” plus three bestselling anthologies: “Chicken Soup for the African American's Soul,” “Chicken Soup for the African American Woman’s Soul” and “Living Proof.” She has appeared in the self-development phenomenon “The Secret,” on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and on “Larry King Live.”

Nichols will deliver a keynote message and both she and La Rue’ will share readings from the book.

Those who attend the gala event will receive a copy of “Unbreakable Spirit” and will have the opportunity to meet the authors and have their copy of the book autographed.

It is expected that the evening will inspire, motivate and encourage attendees to rise above any difficult circumstances they may currently be facing to fulfill their potential in life.

Tickets for the event are available online through Eventbrite or by contacting La Rue’ on Facebook or through her website.

Sacramento museum day celebration at Sojourner Truth Mulitcultural Art Museum

2012-02-07T00:52:50Z

Well over 800 visitors participated in the Museum Day festivities at the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum this past Saturday.

The day’s events included cultural performances, storytelling, arts and crafts activities for children, food demonstrations and vendors displays of ethnic jewelry, greeting cards and well as original works of art.

“We had a beautiful event today,” stated museum director and founder, artist Shonna McDaniels.

“All of our activities today were intended to further our primary mission to educate children and adults about the cultural diversity that has strengthened this nation while providing a platform to develop and showcase artists from culturally diverse backgrounds,” said McDaniels.

The work of McDaniels and resident artist Joe Pollakoff are featured throughout the building. Pollakoff also serves as the curator of the departments of art, history and exhibits.

The museum houses a diverse collection of artifacts dating back to the slavery era and includes a collection of dolls previously owned by slaves.

During the hourly tours of the museum, a very knowledgeable Pollakoff explained how the dolls doubled as hiding places for valuable items that were forbidden to slaves.

“Not only have we found precious metals and other heirlooms inside of the dolls in our collection during the restoration process, one doll contained the set of iron shackles that you see in our display case,” stated Pollakoff to a group of visitors, some of whom were visibly moved by the revelation.

The Florin Arts and Business building features long hallways with spectacular murals depicting the history of black people dating back from Africa through the civil rights era and includes many familiar faces that are recognizable from current and historic events.

Reyna Greenfield discovered the event while searching for an extra credit project as part of her curriculum in a course on culture and diversity in early childhood education.

“I enjoyed the art today; it has been a great experience,” said Greenfield as she was preparing to leave after spending some time viewing the murals and taking the tour.

“During the tour and learned a great many things I did not know about the influence of African-Americans and their art upon the American culture,” said Greenfield.

The Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum was admitted to the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAMS) in 2007 after many years of dedicated work by a long list of local artists led by McDaniels, who is the executive director of the non-profit corporation that holds ownership of its name.

“We have recently begun the process of seeking a permanent home,” stated McDaniels, when discussing what the future holds for the Museum that bears the name of Sojourner Truth, a former slave who escaped to freedom with her infant daughter in 1826. Truth is also famous for being the first black woman in America to win a court case against a white man. The case assisted her in recovering her son, who had been sold illegally into slavery.

“We have grown tremendously since we moved into this location in 1995,” said McDaniels.

“The time has come for us to secure our own facility so that we can be in full control of our mission and our destiny,” she said.

The building that houses the museum has changed ownership several times during the past 17 years and is now currently up for sale. With each change in ownership comes the delicate process of negotiating the role, rights and obligations of the museum vis-à-vis the vision of the new management of the building.

None of those concerns were on the minds of the visitors who were busy enjoying the unique opportunity to learn about history while appreciating the visual and performing arts that were a part of the day’s scheduled events.

The featured youth artists for the day were twin sisters Keley and Catherine Suan. The Suan sisters are up and coming artists who took home two first place and two second place prizes at the Cal Expo Youth Art and Design Expo in 2010.

Both of the young women are determined to pursue a career in art and are now taking college courses to pursue different goals.

“I’m thinking about becoming an art teacher so I can keep my art close to me while still submitting work to galleries,” stated Catherine.

“I am more interested in illustration and animation because I like my art to tell stories,” said Keley.

Both Catherine and Keley were busy throughout the afternoon explaining their artistic techniques and showing their work to potential customers.

The museum is frequently opened for field trips to area schools and community centers that bring classes or groups to take the tour and learn about the struggles and triumphs of people from diverse cultural backgrounds throughout history. The museum’s original focus on African-American history has not changed, but has expanded to include non-white cultures whose accomplishments in art and society deserve more recognition.

The youth representing the After School Program led off the afternoon’s activities at noon. First the Phoenix Park Unity Teens put on a fashion show that featured traditional African clothing and included tribal symbols placed on the skin using various colors.

They were followed by the Phoenix Park African Dance Group. The young dancers put on a well rehearsed and high energy dance routine accompanied by music which featured traditional African drums.

The performances resumed at 1 p.m. with the Azteca Dance Group wearing colorful costumes complete with long feathered headdresses and leg ornaments whose rattling sounds accompanied the drum beats created by a decorated drum played by one of the group members.

The Azteca Dance Group demonstrated a variety of traditional Aztec ceremonial dances and prayers. When it came time for the “friendship dance,” all members of the audience were invited to join in and participate, and most did.

Meggan Mariano and Maria Morge of the Sacramento Black Art of Dance Group performed an elegant dance routine entitled, Spiritual Awakenings, to music composed and performed by jazz saxophonist Pharoah Sanders.

Following the tradition of black concert dance in American culture, the routine was so inspiring and well done that an encore performance was requested by audience members who gathered up attendees who missed the initial performance.

Sandy Holman of the Cultural C.O.O.P of Davis demonstrated her enthusiastic storytelling skills to a very attentive audience of children and adults alike. Her storytelling included visual displays as well as call and response participation by the audience.

Holman’s storytelling was educational as much as it was entertaining. She told stories about the history of Africa along with anecdotes from her childhood and repeatedly cajoled, encouraged and inspired the children in the audience to read, take care of their bodies and not engage in negative behaviors that would jeopardize their future success.

Holman completed her time by quizzing audience members about the identities of the members of the African royalty she described and rewarding those who remembered the correct answers with a variety of educational items including books on African history.

The AAPACC Hmong Dance group also graced the audience with a routine of traditional dance. Their movements were perfectly coordinated and featured intricate hand movements that matched the agile dance steps set to the fluid traditional Hmong music. The appreciative audience appeared to be somewhat disappointed that the young ladies only performed one routine.

“I really liked the Hmong dancers,” stated Jasmin Vargas, age 8, when recalling what she liked best about Museum Day.

“I made clay dolls and noisemakers and I saw a lot of art,” added Vargas, explaining what she would remember about the day’s events.

The Museum Day festivities included several hands-on stations where children of all ages were invited to join in the fun to create art or participate in educational activities.

Early in the day a group of children worked together to paint a diversity mural that was placed upon the wall for display in the area that was reserved for arts and crafts.

The arts and crafts available included making shakers or drums, handmade pillows, coloring books with themes featuring cultural diversity, and Diwali Diays (candles).

There were also children fashioning figures out of clay, as well as one station where the art of sushi making was being taught and everyone was able to admire their creation before dining on what they made.

One special attraction was manned by Col. Thomas Sherman (Ret.), Executive Director of the Youth Aviation Academy. It featured a computer flight simulator identical to the ones he uses to teach aviation to sixth graders at Harmon Johnson Elementary school in Del Paso Heights.

Col. Sherman explained that he started the non-profit after his retirement to expose children that would likely not otherwise be introduced to the possibilities of a career in aviation. His idea of bringing in children at a young enough age so that they can be inspired to do the hard work necessary to be qualified to become pilots, air traffic controllers or serve as members of the ground crew is just now beginning to develop.

“We people of color don’t get the kind of exposure we need to excel in areas where we’re underrepresented,” stated Col. Sherman when explaining the struggles he went through because he was only one of a few members of his flight school class that did not already have a pilot’s training and license after earning his Electrical Engineering degree and accepting a military commission as a second lieutenant.

The final performer for the day was “Magic Forrest” Barnes, a very well regarded local magician who combines teaching little known facts about African American inventors and pioneers with a variety of illusions and magic tricks.

Magic Forrest incorporated volunteers from the audience into his presentation. Nearly every youngster in the crowd participated in one form or another before he was done.

Magic Forrest frequently mesmerized the crowd with his tricks and had one young lady visibly disturbed with worry when it appeared that he was about to pour a cup of water over her head that somehow turned out to be empty.

During his time before the crowd, Magic Forrest encouraged the children to dream big and think big. His message emphasized the need for kids to stay in school and to believe in themselves.

As the afternoon’s event drew to a close, a number stopped by to retrieve the work they displayed for the event and a group of volunteers began to assist in putting away items brought out for the event.

“I really like what Shonna is doing here at the Sojourner Truth Museum,” stated John F. King, a well regarded and accomplished artist who has been on the forefront of the art scene in the Sacramento Area for over four decades who had art on display during the event.

“Her multicultural approach to this museum is fantastic and is greatly appreciated and much needed here in the south area,” said King.

“Your light really shined bright today,” stated L. Finch, the building engineer of Florin Road Arts and Business Complex, as McDaniels went by busily taking down the artwork that was hung specifically for the event.

McDaniels modestly responded.

“I owe a big thanks to a whole lot of people that made all of this possible, including you, Mr. Finch.”

"Diamonds" ladies night out at the guild theater

2012-01-31T09:05:08Z

The 2012 premier of the Ladies Night Out series of events returned to the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park Saturday evening. The headlining act was veteran singer, songwriter, producer and actor Danny Boy.

Best known for his work as a backup singer during the heyday of Death Row Records, Danny Boy’s solo music is grounded in his musical roots of R&B and gospel as he ably demonstrated to an appreciative audience.

“In 2012 we are taking the Ladies Night Out concept to a new level,” said poet Terry Moore, the T-Mo Entertainment founder who was responsible for bringing Danny Boy from Atlanta to Sacramento. “It is the vision of T-Mo Entertainment to bring outstanding artists to Sacramento while still showcasing our local talent.”

“The Diamonds” Ladies Night Out event also featured nationally recognized poet Ner City (pronounced “inner city”) from Oakland, along with Annie Jay, Sacramento’s reigning “Queen of the Mic.”

Also included on the program was Sacramento-based artist Carla Fleming, who joined forces with homegrown saxophonist Garrett Perkins for a brief set.

Before the curtains opened for the show to begin, poet Steve Morgan graced the audience with two heart felt poems, “Gift from God” and “B-girl Rap.

The always hilarious comic Dru Bruks was introduced as the emcee for the evening and immediately had the crowd in stitches.

Providing the live music for the night was LSB (Love Somebody), which features Leon “Scrap” Gray on the keyboards and Brian Randle on the drums. Joining LSB for the evening was Charles Andrews on lead guitar and Robert Williams on percussion.

Annie Jay was the first featured performer. Her music displayed influences ranging from neo-soul, jazz, gospel and R&B, with a little funk thrown in. She brought composer and guitarist Russell Brown with her, along with percussionist Dominic E. Garcia, who displayed his talents throughout the set playing a wooden drum box known as the cajón.

She opened her set with strong sultry vocals, covering “The Way” by Jill Scott. The “Queen of the Mic” showed her musical sensitivity, covering “Afro Blue” by John Coltrane, “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin and “Brown Skin” by India Arie.

The remainder of Jay’s set consisted of her original music. She frequently acknowledged Brown for his contributions in composing. Her down-to-earth lyrics reach out and speak to all who have experienced life and love.

Those who were introduced to the “Annie Jay Live” experience for the first time were in for a surprise with her stunning vocal range and ability on the songs “Shine,” “Lotus,” and “Caramel.” Her down to earth lyrics reach out and speak to all who have experienced life and love.

Annie Jay closed her 45 minute set with a funk based song entitled “Beast,” which had the audience moving and grooving while Annie Jay cut loose on stage showing her dance moves.

Annie Jay conveyed her love for performing in Sacramento after the show and wanted to be sure to let her growing legion of fans know she is hard at work in the studio on her upcoming debut album.

Dru Bruks introduced local singer Lenoris (P-Dub) Louis, whose vocal skills were frequently met with spontaneous applause and catcalls from the female-dominated audience.

Louis made a difficult task look easy while covering “Lady in My Life” by Michael Jackson. While singing Babyface’s hit song, “Whip Appeal,” Louis interacted with the ladies in the audience, bantering back and forth with them and having them laughing and applauding in response.

LSB did an admirable job with the live music during Louis’ set, and they really shined during his final number, “Do Me Baby” by Prince. Louis flawlessly hit all of the difficult falsetto notes.

After his set, Louis expressed his appreciation for the support and indicated that he will soon be featured in local venues around town with his own live band.

Intelligent, poignant, hard-hitting, heartfelt and often gut-wrenching: Those are the terms that describe the poetry of Ner City, who closed out the first half of the event.

As the recipient of numerous spoken word awards and multiple poetry slam competition victories, Ner City smoothly and flawlessly flowed between poems. He introduced himself to the audience by reciting the poem “My Bio,” explaining his qualifications as a wordsmith and detailing his experiences growing up nurtured by the dichotomy of formal education and education learned only through experience in the streets of Oakland.

In the poem “For Tre,” Ner City describes the challenges and pride he feels by living up to the role of father to his stepson. He was eloquently profound when stating the “job of being a father” is the one that is always available but far too few are willing to accept. The theme of fatherhood extended to his own father, whose virtues he extolled in the poem “My Father.”

To close out his set, Ner City recited his piece called “Letter to the Ex,” wherein he exposed his vulnerability to love and the manipulations and machinations that occur between the sexes.

“I thought the spoken word tonight was excellent,” attendee Candice Johnson said. “Ner City was truthful and touching in his poems and his remarks.”

During the brief intermission, Moore and Burks took charge of handing out gratuities from event sponsors including ladies clothing from Konceited Boutique.

Vocalist Carla Fleming and Garrett Perkins took the stage together after intermission. Fleming performance featured some beautiful vocals and inspirational lyrics from her soon to be released track and video entitled “Rise Again.” On this first track of their set, Perkins, put on exhibition the musical talent on the saxophone he developed while attending the Berklee School of Music.

Followed by another original tune called “Ooh Wee,” Fleming showed her sensual side with the help of Perkins who displayed the skills he has honed through his years of experience touring around the world playing music.

Fleming and Perkins then covered the Ashford and Simpson composition, “You’re All I Need to Get By,” made famous by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. They combined Fleming’s strong and versatile vocals with the influences of neo-soul and jazz to arrange the well-known R&B song in their own unique way.

Dru Burks then brought local R&B singer Kaleo to the stage for a brief appearance to sing Maxwell’s hit song “Ascension.” Backed up by LSB, Kaleo put his heart into the well-loved track, much to the appreciation of the audience that seemed visibly disappointed that he only performed one song.

It was evident that the evening belonged to Danny Boy once he took the stage and took command of the audience.

From the moment of his introduction by Burks, it was clear that Danny Boy is a man whose love of music is the passion of his life.

After thanking T-Mo Entertainment for putting on the show and inviting him to perform, he began singing Bobby Caldwell’s, “What You Won’t Do Love.” Backed by LSB, Danny Boy exhibited the vocal skills that made him famous while demonstrating that his days as a youth at Death Row Records are securely in his past.

While talking to the audience after the opening song, Danny Boy thanked God first and explained how it was his belief that music “touches us, helps us and heals us.”

He then took the crowd on a musical voyage by singing “Rocket Love” by Stevie Wonder.

Danny Boy’s professionalism and status as a veteran singer was apparent to all in attendance when he ventured into some of the original material from his upcoming album “Love Offering,” a two-CD release that will include one disc devoted to R&B (“Love”) and the second devoted to gospel music (“Offering”).

In between his original songs entitled “A Song for Love,” Thunderstorm,” “Some for Love,” and “I Can’t Wait,” Danny Boy showed his versatility switching between love songs, gospel music to the crowd mostly had never known this aspect of his musical journey.

The depths of Danny Boy’s personal struggles in the music business also became evident as he candidly discussed his free-wheeling days and the fact that he left Death Row in debt and was forced to file a Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

In true artistic fashion, he turned his misfortunes into music and displayed how from his faith came the songs “Nothing” and “Emotional Bankrupt.”

As his set was winding down, Danny Boy had everybody in the audience on their feet dancing with his rendition of “My Girl.” Much to the crowd’s delight, he came down from the stage and brought a grandmotherly member of the audience from the front row onstage to boogie with him.

He ended his set by covering the gospel songs “Grateful” by Marvin Sapp and “God Is Good” by Regina Belle. He completed the evening with a heartfelt blessing to the audience that included a prayer for healing and help for everyone to become better in their roles in life as husbands, wives and members of the community.

While Burks attempted to close out the show, a request for Danny Boy to return to sing a few hooks from some of his Tupac Shakur songs quickly turned into a spontaneous rendition of Luther Vandross’ “Superstar,” as LSB picked up the cue and joined in after the first few lines.

After a final prayer offered by Moore, who thanked all in attendance and who performed, the easygoing Danny Boy came out from his dressing room and signed autographs and CDs and posed for photos.

“It was an awesome show,” exclaimed local poet and educator Claudia Epperson who attended the event and was waiting in line to meet Danny Boy.

“The show was wonderful,” Ingrid Pinkett said. “I appreciate the fact that Danny Boy reminded us that we always have to remember where everything we have comes from and to give thanks and praise.”

The Ladies Night Out series will resume on March 31. Contact Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets. The event is guaranteed to be another inspirational and fun evening of entertainment.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Ladies Night Out Event. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Fundraiser to support teen cardiac arrest rehabilitation a success

2012-01-24T08:58:01Z

This past Saturday night over 150 supporters attended a fundraising event at the Florin Road Arts and Business Complex in South Sacramento for Marissa Grant, 16, a Sacramento area teen who suffered cardiac arrest on January 27, 2011 while attending classes at Natomas High School.

The event was hosted by “The Friends of Michele Grant,” a group that includes Grant’s coworkers, friends and concerned members of the community who came together to provide financial and emotional support as Marissa fights her way back from the effects of being deprived of oxygen for 8-10 minutes before paramedics arrived to revive her.

“We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support and love,” stated Michele Grant during her brief appearance at the microphone as she thanked both those in attendance and those who invested countless hours to make the event, “An Evening for Marissa,” a success.

The evening’s program consisted of opening remarks by Joe Pollakoff, Shonna McDaniels and Michele Grant. The MC duties were handled by Pollakoff’s daughter Natasha.

The evening consisted of a full slate of entertainment, a raffle, and a sit-down homemade dinner that included baked chicken, pasta, fresh salad and a variety of side dishes.

Nationally known poet Terry Moore set the tone for the evening with his poem entitled, “Two Seconds.”

Moore alternated between whimsical musings about making an impulse purchase in two seconds and how precious and fragile life can be in that same span of time.

The audience really responded when Moore emphasized that tomorrow is not promised and that everyone should take the time to practice forgiveness and appreciate those in their lives with demonstrable showings of love and affection by reaching out to them today.

Tina B’s Sacramento Soul Line Dancers then showed the crowd some of their unique dance steps to the songs, “Step Off,” “The Cupid Shuffle” and “Wobble Baby Wobble.”

“It is so nice to see what is happening here and to be a part of this,” stated Tina B., who volunteered her dancers to perform at the event after hearing about it from a coworker.

“I am glad to support this mother who’s going through something similar to what my mother went through many years ago,” said Tina B.

Marissa Grant’s care, comfort and rehabilitation were foremost on everyone’s mind throughout the evening.

Marissa attended the event and was exquisitely coiffed and beautifully attired in a taupe blouse and jeans for the evening held in her honor. Her youthful appearance belied the difficult circumstances she endured, and her struggle to regain her health served as the inspiration and purpose for the occasion.

The quiet and reserved teen graciously maintained her poise and dignity before tiring and returning home to rest about midway through the evening.

Marissa’s Aunt, Gayle Bailey, came from the Bay Area to attend the event and contribute to the fundraising efforts.

“I am so thankful that so many people came out to support my niece,” stated Bailey. “I am praying that the Lord heals her body and makes her whole again.”

Local musician and DJ Robert Williams played a variety of gospel, jazz and R&B music while attendees took turns being served at the buffet line set up in the Obama Room.

The foyer was tastefully set up with covered tables adorned with votive candles that surrounded the area that served as the DJ booth and temporary stage.

Once the attendees were served and settled in seats, the evening’s activities proceeded forward.

Natasha Pollakoff sought help from audience members to pull the winning raffle tickets from a basket and announced the numbers, much to the delight of the winners.

Joseph Lacefield first took the stage, leading about a dozen members of the local a cappella group, “Sticky Notes.”

Their 20 minute set of gospel music included the songs, “Ain’t No Rock,” “Be Unto Your Name,” “Awesome God,” “Exalt the Lord,” “Deep Calls to Deep” and “Lead Me to Rest.”

Evangelist Raymond Coats followed with a soulful a cappella rendition of the classic song first made famous by the Hollies, “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother.”

After more raffle prizes were given away by Natasha Pollakoff, the featured group for the evening, the Spiritual Harmonizers, took over the entertainment and proceeded to fill the building with their well-rehearsed combination of vocals and live gospel music.

The Spiritual Harmonizers consist of Doyle Bryant, Larry Stephens and Earl Peeples on lead vocals with Eric Canada providing supporting vocals. Musicians include Tony Marshall on keyboard, Eucerean Harris on drums, Jimmy Bray on percussion, Norman Coats on lead guitar and Preston Hayes on bass guitar.

The selections performed by the group included “While I Run This Race,” “This Old World,” ”Holding On,” “Be Alright,” “Since I Found Jesus” and “Another Blessing.”

The messages conveyed in their music provided a fitting culmination of the evening’s entertainment. It reminded everyone in the audience of the blessings conferred upon Marissa Grant and the entire extended Grant family to have Marissa well on the road towards rehabilitation from her illness and medical condition.

Known as Long QT syndrome (LQTS), the illness is a congenital disorder that is very difficult to detect and is known to cause cardiac arrest and seemingly inexplicable sudden death by natural causes.

Danielle Grant, one of Marissa’s older siblings, described how everyone in the family was extremely worried about Marissa and how that concern extended to Michele, who practically lived at the hospital with her during the first few months after she fell ill.

Damarrus Grant, Marissa’s older brother, indicated that the past year “went by so quick.”

“It has been a reality check that has made my faith in God much stronger,” said Damarrus.

“Marissa is getting better every day; she is looking better and she fights hard every day,” stated Danielle.

Once the evening came to a close and the attendees cleared the building, “The Friends of Michele Grant” were united in their belief that the evening had been a success both financially and in terms of showing community support for a family during their time of need.

“People really showed how much they cared,” stated Joe Pollakoff, a colleague of Michele Grant’s who is credited as the individual who carried the idea of holding a fundraiser to others and organized the individuals that contributed to making the event a success.

“I thought the event was magnificent,” stated Shonna McDaniels, who arranged for the use of the building where she is the Director of the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum.

“I was pleased to see all of the support - it was a wonderful night,” said McDaniels.

Anyone who is interested in assisting the family by donating vacation time to Michele Grant, or who simply desires to make a financial contribution to assist Marissa in her rehabilitation may contact Joe Pollakoff at (916) 801-3673 or via email at j.pollakoff@gmail.com, or Michele Grant at (916) 501-5917 or via email at chelleg510@gmail.com. Michele Grant may also be contacted at P.O. BOX 348324, Sacramento, CA 95834.

Idle Warship defies genre categorization at Harlow’s

2012-01-18T06:44:08Z

What do you get when you combine hip hop, rock, pop, rap, electronica, indie and R&B? You get Idle Warship, the collaboration of veteran underground Brooklyn rapper Talib Kweli and Res (pronounced reese), a lesser known but well-seasoned R&B/pop vocalist hailing from Philadelphia, Penn.

Touring in support of their recently released album, “Habits of the Heart,” Idle Warship paid a visit to Harlow’s Sunday night and won over the audience of 300 plus members with their unique brand of music that defies categorization due to the influence of so many music genres packaged together in their high energy show.

Many members of the audience were unfamiliar with the Idle Warship concept before the show but were willing to give it a chance based on their familiarity with Kweli’s reputation.

“I’ve been trying to see Talib for almost two years now,” stated Tina Webber, who arrived early in order to obtain a table and a good seat.

“I’ve never heard of Idle Warship before, but I’m very interested to hear the new music and listen to their collaboration together,” said Webber.

Supported by musicians Yuki Hirano on keyboards, John Cave on lead guitar, Brady Watt on bass and Daru Jones on drums, Idle Warship took command of the venue and held the audience captive during an intense set that lasted just over an hour. After a brief break they returned to the stage for a three song encore.

Kweli emphasized at the beginning of the show that he and Res were together as Idle Warship, for the benefit of anyone who mistakenly believed they had paid to see a typical underground rap show.

Kweli and Res electrified the crowd with the song, “Enemy,” the lead track from their album and the first song in the evening’s set. The song was followed by Idle Warship songs featuring their own brand of fusion of funk, rock and hip hop which culminated in a version of the song, “Sweet Dreams,” by the Eurythmics that Idle Warship took and made their own.

The original songs performed by Idle Warship featured a combination of intense rap flows from Kweli, strong vocals from Res, and tight musicianship that was heavily laden with rock guitars from the four-piece band.

A few of the songs Idle Warship performed during the evening were from a 14 track mixtape they released in 2009 called “Party Robot.” That initial Idle Warship effort featured previous collaborations dating back nearly 10 years, along with a few new songs.

“We appreciate those of you who supported our solo careers that allowed us to get to where we are today, but the T-shirts and albums we have for sale tonight are all Idle Warship, and that’s what we are here to represent tonight,” stated Kweli at one point, in between tracks that had the crowd alternatively dancing, waving their hands in the air and bobbing their heads along to the beat.

It took until approximately one-third of the way through the evening’s set before the crowd heard the first exclusively rap track of the evening, “Get By,” from Kweli’s 2002 album entitled, “Quality.” The audience let out an enthusiastic cheer and many members were able to recite the words along with Kweli.

Kweli immediately told the crowd when the rap was over that it was just a sideline and was not intended to distract the audience’s attention away from the Idle Warship music that was the focus of the evening’s show.

More Idle Warship music followed, including “Driving Me Insane” and “Steady,” along with some excellent vocals from Res as she reached back into her catalogue of solo work since becoming a professional artist in the early 2000’s.

All the music stopped when Kweli went a cappella to perform his track, “Distractions,” featured on his soon to be released solo album entitled, “Prisoner of Conscious.” Kweli also indicated that a new Blackstar Album (his collaboration with artist Mos Def) would be forthcoming and further stated that Res is expected to release a solo album in the near future.

Kweli mesmerized the audience with his performance of “Distractions,” which features the socially conscious and politically aware commentary that has been a staple of his career.

Afterward, Kweli introduced the song, “Beautifully Bad,” and commented that it was probably his favorite track on the “Habits of the Heart” album. Kweli’s heartfelt opening verse was matched and exceeded by the exceptional vocals of Res, who demonstrated her talent as a singer and performer on the track that had the feel of a classic rock ballad.

As the set was nearing its conclusion, more of the uniquely intense Idle Warship fusion sound was exhibited as each member of the band rocked out and took their turn with a solo exhibition of their individual talent.

The set ended with Res whipping the crowd into a frenzy by leading the way on the track, “Laser Beams.” The track is demonstrative of the Idle Warship sound that defies simple explanation with the combination of high energy dance and rock with a strong influence of hip hop.

The appreciative crowd let it be known, by steadily cheering and chanting for well over five minutes straight, that they would not be satisfied unless Idle Warship came back to perform an encore.

They crowd was not to be disappointed as the band came back and performed three more Idle Warship songs, ending the evening with the dance track, “Metro” from their “Party Robot” album.

Idle Warship was not the only live band featured at Harlow’s during the evening’s show. The opening act, Butterscotch, also put on an hour long set that started just after 9 p.m.

The band is named after the founder and lead singer/musician, a local talent now based in San Francisco. She is a veteran beatbox competitor who has won international acclaim competing against men and women.

Butterscotch made it to the final four in “America’s Got Talent” in 2007 before being voted off the show. Her rising stardom indicates that she is destined to be a force in the music industry for many years to come.

Butterscotch’s sound is heavily influenced by jazz, funk, hip hop and beat box origins where she established her credentials as an entertainer and crowd pleaser.

Butterscotch spent most of the evening playing lead guitar, singing, rapping and demonstrating her skills as a beatbox artist in a variety of amazing ways. The time she invested at the Natomas Charter School's Performing and Fine Arts Academy and at Sacramento State as a music major (classical piano) showed; her skills as a trained musician were evident.

Backed up by Arlyn Anderson on lead and bass guitar, Joe Berry on the saxophone, Dominic Garcia on percussion along with D.J. Destiny, Butterscotch’s set started out with a funky yet jazzy intro until she lead the band into her newly released single, “Perfect Harmony.”

The audience immediately responded warmly to her sultry vocals backed up by some outstanding playing by Anderson on the bass guitar.

Love is the prevailing theme of most of Butterscotch’s original material, as is evidenced by the songs, “The Very Thought of You,” “Hypnotize Me” and “Under the Sun.”

While performing “City Love,” Butterscotch displayed her talents on the keyboards in addition to the mix of singing, beatboxing and lyrical rap flows.

Butterscotch treated the audience to her own unique version of the oft covered George Gershwin jazz standard, “Summertime.” She combined a funk influence with her unique skills at beatboxing to elicit a huge spontaneous response from the audience.

Butterscotch alternated between singing, beatboxing and rapping during her song, “Obsession,” which was performed with a throwback vibration reminiscent of pioneer female rappers from an earlier era of hip hop, combined with overtones of jazz fusion.

To close out her set, Butterscotch was joined on stage by backup vocalists Carwin Brice and Kristin Bosby, along with rapper Random Abiladeze for the track entitled, “Silver Lining.”

Abiladeze’s verbal skills complemented Butterscotch’s rap flows as the band increased and decreased the tempo of the music matching the alternating delivery of lyrics with D.J. Destiny mixing and scratching. The crowd was up and on their feet grooving and screaming enthusiastically on cue during the call and response. The excitement that was generated was a fitting end to the set for the crowd that was eagerly waiting to hear Idle Warship.

"I loved the energy of the crowd and I am very thankful of the support I received," stated Butterscotch after the show.

Ben Lui attended the show with friend Nick DeMelo and was impressed with Butterscotch’s performance.

“I didn’t know what to expect based on Butterscotch’s look when she took the stage but the music turned me into a fan,” stated Lui during the break between the two sets.

After the show there was universal agreement that the “Idle Warship experience,” as Kweli referred to it several times on stage during the show, was well worth the price of admission.

Mazi Noble and Lauren Wilson came from Chico to attend the show at Harlow’s.

“I’m a huge fan of Talib Kweli,” stated Noble after the event.

“It was without a doubt worth the effort to make the drive from Chico to see the show,” said Wilson.

In keeping with their promise onstage to get to know everybody in the audience, Kweli and Res came out from backstage after the show and signed autographs on the Idle Warship t-shirts and cd’s offered for sale.

“This was one of the best crowds because they kept the energy up,” stated Res after the audience cleared the venue.

“I hope that Sacramento continues to support us by buying our music so that we will be able to return,” said Res.

When asked what he would like to tell the people of Sacramento, Kweli paused thoughtfully, then smiled and simply said, “Thank you.”

Upcoming fundraiser to support teen cardiac arrest rehabilitation

2012-01-16T23:16:57Z

A group of caring individuals who refer to themselves as “The friends of Michele Grant” are hosting “An Evening for Marissa” this Saturday, January 21, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Florin Road Arts and Business Complex located at 2251 Florin Road in South Sacramento.

On January 27, 2011, Michele Grant’s 15 year old daughter, Marissa, went into cardiac arrest while attending classes at Natomas High School.

Marissa is now on the long road toward rehabilitation and recovery. The fundraiser is to help Michele Grant with the care of her daughter.

Tickets for the event are $15.00 for adults and $10.00 for children. Dinner will be served and there will be a raffle to raise funds to help the family with expenses and treatment.

Joe Pollakoff is universally credited as the driving force behind the fundraiser. Pollakoff came to know Grant while working with her at the State Department of Health Services.

“If I could choose someone for my mom, I would choose Michele,” stated Pollakoff in a moment of unguarded sincerity.

“Michele has been very strong and very positive throughout this entire ordeal,” said Pollakoff.

Pollakoff has been met with an outpouring of support from many of Grant’s co-workers as well as members of the community who were not previously acquainted with Michele to assist with the planning and organizing of the upcoming event. Nearly everyone who Pollakoff approached did not hesitate to join him in the effort to help the Grant family in their time of need.

Pollakoff is especially thankful for the generosity of Shonna McDaniel, Director of the Sojourner Truth Multicultural Art Museum. When approached by Pollakoff, McDaniel immediately offered the use of the Florin Road Arts and Business Complex facilities to host the event in addition to volunteering to help organize the event.

Grant was forced to take catastrophic leave from her job as a supervisor at the Department of Health Services in order to assume full time care of Marissa once her vacation time and paid leave was exhausted.

Keeping the family’s financial life in order has been an ongoing struggle for the divorced mother of four during the past 12 months. It has only been through the generous donations of vacation time by other state workers as is permitted after an employee qualifies for catastrophic leave that Grant has been able keep the family afloat financially.

Although Grant expects to return to work within the next 90 days, there is still a need to secure donations of vacation hours from fellow state workers until such time that she is able to return to work to draw a paycheck.

“I have been brought to tears on many occasions by the overwhelming support I have received from people who know me and those whom I’ve never met, but have contributed some of their vacation hours after hearing about our situation,” stated Grant.

Grant credits her strong faith and the support of her church home, Bayside of South Sacramento, for the spiritual support that was necessary for the family to pull together to make during some very uncertain moments.

“I know there is a loving God who has helped not just Marissa, but our entire extended family to make it through the times when we feared we might lose her,” said Grant.

Grant’s co-workers have admired her perseverance through what has been an emotionally and financially draining experience. Those who have known Michele or heard of her family’s situation from their friends welcomed the idea of hold a fundraiser to assist the family.

“I see a lot of strength in Michele and I think it comes through her faith,” stated Alexandria Arredondo, a member of the planning committee that is headed by Pollakoff.

“We all wanted to do something to help Michele get through the situation that she is facing,” said Arredondo.

Many of Grant’s co-workers have known her and her children including daughter Danielle, 18, and twins Alicia and Damarrus, 21, for 10 years or more.

“We’ve watched them grow up,” said Linda Horne, a member of the Friends Michele Grant committee.

“We all empathize with her situation as a mother, friend, and as a co-worker,” stated Horne.

January 27, 2011, began as normal day at work for Michele and at school for Marissa who was attending classes at Natomas High School.

Grant was apparently away from her desk when the initial call came from the school informing her that Marissa had suffered what they believed at the time to be a seizure and had been taken to Sutter Memorial Hospital.

Upon arriving at the hospital and identifying herself, Grant was taken into a room where she was met by Natomas High School vice-principal Angela Herrera. Herrera was accompanied by hospital personnel who informed her that Marissa had aspirated while having a cardiac arrest and her body did not receive oxygen for approximately 8-10 minutes until after the paramedics arrived.

Marissa’s heart had stopped and her organs were in the process of shutting down before the paramedics were able to clear the breathing passageway and use a defibrillator to restart her heartbeat.

Despite the warnings of medical personnel, Grant insisted upon being admitted to the intensive care unit where Marissa lay comatose. Her body had swollen to the point where she was nearly unrecognizable by her mother.

Marissa was connected to various monitoring and life support equipment and was shivering uncontrollably due to the fact that her body was completely iced down to help to reduce the swelling.

The doctors at Sutter Memorial informed Grant that Marrisa had very nearly lost her life. Marissa’s brain was swollen and had been damaged on both sides, her lungs were filled with fluid, and her heart had been weakened by the cardiac arrest.

The doctors insisted that they would do everything they could, but that it was a “wait and see” situation. After the first four days while still in a coma, Marissa was transferred to Kaiser Roseville where the Grant family belonged as members.

It was apparent to observers from the beginning that Marissa’s youth relative good health would be the determining factors in her recovery.

The first milestone in Marissa’s recuperation was when she woke up from her coma approximately one week after her cardiac arrest. The next major event occurred two weeks later when Marissa was taken off the respirator and she was able to breathe on her own.

It was a great relief to all when Marissa was able to respond to simple commands to move or blink her eyes and give a thumbs up or down sign.

The effects of the cardiac arrest left Marissa with impaired mobility and function of her extremities. The left side of her body is more severely weakened much like an individual who has suffered a stroke.

Marissa’s rehabilitation therapy began while she was in the hospital with meeting various goals such as being able to sit up for 30 minutes a day. After a steady improvement over the course of her first month, Marissa was transferred to Kaiser Vallejo on February 28, 2011, for six weeks of occupational therapy.

While at that facility Marissa continued to learn how to use her body. She was relearning basic motor skills such as standing, walking, and getting dressed which had become difficult due to her loss of balance. Fine motor skills such as grasping and stirring had also become problematic due to her impairments. The rehabilitation also included speech therapy.

Marissa’s medical history includes sporadic episodes of fainting that began when she was 8 years old. Every time it would occur, Michele would take Marissa to the doctor and get thoroughly checked out for abnormal brain function and heart irregularities. The tests would come back with normal results and the doctors were unable to pinpoint a cause of the fainting spells.

It has only been after a battery of sophisticated tests by some of the best physicians available in Northern California, that doctors diagnosed Marissa with Long QT syndrome (LQTS), a congenital disorder that is very difficult to detect and is known to cause cardiac arrest and seemingly inexplicable sudden death by natural causes.

As a result of the diagnosis, Marissa underwent surgery on May 31, 2011 at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, where a pacemaker/defibrillator was placed in her heart.

Although Marissa is still confined to a wheelchair, she has processed steadily in her rehabilitation and recovery. The Natomas school district assessed Marissa and developed an individual education plan (I.E.P.) that is tailored to her needs and limitations.

As might be expected, there have been some difficulties during the rehabilitation process. Michele indicates that sometimes Marissa gets depressed and is easily fatigued if faced with too much activity.

As a former volleyball player and honors student who had already researched and investigated programs for a future career as a pediatric nurse, Marissa has had an understandably tough time adjusting to her new reality. She has indicated to Michele that she would just like to “get the old Marissa back.”

Marissa has to endure a steady routine of therapy along with up to 10 hours a week of private instruction with two “delightful” teachers according to Grant.

Michele has not pushed to have Marissa return to the Natomas High School campus as she has not yet indicated a desire to reunite with friends.

“Marissa has the option to make those decisions when she is ready,” stated Grant.

“I have faith that Marissa will grow in her acceptance and allow those who know and love her to show how much they really care,” said Grant.

It is anticipated that Marissa must continue with the rehabilitation process for a minimum of four years. It is unknown just how far or fast she will improve. However, Michele is extremely thankful that her child pulled through because so many people who have gone through similar circumstances did not make it.

Anyone who is interested in attending this fundraiser, donating vacation time to Michele Grant, or simply desires to make a financial contribution to assist Marissa in her rehabilitation may contact Joe Pallokoff at (916) 801-3673 or via email at j.pollakoff@gmail.com or Michele Grant at (916) 501-5917 or via email at chelleg510@gmail.com.

Sleeping bag giveaway event a success

2011-12-28T02:55:02Z

While most families in Sacramento were cozy at home enjoying a traditional Christmas morning with loved ones, a small group of dedicated volunteers braved the early morning cold to participate in the sleeping bag giveaway hosted by Safehaven Ministries of Sacramento.

Overseeing the entire event was Safehaven Outreach Center Site Pastor Joe Talancon, the inspiration and driving force behind the concept of a sleeping bag giveaway.

“Today has been a blessing,” stated Talancon when commenting on his impression of the event.

“This is the first time we’ve had our Christmas morning service indoors,” explained Talancon in reference to the Safehaven Outreach Center which was established at 1400 North C Street in downtown Sacramento at the beginning of the year.

Volunteers arrived well in advance of the 9 a.m. start time to prepare the coffee, hot breakfast and pastries that were freely available to anyone who stood in line.

By 9:30 a.m., the Outreach Center reached its full capacity of approximately 175 people, all there to enjoy the Christmas morning program.

Site Pastor Talancon first introduced vocalists Bernard Larue, Diana Larue, Pam Talancon and Juels Talancon. They sang five inspiring gospel tunes and received an enthusiastic response from the audience after each selection.

Site Pastor Talancon then gave a brief but strongly worded message of hope. During his service, Talancon quoted scripture and related details of his life story that included many years of struggling with substance abuse, homelessness and unemployment before he “got tired of being sick and tired."

Talancon emphasized to the audience that any of them could find the necessary favor through salvation to break the cycle of life on the streets.

Upon concluding his remarks, Talancon hosted a good natured raffle. Prize winners received air mattresses and Christmas stockings stuffed with toiletries and other items intended to ease the burdens of life on the streets.

“I appreciated hearing Pastor Joe’s message this morning,” said Tiron Brantley who was seated in the front row during the service.

“Four walls don’t define a person who is a fisher of men,” stated Brantley.

Shawn Caesar of Bayside [church] Of South Sacramento then took charge of the distribution of clothes; hot breakfast; books, including bibles, and of course the sleeping bags, complete with a mat to place underneath for added comfort.

Caesar was ably assisted by Minister Arthur Threadgill of Higher Heights Church of God In Christ, who helped to ensure there was a smooth and orderly procession.

Those seated in the audience were called up row by row to stand in line to pick and choose amongst the thousands of items that were donated to help those who are currently going through tough times. The sleeping bags were welcome relief for those individuals who have been braving Sacramento's subfreezing overnight temperatures in recent days.

Once the word spread throughout the area that the actual sleeping bag giveaway was underway, many people who received refreshments but did not stay for the service returned. Others who previously had no idea of the giveaway but caught wind of it were able to come inside and simply wait their turn to receive a sleeping bag and mat along with the other items that were available.

Upwards of 450 appreciative individuals patiently lined up under the watchful direction of Caesar and Threadgill, with stragglers coming up even after the doors officially closed around noon.

“It was time for a different type of Christmas for us,” stated Safehaven volunteer Donna Eckwortzel, who arrived early to help set up the event along with her husband and children.

“The kids opened up their presents at 6 a.m. and then we all came down to be a gift to others,” said Eckwortzel.

Volunteer LaDon Mellen recently attended one of the Third Thursday events hosted by Safehaven founder Pastor Don F. Harris. Mellen volunteered for other charitable organizations in the past and immediately agreed to become a part of the Christmas day event upon hearing of it.

“I pulled my family in [with me] this year,” stated Mellen as she pointed out her two children who were also serving as volunteers to assist with the Christmas event.

“We bought our kids sleeping bags to donate to the giveaway,” said Mellen in reference to her two children, now in their early 20‘s, who are both doing well as young adults.

Interfaith Council President John Fish brought his entire family of at least three generations to spread Christmas cheer to everyone in the room by singing a Christmas carol while the donated items were being passed out.

There were many voices of thanks and smiles that showed appreciation for the efforts of Safehaven Outreach Center.

“They really do help people,” said Sheila Talbert, who heard about the event by word of mouth from some acquaintances. Despite the challenges she personally faces being wheelchair bound, Talbert took the time away from her home to come out and be of service to others in her own way.

Christmas Sleeping Bag Giveaway Still Accepting Support

2011-12-20T06:32:05Z

While most people will spend Christmas morning at home celebrating with loved ones, a group of dedicated volunteers will be hosting a sleeping bag giveaway 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Outreach Center of Safehaven Ministries of Sacramento. The event will be located near the homeless shelters and food kitchens at 1400 North C Street, Sacramento, Calif. 95811.

This past Saturday, a group of dedicated volunteers spent the morning unloading trucks and accepting donations in preparation for the Christmas morning event.

Approximately 800 brand new sleeping bags along with mats, gloves, socks, clothing and headgear will be available on a first come-first served basis on Christmas morning.

The motivating forces behind this year’s giveaway are Safehaven Site Pastor Joe Talacon and Safehaven Lead Pastor Don F. Harris.

“I came from the streets,” stated Talacon when describing why he and his family will be spending most of their Christmas morning serving others. “I have been reaching out to those in need in this area for over six years and have been blessed to combine efforts with Pastor Harris to create Safehaven,” said Talacon.

Talacon spearheaded a similar event two years ago as the leader of His Streets Ministries, a faith-based homeless outreach ministry. He indicated that there is an overwhelming need for such an event in the Sacramento area.

“We will give out everything we have with no questions asked,” he stated.

Although Talacon currently works as a welder, the creation of an outreach ministry is his calling. His goal is to transition to serving as a pastor with Safehaven Ministries on a full-time basis.

Safehaven Ministries of Sacramento has been in existence for just over a year. While seeking support to open its Outreach Center on a regular basis, Safehaven has sponsored events for the homeless community during major holidays such as Easter and Thanksgiving.

As a part of their efforts to expand their ministry and generate support from the business community, Safehaven founder Don F. Harris has regularly hosted “Third Thursday Business Breakfasts” at the 1400 North C Street location. Each breakfast has featured a different theme or guest speaker to further the ministries’ goals of “meeting needs and solving problems with integrity and excellence.”

The Christmas morning giveaway is generously supported by the local faith-based community. On hand lending their assistance to unload and store the donations alongside the dozen or so volunteers was President of the Interfaith Council John Fish. He was accompanied by Chuck Aldeman and Ron Kaldor of the Jewish Community Relations Council.

Many generous donations were delivered between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. this past Saturday. Amongst the various contributors to the efforts were Sacramento Diocese Catholic Women who donated scarves, mittens, socks and sleeping bags; the Folsom L.D.S. who brought 200 mats and sleeping bags and the Friends of the Sacramento Public Library who dropped off donated books including dozens of Bibles to pass out during the scheduled service and giveaway. Other supporters include Bayside Church of South Sacramento, the Bayside Church of Granite Bay and local businessman Moe Mohanna.

The facility at 1400 North C Street will be open between 9:00 a.m. and noon on Saturday, December 24 to accept additional new and gently used items to contribute to their efforts. The most requested items that are in short supply include gloves, socks, headgear, and of course, sleeping bags.

Financial donations to support Safehaven’s efforts to bring Christmas cheer to the less fortunate can be accepted at any time. Anyone who wishes to contribute to the efforts to purchase additional items or to provide the refreshments that will be served during the giveaway is encouraged to contact Safehaven Site Pastor Joe Talacon via email at

joe.talancon@gmail.com or by leaving a message and contact information for Safehaven Ministries on their website at Safehavensacramento.org.

Ladies Night Out VI at the Guild Theater

2011-11-15T07:09:41Z

The Historical Guild Theater in Oak Park featured this year’s final Ladies Night Out event this past Saturday evening. Host Terry Moore put together a program that featured music, poetry, comedy, dancing, a fashion show and motivational speaking.

“I listen carefully to the feedback I receive from each event and respond accordingly,” stated Moore when commenting on how he determines the lineup of entertainment for each show.

“Our patrons request many of our performers who have been featured at previous events, but I always make it a point to bring in new artists who are working hard and deserve the opportunity to be showcased in front of their hometown,” said Moore.

The special guest host for the evening was Lee Perkins, best known as the DJ host of the morning show at V101.1 radio. Perkins’ debonair personality and easygoing style was accentuated by his well tailored appearance. He joked easily with the performers while complimenting each act for their contributions to the evening’s success.

During the preshow, two local poets came out and warmed up the crowd with their heartfelt original compositions.

First came Poet Dan Blake who recited a poem entitled, “It.” This was followed by a piece entitled, “I love you,” wherein he expressed his deepest sentiments about the woman in his life.

Poet La Roc then took the stage and debuted her newest poem, “Black Queen.” In it she expressed why it is so important for Black women to maintain the dignity, poise and self-respect of a queen, even in the face of what may sometimes seem to be the overwhelming circumstances of life.

Before the show officially got underway, models from Javonne Soder’s Live to Model modeling school put on a dazzling display of fashion. Their outfits ranged from street wear casual to formal wear, and were designed to catch the eye of and compliment women regardless of their age or figure.

The Sacramento Soul Line dancers were the first performers to come on stage. The audience responded with appreciation as they demonstrated the well-choreographed moves of the “El Paso” line dance to the remix of Mary J. Blige’s hit song “Just Fine.”

The dancers’ outfits were all black with pink trim and each of them wore a matching t-shirt that displayed a nickname. Ladies Night Out host Moore was a surprise guest dancer who had the name “Poet” emblazoned across his back.

House band Ear Candy displayed their customary level of talent and professionalism while playing behind the curtains before the show began and providing live music for artists whenever asked.

Ear Candy features Brother Gary on the bass, Lemont Kelsey on percussion, Ray Shamsid-Deen on drums and Jordon Tholmer on the keyboards. Singer J’Neen accompanied the group and provided lead and background vocals during the evening.

Ear Candy band leader and lead guitarist Norman McDaniel showed his skill and experience on the Roland synthesized guitar during their rendition of the Quincy Jones’ track, “Secret Garden.”

Singers Tony R., Remy, Lanoris Louis and Tone Malone each took a turn on lead vocals while setting a sensual atmosphere as they crooned to the ladies in the audience.

During their extended interpretation of the classic hit song, the ladies of Live to Model surprised the audience when they emerged dressed seductively in lingerie. The models used the aisles as their catwalk and were well-received and appreciated by both the men and the women in the audience.

Guest Host Perkins then brought the vendors that were present at the event onstage and asked each to describe their wares or the nature of their services.

Comedian Steph Sanders took the stage next and had the audience laughing immediately after he acknowledged the recent loss of boxer Joe Frazier and rapper Heavy D.

Sanders displayed a wide range of comic ability with his jokes. He went from poking fun at the Soul Line Dancers to describing the difficulties of bouncing back from a night on the town partying after the age of 30.

Sanders demonstrated comedic spontaneity when he broke out dancing and perfectly mimicked the video routine of New Edition’s “Cool It Now” in the moments after he experienced a brief microphone malfunction.

Motivational Speaker Theodry Carruth was then introduced to the audience. Carruth was immaculately dressed in a business suit that symbolized the serious nature of the subject matter of her talk entitled, “How to Keep Your Man at Home.”

Carruth had both male and female members of the audience mesmerized as she described to the ladies how she surveyed and obtained her information from a wide variety of men from all around the county.

Her advice to the ladies ranged from simple things to demonstrate appreciation, love and affection, to suggestions of a more serious nature. Her ideas included such things as leaving love notes in his homemade lunch and preparing homemade meals as often as possible, to practical advice on how to stop nit-picking and make him feel miserable and “less than.”

Throughout Carruth’s presentation, the audience frequently responded audibly to the many points she made. This was especially true when she advised the ladies to stop telling their friends what he’s not doing and instead, let him know. Carruth counseled that a woman should compliment her man often, treat him to a night out once in awhile and to stop using him like a personal ATM machine.

Popular singer and musician Tone Malone, aka Soulfish McGee, took the stage and treated the crowd to a demonstration of his unique talents by playing the piano and singing an original composition entitled, “Funk Song.” During the tune, the audience reacted with spontaneous applause to the stellar solo performance of Ear Candy’s McDaniel on lead guitar.

Tone Malone completed his set with a soulful performance of D’Angelo’s track entitled, “Chicken Grease.”

Just before the intermission, Tina B’s Men of Soul had the ladies in the crowd cheering in approval as they took the stage and performed the line dance, “Act Like You Know,” to Jaheim’s hit track, “Ain’t Leaving Without You.” The Men of Soul followed this up with some smooth coordinated steps to the song “Can you Feel It,” by Kem.

“It’s my first time here and I had no idea all this was going on,” said Marty Long while catching a breath of fresh air in front of the Guild just before the intermission.

“The show is very entertaining and I’m enjoying myself. I’ll be back at the next event,” stated Long.

During the intermission, host Lee Perkins took the stage with the ladies and gentlemen of the Tina B’s Soul line and had a fun time stepping to the song “Wobble Baby Wobble” by V.I.C.

While the dancers were clowning around on stage during the break in the show, a long line formed in front of the Guild Theater as the patrons patiently waited for the opportunity to obtain some delicious barbecue. Simply Southern Café owners Michael Mullins and Lynnis Woods-Mullins parked their catering truck just outside and made sure no one who needed food or refreshment when away without it.

“This is a very classy event,” said Pamela Talacon who was attending Ladies Night Out for the first time with her husband Joe.

“I came with no ideas or expectations,” stated Talacon during the intermission. “It has been an uplifting evening and I particularly enjoyed the comedy and the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers.”

Immediately after the break, guest host Perkins introduced comedian Dru Burks as the featured performer for the second part of the show.

Burks, a seasoned veteran of the local comedy scene, demonstrated his comedic chops by immediately teasing those audience members who might confuse Oak Park with the midtown area of Sacramento.

Burks then requested a showing of those who loved their women. He received a huge laugh after he challenged all the men who responded to turn over their cell phones to their lady. He went on to describe with great humor how women are far smarter than men when it comes to cheating on their mates.

House band Ear Candy immediately responded to Burks’ request for some gospel music, whereupon he started making jokes about his troubles with ushers whenever he shows up late for church in order to avoid the multiple times the plate is passed.

The surprise of the evening came from Robert Lee, J-Styles and Trei-Knoxx, three young male singers who call themselves True Stylez.

True Stylez took the stage and captivated the audience with a brief a cappella rendition of the Boyz II Men standard, “The End of the Road.”

Throughout their set, the three young men were rewarded with intermittent spontaneous applause for their coordinated dance steps, harmonies and vocal skills. All three songs, “Kick Rocks,” “Drowning” and “Can’t Let You Go,” were original tunes.

The final vocalist of the evening was singer Lady G, who exhibited strong passion and exquisite voice control while singing the track ‘Someone Like You,” by Adele.

Host Perkins thanked the crowd for attending the event before the Men of Soul took the stage for the final time.

“It was a really good show,” stated Katherine Gales as she left the Guild Theater.

“I’d like to see Ladies Night Out more often,” said Gales.

The Ladies Night Out series will resume in the new year on January 28, 2012 with a brand new show featuring more of Sacramento’s local talent.

Be sure to contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase your tickets. The event is guaranteed to be another inspirational and fun evening of entertainment.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Ladies Night Out Event. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Sac World Fest a success

2011-10-04T07:06:26Z

The 4th annual World Music & Dance Festival in Old Sacramento this past weekend featured a wide variety of live music, dance events and ethnic foods, as well as arts and crafts from all parts of the globe.

The main celebration was scheduled Sunday between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., although the Spotlight On: India! extravaganza kicked off the weekend’s events on Saturday evening at 6 p.m.

In keeping with Sacramento’s reputation as the most multi-ethically integrated big city in America, performances were turned in by all levels of local talent, from student groups to nationally recognized performers who live in and near the Sacramento area.

Attendees of the event had unrestricted access to visit Passenger Station Stage and the Waterfront Stage all day Sunday. Music and dance performances representing nearly every major cultural group in Sacramento continued nonstop from 10 a.m. until well past their scheduled closing time of 5 p.m.

In addition, performances were featured most of the day at the Old Eagle Theater and outside along Front Street at the Fats City Performance Area. The Global Village held demonstrations of a wide variety of ethnic cooking styles and also had displays of arts and crafts from various corners of the globe.

Anyone looking for a bargain was not disappointed. There was a wide ranging selection of ethnic arts and crafts, jewelry, fine arts and literature available from several dozen vendors who attended the event. The event also featured items and attractions aimed especially for kids including children’s theater, hands-on art projects, face painting, storytellers and traditional toys from various cultures for sale.

“It was an awesome event with a lot of cultural diversity,” stated Gabrielle Overton, who attended the event with her three young children.

“It was a great experience for my kids to get exposed to a variety of music and dance styles from around the world,” stated Overton.

Nationally recognized poet and spoken word artist Terry Moore hosted the Fat City Performance Area during the afternoon from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

“I was thrilled to accept the invitation to bring out some of our regularly featured artists who perform at The Show,” stated Moore in reference to his monthly Afrocentric variety show which features poetry, live music and dance on the last Saturday of each month at the Florin Business Arts Complex in Sacramento.

“Events like the Sac World Fest are part of the reason why Sacramento is a great place to live and raise children,” said Moore.

The Sac World Fest mission statement is, “To showcase the cultural diversity of the Sacramento region through the presentation of an ethnic dance and music festival for all ages, providing an educational and entertaining experience.”

Josie Corrales agreed that the event lived up to its mission.

“I had a great time,” said Corrales. “They had some really great performances that got the audiences involved. I’ll be sure to come back next year.”

Autism awareness event held at State Capitol

2011-09-08T05:19:29Z

The Rock Away Labor Day Autism Awareness Event featured dozens of performers who spent all or part of Monday at the State Capitol putting their talents on display for a worthy cause.

Event organizer Richard Evans said he was pleased that all of the hard work he and fellow organizers Monique Jefferson, Zina Beard, Ashley “Artistic” Hammock, Darlene Ragan and Khiry Malik invested paid off.

“There were several hundred people present during the afternoon peak, and we estimate that a total of at least 500 people attended the event at some point during the day,” said Evans, who also founded the Muzik 4 Autism Awareness organization.

Raising the community’s awareness of what autism is and what can be done to bring out the best in those individuals who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was the inspiration for the event.

Terri Contenti, community relations officer for the UC Davis MIND Institute (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders), was there passing out resource information and answering questions about ASD.

“There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to the diagnosis of autism,” Contenti said. “Each person must be assessed individually so that the therapies and medications that are available can be tailored to fit their diagnosis in order to have the best opportunity to live up to their potential.”

Although autism and ASD are familiar terms to many people, it remains one of the most baffling and mysterious of developmental disorders in the public conscious and in the medical profession.

Autism affects social and communication skills and, to varying degrees, motor and language skills. At present there is no definitively known cause or cure, nor is there any one treatment for the disorder.

Notwithstanding the seriousness of the worthy cause that inspired the occasion, the purpose of the day’s events was to create a family-friendly environment to enjoy the wide variety of entertainment.

The event included several fashion shows, poetry readings, a variety of dancers and dance groups, as well as a host of musical groups that included gospel singers, rock bands, R&B vocalists and hip-hop artists. The non-stop entertainment continued simultaneously on the north steps and the west steps of the Capitol.

“This is a free, all-day concert and event for a good cause,” Beard said. “Everybody here is having a good time.”

There were smiles on the faces of children, big and small, when looking in the mirror after having their faces painted by artist Mary Ragan. Groups of kids were scattered, all busy with crayons and coloring books provided by the MIND Institute.

A wide variety of booths and vendors were present, offering everything from Caribbean food to snow cones.

“I really want to thank all of the performers, organizers and members of the public who came out to support the event,” Evans said. “There have been some challenging times we’ve faced as a family, but we’ve made it through them and will continue to do so now that we have the help and support we need.”

Evans said there are plans to host an event in April during Autism Awareness Month and to bring back the Rock Away Labor Day for Autism Awareness next year.

Anyone in the Sacramento area who is interested in finding out more about ASD or is seeking assistance and support for someone they know or suspect may have autism should contact the UC Davis MIND Institute at (916) 734-2011 or through their website at mindinstitute.org.

Ladies Night Out V at the Guild Theater

2011-09-06T06:15:37Z

Terry Moore Presents brought Ladies Night Out V to the Historic Guild Theater in Oak Park this past Friday night. This final show of the summer series at the Guild lived up to its billing as a red carpet event complete with celebrity VIP guests and a fantastic show.

“We really wanted to show our appreciation to Sacramento for all of the support we’ve received this year by ending the summer with a special event,” stated Moore.

“The most satisfying part of the evening was looking out over the audience and seeing everyone enjoying themselves and having a good time,” said Moore.

The special guest host for the red carpet extravaganza was Courtney Dempsey of Channel 31’s “Good Day Sacramento” morning show. Moore’s choice of Dempsey to host the show proved to be the right one. Smartly outfitted in an all white dress, Dempsey brought to the stage her unique combination of elegance, charm, polish, and wit.

The Sacramento Soul Line Dancers charged the atmosphere in the theater with electricity before with curtains opened to start the event by showing off their synchronized line dance moves to Mary J. Blige’s “Just Fine” and V.I.C.’s “Wobble Baby Wobble.”

The evening’s house band Ear Candy started playing Bobby Calwell’s hit “What You Won’t Do For Love” before the curtains opened with local R&B singer Tony R. peeking out first on the vocals before the curtains opened to start the show.

Tony R. then had the pleasure of introducing Dempsey to the audience who immediately encouraged the crowd to relax and get comfortable while commenting on the soul line dancers and describing the lineup of entertainment scheduled for the evening. Dempsey acknowledged and thanked Moore for all of his efforts to put together the series of events showcasing all of the local talent in Sacramento and providing an opportunity for artists to build a following locally as the foundation before moving forward in their careers.

The Lady Jaz Project opened the show with its’ unique style of gospel, funk, urban contemporary music. The band features Lady Jaz on the lead vocals with backup singers Sharhonda Ruffin and Arameya Scott, Rick Smith on guitar, Willie G. Martin Jr. on the bass, and Robert Scott on the drums.

The band played four original songs in its set. “What’s His Name,” “Better Than That,” “One on One,” and “Solider Song.” Lady Jaz demonstrated her strong vocals and a powerful stage presence throughout the set, but the crowd really got moving and motivated with swaying and hands clapping on the final number as their dance step routines mimicked soldiers on the march.

In a surprise addition to the program, Dempsey brought out the men of Sacramento Soul Line Dancers to show off their moves to Usher’s track, “Hey Daddy (Daddy’s Home).” Each member displayed their own individual style while staying in step with the others which lent an air of spontaneity to the well rehearsed dance routine.

The ladies in the predominately female crowd moved to the aisles and started to groove along with the men on stage who were all sharp dressed in an array of fashionable suits, ties and dress hats. After the number, everyone in the audience rose and gave the dances a standing ovation in appreciation of their entertaining performance.

J.D. Sanders described the purpose of the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers as, “A way to have fun, maintain good health, and make new friends,” when speaking of the weekly practice sessions every Thursday night at the Touch of Class from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the many events where they perform throughout the Sacramento region.

Accomplished local comedian Andre Bailey showed off his comedic chops and demonstrated why he has been featured everywhere from the Apollo Theater to Laughs Unlimited when he took the stage to tickle the funny bones of the Ladies Night Out audience.

Poking fun at everything from Oak Park to airport security x-ray machines to members of small churches to Wocka Flocka Flame, Bailey visibly enjoyed himself by laughing along with the crowd at his own jokes.

Event founder Terry Moore stepped up to the stage to acknowledge some of the celebrity V.I.P’s in attendance and to pass out some door prizes to the guests who were seated in the V.I.P. seating with the help of host Dempsey.

Dempsey introduced R& B singer Kaleo Ross who began his set with “Blackstreet’s Before I Let You Go,” before launching directly into his recently released single ‘Supaman.” Kaleo responded to cheers and loud applause from the audience as he appeared to feeding off of their encouragement as he sang the difficult notes in both of the tracks.

Much to the surprise of the audience, House Band Ear Candy reappeared on stage behind Kaleo as he announced a special collaboration. As the music played and Kaleo used his voice as an instrument, the voice of Terry Moore came over the loudspeakers as he read one of his newest love poems, “Married Kind of Love,” from offstage, much to the delight of the audience.

In response to the crowd’s demand for more, Moore then came on stage and joined Kaleo and recited his well loved poem, “12 Things I’ll Do to Keep You,” with Kaleo singing ad lib’s of the lines between each of the verses.

Throughout the performance of the combination of poetry and singing, Ear Candy band leader and lead guitarist Norman McDaniel showed his skill and experience on the Roland synthesized guitar.

With band members Brother Gary on the bass, Lemont Kelsey on percussion, Ray Shamsid-Deen on drums, with both Karen Westbrook and Jordon Tholmer on the keyboards, the group played jam session style and never missed a beat. Moore, Kaleo, and Ear Candy all entertained the audience as a unit making it appear as if they had been doing it together for years.

Ear Candy brought the volume down while playing Bobby Caldwell’s hit song “What You Won’t Do for Love” in the background as Dempsey briefly appeared on stage to introduce singer Yardley Griffin, Jr.

Griffin and Ear Candy picked up the volume as the jam session continued with guitarist McDaniel leading the band with various arrangements of the Caldwell track including one with a reggae beat.

Griffin then introduced himself and showed a great deal of personality and stage presence as he joked with the crowd before he amped up the energy in the theater by singing “The Truth” by India.Arie. The ladies in the crowd responding by waving the carnations in the air concert style that Dempsey passed out earlier in the evening from the stage with the help of the ushers courtesy of event sponsor G.Rossi & Co., Florists.

After Griffin had the crowd clapping along with a bluesy song entitled “Get On Away From Me,” he took a moment to explain his roots in gospel music and to compliment the crowd for being one of the best live audiences he had ever performed in front of in his career.

Everyone in the theater responded enthusiastically by standing on their feet and singing along the chorus to Griffin’s earnest rendition of Fred Hammond’s song, “We’re Blessed,” to finish out his set

During the intermission a few audience members, including some small children, joined in on stage with the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers who were demonstrating their line dance routine to “Cupid’s Shuffle” by Cupid.

In the lobby Simply Southern Café owners Lynnis Woods Mullins and Michael Mullins, offered plates of fish, chicken, or ribs with side orders of green beans and salad along with a drink.

While waiting in line to be served, patrons were browsing through the selections offered by vendors including Traci Lynn fashion Jewelry offered by Zina Beard, Mary Kay Cosmetics offered by Mary Kay Beauty Consultants Lolita Johnson Hopkins and Nadia Olivian, and fashions offered by African American Expressions.

During the intermission, celebrity V.I.P. guest Amar Khalil, lead singer of Tony! Toni! Toné! stated,

“This is a great event, how they got it together and got everybody to come. The food is fabulous and the talent is really good. I’m enjoying myself.”

Samoria Lamuse stated, “I like this atmosphere and I feel really comfortable being able to move around without being restricted to enjoy the food.”

“This event is nicely put together,”Lamuse said.

When the show resumed, high energy dancer Ozala showed the ladies how to stay fit with a lively demonstration of Zumba.

Dempsey then introduced by designer and image consultant LaTanya DeNine, who in turn presented a brief fashion show featuring original creations from her de Neuf clothing line.

Comedian Dru Burks came to the stage and immediately began teasing everybody in the theater from the “skinny women” in the audience to the Sacramento Soul Line men whom he referred to as “The Five Heartbeats.”

Burks told event founder Terry Moore that the lobby reminded him of a church picnic during the intermission before he went on reprove the ladies for “facebook trickery” by only putting head shots on their facebook pages.

Dempsey then warmly introduced her long-time friend, poet Sean King, after she described the reputation for being an intellectual he earned at Sacramento State during their time on campus together.

King departed from the thought provoking poetry that is his stock in trade and recited two of his love poems, “Bit the Apple” and “You Inspire Me,” in keeping with the theme of love that is a part of Ladies Night Out.

Poet, singer, and actor Noah Hayes, aka, Supernova, then took the stage and honored his wife with his love poem, “You…” before reciting another love piece entitled “I’ve Seen My Future.”

Supernova then demonstrated his versatility as an entertainer by singing “My Cherrie Amor” by Stevie Wonder and “Ordinary People” by John Legend. He finished his set by singing the gospel standard ‘How Great Is Our God” to the highly appreciative audience.

After host Dempsey closed out the show by thanking the audience, the Sacramento Soul Line Dancers capped off the evening a final line dance to “Work It Like a Pro” by Roi Anthony featuring Cupid.

Former V101.1 radio D.J. Lee Perkins commented regarding the evening of entertainment,

“This was an excellent show and it’s great for families. Its’ better that the club scene and it had some real quality entertainment.”
“I had an absolutely wonderful time.” said Denise Henderson.

This event reminds me of the good times I had on the east coast- I’m impressed,” Henderson stated.
The Ladies Night Out series will resume after a two month hiatus on November 12, 2011, with a brand new show featuring more of Sacramento’s local talent

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Ladies Night Out Event. Othello worked as a member of the event staff.

Rock Away Labor Day Autism Awareness Event at State Capitol

2011-09-02T05:24:20Z

The Rock Away Labor Day Autism Awareness Event will be held on Sept 5, 2011 at the West and North steps of the Capitol Building in downtown Sacramento. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. and is scheduled to end at 7 p.m.

The Rock Away Labor Day show will feature a diverse lineup of live music, fashion shows, comedians, dance groups, a face painting area for children, raffles and more. The event is free of charge and is open to the public.

The purpose of the event is to have a day of enjoyment in a family friendly environment, to create more awareness about autism, and to provide educational and community resources on the subject. In addition, a part of the proceeds from the vendors who will be present at the event will be donated to help to purchase toys that help to teach children with autism and training tools to help families in need of learning how to cope with the disorder.

The moving force behind this Labor Day event is musician and photographer Richard Evans. As is typical for many parents who have a child with autism, Evans knew nothing about the disease when his son Ricardo was diagnosed with the condition at the age of 4. His desire to increase the public awareness of what autism is inspired him to create the organization, Muzic 4 Autism Awareness which is hosting the event.

“In the beginning it was tough because I had no idea what autism was at all,” stated Evans.

“For me the biggest triumph was finding the right doctor. We were able to find treatment therapies and medications that increased Ricardo’s focus and help him to sleep at night,” Evans said.

Although autism or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are familiar terms to many people, it remains one of the most baffling and mysterious of developmental disorders in the public conscious and in the medical profession.

Autism affects social and communication skills, and to a greater or lesser degree, motor and language skills. At present there is no definitively known cause or cure. Nor is there any one specific treatment for the disorder.

The Autism Society, the nation’s leading grassroots autism organization states on its website;

“While there is no known cure for autism, there are treatment and education approaches that may reduce some of the challenges associated with the condition. Intervention may help to lessen disruptive behaviors, and education can teach self-help skills that allow for greater independence.”

As Evans has learned over the years raising his son, often times there are no easy solutions. Because of the deficits in his speech and his lack of social skills, Ricardo cannot be left unattended, even though he is nearly 13 years old.

Fortunately for Evans, Ricardo’s older sister Rita, age 14, loves her younger brother and has always been supportive and understanding of the challenges of having a member of the family with autism.

“Many people do not realize my son has a disability because he looks "normal," said Evans.

Ricardo’s unusual or disruptive behavior can draw attention while the three members of the Evans’ family are out in the public. People often glance with a look of annoyance and sometimes stare at them with a look of wonder.

“When I inform them that my son has autism, they say “oh ok,” but the look on their faces most often tells me that they don’t really know what that is,” Evans stated.

The Autism Society confirms that the experiences of Evans' are typical of most other families with a member diagnosed with the condition. The struggle, however difficult it may be at times, is not without hope.

” But just as there is no one symptom or behavior that identifies individuals with ASD, there is no single treatment that will be effective for all people on the spectrum. Individuals can learn to function within the confines of ASD and use the positive aspects of their condition to their benefit, but treatment must begin as early as possible and be tailored to the child's unique strengths, weaknesses and needs.”

All members of the public are invited out to spend all or a part of their Labor Day enjoying the music, poetry, comedy, and other special features that will be on the stage at the Rock Away Labor Day Autism Awareness Event on this upcoming Labor Day. For more information about the event visit the organization’s website at www.m4aa.org.

Soul Night at the Guild Theater

2011-08-30T05:12:58Z

Terry Moore Presents brought his latest show concept, Soul Night, to the historical Guild Theater in Oak Park Saturday night. The “Soul Night" show was ably hosted by popular certified life coach and Christian counselor Kerri Herndon.

“We are evolving and growing as an organization while responding to the feedback we receive from our supporters,” said Moore when describing how the concept of Soul Night originated. “Soul Night is a show for everybody to come out and enjoy music, poetry, and dancing that will inspire the soul.”

Poet Aaron G. read his poem. “I Had a Dream” and Othello H. Curry, 3rd read his poem, “Single and Free to Mingle” at the open mic before the curtains opened to begin the show.

Host Kerri Herndon, who was introduced by singer Tony R., thanked Terry Moore and welcomed the audience to the event. Herndon then brought out popular dancer Sonic Boom to open the show. Sonic Boom amazed the crowd with an energetic and enthusiastic display of his prowess on the stage.

Leah Byrd was the first featured poet onstage during the evening. Her three poems “Broken Glass,” “Jungle Fever” and Farewell Religion” spoke of various aspects of her personal journey. The themes of her poems Included heartache caused by a failed relationship, the complex issues of self identity caused by a mixed race background, and own personal quest to move her spirituality beyond the confines of religious practices.

Local R&B singer Kaleo then crooned to the ladies in the audience with the song, “Love,” by Musiq Soulchild. His performance also included his two original songs, “Don’t Let Your Love Go,” and his recently released single, “Supaman.” The audience responded as he hit difficult high notes with frequent and spontaneous applause.

Host Kerri Herndon then took time to pump up the crowd by looking for the most enthusiastic members. Herndon then passed out pairs of tickets to the upcoming performance of “What My Husband Doesn’t Know,” featuring Morris Chestnut. Several audience members were observably thrilled with their good fortune.

Herndon then brought statuesque vocalist Yvette Gauff to the stage. After acknowledging all of the hard work put in by Terry Moore and the event staff, Gauff took time to model the necklace she wore during the evening. Her accessory was provided by Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry and offered by independent fashion consultant Zina Beard.

Gauff also encouraged audience members to familiarize themselves with the selections offered in the lobby by Deborah and Mz. J, the proprietors of Sista Girl Clothing.

With Gauff on the vocals and the evening’s house band Ear Candy, event founder Terry Moore inspired the audience to dance in the aisles to the heartfelt rendition of Tom Brown’s hit song, “Funkin’ for Jamaica.”
Norman McDaniel playing the Roland synthesized guitar, Brother Gary on the electric bass guitar, Jordon Tholmer on the keyboards and Ray Shamsid-Deen on the drums, Ear Candy demonstrated its versatility, experience and talent with some creative solos while playing Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do Love.” Gauff sang the first verse onstage before coming down into the audience and asking for individual audience members to sing the chorus in exchange for pairs of tickets to the upcoming stage play featuring Morris Chestnut.

While the band continued to play in the background, Herndon brought out R&B singer Tone Malone, aka Soulfish McGee, who picked up where Gauff left off and continued on with his own rendition of Caldwell’s hit. Ear Candy altered the arrangement to match Malone’s voice and style.

Following the soulful tune, Malone spoke for a few minutes about the meaning of soul music and the recent loss of songwriter and singer Nick Ashford. As a tribute to the duo Ashford and Simpson, Malone then brought out singers Denice Jones, Kaleo and Yvette Gauff to sing a verse of their hit song, “Solid as a Rock.”

Malone ended his set by demonstrating the amazing vocal range and talent that has made him so popular in Sacramento by singing “Beautiful” by Musiq Soulchild.

Gospel singer KoRae’Jus (pronounced courageous) then brought some heartfelt inspiration to the stage with her original song, “Breathe.”

With her backup singers, known collectively as Gideon 300, KoRae’Jus inspired the audience with her uplifting message of taking the time to simply breathe when facing difficult times - regardless of your life’s circumstances.

KoRae’Jus ended her set with another original song entitled, “Get Your Life Back.” She demonstrated powerful vocals reminiscent of Shirley Caesar and Patti LaBelle while relating to the audience the importance of being spiritually grounded.

After a short break, versatile songstress Tessa Evans opened the second half of the show and astonished unacquainted fans with her original song, “Infliction,” due to be released on her upcoming E.P. Evans’ soft voice and sultry jazz-influenced sound shone through as she graced the audience with her fluent vocals. To complete her set, Evans brought singer Tone Malone on stage. They showcased their unique vocal talents as a duet while singing, “Ordinary People,” by John Legend. They made the song their own, much to the appreciation of the audience.

The crowd was then treated to a brief fashion show featuring the de Neuf clothing line created by designer and image consultant LaTanya Denine.

Poetry once again took center stage when Anna Marie took the mic for two selections, “Freedom of Speech” and “Love Poem.” She was followed by poet and spoken word artist NSAA, whose high energy and rapid fire reading of his two pieces, “This Poem Is Stronger Than Me” and “The Trap,” held the crowd between rapt attention and laughter.

Dance group Naé² (pronounced nay to the second power) finished the show with an energetic synchronized dance routine choreographed by troop members Shayné Stanley, Zhane Stanley and NuNue LaShae.

Their dance number featured skit-like expressions and costume changes that were coordinated to their own mix of popular dance tracks and hip-hop raps appropriately sanitized for the family friendly audience.

As always, audience members were both pleased and impressed with the evening’s performers.

“I was skeptical when I first heard about Soul Night, but it was refreshing to see and hear so much talent from Sacramento,” said Marcia McClain, “I really had a good time.”

Dana P. stated that she was impressed by the diversity of the performers and their performances.

“It’s very nice to see that Sacramento is making the effort to showcase all of the local talent that is here.”

Herndon reminded the audience that the final Ladies Night Out event for the summer will be held on Friday, September 2. She told everyone present to come out looking their best as it will be a red carpet extravaganza complete with celebrity V.I.P. guests. The event will be hosted by Courtney Dempsey of Channel 31’s “Good Day Sacramento” show.

Be sure to contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail. com to purchase your tickets. The event is guaranteed to be another inspirational and fun evening of entertainment.

Disclosure: Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Soul Night event. Othello recited poetry and served on the event staff.

Ladies Night Out IV at the Guild Theater

2011-08-09T05:31:03Z

Ladies Night Out IV was celebrated at the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park Saturday evening. Nationally renowned local poet and community leader Terry Moore brought a fresh lineup of local talent to the stage as a part of his summer series of events at the Guild Theater.

“I respond by inviting the artists that are most requested,” said Moore when describing how he determines which artists he asks to feature.

“It is also my goal to give local artists who are just starting out an opportunity to become better known and develop a following,” stated Moore as he reflected upon the eclectic mix of artists that have appeared over the course of the summer series.

Comedy was the theme for the evening’s events, starting with emcee Steph Sanders, local comic and actor. Judging by the response from the audience when he hit the stage and began to warm up the crowd, Sanders appears ready for his big break.

“I’ve got two pilots under consideration and I’m hoping that one of them gets picked up,” said Sanders after the show.

Before the curtains were opened and the show officially began, up and coming poet Aaron G. had his debut appearance at Ladies Night Out. He was followed by local poet and author Larue. Each graced the audience with two selections.

18 year old Aaron G. reminded the audience about those awkward times of being young and in love. He recited two of his poems, “As Beautiful As It Seems” and “My Beautiful Woman.”

Larue, who is the author of the book, “In Search of a Father’s Love,” focused on the triumphs, trials and tribulations of relationships with her poems, “I Know” and “You’re Like.”

When the curtains opened at the start of the show, Tony R. belted out a few verses of “Ladies Night” by Kool & the Gang with the help of Leon “Scrap” Gray of the band LSB (Love Somebody) on the keyboards. Tony R. and Terry Moore then introduced Sanders as the emcee.

Sanders appeared at ease on the stage as he spontaneously made humorous observations regarding varying topics including his slight stature, Viagra pills and a family in the audience whose baby began to cry rather loudly.

Sanders introduced gifted vocalist Yvette Gauff who hit all the right notes singing, “For The Love of You,” by the Isley Brothers as her selection.

Gauff was rewarded with spontaneous applause at several points in her rendition of the song “Open My Heart” by Yolanda Adams. Her touching performance followed some heartfelt comments she related to the audience about facing a life-threatening illness just as she began to achieve professional success in business.

The ladies in the audience responded to Gauff’s request for help with the chorus of Jill Scott’s “The Way” by singing and dancing in their seats. She finished her set with Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together,” which inspired an impromptu singing contest between several audience members who were later rewarded with tickets to an upcoming stage play featuring Morris Chestnut.

Standout vocalist and musician, Tone Malone, came to the stage and began his set by serenading the ladies in the crowd with an a cappella version of Stevie Wonder’s “Lately,” much to the delight of the ladies in the audience – until he stopped short and left them swooning for more.

Malone continued his teasing after he spoke about a failed relationship that was the inspiration for his original song, “I Won’t Hurt You,” which he also sung a cappella.

The stage hands then rolled out a piano whereupon Malone demonstrated why he is such a sought after performer.

Malone showed his chops on the piano while singing and playing, “Before I Let You Go” by Blackstreet and “Knockin’ Da Boots” by H-Town, He also created a song spontaneously while singing and playing jam session style, with the assistance of Leon Gray on the electric keyboards.

Several times during his set, Malone was met with spontaneous outbursts of applause and standing ovations when hitting high notes. He finished strong to an universal standing ovation after his interpretations of John Legend’s “Ordinary People and gospel standard “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” both sung a cappella.

Just before the intermission, Terry Moore left his seat in the V.I.P section in the front row and announced from the stage that Lynnis Woods-Mullins and Michael Mullins, owners of Simply Southern Catering, had generously donated their time and enough food to treat everybody who was interested to a healthy meal of turkey or vegetarian spaghetti with salad, garlic bread and iced tea.

During the intermission, Tony R. grabbed the microphone and went into the audience to sing “Happy Birthday” to one surprised young woman who was celebrating her birthday at Ladies Night Out.

“This is what Sacramento needs,” stated Shavonne Green during the intermission. “It is not just a positive environment; there is an opportunity here for networking and making business contacts.”

Sanders brought comic Daunte Burks to the stage to start the second half of the show. Burks got quite a few laughs out of the crowd when bringing up the difficulties of dating and relating. He also pointed out why a woman should always let a man know her parole status.

It became apparent that a funny bone runs in the Burks family tree when emcee Sanders introduced Daunte’s cousin. Dru Burks, his good friend and fellow comedian, as the featured performer for the second half of the show.

Burks’ spontaneous comedic style was accentuated by the fact that he spent time growing up in Oak Park and other neighborhoods around south Sacramento.

In the midst of proclaiming himself a success story after being one of the first graduates of Kevin Johnson’s St. Hope Academy, Burks poked fun at everyone and everything - from the vintage piano played to Leon Gray’s one-man band to Terry Moore’s shirt and vest outfit, which he swore was all one piece.

What really kept the crowd laughing was Burks’ obvious struggle to keep his comedy family-friendly by refraining from the use of curse words.

Burks told the crowd he was going through withdrawal symptoms in his effort to not let any prohibited language slip out.

As is the case with most any event presented by Moore, the evening would not have been complete without featuring poetry and inspirational words to feed the spirit.

Spoken word artist and vocalist Sarah Myles Spencer made a brief appearance and sang, “Fly Me to the Moon,” before she recited her signature piece, “Jew Rican (Love Child).”

Myles Spencer was followed by Claudia Epperson, who spoke from the heart to the female dominated crowd with two poems created from her life’s experiences.

Epperson’s first piece provided a bird’s eye view of a woman verbally abusing her man in public. The second piece, “How I Long,” touched on the theme of a woman’s unfulfilled desires.

Shar Caldwell Robinson, author of the book, “I Am Precious,” took the stage and threw down the gauntlet to an ex-boyfriend who is begging his way back into her life after draining her resources and her love but fails to offer marriage.

Aaron G. then came back to the stage and made a play for all of the young women within earshot with his fantasy love poem, “A Tall Bottle of Nesquik.”

In response to popular demand, event founder and host Terry Moore took the stage and recited a new poem entitled, “When You Look in the Mirror." Moore tells the ladies that he hopes they see what he sees, the real woman underneath the makeup, a perfect 10.

When Moore called for requests from the audience but couldn’t build a consensus, he elected to have some fun with his poem, “Way to Prove My Love.”

As the show neared its end, a gentleman known simply as “Marcus” took the stage to provide a few words of encouragement and inspiration to everyone in the crowd.

Marcus reminded the audience that domestic violence causes collateral damage to other members of the family besides the female victims.

Citing as proof his understandable but misguided retaliation against a perpetrator of domestic violence, Marcus told the crowd that the criminal justice system can be unforgiving to those who do not make a good decision when it comes to taking the law into their own hands as a means to stop the violence.

The final performer, poet Zenobia Prothro, recited a poignant message about broken families in her piece, “Fatherless Boy.

Prothro then finished off the show by morphing into her alter ego, Marilyn Black, as she performed her debut single, “Player Hater.” The track features a funky dance groove and original lyrics inspired by her experiences.

“It was an inspiring amalgamation of talent,” said Rhonda Kelly, who attended one of the previous shows at the Guild Theater. “Ladies Night Out provides a unique combination of spiritual uplifting and promoting unity in the community.”

Moore has two events planned to close out the summer series. Soul Night will be held at the Guild Theater on Aug. 27, and on Sept. 2, the final Ladies Night Out event for the summer is billed as a “red carpet extravaganza,” complete with celebrity VIP guests. The event will be hosted by Courtney Dempsey of Channel 31’s “Good Morning Sacramento” show.

Contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase tickets. Both events are sure to provide enjoyment and inspiration in a positive atmosphere.

Jazzy R & B Concert at the Guild Theater

2011-08-08T05:43:48Z

Terry Moore Presents brought a matinee show to the historic Guild Theater in Oak Park Saturday afternoon. The “Jazzy R&B Concert” was co-hosted by poet and event founder Terry Moore and popular certified life coach and Christian counselor Kerri Herndon.

Herndon’s grace and stage presence brought an added touch of sensitivity and empowerment to the audience members, many of whom had come to the show through their affiliation with the WEAVE crisis center.

“We are always willing to try new things that will encourage members of the community to come out and have a good time while supporting our local talent that is too often better known outside of Sacramento than in their home town,” Moore said.

The concert opened with singer Marilyn Black, who showcased her first single, “Playa Hater.” The track features a funky dance groove and original lyrics inspired by her life experiences.

Comedian Daunte Burks took the stage and got the crowd laughing with hilarious material ranging from dating a woman with bad breath to poking fun at the troubles of Atlanta pastor Eddie Long. Burks had the crowd in stitches when explaining the difference between women who are classified as “cougars” and those he described as “alley cats” and “saber-toothed tigers.”

The voice of poet and author Shar Caldwell Robinson filled the Guild Theater , even without a microphone, as she recited three poems that evoked heartrending and emotional responses from the listeners. “One Poem” challenged the audience to discover from within what they need to motivate themselves. Robinson chronicles how one poem became the starting point for her to escape an abusive relationship at a young age and tough times thereafter to become the published writer she is today.

Praise dancer Michaela Stewart demonstrated an array of elegant and polished moves during an expressive performance as the song “Still Say, Thank You” by Smokie Norful played in the background.

Just before a brief intermission, hostess Kerri Herndon took the time to express some words of encouragement to the audience while she passed out door prizes.

Moore took the microphone as the house lights came up and expressed his thanks to all the sponsors and supporters who helped make the matinee event a reality.

Moore announced that Lynnis Woods Mullins and Michael Mullins, owners of Simply Southern Catering, generously donated their time and enough food to treat all members of the audience to a healthy lunch of turkey or vegetarian spaghetti with salad, garlic bread and iced tea.

After the intermission, the Rich Brown Project featuring vocalist Yardley Griffin lived up to the title of “jazzy R&B.“

An instrumental version of the Beatles’ “Come Together” showcased Rich Brown on bass guitar, Damani Rhodes on keyboards and Lem McEwen on the drums, with Norman McDaniel of the band Ear Candy sitting in with the group playing lead guitar.

Yardley Griffin then took the stage, and the band did a rousing rendition of Cee Lo’s hit song “Forget You.” The band kept the crowd singing along with its version of Al Green’s “Still in Love” and brought the crowd to its feet clapping and praising with the song “We’re Blessed” by Fred Hammond as the final number.

Spoken word artist and vocalist Sarah Myles Spencer demonstrated why she has quickly become one of Sacramento’s most sought-after talents after relocating from Chico earlier this year. Spencer demonstrated perfect pitch when opening her set with the jazz standard “Fly Me to the Moon” before she recited her signature piece, “Jew Rican (Love Child).”

Spencer ended her time on stage by first singing the gospel standard “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” prior to reciting a very moving poem she wrote, “Haiti, My Love, My Darling.”

The final band to perform during the Jazzy R & B Concert was Ear Candy, featuring Norman McDaniel playing the Roland synthesized guitar. The musicians in the group included Lemont Kelsey on percussion, Ray Shamsid-Deen on drums and Karen Westbrook who performed double-duty on keyboard and vocals.

Ear Candy’s two featured vocalists, Sheryl Counter and Chandrea Thomas, each demonstrated unique singing talents that added strength and versatility to the band. Together they transitioned seamlessly between jazz standards such as “Autumn Leaves,” R&B hits such as “Golden” by Jill Scott and gospel favorites, including “Falling in Love with Jesus” by Jonathan Butler.

The band interspersed Herbie Hancock’s famous jazz hit “Chameleon” as a bridge between songs as they performed a medley of hit songs including “Mexicoco” by Wayman Tisdale and “Fragile” by Sting.

Oak Park resident Trina Whitney said she came out to the show for a couple of reasons.

“I love the venue, I love the idea that Terry Moore came up with for a matinee concert and I want to support local talent and the arts in Sacramento,” she said.

“I had an awesome time, and I’m glad I came,” said Jessie Love, who attended one of the previous Ladies Night Out events. “Oak Park needs this. Sacramento needs this. Please tell Terry to keep doing what he’s doing.”

Moore has two events planned to close out the summer series. “Soul Night” will be held at the Guild Theater on Aug. 27, and on Sept. 2, the final Ladies Night Out event for the summer is billed as a “red carpet extravaganza,” complete with celebrity VIP guests. It will be hosted by Courtney Dempsey of Channel 31’s “Good Morning Sacramento” show.

Contact Terry Moore at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail.com well in advance to purchase tickets, as both events are sure to provide enjoyment and inspiration in a positive atmosphere.

Ladies Night Out III at the Guild Theater

2011-07-12T05:19:27Z

Ladies Night Out returned to the Historical Guild Theater in Oak Park Saturday Night with the third installment of the summer series. The show featured a mixture of styles of poetry and music. The show put together by Moore once again demonstrated his ability to mix well known performers with emerging local talent.

“With the support we have gotten from the community, it looks like the Ladies Night Out events are here to stay” said Poet Terry Moore, the founder, host, and driving force behind the concept.

The event was emceed by Petri Hawkins-Byrd, who is best known as the bailiff on the television show Judge Judy.

Hawkins-Byrd frequently showcased his humorous side between the various performers with spontaneous jokes and comments. On more than one occasion between performers, he broke out with a verse or two of various hits made famous by Stevie Wonder with Leon Gray of the band LSB (Love Somebody) matching him stride for stride on the keyboards.

Dancer Sonic Boom brought an array of crowd pleasing moves to the stage at Ladies Night Out to start the show off. His limber dance moves were choreographed to the songs “Day ‘n’ Night” and “Man on the Moon” by Kid Cudi. Sonic Boom delighted and pleased the ladies who were already seated when the show started promptly at 7 p.m.

Singer/writer/producer Aaron Young took the stage next and treated the audience to six selections of original music including the track “Lips” from his 2007 C.D. entitled “They Call Me A.Y.” Young’s smooth style exuded so much sex appeal that a number of ladies in the crowd were screaming for more. He ended his set with a gospel tune that revealed a spiritual side featuring the lyrics “Thank you Lord for giving me this day.”

Leah Albright-Byrd was the first poet onstage during the evening. She occasionally mixed singing a few verses with her thought provoking poetry. Albright-Byrd took on sensitive issues that women regularly face including religious fervor, interracial relationships, and the battle to extend forgiveness to oneself and others.

Poet BenOfficial the Great then filled up the Guild Theater with his presence without using a microphone. He challenged the audience’s level of awareness with his lyrical style of social conscious poetry. Audience members shouted encouragements and affirmations several times as the self-titled “Metaphorical Morpheus” traversed through universal themes such as media manipulation by television programming to rap music to the difference between a man being a father and a dad.

Moore took the stage to pass out door prizes to those audience members who bought V.I.P. tickets which included a plate that featured of barbecued chicken, a hot link, macaroni and cheese, and seasoned string beans catered by Derris Mosley, Owner of D’s Word of Mouth Catering.

V.I.P. audience member Jasmin Smith was taken by surprise when Moore brought vocalist Aaron Young back to the stage to sing “Happy Birthday” while her girlfriends and audience members shouted encouragement.

Smith stated that, “the evening was very motivating and very uplifting. Every woman in Sacramento deserves to come out with her friends or loved ones to experience the positive atmosphere of Ladies Night Out. Plus, the food was delicious!”

Just before the intermission, Poet Heather Christian floored the crowd with a combination of stunning beauty and challenging commentary. She let the audience members know they must take responsibility for their actions and not allow themselves to become victims of domestic violence or overindulgence in any form. Dressed in sleek form-fitting black, Christian pointed out several times that neither God nor the devil did it,

“No Boo Boo, you did that!” repeated Christian several times to howls of laughter by the audience.

Christian was animated, engaging, funny, and poignant with her distinctive style of poetry. She often incorporated verses from well known nursery rhymes to emphasize her points.

Headliner Garrett Perkins put on a virtuoso performance at Ladies Night Out after the intermission. The Berklee College of Music graduate showed the crowd why his sterling reputation in the Sacramento area on the alto saxophone is well deserved.

Perkins blew the audience away during his 30 minute set with original music including the song “Round and Round” and the title track from his latest album, “Sax and the City.”

Perkins came down from the stage and serenaded several ladies in the crowd during his rendition of “I Want to Know” By Joe. He also covered several well known popular tunes such as “Love TKO” by Teddy Pendergrass and "Ascention" by Maxwell. Perkins had the ladies on their feet and dancing as he ended his set with “Blame It” by Jamie Foxx.

Author, poet, and former Sacramento native Shar Robinson took time away from visiting with her new grandchild to grace the stage of the Guild Theater before heading back to Maryland for the upcoming release of her book “I am Precious, Diary of my Life from Sin to Salvation.”

Robinson shook up the men in the crowd by challenging them check their intentions with the women who love them enough to let them return when they come crawling back in her original poem entitled “What!”

Singer T.D. Trice came to the stage and amped up the audience with a rousing rendition of “Ladies Night” by Kool and the Gang. Trice showed his vocal versatility by adding short rap to the song “Same Old G” by Ginuwine. Trice really had the ladies laughing with the help of emcee Hawkins-Byrd with his cover of Tracy Morgan’s “Call Simone,” a parody response to “Call Tyrone” by Erykah Badu.

Poet Othello Curry took the stage as the final performer of the evening. He shared his views about pick up lines that don’t work. With his poem, “Make Love to Your Mind," Curry described what he would say to to a woman to declare his intentions during that first introduction. Curry evoked a heartfelt response from the ladies in the crowd with his follow up poem when he described how the title phrase, “I Gotcha,” means “I love you.”

When asked about her experience at Ladies Night Out, first time audience member Chanel Johnson said,

“I liked it so much I’m going to come back in August for my birthday and bringing my friends. The show was fun, enlightening, and full of laughter.”

Save the date of August 6, 2011, for the next Ladies Night Out extravaganza. Be sure to contact Terry Moore at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail.com well in advance to purchase your tickets as it is sure to be another enjoyable and inspiring event.

Disclosure: Othello Curry was an active participant in this week's Ladies Night Out III event. Othello recited poetry during the show.

Ladies Night Out II At The Guild Theater

2011-06-27T05:29:20Z

Ladies Night Out II was celebrated at the Historical Guild Theater in Oak Park Friday night. Award-winning poet and local community leader Terry Moore presented the second show of his summer series that featured a wide variety of local artists displaying their talent and abilities in poetry, fashion, music and dancing for an enthusiastic and appreciative audience.

The event was co-hosted by singer Tony R. and local poet and singer La Rah, both of whom served double duty as featured artists and making sure the three-hour-plus show ran smoothly and without interruption.

The evening began with popular local dancer Sonic Boom, who thrilled the crowd with his unique combination of hip-hop and modern dance moves performed to a remix of the song “Moments of Love” by Art of Noise.

The Poet i took the stage next with three selections that featured her original piece “Woman,” a soul-searching poem about a woman in a failing relationship. She was followed by some insightful poetry recited by La Rah, who sent a strong message to young men to “Stay Out of the Pen.”

Local fashion designer Eshonna Trice ~~Faatui Toele~~ attended Ladies Night Out II with all new creations from her collection, Electrik. The dazzling outfits suitable for various occasions were gracefully presented by a dozen or so beautiful local fashion models.

Tony R. serenaded the crowd by coming off the stage and into the audience with thrilling renditions of Brian McKnight’s “Anytime” and Stevie Wonder’s “Ribbons in the Sky.”

During the first brief intermission, Moore took the stage to raffle off a round of door prizes to approximately 10 thrilled audience members, each whom enthusiastically claimed their prize.

After only just a few moments’ pause, Ladies Night Out II resumed with local Universal recording artist G.R., aka Ghetto Romeo, who took the stage and thrilled the crowd with two of his original songs, “Can I Be” and “Why Oh Why,” both from his album “G.R. – The Second Coming.”

One of the most unique performances of the night that was from American Sign Language interpreter Demesha Kennedy, founder of the Signs of Praise Ministry. Kennedy combined her incredible sign language skills and dancing to the song “Encourage Yourself,” recorded by Donald Lawrence and the Tri-City Singers.

From that point forward, Ladies Night Out II took entertainment to another level when exquisite singer Bajan took the stage and performed several selections. During one song, she was accompanied by Charles Andrews on acoustic guitar. Andrews also spent much of the evening providing live music for several other performers as a member of the house band, LSB (Love Somebody) with Leon Gray and Brian Randle.

Two of Sacramento’s young up and coming poets, Coon and TroubleSin, known collectively as the E Legal Tag Team, challenged the audience with their high-energy performance that filled up the theater without the use of microphones. Their thought-provoking back-and-forth style of poetry touched on themes of family, relationships and the difficulties Black men face trying to negotiate their way through our increasingly complex society.

The audience was in for a treat with the sultry vocal sounds and commanding stage presence of vocalist Yvette Gauff. With LSB providing the live music, she wowed the crowd with her versions of “All I Do” by Stevie Wonder and “Everlasting Love” by Rufus and Chaka Khan. For the finale, Gauff introduced singer Kaleo, who graced the stage and amazed the audience by his performance of his song “Superman.”

During the second brief intermission, many members of the crowd returned to their seats with plates full of barbecued tri-tip, cabbage and macaroni and cheese, provided by Derris Mosely, owner of D’s Word of Mouth Catering.

Khiry Malik Moore, emcee for the Mahogany Urban Poetry Series hosted by Queen Sheba Restaurant, recited two entertaining and amusing poems just before it was time for the headline act of the evening to take the stage.

Neo-soul artist Kevin Sandbloom came all the way from Los Angeles and surprised many members of the audience who had never seen or heard him perform. His unique combination of acoustic guitar work with smooth bluesy vocals had the audience enthralled. Showcasing his exceptional versatility with original music, Sandbloom also covered tunes by artists as varied as Michael Jackson, Sade and the Carpenters, all in a distinctive style that made each song his own. The 40-minute set included his rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It on Home to Me.”

The evening ended when Moore took the stage, thanked the crowd with one of his original love poems, and called out the numbers from raffle tickets for a final round of prizes.

“The entire evening turned out just as I intended,” Moore said. “The Guild Theater is the venue where our local talent can let the community come out to see how much we have to offer from both developing and established artists as they work toward fulfilling their dreams.”

“Tonight’s show was uplifting, inspiring and full of love,” Sherri Bouris sai. “It rocked my soul.”

“You don’t have to go to the Bay Area,” Jean Hooks said. “You can stay in Sacramento and come out for a night of fun and friendship anytime there is a Ladies Night Out Show at the Guild Theater.”

The Ladies Night Out Summer Series will return to the Guild Theater on July 9. It promises to be another entertaining event of family-friendly fun. Contact Terry Moore at (916) 208-POET or fromtheheart1@hotmail.com well in advance to purchase tickets.

Law professor speaks out on ‘The New Jim Crow’

2011-05-27T05:19:39Z

Law professor Michelle Alexander, author of "The New Jim Crow," spoke to a standing-room-only crowd of over 200 people at the Women’s Civic Improvement Center in Oak Park on Wednesday. The event was sponsored by a variety of local organizations, including the local chapter of All of Us or None, A Project of Legal Services for Prisoners with Children.

The crowd was virtually mesmerized by the fascinating statistics about the devastating effects of the “War on Drugs,” along with the explanations of important details from relevant rulings from U.S. Supreme Court cases that drove home nearly every point made by Alexander’s seemingly encyclopedic recitation from memory.

Although Alexander read brief excerpts from her book, her presentation — which was made mostly without notes and delivered from the heart — mirrored the thesis of her newly published work. Namely, that the nation’s criminal justice system is designed to create a new caste system, akin to former Jim Crow laws, that is on its face colorblind but in reality disproportionately affects poor people and people of color, especially young black males.

Alexander postulates convincingly that felony convictions for relatively minor drug offenses are now used against so-called “ex-offenders” to label them as criminals. That label carries with it the stigma of a lifetime badge of shame and dishonor. The result is that there is now in existence a virtual explosion of the numbers in the burgeoning permanent underclass of mostly men of color who are excluded from most opportunities for education, employment, housing and public assistance that are required to even have a glimmer of hope to escape a revolving-door prison system.

Former Sacramento City Attorney Sam Jackson had the honor of introducing Alexander to the audience. Alexander’s message was met with an enthusiastic response from the crowd, which was sprinkled with grassroots organizers, religious leaders and a variety of well known community activists.

“Michelle Alexander’s book and speech here tonight has clearly and concisely articulated the genesis of the next human rights movement,” said Keith J. Staten, a local criminal defense attorney.

Alexander’s message was far more than what might be expected from an author conducting a typical book-signing tour. She contends that the current crisis in the criminal justice system was not the result of fortuitous events, but it was instead created from a calculated design and perpetuated from the highest levels of policy-making in this country, including both major political parties and the U.S. Supreme Court.

She articulated her reasons for researching and writing the book as the next logical step once she came to realize what was occurring in this county during her years working in the field of civil rights litigation and advocacy.

Alexander indicated that she was especially happy to be back in Northern California during the week the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that California’s prison system was unconstitutionally overcrowded and its population must be reduced by some 37,000 prisoners.

She continued that the election of President Barack Obama proves that even if a nice guy is elected to lead the country, no one person can change a system that is fundamentally flawed.

Dr. Vaja Watson, who serves as the director of research and policy for equity for the Cress Center at the UC Davis School of Education couldn’t have agree more.

“It’s been a long time coming,” she said. “Now that we have the facts in front of us, we need to shut the system down. We are living in a new slave state.”

Alexander currently holds a joint professorship at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and the Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity. Alexander earned a law degree from Stanford University and held a prestigious clerkship with former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Harry A. Blackmun. Her prior accomplishments include extensive experience in the field of civil rights advocacy and litigation, including a term of service as the director of the Racial Justice Project for the ACLU of Northern California.

“(Alexander’s book and tour) is a wake-up call for communities across the county to work to ensure that those coming home from prison will have a reasonable opportunity to heal and become productive members of society, especially in light of the current difficult economic times,” community activist Tim Boyd said.

The evening concluded with a brief but lively question-and-answer session whereby Alexander demonstrated her command of a wide range of subjects, from concerns about zero-tolerance policies practiced at local school districts to articulating how to begin implementing the call to action she communicated to the audience and that is described in detail in the final chapter of her book.

Judging by the number of individuals who lined up to have their newly purchased copy of the book signed, Alexander is much more than a newly minted successful author. She is a force to be reckoned with as legal scholar and an accomplished visionary who is an articulate and powerful voice for change.

Ladies Night Out at the Guild Theater

2011-04-05T05:40:24Z

The Historical Guild Theater in Oak Park was alive with poetry,
fashions and music for Ladies Night Out this past Saturday night,
April 2, 2011. Award winning local poet and community leader Terry
Moore hosted the sold out event as a benefit for the Center for
Families and Fathers Sacramento.

The Emcee for the evening was Petri Hawkins-Byrd, is best known as the
bailiff on the television show Judge Judy. Hawkins-Byrd did a
wonderful job keeping the audience laughing and the show moving with
jokes, heart-felt commentary on the poetry and light-hearted
introductions for the wide variety of local talent recruited by Moore
for the occasion.

The ladies night theme of the evening started off with a short film
entitled Ms. Understood by Director/Writer/Producer Nicole Mattox.
Singer Lenny Williams, Jr. then set the tone for the event with a
gospel tune that was well received by the female dominated audience.
Thereafter, a fashion show organized by local designer Faatui Toele,
featured approximately a dozen confident models using the stage and
aisles as their runway.

Following the fashion show, poets Nikki Brock, Kelly Richardson, Ms.
Kottyn and Larah each took the microphone and graced the audience by
reading or reciting two works of original poetry. The featured poems
provided insight into the lives, loves and struggles faced by women
dealing with men, raising children and maintaining a sense of self in
an increasingly complex world.

Singers Qui510 and Tessa Evans were met with enthusiastic audience
approval as they amped up the crowd by belting out several tunes each.

After an intermission, door prizes were given away, donated by the
numerous event vendors and local businesses that supported the event.
The evening then proceeded with its program packed with high quality
entertainment. Another round of models in high fashion strutted across
the stage.

The standout poets of the evening were none other than Sacramento’s
Poet Laureate, Bob Stanley, and the event’s organizer, host Terry
Moore. Both gentlemen were backed up by some very outstanding live
music provided by local band LSB (Love Somebody). Stanley brought
along jazz guitarist Robert Nakashima, whose riffs and solos in
between verses of poetry demonstrated to the crowd his smooth style
developed through years of experience. Moore brought along singer
Kaleo, who really put his heart into one of Moore’s signature pieces,
"12 Things I’ll Do To Keep You.”

Thereafter, poets Taifa Jamari P.S. (Poetically Speaking) and the
E-Legal Tag Team each moved the crowd with their unique individual
styles of poetry. As the evening drew to a close, singers T.D. Trice
and Tony R. let the ladies know how much they were appreciated. After
a brief dance number by Sonic Boom, singer Bajan closed the evening
with a very moving original song accompanied by guitarist Charles
Andrews.

Those audience members who stayed through the nearly three and a half
hour event certainly got their money’s worth at $10.00 per ticket.

Audience member Mechelle V. stated, “Although I was thoroughly
entertained all evening, the poetry was the best.”

“The evening was good, very good!” said Bernadette Andrews from her
seat in the balcony.

Moore, the event’s founder and coordinator stated, “I was so pleased
to see a full house. The event turned out to be all I dreamed of and
more. I'm planning even greater things for the future for Ladies Night
at the Guild Theater. This is going to be a wonderful event for our
community.”

Because this event was so well received, as evidenced by the advance
ticket sales, Moore already reserved June 24, 2011 for the next Ladies
Night Out extravaganza.

Be sure to contact Terry Moore well in advance at (916) 208-POET or
fromtheheart1@hotmail.com to purchase your tickets. It is sure to be
another sold out event.

Sacramento's Alien Invader

2011-01-27T23:22:04Z

When visiting the downtown/midtown area of Sacramento, be on the lookout for Sacramento’s favorite alien, the Brutha From Another Planet (B.F.A.P.). He can be spotted performing his unique dance moves to his favorite music on his space age music box which includes 70’s and 80’s funk, disco, and dance music from all eras. The B.F.A.P. was named by a group of admirers who first witnessed his funky dance moves.

Meeting and greeting the B.F.A.P. is easy. He is very family friendly and is a great crowd pleaser. Youngsters of all ages are delighted and frightened by his robotic dance movements after seeing him frozen in place.

Ruben of South Sacramento, age 10, described the B.F.A.P. as “Really Good.” Angela, a 30-something woman visiting from the Bay Area stopped to have her photograph taken with the B.F.A.P. She stated that the B.F.A.P. was “Awesome.” When Jamy of Carmichael, age 6, stopped to contribute a dollar to the B.F.A.P. to help repair his crashed spaceship, she was startled, terrified, and thrilled by his excited reaction in gratitude. With the support of her parents, she eventually posed with the B.F.A.P. for a picture.

The B.F.A.P. relates that his body movements are robotic because the gravity here on earth is stronger than on his home planet. At different times of the month his skin color, music box, and clothing change from silver to gold due to mysterious forces from outer space. Because of his alien heritage the B.F.A.P. is unable to speak. Beings from his home planet communicate with sounds that human ears hear as a thin whistle. The B.F.A.P. understands and writes in English. The information for this article was obtained through written questions and answers via email at Bruthafromanotherplanet@yahoo.com. The B.F.A.P. welcomes comments and will respond to questions from anyone who wants to know more about him and his home planet.

The B.F.A.P. is no stranger to Sacramento. He visited the area from 2001-2004 until he was summoned back to his home planet. After a 6 year absence, he missed his friends in Sacramento so much he decided to make the return trip. His spaceship malfunctioned and crash landed in Cesar Chavez park in the spring of 2010. Unfortunately, the B.F.A.P. is stranded until his spaceship is repaired.

When the B.F.A.P. is not meeting old friends and making new ones on the streets of Sacramento, he is busy repairing his spaceship in a top-secret location. Generous supporters often make donations to help him to raise enough funds to repair his spaceship.

When you see the B.F.A.P. make sure to take a moment to enjoy his charming personality. He is sure to bring a smile to your face.