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Freedom Friday: Let’s Get Ready to Rumble Edition

Good Morning Folks!  TGIF.

I have a fun-filled weekend composed of arts, culture and good people!  This evening, the Honey and I will be attending the Fela! Opening Night performance.  I know this is my third time seeing it, but I truly enjoy this play.  I want to see if Fela! can loosen up the D.C. crowd.  Not to give anything away, but this play involves crowd participation!  I also will be checking out the play “Trouble in Mind” at Arena Stage.  Lastly, I will be celebrating my Honey’s sister’s birthday and celebrating a friends departure to work in Ethiopia for a year.  And I am hoping to catch the Mayweather vs. Ortiz fight. Yes, ThatKellieGirl is a boxing fan! :-)  

I grew up watching boxing matches because my Dad was a big boxing fan.  Our house was the designated place for family and friends to watch boxing matches.  At that time, everyone didn’t have “premium” cable channels so our house was the spot.  So I grew up watching Larry Holmes, Marvin “Marvelous” Hagler, Tommy Hearns, Micheal Spinks, Leon Spinks and eventually my favorite, Mike Tyson.  We were having fight parties before they were called “fight parties.”  They were cherished events for my older sister and me because we were able to stay up past our bedtime.  And my sister and I relished in the anticipation of waiting and watching our Uncle Junior fall asleep in his designated chair.  This never failed! :-)   I actually can remember watching Buster Douglas knock out Mike Tyson.  My heart sank watching this fight.  I didn’t realize at that time it was the beginning of Tyson’s end. 

Watching boxing actually inspired me to join the boxing club in college (at my father’s dismay).  The coach said I would be good boxer because I had long arms for good reach.  So I worked out and trained.  That club whipped me into the best shape ever.  However,  after taking my first punch, my career was over! *I know ya’ll would have loved to have seen that!*   

So I have a long history with boxing.  I don’t keep up with the sport anymore, but I am always ready TO WATCH a good boxing match.

Here are some other great events…

The DC Short Films Festival closes out this weekend.  On Friday (9/16), Lupe Fiasco and friends will be at the Merriweather Post Pavillion. Rahsaan Patterson will be at the Birchmere (9/17) and Rams Head (9/18).  On Saturday (9/17), Kem will be  at the Pier Six Pavillion.  

And the Filmore Silver Spring is debuting with a strong line-up.  They kicked off Thursday with Mary J. Blige.  For the weekend, John Legend is performing on Saturday (9/17) and Black Star on Sunday (9/17).

Have a great weekend!

Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl

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Freedom Friday: The TGIF Edition

Hello Good People!

TGIF! :-)

See you on the other side of the weekend.  Be safe.

In the meantime, enjoy this uplifting song “Freedom to Love” from Incognito reworked by Reel People.

Peace!

 

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Raphael Saadiq is living on “Day Dreams”

Good Morning Everyone,

Check out this new video from the wonderful Raphael Saadiq, “Day Dreams“. 

Similar to Jaleeel White in Cee Lo Green’s “Cry Baby” video, Danny Pudi from NBC’s “Community” lends a hand by lip syncing some of the lyrics. 

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Freedom Friday: The Code Red Edition

Courtesy of Tina Fineberg / AP

TGIF Everyone!

It is HAWT out there folks.  It is a “Code Red” alert making it very unhealthy and unsafe to be outside. (In my Frankie voice, “Code 10, Man Down! *lol*)  If you don’t have to go outside, DON’T!  At least, wait until this evening.

For this weekend, the incomparable Charlies Wilson and EnVogue will be at Constitution Hall Saturday (7/23) and Wiz Khalifa is out at Merriweather Post Pavillion on Sunday (7/24).

And check out the other happenings this weekend.

Peace,

ThatKellieGirl :-)

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Freedom Friday: Living Beneath Your Means Edition

Hey Good People,

Happy Friday!

If you have been following the news, you have heard about the feud over the debt ceiling.  In order for the U.S. to meet all its obligations, entitlements, discretionary spending and everything else required to run our government, we need to borrow to stay afloat.  So if we don’t raise the debt ceiling, the government could default on its debt, which has never happened in U.S. history.  U.S. Treasury bonds are held around the world, so a U.S. default would create economic chaos.  This is pretty scary stuff folks (at least to me).  

I believe that unfortunately we have to raise the debt ceiling.  However, afterwards, we have to change our spending habits and focus on debt reduction. What a novel idea! 

Seriously, we all need to take personal inventory of our individual debt ceiling.  As I learned growing up (and still mastering), learn to live beneath your means.  So you might have to cut off that cable for a while and grab a book….hop on the bus or your bike to get around town….. cook dinner at home, then  eat those left-overs for lunch….instead of going out to dinner, have a cook-out in the park with friends.  Hmmm….Doesn’t sound too bad to me! :-)    

One way to save when hanging out is to check out the Fort DuPont Park Concerts .  It is a FREE event and kicks off this Saturday.  And if you have enough in your budget,  you can get a ticket for the Carter Barron’s Summer Concert Series.  It is still going strong with Lakeside, Brick and the BT Express on Saturday. 

Keep maintaining out there.  Peace and Blessings, ThatKellieGirl :-)

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Freedom Friday: The Independence Day Edition

Hello Good People!

TGIF!

If you’re like me, I know you are ready for the long weekend!  I did so much celebrating for my birthday this month, I think I am going to take it easy (NOT!).   No seriously, I hope to relax this weekend at the beach and attend someone’s BBQ.  That’s not too bad. :-)   

There are some great concerts going on this weekend.  If you can, check out Eric Roberson at the Birchmere, Kid Cudi at the Merriweather Post Pavilion and the one and only R. Kelly at the Verizon Center.

BTW…I know we  have different views and opinions about the state of America.  However, this weekend, let’s focus on the positive.  We have to acknowledge the freedom and liberties afforded to us that we take for granted.  When we focus on what’s right with our country, it can motivate each of us to help make our country better.  You don’t have to run for Mayor or the PTA.  You can start right in your home and local community by getting involved.  As Margaret Mead once said, “Never underestimate the power of a few committed individuals to change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”  This whole country was founded by seven passionate men that motivated others to fight for their independence.   When you are passionate and committed, you can fight and achieve a litter free street, safe schools, a healthy lifestyle, whatever!  As a teacher said to me once, “I achieved not because I was the smartest, the fastest, the prettiest or had connections.  I achieved because I had perseverance.  I stuck to it.”  If you are passionate and committed, you can make any change –physically, mentally, spiritually or in your community.  You can be the change you want to see.  

Happy Independence Day!

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Freedom Friday: The Caribbean Edition

Hey Good People,

I missed you guys while I was out on my mini-vacation.  However, I am back and I have a full line-up of weekend events! I hope this will make up for my time away. ;-)

The DC Caribbean Carnival Festival is already in full swing.  Today (6/24), two events to check out are Hookie Day Fete and Pool Party at the Capitol Skyline Hotel (10 I St SW) starting at noon and a free Reggae Night at the Carter Barron featuring Archives (with Lenny Kurlou), Passion Reggae Band and Carl Malcolm & Positive Vibrations Band.

On Saturday, the Caribbean Parade begins on  at Kansas Avenue at 11:00 a.m. and ends at the international marketplace at “DE SAVANNAH” – Howard Center Lot (Georgia Avenue & Bryant Street). “DE SAVANNAH ”  will be from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m featuring food, craft and local and international entertainment.  Click here for the full schedule. Ya’ll I still have to do the mud truck one year! :-)

The weekend closes out with Earth, Wind and Fire at Wolf Trap and Mike Philips at Blues Alley.

Get out the house and have some fun. Peace!

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Freedom Friday: The Block is Hot Edition

Hello Good Folks!

TGIF! :-)

Summer is right around the corner, but things are already in full gear– high temperatures and power outages.  Hopefully, your lights are back on.   With all of this, I am ready for the weekend to cool out and relax.

You can start by chilling out at the Annual Capital Jazz Festival  starting tonight with legends Herbie Hancock, David Sanburn and George Duke!  The whole weekend has a great line-up.  You can still get tickets at the door, at least for lawn seating . 

For those who want to support a great cause and get some excercise, on Saturday, the Susan G. Komen Global Race for the Cure begins at 8AM at the National Mall.  If you still want to run, you can do late registration until 6PM today (6/3) at the Hyatt (400 New Jersey Avenue, NW ).

The temperature seems to have evened out, so check out some events.

Lastly, shout out to all my fellow Geminis.  Let’s get it in! :-)

Smooches!

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Freedom Friday: The No Pictures Please Edition

Best picture I could get with my BB due to U Street Music Hall's "no photos" policy

Hey Good People!

WHEW!

ThatKellieGirl has been hitting the streets hard this week–from concerts to receptions to book signings.  Friday is becoming my day of rest for the week! :-)

And just for the record, U Street Music Hall has been killing me with their  ”no photography” policy.  I was trying to get some pics of the Crossrhodes Reunion Show. This was the second time I went to an event there, and the bodyguard was on anyone with a camera  HARD about taking pictures.  At times,  I felt he was down right rude, but I guess it was a frustrating job.  And he wasn’t paid to be nice.  It was sort of funny though.  We saw the bodyguard lurking and peeping us from the corners, then from the stage, then BAM! he was in our faces.  It’s crazy!  For the record, you can take pics with your cell, but unless you are the official event photog, you gets no camera love.  I sneaked a few shots, but nothing worthy.  If I am able to find some pics, I will share them with you. :-)

Overall though, the show was great.  Incwell opened up the show.  I love this guy’s voice and he has some good lyrics.  And, his band was the truth…dj, horn section, congas, a fierce sista on the drums and good background singers.  They got a good synergy.  And the main event didn’t disappoint…great stage presence and audience interaction.  As much as I enjoyed hearing the old songs, I was more excited to hear that there will be new stuff on their upcoming “Don’t Bring Sand to the Beach”.  A shout out to the Urban Ave 31 fan group.  They represented hard!!!!

Here are some events for the weekend.

Sending love and blessings to everyone! :-)

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Freedom Friday: The Friday the 13th Edition

Hello Good People!

I know today is Friday the 13th, but I am not too superstitious.  And I haven’t met a Friday I haven’t  liked.  :-) So make sure to enjoy this weekend—food and wine festivals are kicking off and Passport DC’s Embassy tours are on Saturday.  Enjoy! Peace and Blessings. :-)

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