Hello Good People,

This week’s Midweek Mixx celebrates Black History Month.  Here are 20 jazzy, soulful, bluesy, funky, smooth tracks from artists who broke records and changed history.  From Micheal Jackson to Marvin Gaye to Etta James, it gives you an overview of black music throughout the years.

Download, listen and enjoy here!  

And for those who haven’t checked it out yet, click here for OkayPlayers’ D’Angelo Live.  D’Angelo has created quite a buzz with video footage of his concerts in Europe.  Folks will be in a frenzy by the time he returns to the States.  I hope this will help hold you over until then.  You can listen here at SoundCloud also. Enjoy!

Tracklist:
1. Fantastic Intro
2. Brown Sugar
3. Devil’s Pie
4. Crisco
5. Left & Right
6. Chicken Grease
7. Lady
8. Left & Right (Reprise)
9. Feel Like Making Love
10. Can’t Hide Love
11. Things You Do (Fall in Love)
12. One Mo’ Gin
13. Me and Those Dreaming Eyes of Mine
14. S.D.M.
15. Untitled (How Does It Feel)

The Two Dragons

ThatKellieGirl celebrated the Chinese New Year in Chinatown yesterday.  There was a parade (ThatKellieGirl loves a parade ), a traditional Dragon Dance and Lion Dance as well as an awesome fire cracker display.  There also were DC high school marching bands, beauty queens and elected officials to bring in the New Year.  The Chinese consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), an umbrella organization representing thirty Chinese-American organizations throughout the Greater Washington area, hosted the event.  Check out my pics below.  Enjoy!

I hope you had a great weekend.  I had a nice getaway from the DC scene for a bachelorette party.  My girlfriend is getting married at the end of the month, so we headed to NYC to celebrate.  When I left the DC limits, I then realized how much of a break I needed.  I will be taking another mini-vacay REAL soon.  So in honor of rest and relaxation, check out this beautiful song from Sara Tavares, Balance.

Hello Lovelies!

This Monday, millions of people began ringing in the Lunar New Year.  In DC, the new year will be celebrated on Sunday in Chinatown. 2012 is the year of the dragon. The year of the dragon is considered to be the luckiest of the Chinese lunar years.  ThatKellieGirl was born in the year of the dragon, so we will see what is in store for the rest of the year.

In the meantime, enjoy this unseasonably warm weather by heading out to some great events this weekend.

Constantly performing and recording since the 1960″”s, he is the most well known jazz vibraphonists. He has produced some of the most loved modern soul-jazz records of all time. Classics beyond genre such as, “Everybody Loves The Sunshine”, most influential afro-jazz with musician Fela Kuti, “Africa – Centre Of The World”, and the most seminal jazz-funk, such as “Running Away”.

January 26-29

Blues Alley

1073 Wisconsin Ave NW

8PM & 10PM Shows

Get tickets here

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Huggy Lowdown hosts the number one segment on the Tom Joyner morning show, heard in over 115 markets across the country. He hits every morning at 8:30am EST delivering entertainment news and gossip to millions of Tom Joyner listeners. Before joining Joyner, Huggy spent 8 years on the Donnie Simpson show on WPGC in Washington DC, where he was voted D.C.’s favorite radio personality. Chris Paul is a writer for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, head locally on Magic 102.3, and he’s back on tour with Huggy Lowdown! Chris is the host of “Redskins Late Night” and is also known for his hilarious “Redskins Remixes,” and this will be his 17th season of ‘Skins songs.

Friday, January 26-29

DC Improv

1140 Conneticut Ave NW

8PM-11:30PM

Get tickets here

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Since 1997, Imani Winds, the Grammy nominated quintet, has enriched the traditional wind quintet repertoire while meaningfully bridging European, American, African and Latin American traditions.

Friday, January 27

Atlas Performing Arts Theater

1333 H St NE

8PM

25 bucks/ 15 bucks for students

Get tickets here

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FELA!, the three-time Tony Award-winning Broadway musical is back in DC! Firebrand, iconoloclast, rabble-rouser, composer of genius — Fela Anikulapo Kuti used his music as a weapon against the excesses of successive military regimes in his native Nigeria, and  any form of injustice, oppression, mismanagement and corruption.

January 26-29

Warner Theater

513 13th St NW

Get times and tickets here.

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The Washington Auto Show is a huge event displaying more than 700 new makes and models of cars, trucks, mini-vans and sport utility vehicles from over 42 domestic and import automakers.

January 27- February 5

Washington Convention Ctr

801 Mt Vernon Ave NW

Fri. Jan. 27 – 12:00 – 10:00 pm
Sat. Jan. 28, 2012 – 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sun. Jan. 29, 2012 – 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
Mon. Jan. 30 – Thur. Feb. 2, 2012 – 12:00 – 9:00 pm
Fri. Feb. 3, 2012 – 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Sat. Feb. 4, 2012 – 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
Sun. Feb. 5, 2012 – 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Adults (13 & over) – $12
Seniors – $10
Children (6-12) $5
children under 6 are free.

Get tickets here

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Ocean Drive Fridays with Live Late night performance from the talented Reesa Renee.

Friday, January 27

CB Twelve Twelve

1212 U St NW

9PM

Free before 10PM

RSVP here

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Join Dunlap and Rich for Good Music Fridays.  Music by DJ Life and DJ Soprano. Open bar from 9PM – 10PM with complimentary passed hors d’oeuvre.

Friday, January 27

Lounge 201

201 Massachusetts Ave NW

9PM-2AM

$10 cover all night

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Disco, Boogie, Rare Grooves, and the best in Dance Music with Danny Krivit, Luis P, DJ Navbox, DJ BSide and Deborah Bond. Live artist painting by Ricardo Mavin.

Friday, January 27

The Warehouse

411 New York Ave NE

9PM-until

15 bucks

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Help WABA and your fellow DC area bicyclists make the roads safer and more fun for everybody by riding more responsibly in 2012!

Saturday, January 28

The ride will start at the corner of 18th St. NW and Columbia Rd. NW, in front of the Capital Bikeshare station.

The ride is 6.75 miles long

10AM

FREE

RSVP here

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Washington Sound Museum VII will be the very first one of 2012! This month, Huda Asfour will grace the stage with Christylez Bacon, fusing Contemporary Arabic Music with Progressive Hip-Hop. Huda Asfour is a Palestinian Oud and Kanoun player.  An Oud is a pear-shaped string instrument most commonly used in North African and Middle Eastern music. The Kanoun isa stringed instrument that is reminiscent of the inside of a piano. The Kanoun originated in the Middle East, but is now also found in Greece, Armenia, Romania and Eastern Europe.

Saturday, January 28

Bloombars

3222 11th Street, NW

7PM-10PM

15 bucks

A tea ceremony will kick off the event and will start promptly at 7pm.

Performances will begin at 8pm on Saturday, January 28th.

RSVP here.

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In the summer of 1958, pop music’s biggest superstars were born. Celebrate their legacy with DJ Dredd.

Saturday, January 28

Rock & Roll Hotel

1353 H St NE

10PM-3AM

13 bucks

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Celebrate one year of The Illest In Jheri Curl Funk, Champagne Soul & Lazer Boogie.

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Washington’s Chinese community celebrates the arrival of another year on the lunar calendar. The annual parade through Chinatown features dragon floats, marching bands, music, dancing and plenty of nearby restaurants where you can move the celebration from the street to your plate.

Sunday, January 28

Chinatown

Sixth & I St NW

Parade begins at 2PM.

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Sisters4Sisters, Inc. is dedicated to the Empowerment of Women and Girls in Mind, Body and Spirit. Founded in 1999, the organization hosts monthly seminars on personal and professional development as well as Mission Critical Community Outreach in the areas of Homelessness, Domestic Violence, HIV-AIDS and Youth Mentoring.

Sunday, January 29

Atrium at Treetops

8181 Professional Place, Hyattsville, MD

2PM-5PM

20 bucks

Get tickets here.

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EVERYDAY SUNSHINE is a documentary about the band Fishbone, musical pioneers who have been rocking on the margins of pop culture for the past 25 years. From the streets of South Central-Los Angeles and the competitive Hollywood music scene of the 1980s, the band rose to prominence, only to fall apart when on the verge of “making it.”

Sunday, January 29

The Dunes

1402 Meridian Place NW

8PM-11PM

Hey Good People!

This Saturday, The Axel F Party is celebrating its One Year Anniversary Party.  The brainchild of DJs Jahsonic, Stylus and Adrian Loving, Axel F (named after Eddie Murphy’s character from Beverly Hills Cop) is about the illest jheri curl funk, champagne soul and lazer boogie cuts from 1977 – 1987.  In addition to a killer ’80s setlist, there will be live performances by the Sexual Chocolate Band & Show (think Murphy’s character Randy Watson from Coming to America) featuring Zo!, Deborah Bond, Phonte, Ne’a Posey, and N’digo Rose.  Yeah, it’s going to be like that!

To get you ready for the event, DJ Stylus has put together an Axel F One Year Anniversary Mix.  Click here to listen and enjoy the Midweek Mixx.

Track Listing

Reverend Brown intro
DâM-FunK - Monster Jam (DâM-FunK Re-Freak 4 Kool Herc)
Gladys Knight & The Pips – Save The Overtime (For Me)
Bobby Nunn – Do You Look That Good In The Morning
Sherrick – Just Call
Vesta Williams – Don’t Blow A Good Thing
Tyrone Brunson – Fresh (Scratch Mix)
Bugz In The Attic – Consequences
RJD2 - A Rollerskating Jam Called Fridays
Aurra - Baby Love (Touchsoul Boogiedub Edit)
Kon & The Gang – Sunlight
Bennson – Let The Love (Yam Who Remix)
Material – Over & Over
Logg - Lay It On the Line (JM After-Session M&M Mix)
Finis Henderson – Skip To My Lou
Janet Jackson – Say You Do
Aretha Franklin – Jump To It
Michael Jackson – Just Good Friends feat. Stevie Wonder
Ollie and Jerry – Breakin’… There’s No Stopping Us (Club Mix)
New Edition – My Secret (Didja Gitit Yet?)
Jamie Foxx – Slow Jam (live)
Midnight Star – Slow Jam
DeBarge – Love Me in a Special Way
Sheila E. – Hold Me
Isley Jasper Isley – Insatiable Woman
Herb Alpert – Making Love in the Rain feat. Lisa Keith and Janet Jackson
Status IV – You Ain’t Really Down (acapella)
Azari & III – Reckless With Your Love
EPMD – It’s Time 2 Party
Raze – Jack The Groove
Aretha Faltermeyer - Who’s Zoomin’ Axel F
The Time – Grace
Prince – Irresistible Bitch (propsEdit)
Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (Ahmed’s Get It Remix)
Shalamar – Dancing In The Sheets
Dance Avenue – Doing Lines

Saturday, January 28

Liv

2001 11th St NW

10PM

10 bucks in advance

15 bucks  at the door

Get tickets here.

I woke up this morning with this song in my head and in my heart.  It was quite encouraging.  It made me think about how we often try to deal with things in the physical.  We think if we physically cut it off, take it out or  “take matters into our own hands”, everything will be fine.  However, we fail to realize it is just a small part of the battle.   We have to learn how to deal with our situations spiritually.  I believe with a spiritual mindset, we can navigate life with more love and compassion, and be more empathetic towards others.  I must admit I am learning to tone some things down.  I can’t just talk to someone without slowing down, focusing and speaking gently.  Or to be in tune enough to know when someone is hurting.  So let’s learn to be more spiritually minded in how we deal with our situations and each other. 

So how do you keep a spiritual mindset?  

Happy Monday Everyone! Let’s make it a great week.

Happy Friday Everyone!

If you are looking forward to catching Red Tails this weekend, I recommend buying your ticket last week! It looks like theaters will be packed with enthusiastic movie-goers.  I am glad that this overlooked part of black history, American history is coming to the forefront again.  How many WWII films and documentaries were made with no mention of African-American soldiers and their accomplishments?    Some folks have pointed out that this isn’t the first time the history of The Tuskegee Airmen was turned into a movie.  And I think that’s great.  Our stories must be re-told consistently to ensure that we don’t forget our history.  I also hope we continue to stay enthusiastic about black history.  We have such a rich history that has never been fully told, and we shouldn’t wait until someone makes a movie to learn about it.  We can  read a book, an article or watch a documentary.  Or here’s a novel idea, talk to members of our family!   More than likely, we have uncles, aunts, or older cousins who can talk to us about our history in a real way, not just to be entertained, then forget about it.  Movies are a very powerful and impactful platform, but that is just a starting point.  Let’s use this as an opportunity to connect and inspire one another to accomplish even greater things in the future.

 There are several “watch” parties for Red Tails this Saturday, here, here and here.

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl   

In his fourth commission for Ford’s Theatre, playwright Richard Hellesen explores the two documented encounters between Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln during a period of national crisis in the play Necessary Sacrifices. As Lincoln searches for a way to end slavery in the summers of 1863 and 1864, Douglass’s rhetoric and conviction challenges the president to envision a post-emancipation world. Together, the men imagine not only a unified nation but a society that brings truth to the Declaration of Independence assertion that “all men are created equal.”

January 20-February 18

Ford Theater

511 Tenth St. NW

Get the schedule and tickets here.

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Capital Canvases for a Cause is a monthly community event to support local artists and community based organization with wine, hors d’oeuvre and networking. All art sales are split 50/50 between artist and non-profit.  Featured artist is Keagoe and Kris Stith. Featured non-profit is Words, Beats and Life.

Friday, January 20

Long & Foster on Capitol Hill

721 D St SE

6pm to 8pm

FREE

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Actor/Director/Producer Bill Duke and Writer/Producer/Director D. Channsin Berry join forces to bring a thought-provoking piece on “Colorism” within the Black Community an issue very much alive today. Dark Girls is a film that delves into how women of a darker hue perceive themselves as well as the public perception of beauty and the emotional toll this bias has on those individuals. Anyone who has been made to feel less than, because of color, race, gender or class will be touch by this emotionally charged film with an underlining message of “Healing”.  A Q & A session will immediately follow the screening with Producers Bill Duke and D. Channsin Berry, an opportunity for the attendees to ask questions creating dialogue.

Friday, January 20

Warner Theater

513 13th St NW

8PM

Get tickets here.

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LIVE! from Busboys is hosted by Y’Anna Crawley, winner of BET’s Sunday’s Best and 2012 Stellar Award winner for New Artist, and backed by her live band. “LIVE!” takes place on the third Friday of every month and offers a platform for ALL PERFORMERS, not just poets. Whether you are a musician, comedian, dancer, actor/actress, magician, or any other type of performer, we want to see what you’ve got. Come showcase your talent!  The sign-up list to perform opens at 9:30 PM

Friday, January 20

Busboys and Poets

5331 Baltimore Ave. Hyattsville, MD

10PM

Wristbands will be sold online (http://www.busboysandpoets.com/tickets.php) and at the Art Under Pressure Store starting at 10 AM until sold out. Limit 4 per person.

5 bucks

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Spinning Hip Hop, Underground and Soulful House

Friday. January 20

Republic Gardens

1355 U St NW

9PM-3AM

Free b4 10:30pm, $5 until 11pm, $10 after

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Ella Rue is hosting a MOVING SALE this weekend Jan 21st-22nd, and next weekend Jan 28th-29th.  Everything in the store is marked 40-70%!  This is a fantastic chance to find designers like Prada, Chanel, Gucci, Nanette Lepore, Shoshanna, and Milly for a great value.

January 21-22, 28-29

Ella Rue

3136 P St NW

Jan 21st 10:00AM-5:00 PM

Jan 22nd Noon-5:00 PM

Jan 28th 10:00AM-5:00 PM

Jan 29th Noon- 5:00 PM

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Black Women Bike: DC with support from BicycleSPACE invite you to “Cycle Chic! A Bicycle Fashion Affair”.  Simply put, style should never hold you back from being active, being active should never hold you back from being stylish! Join us for wine and light fare as our models show off the latest in cycle style during the fashion show.  Hosted by Black Women Bike DC.

Saturday, January 21

BicycleSpace

459 Eye St NW

7-9PM

5 bucks

RSVP here

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Come party the night away to a glorious fusion music and dance from Brazil and the African World.  Featured guests include FARAFINA KAN with live African drumming from the electrifying djembe orchestra, LIVE AFRO-BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION ENSEMBLE lead by the Legendary DJ Berto, and DJ UNDERDOG spinning a glorious blend of Brazilian sounds and African rhythms.

Saturday, January 21

Axum Level X Lounge

1934 9th St NW

9PM-3AM

10 bucks

FREE Ethiopian Food Buffet from 8pm – 10pm
FREE Afro-Brazilian Dance Class @ 9pm

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Your friendly neighborhood DJ 2-Tone Jones is back with another Stone Soul Saturday at the finest Public House in the Bloomingdale/LeDroit Park area of DC. On the menu will be a hearty serving of the finest funk, soul and feel-good grooves all night!

Saturday, January 21

Boundary Stone

116 Rhode Island NW

10AM – 2PM

FREE

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Tropical Punch!

Saturday, January 21

Warehouse Loft

411 New York Ave NW

9PM-4AM

Adv- 8 bucks; At the door- 10 bucks

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Four years and a hundred sweaty dancefloors in the making, it’s The Fatback 4th Anniversary! Upstairs at Liv, defy the laws of gravity and common decency with THE FATBACK FUNK ODYSSEY. Deep cuts in deep space, y’all. Then, ease on down to the ground floor for the FATBACK FAMILY CIRCUS, featuring a second sound system, a third bar, and a menagerie of props and costume pieces to set the mood. Keep your eyes peeled for special guests, surprise performances, and that sudden, overwhelming realization that this must be the place.

Saturday, January 21

Liv

2001 11th St NW

10PM

5 bucks

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Planet Maud Vintage & Co. is the freshest lifestyle and shopping experience to orbit the globe.  We feature out of this world vintage, pre-loved and indie designed clothing and accessories from around the world.  All wares are ethically sourced, recycled, free trade, reasonable priced and 100% fresh.  DJ Jahsonic will be on deck spinning the freshness.  Proceeds will benefit local non-profit Teaching for Change.

Sunday, January 21

Marvin

2007 14th St NW

2PM-6PM

RSVP here

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Traveling through four continents and six countries, The Furious Force of Rhymes is a fascinating look at Hip-Hop as trans-national protest music. Over the course of the eighty-four-minute voyage, the viewer encounters characters as diverse as Israeli Jews, marginalized French Arabs, East German skinhead punks and West African feminists, all of whom share a common musical language. Originating from the ghettos of New York, Rap has found adherents in every country in the world.  There will be a discussion about featuring panelists Jerome Baker III, Waterflow, Nonchalant, and Risikat “Kat” Okedeyi.

Sunday, January 22

Busboys & Poets

14th & V Sts. NW

7-9:30PM

FREE

Words, Beats and Life celebrated 10 years of serving DC communities by hosting Philanthrobeat: The Soulquarians Edition at Liv.  Attendees were festive and ready to give back as the music of the Soulquarians was played throughout the evening.  The event raised funds to help WBL to continue to apply creative approaches to working with youth in addition to preserving and presenting the arts.

Founded in 2002, WBL’s mission is to transform individuals and whole communities.   WBL has several initiatives such as The Urban Arts Academy and the Cipher to help achieve its mission.  WBL began the Cipher to  serve as a resource by organizing teach-ins and by publishing the scholarly journal, “Words. Beats. Life: The Global Journal of Hip-Hop Culture”.  Between 2009 to 2011, WBL expanded the Cipher by organizing the teach-in, Remixing the Art of Social Change: A Hip-Hop Approach, in  San Francisco, CA and Washington, D.C.  Throughout the years, teach-ins have convened over 400 organizations and individuals from around the globe.

WBL also offers classes through The Urban Arts Academy, which is an afterschool hip-hop program for youth ages 5-23 in D.C.  Students can take interactive classes in the four foundational elements of hip-hop– emceeing, djing, b-boying and graffiti writing, and an apprentice leadership program.  The Academy is designed to cultivate the next generation of innovative young people who see the value in education as artists and as scholars.

Learn more about WBL by listening to a recent interview about their work, mission and events on LSP Effect Radio.

If you would like to become a WBL supporter or volunteer, please visit WBL here.

Hello Good Folks!

For your listening pleasure, check out The Other Side of Tomorrow by Slakah the Beatchild‘s alter ego The Slakadeliqs.  This album is the result of four years writing, experimenting and exploring different groups of musical influences.  My favorite song on the album is Love Controls the Sun.  Check out the video below. 

Slakah the Beatchild is often described as a breath of fresh air.  He is known for his soulful chords and warm harmonies,  the root of this unique feel good sound. His mission is to give quality vibes to the world.  Slakah the Beatchild came on the scene with his Soul Movement vol I, a collection of instrumentals, collaborations & solo pieces. Featured guests included Divine Brown, Shad, Ayah, Drake & Melanie Durrant.  From there, has worked with artists around the world producing everything from R&B to rock and earning 3 Juno nominations (Canadian Grammy).

Download, listen and enjoy here.  Enjoy the Good Vibrations!

Track Listing

1. Keep Breathing ft. Justin Nozuka

2. Call Me Your Friend ft. Sandie Black?

3. Dear Lucy

4. Love Controls The Sun ft. Justin Nozuka

5. When The World Falls Apart

6. Dream On

7. Beneath It All ft. King Reign & Shad

8. Defective

9. Perfect Summer Night ft. Tingsek

10. Speed of Time

11. Love Judge ft. TIngsek & Ebrahim

12. Nine 2 Five ft. Tingsek

13. Everything for Nothing ft. Tanika Charles

14. The Other Side of Tomorrow

Happy Birthday Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.!