Award winning Afro-Soul vocalist LIRA will be performing on January 21st at The Mead Center for American Theatre in Washington, DC in celebration of the re-election of President Barack Obama. This signature event will be the first Inaugural Ball hosted exclusively by the international community. With over 2,500 expected guests, the first-class soiree is poised to be one of the most eagerly anticipated Inaugural events.

Following the official swearing in ceremonies and parade, the Inauguration event will include a stirring tribute, honoring President Barack & First Lady Michelle Obama by musicians LIRA, Mi Casa and Anané Vega, hosted by DJ Biz Markie. In attendance Ambassador to the U.S, Tebelelo Seretse of the Republic of Botswana as well as other Heads of State, Ambassadors, Dignitaries, Consul Generals, and key Embassy officials. Also attending will be members of the United States Congress, State Department officials, cabinet members, appointees, as well as, other luminaries of politics and business.

Host committee members representing a myriad of diverse races, religions, cultures and countries have partnered to present this event, including; Ambassadors to the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago [Dr. Neil Parsan], Kosovo [Mr. Akan Ismaili], Morocco [Mr. Rachad Bouhlal], Panama [Mr. Mario Jaramillo] and the Republic of Botswana. Proceeds from the 2013 Ambassadors Inaugural Ball will support various domestic and international non-profit organizations, working diligently to make a difference in the lives of people in need and training the next generation of global leaders.

Tickets may be purchased at http://ambassadors-ball.eventbrite.com

It’s long overdue, but NY is finally launching the first Annual NYC Reggae Festival conceived by NY’s MANKIND UNITED on Saturday, August 4th in the downtown E.Village at DROM.

The Reggae Fest features many wicked Reggae Artists plus a very rare performance from the Original Queen of Dancehall- Sister Nancy.  Sister Nancy’s career spans over 2 decades. Her most famous song “Bam Bam” is labeled as a well-known Reggae Album and a classic. She explained her absence in the recording scene over the last years as she wanted to give other female artists a chance.

Also on the bill is ILLSPREE who brings hardcore roots and vibes with 100% originality.

Ras T straight from JAMAICA with Fearless Lyrics, Vibes and Riddims.

Music provided by one of the heaviest sound systems out of Brooklyn called The Majestic Twinsound.

The Festival happens to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence (Aug 6th) and this may be one of the only concerts recognizing this important piece of history in NY- however, around the Globe, the world will be celebrating and honoring 50 years of Jamaica’s Independence -  Come celebrate at DROM.

August 4th- The 1st Annual NYC Reggae Festival. You don’t want to miss it!

$20.00 at door $15.00 w/ rsvp with mankindunited@gmail.com
21+ 10-4am

 TOMAS DONCKER’S THE POWER OF THE TRINITY: FROM BROOKLYN TO ETHIOPIA

SummerStage Presents the World Premiere Theatrical Performance Celebrating Story & Message of Haile Selassie

Tomás Doncker, the Brooklyn-based musician who is known for his fusion of world beats and American R&B into “global soul,” will have his album The Power of the Trinity transformed, for the first time, into a full blown theatrical performance at this year’s SummerStage.  Performances will be held in Central Park on July 31; and in Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem on August 3-5.

Tomas Doncker Band/Power of the Trinity Concert Schedule:

Rumsey Playfield | Central Park: New York, NY | July 31st

Marcus Garvey Park | Harlem: New York, NY | August 3rd, 4th and 5th

(all performances begin at 8 PM)

About The Power of the Trinity theatrical performance:

The Power of the Trinity tells the story of Ethiopian King Haile Selassie (whose name in the ancient Ge’ez language literally means “power of the trinity”), one of the first globally conscious African leaders of the 20th century.  It’s based on a play of the same name, written by the late New York playwright Roland Wolf. Award-winning director Alfred Preisser has developed an aggressive modernist interpretation for this production, which will feature live dance, edited dialogue, and full staging that conveys the strength of Selassie and the people of Ethiopia.

“I was inspired both by the music of Ethiopia and by the message of Haile Selassie, who stood up to the Italian invasion of his country before World War II and who predicted more of the same for Europe.  His message is a very simple but powerful one – do the right thing, stand up for what you know is right, no matter the odds,” said Doncker.

Purchase The Power of the Trinity: iTunes | Amazon

 

Tomas Doncker Online: Official Website | Facebook | Twitter

Earlier this month we had the opportunity to catch the 1^st Hit Listening Lounge with the incredible DJ Salah Ananse and our beloved host Jodine Dorce with Jordine’s Corner. If you missed this event,  here is the FULL interview with an insightful look at the making of his new project, Afrique Electrique Volume 1 and a few live performances. So sit tight and enjoy the recap from this “grown” affair. Special thanks as always to Harmony in Life, Music Addikts, Jodine’s Corner and Moods Music. (more…)

Verdine White, Philip Bailey & Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire

It’s 6:37pm and the line is already wrapped around Chastain Park Amphitheater. Parking lots are quickly filling up with excited fans and bona fide tailgaters ready to toast the night fantastic. On my way to the gate entry, I meet a gentleman by the name of Mr. Humphrey along with his wife who’ve been long time fans and returning concertgoers of the headlining group. Later, I bumped into seven college friends reuniting for their yearly get together and another couple  celebrating  16 years of wedded bliss. With the air filled with a spirit of celebration and reunion, what other group could inspire this type of anticipation by simply “singing a song”? None other than the six time Grammy Award winning band, Earth, Wind & Fire. (more…)

Fresh out my inbox, nice visuals and international vibes from Siji/Alix Alvarez to their single “Ijo”.

“Shot on location in Lagos, Nigeria, where Siji has been rediscovering his childhood past following a 20yr plus absence, the colorful and visually arresting masterpiece showcases an open audition held for dancers drawn from the bustling metropolis.”

SIJI – ‘Ijo’(Official Video) from SIJI on Vimeo.

(more…)