Monthly Archives: March 2018
Day Two: 2018 JITG Music Festival Miami
Day Two at the JITG Music Festival there was right away a noticeable amount of more jazz goers than on Saturday. Maybe they were here for the early afternoon churching of Tasha Cobbs Leonard, or perhaps it was Mrs. Anita Baker they were waiting for; who knows. On day two there were so many great performers that would hit the stage from the renowned Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Pieces of a Dream, Avery Sunshine, Walter Beasley, none other than Anita Baker, Joe, and bringing the 90’s was Biz Markie, Kid ‘N Play, Trick Daddy, and Salt-N-Pepa with Spinderella.
Hitting the stage first was Mrs. Tasha Cobbs Leonard and let me say she took us to church with her amazing voice. She sang favorites likes Break every chain, Praise on It, I will follow and many more of her amazing hits. The crowds were on their feet given God all the praises he deserved. The weather was warm, sunny, and we were stomping the enemy under our feet. I give a round of applause to Tasha Cobbs for the amazing performance that she brought to this years 2018 JITG Music Festival. Thank you, Tasha.
Up next was Pieces of a Dream playing sweet jazzy tunes to today’s modern songs and as I say, back in the days greatest hits from the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s. Joining them on the stage later in the performance would be the jazzy songstress Avery Sunshine. She was greeted to the stage with a warm welcome. As I sat back and listened to the sound of her soulful voice it took me back down memory lane with some other famous jazz singers such as Abbey Lincoln, Billy Holiday, Betty Carter, and Nina Simone just to name a few. Loving to sit in my chair and relax to her voice made me really enjoy how Sunday was starting out; hats off you both of your groups.
Walter Beasley played excellent, the smooth rhythmic sounds of jazz continued as he hit the stage and played a few of his and the audience favorites. There was no shortage in music at this festival and neither was the applauds and smiles as Walter Beasley played. Crowd goers sang along with the band as many of the also danced in the isles with love ones they came with or others they met alone they way; jazz music never felt so good.
Now, the moment that I think many, and I mean many people had been waiting for all night, was here Mrs. Anita Baker. It was a standing ovation in JITG, she graced the stage with her presence wearing an all red beautiful tailored dress, and hair was short and stylish. As she walked the stage she immediately thanked her fans, the band, the backup singers, and any other stage workers with a bow to them; very elegant and classy of her. Anita Baker can be seen this year on her farewell tour, so be sure you check your local listings to see when she will be in or around your area. Mrs. Baker did an awesome job with all the songs that she performed on Sunday night it was unforgettable. Thank you, Mrs. Anita Baker, for your grace, elegance, passion, drive, and vocals you be blessed.
Then we have the sweet sounds of Joe mesmerizing the crowds and getting everyone all into their feelings. Joe has does what he does always; greets the crowd and comes right off the stage as he is performing and into the crowds. Security is making sure he is guarded and protected as he put on an amazing show sharing his vocals and his body with the first few rows of the festival. There was no short supply of Joe, he came thru and did his thing and I thank you.
This year’s bringing the 90’s we have up next Biz Markie of course everyone also knows him as the human beatbox. Biz Markie comes on and does a few oldies for us and then he starts to belch out words that seems like he’s trying to actually sing…why? Well I understand him because I have known for years that’s Biz Markie; has tried and wants to sing, but the words just don’t come out quite right. So many people at the festival was at that point, booing him off the stage and saying No! No! for my husband and I we new the deal. It was like watching a little teenage girl singing in the shower and got caught trying to sing and her little petty brother and being told to shut up. Well my words to Biz Markie, you keep doing you Boo!
Our next 90’s was Kid ‘N Play, you would not believe how much energy that these two brought to the stage. People were back onto their feet jumping to the beat and had forgotten about the last act—sorry. Kid ‘N Play rock the stage with their crazy dance moves and their fast and cool rap, they even went into a rap battle against each other—very awesome I must say so. They did crack a joke saying, “Boy we are tired as hell.” The crowd laughs I could see how all that running and jumping around could make anyone tired when you’re their age. They put on an excellent show and I really enjoyed it, thank you Kid ‘N Play.
Trick Daddy do I need to say any more? I guess I will it’s only fair to the readers. Hitting the stage was your 90’s rapper, the crowd went wild. The crowds sang and rapped along to the verses of his music leaving me to just sit back and guise at the crowd. They knew word for word seems like before he was going to say it. They were true and loyal fans, I did not know this Trick Daddy so for me I was on the outside looking in at what all the fuss was about, and from what I saw he had a loyal fan base. Keep up the work Trick Daddy.
Our last act of the night with over thirty years working in this music industry Salt-N-Pepa, with Spinderella. I was so happy when they grace the stage with their presence. It was like a little girl getting a Christmas gift early and opening it; this was the final act of the night that I wanted to see. I loved listening to Salt-N-Pepa when I was growing up, because as a kid in my home it was always church, church, church so when school came, and I could listen to music; that’s where it was at I fell in love with these ladies. They came to the stage all grown and sexy, singing all the greatest hit and apologizing to all the women they got in trouble with their provocative songs. All I got to say to that is, no worries ladies you were doing sex education. Spinderella had all the great beats as usually; Salt and Pep had all the great moves and rhymes. All three ladies and their dancers did their thing on stage they came out to entertain us and that’s just what they did. I feel that they brought a hell of a show ladies keep up the work and I look forward to seeing more years ahead. God bless you all!
Jazz In The Garden Music Festival Miami Florida
The 2018 Jazz in the Garden Music Festival started with a bang from a local artist A. Randolph, singing his own tunes and some hits from back in the days; making everyone get up onto their feet and jump around. Warming the crowds up for all that was to come. A. Randolph would continue to play onset, in between acts getting us ready for the next performer, it was like every time he hit the stage he got better and better hyping up the crowds. Overall I would have to say hats off to A. Randolph at this years JITG Music Festival.
Our next performer was Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue. Man these brothers could play the horn, and trombones; they did not disappoint at any means. Talk about blowing a trombone until you fall out, this man could play like our most prolific players of the past; Al Grey and J J Johnson just to name a few. It was a real treat to hear the brass sound of the trumpet and the trombone it was electrifying and it shows throughout the crowds. Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue thank you for gracing us with your presence.
Up next we have none other than Smokey Robinson, smooth as he always is. He approach the stage wearing an all red suit. He had this red shirt underneath that exposed his chest just enough to tempt the ladies into temptation of lust and desire. I could hear the women from the back of me screaming ” Sing it Smokey” & ” Yes, yes Smokey” as they sing along with him as he sing many of his greatest hit from Tears of a Clown, Ooo baby bay, You really Got a Hold on Me and many more. The crowds were standing throughout his performance as they belched out his tunes. Smokey Robinson’s went on to be more daring as to bring onto the stage two beautiful music goers that were more than eager to greet him with a slow sultry dance then embraced him with a hug. They were used to edged the crowd on even more as he ended out his night. All in all Smokey Robinson you get an A+ on my report card.
Fantasia, Fantasia, Fantasia need I say no more. This young lady kept it as real as it comes on last night stage; no wonder she has “Fan” in her name. The fans went wild last night as she embraced the stage with her presence. Right out the gate, she lets you know she is grown, and not playing games, that she is an adult, and that all games have been placed aside. Now keep in mind I was not a Fantasia fan to say the least, I was not hating on her either, I just really hadn’t heard that much of her music to really care either way. There was only one song I knew and enjoyed and that was about it, but last night I was about to give her a chance. So I was so impressed when she opened her mouth and started singing. She song, songs from back in the days and gave tribute to Tina Turner. The most important part of Fantasia show to me was when she took the time to HONOR GOD and ask if there were any that has not accepted Christ as your savior; now was the time. Fantasia for that you will now always have a new FAN.
Chaka Khan, Chaka WHAT? What a totally and utter mess on last night. I would prefer that poor little Chaka Khan would have not come out on stage looking and definitely not sounding or in her case not sounding like she did last night at the JITG Music Festival. It was clear to see that IMMEDIATELY as she hit the stage and tried to open her mouth and nothing came out but screeching sounds; everyone starting packing up. When she stood there like a deer in headlights with nowhere to go and could not remember the words to her own songs; people started packing up When she played with her hair more than singing, people were leaving the stadium, when she walked as if she was staggering across the stage at times people were already telling of stories of how this wasn’t the first time she has come on the under the influence. Chaka Khan if it’s rehab you need by all means take it, it does no justice to try and perform and your backup singers are the ones we are paying to hear..so unfair. To the backup singers, thank you for putting up with the nonsense of the entertainment business and covering for the seem to be under the influence, late running, and sometimes not so nice bosses; we thank you. As for Chaka Khan and her performance, it left many dissatisfied and broken hearted to see her that way. Get better Chaka Khan I am rooting for you.
To all the performers Thank you for entertaining me, I really enjoyed your music. Look for my next blog on part two performers.
Fibromyalgia Hasn’t & Will Not Beat Me!!!!!
God Bless!!!!!
Keep on Bogging………
Forgiveness is Just a Word People Say!!!
Forgiveness were are you? Some people know not of the word, they say they do, they say they have forgiven, but in reality they are just as broken as the lies they tell to your face.
Let me tell you a story about a Church, a place that is so caught up in image; keep in mind am not judging, am not telling you what I heard, am telling you what I know. This church was so caught up in numbers, caught up in how big they could get the audience, which type of people they could preach or teach to without being offensive, a church that was to scared to deal with real issues that surrounded everyday life, a church that condemned ME.
Luke 6:37 (ESV)- “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;
Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV) “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.
Okay, Okay I could go on and on with scriptures about judgement and condemnation, however I choose not too. When you have a person tell you that they forgive you then say that they don’t approve of a novel you have written and neither does the church–you thank God for the Holy Spirit for keeping you grounded and not saying nothing.
First and foremost I did not write my novel for the person(s) that condemned me at that church (The Crossing in Brandon, FL), I wrote my novel for me, for others like me that could relate and see themselves as survivors. If my book offended your congregation….I will not apologize, I will not suppress what is happening to thousands of children a day, I will not lay down and not be heard, I will FORGIVE YOU of your pettiness, of your condemnation that you brought against me, I will forgive you of how you called me demonic for writing such novel. How dare you pastors nowadays think they are the only ones that hear from God? If that was the case we would all be in trouble–because we are the flock following blindly after our teacher(s).
FORGIVENESS; don’t say it, don’t use it if you really don’t mean it, don’t let it slip out your mouth because you think I want to hear it……I don’t. I am telling you All that I forgive you of your IGNORANCE. You are forgiven and I mean it, I look beyond the pettiness, and feel sorry for the ones that are following you blindly. I hope this message cause you to look at the way you are raising your flock and ask God to deliver you all from what’s beneath the surface and into your hearts.
The real tragic to this story was this church lost three members that were actively involved in the church and doing the work of God. Thanks for reading my novel or pages of it, it lets me see how narrow minded church people can be, it lets me see how you can take an innocent fragile scene as rape and turn it around and say that, that child will grow up to be a lesbian/gay….how dare you!! You are weak, sick, and closed minded people. Furthermore this is the real kicker the book was written and published in the state of NY and the author (me) moved to FL three years later, there happen to be names that were the similiar as the congregation and of course the church did not like that so it was said.
Well that’s why we have disclaimers, I don’t know you, I lived many states away, and if you are feeling convicted in your spirit maybe you need to deal with your demons from the past instead of finding a way to chastise me about my novel; just saying. So I hope this little story peaked you interest enough to FORGIVE someone, everyone, or yourself before it’s too late; please really mean it!!
Fibromyalgia Hasn’t & Will Not Beat Me!!!!!
God Bless!!!!!
Keep on Bogging………
A New Day With Fibromyalgia 