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BELINDA

Belinda is the Founder of BackBeat R&B, an R&B, Jazz, and Lifestyle online publication. Her passion for old school music reverts back to when she was very young. She thanks her Dad because he always loved music and loved to dance. She had the pleasure of interviewing greats like Chi-Lites Marshall Thompson, Manhattans Gerald Alston, Dramatics LJ Reynolds, and Klymaxx's Joyce Fenderella Irby just to name a few. She's covered the Newport Jazz Festival, Capital Jazz Festival Essence Festival, Saratoga Festival, and Temptations and Four Tops Concert! Belinda entertained the idea of blogging for her own personal enrichment after retirement from City and County Social Services. (Total of 33 Years) She is so happy to embark on this new adventure and loves it because she gets to meet new and exciting people in a a field that she has a great passion for!

News

SOUL TRAIN CRUISE 2019 PRESS RELEASE

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

PRESS RELEASE

” GLADYS KNIGHT RETURNS TO THE SOUL TRAIN CRUISE WITH
A VERY SPECIAL APPEARANCE on 1/23/19 BY SMOKEY ROBINSON AND ONE OF GEORGE CLINTON’S FINAL CONCERTS”

“THE OHIO PLAYERS, STEPHANIE MILLS,
MORRIS DAY & THE TIME, THE CHI-LITES featuring MARSHALL THOMPSON, BLOODSTONE, NEW BIRTH, EVELYN “CHAMPAGNE” KING, AND RAY, GOODMAN & BROWN ALSO TO PERFORM”

The Voyage Sails January 20-27, 2019
from Ft Lauderdale to the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Half Moon Cay

Ft Lauderdale, FL (May 22, 2018) — “The Soul Train Cruise welcomes back Gladys Knight to the “Hippest Trip at Sea” for its 2019 voyage, highlighted with a special appearance on 1/23/19 by Smokey Robinson and exclusive onboard concerts by George Clinton, The Ohio Players, Stephanie Mills, Morris Day & The Time, The Chi-Lites featuring Marshall Thompson, Bloodstone, New Birth, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Ray, Goodman & Brown, Al McKay’s All Stars performing the music of Earth, Wind & Fire and Jacob Lusk (a tribute to Luther Vandross), along with Cruise Host Tony Cornelius, The Urban Guerilla Orchestra, co-host Angela Stribling of Pillow Talk, co-host Jerry Wells, original Soul Train dancers, a Soul Train Cruise comedy club and music executive Chuck Gamble.”

“Last month, George Clinton announced he’ll retire from touring next May, making January’s cruise one of the last opportunities fans will have to see the legendary performer. “There’s so many of us (artists) – we’ll be all over the place, so it’s going to be a really rocking joint a good time,” says Clinton. “It’s going to be fun.”

“Soul Train is such a part of my life,” adds Smokey Robinson. “When we come on the cruise, we don’t just do the show, all the fans are part of the show too. We’re all having a party together. I’m excited. I’m looking forward to it.” “The star power that we’re bringing to our guests on the 2019 Soul Train Cruise is absolutely amazing and represents the very best of what Soul Train really was and stood for,” adds Alan Rubens, Executive Producer of The Soul Train Cruise. “With Smokey, Gladys, George Clinton and over a dozen more R&B icons, there truly is nothing else like this anywhere – on land or sea.”

“Guests aboard the 2019 Soul Train Cruise will experience seven days of nonstop Love, Peace, and Soul, spending their days and nights with the stars during more than 50 live performances and over 25 celebrity interactive events. The vacation of a lifetime includes parties at the pool, a Gospel Hour, live interviews, cocktail receptions, Q&A sessions, dance classes with the original Soul Train dancers, wine tasting, costume parties and so much more.”

“The cruise will take place aboard the Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam, a luxurious ship that features an array of premier dining, lounges surrounded by panoramic views, a world-class spa and salon and elegant staterooms.”

“Cabin prices start at only $1,900 per person and include access to all of the major concerts, gourmet meals, 24-hour room service and daily events. Further information is available at www.soultraincruise.com or by calling 800-758-7685.”

About StarVista LIVE:

“StarVista LIVE creates unique entertainment experiences that bring fans together to relive their favorite moments, create new memories, and enjoy unparalleled access to the superstars they love. StarVista LIVE cruise events include the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, the Soul Train Cruise, The Country Music Cruise, The Flower Power Cruise, the ‘70s Rock and Romance Cruise, the Southern Rock Cruise, the Ultimate Disco Cruise and Abbey Road on the River festival. StarVista LIVE is a division of Direct Holdings Global. Direct Holdings Global is a leading multi-channel marketer with a broad portfolio of products and services, most notably associated with the success of the StarVista / Time Life brand, delivered with a commitment to excellence and integrity. Additional information about StarVista LIVE can be found at:”

www.StarVistaLIVE.com https://www.facebook.com/StarVista-LIVE https://www.linkedin.com/company/starvista-live

 

The Soul Train Cruise is on 6 Months away

This video tells it all!

For more tickets and information check out       https://soultraincruise.com/

 

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Who's Touring

ANAT COHEN JAZZ TOUR DATES CHECK IT OUT!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

When I saw this talented Artist at the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in Saratoga, NY Omg, was I impressed. I became an instant fan!   A friend of mine had been bragging about how great she was.  So, if you’ve never seen Ms. Anat Cohen perform,  please check out her tour dates. I will have the pleasure of seeing her perform again in Newport R.I at the Newport Jazz Festival the weekend of August 3rd-August 5th. TicketCity
ANAT COHEN TENTET PERFORMING@SARATOGA JAZZ FESTIVAL-PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHAEL RHEUBOTTOM!

Here is a list of her Tour Dates for 2018-19 CLICK ON THE LINK! 

https://www.anatcohen.com/schedule/

Photography by Michael Rheubottom!

Enjoy breathtaking views of Las Vegas from the world’s largest, tallest ferris wheel

 

 

Looking For An Adventure? Take up to $16◊ off with Promo Code GO16 Book Now!

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Spotlight

THE BACKBEAT R&B SPOT-LIGHT IS ON “DARRYL GIBBS” OF THE LEGENDARY GROUP “CROWN HEIGHTS AFFAIR & THE STRIKERS”

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

When I completed this interview with Mr. Darryl Gibbs, it took me back to my 80’s clubbing days and a fun time in my life, songs like the mega-monster hits “Body Music”, ” Inch By Inch“, “Dreaming A Dream, “Dancin” and “Foxy Lady” all come to mind. Those songs were some of the best we ever danced to, I am sure most people would agree!

A Songwriter, Musician, Composer and Record producer are the countless hats Darryl Gibbs wears.  A brilliant and accomplished Artist from the legendary groups “Crown Heights Affair, “Made In The USA, and  “The Strikers”. Mr. Gibbs career has expanded over 40 years and today he continues to produce music for Trezure Roxx Records.  BackBeat R&B had the honor and pleasure of interviewing this multi-talented Artist.

BB:      You are Darryl Gibbs from the legendary group“ Crown Heights Affair” and  “The Strikers”, how did you get into the music business?

 

DG:   I started playing music as a violin player in Junior High School. When I got to High School I switched to alto saxophone and started playing in local neighborhood bands. In the early 70″s, I was asked to join with another local band called Nue Dey Express which later became known as Crown Heights Affair. There, my professional recording career began.

The rest is history. I later left CHA and formed my own band called “Made In the USA” in the 70″s. That band evolved into The Strikers. Last year I was inducted into The Legends Of Vinyl Artists Hall of Fame for all 3 groups. I was indeed very proud to be honored in this way by my peers in the industry

BB:   Besides the Saxophone, did you learn to play any other musical instruments?

DB:  I started playing the violin, learned the saxophone, drums, guitar and a little keyboard which I used to write songs.

BB:    Crown Heights Affair was originally known as Ben Iverson and the  New Day Express,  was there a particular reason for the name change?

DG:  When CHA was reformed in the early 70″s, we decided to use a name that would reflect our Brooklyn roots so we decided to name the band “Crown Heights Affair” which is a section of Brooklyn.

BB:  Who were some of your biggest musical influences and who inspired you the most?

DG:  Growing up, I liked James Brown, Kool and The Gang, Motown Acts and R&B Soul Music. As far as saxophone, my father took my family to the Apollo Theater in Harlem to a Motown Show where I was inspired by Junior Walker and The Allstars to play the saxophone. He was my favorite!

BB:  Darryl, you wear many hats, as a musician, producer, and VP of Treasure Roxx Records, what advice would you give our youth who are interested in making the music business a career versus a conventional job? 

DG: My greatest advise that I would offer is,  LEARN YOUR CRAFT! Take time to make a good product. Learn how to work and appreciate others you work with. MAKE SURE THIS IS REALLY WHAT YOU WANNA DO. You have to have a genuine love for the music that you are trying to do. You will have to spend a lot of time perfecting this, so you must be patient. Also, have something to fall back on to survive the wait.

BB:    Do you write music and if so, did you write any songs for “Crown Heights Affair or “The Strikers“?

DG:  Yes,  I write songs. Some are:  “It”s Me Who Loves You” and “Music Is The World” for Crown Heights Affair. “The Strikers,” I wrote “Body Music”, “Hold Onto The Feeling “and “Give It What You Got”. For my group “Made In USA“, I wrote, “Gotta Get High” among others.

 BB:  What would you say is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken in the music business?

DG:  One of those regrets was leaving Crown Heights Affair to start another band called “Made In USA. Fortunately, I was still able to record with Crown Heights Affair on their albums in the studio as I am known for my horn arrangements. As fate would have it, after “Made in the USA” broke up, some remaining members became “The Strikers“!

BB:   Do you have a Motto that our youth of today can live by should they choose a career in music?

DG: Yes my motto is HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS! This is the Business of Music. Whether it”s rehearsal, personal practice or being where you need to be HANDLE YOUR BUSINESS!

BB:   What would you say is your biggest success in your musical career?

DG:  Not only making a living but still here after all these years! Doing what I love to do, making music and still having fun. I have been able to travel and meet famous and interesting people.

BB:   What is your favorite Crown Heights Affair and Strikers Song?

DG: My favorite Crown Heights Affair song is “Music Is The World” because that song actually laid the groundwork for the group’s horn sound. My favorite Strikers song will always be “Body Music” which is still a classic dance record to this day!!

BB:  So what’s next for Darryl Gibbs, new music, releases, CDs, any tours with either group?

DG: My Future now is VP of Trezure Roxx Records along with my good friend and partner Tony Mack!  Funkwave Dance Music, Smooth Hop Jazz, R&B Soul Music and most of all Gospel Praise with Mack and Gibbs!

I personally want to Thank Mr. Darryl Gibbs for giving me some insight into his career as a musician and allowing me to share it with the BackBeat R&B audience.  I also want to congratulate him on being inducted into The Legends of Vinyl Artist Hall of Fame. Thank you for sharing your Talent with the world!

Check out his Facebook:    https://www.facebook.com/darryl.gibbs.10  and 

FaceBook for Trezure Roxx  https://www.facebook.com/trezureroxxrecords/ 

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/darryl.gibbs/                   

 

                                               ” THE MUSIC CORNER”

THE MUSIC NEVER STOPS AT TREZURE ROXX RECORDS

THE STRIKERS “BODY MUSIC”

 

CROWN HEIGHTS AFFAIR “DREAMING A DREAM”

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Who's Touring

EARTH, WIND AND FIRE STORMS THE 26TH ANNUAL CAPITAL JAZZ FESTIVAL!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

Earth Wind and Fire stormed the Merriweather Post Pavillion in Columbia Maryland, for the 26th annual Capital Jazz Festival on Friday, June 1, 2018. They were preceded by opening acts, Butterscotch and Ledisi who both gave outstanding performances in their own right. It was actually the calm before the storm as the audience waited patiently for EWF to come on stage.

As I sat in my seat, I listened to some of the conversations of audience members talking to others about their favorite EWF songs.  Most people had come the first night just to see Earth Wind and Fire perform. The gentlemen sitting next to me admitted he came from Florida because EWF’s tour schedule did not reflect them playing there this year. He told me “I have been a big Fan since the inception of EWF and it was worth the trip from Florida”.  I was in awe because I thought coming from NY was quite a distance for me to travel just to see a famous band play. But, I too felt it was worth it!

Earth Wind and Fire is not a music force to be reckoned with, they are just as great today as they were yesteryear.   The R&B, Jazz and Funk group was founded on January 1, 1970, by Maurice White.  He  stated during that time period, he wanted their music to “convey messages of universal love and harmony without force-feeding listeners’ spiritual content.”  He did just that,  because every time EWF performs, they light up the stage with such essence and energy. You can feel the excitement and emotion from the audience who are usually singing along with them. EWF is a group that engages their audience which we all love.

Popular hit songs like,  “September”, Reasons”, Boogie Wonderland and “Shining Star” are just some of the songs this iconic,  and classic group spewed out at Friday nights Jazz Fest. You could hear the roar of the audience as each song was belted out, and when lead singer Phillip Bailey graced the stage with his distinct falsetto voice and extraordinary range it was like a raging firestorm.

Mr. Bailey proceeded to introduce himself and two other original EWF members, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson. He also introduced his son Phillip Bailey Jr who sings as good as his Dad. 

Lastly, EWF loves to engage their audience to sing with them, not only did the fans loved it but, after each song, they were given the biggest applause for their outstanding performance. So, the next time you go to an Earth Wind and Fire concert expect to be dancing and singing in your seat with a group that plays their music hard and every member is the real star of the night.

 

 

CHECK OUT EWF WEBSITE WITH A LIST OF THEIR TOUR DATES, BLOG, PHOTOS AND VIDEOS:  http://www.earthwindandfire.com/blog/

 

 

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Spotlight

THE BACKBEAT R&B SPOTLIGHT IS ON THE LEGENDARY CHERYL COOLEY OF KLYMAXX!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

 

Show-stopping, hot and brilliant is how Klymaxx’s Cheryl Cooley fans would describe her.  Entertaining music lovers all over the world, Cheryl has an extraordinary commanding stage presence when performing and, as a friend of mine who is a great fan of the group recently said: ” She Owns It”. Cheryl plucks those guitar strings with such exhilaration there’s no denying she’s such a great musician and entertainer.  Her creativity and brilliance scored Klymaxx the record deal for their first single “Never Underestimate The Power Of A Woman”.

This month in our Spot-Light section of BackBeat R&B, we are featuring Klymaxx’s, Ms. Cheryl Cooley. As Blog Talk Radio recently said: “Klymaxx is “Klymaxxtic” and yes they are. A group of talented woman who polish the stage with such electrifying energy and elegance, as they sing, dance and pump out some of their greatest hits ever as well as dishing out some of their new music.

OMG, who can forget some of their greatest songs “Meeting In The Ladies Room”, “The Men All Pause” and “I Miss You”.   BackBeat R&B  caught up with Ms. Cooley to gain a touch of insight into her life and what’s new for “Klymaxx” Featuring Cheryl Cooley.   BACKBEAT R&B:  Cheryl, when did you become interested in singing and playing musical instruments?  

CHERYL:   I can remember my parents getting me a toy guitar every other Christmas since I was 4 years old.  I also remember singing in my Nursery School graduation.     

BACKBEAT R&B:   Of course, we all know you as a singer and guitarist, did you learn to play any other instruments? 

Cheryl:      I did play violin in junior high school and drums for a short time in high school.  Guitar has always been my primary instrument.   

BACKBEAT R&B:   Who would you say was your biggest Inspiration or influence and why? 

Cheryl:   When I was 11, my sister was married to a Jazz musician by the name of Hubert Laws.  He had brought a guitar and I had my toy guitar that I was trying to show him I could play too! That’s when my sister shouted, “Hey we should get Cheryl guitar lessons”!  From there I got into the music and the FUNK of Sly and the Family Stone.  That was my biggest influence, Funk Music.

BACKBEAT R&B:     Why did you choose to go into musical career versus a more conventional career?   

Cheryl:    I just felt it in my soul. As soon as I started playing songs on the guitar, I knew that’s what I wanted to do the rest of my life.

BACKBEAT R&B:    Are any of your immediate family members into music like you? 

Cheryl:                       No.

BACKBEAT R&B:   How did you get your start with the Legendary group Klymaxx and how long were you a member of the original group?

Cheryl:   We met up at a rehearsal hall I was rehearsing at with another band.  They just walked into the rehearsal and said,   “Hey, you don’t want to play with these guys, you want to play in our band”.  We have an all-female band called,                       ” Klymaxx”.  I have been in the group since 1979.  

BACKBEAT R&B:     How many Klymaxx groups are there Today, and if fans want to see you, how do we determine when purchasing tickets if it will be the group you are playing with, do you have any advice regarding that? 

Cheryl:  All the original members have the right to perform under the name, Klymaxx.   All of my performance dates/tickets and contact information can be found on my website at Klymaxx.com. 

BACKBEAT R&B:      Many singers, musicians, etc have branched off from one group, only to start singing with another group under the same name. Any thoughts on this? How fair is this to your fans who love you all, especially if we want to see a particular original member?

Cheryl:  Sometimes there’s a choice to be made between a group’s legacy being sustained or an agenda of hindrance or personal destruction. There are always 2 sides to every story and THEN there’s the truth and the audiences may not be exposed to all truths to understand each band’s situation. Like any other divorce or separation… is it ever a really fair exchange, and to whom or what does it really benefit? The person or the legacy?  

BACKBEAT R&B:  Is it possible in 2018 or the near future that the original members of Klymaxx can collaborate on doing a tour together?

Cheryl:    No.                                                               

BACKBEAT R&B: What is your favorite Klymaxx Song and did you ever write any of the hit songs? 

Cheryl:  My favorite Klymaxx song is, “Divas Need Love Too”.  I wrote the music for Klymaxx’ first single entitled, “Never Underestimate The Power Of A Woman” and many other songs during the years. 

BACKBEAT R&B:    So, where is Cheryl Cooley today? Any upcoming music tours, Releases, acting in movies or plays etc? 

Cheryl:    I am continuing the Klymaxx legacy performing, touring and composing music.  Many other projects are to come.

 

“Meeting In The Ladies Room”

 

FOR THE LATEST ON KLYMAXX FEATURING CHERYL COOLEY HERE IS A LINK TO HER WEBSITE:  http://www.klymaxx.com/

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R&B Travel & A...

“5 GREAT MUSIC MUSEUMS YOU SHOULD PUT ON YOUR VACATION BUCKET LIST”

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA
  With summer rapidly approaching, now is the time to start planning your summer fun and getaways! Why not incorporate a trip to the museum into your plans.
    A trip to the Music Museum can be one of the best weekend getaways or one-day staycation depending on the proximity. Surprise your partner or spouse with a romantic visit to one of the many iconic music museums across the United States. Additionally, visiting a  music museum can be a very cool start to kicking off your summer fun and an inexpensive way to open up the summer.  Therefore, if you want a touch of fun, adventure and to rekindle your love life, why not plan a daytime date to one of  5 BackBeat R&B’s Music Museum picks. So put one of these or all 5 on your bucket list.
  1. MOTOWN MUSEUM– Step back in time and learn how a small studio in the US created some of the world’s greatest music.  Located in Detroit, MI, and home to the world’s famous music label and icon, Motown Records. This former home of Berry Gordy Jr. promoted such legendary artist as The Jackson 5, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, The Miracles, Stevie Wonder and many more. The Motown Museum was established by Berry Gordy’s sister Esther in 1985, where tourist can visit studio A to relive the recording days of their favorite artists or group. So, plan a trip to Hitsville USA and get a glimpse of how one man’s dream became his reality to a lot of famous musicians.   https://www.motownmuseum.org/
    2. STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC-  1957 was the start of something big for Jim Stewart founder of Satellite Records.  A Banker by day and a Fiddler by night he knew he could make it as a musician. He had no experience in the record producing industry and in 1957 he cut his first record called “Blue Roses”, a country song with low production quality. So, he decided he needed money to get better quality to purchase equipment. In 1960, his sister Estelle refinanced her house to fund the studio’s move from Brunswick, Tenn. to a former movie theatre on McLemore Ave. in Memphis. The company was renamed Stax, a combination of the first two letters of Stewart and Axton’s last names. Where great music was made check it out!   http://staxmuseum.com/museum/
    3.  The National Jazz Museum in Harlem– “The National Jazz Museum is a Smithsonian Affiliate, its’ also a thriving center for jazz that stimulates hearts, minds and reaches out to diverse audiences who enjoy this quintessential American music. The Museum was founded in 1997 by Leonard Garment, Counsel to two U.S. Presidents, and an accomplished jazz saxophonist. Abraham D. Sofaer, a former U.S. District Judge gave the initial gift in honor of his brother-in-law Richard J. Scheuer, Jr., and matching funds from the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone”. For more info click the link:   http://jazzmuseuminharlem.org/about-us/who-we-are/   

    Image result for HARLEM JAZZ MUSEUM PICTURES

4. American Jazz Museum in St. Louis Mo- The American Jazz Museum exhibits jazz through interactive displays and visual arts exhibition in their Art Gallery, Photography Gallery, the Blue Room Jazz Club, and the Gem Theater performing arts center. Experience the free Blue Jam Festival on Mondays or the Free Indigo Hour featuring Delynia Jannell and many other weekly artists during the month of May. The great thing about this museum is affordability, especially for the music couple who is retired and on a fixed income.     https://americanjazzmuseum.org/   

 

5. The Recording Academy Grammy Museum L.A Live-  Explore and celebrate the legacy of all forms of music at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles.  Analyze the art and technology of the recording process and the history of the Grammy Awards. There are many exhibits showcasing historic musical artifacts as shown in the Columbia Records 360 exhibit. Check out the costume exhibits worn by Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez and Kayne West.   click link: https://www.grammymuseum.org/

The music museums are a must-see for lovers of R&B, Jazz, and the Blues, so fine-tune your sense of music history and start your summer off with right with a great staycation.

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LIFESTYLE

5 BACKBEAT R&B MUSIC FESTIVAL PICKS YOU SHOULD ATTEND THIS SUMMER!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

Looking forward to summer after the long harsh cold winter, I think we all are. Nothing represents Summer more than planning to attend a music Festival with a bunch of close family and friends. Summer Festivals generally start after the  Memorial day weekend and can end as late as Labor Day. So, what is the very best summer Festival to attend!  BackBeat R&B has 5 Music Festivals picks for you and once you attend one you will want to go back every year.

Music Festivals are relaxing, engaging, entertaining and of course affordable. Remember, getting to the Festival is half the fun and you can turn it into a second or third vacation if you are a person who likes to have many things to do during the summer season.

“If you are a fan of concerts, just imagine all your favorite artists in one area playing back to back. Music festivals can be a serious commitment but one of the most life-changing things you will ever experience.  The best time to go to one is when you are young and can take the time out to do so”.   http://ninertimes.com/2017/03/five-reasons-why-you-should-attend-a-music-festival/

So, from interactive festivals that feature more than just amazing musicians, to festivals that focus on Art and Nature; here are the 5 best BackBeat R&B  summer music festival picks for you to enjoy!

 

  1. Newport Jazz Festival– Generally held in August, the Newport Jazz Festival was started in 1954 by socialite Elaine Lorillard, who, together with husband Louis Lorillard financed the festival for many years. The Newport Jazz festival is held in Newport Rhode Island’s Fort Adam’s State Park. It is a Must go to Event, even if you attend once, I guarantee, you will return every year. Initially, it started with Jazz than as it had become more popular, Rock, Pop, and R&B music genres were added. Newport is such a scenic and beautiful town that you will need more than a weekend to see everything. After the festival is over there are so many things to see and do. Make the Newport Jazz festival a great staycation Music lovers. More info on The Newport Jazz Festival, click here:            http://www.newportjazz.org/           
  2.  Henley Festival of Music and Arts-  Want a real vacation in the UK, make the Henley Festival of Music and Arts a reason to go.  The 36th festival by the Thames takes place from Wednesday, July 11th until Sunday, July 15th, 2018. The Henley Festival is an event whose headline acts perform on a floating stage on the Thames.
    The range of ticket prices offer a variety of level access and there will be a spectacular Fireworks for part of this year’s headliners, you will also enjoy the music of the legendary Niles Rodgers, Rita Ora, and Grace Jones. There is also a comedy program, as well as Digital Cabaret & Street Theatre. For more info click here:  http://henley-festival.co.uk/gallery/2017-highlights   

    3.   Capital Jazz Festival-  One of the best R&B and Jazz festivals ever, The Capital Jazz Festival is a 3-day event and begins June 1-3, 2018 get your tickets early.   “Performing this year will be Anita Baker, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Ledisi, Smokey Robinson, Joss Stone, Damien Escobar, Fantasia, Boney James, Brandy, Snarky Puppy, Larry Graham & Graham Central Station, Keith Sweat, and many more, including a special tribute to the legendary Phyllis Hyman” !  Friday Night opens with Earth, Wind, and Fire. Saturday night is The Old School Dance Party and Official Afterparty. For more info click here:      http://www.capitaljazz.com/fest/2018/afterparty.php                                                                                                  CAPITAL JAZZ FESTIVAL IS DEFINITELY A FESTIVAL WITH SOUL!        

    4.  Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival–    “The 41st annual Freihofer’s Jazz Festival will take place on Saturday June 23 and Sunday, June 24, 2018, at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, NY USA.Founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein, Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is the fifth longest-consecutive-running jazz festival in North America. Initially founded as “the Newport Jazz Festival at Saratoga” the weekend event was renamed Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival in 1998. The two-day, two-stage festival continues to be one of the largest jazz music events in North America, beloved by audiences for both the remarkable annual line-up of international jazz talent and the spectacular setting at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center in the idyllic Saratoga Spa State Park”. for more info click here:  http://jazzfest.louthompson.com/about-the-festival/

    5. Essence Festival– Put this Festival on your bucket list. It’s actually a festival for all ages. Once a year, Essence Magazine and their group of major sponsors bring together musicians, celebrities and motivational speakers for 4 days of concerts, exhibits, empowerment seminars, panels, parties, and lots of fun. This event attracts thousands of people from all over the country, and I had the pleasure of covering the Essence Festival last year, what a fabulous event. The music, celebrities, empowerment seminars, food and much more. The 2018 Essence Festival begins July 5-8. For more info click here:   https://www.essence.com/festival

    Essence Festival 2018, the cast of “Girls Trip”

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Did You Know

B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in New York City saying Goodbye to its Times Square Location!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

The well-known B.B. King Blues Club & Grill in Times Square is shutting its door at the end of April. The reason is due to the high cost of NYC Real Estate.  B.B. King Blues Club has been opened for more than 18 years and has played host to many legendary artists such as the late great “James Brown, Aretha Franklin, and many other prominent Artist, with a  final performance on April 29th, 2018 with Buddy Guy at 8 pm.  

 

In a recent statement by the owner Tsion Bensusan, “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share the news about B.B. King Blues Club’s closing. Despite many sold out shows, the location’s rent escalated to an unsustainable level, leaving us no choice but to close our doors”.

” Unfortunately, this has become a growing trend in New York City, with other iconic music venues and businesses falling victim to opportunistic property owners. This venue’s legacy extends much further than the stage, playing a role in Times Square’s revitalization two decades ago. It is a shame that wasn’t taken into consideration regarding its future in the area.” Patrons can look forward to a future B.B. King Blues Club as a new location in Manhattan is being considered, but no other specifics have been given.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  https://www.facebook.com/BBKingBluesNYC/posts/10156278805533252

 

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Did You Know

FIVE TRIVIA FACTS IN R&B THAT YOU DID NOT KNOW!

by BELINDA
written by BELINDA

  1. Barry White credits Elvis Presley’s song, It’s Now Or Never for changing the course of his life.  In his Youth, he had been involved in criminal activity at age 17, arrested and put in jail for 4 months! 

  2. Singer, Cheryl Lynn performed on the “Gong Show” she sung her most famous song  “Got to be Real” which peaked at number 1 on the R&B charts!

  3. Singer, Keni Burke (Singer of the hit song (“Risin to the Top”) was an Original “Ooh Child ” Five StairStep member!

  4. Singer, Smokey Robinson loved Cowboy movies so much that his nickname was Smokey Joe until the age of 12! 

  5. “Bring The Boys Home and “Band of Gold” singer Freda Payne was married to singer, composer, and musician Gregory Abbott. He is best known for his singles in the mid–1980s including his platinum single, “Shake You Down” and they have one son together born in 1977. 

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