ThatKellieGirl was so excited to see that Janelle Monae is the new spokes model for CoverGirl! Let’s just say, this was a GREAT marketing move for Janelle and CoverGirl. I have always thought of Janelle Monae as a Hollywood beauty. Her looks are truly breathtaking, and she does all of this with her clothes on! I love that the world gets to see a different type of black beauty…natural hair, brown skin, sexy (not hypersexualized) and self-confident. Check out some of her beautiful photos and behind the scenes video!
I must admit, I have had a great week. And it all started out at the White House! I had the honor and privilege to volunteer at the White House Easter Egg Roll. We worked really hard and it was truly worth it.
Initially, I was assigned to the Press Team, but when my shift started, the First Family had already made their appearance, so the press was pretty much gone. So I was promptly moved to the Jump Team. And let me tell you, that is exactly what we did! Wherever we were needed, we jumped to it. We looked for kids separated from parents to manning activities to being a human barricade during concert performances. However, my favorite assignment was detail to Malia and Sasha Obama. The First Daughters and their guests made an afternoon appearance to see Janelle Monae perform. Glad to see the First Daughters and I have some similar musical tastes. My group had to stand between the First Daughters and the crowd. I was right there with them! It was cool to see them laughing, having fun and enjoying Janelle Monae’s performance. If anything, it made me realize that they are just like the rest of us except that their father is the leader of the Free World. :-)
Next, the Jump Team followed the First Daughters and their friends to the obstacle course for some friendly competition. Again. It was nice to see how well-adjusted they are to people gawking at them. Malia was very friendly and gracious ny waving at attendees who said “hi” to her.
I met a lot of dedicated volunteers at the event. Some of them have volunteered for over 20 years! They talked about how this event means so much to attendees. People come from across the country to attend the White House Easter Egg Roll, and will remember this event for the rest of their lives. It also was interesting to find out that the Obama administration truly has opened this event to more people. At one point, the event was more exclusive for Congressional members, staff and friends. Now, the White House Easter Egg Roll hosts up to 3o,000 people starting at 7:30am and ending at 7:30PM. And there were several activities: an egg hunt, egg dying, arts and crafts, story time, cooking demonstrations, musical performances, yoga, and the egg roll. And the White House staff did a great job at hosting an amazing and memorable event. Shout out to our leader, Tess! I would encourage every parent to submit their name into the lottery to attend this event because it is truly worth it.
So from the Easter Egg Roll to Emancipation wDay weekend, there are so many great events going on just in time for a very warm weekend.
Also, be on the look out for the next ThatKellieGirl webisode! It’s guaranteed to get the body moving. Have fun and be safe out there.
I hope ya’ll have made it through the rain/storms this week. This week was sort of “stormy” for me, but I am learning it is all about how you choose to experience it. I took a page out of my Aunt’s playbook. Whenever it would storm, she would get a chair, sit out on the porch and wait it out. As she sat still, she would “let God do His work.” When it was alll over, she was peaceful and relaxed and ready to go. At times, we have to know when to sit still. In the eye of the storm, there is peace and calm. If we are like the “eye”, we gain clarity, direction and lessons in any situation. Storms are natural occurences in nature, so why fret over something that you can not control. We all know the only thing you can control is yourself! This weekend, the clouds are clearing. Were you like the “eye” and able to keep your peace and learn the lesson? Or is everything in disarray?
There are some great events going. Check them out below!
Tomorrow, you can get your yoga on near the National Mall. Flow in an hour-long yoga practice happening simultaneously across America. lululemon athletica is hosting the event. Leave early and take the metro to Federal Triangle. Bring your own mat and grab some water. The event is free and open to all levels.
Saturday, August 7
White House Ellipse
810 Vermont Avenue N.W.
9AM -10AM
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Tomorrow is the last day Smith Farm Center hosts the “Through Their Eyes” exhibits which includes Maggie Steber’s photojournalist works and the work of artists and children currently living in Haiti and actively using the arts to heal. The exhibit features over 100 photographs and handcrafts produced by Haitian children, and traditional Vodou flags hand-sequined by seasoned artisans.
Saturday, August 7
Smith Farm Center
1632 U St N.W.
11AM-3PM
Free
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The 2nd Annual Green & Gorgeous Fashion Show Featuring an Evening of Pink Sensation takes place on Saturday. With this fashion show, green and pink are the featured colors (Did an AKA plan this event? ). This show is a Charity Fundraiser for Breast Cancer Awareness. All ticket sales and private donations will benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Circle of Promise. Guests will enjoy a plethora of treats for the senses including cocktails, music, art and fashion. Green and pink cocktail attire please.
———————————————————- The Capitol Skyline Hotel pool seems to be the place to see and be seen! Bright Young Thing’s Summer Camp Pool Party is on EVERY SATURDAY till the end of summer at the Capitol Skyline Hotel pool. This Saturday’s theme will be COLD WAR CAMP, featuring Reagan era music (with emphasis on 80s).
Spike’d Sundays is the weekly pool party at Capitol Skyline Hotel, hosted by Top Chef’s Spike Mendelsohn. For 15 bucks at the door includes use of pool, change rooms, and a free burger/veggie burger.
Saturday, August 7 (Every Saturday)– BYT’s Summer Camp Pool Party
Noon to 8PM
Sunday, August 8 (Every Sunday)– Spike’d Sundays
10AM to 6PM
Capitol Skyline Hotel
10 I Street Southwest
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Come meet & greet indie artist Carolyn Malachi as she is joined by acoustic violin and guitar with live on stage interview and intimate performance. She will be signing copies of her new release, “Lions, Fires & Squares.”
The first ever DC Black Theatre Festival is wrapping up this weekend. This week-long festival celebrates the extraordinary stories told by people of African descent. This inaugural event has a menu of more than 60 provocative and groundbreaking theatrical performances by local and national artists, writers, producers, and theatre companies. This is the first festival of its kind to recognize the importance of both urban and traditional theatre.
And unless you have been under rock, you know tomorrow is the 5th Annual Summer Spirit Festival. I have been going to this festival for the last two years, and I always have a great time. This year’s line-up is sure to please…E.Badu, J. Monae, Chuck Brown, The Roots & Common.
It is going to be bananas at U Street Music Hall tonight. Red Fridays presents “Three the Hard Way” with DOUG SMITH (95 North), DJ OJI, and SAM “The Man” BURNS.
No cover charge , No dress code
21 & over – ID required
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Now a D.C. metro area tradition, the 2010 CARIBBEAN WINE FESTIVAL is this weekend at Linganore Winecellars. The bands performing will be the DC Pan Jammers and Image Band. If you can’t make it this weekend, you can catch it in July.
May 29-30
Linganore Winecellars
13601 Glissans Mill Road
Mt Airy, MD 21771
12Pm to 6PM/ GATES OPEN AT 11:00am.
$15.00 (21 and older)
$10.00 (18-20 years old)
Under 18 free with adult.
Photo I.D. Required for Wine Tastings
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So as you can see, this weekend is the jump off to a GREAT summer.
I must admit, I love the weekends! Now don’t get me wrong, I live each day to the fullest. Yet, it is so great when I have two days without 8 hours taken out of my schedule. So, I really take advantage of the uninterrupted time and craft a fun-filled weekend.
So beginning on Friday night, I saw the Robert Glasper Experiment perform at Bohemian Caverns. All I can say is “amazing.” If you are ever blessed with the opportunity to see these brothers perform, please do so. The Robert Glasper Experiment consists of Robert Glasper (piano), Casey Benjamin (saxophone & vocorder), Derrick Hodge (bass) and Chris Dave (drums). Each of these gentlemen were superb in their own right. As I watched them, I actually felt blessed to witness brilliance. Each of them played with passion, creativity and skill that truly inspired me. To see these artists be so dedicated to their craft only motivated me to do the same with my passions.
And I was elated when they played the GRAMMY nominated “All Matters”. I thought I would only hear the instrumental version, but was pleasantly surprised when Casey Benjamin stepped in for Bilal on the vocorder. Speaking of Casey Benjamin, this brother is B-A-D on the vocorder and the saxophone. I will be on the look-out for this brother on other projects.
Casey Benjamin Courtesy of c. thomas huisman
After covering Floetry’s “Say Yes” to J. Dilla to Radiohead, the audience didn’t want the evening to end. The groups seems to be touring right now, so you can check their schedule here. Now next on the concert schedule is Janelle Monae. Yes!!!!
I am elated to hear new music from Janelle Monae. Listen to her two new tracks (Tightrope featuring Big Boi and Cold War) at her website. And to top it off, she’ll be at the Black Cat (D.C) on March 15th. Guess who will be in the front row?
On May 18th, she will release her a forthcoming album entitled the ArchAndroid, which is a follow-up to Metropolis Suite I of IV. You can read more about her new music on her blog.
I had the pleasure to see her perform last year. I didn’t know what to expect, but she blew me away! She’s a petite woman, but her performance was mighty. Her energy is totally “on 10″, and I loved her dance moves. Her moves remind me of a bumbling soldier with salutes, spins and high kicks that stay on beat. She sings with wide eyes and animated facial expressions. By the end of the performance, she is in total disarray from tugging and pulling on her hair and clothing. The lead guitarist was also on point working the strings (and wig and black nail polish, I might add). It was a performance I’ve never seen, but totally LOVED.
I was cheesy and she was sexy.
The best thing about Janelle Monae is that she actually has something to say. She uses her creativity to help the medicine go down so to speak. One of my favorite songs, ”Sincerely Jane” is a social commentary about the contradictions she sees all around her.
“I’ve seen them shootin’ up funerals in they Sunday clothes
Spending money on spinners but won’t pay college loans
And all you gangers and bangers rollin’ dice and taking lives, in a smokey dark
Lord have mercy on you
Teacher, teacher please reach those girls in them videos
The little girls just broken Queen, confusing bling for soul
Danger, there’s danger when you take off your clothes, all your dreams go down the drain girl”
Not all of her songs have a “social” message. Yet, she has an opinion, and she isn’t afraid to express it. She could easily go the mainstream route with her beautiful voice and gorgeous looks (you can get a glimpse of her mainstream potential versatility with her song “Lettin’ Go” on Big Boi presents Got Purp? Vol.2). Instead, she dons a pompadour, saddles shoes, cumberbund and bow tie with flair. I would like to ask her what’s the symbolic meaning behind all of it, but I might be looking too deep.
After her performance, I spoke to her briefly and I found out that she was under Bad Boy Entertainment. I was horrified. I, mean, for whatever reason, Bad Boy artists/artists affiliated with Diddy don’t seem to have very long careers. The only exception I know of is Mary J. Blige, and part of that is due to her leaving. However, she reassured me that she was maintaining her vision and artistic control. So far, so good.
Wherever we were needed, we jumped to it. We looked for kids separated from parents to manning activities to being a human barricade during concert performances. However, my favorite assignment was detail to 
