::RECAP:: SUMMER SPIRIT FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS

::RECAP:: SUMMER SPIRIT FESTIVAL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS
by Daniel Harris
Photos by Edith Williams

In its 10 year history, the Summer Spirit Festival has featured an amazing lineup of R&B, Soul and Hip Hop artists. Names like Common, The Roots, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu and Sharon Jones have all taken part in the annual summer festival at Columbia, Maryland's Merriweather Post Pavilion. In years past, the festival has experienced record number attendance and this year's festival was no exception.

The Merriweather Post Pavilion was jammed packed both under the pavilion and on the lawn with concert goers waiting to hear Phony Ppl, Avery Sunshine, Estelle, Junkyard Band, Tony Toni Tone, Floetry, Anthony Hamilton and Erykah Badu. The full day of music was a great experience for the area.

The festival started promptly and the first act, Phony Ppl, was ready to go and give a great show. That they did. The Brooklyn, NY fusion band (jazz, hip hop and R&B) were a great start to the entire day. Their energy and stage presence helped those who decided to come early, prepare for the day's activities.

As up and coming artists, Phony Ppl were tight, polished and engaging. Three things you look for when attending a major concert. As the band wrapped their set and as more people begin to fill Merriweather, it was becoming clearer why this is one of the area's biggest events.

Next to take the stage was Avery Sunshine. In a simple statement, Avery Sunshine is an artist full of life and her energy and presence was literally her namesake, Sunshine. Beginning her set with her hit, "I Got Sunshine," very fitting. Her best quality (besides her amazing voice and wonderful lyrics) was her ability to engage a large festival crowd, at one point, teaching the entire crowd parts to "I Got Sunshine."

As her set progressed, Avery took time to give
thanks with a soul stirring renditions of "The Lord Is Blessing Me" and "Safe In His Arms." Both songs showed her deep appreciation for her faith and the opportunities her gifts and talents have afforded her. The concert crowd was moved and it showed this reviewer that Avery is able to reach and meet her audience on a spiritual level.

As the afternoon began to transition to early evening and the Merriweather began to seemingly reach Estelle took the festival stage. The "American Boy" singer was well received by the crowd as she took the stage. Her blend of Hip Hop, R&B and Soul was the perfect vehicle to bring the audience with her on a journey of love both its triumphs and defeats.
capacity,

As she progressed through her set, which included hits like "Thank You" and "You Are," it became apparent that Estelle prefers a more intimate setting. Frequently pausing her set until the crowd got involved (even calling out a fan for his low energy dance moves) was a hold not only to the crowd's enjoyment but to the overall schedule of the festival. Gradually, she won the crowd over and was able to progress through her set.

Perhaps one of the major highlights of the evening was the performance of Washington, DC legends, Junkyard Band. Go-Go as a music form has its roots in DC which aided JYB in the anticipation of their set. The band didn't disappoint at all. When it came time to hit a Go-Go classic like "Sardines," the festival crowd (already at a fever pitch) pretty much took over delivering the lyrics. JYB's performance was a true testament to the genre's history and roots in the area.


The time came for CD Enterprises to reveal their special guest to the audience. Prior to the festival, people were wondering who this guest could possible be. To much anticipation, legendary R&B group Tony! Toni! Toné! hit the stage to a very warm audience reception. Rightfully so, during the late 80s and early 90s, Tony! Toni! Toné! electrified audiences all over the world.

As the group moved through classics like "House Party II," "It Never Rains" and "Feels Good," the
crowd's energy began to change. The novelty and nostalgia began to fade as the group realized that one important Tony! was missing. Lead singer Amar Khalil did his best to carry the burden of front man.

However, the shoes of the group's first front man, Raphael Saddiq, are hard to fill. Maybe one of the most oddest moves during the group's set was having old music videos play in the background as they performed. The music videos only served as a reminder to the crowd that Saddiq was not performing with the group.

As the sun set, the evening progressed and temperature began to drop, the festival stage was just beginning to heat up. Following Tony! Toni! Toné!'s lackluster performance, a group whose reunion has been years in the making was set to take the stage. 8 years ago, Floetry announced that they would no longer perform together. This announcement came as a shock to many fans as the duo was beginning to hit their stride in the industry.

While Natalie and Marsha enjoyed some solo success, it was really good to see them back together as Floetry. Truthfully, it didn't seem like they missed one step. They are still as in sync as they were since their debut. While performing hits like "Sunshine," "Getting Late" and the crowd favorite "Say Yes," you got the sense that they've put the past behind them and are moving forward. Hopefully festival performances and concerts will lead to new studio material? One can only hope.


Under the night sky, the heavy traffic of festival goers to support food and merchandise vendors slowed as Summer Spirit welcomed two of music's biggest stars. First, Anthony Hamilton, who seriously knows how to put on a show. The way he commanded the festival stage, his ability to
engage the audience under pavilion as well as on the lawn, showed why Hamilton personifies cool.


The best moments of his set were the moments between he and his background vocalists. Those
moments gave his set a level of depth that hadn't been felt all day. The background vocalists are amazing artists in their own right and their chemistry with Hamilton made for an amazing evening. Anthony Hamilton's set, which included hits like "Charlene" and "Pray For Me," was enough to end the entire evening.







Knowing that Erykah Badu was next and would round out an entire day of great music still filled the festival with as much energy as was present at the beginning of the day. Erykah took the stage to thunderous applause and cheer that pierced the night sky. What else would you expect? Erykah Badu has been a Summer Spirit Festival favorite since the beginning. She is staple, ending the festival with one of her signature shows.

This year was no exception. While her set wasn't perfect (by her own admission), Erykah was real, honest and raw. These are all qualities that fans have come to know, love and respect about the soul star. And don't get it twisted, even on her worst day, Badu is still near flawless.

New arrangements and takes on hits like "My Life," "...And On" and "Cleva" reminding the audience that the nearly 20 year veteran still has what it takes. Right before her performance of "Danger," she reminded the crowd that she is the original 'Trap Queen.' What an amazing way to end a perfect day of music and fun.

Overall, The 2015 Summer Spirit Festival proved why it is the area's favorite and most successful festival. CD Enterprise selects great artists to fill its lineup. With such skill, it is easy to see why the DMV and surrounding areas flock to this festival. The Summer Spirit Festival will be around for a long time, further solidifying its position as a staple event in the area.

Read more »

::RECAP::THE UNPLUGGED TOUR STARRING DALEY

::RECAP:: THE UNPLUGGED TOUR STARRING DALEY 

Post by: Nakera Lee
Photos by: Leo Wilson & Daria Johnson 

The much-anticipated show of the season made its way to Baltimore, MD on November 17, 2014 with an artist that is not stranger to the music industry. Housed in the epic venue, Rams Head Live, Daley reintroduced himself and artistry to a host of on looking fans. This go round, Daley brought along two up and coming artists who did not take long to capture the attention of the audience with their velvet smooth voices and unparalleled talents. The Unplugged Tour featured Conner Youngblood and Travis McClung, both of which brought a unique sense of artistry and talent to the stage.

Travis McClung opened up the show and from the first note he sang, he quickly melted the hearts of all who stood in awe of the new talent brewing. Taking the audience down memory lane with a few of his renditions of #1 hits such as Best You Ever Had by John Legend and Thinking About You by Frank Ocean, while mixing in a few of his own records such as his new single LosingYou; Travis left many wondering where this hidden gem once lied. The audience quickly grew attached to his style and the melodic tones in his voice tend to set the tone for the evening.

Following Travis McClung’s performance, the audience was introduced to Conner Youngblood and ‘WOW’ is the only expression that comes to mind. Hitting the stage with his guitar, banjo, and a collection of various percussion instruments; Conner grasped the attention of the audience quickly. For those who were not familiar with his artistry, they expeditiously caught on. Maybe it was his style or the 1 man band he created without moving to far from one instrument to the next, needless to say his music certainly resonated across the audience.

Now let’s create a mental image. The year is 1990 and the music is raw and uncut. All you get is the artist and their acoustic instruments. No background singers, no auto tune, the track is more spaced out and the scene is intimate. Sounds familiar? If your wondering what it is that we’re speaking of it’s the classic series MTV Unplugged.

Similar to this style, Daley hit the stage of Rams Head with nothing but his silky smooth vocals, impeccable range and versatility in sound to an audience of loyal fans, followers, and onlookers. The roar of excitement could be heard from the front to back of the arena as fans were serenated to the tracks of Those Who Wait, Good News, She Fades, and Blame the World. The icing on the cake, topping off the show came when Daley blended a Jill Scott hit He Loves Me with his Spent record from his EP ThoseWho Wait and the crowd went wild. This show pulled back Daley’s layers and gave his fans a more intimate and up close and personal seat into his musical abilities.

It’s certainly safe to say, if someone walked in not too familiar with Daley, then they most definitely left with a new sense of appreciation for his artistry, talents, and music. With so much more on the horizon for Daley, this Unplugged Tour certainly opened up the door to let the fans into his world and as an onlooker and lover of music it is safe to say that Daley aimed to please. Gypsy Soul was more than elated that we could help you #GetFamiliar with Daley and his music and we look forward to bring you more soul and talented artists in the near future. Stay tuned!   

Read more »

::RECAP:: HOLLIE COOK, ALICE RUSSELL AND YUNA ROCK WASHINGTON, DC

::RECAP:: HOLLIE COOK, ALICE RUSSELL AND YUNA ROCK WASHINGTON, DC
by Daniel Harris

In the midst of a hectic Friday afternoon, three talented women prepared for what would turn out to be one of the most amazing nights of music. While many rushed to put the busy Washington, DC atmosphere behind them (for a couple days, at least) Hollie Cook, Alice Russell and Yuna were all setting up to give concert goers a very memorable evening.

The Lisner Auditorium, located on the campus of The George Washington University, was a great oasis in the middle of a problematic Washington, DC evening rush hour. As the start of the concert got closer, the lobby began to fill with fans of the performers and people looking for a good way to start their weekend.

The auditorium doors opened, the people filed in, took their seats and shortly after, Hollie Cook took the stage. The self proclaimed "tropical soul" artist successfully blends pop with classic reggae to create a very unique and intoxicating sound. During her performance of hits like "Tiger Balm," "Milk and Honey" and "Postman," it was difficult not to sway back and forth to this one of a kind blend. Perhaps one of the most memorable aspects of Cook's performance was watching as her own music took her away to a heady and sensuous trance. Hollie Cook was a wonderful start for this amazing night of music.

Just before the end of a brief intermission to set up for the Alice Russell, a fellow concert goer leaned over and whispered to her friend, "You're going to LOVE Alice!" As the lights dimmed once more and people returned to their seats, Alice and her four piece band took the stage. How could anyone NOT love Alice? She is such a powerhouse! Her strong vocal abilities and her deep soulful lyrics are matched only by her strong desire to connect with her audience. Her performance of "To Dust," "Heartbreaker," "I Loved You" and "Hard and Strong" all seemed to be amplified and charged as she fed off the crowd's energy.

During the evening's final intermission, I was asked, "Have you heard of this next artist?" "Yes" I replied, "She is amazing!" As the lights dimmed for the final time, Yuna graced the stage and showed my neighbor that I was not merely speaking in general terms or sharing a cliché sentiment. Yuna is actually amazing. The way she blends the "pop" music sound with her thought provoking and complex lyrics is sheer genius. Her sweet, whimsical personality kept those new to her artistry very well engaged and intrigued. Those of us familiar with Yuna, cheered and danced in our seats when she went into favorites like "Lullabies," "Lights And Camera" and "Decorate." An interesting transition into the performance of"Decorate", saw Yuna taking a brief moment to explain the origins of this song. She used the experience of a good friend and his" on again, off again" relationship as her muse to create a sad and oddly beautiful song.

The evening's final performance capped off a truly unforgettable evening with three talented artists.

Our special thanks to Ashley Di Buduo for providing us with access!

Read more »

::RECAP:: HIP HOP CAUCUS HOME ALBUM RELEASE

::RECAP:: HIP HOP CAUCUS HOME ALBUM RELEASE 

post by Gypsy
video by Mansa Johnson

During CBC Week 2014 the Hip Hop Caucus hosted an event for the album H.O.M.E., a project dedicated to the issue of climate change that will be exclusively released on iTunes. The event  featured many who participated on the album such as NeYo, Elle Varner, and Choklate. Check out our video recap below. More info on the album can be found at www.TheAlbumHome.com.



         

Read more »

::RECAP:: 2014 Summer Spirit Festival

::RECAP:: 2014 Summer Spirit Festival

post by Gypsy
photos by Leo Wilson

The Summer Spirit Festival (SFF) has become known as the August concert kick off and is anticipated each year. This year, the level of anticipation rose like the heat index when headliner Lauryn Hill was announced. Most of the music lovers we know expressed relief that the headliner was not Erykah Badu yet again and to tell the truth, so were we. We love Erykah, but as music enthusiasts, we know that there is so much more out there to be highlighted by a premier event like SFF.

George Tandy, Jr

Since its inceptions, SFF, has been introducing up and comers to the faithful audience and this year was no different. George Tandy, Jr and Roman Gianarthur played great set and provided guests with an opportunity to get to know them better.

 

Junk Yard Band & Backyard Band

 A particular reason why SFF is so beloved is because you can find a great mix of genres being presented on stage. This year Junk Yard Band and Backyard Band brought that go-go swing, hip hop vet Talib Kweli represented for the MCs, new comers RDGLDGRN added a lil rock to the sonic stew, while native Washingtonian Me'Shell Ndegeocello easily funked it all the way up!

Talib Kweli

Raheem DeVaughn

Hometown hero Raheem DeVaughn with his painter Demont Pinder captivated the ladies and mellowed out the stage just enough for the Electric Lady, Janelle Monae, to light it right back up again with an amazing and energetic set. Which really isn't surprising...does Janelle ever really disappoint?

 

 Janelle Monae 

Finally, headliner Lauryn Hill took the stage and exited with mixed reviews. I actually enjoyed her show. I would have loved for her to start the songs they way we all know and enjoy them and then transition into a remix of sorts but that wasnt the case. I did appreciate her energy and enthusiasm. It seemed as if she and her band were having a great time on stage. From past shows of lecturing the audience to never showing up...I thought this was a lot better. 

The Summer Spirit Festival is usually the first Saturday of August so make sure to mark your calendar now and dont miss out on a great time to soulcialize and enjoy awesome live music. Thank you to CDE for another year of access and great hospitality.

Lauryn Hill

Read more »

::RECAP:: EAR CANDY FEAT DONTAE WINSLOW & THE WINSLOW DYNASTY

::RECAP:: EAR CANDY FEAT DONTAE WINSLOW & THE WINSLOW DYNASTY

Post by Nakera Lee

Photos by Nick Fullen

As the saying goes, “You never know where you’re going, until you know where you come from.” That statement was resonated in a room full of enthused fans, long time friends, and family members who all anticipated the soulful, sultry, and centric sounds of Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty with host MonokiaNance and DJ Lil Mic.  

On Tuesday, June 17, 2014 at Teavolve located in scenic area of Harbor East in Baltimore, MD, Gypsy Soul Entertainment hosted it’s signature event Ear Candy series. From the beginning to the end, Dontae Winslow and his beautiful wife Mishica Winslow captivated the audience with their Hip Hop Jazz ensemble taking the crowd back to the days when feel good Baltimore house music was in full effect.

For those who are not sure, we’re here to help you #GetFamiliar. The WinslowDynasty group is a music group from Baltimore, MD with a mission to change the world and inspire a renaissance in creative art. Dontae Winslow is a featured member on trumpet/production and vocals, while Mashica Winslow is a featured member who lends her angelic vocals/songwriting and stellar arranging abilities. Their formidable alliance comprises styles of Jazz, Soul, Urban Poetry (Hip-Hop) and Rhythm and Blues music.

Between the versatility in their artistry and the relatable content in their musical projects, it is safe to say that Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty is creating an atmosphere that allows individuals of all kind to cultivate their inner being and that creates a sense of appreciation for self in the same breath. 

One of the most memorable moments of the night came as the Winslow’s performed their track Blaxploitation and Revolution. This particular song not only reached the masses for it’s up tempo beat, but touched all onlookers in the room who could sincerely relate to the message behind the track. 

With a Harlem-Renaissance feel and Dontae Winslow on trumpet, the crowd was quickly moved to their feet in celebration and appreciation of their ancestry. This dynamic duo has truly brought back the essence of real jazz to modern music so we can only imagine the powerful forces they become with the addition of their son. 

To say that Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty did a great job is not enough to amount to the sparks and flames that they left on the dance floor and in the hearts of the crowd even after their set was complete. Born and raised in the City of Baltimore has truly helped to set the tone for the Winslow’s and one thing that remains tried and true is that this dynasty is just getting started. 

I would be remised if I didn't mention the awesome Urban Ballroom dance workshop lead in the beginning of the event by Milton Kent. He is working hard to bring back a sophisticated sexiness to the dance floor and the audience and participants loved it.

For more information on Dontae Winslow and the Winslow Dynasty, please visit their website.

Enter The Dynasty can be purchased on iTunes and Amazon. 

To view more photos from the event please click HERE

Read more »

::RECAP:: MARSHA AMBROSIUS LIVE AT THE BALTIMORE SOUNDSTAGE

::RECAP:: MARSHA AMBROSIUS LIVE AT THE BALTIMORE SOUNDSTAGE
Post by Daniel Harris
Photos by LaVan Anderson

It has been 12 years since "The Songstress" aka Marsha Ambrosius released her first album as one half of the soulful duo Floetry. But as each and every concert goer found out this past Friday at the Baltimore Soundstage, there is no stopping Marsha Ambrosius!

The Baltimore Soundstage once again proved that it is a premier venue and the perfect host for Marsha's Friends and Lovers Tour. With incredible sight lines at every angle in the venue and great sound, the soundstage was an amazing way to take in the evening's artists. Before Marsha Ambrosius took the stage, her tour provided an opportunity for Baltimore to get familiar with a few up and coming artists.

First to take the stage was Motown recording group Mprynt. When you are an R&B group on the Motown label, there is a lot to live up to. Although there were some signs that they were fairly new to performing on this level, this group of four managed and represented the Motown name very well. After covering artists like Jay Z, Tupac and Blackstreet, Mprynt performed "Don't Hurt Me." A decently put together tune, was a good way for the crowd to get a sense of who this group is and their potential to be successful in the music business.

Next to perform was Jade Alston. From her first song "Good Times", it was very clear that Jade was a unique artist. Jade's blend of R&B, soul, alternative and folk was a true testament that music really knows no boundaries. After being diagnosed with a serious heart condition, Jade Alston purposed to do the music that she loved and that spoke to her most. Her sound is a very polished one, which is the perfect vehicle to drive her very open and straightforward lyrics.

Both Jay Hayden and GoGo Morrow are no strangers to the big stage and their respective
performances made that very evident. Both Jay and GoGo gave great energy and connected very well with the audience. Sharing the stage with artists like Deborah Cox, Tank and Eric Roberson, Hayden's laid back acoustic set gave the audience a great opportunity to see why he has been able to share the stage with so many talented artists. GoGo Morrow, former background singer and dancer for Lady Gaga, gave the crowd a high energy performance that was the perfect lead in to Marsha Ambrosius.

The anticipation for Marsha reached it's highest point yet and just as it was about to boil over, she took the stage to an eruption of cheers. Marsha Ambrosius knows how to give a great performance. The sold out venue was not only treated to Marsha's incredible vocal ability but also some very candid moments. Each time she chose to reflect on some moment of her love life, there was the sense that it was much more than a show. It was a way for her to really work some things out and share her experiences.

Marsha is a very clever and truly ingenious artist. How she effortlessly transitions from "Late Night, Early Morning" to Prince's "The Beautiful Ones" was classic! Her self produced take on the Sade classic "Stronger than Pride" perfectly blends the smooth Sade's familiar smooth sound with heavy Hip Hop influence. (Jeru the Damaja's "Come Clean" being the base of her interpretation) 17 years removed from it first being penned and 9 years since recording it, "Butterflies" is still a crowd favorite. With both Marsha and the sold out crowd singing, it became one huge chorus singing those very memorable and relatable lyrics.

If an opportunity presents itself to check out the Friends and Lovers Tour, it would be foolish to pass it up.

Our thanks to the Baltimore Soundstage for the media access and photographer LaVan Anderson for the wonderful photos.

Read more »

::RECAP:: SXSW 2014

::RECAP:: SXSW 2014
by Kike Aluko

I had the AMAZING opportunity to attend South by Southwest (SXSW) 2014 in Austin, TX for the first time last week, and boy was it an awesome experience!! With hundreds and possibly thousands of events to choose from throughout the week (many of them free), it was an overwhelmingly exciting event to be a part of. Here are some of the highlights:

Wednesday, March 12, 2014 started with PledgeMusic's #PMAVillage event at The Blackheart where I saw up & coming brat pop duo (formed at DC's own George Washington University) HolyChild and Danish star Mø perform their hearts out. That evening was Haggar Clothing's "Slacks are Back" event at Clive Bar, where I saw the beautifully talented Emily King perform, along with Aloe Blacc who closed out the show. 

                                   HolyChild                                                      Aloe Blacc

Most of Thursday, March 13 was spent at the Hype Hotel where (among others) Australian artist Chet Faker and Baltimore's own Future Islands (pictured right) performed. Chet Faker's electronically smooth cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" was featured in a 2013 Super Bowl commercial. That evening I hopped over to Seth Meyers' food truck for some free Shake Shack to top the night off right.

Friday, March 14 was jam packed, starting with Universal Music Group's showcase at Palm Door where I saw Swedish band Little Dragon perform quite a few hits. After that I made a quick pit stop at the Pandora Discovery Den inside The Gatsby to pick up some free makeup thanks to Revlon. Then I headed to the super popular & exclusive Fader Fort presented by Converse to participate in lots of fun & interactive promotions including photo & video booths, signature walls, and Converse Red Light Radio sessions. 

Elle King

After getting my fill of the Fader Fort fun, I passed by Kelis's food truck (she's apparently a certified chef!) to grab some more free bites. She was cleverly promoting her upcoming album, titled Food, and I kept wishing I would get a milkshake to go with the duck confit sliders I got that perfectly hit the spot after a full day. In the evening I headed over to the SoundExchange Sessions at Stubb's BBQ where I saw a variety of performances including Wild Cub, American Authors, London Grammar, Young the Giant, and Elle King (who is Rob Schneider's daughter and has a surprisingly powerful voice that she used to cover R. Kelly's "Ignition Remix!")

The Kite String Tangle

On Saturday, March 15, I ended my SXSW experience on a high note at the biggest showcase of Australian music in the USA: The Aussie BBQ hosted by Sounds Australia at Maggie Mae's. In addition to a great huge selection of free food including burgers, nachos, enchiladas & more, I saw shows by two artists that I really enjoyed: up & coming Electronic artist The Kite String Tangle and blues singer-songwriter Mia Dyson.

Overall, the SXSW experience is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED between the free food, free events, live shows, and so much more. It's so great to be surrounded by people who love music & who are willing to help you jam to the shows the best you can. It's a wonderful way to discover new up & coming artists that you haven't heard before, and the best part is how accessible & willing to talk those artists are. There is never a shortage of opportunities to have a fun time grooving to some great live music. So much so that I definitely plan to make a return trip to Austin again!

For a list of my favorite discoveries from SXSW 2014, click HERE.

Before ending this post, I must acknowledge the tragic car accident that happened in the early morning of March 13, 2014. We must keep all those affected in our thoughts and prayers, and monetary donations to support relief services can be made to the SXSW Cares Fund.

Read more »