Hey Good Folks,  

I know everyone is already looking forward to the upcoming Memorial Day Weekend.  Well, Dwele releases a new single just in time for your BBQ!     The new summer jam is called ”What Profit”.  He plays off of the bible verse, “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” Marrk 8:36

In Dwele’s case, the world is his girl.  I like it!

I always have been a Dwele fan, so I am interested to see what else is on the horizon.  He’s been touring, but I am ready for a new album.  I guess in the meanwhile, we will take what we can get! Enjoy.   #MusicMonday

There’s nothing like a beautiful day in DC! DC Skyline, late summer 2011 by Margaret Huddy

Hello Good Folks,

I am still on a high from “Bike to Work Day” this morning, but I am just getting started for the weekend. The weather is beautiful and the temperature is just right.  So I will be taking advantage of it.  I hope you do too by checking out some great events.

On Saturday, Bilal is at the Howard Theater , and Rahsaan Patterson with special guest YahZarah will be in Baltimore at Soundstage .  Also in Baltimore, check out Felabration.

Please be safe out there, and I will see you on the other side of the weekend.

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl

Tonight, Artomatic 2012 kicks off its month-long art festival that is “by artists, for everyone.” This year’s event is in a former office building that’s slated for demolition. It features 10 floors of art by more than 1,000 artists: Visual art, music, performance, film, fashion, and more. Workshops, tours, seminars and other events.

All of May

1851 S. Bell St.

Crystal City, VA

A block from the metro

Opening night, May 18 doors open at 6pm

Wednesdays and Thursdays: noon – 10 pm

Fridays and Saturdays: noon – 1 am

Sundays: noon – 5 pm

Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

FREE

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Invite your friends and come dance Kizomba, Kompa, Zouk etc… Presented by Zindze, Dj’s Vasco and Jofe

Friday, May 18

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DC Yoga Week closes out this weekend at the National Mall.  There will be yoga demonstrations throughout the day.

Saturday, May 19

Washington Monument

Sylvan Stage

15th Street and Independence Avenue SW

1:30PM-4:30PM

FREE

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The 11th Annual Washington DC Dragon Boat Festival features dragon boat races on the Potomac River, cultural performances and hands-on activities.

May 19-20

Thompson Boat Center in Georgetown

2900 Virginia Ave NW

8:30Am-5PM

FREE

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Opening Reception for “In the Mix: DC area abstract artists” featuring 8 amazing area artists: Joan Belmar, Anne Bouie, Elsa Gebreyesus, Anne Marchand, Wayson Jones, Ann Marie Williams, Tariq Tucker, and J. Bertram White.

Saturday, May 19

Children’s National Medical Center

111 Michigan Ave NW

3-5PM

FREE

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The National Asian Heritage Festival -Fiesta Asia is a street fair celebrating Asian Pacific American Heritage Month. The event showcases Asian art and culture with a wide array of activities including live performances by musicians, vocalists and performance artists, Pan-Asian cuisine, martial arts and lion dance demonstration, a multicultural marketplace, cultural displays and interactive activities.

Saturday, May 19 

Pennsylvania Avenue, NW between 3rd & 6th St.

10AM-7PM

FREE

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Come break a sweat this Saturday night with Reluctant Yuppie INC.’s own DJ Kayo and DJ Kyotey Grey rocking the 1’s and 2’s. They’ll be banging o…ut soulful and sinister soundscapes spanning various genres from the old school, new school and beyond

Saturday, May 19

Tap & Parlour

2001 11th St NW

10PM-3AM

FREE

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Roots & Spirits…

Saturday, May 19

Studio Braat

1711 Florida Ave NW 2nd Flr in Adams Morgan

10PM-4AM

2nd Level of the Parking Garage and above the Pet Store

Present flier to parking attendant and receive a $5 discount
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Food Stamped is an informative and humorous documentary film following a couple as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. Through their adventures they consult with members of U.S. Congress, food justice organizations, nutrition experts, and people living on food stamps to take a deep look at America’s broken food system. A part of the weekly BloomScreen Film Night

Sunday, May 20

Bloombar

3222 11th St NW

5-7PM

10 bucks

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This Sunday join DJ Lance Reynolds, 2-Tone Jones, Eskimo, Soul Controllers DJ Book and DJ Stylus, and Funkregulata Celo as we pay homage to two titans, The Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown and The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer. Get ready for a proper send off, in true U Street fashion, blending styles to celebrate life…

Sunday, May 20

Blackbyrd

2005 14th St NW

8PM

FREE

Hello Lovelies!

Freedom Friday started off great this morning with “Bike to Work Day“. This was my first time participating, and I don’t know what took me so long! Well, yes I do. I had to get a better bike (check), and I had to get over fear of cars, not being able to keep up, and getting lost (check, check and check!)

Thanks to the good folks from WABA, the event started off great. My convoy met at the corner of Martin Luther King Avenue and Good Hope Road S.E. There were five in my convoy heading over the Anacostai River and into Downtown DC. I met new folks, and there were snacks, drinks and giveaways for the riders. I was having such a good time I remembered I had to get to work! I was a little nervous thinking that I was going to be late. However, as we rode over the Douglass Bridge, and I looked at the traffic, I knew I was going to be fine.

Our convoy made it to Freedom Plaza at 8:16AM! I was impressed. This also gave me more time to go the the pit stop at the Reagan Building. At first, we couldn’t find the pit stop because of protest, but eventually, some DC BID Hospitality Aides guided myself and other bikers through the protest and to the pit stop. I arrived when Councilmembers Cheh and Bowers were speaking. However, I locked up my bike and made a b-line to the healthy and nutritious snacks! I met some more folks, then headed on to work.

When I finally made it to work, I locked my bike in the garage and made it to work with at least 5 minutes to start time. I was so excited! I did it.

I am still a newbie when it comes to biking, but I have had only positive experiences since I have picked up the hobby.

To get started, check out WABA, BicycleSpace, BlackWomenBikeDC and Tri Unify. These are great groups that are positive and patient with you on your journey.

Just be “Be brave. Take risks. Nothing can substitute for experience!” Paolo Coehlo (via Anacostia Yogi)

Have a great Freedom Friday!

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl

Hey Good Folks! 

Like so many, I was stunned and saddened when I heard about the passing of Chuck Brown yesterday.  It really hurt to lose the Godfather of Go-Go, a true pioneer in black music.  What was so great about Mr. Brown was his ability to appeal to all generations.  Mr. Brown was loved by the grandparents, the parents and the kids!  

If you never saw Chuck Brown perform live, you missed an experience.  There was call and response, dancing, singing and really being in the moment.  And a Chuck Brown concert was a part of my music education.  You would hear jazz, blues, funk, soul and hip hop.  And he blended all these styles effortlessly.  It never felt contrived or forced.  And he reached back to connect with younger audiences headling shows with Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, and The Roots.  The Summer Spirit Festival won’t be the same without Chuck Brown.  

Chuck Brown was the voice and embodied the spirit of ”Chocolate City”.    So in honor of the Godfather of Go-Go, check out this Midweek Mixx with some of ThatKellieGirl’s favorite Chuck Brown interviews and songs.  Enjoy!

Good Morning Folks!

ThatKellieGirl is excited to release the next webisode.  This time, ThatKellieGirl is on the scene celebrating Lunchbox Theory’s 3 year anniversary of Afrobeat for your Soul!

I wanted to do a segment on afrobeat because so may people are unaware of it.  We are familiar with reggae,  bossa nova, reggaeton, merengue, calypso, salsa, soca and the list can go on.  Yet, when it comes to African music and artists, most people will draw a blank.  However, each of the above forms of music- as well as African-America music- has been heavily influenced by African music.  

Like most Americans, I was introduced to afrobeat through the music of Fela Kuti, the father of afrobeat.  However, there were literally hundreds of great African funk, soul, and rock bands.   And  there are incredible music scenes in West Africa, Ghana and Nigeria in particular.  African traditional music and popular music is vast and varied.  And with the cross-pollination of music with western popular music, it will continue to evolve, influence and offer great music to the world.  

So to help get you started, here are a couple of great sites to check out:

Okayafrica

Afropop Worldwide

Society HAE’s Afrika21 Mixtape

And the featured DJ in the webisode, DJ Underdog offers some of the best Afrobeat mixtapes I have ever heard!  So check out DJ Underdog here.

My webisode doesn’t even crack the surface to afrobeat, but I do hope that it peaks your interest enough to learn more about it.  And I plan to do more webisodes featuring dance parties that promote world music.  So let’s begin to open are ears to music from around the globe.  

Enjoy the webisode and until the next time…talk about it!

Introducing another member of the Motema family Lakecia Benjamin.  Benjamin is described as a “funky jazz & soul sax goddess”!  Here is  her new song “Jump & Shout” featuring Chinah Blac. 

Benjamin takes center stage with the release of her unconventional soul/funk album, RETOX.  The album features an A-list of established and emerging vocalists such as Krystle Warren, Amp Fiddler, Maya Azucena, Chinah Blac and Melanie Charles. 

Check out “Jump and Shout”. Enjoy!  

Check out the newest video from Mayer Hawthorne, “Henny & Gingerale”.  With his “retro soul” feel, Hawthorne gets you grooving . Enjoy!

Good Morning Good Folks,

To continue celebrating motherhood, expecting Mothers should check out the Baby Bash and Bling Expo & Show this Saturday.   The Baby Bash and Bling Expo & Show is an interactive lifestyle expo celebrating expecting moms. 

And Actress Tia Mowry of The Game will be signing her first book “OH, BABY!: Pregnancy Tales and Advice from One Hot Mama to the Next“.   Oh, Baby! is a pregnancy guide where Tia leaves no topic off-limits while helping expectant moms stay empowered, pampered, and laughing out loud.

The Baby Bash and Bling Expo & Show featuring “Bump the Runway” will offer access to:

• Parenting tools, health and other expert advice
• Exclusive exhibitors
• Sampling of treats at the Couture Candy and Cupcakes corner
• Live music
• Door prizes
• Take part in “The Beauty and the Bump” bar featuring make-up session, eyelashes and pampering services
• “Bump the Runway™” maternity fashion show
• Signature Pregginista Punch™
• Educational seminars with top experts, practitioners and doctors
• Sessions about parenting, moms in business, child proofing your residence and how to save for your baby’s college fund
• Discover the physical and mental benefits of prenatal yoga. 
• Complimentary samples and coupons
• Baby inspired games, giveaways and raffles
• A hint of light shopping
• Networking with other pregginistas
• And MUCH MORE!

Saturday, May 19

Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel

2800 South Potomac Avenue, Arlington, VA 22202

Noon-4PM

Get your ticket here

Hey Good Folks! TGIM.

So this past weekend, ThatKellieGirl traveled back home to celebrate Mother’s and Father’s Day.  And one of the things I love the most is the land in Ohio.  My mother and I took a trip out to Amish country in Berlin, Ohio.  I so loved the drive–the rolling hills, sprawling farmland, horses, and good-natured folks.  However, there is another side of Ohio.  It’s the SOUL of Ohio.  The funky side where folks like to get down. 

Ohio has produced great acts such as the O’Jays, Bootsy’s Rubber Band, The Ohio Players, Lakeside, Slave, Heatwave, Dazz Band, and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman.  And for hip hop, you have Bone Thugs n Harmony, RJD2, Bow Wow, Fatty Koo, Hi-Tek  and most recently, Stalley.

 So when I found this video for the “O-H-I-O’ song, I was ready to bust a move.  These folks are getting down in this video!  

I hope this keeps you going for the rest of the day.  Enjoy!

Hello Lovelies.

Happy Freedom Friday!

I am so happy to be getting some R & R over the past couple of days. At first I felt a little guilty for not doing anything, but that feeling quickly left!   Part of my R & R is spending time with my Mother and family to celebrate Mother’s Day.  Each year, Mother’s Day takes more and more priority and importance in my life as I get older.  Due to having a very supportive and loving mother, and as I journey through womanhood, I am beginning to understand the sacrifices that women make for their families.  I only hope that I can be a blessing to both of my parents as they have been blessings to me.  And even though this is Mother’s day, I will be honoring my Father too.  Both of my parents played an equally significant role in my life.

So if you are looking for some Mother’s Day activities and event, you can catch Dick Gregory today (5/11) at the Howard Theatre and Comedian Godfrey is performing at the DC Improv all weekend.  And for the kids (and big kids), check out the Universoul Circus.

And shout out to all of the graduates receiving their degrees this weekend.

Be safe and enjoy!

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl

This month, Messiah and Friends feature poet Omekongo Dibinga, international poet known for activism and using his talents for justice in the Congo, Africa. Also the return of DMV spoken word veteran Komplex. Spins by DJ Jav and live art from Saheed and BAM.

Friday, May 11

Adinkra Arts Center

3804 34TH St. Mt. Rainer, MD

7PM

10 bucks

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Check out an exhibit from The DC Latino Collective consisting of  brothers Mauricio Lopez and UNJUANTED and their compatriot Vicente Herrera. The artists present 30 new paintings on canvas in styles such as surrealism and abstract expressionism, inspired by artists including Picasso, Salvador Dali, Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo.

Until May 27

The Fridge

Rear Alley, 516 1/2 8th Street, SE

FREE

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Passport DC is a month-long celebration of international cultural Awareness in Washington, DC. With tours of more than 70 embassies and hundreds of other international activities, it is easy to travel around the world without ever leaving the city!

Until May 31

Throughout the District

Click here for the schedule

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African American Art: Harlem Renaissance, Civil Rights Era and Beyond - The exhibit presents a selection of works by 43 black artists who lived through the tremendous changes of the 20th century. In paintings, sculpture, prints and photographs, the featured artists embrace themes both universal and specific to the African American experience, including the exploration of identity, the struggle for equality, the power of music and the beauties and hardships of life in rural and urban America

Until September 3

Smithsonian American Art Museum

800 F St NW

FREE

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The Kennedy Center is closing out  the “Look Both Ways: Street Arts Across America” Festival.  The event  offers free performances and events at the Kennedy Center as well as locations around DC from a circus-punk marching band and political puppet theater to jugglers, contortionists, and stunt dogs.  Performers featured during the week come together for a final time at Street Arts in the Park,  an afternoon of performances and activities on Saturday.

Saturday, May 12

Yards Park

Third and Water Sts SE

Noon to 6PM

Click here for the schedule

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Treat Mom to a fashion and trunk show at the Anacostia Boutique and Art Gallery.

May 13-13

Anacostia Boutique and Art Gallery

2806 Bruce Place SE

11AM-6PM

FREE

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Over a year and a half in the making, the “Echoes of Indiana” provides a rare, revealing glimpse of  bona fide guitar legend, Wes Montgomery. The tapes are the earliest known recordings of Montgomery as a leader, pre-dating his auspicious 1959 debut on Riverside Records. The album showcases Montgomery in performance from 1957-1958 at nightclubs in his hometown of Indianapolis, Indiana, as well as rare studio recordings. The release contains previously unseen photographs and insightful essays by noted music writers and musicians as well as Montgomery’s brothers Buddy and Monk.

Saturday, May 12

Joe’s Record Paradise

8216 Georgia Ave

Silver Spring, MD 20910

2-5PM

Free

Seating is first come, first served

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Adult Recess is the brain child of Host-DC, which is a group of young professionals that were growing weary of the local party scene. The same locations every week were beginning to lose their appeal. As a result, Adult Recess was born.  Attendees can listening to music, play their favorite childhood games-  Monopoly, Twister, Connect Four, Battleship, Uno, Chutes And Ladders, Nintendo Wii, and meet people.

Saturday, May 12

Aloft National Harbor

156 Waterfront St

National Harbor, MD 20745

7-11PM

Get tickets here  

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For those of you who can’t make the yearly pilgrimage to DJ Spinna’s WonderFULL party in NYC this Saturday, you can celebrate in DC with Reluctant Yuppie, Inc. the music, effect, and the overall experience of Stevland Hardaway Morris…better known as the great Stevie Wonder, as this is the eve of Stevie’s 62nd birthday.  From DJ Kyotey Grey, you will hear all of Stevie’s Hits (not just a few), the featured recordings, the sleepers, his productions, his influences, as well as his sampled work by other artists. No need to stand around holding your drink all night long…be prepared to let yourself go!

Saturday, May 12

Lounge of III

1013 U St NW

10PM-3AM

FREE

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Take dancing in the streets to a new level for as a full day of instruction in styles from flamenco to hip-hop. Local dance companies perform their works and offer dance lessons by the Dupont Circle fountain, and the festival evolves into a dance party.

Sunday, May 13

DuPont Circle fountain

Connecticut Avenue and Dupont Circle NW

3-9PM

FREE

Click here for schedule

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Behind the Groove spinning live soulful underground, latin & afro house, R&B club classics, disco and much more. Featuring the OMG Boys: DJ’s Osiruss & Luminescentsoul

Sunday, May 13

Tap & Parlor

2001 11th NW

FREE

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