Live and die by the team...

Amy Winehouse was found dead in her apartment at 27. Not a surprise. At all. Her troubles were well documented, both by the media and by Amy herself. But she was talented. Extremely talented. Her issues added to the expression of that talent and then eventually eclipsed it. But this is not a new story. Countless entertainer have done this. And countless more will ignore the messages in their rise and always tragic fall.

I've worked in entertainment. I grew up in LA and around entertainment. It may not look like it now, but it really is my life and my calling. In what capacity at this point, I don't know. But I have learned something that about entertainers. A large amount to them come into this industry seeking all of the things they THINK will solve their problems. It plays out in a number of ways. Living a life of excess so you always appear to be "great", whoring around so you always feel "loved", over eating, starving yourself nearly to death, and the one that usually ends a persons career, addiction.

Carmageddon, scharmageddon. Let's do this AGAIN!!

Despite the warnings of terrible traffic, hours of delays and hot headed Angelenos, Carmageddon was AMAZING!! The traffic was great, the local events, malls and shops were full and people were really enjoying themselves. Friendly even. LOL

Truth be told, there shouldn't have been any of those issues after a couple months of warnings that turned into marketing and an international news story. The reason we expected problems...people don't listen and people in LA tend to be a bit entitled. We all expected those people to pitch a fit when they couldn't get where they needed to go. I think all of those people got spooked and left town. Great, let's do this again! Venice is a bear, the 110 is old and crusty, PCH could use a little widening in spots. Don't you have something you could shut down and fix Los Angeles?

I had a great time this weekend and here's a bit (well, a lot) of the fun. Starting with the Eat Real Fest!


My girls Devyn, Shay and Leslie were in town so we went to see our friend and favorite actor, Darryl Stephens in a wonderful play called The Interlopers. Great performances all around. Laughed, cried, rooted for the characters. this was great theater. Not "Your Arms Too Long to Touch Dance With Jesus Cause You Might Sock Moses In The Face" kind of theater either. LOL

Then we headed over to Kitchen 24 for a later dinner. I love that place. It's one of my favorities! And they make a mean cocktail to boot...

I stopped off for a little walking recovery at the nail spa...

Today, on the day when most escaped Angelenos were coming back into town and crowding the freeways, I went to ART IN THE STREETS!! Seriously, if you haven't been yet or it comes to your city, see it! It's amazing...


I ended my day satisfying my craving for Vegan Hot Wings (with Orange Chicken and Spinach Fried Rice) at Bulan Thai in Silverlake. Mmmm mmm good...

The Market at Santa Monica Place. Mmm Mmm GOOD!

So, I took a couple quick trips to check out The Market at Santa Monica Place. One with my bestie and one with my mom. Thank God I have foodies in my life that would understand my excitement! I love food. I love trying different things, cooking, discovering cool items and expanding my knowledge. All good things to me. So, I had been waiting for The Market to open for months. So I had to taste, buy...and take pictures. LOL

30 Days Later...

I’ve been working very hard at changing my habits and lifestyle for the better. For years, I seem to have always been fighting an uphill battle in my life. 2 steps forward, 2 steps back with pit stop of good times along the way. I think a lot of us do that. I think its survival. We take what comes our way and find ways to cope. For me, I had developed the habit of shutting myself down. Doing what I had to, to get things done, then holing up in my bedroom in front of the TV…or going out so I could be away. Nothing wrong with either, but I realized a few months ago that I had stopped being actively in control of the life I led. Mine was a life of defense. And as long as I didn’t take control, what happened in my life would remain the same.

The Beautiful One...

Yeah, so I've seen PRINCE. 3 times. Have you seen PRINCE? It's kind of funny what it's turned into now. Have you or haven't you. And how many times have you gone? But, I look at it a little differently. I study. The show, the business and, the part a lot of people don't see, the politics of the business. No doubt about it, Prince is one of the most amazing performers I've ever seen live. And each of the 3 shows I've been too have been different. Jazz arrangements on some songs, a long section on The Purple One on BASS last week, and different songs each time I've been. I had forgotten in listening to the recorded music how AMAZING A GUITAR PLAYER Prince really is. Watching him play has been nothing short of astonishing. It's also great to hear him sing the songs he's written for other people. My personal favorite has been "Shhhh..." the song he wrote for Tevin Campbell. I've always loved the song, but Prince's version laid me out...

But, Prince also has an integrity that will not allow for BS in his business or shows. If it isn't right, heads will roll. Some people think he's sensitive and strange, but you don't reach that level of success of talent by worrying about how people feel about your standards or decisions.

By last night, Prince walked on stage yelling that he was now paid and free of contracts. He was celebrating and making a statement. Only time will tell how things with Prince and concert promoters wash out...and which cities he does next, if any. But, this 21 Night Stand has been amazing! And it's not over yet. If you haven't seen Prince yet, do it! But watch Ticketmaster's ass...they're up to some trickery.

And of course, I've taken some pictures...

Permanent...Momentary...Satisfaction. A Love Summit recap. (VIDEO)

Last night was a great night at Little Temple. The folks at Nu-Soul Magazine have been hitting hard with their Nu-Thursday event for the past few weeks and The Love Summit was no different.

The night started with DJ Destroyer setting the mood in high fashion. Yet another great set! 1st up on the stage, Chris Young. The crowd was really diggin his style and his creativity. He ended the set with a song I really love Focus feat Nikko Gray. Nikko stayed on stage to go into her own seamless set...

Nikko is one of my favorite artists right now. She's got it all, the voice, the pen, the personality, the looks and the girl is a great nail artist who makes some dope jewelry to boot. Nothing like a woman who is creative and limitless.

The night ended with a stellar performance by Taylor McFerrin. It was an entirely improved set showcasing all sides of his musicianship. Some of the things he can do live really stretch the imagination. I cant wait to see how his live show develops as he adds songs and starts releasing full albums. A highlight of the set...McFerrin being joined on stage by his label mate, pianist Austin Peralta, while their Brainfeeder family, including Flying Lotus and Thundercat looked on. In his introduction of Peralta, McFerrin said that they'd met that day...but what they did together on that stage, with Austin on keys and Taylor on the beat box (which doesn't begin to describe what he does) was pure magic.

Here's a little more of The Love Summit fun, plus a vid...

Kick off Grammy weekend with the launch of Nu-Thursdays!

Hello all and Happy New Year! It's still new, right? There are lots and lots of things I'd like to post to the blog this year but with Grammy weekend FAST approaching there's no better place to start! The best part about being in LA during the Grammy's is all the wonderful live music and the infusion of great people from all over the world. There is never a dull moment. This year, you DO NOT want to miss the launch of Nu-Thursdays at Little Temple on 2/10/11.

 Hosted by 2011 Grammy nominee Eric Roberson, the night will feature performances by Sy Smith, YahZarah, Avery Sunshine and nominee Carolyn Malachi backed all night by Breezy LoveJoy Band. There will also be sets by DJ Destroyer. VERY limited presale tickets and table packages are available at http://templebarconcepts.tickets.musictoday.com/. HURRY!


Want a taste of what's in store for the night?

The McRib? Nah, I'm good...

“The McRib Is Back!”


A brightly colored sign announced this to an overflowing McDonald’s. The food stylists, those people responsible for making sure that every photo of every item of food looks heavenly, have done a great job. The barbeque sauce looks tantalizing, the pickles and onions look crisp and refreshing and the bun looks fresh. The best looking fries and ice cold drink sit off to the side. It all just works together.

But me, I just shook my head. Under all that lovely looking accompaniment lies one of the strangest food experiences I’ve ever had. Ever. Years ago, when I lived with my grandmother and we were broker than broke, we were signed up with a food bank at a local church. We’d go over and pick up a couple of bags of staples to supplement what we could afford. One day, as we were unpacking the bags, we came across this large industrial plastic bag with a dozen or so patties in the bottom.

They were grayish brown and covered in ice, so we didn’t know what they were. We smelled them, something completely unrecognizable hit me, but I still couldn’t identify what kind of meat they were. So we put them in the freezer to figure out some other day. You know, when we got low on protein.

When we finally defrosted some, we started to see the faint shape of ribs…more accurately, a McRib. They were like little oily sponges of pork something-or-other once they were thawed. I’d never seen a texture like that in a grocery store before in my life. My 1st thought…“is this what scrapple looks like?”

But, we were hungry and it was time to cook them. So, into the pan they went. BIG mistake! Within 2 minutes, they were swimming in grease and a 3rd of their size. We ended up wrapping them in paper towels, a couple of times, to get as much of the grease off as possible before we ate them. They tasted alright, but my stomach was not happy. But, we thought it was our cooking method. They couldn’t be THAT bad right? This was the highly sought after McRib, after all.

But, sadly it was not. The next time, we tried to bake them. When we pulled them out of the over there were these small, still grayish brown, things floating in grease. I’ve never seen anything like it.

Needless to say, I never touch a McRib again. And this was before I gave up meat. All it did was make me wonder…what else is in this stuff?

A little global funk and soul recap...

I saw Taylor McFerrin (yes, son of Bobby) do a great improved set this past Wednesday at Zanzibar...on the same show as Electric Wire Hustle. I'd heard his name, seen a few mentions but hadn't really gotten into his stuff. Until now. UBER talented dude. And he makes beautiful music. I newly obsessed with A Place In My Heart feat Ryat. Check this dude out, you won't be disappointed...

Taylor McFerrin - Track Preview from EARLY RISER by Taylor McFerrin

Go sign up for Taylor McFerrin's mailing list to get these songs!

And speaking of Wednesday night...Electric Wire Hustle!!! Another group I'd heard bits and pieces about for a while before I got the album. Loved it right away. But that album is only about a third as good as they are live. And I mean that. 3 people on the stage that sounded like 12! A lead singer with a gorgeous voice holding down the guitar, a keyboard player/programmer that did a BANANAS talk box solo and a drummer that really BEAT my bad day completely out of my body. This is their first go 'round in the US, but if you get a chance to see their show, DO NOT MISS IT!

The Sounds & GREAT Vibes of Sunset Junction 2010...(videos)

The only way I can describe Sunset Junction...energy! So, I filmed some of the good times at the Evelyn Champagne King and Bobo & Rhettmatic shows...both shows were a dance party. Also, Me'Shell N'degeocello's rendition of Cars. Enjoy!

SANG ANDRE!

The vocal ministry of the amazing Andre Washington! That's the only thing I can call it...enjoy!

Sights of Sunset Junction 2010...

I had a ball this weekend at Sunset Junction. The music, the people, the food, the energy. It was everything I needed. Everywhere you went people were dancing, smiling and socializing. I can't even tell you how much fun it was just to people watch. It was an experience. And, yes, The Whispers did Olivia during their AMAZING set!!! What a way to wind down the summer. Get there next year...

You're how old? I'll have what he's having!

My mom and I ordered dinner from a new place tonight. Natural Soul Food Cafe. They messed up our order a bit & took great pains to drive back to us and fix it. I'm so glad they did! It gave me a change to speak to one of the employees and for for my mom to talk to the delivery guy. They're older, we knew that off the bat. But during his 2nd trip to our place, my mom told the delivery man that we really enjoyed the food. It was great and healthy! 

His response sent me online to look them up. He stopped cold and said "I'm 70. I do 100 push ups on the classroom floor to motivate elementary kids to eat healthy. I got a letter from Michelle Obama!" My mom said, "wow, we'll be giving you guys lots of business!" He then informed her that they were a non-profit cafe. What? A non-profit? Ice seen there space for years but had never eaten at the restaurant. So, follwing a great meal and an eye opening visit, I looked them up...

They really are a non-profit, they really do have a program that serves our kids. And they really are committed to healthy food. It seems the delivery service is a small piece of their overall mission. So small, in fact, that when I called the woman answered "is this the lady that ordered the food?" 

I'm in love with this place and these people. I am going to spend money with them because I belive in what they are trying to do. It's wide reaching, but with a serious focus on the community around them. Their sponsors have given them the luxury of using ingredients that are pretty much cost prohibitive in this economy, and especially in this area.  And all if this so that they can provide healthier food to the lower income community around them. The only thing that disappoints me is the lack of spotlight on what they're doing.

So, if you're in the Crenshaw/Leimert/West Adams/Jefferson Park Area, stop by! Call and order something! Go to their "Community Sensitivity Dining Room" and over pay them. Their website says "pay what your taste buds say"...those of you that eat out all the time should stop by and give them what you'd give everyone else that's chasing a profit. Just look past the red, black and green militant looking storefront...they are lovely people, doing great work, that will serve you tasty food and use you money to give back. Check them out...www.naturalsoulfood.org.

32...

So, I'm now 32. Happy Birthday to me...again! And like every year round this time, I reflect, correct and grow a little more. This year, I really didn't feel like celebrating my birthday. Not because I don't like my birthday, but because 2010 has been a ridiculously busy year already. And a lot of fun! I couldn't think of anything I wanted to do that I hadn't done yet. Well, nothing I could afford anyway. I also didn't want to deal with the bullshit that happens every time I plan something for my birthday. People respond to the invitations with "I'm there!" Which really translates into "I'm there...unless something that benefits me comes up...or someone's throwing a more fabulous party than you...or I'm working...or I can't make a good enough excuse to leave my man/woman...or I procrastinate and miss the entire thing altogether."

That happens more often than not because I have, what I'd like to refer to as, a large group of acquaintances and a small group of friends. I can count my real friends on one hand. And they were great this weekend! Most people land in the large group of acquaintances. Fine by me. My social circle is fun, entertaining, talented and sweet. But unreliable as hell. LOL So, for the last few years, I've been learning to expect exactly what people are capable of and no more. It's working out great actually. I feel selfish at times, but I think you need to be to get what you want. At least a little bit. Not to the point of treating people badly, but at least to the point that you take care of you and be ok with that.

At 30, I learned that it was ok to be exactly who I am. At 31, I learned that it's ok to say "no, I won't keep giving of myself and getting nothing in return". At 32...well I'm not quite sure what I've learned yet. Though, I've definitely accepted that I know more than I realize and see things in terms of what's happening below the surface. It's a great tool to have. But it's not life changing. Every year, I learn a lesson that changes the way I live my life. Even slightly. I look back at 07-08, I was 29 having the hardest year of my life. Then look at my life now, I know that even a slight change makes a HUGE difference. I'm looking forward to figuring out what the lesson is this year...

Kitsch...and a little history on the black hand side.

Today I volunteered at the annual APLA event held at the "Pink House". The home is owned by Allee Willis. The woman is phenomenally accomplished. She's written songs for Earth, Wind and Fire, Randy Crawford and a tons of other people, wrote the theme to FRIENDS (Cha-ching!) and her current project is Color Purple, the musical. She co-wrote the music with Brenda Russel and Stephen Bray.

I had heard she was an eccentric and that is no lie! But she is also a technology guru (especially when it comes to the arts), has spoken before congress, has one of the largest collections of pop culture memorabilia (a large part of it BLACK) that she rotates through her home and museum and she's got an alter-ego named Bubbles. Bubbles even went so far as to work with Real and Chance from I Love New York! The woman is a fascinating walking breathing history of entertainment and bank of genius. It is no surprise that she's also a bit mad scientist and wacky. I absolutely love her! I strongly recommend that all my entertainment minded friends spend hours on her website: http://www.alleewillis.com/. I'm going to just to learn from the woman...

Today's exhibit was art done by John Lloyd Young, who played Frankie Valley in the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys. He took a food box and covered it in rhinestones to give to Allee as a gift, she in turn asked him to do an entire collection for sale. Her introduction of the artist included the following line, which pretty much sums up the afternoon, "I don't even mind that I lost the TONY to him...since he was so fuckin' brilliant in Jersey Boys."

Below are two slide shows of the pics I took today. The first includes the art, the second is of Ms. Willis' museum. When I tell you that she has a genuine love for black people that I've never seen before, it's an understatement. Her father wrote her a letter on his deathbed. In it, he told her to stay away from "the black people". Her embracing of the culture and working within it is a very, VERY deliberate thing. She's beyond dope!

Also, here's a REALLY GOOD LOOK AT HER FANTASTIC HOUSE!

The Happiest Place On Earth...

Yesterday, my mom and I spent the entire day at Disneyland. We had free tickets earned volunteering for AIDS Project LA. Volunteering was fun, and Disneyland was a blast! It had been about 4 years since I’d been last and this time we planned out exactly what we wanted to see. There were some great highlights and, yes, a couple low lights. But, let’s start with the good stuff, shall we?

Since I really don't care...

Disclaimer: I'm venting. Bear with me.

When I was about to turn 30, a friend told me that my “whatever” attitude was going to get worse. Way worse. I was already one of those “I don’t give a fuck, I’m doin’ me” type of people, so according to him it was going to get a lot worse. And, he was right…


Don’t get me wrong, I love people. I love observing people, I love getting to know people and I especially love spending time with people. But with that I’ve had to learn not to give anyone anything they themselves are not willing to give. If I’m there for you and you’re there for me, we are golden. I don’t care if I only have a real conversation with you twice a year. As long as we’re both actively engaged in the friendship, we are and will always be friends.

With that being said, I know I don’t have a lot of friends. I happen to think its better that way. I know a whole lot of people, but I can count my real friends on a hand and a half. My real friends are the ones who make an effort, who check on me, whose words are backed up by their actions. And I thank them for that. But you acquaintances have gotten it all wrong.

If your idea of friendship is to be inconsiderate, shallow, rude and selfish, I really don’t want you around. Everyone has their issues and a true mark of friendship is to accept others as they accept you. But in order for that to happen, you have to accept your faults. You have to be able to take personal responsibility for your actions. If you let someone down then ignore it and them, you’re basically the worst kind of asshole. You think you’re entitled to treat people however you want. And, judging by the precedent, you would probably be super hot if someone did the same shit to you.

People always give me the “she’s got an attitude” look when they get dry responses from me. But, I would ask folks to take a good long look at how they’ve treated people. That might not be my attitude you’re seeing, that look may just tell you how little I now value you as a person. Life is too short to surround yourself with people who make you feel like they don’t give a fuck about you. It just is. None of us should have people in our lives that don’t respect, value or care about us. If I’m in control of my quality of life, then I’m in control of how much bullshit I put up with.

I will ride or die for certain people in my life. They know it, I know it. They have off days just like I do, but I will never question their friendship. They’ve put up with my mess and I owe them the same. But the rest of you fuckers? I don’t owe you shit. And I’m not giving you shit. I’ve done my fair share of being there for people far longer than I should have. But after years of doing that and getting nothing in return, I finally got fed all the way up. Someone once told me that I couldn’t just cut them off. Oh, but it’s a skill I’ve gotten damn good at it. No more toxic people, no more users, no more risking my stability for folks who have none of their own, just NO MORE.

Now that I got that off my chest, I must say this…I have a small but mighty group of friends who push me to be better ,call me on my shit, sit with me when I cry, encourage me to take chances, and once in a while give me permission to be bad! LOL I love you guys very much. You know who you are…

Who's the worst singer since slavery?

It's a tie between The Dream & Sean Garrett...FYI writers & producers: becoming an artist is NOT necessary.

Ask me anything

If you could attend any concert, what would it be?

Prince...20 years ago.

Ask me anything

Hey, hood vegetarians!

I love to cook, I love to eat. I'm a foodie. That's just what I am. However, when I gave up meat in June 2006, I found it hard to find great places to eat that didn't break the bank. At home, I can always whip something up, but when I don't feel like cooking I still have to eat, right?

*Disclaimer - I still eat seafood, dairy, cheese, eggs and all that. So, I'm not really a vegetarian. The meat just wasn't doing it for me.*

I found a great place on Jefferson and Normandie, near USC, to get tasty and cheap vegetarian "soul food". No, seriously! Angelenos, this stuff is the bizness! It's a hole in the wall with dinky tables and chairs. Eat in (with the good satellite radio and happy people), or call ahead and take out. Make sure you get their Blueberry Lemonade when you go. Try the "BBQ Chik'un", try the "Fibbs" (faux riblets), the Vegan Mac is good too (when it's not on the salty side), and the greens are the best ever!!! But they have this Chik'un Stuffed Yamm (pictured below) that's amazing. Whoever came up with that was genius! But a tip, skip the dessert. I know what I'm having for dinner...

Check out what might be your new favorite spot...Vegisoul!