ThatKellieGirl at the Black President’s Day 7 Year Celebration
ThatKellieGirl was on the scene for the Black President’s Day on Thursday. This is one of my favorite annual events. Produced by Risikat “Kat” Okedeyi, founder of Lil SoSo Production, Black President’s Day serves as the official DC tribute to Afrobeat creator Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
Hey Good Folks.
I am still blown away by the Homegoing Service of Whitney Houston. It was intimate and heartfelt experience to glimpse into Whitney’s church roots and to see the people that she touched with her gift.
Now, I am a person that believes that everything happens for a reason, but I kept feeling that Whitney’s death was premature and it just shouldn’t have happened.
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!
Happy Holidays Good Folks!
Let the holiday parties begin! 
I am sooo looking forward to the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities. Now, I don’t get into holiday shopping. I actually try to avoid it by purchasing earlier in the year or on-line. However, if I need to buy a gift, I totally avoid the mall and head to local small businesses. However, for me, the holiday season is about connecting and reconnecting with friends and loved ones. I usually try to “set things right” before entering into the New Year. I also take the time to give thanks and to celebrate my accomplishments for the year. So whatever you do, don’t allow the holidays to become stressful or overwhelming for you. Figure out how you are going to live in the moment in order to fully enjoy the holiday season.
Sending a shout out to the Alphas for their 105th Founder’s Day. There are celebrations going on Saturday at Mood Lounge and Teatro.
Othello closes out this weekend at the Folger Shakespeare Library.
And the holidays would not be complete without these classic Christmas plays. The Washington Ballet performs The Nutcracker at the Warner Theater from December 1-24 and A Christmas Carol is playing at the Ford’s Theater until December 31.
Enjoy your weekend!
Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl
Hello Good People!
Happy Labor Day to all those folks who work hard for the money. This weekend is jam-packed with some TKG approved events! We get a chance to catch up after Storm Irene kept us inside last weekend. Whatever you decide to do, just remember to be thankful for your job. And if you don’t like it, change your attitude or change your job (#justsaying). There will always be challenges on the job, but it’s about how you deal with it. I believe it’s ultimately about doing what you love. And if you aren’t fortunate to do it from 9 to 5, then make sure you do it after 5. You never know what doors might open.
Peace and blessings, ThatKellieGirl
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Celebrate the official one year anniversary of MESSIAH AND FRIENDS #DC!!! This event brings some of the nation’s best talent and elite artistry on the first Fridays monthly! This event began as an organic grassroots production and has blossomed into something monumental! This renaissance approach unites live art and body paint with poets/vocalists, musicians comedians, jazz band and new gallery exhibit each month!! In celebration of our first year, this Friday we reunite some of our previous features along with the new!
Friday, September 2
Lamont Bishop Gallery
1314 9th St. NW
7PM
Suggested donation 10 bucks
Satellite image of Hurricane Irene Courtesy of http://www.ctpost.com
Hello Good People!
I don’t know about you, but I am ready for Hurricane Irene. I got my flashlights, a lantern, water, food, my books and some board games.
You already know that the King Memorial Dedication has been postponed. However, you can visit the King Memorial today (8/26) and Saturday (8/27). So before we go on lock down, there are still a couple of events you can check out tonight and Saturday.
In the meantime, catch some Ladies of Soul! N’Dambi today(8/26) at Noon performing at the Woodrow Wilson Plaza (1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW) at noon. And on Saturday (8/26), Conya Doss will be performing at Blues Alley and Ayana Gregory will be performing at Busboys and Poets (2021 14th St NW).
Please monitor the events in case of last minute cancellations.
Peace and Blessings.
Hey Good People!
Check out this beautiful jazz mix from Adam “Rock” Moses of Jazz Re:Freshed. I had the pleasure of meeting Adam when I visited London two years ago. My friends and I went to one of Jazz Re:Freshed showcases at the Mau Mau Bar in Notting Hill. (I feel so subversive when I say I went to the Mau Mau Bar!) Anyhoo… The brainchild of Adam and co-founder Justin “Top Rock” Mckenzie, Jazz Re:Freshed is a music/arts movement and record label covering the whole spectrum of jazz and jazz influenced music. You will truly enjoy this mix!
jazz re:freshed podcast: Lady Juice Mix by Adam Rock
Tonight (8/24) and every Wednesday (until September 7th), DJ Stylus & DJ Phaze join forces to take you on a tour of the varied soundscapes from the African diaspora.
1101 U St NW
8PM to midnight
FREE
Hey My People,
If you don’t know, you will know by the end of the weekend that the “Ques” are in town! Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. return to their birthplace– the campus of Howard University to celebrate their 100th year anniversary. I think it is wonderful to have an organization of African-American men promoting brotherhood, leadership and service within the community.
If you want to party with the Brothers of Omega Psi Phi, there is plenty of opportunities! Shaq and Tom Joyner are hosting the Celebrity Omega Men Bash at Ibiza tonight. You can also keep up to date on all the events here. You also can follow the bruhs on Twitter and on Facebook to know what’s going on.
If you are trying to avoid the crowds, check out these other alternatives below.
Peace and Blessings family!
Image via Reuters/HARPO
Hey Folks!
TGIF!
I know everyone and their Mama has been talking about Oprah’s departure from network TV. I will admit, I am not a die-hard Oprah fan like many others. However, I have always had massive respect for her. As her show was coming to an end, it has made me even more appreciative of the opportunity to attend her show this last season. And as I walked through the doors of Harpo to this present day, I can’t help but marvel at her journey from a poor Mississippi girl to a media mogul. However, what I have loved the most is Oprah’s desire to offer “soul” food to her viewers. In a society that promotes a “me” philosophy, Oprah could have produced meaningless, yet entertaining shows that tv viewers seem to really love. However, she decided to produce shows to help people WAKE UP to live their life to the fullest. Oprah not only talked about, but showed us, how to pay it forward. And I always respected Oprah for being successful, but not at someone else’s expense. Oprah’s passion to serve others has touched millions. She proves that one person can make a difference. You might not reach millions, but you can reach those around you. The biggest lessons I learned from Oprah: be present; be responsible for your actions, love and serve others, and find your purpose, or as the old folks say, your calling.
We all know that it’s Memorial Day Weekend. Let’s remember to honor the women and men who have died serving our country.
Peace and Blessings!
The 7th Annual Movement and Wellness Expo kicks off this weekend. I will be learning some basic belly dancing moves tomorrow. I am quite excited! The Bellydancers of Color Association (BOCA) was formed by Dr. Sunyatta Amen in an effort to celebrate the sister/brotherhood, strength and beauty of people of color in relation to belly dance and other traditional forms of dance.
May 27- May 30
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Silver Spring, MD
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Tonight, the Park Unplugged features Faith Evans.
Friday, May 27
The Park
920 14th St NW
RSVP at vsmithent@gmail.com
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The Annual Caribbean Wine Festival at Linganore Winecellars kicks out this weekend for the summer.
May 28-29
Linganore Caribbean Wine Festival
13601 Glissans Mill Road Mt. Airy, MD
11AM-6PM
21 and up- 20 Bucks
18-20- 15 bucks
Under 18 w/ adult- FREE
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Axel #5 returns to fonktify your holiday weekend. Now with Lazer Boogie and MORE ACTIVATOR THAN EVER BEFORE. DJ JAHSONIC and ADRIAN LOVING will be enjoying some well-earned travel time, so we tapped our League of Extraordinary DJs to find another suitable co-pilot. DJ KEENAN ORR knows his jams and how to create a freakshow on the dancefloor. This special guest will be joining resident DJ STYLUS, so make him feel welcome!
Saturday, May 28
LIV
2001 11th St NW
10PM-3AM
FREE before midnight, 5 Bucks after
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© Capital Concerts
PBS sponsors a FREE National Memorial Day Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra.
Sunday, May 29
West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol
E. Capitol St. and First St. NW
Gates open at 5PM
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The Liberal Party presents a special holiday bash with the man behind Club Shelter music, DJ Adam Rios. Adam is one half of the world-famous Club Shelter music along with Timmy Regisford. Come through and experience Memorial Weekend with Liberal Party resident Derrick “D-Train” Coleman.
Sunday, May 29
Level X Lounge
1934 9th St NW
8PM
10 Bucks
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DJ Dredd spins all the music you know and love by Prince and all related artists–Hits, B-Sides, Rarities & Video. The Time, Shelia E., Vanity 6, Madhouse, The Family.
Sunday May 29
Black Cat
9PM-1:30AM
10 Bucks/ 12 Bucks at the door
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Daylight 5 Year Anniversary Party Hosted By Tone Source and a lavish buffet including seafood by Executive Chef Jarobi Murray. The best in classic music . . . R & B Dance Classics,Soul, Old school House, Funk, 80′s,90′s Rare Grooves, Originals, Early Hip Hop,and more.
Sunday, May 29
Liv (Upstairs)
2001 11th Nw
8PM-2AM
Discounted tickets here
20 Bucks at the door
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The Ultra White Party celebrates contemporary Africa like no other. Come party with over 1,000 afro-chic guests, African music by some of the hottest African DJs on 3 dance floors. All white dress code fully enforced; Colored accessories permitted. Presented by IDOA Entertainment & BCBG Productions
Sunday, May 29
Love
1350 Okie St NE
9PM-3AM
General Admin- 20 Bucks
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Come dressed to sweat!
Sunday, May 29
ESL
1212 18th St NW
9:30PM- 3AM
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© Chris Graham
The National Memorial Day Parade includes Marching Bands and Veterans units from all 50 states. The parade is sponsored by the World War II Veterans Committee and includes patriotic floats and helium-filled balloons. The parade will be preceded by musical performances and ceremonies at the reviewing stand at 1 p.m. at the National Archives, at the corner of 7th St. and Constitution Avenue.
Monday, May 30
The National Memorial Day Parade begins at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Streets, NW and proceeds along Constitution Avenue, past the White House, ending at 17th Street.
2PM
Click here for the parade route.
Hey Good People!
Hump day seems to be the jump off for this week. The National Urban League begins its Centennial Conference this week in D.C. You can catch many of their keynote speakers on-line here. President Obama is confirmed to speak tomorrow, July 29th. Check it out. Brothas (and Sistas) are trying to work it out!
The Soul Controllers, or should I say two of its members, DJ Jahsonic & DJ Stylus, will be hitting it HARD tonight at the U Street Music Hall. They will be bringing classic Soul, hip hop, funk, disco and house. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.
Wednesday, July 28
U Street Music Hall
1115A U Street, N.W.
10PM
FREE.99
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Check out the best afro-beat gig in town. Lunchbox Theory Presents The July edition of Afrobeat For Ya Soul tomorrow. DJ UnderDog will be spinning upstairs while Cheick Hamala will perform downstairs. As always, free face painting.
Thursday, July 29
2463 18th St N.W.
5 bucks
Dancin’ starts at 9pm
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Hip Hop Trivia Night is holding it down on the last Thursdays of the month. The hostess with the mostess, Sasha is repping her hometown tomorrow with the “West Coast Edition”. Two teams of 4 battling it out to win the title of knowing the most about hip hop! The prize: a Hip Hop Trivia Night CD from your hostess Sasha, a round of drinks and bragging rights until the next Hip Hop Trivia Night.
Thursday, July 29
Queen Makeda (new venue)
I am feeling this ditty, “Nuthin But A Hero”, from Tabi Bonney. Fresh, creative, slick, just DOPE!
Enjoy.
