Thursday, December 24, 2009

R.I.P. George Michael (sportscaster)





George Michael, the longtime NBC4 sports anchor known nationally for his syndicated sports highlights show “The George Michael Sports Machine,” passed away early Thursday morning at Sibley Hospital.

Known for his boisterous and energetic style, Michael anchored the sports desk for WRC-TV, NBC’s D.C. affiliate, for more than 25 years, beginning in 1980. Started as a local program in the early ‘80s, “The Sports Machine” was syndicated in 1984.

“George Michael was our friend and colleague for more than 25 years,” NBC4 said in a statement released Thursday morning. “He was a dynamic force around our newsroom and in the entire Washington area. George was a pioneer in sports broadcasting. He was a gifted interviewer, a master storyteller and one of the hardest working journalists out there. Our hearts go out to his wife, Pat, and his daughter, Michelle, both of whom also worked with us for many years, as well as the rest of his family.”

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Events in December 2009 and January 2010

DECEMBER 2009
Wed December 16 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Patriot Center (4pm & 7pm)
Wed December 16 – Bilal at Rams Head Live (7pm)
Thu December 17 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at 1st Mariner Arena (4pm & 7pm)
Thu December 17 – Christmas with Aaron Neville & His Quintet featuring Charles Neville at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)
Fri December 18 – Christmas with Aaron Neville & His Quintet featuring Charles Neville at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)
Fri December 18 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Verizon Center (4pm & 7pm)
Sat December 19 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Verizon Center (1pm, 4pm & 7pm)
Sun December 20 – Radio City Christmas Spectacular at Verizon Center (1pm & 4pm)

Sat December 26 – The Harlem Globetrotters 2010 Magical Memories World Tour at 1st Mariner Arena (2pm & 7pm)
Sat December 26 – Pieces of a Dream at Birchmere (7:30pm)
Sat December 26 – Danielia Cotton at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)

Mon December 28 – Regina Belle at Birchmere (7:30pm)
Tues December 29 – The Roots at 9:30 Club (7pm)
Tues December 29 – The Harlem Globetrotters 2010 Magical Memories World Tour at Patriot Center (7pm)
Wed December 30 – The Roots at 9:30 Club (7pm)
Wed December 30 – The Harlem Globetrotters 2010 Magical Memories World Tour at Verizon Center (7pm)

December 16 to 23 and 25 to 27 – Dreamgirls at the Hippodrome

JANUARY 2010
Fri January 1 – Wale at 9:30 Club (8pm)
Sat January 2 – 2010 R&B/Soul Explosion featuring Monica at Lyric Opera House (8pm)
Sat January 2 – Caribbean Jazz Project - Afro Bop Alliance at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)

Thu January 7 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv
Fri January 8 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv
Fri January 8 – Hairspray at Lyric Opera House (8pm)
Sat January 9 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv
Sat January 9 – Hairspray at Lyric Opera House (2pm & 8pm)
Sun January 10 – Huggy Lowdown and Chris Paul at DC Improv

Thu January 14 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv
Fri January 15 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv
Sat January 16 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv
Sun January 17 – Sheryl Underwood at DC Improv

Wed January 20 – Laura Izibor at Birchmere (7:30pm)

Tue January 26 – Eric Roberson & Wayna at Rams Head Tavern (8pm)

January 12 to 17 and 19 to 24 – Young Frankenstein at the Hippodrome

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Events in November 2009

Thursday November 5 – Gerald Albright at Birchmere in VA (7:30pm)
Saturday November 7 – Living Colour at Black Cat in DC (8pm)
Saturday November 7 – One Love Festival Feat. Capleton, Cocoa Tea & Anthony B Live at Crossroads in MD (9pm)

Friday November 13 – Love Train: the Sound of Philadelphia featuring The O'Jays, Russell Thompkins & the New Stylistics, Jerry Butler, Harold Melvin's Bluenotes, The Delfonics feat. William Hart, Eddie Holman, The Jones Girls, and The Intruders Door at DAR Constitution Hall in DC (8pm)
Saturday November 14 - Cedric the Entertainer at DAR Constitution Hall in DC (8:30pm)
Sunday November 15 – Rakim (Seventh Seal CD-Release Show) w/Rhymefest @ Black Cat in DC (7:30pm)

Wednesday November 18 - 30th Anniversary Party Sugarhill Gang at Rams Head Live in MD (7pm)
Wednesday November 18 – Public Enemy at Lisner Auditorium in DC (7pm)
Thursday November 19 – Angela Winbush at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Friday November 20 – Angela Winbush at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Saturday November 21 – Angela Winbush at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Saturday November 21 – Stop Crying Start Laughing Play at Lyric Opera House in MD (8pm)
Saturday November 21 – Queen Latifah at Rams Head Live in MD (8pm)
Sunday November 22 – Angela Winbush at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Sunday November 22 – Queen Collection Presents Queen Latifah Persona Tour @ 9:30 Club in DC (6pm)
Sunday November 22 – Jeffrey Osborne at Birchmere in VA (7:30pm)

Tuesday November 24 – R. Kelly at DAR Constitution Hall in DC (8pm)
Wednesday November 25 – N’dambi at Rams Head Tavern in MD (8pm)
Friday November 27 – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Keith Sweat, Mike Brooks at DAR Constitution Hall in DC (8pm)
Friday November 27 – Kem and Will Downing at Lyric Opera House in MD (7:30pm)
Saturday November 28 - Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Keith Sweat, Mike Brooks at DAR Constitution Hall in DC (8pm)
Saturday November 28 – Chuck Brown at Rams Head Tavern in MD (8pm & 11:30pm)
Saturday November 28 – Queen Ifrica & Tony Rebel at Crossroads, MD (9pm)

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Concerts the week of Sept 28 to Oct 2, 2009

I attended 2 concerts this week. The U2 360 Tour at FedEx field with Muse opening and U2 and Maxwell's BLACKsummers'night Tour at the Verizon Center featuring Chrisette Michele, Common and Maxwell.


The U2 360 Tour was on Tuesday September 29, 2009 at 7:00pm. My ticket included an $8 parking fee. Seats were in Section 106, Row 16. I left the house about 3:30pm and planned for traffic. There was traffic, but it was not for the stadium, it was more for rush-hour traffic. It took me a very short wait to get into FedEx field – I entered on the street near the Morgan Blvd Metro Station and parked with a lot of tailgaters even though I was not tailgating. Got to the parking lot at exactly 5:00pm and sat in my car for about 30 minutes to pass some time. I got into the stadium and loved the setup instantly. Yes, I saw the U2 360 Tour claw – it looked like big crab claws – 4 of them and a huge stage on the field. At this time I wished I had field seats instead (GA section).




Well first thing I did when I got in the stadium is buy a shirt – I asked the lady at the stand which shirt is selling the most right now and she points to a shirt that has U2 360 Tour on the front and FedEx field with the date of the show on the back - $40. I purchased it although I probably won’t be wearing it until next summer. So then I got something to eat as I was hungry. I should have known better that food was going to be expensive - $10 for a burger and $5 for drink. I got fries later that cost $7. Stomach full. Time to get ready for the show.

Muse comes on first. Never heard of that band before today, but I must say that they sounded very good. I might have to go and purchase their album. Nice.

Next came U2 and from my seats and I didn’t really get to see them as my seats were slightly behind them. From a clock standpoint, they are performing at 12 o’clock and I’m sitting at 5 o’clock – okay, that wasn’t slightly behind them, that was behind them, but I didn’t go to the show to really see them even though it would have been nice. I was happy enough to just hear them live.
I liked the overall show and the stage setup, but for me, the best U2 show I saw was back in the 90’s at RFK stadium (I missed the show at Verizon a few years back). Back then we got seats that were about 15 rows away from the stage when a lady came up to us and said “I’m sorry to say that your seats have been moved” and my first reaction was shock until I noticed she started walking us towards the stage, closer and closer and closer…wait a minute…we were getting real close to the stage. We got so close that our new seats were now positioned about 5 rows from the stage facing us and 2 rows from the stage to the left of us – the stage back then was like the letter “T”. Yes, we could reach out and touch the band. That topped everything.
Anyways, back to the current show today. U2 did a good selection of some of their former songs and they also did current songs from their 2009 album “No Line on the Horizon”. I liked it overall. I was freezing at the concert as I didn’t dress very warm as most people did, but that’s okay. I learned from my experience. I decided to leave the show right before they did their encore as I knew it would take forever to get home if I left when everyone was leaving, so it only took me a few minutes to get out of there and home in a good time. Some people were leaving at that time as well to beat the crowds. It was easy getting into the stadium as people arrived at very different times, but when leaving, everyone leaves together at the same time. That was not going to be me. Will I attend the next U2 show – I probably will as I have always been a U2 fan.


The BLACKsummers'night Tour was at the Verizon Center on Friday October 2, 2009 at 7:30pm. Seats were in Section 101, Row B (next time I’ll try to get Row C and up as I felt it when everyone stepped on the steps). Got to the show around 6:45pm and got to our seats which was not that far from the stage but still a little far enough.


The show started on time with Chrisette Michele performing first. She did about 4 or 5 songs, but I only knew one of them even though I have both of her albums. That girl can sing and she has come a long way. I first saw Chrisette Michele at the Black Cat in DC – it was when she came out with her first album and not only was she sounding really, really good, she was pretty too. I had already purchased her first album before the show back then and when I first saw her, I thought she should be playing at Verizon with the likes of Jill Scott and look at where she is performing today – Verizon Center – she has come a long way. I am proud of her.

Next on was Common and he also did a great performance. He brought a surprise guest on the stage along with him, Bilal and that was nice. I have seen both Common and Bilal before, but not on the same show. I saw Common last at Love Nightclub (yes, I used to go there to see performances) and I saw Bilal in 2009 at Liv Nightclub (it was my first time there and he put on a good show). This night, Common rocked it – did what he does best and he ended his set at the Verizon Center by doing a, what you call it when you spin on your back on the ground with your legs spinning in the air, what’s that called – breakdancing. Yes, Common was doing some breakdancing moves on the stage (he did some of that at the 2005 VH1 Hip Hop Honors for the Big Daddy Kane set – I know because I played the BDK piece several times on my DVR as I am a Big Daddy Kane fan as well).


Next on was Maxwell, with his fine sexy self. Hmmm….Need I say more.


Yes, I will say more. Maxwell’s set looked oh so romantic and soothing, like a calm over the stage.

He did his thing and he was very good at it. Doing songs from past albums and from the current album as well. He can never go wrong anywhere. Of course, as always, someone had to throw their panties on the stage – what does Maxwell do…picked it up and smelled it…LOL…too funny. He made sure that everyone in the venue got to see Maxwell especially when he went to the far right of the stage and did his thing and then went to the far left of the stage and did his thing. Some time in the show as he was performing center stage, he disappeared below the stage. He was gone for maybe 45 seconds when 'lo and behold he appears near the middle of the venue closer to us than being in the middle of the stage.

I think the stage was set up as a letter “Y” and that was wonderful to me as I got to see him perform closer than where he was before. I really enjoyed this show and I am looking forward to the next Maxwell tour whenever that will be.

For now, I’ll wait for the next album in his trilogy set:
BLACKsummers’night in 2009 – just occurred (darker but soulful compilation)
BlackSUMMERS’night in 2010 – coming next (gospel side)
Blacksummers’NIGHT in 2011 – coming in 2 years (cool collection of slow jams)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Events in September 2009

Tue September 1 – Living Colour @ Birchmere in VA (7:30pm)
Fri September 4 – Fat Laces and Fades II featuring Big Daddy Kane @ Sonar Baltimore in MD (8pm)
Fri September 4 – Jah Works @ Seacrets in MD (9pm)
Fri September 4 – Proverbs Reggae Band @ Woodrow Wilson Plaza in DC (12pm)
Sat September 5 – Jah Works @ Seacrets in MD (9pm)
Sat September 5 – Rock the House Festival featuring Ludacris, Method Man, Redman, Pitbull, EPMD, Baby Bash, Inspectah Deck, Keith Murray, Chosen Few's Fuego, DJ Ramzy, Jah Works, TON, Culture Shock, WPGC's Big Tigger (host) @ Montgomery County Fairgrounds in MD (11am)
Sun September 6 – Jah Works @ Seacrets in MD (9pm)

Wed September 9 – Journey @ 1st Mariner Arena in MD (8pm)
Thu September 10 – Amel Larrieux @ Birchmere in VA (7:30pm)
Fri September 11 – Amel Larrieux @ Birchmere in VA (7:30pm)
Fri September 11 – A Reggae Roots and Culture Birthday Party for Papa Wabe Featuring Glen Washington and Everton Blender w/ special guests Empress Shaneece, Lady Flame, Tony Roy and More! @ Rams Head Live in MD (7pm)
Fri September 11 – Aretha Franklin performing @ the new Takoma Park/Silver Spring Performing Arts Center in MD (8pm)
Fri September 11 – National Harbor Friday Night Jazz Series featuring Marcus Johnson @ National Harbor Plaza (8pm)
Sat September 12 – Another Planet Presents Jamie Foxx – Blame It! Tour @ Merriweather Post Pavilion in MD (7pm)
Sat September 12 – Living Colour at Rams Head on Stage in MD (8pm)
Sat September 12 – Lyfe Jennings with Special Guests Chuck Brown and Mike Brooks @ Warner Theatre in DC (8pm)
Sat September 12 – NCNW Black Family Reunion Celebration with performance by Charlie Wison @ National Mall in DC (12pm)
Sat September 12 – 6th Annual Silver Spring Jazz Festival featuring Allen Toussaint, Unified Jazz Ensamble, Afro Bop Alliance, The Marcus Johnson Project, The Madison Sweet Heaven Kings @ Downtown Silver Spring in MD (3:30pm to 10:45pm)
Sun September 13 – Annual Outdoor Reggae Fest featuring Buju Banton, Queen Ifrica, Tony Rebel, Tanya Stephens, Proverbs Band, Yawd Lynk Reggae Band, Zylan, Tweeter Bird, Lady Flame, Positive Vibrations Band @ Crossroads Nightclub in MD (2pm)
Sun September 13 – 31st Annual Adams Morgan Day Festival in DC (12pm to 7pm)
Sun September 13 – NCNW Black Family Reunion Celebration with performance by CeCe Winans @ National Mall in DC (12pm)

Tue September 15 – D12 @ Sonar Baltimore in MD (8pm)
Wed September 16 – Mos Def presents The Ecstatic Tour featuring Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica @ Sonar Baltimore in MD (7:30pm)
Wed September 16 – Walking with Dinosaurs @ Verizon Center in DC (7pm)
Thu September 17 – Phil Perry at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Thu September 17 – Walking with Dinosaurs @ Verizon Center in DC (7pm)
Fri September 18 – Phil Perry at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Fri September 18 – An Evening with Anita Baker @ DAR Constitution Hall in DC (8pm)
Fri September 18 – Walking with Dinosaurs @ Verizon Center in DC (7pm)
Fri September 18 – Harlem Renaissance Festival Celebration @ Lincoln Theatre in DC (8pm)
Sat September 19 – Phil Perry at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Sat September 19 – Rickey Smiley and George Willborn @ Lyric Opera House in MD (8pm)
Sat September 19 – Walking with Dinosaurs @ Verizon Center in DC (11am, 3pm & 7pm)
Sat September 19 – Thievery Corporation @ Pier Six Pavilion in MD (5:30pm)
Sun September 20 – Phil Perry at Blues Alley in DC (8pm & 10pm)
Sun September 20 – Walking with Dinosaurs @ Verizon Center in DC (1pm & 5pm)

Thu September 24 – Tommy Davidson @ DC Improv in DC (8:30pm)
Thu September 24 – Chocolate City Films: Reflections on the Diaspora – The Best of the American Black Film – Festival (ABFF) & HBO Award Winning Shorts at Lincoln Theatre in DC (6:30pm & 9pm)
Fri September 25 – Tommy Davidson @ DC Improv in DC (8pm & 10:30pm)
Fri September 25 – Chocolate City Films: Reflections on the Diaspora – The Best of the American Black Film – Festival (ABFF) & HBO Award Winning Shorts at Lincoln Theatre in DC (6:30pm & 9pm)
Fri September 25 – Chuck Brown @ Woodrow Wilson Plaza in DC (5pm)
Sat September 26 – Tommy Davidson @ DC Improv in DC (8pm & 10:30pm)
Sat September 26 – 6th Annual Prince Georges Classic Football Game and Halftime Show, Bowie State University vs. Shaw University, Platinum Sound Marching Band & The Symphony of Soul @ Bowie State University, Bulldog Stadium (2pm)
Sun September 27 – The Whispers @ Birchmere in VA (7:30pm)
Sun September 27 – Tommy Davidson @ DC Improv in DC (8pm)

Tue September 29 – U2 360 Tour @ FedEx Field in MD (7pm)

Friday, July 24, 2009

Events in August 2009

August 1 – Paul McCartney @ Fed Ex Field, MD
August 1 – Kevin Hart @ DC Improv, DC – SOLD OUT
August 2 – Darryl Hall & John Oats @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 2 – Jazmine Sullivan @ 9:30 Club, DC
August 2 – Kevin Hart @ DC Improv, DC – SOLD OUT
August 2 – Darryl Hall and John Oats @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA

August 4 – Asher Roth and Kid Cudi @ Rams Head Live, MD
August 4 – American Idols Live Tour @ Verizon Center, DC
August 5 – American Idols Live: Tour 2009 @ 1st Mariner Arena, MD
August 5 – Asher Roth & Kid Cudi w/ B.o.B, 88-Keys @ 9:30 Club, DC
August 7 – America’s Most Wanted Music Festival featuring Lil Wayne, Young Jeezy, Soulja Boy, Drake @ Nissan Pavilion, VA
August 7 – The Neville Brothers @ Rams Head Tavern, MD
August 8 – Tracy Chapmas @ 9:30 Club, DC
August 8 – Keith Sweat featuring Noel Gourdin @ Lyric Opera House, MD
August 8 – Summer Spirit Festival featuring Erykah Badu, Raphael Saadiq, Mike Epps, Chrisette Michele, Chuck Brown, The Foreign Exchange @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, MD
August 9 – Johnny Mathis @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 9 – The Neville Brothers @ Birchmere, VA
August 9 – Tracy Chapman @ Rams Head Live, MD
August 9 – Eric Benet, Mint Condition & Ruben Studdard @ DAR Constitution Hall, DC
August 9 - Mos Def Presents: The Ecstatic Tour featuring Mos Def produced by Garden Grown and Guerilla Union w/ Jay Electronica @ 9:30 Club, DC

August 11 – Twenty Years High and Rising Tour featuring De La Soul backed by the Rhythm Roots Allstars @ 9:30 Club, DC
August 12 – Smokey Robinson @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 12 – De La Soul @ Rams Head Live, MD
August 13 – Bill Cosby @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 14 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival – The Curious Case of Benjamin Button @ Strathmore, MD
August 15 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival – The Dark Knight @ Strathmore, MD
August 15 – The Temptations, The Four Tops @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 15 – Stone Soul Picnic featuring Chuck Brown, Chico Debarge, Rueben Studdard, Ginuwine, Mary Mary, Heavy D @ RFK Stadium, DC
August 16 – Laura Izibor @ Birchmere, VA
August 16 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival – Kung-Fu Panda @ Strathmore, MD

August 17 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull @ Strathmore, MD
August 18 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival – Singing in the Rain @ Strathmore, MD
August 19 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival – Twilight @ Strathmore, MD
August 20 – Avant @ Birchmere, VA
August 20 - Baltimore Magazine's Best of Baltimore Party @ Hippodrome Theatre at the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, MD
August 20 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival – Slumdog Millionaire @ Strathmore, MD
August 21 – Comcast Outdoor Film Festival – Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa @ Strathmore, MD
August 21 – Peaches and Herb @ Blues Alley, DC
August 21 – Walter Beasley @ Birchmere, VA
August 21 - Boney James, Grainger @ Carter Barron Amphitheatre, DC
August 21 – Wandy Sykes @ Warner Theatre, DC
August 22 – Peaches and Herb @ Blues Alley, DC
August 22 – Wandy Sykes @ Warner Theatre, DC
August 23 – The Beach Boys @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 23 – Avant @ Rams Head Tavern, MD
August 23 – The Contagious Tour featuring Tarrus Riley, Dean Fraser & Duane Stephenson @ Crossroads Nightclub, MD

August 25 – The Black Crowes @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 27 – KC and the Sunshine Band @ Rams Head Live, MD
August 28 – 5th Annual DC Poetry in the Park, Special Guest Gil Scott Heron @ Carter Barron Amphitheatre, DC
August 28 – The Lord of the Rings-The Two Towers, Complete Film in HD!, Live Orchestra, Chorus, and Soloists - U.S. Premiere @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 29 – The Lord of the Rings-The Two Towers, Complete Film in HD!, Live Orchestra, Chorus, and Soloists - U.S. Premiere @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 29 – Kim Waters @ Birchmere, VA
August 30 – BB King @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
August 30 – Reggae Summerfest featuring I-Wayne, Cocoa Tea, Marcia Griffiths, Mahmoud Ahmed, Jovi Rockwell and many more @ City Center, DC
August 30 – An evening with the Black Crowes @ Rams Head Live, MD

August 31 – ROCK THE BELLS Presents Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli + Hi-Tek), Slaughterhouse, Slum Village, Supernatural. Hosted by Pete Rock @ 9:30 Club, DC
August 31 – An Intimate Evening with Teena Marie @ Birchmere, VA

Monday, July 13, 2009

Rock the Bells Festival 2009 Review

I attended the Rock the Bells Festival 2009 (RTB) at Merriweather Post Pavilion (MPP) on Sunday July 12, 2009. I got to the show around 2:30pm/3pm as I was not really interested in seeing The Knux, Chali 2na, K'naan or some of the others, even though I did see some no-name performers last year. I didn't really get a chance to listen to some of the no-names this year before going to the show, hence why I did not go early this year.

First things first, at the entrance to MPP, people were being told that they could not bring in lawn chairs or backpacks - a decision made by the production people at RTB not Merriweather, so a lot of people had to walk all the way back to their cars or homes to take back their chairs/backpacks - I was one of them. It would have been nice to know this information before even heading to the festival, but I found out from a few people that work for MPP that they were just informed of the change that morning. We were also informed once we got there, that Damian Marley was not performing due to a family emergency - I was so looking forward to hear him perform.

First, I went and bought a RTB shirt and yes, I bought a backpack as well - I had to put all those things I was carrying into something. You best believe I will be sporting that RTB backpack wherever I go - can't pay all that money for a bag and not use it.
I was able to see the group Tech N9NE which was good. Next up was Talib Kweli and his group Reflection Eternal, then Common which was great. Common did a song with Talib Kweli on stage that I liked. Big Boi was next, but I didn't really see his performance - Outkast without Andre 3000 is just not the same. The Roots was great as always, although they didn't do too many songs that I knew. Next up was Busta Rhymes - I knew he was coming when I saw the "Flipmode" bus pull up while The Roots was performing. Busta & Spliff held it down and had the crowd roaring. Raekwon walked on to their set while Busta was performing. As I waited for Nas to perform, both KRS-One and Supernatural came on stage to spit some lyrics - between listening to the two, I would have to vote for Supernatural as he took the cake. Last up was Nas who always hold his own when he performs. In the middle of his set, he brought up AZ that did a song with him, Styles P who did a few songs and Pharoah Monarch who did a few as well. Nas continued to do his thing afterwards and I enjoyed it. I actually left the show a little early as I had seen Nas last year twice (once was at the Rock the Bells Festival 2008). Overall, I would have to say that the RTB show this year was good, but for me it was not great. I will still attend the show the next time they come back to the area as for me, I will take Hip Hop any day over the stuff they now play on the radio.

All in all, the people I saw for the day were - Tech N9NE, Talib Kweli, Reflection Eternal, Common, Big Boi, The Roots, Busta Rhymes, Spliff, Nas, KRS-One, Supernatural, DJ Dummy (Common's DJ), DJ Green Lantern (Nas's DJ), DJ Radio Rock, Pete Rock (of PR & CL Smooth), Raekwon, Styles P, AZ, Pharoah Monarch.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Events in July 2009

June 30 to Aug 9 – Musical Color Purple @ Kennedy Center Opera House, DC
July 2 – Chuck Brown @ Zanzibar Nightclub, DC
July 2 – Tony Bennett @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
July 3 – Jah Works @ Hula's Bungalow, MD
July 3 – African American Heritage Festival featuring Raheem DeVaughn, Teena Marie, Chubb Rock, Rob Base @ Camden Yards, MD
July 4 – African American Heritage Festival featuring Tony, Toni, Tone, En Vogue, Eric Roberson, Angela Johnson, Anthony David @ Camden Yards, MD
July 5 – Gladys Knight @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
July 5 – Image Band @ Georgetown Summer Concert, MD
July 5 – Marcus Johnson @ Rams Head Tavern, MD
July 5 – African American Heritage Festival featuring Anita Baker, Fertile Ground @ Camden Yards, MD

July 6 to 12 – Hip Hop Theatre Festival – go to www.hhtf.org for more info
July 7 to Aug 2 – Musical Spring Awakening @ Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theatre, DC
July 8 – Tony Terry @ Blues Alley, DC
July 8 – Les Nubians @ Birchmere, VA
July 8 – Who’s Bad: The World's #1 Michael Jackson Tribute Band @ Rams Head Live, MD
July 9 – Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor @ Birchmere, VA
July 10 – Washington Post Weekend's Weekends Neo Soul Night featuring Fertile Ground, Wayna, Deborah Bond, Tamika Jones @ Carter Barron Amphitheatre, DC
July 10 – David Alan Grier @ Rams Head Live, MD
July 10 – Alex Bugnon & Paul Taylor @ Rams Head Tavern, MD
July 11 – Chuck Brown @ Rams Head Tavern, MD
July 11 – Barrington Levy, Rising Sun Reggae Band @ Zanzibar Nightclub, DC
July 11 – Ashford & Simpson, Al Johnson @ Carter Barron Amphitheatre, DC
July 12 – Rock the Bells Festival featuring NAS & Damian Marley, The Roots, Common, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, KRS-One, Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli & Hi-Tek), Tech N9ne, RZA vs. GZA, Raekwon, K'naan, Sage Francis, Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Royce da 5'9", Joel Ortiz, and Crooked I), Buckshot, M.O.P., Necro, Slum Village, Eyedea & Abilities, Evidence & Alchemist, The Knux, Psycho Realm, Mystik Journeymen, Chali 2na, Mickey Factz, B. Dolan, Tabi Bonney. Hosted by: KRS-One, Supernatural, Murs, and Pete Rock @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, MD
July 12 – Reggae 2009! A Moment in Time Beres Hammond, Culture featuring Kenyatta Hill & Lenya Wilks, Harmony House Singers, Harmony House Musicians @ Wolf Trap Filene Center, VA
July 12 – Kindred The Family Soul @ Birchmere, VA
July 12 – Jamaica Outdoor Reggae Festival featuring Tinga Stewart, Frankie Paul, King Yellow Man, Leroy Sibbles, Professor Nuts, Storm reggae band, Jah Works, Image Band, Yard Link, Rising Sun reggae band @ Anne Arundel County Fair Ground, MD

July 15 - Russ Parr Presents Something like a Business Comedy Show featuring Kevin Hart, Lazee Lamont, Leslie, D. Rawling and C. Spencer and many more @ Lincoln Theatre
July 16 – Jah Works @ Seacrets, MD
July 16 – Marcus Johnson Project @ Blues Alley, DC
July 17 – Jah Works @ Seacrets, MD
July 17 – Oleta Adams @ Birchmere, VA
July 17 – John Legend, India Arie, Vaughn Anthony @ Merriweather Post Pavilion, MD
July 17 – Marcus Johnson Project @ Blues Alley, DC
July 18 – Jah Works @ Seacrets, MD
July 18 – Marcus Johnson Project @ Blues Alley, DC
July 18 – Joe, Chico DeBarge, Be’la Dona @ Carter Barron Amphitheatre, DC
July 18 – Oleta Adams @ Rams Head Tavern, MD
July 18 – Reggae Wine Festival @ Linganore Winery, MD
July 19 – Marcus Johnson Project @ Blues Alley, DC
July 19 – Reggae on the Harbor "Three Generations of Ska" featuring Toots and the Maytals, Reel Big Fish, The English Beat, Super Villains, DJ Baltimojo, and more @ Pier Six Pavilion
July 19 – Reggae Wine Festival @ Linganore Winery, MD

July 22 – Toots & the Maytals @ 9:30 Club, DC
July 24 – The Footprint In Hip Hop Tour featuring Method Man, Redman and Ghostface Killah @ 9:30 Club, DC
July 25 – Ohio Players, SOS Band, "Mousey" Thompson and the James Brown Experience @ Carter Barron Amphitheatre, DC
July 26 – Earl Klugh @ Rams Head Tavern, MD

July 27 – Afro Bop Alliance @ Kennedy Center Millenium Stage, DC
July 29 – Method Man, Redman and Ghostface Killah @ Rams Head Live, MD
July 30 – Jodi Watley @ Birchmere, VA
July 30 – Kevin Hart @ DC Improv
July 30 – Beres Hammond & Culture @ Rams Head Live, MD
July 31 – Kevin Hart @ DC Improv
July 31 – The Comedic Stimulus Package Concert starring Bruce Bruce and Deray Davis @ The Hippodrome Theatre, MD
July 31 – Cedric the Entertainer @ Lyric Opera House, MD

Sunday, May 17, 2009

Events in June 2009

June 3 – Gregory Isaacs w/The Easy Star All-Stars @ Rams Head Live
June 4 – Cirque Dreams - Jungle Fantasy @ Wolf Trap Filene Center
June 4 – Freddie Jackson @ Blues Alley
June 4 – Gregory Isaacs w/Easy Star All Stars & Lionize @ 9:30 Club
June 5 – Benjai @ Zanzibar
June 5 to 7 – Freddie Jackson @ Blues Alley
June 5 – Capital Jazz Fest 2009 Day 1 with Special guest host Alonzo Bodden, Natalie Cole, Fourplay @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 6 – Keyshia Cole, Dream, Keri Hilson, Bobby Velentino @ Pier Six Pavilion
June 6 – Tone Loc, Naughty by Nature, Sugarhill Gang @ Celebrate Fairfax festival
June 6 – Capital Jazz Fest 2009 Day 2 – Pavilion Jazz Stage - Special guest host Alonzo Bodden, Will Downing, George Duke, Norman Brown, Marion Meadows, Roy Ayers, Regina Belle, Joey Sommerville; Soul Stage at Symphony Woods - Hosted by Tony Richards, The Underground Divas (featuring Maysa, N'dea Davenport, & Caron Wheeler), Raheem DeVaughn, Swing Out Sister, Rahsaan Patterson, Daysahead, Leela James.
June 7 – Capital Jazz Fest 2009 Day 3 - Pavilion Jazz Stage - Special guest host Alonzo Bodden, Al Jarreau, Kirk Whalum, S.M.V. (featuring Stanley Clarke, Marcus Miller, & Victor Wooten), Lalah Hathaway, Pieces of a Dream with special guest Phil Perry, Guitars & Saxes (featuring Jeff Lorber, Euge Groove, Jeff Golub, & Jessy J). Soul Stage at Symphony Woods - Hosted by Tony Richards, En Vogue, Peabo Bryson, Angie Stone, Gary Taylor, Pete Belasco, Anthony David & Mike Phillips.
June 7 – New Kids on the Block @ Patriot Center

June 8 – Little Richard @ Birchmere
June 9 – Little Richard @ Rams Head Tavern – SOLD OUT
June 10 – Earth, Wind & Fire, and Chicago @ Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 11 to 14 – Tony Rock @ DC Improv
June 12 to 13 – Gypsy Kings @ Wolf Trap Filene Center
June 13 – Eric Clapton & Steve Winwood @ Verizon Center

June 18 – Huey Lewis and the News @ Wolf Trap Filene Center
June 19 – Anthony Hamilton, Musiq Soulchild @ DAR Constitution Hall
June 20 – Collie Buddz, The New Kingston Band, I-Ternals @ Zanzibar
June 21 – Average White Band @ Rams Head Tavern
June 21 – War @ Birchmere

June 22 – Jazmine Sullivan, Ryan Leslie @ Sonar Baltimore
June 23 – Michael McDonald @ Wolf Trap Filene Center
June 24 – Beyonce @ Verizon Center
June 25 – George Benson, Babyface & Ledisi @ Pier Six Pavilion
June 27 – Chuck Brown @ DC Barbeque Battle Concert on Penn Ave
June 27 – DC Caribbean Carnival Parade on Georgia Avenue (from Missouri Avenue down to Howard University)
June 28 – DC Caribbean Carnival Festivities at Banneker Park
June 28 – Ziggy Marley, 311 @ Nisson Pavilion
June 28 – Celebrity Music Dance Competition – Judged by Lil’ Mama & Shane Spartks @ 9:30 Club

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Rock the Bells Festival 2009 coming to DC

ROCK THE BELLS 2009
Sunday - July 12, 2009
Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD
Featuring:
NAS & Damian Marley, The Roots, Common, Busta Rhymes, Big Boi, KRS-One, Reflection Eternal (Talib Kweli + Hi-Tek), Tech N9ne, RZA vs. GZA, Raekwon, K'naan, Sage Francis, Slaughterhouse (Joe Budden, Royce da 5'9", Joel Ortiz, and Crooked I), Buckshot, M.O.P., Necro, Slum Village, Eyedea & Abilities, Evidence & Alchemist, The Knux, Psycho Realm, Mystik Journeymen, Chali 2na, Mickey Factz, B. Dolan, Tabi Bonney

Hosted by: KRS-One, Supernatural, Murs, and Pete Rock



Events in May 2009

May 2 – Return of the Queens – Mo’nique & Adele Givens @ DAR Constitution Hall
May 3 – India Arie @ Rams Head Live
May 4 – India Arie @ Birchmere – SOLD OUT
May 5 – UB40 @ 9:30 Club
May 5 – Boys II Men @ Birchmere
May 6 – UB40 @ Rams Head Live
May 6 – Robin Williams @ DAR Constitution Hall
May 7 – Eric Benet @ Birchmere
May 8 – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with Eric Benet @ Pier Six Concert Pavilion
May 8 – Teena Marie & The Whispers @ DAR Constitution Hall
May 9 – Eddie Griffin @ DAR Constitution Hall
May 9 – KRS-One @ Sonar
May 9 – 70’s Soul Jam featuring The Stylistcs, Chilites, Manhattans, Dramatics and the Main Ingredient with Cuba Gooding Sr. @ Show Place Arena
May 9 – Gyptian @ Crossroads Nightclub
May 10 – Yolanda Adams, Marvin Sapp & Kirk Franklin @ 1st Mariner Arena
May 11 – Kindred The Family Soul @ Rams Head Tavern
May 15 – Robin Thicke & Jennifer Hudson @ Pier Six Pavilion
May 22 – Essence of R&B Concert featuring Carl Thomas, Silk, Kelly Price, Jon B & SWV @ Hippodrome
May 22 – Howard Hewitt & Vesta @ Zanzibar
May 22 – Mint Condition @ Rams Head Live
May 24 – Musiq Soulchild @ Birchmere
May 28 – Keyshia Cole with special guests The Dream, Keri Hilson & Bobby V @ DAR Constitution Hall
May 28 to 30 – The Temptations @ Kennedy Center Concert Hall

Monday, March 9, 2009

Events in March 2009

March 10 to 15 – Riverdance @ Hippodrome
March 10 to 15 – I’m Ready Productions play "Love Overboard" @ Lyric Opera House
March 11 – Common @ 9:30 Club
March 12 – Angela Winbush @ Blues Alley
March 12 – Common @ Sonar
March 13 to 15 – Sommore @ DC Improv
March 15 – Estelle @ 9:30 Club
March 16 – The Wailers @ Rams Head Live
March 19 – New Kids on the Block w/Jabbawockeez @ 1st Mariner Arena
March 20 – Lil Wayne, T-Pain @ 1st Mariner Arena
March 23 – Raphael Saadiq @ Rams Head Live
March 23 to 29 – Cats @ Hippodrome
March 24 – Raphael Saadiq @ 9:30 Club
March 25 – Najee @ Birchmere
March 27 – Rakim, Chubb Rock @ Sonar
March 28 – Gladys Knight @ DAR Constitution Hall
March 29 – BB King @ Lyric Opera House
March 31 – Juan de Marcos & the Afro-Cuban all stars @ Strathmore

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Events in February 2009

January 27 to February 1 - I'm Ready Productions play "Love Overboard" @ Warner Theatre (Note: Chuck Brown makes a special appearance)
February 1 – Chuck Brown @ Hyatt Crystal City
February 3 to 8 - Grease The Musical @ Hippodrome
February 5 - Gallagher @ Sonar Baltimore
February 5 - BSO SuperPops: Cirque de la Symphonie @ Music Center at Strathmore
February 6 - The Stylistics, The Chi-Lites & Harold Melvins' Bluenotes @ Strathmore
February 10 to 15 - Broadway Across America presents "Avenue Q" @ Warner Theater
February 11 - Peaches & Herb @ Blues Alley
February 13 - Back To Now Tour featuring Patti Labelle @ DAR Constitution Hall
February 13 - Talib Kweli @ Sonar Baltimore
February 13 - BSO Symphony with a Twist: Marin Alsop and Savion Glover @ Music Center at Strathmore
February 14 - A Valentine Evening with Lalah Hathaway, Rahsaan Patterson, Noel Gourdin @ DAR Constitution Hall
February 15 – Chuck Brown @ Hyatt Crystal City
February 16 - Angie Stone @ Birchmere
February 17 - Lee "Scratch" Perry @ Sonar Baltimore
February 18 - Ne-Yo, Musiq, & Jazmine Sullivan @ DAR Constitution Hall
February 18 - The Gypsy Kings @ Lyric Opera House
February 19 – Year of the Gentleman Tour featuring Ne-Yo w/Jazmine Sullivan @ Lyric Opera House
February 19 to 22 - John Witherspoon @ DC Improv
February 20 - B.B. King & Buddy Guy @ DAR Constitution Hall
February 21 - George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic @ Rams Head Live
February 22 - Estelle with Very Special Guest Solange @ Rams Head Live
February 23 - Mos Def @ 9:30 Club
February 25 – Mos Def @ Rams Head Live
February 26 - Ledisi @ Birchmere
February 27 - Peking Acrobats @ Music Center at Strathmore
February 27 - George Clinton @ 9:30 Club
February 28 - Temptations & Four Tops @ Lyric Opera House