Sometimes you think you know someone, then you see them in a different light and you get a whole new perspective of that person. You identify with them, empathize with them, you might even disagree with them or wonder what the heck were they thinking??? lol But in any event, you get insight.
My life is crazy...fun...some days? yawn! lol...but definitely BLESSED!
Take this journey with me...and again Welcome to MYYYYY world! ;)
Last night I had the pleasure of being at a very intimate performance of Marsha Ambrosius. Thanks to The Recording Academy, we were invited to hear her perform, and also tell us a bit of her story.
She is quite soft-spoken and seems like a really sweet, humble person. She talked about a few of the songs on her new album "Late Nights and Early Mornings", and how originally she was going to title it "Doing It All Night Long" (lol)...but since that seemed like too much of a cliche, she opted for the current title.
Marsha (on left) and Beverly (on right) during the Q&A portion
The event was moderated by Beverly Bond, of Black Girls Rock! What I did not know was that Marsha "beatboxed" and sang the theme song for Black Girls Rock! and Beverly said she has received countless requests for Marsha to finish that song. Marsha gave us a snippet right then and there.
Marsha Ambrosius
M&M :)
Beverly Bond and I
"You never have writer's block, you just sit down and be still" ~ Marsha Ambrosius
I first heard Grace Potter and the Nocturnals on "Ellen" and I loved the group immediately. I felt like they were a well-kept secret (at least from me) and it was a pleasure to be introduced to their music.
Recently I found a video of the group (on Billboard) performing one of Beyonce's songs "Why Don't You Love Me?" and they did a great rendition of it.
I was saddened to hear that Phoebe Snow passed away yesterday. I saw her perform once, at Birdland, and I was lucky to bear witness to that because she wasn't scheduled to perform. They announced that she was in the room (at Birdland) and the audience went wild! "Who was this woman?" I thought to myself. I'd never heard of her before, and yet people were cheering and clapping and practically begging her to perform!
She walked towards the stage, very simple, even a little timid it seemed...but when she opened her mouth? AH-MAY-ZING!! She totally blew me away with her beautiful powerful voice, her range...her presence. She sang a soulful rendition of "You Send Me" and since the audience was going absolutely insane for an encore, she then sang Janis Joplin's "Piece of My Heart" and she KILLED IT!!!! Her friend, Skip Brevis (piano), David Buskin (guitar) and Steve Doyle (bass) was her impromptu band that night and they were phenomenal! (According to Ann Ruckert, "no rehearsal, no band practice...they were on and they hit it!")
Image from phoebesnow.com
Although I didn't know her personally, I was particularly touched when I heard about her story: how she decided to care for her daughter who was born "severely brain-damaged", and did not institutionalize her (which was common at the time); how her husband left her and yet she devoted herself to her disabled daughter until the day she (her daughter) died; how she never fully recovered from her daughter's passing, or really revive her music career. As I watched her sing her heart out at Birdland, I knew she was singing from a place where only pleasant memories and pain could both reside.
I sang on that same stage that very night, and I was honored to sing on that stage where Phoebe and countless other talented musicians performed. Ervin Drake (living legend who co-wrote the Billie Holiday classic "Good Morning Heartache" and numerous other hits) also performed that night.
It is always sad when someone dies, but it is also a reminder of just how precious life really is.
I LOVE this Bruno Mars song "Talking to the Moon". I recently bought the album "Doo-wops & Hooligans" and I'm loving it.
He is such a good songwriter/ musician (the seven-time Grammy nominated artist plays guitar, drums, bass and piano) with a soothing voice, and his music is easy going and relatable. I love it!
My fave songs on the album besides "Talking to the Moon" of course:
"Grenade"
"The Lazy Song" - which describes EXACTLY how I feel sometimes
"Count on Me" - which has a really pretty melody and beautiful vocals
"The Other Side" with Cee-Lo and B.o.b.
Ok amidst all the Easter festivities, I ALMOST forgot to pre-order my girl's COLLECTOR'S EDITION album dropping on June 28th!
Now, I'm waiting IMpatiently for delivery...
Last night I saw the Broadway musical "The People in the Picture" and let me tell you: YOU HAVE TO SEE IT!!!!!!
There's a brief synopsis on the play's site and the playbill certainly didn't give anything away. You have to experience this musical from beginning to end!
It grabs your attention from the very beginning with the most beautiful music (thank you Mike Stoller and Artie Butler!) and it is rich with history and culture and tradition.
After the show, we had the privilege of chatting with the creator of the play, Iris Rainer Dart (author of "Beaches" which later became the classic movie with Bette Midler), Mike Stoller and Artie Butler (who wrote and arranged the music) and some members of the cast.
Here's a little insight into how this play came to fruition:
Iris was born to a Russian mother and Lithuanian father (she was also the first female writer on "The Sonny and Cher Show"). One day she saw a show based in the 1935-1939 era, and although it was all in Yiddish, she was able to understand the language without using the subtitles. This reminded her of her childhood, but what was really poignant to her, was that despite everything Jews had been through (especially during that period of the show) they were still doing it with comedy and music...and so the concept of her play was born.
Years later, as the play was manifesting, a friend of Iris' told her she should contact Mike Stoller, half of the dynamic duo Lieber & Stoller. Mike and Iris began working on music for the play, and that same friend (who suggested Mike) recommended the one and only, Artie Butler.
Artie regaled his family story, about his father coming to America in 1917 from Poland, with his wife and his 9 brothers and sisters. He told us how they marked the boat where his parents and family, and other immigrants, were allowed to walk and were restricted to bathroom duty only 3 times a day. He became a little choked up as he said "they kissed the ground when they got to Ellis Island".
The play is not just a Russian play or a Jewish play, "it is universal" as someone said to Mike Stoller.
The two young girls in the play, Rachel Resheff and Andie Mechanic, are both grandchildren of Holocaust survivors. This past Summer, Rachel (who is not only adorable but bursting with talent at 10 YEARS OLD) went to Israel to visit her great-grandmother I think, (I don't remember the Yiddish word she used - sorry - but I'm guessing it was her great-grandma) and she was able to 'interview' her and hear her story. I think we ALL should know our story. This play was especially touching to me because I am now learning more about my OWN family, both on my mom's and dad's side.
It is a phenomenalplay and it speaks to the humanity in all of us. I strongly urge you to see it if you're in the NYC area, and also to learn about YOUR heritage. Who are the people in YOUR picture?
Hear the stories of your parents, your grandparents, your families; and pass on your culture and traditions to your children.
I hope it adds to the colors of your life.
Mandy *Special Thanks to Candace and Lisa for organizing tickets, and to Elizabeth Healy for the Q&A with the cast.
Have you seen the commercial with the walking pizzle (penis)? On the news this past weekend, was a story about young kids being introduced to condoms and safe sex in schools, mainly in Philadelphia.
They were talking about children as young as 11 years old having sex! ELEVEN YEARS OLD!
My family and I watched and listened in awe. As if the headline alone ("How Young is Too Young?") wasn't jarring enough, they panned to a commercial where an animated outline of a penis is walking across the screen, while putting on a condom! My 10 year old son was in the room...one word: awkward!
I certainly have not had that conversation with my son yet, and wasn't planning too quite frankly until maybe he started asking questions, or COLLEGE (if I could help it)...yet this "very touchy" topic (pun intended) met us right in our living room!
Apparently there has been an increased number of young children, not only having sex, but also contracting STD's etc....11 year olds? Really? Where have I been??? What happened to the opposite sex being just cute at that age, and exchanging notes like
...or forming cliques, or being aware (or as it was in my case unnervingly self-concious) that your body is developing. What about sports? Other Interests? EXAMS?
When did SEX become the new fad among our tweens????
It was very disturbing and saddening to me. I looked at my child's "what the..." frowned face, and I was mortified to think that THAT conversation would emerge sooner than later. How do we preserve their innocence, their childhood, their youth, when we are enabling them to become force-ripe?
Parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents; where's our village? Are we too buried in our blackberries, our smartphones, our schedules to see what is happening? This is our youth we are talking about. Spend time with your children, talk to them, explain the repercussions of their actions, let them know they'll have their ENTIRE adulthood to "practice" (and by then once you've seen one you've seen 'em all! lol)
I mean I started at 12, but 11???? (just kidding !! -- my family reads my blog, gotta mess with them every once in a while).
Anyway here's one of the reports with the pizzle commercial...smh
Swiss Beatz was at Webster Hall this past week and gave the crowd a taste of one of his new joints "Dance like a White Girl"
My cousin, Bklyn J'Nell, was on hand to shoot AND edit the video... and you guys are getting it live and direct!
Enjoy...and guess who was there partying it up too: E V E!!
My son went ice skating for the first time. He was a little skeptical (as was I) but I always tell him to try new things as long as he's not going to endanger himself...and turns out he enjoyed it! He said "a little girl half my height" (lol) made circles around him, and without saying a word, brought him a "walker" to help him out.
I thought that was really sweet of her...and a reminder that there's still hope for the world after all !
The last Monday of every month there's a Songwriter's Circle at The Red Lion in NYC, hosted for the SGA (Songwriter's Guild of America) by music guru Ann Ruckert.
This past Monday was filled with pleasant surprises and reasons to celebrate.
Skip Brevis (on right) with the rest of the gang
Galia Arad (who unleashed her hidden talent as fist-pumper/booty shaker) and Kirsten Thien (hand-clapper extraordinaire) were both on hand to congratulate Markeisha Ensley, fellow recipient of the Songwriter's Hall of Fame Abe Olman Award!
Galia Arad (Abe Olman recipient)
Kirsten Thien (also past winner of the Abe Olman prize)
2011 Abe Olman Recipient, Markeisha Ensley
Congrats Markeisha!
Jake Holmes was in the building and showed us a new interesting & musical way to use an Ipad! Yes, now I want an Ipad!!! He is so funny and uber-talented...and I LOVE the song he dedicated to Japan.
Jake Holmes
We also had a visitor from Nigeria: Ola Fagbola!
Ola now lives in Trinidad and is a physician by day, musician at night. He was checking out the NY music scene while on vacation!
There were so many talented people in the room. Brian Muni, Bruce Gordon and Ellen Kempner (who is only 16 years old and a MAAAAAAJOR talent! She also recently got her driver's license so the roads are definitely not safe!! lol)
Brian Muni
Bruce Gordon
Ellen Kempner
I was invited onstage as well...
Mandy Bennett :)
...and sang "Love Me" (written by yours truly) to a very gracious (a.k.a. intoxicated) crowd, which certainly helps for great applause! ;)
In 2007 Rihanna released her third album "Good Girl Gone Bad"; now her ex, Chris "Breezy" Brown seems to be following in her footsteps...but not quite skyrocketing into fame like the red-headed beauty...instead he seems to be spiralling outta control right before our very eyes! The young, talented cutie who once graced the stage and won all our hearts is apparently aiming for "Good Boy Gone BADDDD!"
Chris - on left- after one of his killer performances a few years ago
...and on right - after his "Good Morning America" incident recently
He is young, handsome and undeniably ridiculously talented (he sings, dances, writes, he's an artist --Chris did most of the artwork on his latest album F.A.M.E. -- and so much more) ...
So what is happening to Chris Brown? I am so saddened by this because he is one of those people who has been blessed in every sense of the word! He has the looks, he is gifted, he has run the gamut in the entertainment industry and showed soooooo much promise for a very lucrative career. Yet, it seems he has
no guidance as to what to do with it all.
Where are the people in his camp? Is there noone around him to help him pull it together?
I am hoping that this is just a phase. He is young and I hope he gets just enough madness out of his system to not harm himself or completely ruin his career.
Here's a sneak peek inside Marsha Ambrosius Listening Party for her debut solo album "Late Nights and Early Mornings", courtesy my cousin, J'Nell, (who was the videographer) and of course the fab TV and Radio personality, Egypt.
All beautiful ladies doing big things! Enjoy!!
This past weekend was a celebratory one. Firstly, my son's basketball team won the Championships for their division (YAAAAAAY!!!!) and secondly, we celebrated my son's birthday!
He forfeited a birthday party in light of the tournament. The date and time was sketchy (since the CYO kept changing it) and so planning a party would've been risky. Well some of the parents got wind of it and decided that was so "noble" of him that they were going to celebrate it anyway!
It was very touching to me.
My son's birthday cake
(the shirt is vanilla cake with hazelnut filling and the basketball is chocolate cake)
Across the world we all heard about and watched the devastation in Japan and surroundings areas...it is absolutely heartbreaking!
So despite whatever's happening in my life that may not be the way I want it to be at that moment, I continue to be grateful for all my blessings. I am okay, my son's okay, my friends and family are well and safe...we have MUCH to be thankful for.
Went to the Nets/Clippers game on Friday. It was a REALLY good game. I was rooting for the Clippers since my son is a Blake Griffin fan, but both teams played really well, especially Jordan Farmer and Kim Kardashian's boo, Kris Humphries.
The Nets were down by about 10 in the first half and I was almost sure the Clippers were going to win...but the Nets made a come-back and in the last quarter tied 94-94. They went into overtime and the finally the Nets won 102 - 98.
Blake Griffin
Kris Humphries
And the highlight of the game for me was when the dinosaur got into a fight with someone in the crowd! I don't know what happened but all I saw was a big fluorescent green dino diving into the crowd! hahahaha Like really? You're wearing this big girly dino outfit? WHAT could the guy have possibly done to piss off the dino? Pull his tail? (literally?) It was tooo funny! Security had to physically remove the dinosaur! Hilarious!
Dino being hurled away ! ^^^ lol
After the show there was a performance by Hezekiah Walker and his choir! I think it was rehearsal for his concert this weekend right there in Prudential.
A friend of mine runs this non-profit organization and I think it's for such a good cause that I wanted to share with you. I hope you will support as well...
"This Little Light, Inc. (“TLL”) is a non-profit organization formed in April 2008, to serve the under-privileged, homeless and sheltered women and children of New Jersey. This Little Light is heavily supported by Oasis Christian Centre and their congregation, along with donations and sponsorships from various groups, organizations, small businesses and individuals.
In December 2008, TLL hosted their first “Annual Christmas Party”. Homeless, sheltered and foster children from New Jersey and New York were treated to a holiday celebration complete with “wish list” gifts and a visit from Santa Claus.
In May, 2009 TLL, hosted a “Pamper Me Day” for the women in the shelters. The women were treated to complete makeovers. Our volunteers were hair stylists, manicurists and make-up artists, each one blessing the women with their talents. Afterwards, lunch was served and gifts were presented to all the women. Child care was provided on premises so the mom’s had a worry free Pampering Day.
Recently added to our annual calendar is our Summer Picnic. With plenty of food and activities, including games, arts & crafts and the Fun Bus, the picnic has quickly become a favorite with our clients and their families. The tireless work of our staff, volunteers and supporters help to make each event a success. Because of these hard working individuals, we are able to continue to offer these three events annually, while continuing to respond to the many needs throughout the year.
TLL also volunteers once a month at a nursing home where we enjoy the company of their seniors.
In April, 2010 TLL was given a Certificate of Appreciation from the YWCA Eastern Union County for the work we do with them. We were also given a Citation from the State of New Jersey General Assembly.
TLL is able to continue its work due to donations from corporations, small businesses and individuals as well as individual fundraising. We are grateful to those who have supported TLL and we are always looking to partner with new organizations, corporations and individuals that wish to support our efforts.
Our goal is to be a resource to the community, to be able to help, support and provide where needed. It is our desire to be able to make a child feel good inside and grow up knowing that they matter to others. Our future goal is to be able to provide college scholarships. Our goal is to help women, who are leaving domestic situations to become financially sound through education and to build confidence and self-esteem.
If you would like more information, or would like to partner with This Little Light, please contact Kim Berry at P.O. Box 7302, Roselle, NJ or e-mailkberry@thislittlelightinc.org. Thank you for taking the time to learn about This Little Light, Inc.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” Matthew 5:16"
Besides becoming the story of my life, it's also the title of Marsha Ambrosius' new album.
I fell in love with her voice and style when I heard her sing "Four Women" (click here to see her awesome performance with the phenomenal Jill Scott, Ledisi and Kelly Price).
This album is growing on me...it didn't quite grab me right away, except for "Far Away" which I LOVE and "Butterflies" which I recently found out she penned for the greatest entertainer of all time - Michael Jackson! But having listened to it a few times, I like "Lose Myself", "I Want You To Stay" and I LOVE the music in "Sour Times"...such a sexy song!
Speaking of sexy, my cousins and I discovered this statue at a cute little French restaurant in NY this past weekend. At first we thought it was quite the conversation piece, and later found out that the sculpture was actually designed after 2 women...the top half of the body is one lady and the bottom half is another...ah, the French ...c'est la vie!
I had a beautiful weekend which turned into chaos at the beginning of the week. Sometimes you wonder how one moment could transition into another so well, yet the very next moment could morph into a headache! LIFE !
I had to walk away, pray and re-group. This morning life is better again...not perfect...but better.
It's all about perspective. When you focus on the problem, it sucks all your energy, your joy, your very being! When you focus on the solution(s), YOU take control, YOU make the choice to be happy.
You decide!
It is not always easy, but possible.
"Very often, we continue, out of habit or fear,
to behave in old ways
even though we know that the way of things has changed.
Time and again, I have found myself at this crucial juncture: having to admit that what was essential
is no longer essential
and then needing to summon the courage to make the act of living essential again."
As promised, I told you I'd let you know which songs are my faves on Adele 21...I still LOVE all but I think I REALLY love:
#11 Someone Like You (found the video on Billboard...LOVE HER!!!!!)
#3 Turning Tables
#5 Set Fire to the Rain
#8 I'll Be Waiting
A few days ago I was heading out to dinner, and as I was getting dressed I picked up one of my favorite pairs of earrings and realized the hook was broken. A little bit of sadness washed over me, not only because it was a fave pair, but also because so many memories came back to me at that moment.
I don't even think I bought them, if I remember correctly my best friend had given them to me. I LOVE chandelier earrings, and she knows my style and taste. Anyway I've used them for YEARS! If you think YBF ripped on Meagan Good for repeatedly wearing her "door-knocker" earrings, then they REALLY would've had a field day with me! lol
Meagan Good (on right of course) and her infamous earrings
Pic from stylebistro
But I LOVED my earrings! I was madly in love at the time (literally!..the stories I could tell hahaha) and I remember the excitement of dressing up and going out withhim...and those earrings. I remember all the dinners, parties, outfits, moments that we shared...I remember the heartbreak when we were fading...and still wearing and loving those earrings.
One New Year's Day, I was all dolled up and looked absolutely gorgeous, (you know when you look and feel stunning?) and he glazed right over me. It was as though I wasn't even there. I cried so much that night...the kinda cry when you actually feel your heart break? I looked like Courtney Love, minus the guitar!
Courtney Love...and I think this is one of her good days
I looked waaay worse than this.
I remember looking in the mirror at my tear-stained, makeup-all-over-the-place face, and taking off those earrings.
So I'm a little sad to throw them out, but I smile to myself at how far I've come. At the time I thought I'd literally die from a broken heart, and here I am stronger than before. It's a much different time in my life. I'm happy again, but my joy comes from within now. Everything else is a bonus! I love passionately because it's who I am, but this time not at the expense of my self-worth.
