The Soulcialista: ::Recap:: Up AND Up Open Mic

Last week was my first time at Up & Up's Open Mic thats held every Tuesday. By the time 9 o'clock hour hit a decent crowd of about 100 people began to form in LIV nite club. I know what you're thinking...yet another open mic was on deck... but wait this was not and has not been an ordinary open mic (or so Im told and soon got to see). With tunes by DJ JAV I spotted folks dancing (all by themselves), folks in the VIP area, over zealous listeners (trying to rap every line to every song), couples, singles, you name it they were there. Hip Hop group and founding members of Up & Up, GODS'ILLA was in the building promoting their new mixtape hosted by ERYKAH BADU. To top it off there were beautiful ladies promoting the new Bacardi grape flavored vodka...I forgot the name of the drink but I remember it was mixed with grapefruit juice...deelish!

(hosts Victorious Hall & Black Boo)

At an open mic I'm not expecting 5 star amenities but the ladies restroom was in was word "inappropriate". The stalls had no doors and no toilet paper!!! C'mon son! I had to go down to the restaurant. Talk about inconvenient! I hope they get that taken care of asap!

Being an educator and social advocate,Victorious Hall, member of Up & Up could be thanked for the $5 cover for educators!!! By then I was sold on it being a great night. Shout out to all educators!!!! Hooray for Teacher Tuesday.

(Soulcialistas Eff-dot-Jay and Gypsy with the Red Pumps :))

Victorious Hall & Black Boo, hosts, and the house band Mambo Sauce kept the artists and crowd in the groove. Is it bad that I couldn't wait for the performances to be over so that I could listen to mambo sauce during transitions...?

(Cocktail waitresses and guitarist from Mambo Sauce)

Maybe the expectations of hosts have changed but i thought host were to be attentive to the audience and more importantly the performers...I guess texting during performances has become apart of the job description. I don't know much about hosting events so maybe the etiquette has changed. Correct me please if I am mistaken. **DING**

For the 1st timers they sang the Cheers theme song "Where everybody knows your name" to make the newbies feel comfortable. I must say it was a nice touch.The first act was a singer, the second a rapper, the third a poet, and the fourth a Jamaican artist. Talk about a diverse pool of performers.

(A view of the crowd)

My favorite act was a teacher named Charmaine...she sang Jill Scott's "He Loves Me"...amazing!!!! Open mic reminds you about the sheer, raw talent thats out there...this chick did the ad libs and all!