NOTE: This post was originally posted on my Facebook page on March 26, 2021. Poking the bear requires either a certain level of insanity or fearlessness. Apparently, I’ve got a bit of both running through my veins. And it all started with this record: Growing up in the DC area…

NOTE: This post was originally posted on my Facebook page on March 21, 2021. It went viral and has been shared 695 times on Facebook alone. All that Black music on these Black shows and films that you thought was curated by Black folks? Guess again. If projects that center…

NOTE: this post was originally published on my Facebook page on March 19, 2021. Strap in. I’m on a tear… I watched the most recent episode of the FX television series Snowfall and the song featured in the closing credits was Slim’s “It’s In The Mix.” Being from the DMV…

Feet tapping, heads nodding, mouths humming to the heartening tune of the ear- ringing drums, soothing piano and mellifluous harmony of the trumpets — this is just a feel of the environment in Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church on Sunday, March 15. Presented by the Jazz Standard Youth Orchestra, Jazz…

What I saw on Sunday was amazing and peaceful. It was soothing to hear and see everyone come together on a Sunday afternoon and be at peace and watch these young kids play their instruments and get everybody attentions and support on what they did. The church was very…

Sunday can be expressed in so many ways, it was beautiful and also one of a kind. Just the fact that it was jazz makes the whole thing different. What I mean is its no lyrics so you just get to actually take in the music and sooth. I felt…

One could not ignore that the space that the performance was held. The church space was spectacular, murals painted across its domed exterior. Although I happened to miss the opening moments of the performance, I did become aware that there were opening prayers done, as well as closing ones. …

The women of Hip-Hop’s panel was interesting and dynamic. They explained many different aspects of the hip-hop world and elaborated on how they created a name for themselves. Overall, the performance dragged on and did not really entertain me. …

The Apollo Theatre itself, of course, was gorgeous. The building was perfectly ornamented, with light reflecting in just the right places. One would hope the performances there would be spectacular, worthy of that light. In truth, each one of the women at this panel could have put on a fantastic…