Ms. Lauryn Hill has officially launched a three-day series of music and art events celebrating the African Diaspora!
The singer came up with the series, entitled "Diaspora Callling," which, she explains, is a collection of works “intended to celebrate the rich tapestry of artists from the African Diaspora while also illumining persistent and irrepressible themes... Even if we work independently, we are a resounding collective voice, both reconciling and embracing our relationship to history, our origins, our future and to ourselves."
With the official opening held last night, a private art gallery will be opened to the public today (April 14) and April 15 from 12-4 p.m. at Brooklyn's Kings Theatre. Lauryn curated the gallery with the assistance of MoCADA, Nader Haitian Art, and The Haiti Cultural Exchange.
In addition, her sold out concert at the venue (which will be live-streamed on Tidal) on April 15 will become the inaugural Diaspora Calling! Music Festival, featuring performances from Machel Montano (Trinidad), Stephen 'Ragga' Marley (Jamaica), Stonebwoy (Ghana), Mr. Eazi (Nigeria), EL (Ghana), Wondaboy (Nigeria), JoJo Abot (Ghana) and Paul Bearbrun (Haiti).
This sounds like a really cool event that will give people the opportunity to hear music and view art from different cultures! Though Lauryn now has a reputation of canceling on events and what not, I think this festival and series will be great. Kind of wish I could go! Image via Billboard
Jazmine Sullivan tore down the house at her stop back in the DMV last night (December 30) for TheReality ShowTour! I had actually just seen her at For Sisters Only in D.C. on Halloween, but surprised my sister on Christmas with tickets to see her! I had always liked Jazmine and thought she was a great singer. However, her third album, Reality Show was, to me, her career-defining album, and made me truly fall in love with her, so I was all too happy to go see her again.
Jazmine SHUT DOWN the Fillmore Silver Spring in Maryland, singing her heart out for her fans as well as opening up about her past experiences in love and learning to love herself again. It was an emotional, fun, incredible night, and I'll definitely be going to see here again.
Check out a few pics and videos below!
The marquee outside of the venue (excuse my hearts from Snapchat! Oh and you can follow me on Snap at BrittanyShawnte!)
Jazmine captures the audience with her vocals!
On Friday, August 21, 2015, Just Mike (the poet) hosted the Washington, D.C. stop of The Love and Poetry Tour featuring Vision, Jamarr Hall, and other poets!
I really wasn't going to even write a post about the event, simply because I just wanted to just soak everything in and truly enjoy myself. I keep telling myself I need to actually enjoy more of life's moments, instead of wanting to capture them all for the blog or social media. However, the more clips I recorded on my phone (I couldn't help it!), the more I wanted to share with you guys!
I'm big on poetry, and big on using writing as self-expression in general. I watch spoken word a lot on YouTube and follow some amazing poets and writers online, Mike included. I've purchased a few of his books a while back, and HAD to see him in person on this tour! I'm glad I did. I was surrounded by amazing people with great vibes, all enjoying great words and music. I'll definitely be supporting the other poets, as well as checking out other open mic and poetry events.
Check out some video below!
Just Mike and I
Vision and I
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend and cover rapper Kidd Flash's album release party for his debut project, Ya'll Gon' Kno'!
Held on August 13, 2015 at Kabin Lounge in Washington, D.C., the event featured an Artist Talk with Kidd Flash hosted by journalist Gia Peppers, as well as performances by the artist himself!
Kidd Flash is actually the son of singer Ginuwine, and has inherited his father's love and passion for music, although he leans toward the hip hop side. The young rapper definitely has potential to make a name for himself in the industry.
Check out some footage from the event below (hosted by P2Media)!
Kidd Flash gives an interview before the party
Ginuwine poses with daughters Dejan and Cypress
Be sure to cop Ya'll Gon' Kno' which is available on iTunes and other digital outlets now! Check out more from Kidd Flash on his official website, and be sure to follow him on Twitter and Instagram!
I was honored to be able to cover Kollaboration DC's 6th Annual Showcase & Competition this past weekend!
Kollaboration DC is one of many chapters of the non-profit organization Kollaboration, which seeks to empower Asian Americans pursuing artistic paths. A fellow Loyola alum, Shanika Jayakody, serves as Associate Director of the organization and invited me to come out to check out the showcase. I love music of all genres, so I really enjoyed myself!
Held at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville, MD on Saturday, August 8, the showcase featured upcoming artists from the DMV competing for a chance to advance to the Kollaboration STAR event in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by Adriel Luis, with guest performances from him, Sam Ock, and last year's competition winner Paradise. After scouting and audition artists in the area, it came down to six finalists: pianist Nan, music duo Santa Jaca, singer/pianist Abby Rose, singer/songwriter Alicia Rae, singer Audrey, and singing duo 2Parkz. The winner, announced that same night, will compete in LA against champions from other chapters across the country for a $10,000 grand prize! With this group of great talent, the judges, Tim Ma, Joe Kim, and Tanner Chung, definitely had a hard decision to make in determining this year's winner!
Check out a video recap of the competition below!
I had a great time at the show! There were definitely a lot of talented artists there, all passionate about music and performing. I also love Kollaboration's mission to truly assist Asian-Americans with their artistic pursuits, helping to build up their craft and confidence. Plus, if we're honest, the entertainment industry as a whole could definitely use more diversity!
Congratulations to this year's winner Audrey, as well as to all of the finalists for making it this far and sharing their talent on stage! You can view the entire interviews with each of the finalists as well as Sam Ock and Paradise, as well as full performances from the showcase on YouTube. Be sure to follow Kollaboration DC as well on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram!
Wanted to share an upcoming fashion event, specifically for my Philly readers and those in the surrounding areas! Philadelphia-based fashion designer Milan Rouge of Milano Di Rouge apparel line presents, "The High Road," a luxury street-wear fashion showcase revealing Milan's Spring/Summer collection.
Via Our Diverse PR: "Guests should expect an evening of high-energy vibes and aesthetics as models strut this year's hottest trends from the popular line." You're invited to attend and rub elbows with socialites from New York to Atlanta as we celebrate the evolution of Milano Di Rouge - a collection that guarantees to push the limits of sex appeal for fashion lovers world wide."
Check out more about the event below!
When: Sunday, April 26, 2015 | 6-10 PM Where: Skybox Studios | 2424 E York St. Philadelphia, PA 19125 Price: $40 for General Admission; $80 for VIP Attire: Dress to Impress Tickets can be purchased online- http://tinyurl.com/qffk62q or call 215-688-6847 to pickup.
The event is sponsored by Uber, Miss Jessie's, Belaire Rose, Cerebellum Water, iBeard, Mia & Me Catering and Our Diverse PR.
Milan has been doing great things in fashion, and this collection will definitely be great to check out. Celebrs spotted in Milano Di Rouge include Meek Mill, Chris Bosh, B.Y. Jennings, Angela Simmons and many more. Be sure to check it out if you can!
On Friday, March 20, I headed back to my alma mater, Loyola University Maryland, for the 17th annual BSA Fashion Show: Mystique! Having a slew of student volunteers, models, scene assistants and directors, as well as gaining support and clothing from a variety of retail stores and local brands, it literally takes months on end to get this show together (I know because I modeled as well *wink*). It's a HUGE event for Loyola, with students, staff, alumni, and other members of the Baltimore community and beyond coming out to support!
Directed by Loyola seniors Wah-De Dennis and Tiaira Walker, the show had amazing clothes and transitions for the audience to enjoy. Clothing was provided from Gap, The Strut Truck, Party Dress, Christopher Schafer, Brooks Brothers, Tin Lizzy, Double Dutch Boutique, Francesca's and Southern Proper. Hair and makeup was also provided by Roshé Cosmetics. There was even a special part of the show that integrated fashion and spoken word, featuring designs from a current Loyola senior I modeled with before, Abigail Lordson-Banini and her own clothing brand, House of Afi! I'm hoping to feature her and her designs on the blog soon!
Definitely one of the best shows that Loyola has put on! I really enjoyed myself, and got to catch up with a few staff members, alum and students, which is always nice. Check out pictures and video from the show below!
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Happy New Year everybody!!!! Can't believe it's 2015! Wishing you all much love and success in the new year!
Last night, I started 2015 by seeing my favorite rapper perform. Wale KILLED it on his first stop of the Simply Nothing Tour at the Fillmore Silver Spring. The rapper featured Fat Trel and Sl*tty Boyz in the show as well, and the DMV really came out to support him. I was happy to finally catch him on New Year's Day!
This is my fourth time now seeing Wale, and it's always like the very first time. I still get as hyped as I did that very first time I saw him at Towson University some years back. He's a true artist, always wanting to connect and reach the people, and that has never changed. I see the growth not only in his fans, but in his music. I respect him and admire him honestly, which is why I go to shows whenever I can and tweet and post pics, and all that I do. I'm a very proud Moon always!
If you are a fellow Moon then be sure to follow me on Twitter and Instagram...I would love to connect with y'all!
Check out some photos and video below!
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On Thursday, December 18, I was blessed with an opportunity to attend and cover Anthony Hamilton's "Home for The Holidays" tour stop in Washington, D.C. The tour features soul singers Leela James and Mali Music, and it was an amazing show! All three of these great acts were the perfect combo for this tour. The vibe with everybody was positive and chill, and I had so much fun, singing and dancing to wonderful soul music all night!
Read more on my experience, and check out some photos and video below!
Triscina Grey of WHUR 96.3 was the host of the evening, introducing each act. Mali Music came on first as the opener. I had heard some of his music before, but he made me a fan last night. His music, which included hits like "Walking Shoes" and "Ready Aim" was so moving and inspirational. I really vibed with him, and ended up purchasing some of his music after the concert to listen to.
Leela James is one of the biggest balls of energy I have ever seen perform! Seriously, her talent is impeccable, but what really draws you in is her passion for music as she sang songs like "Music" and "So Good." She had the audience glued to her the entire time as she performed and really engaged everyone. She even jumped off the stage and into the aisles to see and touch the people (if you see her silhouette of her and her hair, that's how close she was to me...the light was blinding!). Leela left it all on the stage, and I was seriously impressed.
When I tell you Anthony and his background singers, the Hamiltones, SANGGGGG!!! I almost fell out (*laughs*)! Anthony sang songs from his Home For The Holidays album (an amazing project for the holidays...definitely go listen and buy it!), as well as his classic hits like "Cool" and my favorite "Can't Let Go," as well as his latest "Best of Me." He and his entire band had so much energy and great musical chemistry together...probably the best I've seen between a main act and his background singers ever. Everyone loved their dance steps and soulful voices, especially the ladies! Yes, I swooned. They even did a gospel medley of some old school songs that you would hear in the church!
Overall, the concert was amazing!Anthony puts so much effort into his show, and I loved every aspect of it! I would definitely go see him again in concert. Perfect for a romantic date night! (*winks*)
Check out my pictures and some great video from the concert below!
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I consistently find myself hearing about or getting invited to a bunch of different industry events, and now I'm starting to actually go check some of them out. As I've stated before, it is my goal to get out there and learn and network with people, all in the hopes of growing professionally and personally, and having a good time too!
Today was the first annual Made in the DMV Conference, which featured music and media professionals in various workshops and panel discussions, giving their advice to mainly upcoming music artists but also bloggers as well. Some of the panelists included Tony Lewis, Jr. (DCorNothing), DJ Heat (WPGC 95.5), DJ Money (WKYS 93.9), Zechariah Wise (Depth Charge), Angela Byrd (IGotIt4Free), DJ Marauder (The Fader), Kayenecha Daughterty (Grammys DC Chapter), Rob Markman (MTV), and so many more! Topics included monetizing your movement, branding, submitting your music to media, and a ton of other great material that was absolutely FREE! The best way to really make it in this industry is to learn how it works and then take that information and hustle. It was great to see so many people out, and it wasn't just artists. I saw fashion designers, graphic designers, bloggers, and a bunch of others all there to learn, discuss, network, and grow. It was amazing.
There was also a concert/showcase for handpicked upcoming artists tonight as well, though I wasn't able to make that. I'm sure it was amazing though! Check out some of my pictures from the Made In The DMV conference below!
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The conference was a great experience, I'm sure, for upcoming artists that were present, especially from the DMV where it's a struggle to break into entertainment. They got to listen to seasoned vets in the industry who know what they should and shouldn't be doing from production, to licensing and publishing, to interfacing with the media. AND IT WAS FREE. Seriously, if you are an artist from here, and you didn't go, you missed out! It was also good for me because there were two blogger panels that gave me some insight on what I should be doing for Spotlight, reminder points on the basics and why I do what I do, and overall encouraged me to keep working towards my goals as an entertainment blogger. Every year, things get bigger and bigger, and, at the same token, harder and harder, but being surrounded by these talented professionals reminded me that I can do this.
Looking forward to next year's conference! Great job to all those involved!
