ThatKellieGirl is looking forward to this weekend. And I am so excited to start it out on the radio! YUP! That’s right, ThatKellieGirl will be “talking about it” on WPFW’s Soul Conversations. I will be letting you know about new music and musical happenings in the DMV.
And if you aren’t hip to WPFW’s Soul Conversations with Kimberly Washington and DJ YZO, you’ve been missing out! I feel so honored to be in their company. So check us out TONIGHT on 89.3 FM WPFW, 11PM-1AM (EST) on Friday Nights Soul Conversations Radio Show. If you are out of the DMV area, you can stream the show on-line.
Love is in the air for ThatKellieGirl. I am happy to announce that my Honey proposed to me on Valentine’s Day! I have been on cloud 9 ever since. It was truly one of the happiest days in my life. And what makes it even more special is the overwhelming response of love and support from family and friends. I truly feel blessed.
However, what is so interesting to me, is that as I make this transition to “become one” with the love of my life, I find it even more important to have a stronger relationship with my family and friends. I know a lot of people enter into a relationship with a ”bonnie and clyde” or “us against the world” type of mentality. And I guess that makes the relationship stronger. However, I prefer to use love as the foundation of this marriage (and really ALL my relationships).
I also am understanding the importance of the village or a support system. Not only do you need a village to raise a child, but to raise a family. I believe that marriages are at a dismal low because society celebrates the self, the ego more than the family. The single person is supposedly happier than the married couple. This might be true, but I tend to think it just depends on the person. Yet, the barrage of messages and lack of examples makes it challenging to enter and maintain a relationship, let alone a marriage. I believe a married person can be just as fulfilled as a single person. The variable is the willingness of the person, single or married, to work at it.
My village is my family. They provide the most support to me. And as I have matured, I find that a support system is more about learning and giving than receiving. At times, we don’t nurture our relationships, and wonder why we have drifted from friends and family. Or the relationship is one-sided. We only reach out when we need something or to vent instead of consistently connecting to learn, love and encourage each other. So as I move into marriage, I am humble because I have so much to learn and improve upon. I can admit that I don’t know everything, but I do know that I want to be the best that I can be.
So as I grow through his journey, I will be sharing my musings and experiences with you. I want to share and learn, so please comment. Let me know your thoughts or experiences about love, marriage or anything else in between.
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.
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.
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.
Still on a music high from attending the Stevie Wonder Tribute Party in NYC, it keeps going this Wednesday (5/18) with the CrossRhodes Reunion at U Street Music Hall.
Who are the Crossrhodes you ask? *smh* The Crossrhodes is comprised of W. Ellington Felton and Raheem Devaughn, who are reuniting for a performance after 7 yr hiatus. In my book, their album “Limited Budget, Unlimited Quality” is a classic. It was honest, organic and fun!
Courtesy of Red Bull 3Style 2011 (www.redbull.com)
Hello Good People!
Last night, ThatKellieGirl was in the house for the Red Bull 3Style DJ Competition at U Street Music Hall. And DC represented with DJ Jahsonic becoming the 2nd place finalist and heading to the national competition in Las Vegas in July.
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.
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.
This is it! If you missed the Caribbean Wine Festival on Memorial Day weekend, then this is your last change to get your wine and wine (as in dutty) on at the Reggae Wine Festival this weekend. Passion Reggae and Image Band will be performing.
Saturday, July 17 & Sunday July 18
Reggae Wine Festival
Linagnore Winecellar & Berrywine Plantations
13601 Glissans Mill Road
Mt. Airy, MD 21771
$15.00 (21 and older)
$10.00 (18-20 years old)
Under 18 free with adult.
Photo I.D. Required for Wine Tastings GATES OPEN AT 11:00am.
11AM to 6PM
The largest free arts festival in the country, Artscape kicks off its 29th year with Musiq performing tonight (8:30PM). Artscape features artists, fashion designers, visual art exhibits and live concerts for the whole family.
Friday, July 16 to Sunday July, 18
Artscape
A good landmark to help with directions is the Lyric Opera House,
140 West Mt. Royal Avenue, 21201.
And the crowning event this weekend will be the 2nd Anniversary of Liberal Party featuring Kenny Bobien, “The King of Gospel House Music”. Come dressed to sweat!
Saturday, July 17
Twelve Restaurant & Lounge
1123 H Street, N.E. (corner of H & 12 St)
9PM
$15 Advance Tickets (Purchase here.)
$20 Night of the Show before Midnight
$25 After Midnight
Just to get you started, here is something from Kenny! Enjoy.
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.
