COMMITMENT TO CHARITY: Spotlight on National Domestic Violence Month

In thinking about how I wanted to diversify my blog, I wanted to connect all of the things that I was passionate about and as a result of my involvement with the Urban League, community service and charity are definitely at the top of my list.

October is dedicated to two issues that have affected in one way or another: breast cancer and domestic violence.

Did you know that.....

• One in four women will be the victim of domestic violence at some point during her life ?


• On average, three women are killed every day in the U.S. at the hands of a current or former intimate partner ?

In recognition of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, there are two organized events/initiatives that you should definitely add to your PDA.

WHW Web Honors Jordan’s 8 Restaurant with “DC’s Top Spot” Award and Raises Funds for Women Empowered Against Violence October 13 at Jordan’s 8, Capitol Hill

WHW is pleased to partner with WEAVE (Women Empowered Against Violence) to raise awareness and funding for domestic abuse victims. A diverse group of professionals and entrepreneurs will converge over eclectic grooves, cocktails, and complimentary sushi as WHW Web hosts “Sushi Social”: an evening of elegance, excellence and purpose, on Wednesday, October 13 from 7pm to 9pm at Jordan’s 8 Restaurant in Capitol Hill.

WEAVE works closely with adult and teen survivors of relationship violence and abuse, providing an innovative range of legal, counseling, economic and educational services that leads survivors to utilize their inner and community resources, achieve safety for themselves and their children, and live empowered lives. Staff members of WEAVE will be at the event to share information about the organization and its services.


Half of all ticket sales will benefit WEAVE. Additionally, when attendees order a “What’s Hot Washington Apple”, Jordan’s 8 will donate half of the proceeds from the cocktail to WEAVE.

For more information on WHW, WEAVE, or Jordan's 8, please visit the official WHW website by clicking here. You can purchase tickets and/or RSVP for “Sushi Social” at http://sushisocial.eventbrite.com/.

Shop at Macy’s and Support the Family Violence Prevention Fund on October 16

Macy’s and the Family Violence Prevention Fund (FVPF) are teaming up during Domestic Violence Awareness Month for Shop for a Cause – a special one-day shopping event designed by Macy's for local non-profits to use as a fundraiser for their organizations. Each year, Macy's stores from acrsos the country open their doors to thousands of organizations participating in raising several million dollars in unrestricted revenue for local programs and this year Family Violence Prevention Fund is a national beneficiary!

Shoppers can buy a $5.00 savings pass from the FVPF and receive 20% (or 10%) savings* on almost all of their purchases, including regular, sale and clearance merchandise*, and 25%* off a single purchase on Saturday, October 16th.

Here's the deal:

• When you purchase a ticket from FVPF, one hundred percent of the ticket price benefits Family Violence Prevention Fund. If you choose to purchase a ticket in store on October 16th, a portion of the proceeds will also benefit FVPF.
  


• By purchasing a $5 shopping pass you are eligible to receive special savings on select merchandise throughout the store in addition to regular and sale merchandise specials. The October 16th, all day limited exclusion savings pass includes:
  
  **20% off* all sale & clearance and select regular-priced women’s, men’s and kids’ apparel and accessories, fine and fashion jewelry, frames, bed & bath items, housewares, luggage and china.
  
  **10%* off sale & clearance and select regular-priced furniture, mattresses and area rugs, electrics and electronics
  
  **25%* off any single regular, sale or clearance fashion item for the entire family including accessories; plus selections for your home.


• Customers will also be eligible to win a $500 gift card, no purchase necessary.

Shop for a Cause is an easy way to support the Family Violence Prevention Fund while gaining access to great shopping benefits! To purchase tickets, contact Sasanna Yee at 415-252-8900. For more information on this initiative or the Family Violence Prevention Fund, visit http://www.endabuse.org/content/features/detail/1590/.

*Some exclusions apply. Please see shopping pass for details.

Allow Me To Reintroduce Myself...

"Uh-Uhm (*clears throat*...)...is this thing on (*taps the mic*....) ???"



I'm baaaaack :-). Where have I been you ask ? It's been a crazy year filled with so many personal and professional high points that the blog had to take a backseat. Now that Fall is upon us, it's time for a renewed energy and renewed commitment to this here creative space. Stay tuned for postings on the DMV's twist on "social"/"culture"tainment offerings to include music reviews, book reviews, concert and show must sees, Fun for Foodies, and new features like The Gridiron Gab and My Service Spotlight.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming out...God bless and good night :-).

Concert Review: 2009 Carter Barron Concert Series (Ledisi and Kenny Lattimore)

I know what you're thinking. So many concerts.......so enough money ($$$$$ :-( ).

Well, if you're looking for an affordable summer concert series, let me suggest the Carter Barron's Summer Concert Series. For the sum of $24 and some change, I was able to see two great performers (and a bonus special guest) on one stage.

On June 13, Ledisi and D.C.'s own Kenny Lattimore officially kicked off the concert series in front of a sold out crowd of hundreds.



Kenny Lattimore opened the show, greeting his fellow D.C. folk with appreciation of years of love and support. He opened the evening with "Days Like This" a classic tune from his 1998 album, "From the Soul of a Man". I appreciate not only a great performer but a GREAT vocalist. Kenny's voice commands that listeners feel what is being sung in every lyric. Behind his range of his highest falsetto to his lowest bass point lies a sensitivity and passion that any music aficianado could appreciate. Not to mention, Kenny definitely has a swag about him; a confidence that is seen in his stage performance and comes across in his vocals as well. Of course, it wouldn't be a Kenny Lattimore set if he didn't peform two of his most popular hits, "Never Too Busy" and "For You", both from his 1996 debut CD, "Kenny Lattimore". I know I've already said that Kenny was in great form that evening but the way he bolted out those songs ? I was taken back to a time where I was discovering what love is supposed to feel like, where optimism outweighed any heartache that I may have felt at the time (aaaaaaahhhhh, I digress (ha!)). So, as Kenny's set wrapped up, he sang his cover the timeless Norman Connors classic, "You Are My Starship" from his 2008 release aptly titled, "Timeless"; a remake that definitely make Mr. Connors proud. Several concertgoers were upset at the fact that they didn't hear some of their favorites ("Weekend" specifically) but he decided to leave the crowd with some acapella treats including covers of Donny Hathaway's "A Song For You" and "More Than You'll Ever Know". ANYONE that knows Rita Lassiter KNOWS that I'm a biiiiiiig Donny fan, so singing Donny is a big deal..............but he did Donny proud as well :-). A definition of a true vocalist is someone who can take a song (no matter the genre), understand the song, and make it their own. That's what Kenny does impeccably :-).



So after a 10 minute break, the crowd was ready for their "appointed" headliner, Ms. Ledisi. She began her set with a cover of the 1978 Stargard hit, "Which Way Is Up", a song that allows for powerful vocals from both the lead and backup singers. Can I say I loooooove her style as well :-) ? Rocking a mohawk, a white Betsy Boop like dress with toule and red pumps, Ledisi commanded the stage with high energy dance moves as well. At one point, she demanded that the audience to "party with her and stop being so stiff (lol)". After all, this girl from Oakland, CA (by way of New Orleans, LA) knows how to move :-). After her rendition of the 70s classic, she performed "My Sensitivity", a single released from the 2005 release "Forever, For Always, For Luther". Then, it was onto songs from her 2007 release, "Lost & Found" including "Wanna Get to Know You" and "Think of You" . You can sing along with her as if you're listening to your iPod but don't expect to get the CD version of a song :-). Ledisi is another performer that makes each performance unique. No song fits the latter comment better than her rendition of "In The Morning" where she gave some truth serum and spoke to the audience about recognizing the extra "stuff" they carry around in relationships (weeeeeellll). With the audience singing in unison, she showed off her vocal ability and hit high notes that that shook the heavens. I mean that literally, as the skies began to light up with lighting :-O. So, the show goes on and Ledisi mentions how great it is to be in D.C. and how she knows go-go is the genre of hte Nation's Capital........and what do you know......out comes the Godfather of Go-Go, Chuck Brown. Of course, the crowd erupts in excitement. Chuck is to D.C. Ledisi definitely wanted to shake up the set and pay homage to the blues, so Chuck and Ledisi performed a blues classic, "Rock Me Baby". Sorry folks, no "Chuck Baby", no "Moody's Mood for Love", no "Run Joe" (lol). So, as the night winds down and we're all deep in prayer, hoping that it doesn't rain, Ledisi closes out the show with "Alright", the lead single from "Lost and Found". She finishes the show and alerts the crowd that her fourth studio album, "Turn Me Loose", will be released on August 19, 2009 (SAVE THE DATE).

Wondering if it rained at all ? No worries. The rain didn't fall until the concert was over :-).

OVERALL GRADE: A+ - Two great vocalists on one stage for a reasonable price on a great Summer night ? You can't beat that. What a way to begin the Carter Barron's summer concert series.

If you are interested in what shows are on tap at the Carter Barron this summer, take a look at this list below:

• July 10 (free with tickets), 7:30 pm
  Washington Post Weekend’s Weekends - Neo Soul Night
  (Fertile Ground, Wayna, Deborah Bond, Tamika Jones)


• July 18 ($24), 7:30 pm
  (Joe, Chico DeBarge, Be’la Dona)


• July 24 (free), 7:30 pm
  (DC Youth Orchestra)


• July 25 ($24), 7:30 pm
  (Ohio Players, SOS Band, “Mousey “ Thompson, and the James Brown Experience)


• July 26 (free), 7:30 pm
  Blues Alley Youth Orchestra


• August 15 (free), 7:30 pm
  Metro D.C. Dances (Aysha Upchurch /Life, Rhythm, Move Project, City Dance II, DCypher Dance Collective, Furia Flamenca, Shang Dance Productions, Urban Artistry)


• August 21 ($20+), 7:30 pm
  (Boney James, Grainger)


• August 28 (free), 7:30 pm
  5th Annual D.C. Poetry in the Park
  (Special Guest - Gil Scott Heron)

For more information, please visit http://www.nps.gov/rocr/planyourvisit/cbarronschedule.htm .

NEXT BLOG POSTING: Review of the National Capital BBQ Battle

Concert MiniReview: 2009 Capital Jazz Fest

Ok, so this post is obviously long overdue. However, who could predict that a deadly virus would paralyze my ability to connect with the digital world :-(. With the installation of a new hard drive (OUCH!) and an updated antivirus system, I'm up and running again :-).

Now, onto the good stuff.......

After a week of drenching thunderstorms, the 2009 Capital Jazz Fest officially kicked off at the Summer concert season. Unfortunately, I was unable to go but from what I heard, Merriweather Post Pavilion was THE place to be for anyone fan of jazz, blues and soul music. One of my Facebook friends, Cheryl, gave me her review of her first Capital Jazz Fest experience. As a newbie to CJF, she had one hurdle to jump once she arrived at Merriweather: PARKING :-).

"After 15 minutes of searching for parking at Columbia Mall, I was ready to head over to the festival. It was 2:00 and Leela James was already on stage; her voice booming! I was so mesmerized that I stood outside of the gate and watched her performance. It was fantastic, to say the least. After her performance, I headed over to the entrance gate, nearest to the stage where Regina Belle was on performing. I didn’t get the opportunity to view her performance, but she sounded fantastic! Overall, I had a phenomenal time at the Capitol Jazz Festival. Every act that we saw was absolutely wonderful. There were food, clothing, art and jewelry vendors present.....the energy was so positive and creative; everyone was looking to have a good time. It was my first time attending, but it will not be my last."

With so man acts performing over a there day period, it's impossible to see everyone. Here are two additional reviews to give you a different view of the Capital Jazz Fest experience:

The Urban Music Scene
http://reviews.theurbanmusicscene.com/2009/06/16/our-review-of-the-17th-annual-capital-jazz-festival--by-jerry-clark.aspx

SoulBounce
http://soulbounce.com/soul/2009/06/scenes_from_the_17th_annual_capital_jazz_fest.php

Did you attend the Capital Jazz Fest this year ? Wanna share your review of the show ? Then, post your comments and send your pictures to sassybloggin@gmail.com.

WAIT A MINUTE ! The CJF experience doesn't have to end here ! Join the Capital Jazz Fest for The Supercruise III, October 10-17, aboard the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas:

For more information, please visit http://www.capitaljazz.com/supercruise/ .

NEXT BLOG POSTING: Concert Review (2009 Carter Barron Concert Series)

More Fun for Foodies THIS WEEKEND !

Greetings everyone,

How did I fail to mention the 2nd annual Food & Wine Festival at the National Harbor ? If you didn't know, now you know :-).

Taking place from June 6-7, the Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor celebrates the chefs’ use of local, fresh and responsibly sourced ingredients from both land and sea, which inspire their creativity and protect the environment. Attendees will also be able to explore the expanding world of food pairing with wine and beer.

Now in its second year, The Food & Wine Festival at National Harbor features:

What’s Cooking For Kids? a new program of fun activities and demonstrations to inspire children to cook and enjoy healthy food.
Seminars and Guest Chef Demonstrations
A varied selection of informative and entertaining sessions will be offered to both the consumer and trade professional. Accomplished chefs, wine and beer experts will host demonstrations, tastings and share signature dishes and techniques.

Belgian Beer Café
Relax and enjoy in our waterfront Belgian Beer Café featuring Stella Artois, Hoegaarden & Leffe.

Artisanal Products and Boutique Wines
Sample and learn about the growing trend of handcrafted artisanal products, which are made with great care and attention to detail, such as premium sea salt, cheese, bread, chocolate, coffee, teas, beer, olive oils, ice cream, etc. Boutique Wines represent vineyards making fewer than 5,000 cases per year and specialty wines from larger vineyards made in limited quantity. These exclusive wines present a particular passion by the winemaker.

You must purchase a General Admission ticket to gain entry to the festival. Ticket prices and additional information can be found at http://www.foodandwinenh.com/tickets.html. Please note that rain or shine, the festival will go on and photo ID will be required onsite.

Your general admission ticket includes:

Food, wine, beer and spirits tastings
Attendee bag and wine glass
Access to seminars, chef demos and workshops
Ability to enter our Country Fair Baking Contest with Big Prizes
Ability to participate in our Dine Around (extra charge)
Ability to participate in our Very Special Private Events (extra charge)

All proceeds will benefit The Erikka Hayes Foundation. To find more information about this worthy cause, please visit http//www.erikkahayesfoundation.org.