Jennifer Lewis

If you have never seen one of Jennifer Lewis' one woman shows you are missing out on a laugh filled night. She's going to be here in LA again all this month with new show. Here's the invitation that was sent out for the show.

And she means it at the end of the invitation...DO NOT BE LATE! Cuz she really will cuss you out!

No Words

No words describe how I felt about this performance other than the obvious. It made me feel like one of those times when you wish you could go back in time and make different decisions listening to this song and rendition. If I could go back to the time when Whitney sounded like this, I am sure my life would be somewhat different today. Makes you wonder what the turning point was when you end up going in that direction you now wish you could change.

They Say

They say that whole Kanye thing was planned. Some crazy scheme to get him out a his record deal. Masterminded by Beyonce's father. Hmmm I don't know ..don't really care just know that they all need peace of mind.

Kanye Lost

Kanye West is lost. Who the hell does he think he is that he can speak for everyone. I think his behavior was completely inappropriate no matter what he thought about the results of the award. He offered an apology on his blog but who the F cares. Nigra you know you were wrong and if you can't see that you were wrong even when the muscles in your flat ass started to move to get out of your seat then you really gotta problem that requires intense psychoanalysis.

That's all I'm saying his behavior is not worth any future comment. See his weak ass apology by clicking the link below

WEAK ASS APOLOGY

Oh yeah!!! Beyonce gets KUDOS for her grace and generosity in giving Taylor her time. I guess the country girl does have some class and I'm glad to see it. Much respect to Beyonce!!!

My New Crush

This is Lytel Young the Host of Bang for the Buck a show on HGTV. He's my new crush. Can I have a crush at my age?? Hell yeah I can!

If someone has a picture of him without his shirt on will you please contact me immediately?

LOL

Now I feel bad

I know some of the Beyonce-ites were a little upset with me for that last post. So to make yall feel better and to stop any harm from coming to me. I present Beyonce.



The reason I'm posting these nonsense posts is because I'm marinating on some other stuff of more importance to me. Hopefull it will flow from my fingertips to the keyboard and to this blog soon.

Unforgettable Divas

In my last post I forgot to mention two other Divas that were at the show. Please forgive me all of you that are fans of theirs. Getting old causes you to forget and overlook things that are staring you right in the face.

Speaking of staring you right in the face. Performer, singer and actress Sherri Lewis , one of the Divas that I forgot to mention tells her story of a new love at the age of 33yo, that one might think would have been lost due to her newly discovered HIV+ status. Her story pulled at your heartstrings. The anticipated still waters of a new relationship happily endured the information of the disease once thought of as a death sentence. The love of Sherri's now husband is ever flowing. Sherri was quite the Diva in a Pink dress and boa. After hearing her story and listening to her sing the only word that comes to mind is inspirational! Read this story on Sherri located on The Body webpage. Here's an interview with Sherri on youtube. It's important that we hear the stories of women with HIV as we don't hear these stories enough.

Thank you Sherri for pulling the coat tail of this aging man!

The other Diva that I forgot to mention was Kym Whitley. I don't know how I forgot her because she was hillarious as you can well imagine. On top of that she looks really good! Normally, Sheryl Lee Ralph has one of my favorites Jennifer Lewis for comic releif at the show but this year as I said in my last post Jennifer could not be in attendance. Kym was a welcome addition and I hope she comes back again and again. Kym opened the show and as she was talking Norwood comes walking down the aisle making his grand entrance. Now everyone knows that you shouldn't come in late to a show if a comedian is going to be in the show, becasue they will call you out in some way. And that she did. "...Only Norwood could wear a cheatah suit and afro". All eyes on Norwood and the laughter ensued.

Norwood Young in cheatah. I don't think they like him on Bossip.com.

Divas Simply Singing

I went to the Diva's Simply Singing fundraiser last night. It's billed as, A magical evening of song and entertainment benefiting Women Alive coalition and Sister Circle: South Africa. This event has been presented by Sheryl Lee Ralph for 18 years addressing issues surrounding HIV/AIDS. It's an event that should be held all around the country so those of you in other cities could enjoy what I did last night.

I think what Sheryl Lee Ralph does is amazing and she is a Diva. There's no taking that away from her. It's wonderful all the work that she does in the fight against HIV/AIDS and she deserves a Lifetime Achievement award in my opinion. She didn't sing herself last night because she had a touch of laryngitis so that was missed out on this year. Jennifer Lewis who is usually at these show was in Europe this year. She did however, do a comical monologue for the audience. She said she'll be back in time for November 4th. You do know what that is right!?

These are once in a lifetime lineups. You'd probably never see this group of ladies and an occasional man on the same stage again.

Here's who was sang at last nights performance.

Patti Austin - What can you say about Patti's voice. Simply angelic. Although she did cuss a couple of times before she started singing. I loved it...it was funny and made her feel like a real person to me. It felt like you were sitting around the house talking to an aunt and you heard her cuss for the 1st time. LOL


















Coko - She gave just what one would expect.

Sarah Dash - I had to go to the bathroom so I missed her performance. It was a long as show and I had had two Jack's on the rocks. Damn Damn Damn

Loretta Devine - She did her thing. Nothing bad to say and extrordianary. You know how Loretta does. She's a Dreamgirl original and she performed.

Ellia English - She played Jamie Foxx's aunt on the Jamie Foxx show. I really enjoyed her she sang one of those blusey I don't want a one minute man gut bucket songs. She sang it right after Coko did a gospel number and explained that she knows who she is so there's nothing wrong with her singing this song after her. And you know what...there wasn't anything wrong with it. Totally loved it.

Sieda Garrett - You know the audience really didn't give Sieda the love that she deserved. I'm not sure why because she sounded really really good. Maybe they just weren't familiar with who she is and what she's done. She sang The Man in the Mirror made famous by Michael Jackson. Maybe the audience didn't know that she wrote that song! To me she sang the hell out of it too!

Miki Howard - I was a little disappointed. I think she was off last night.

Rachelle Ferrell - Rachelle was the surprise songstress that wasn't in all the advertisement. What a wonderful surprise. When she walked on to the stage the audience gave her a standing ovation before she opened her mouth. Once she sat at the piano she said I was prepared to come out here sing but after that now I gotta sang! And SANG she did! I have no words to describe the experience of this beautiful instrument.

Rosyln Kind - A Jazz singer. I hadn't heard of her before and she was ok. I think she had picked a wider known song to sing she would have been more enjoyed. She in a moving airing Oct 18th on the Hallmark channel, with Florence Henderson, Donna Mills and Pam Grier in "Ladies of the House."

Lalah Hathaway - What can I say about this little woman that comes on the stage in a black gown barefoot. I know...I forgot all about her not having on shoes when she started sing..so I say..Sing dammit!

Raven-Symoné - She was funny as yall know. Lil mama (I mean a lil big mama) danced her ass off pulling down her skirt the whole time. She half jokingly called for security while this white lesbian professed her love to her while she was on stage speaking with Sheryl. So if you thought that only black people act up at shows you're wrong!!

Alicia Myers - Disco Diva returned. The audience didn't give her much love either but she did look good and sang well also. She sang I Want To Thank You. Some of you youngins might not know her. But you others will remember sweating to her music.

Leigh Jones - Some of yall might not know about Leigh. If not check her out you'll be surprised just like most of the people in the audience were. Un huh yeah they were. Click on her name for a link to a youtube video of hers. Her latest CD is nice too.

Angie Stone - Angie, Angie, Angie...lawd I don't know why you put that dress on baby girl. You can sing you don't have to try to be creative by getting someone to put what appeared to be strips from a potato bag all over the front of a lime green dress. It was not cute at all. Oh no you got worst dressed last night. Even the pseudo drag queen that was in the audience with his grandmother's church hat on, that many of the performers took notice of, looked better dressed than you. I think you could have picked a better song too. Now I don't even remember what it was. I'm not sure anyone else does either, especially since you made everybody stand up and sway and the song never did anything to sway about. Angie, Angie, Angie.

Trin-I-Tee 5:7 - These are gospel girls if yall didn't know. They did a good job but it was at times with the choreography difficult to tell that this was a gospel song. But yall sang nonetheless. Click the link you'll see what I mean although the video doesn't show their moves like we witnessed last night. Maybe it's because they're so attractive or something I don't know judge for yourself.

Now for the Devo's that were on stage.

Kenny Lattimore - He opened the show and did a little slow dance with Sheryl. Yeah Sheryl some of us wanted to be you in that situation. Hee hee.

Von Smith - He'd remind you of a young Sam Harris from...oh shoot I can't remember the name of the show. You know the one I'm talking about that was on before American Idol became the famous show featuring singers who wanted to break into the business..shoot somebody help me. Anyway, I understand he 1st got his big recognition by posting himself singing And I'm Telling you on youtube. Ok, I found the name of the show...Star Search! Thank you Fullundie! Click on Von's name to see the youtube spot.

Donald Lawrence - Grammy award-winning songwriter, producer, arranger and music director ended the show with most of the ladies and a gospel choir on stage. What's the term for an orgasm that is not as big as you thought it would be. Oh yeah Anti-climatic. Nuff said.

Oh my stars! I almost forgot the star of the show!!

Patti LaBelle - Ok now don't tell anybody this but I've never been that big of a fan of Patti's but I do give her much deserved respect. With that being said, she did sing and perform her ass off. I thoroughly enjoyed her stage presence and an I don't know what that came across on stage. Maybe it was her genuineness. I don't know but she was excellent.

Hope Act Change

Grace

Living in California you at many times get the opportunity to meet celebrities and some psuedo celebrities, depending on your circle of friends and profession. Although they are people just like you and me, often times they behave as if they are super people. They will instantly bring adjectives such as, arrogant, pompous, shady, mean, and many more to mind.

I had the opportunity to meet Trenyce a finalist from American Idol season 2 today. None of those words entered my mind. She performed for an event that we had at my company and I must say that she was extremely professional. Her spirit was genuine and she was in a word the epitome of Grace.

Her performance and professionalism was more than I could have hoped for. If you don't know sometimes you gotta check some celebrities cuz they can be rather ghetto for lack of a better word. Not Trenyce and If you ever have the opportunity to be in her presence you will enjoy every second of it.

Here's a couple of Youtube songs where you can hear some new songs from her. Click here

Metro Wednesday

Well anybody that knows me knows that I don't go out to clubs that often anymore. I guess I got burned out on it since I did so much clubbing when I was younger. So I decided to go out to support the In The Meantime Men's Group and their 4th Annual Black Party that was being held in conjunction with Club Metro's regular night. I had been given a free pass to go into the VIP Room. Woo Hoo look at me VIP. LOL It really wasn't all that but it was nice to be invited.

While in the club I noticed that I really hadn't missed much. So I hung out with my Nephew who had to work the catered food there because one of his employees decided not to show. I spent most of my time talking to him and occasionally to a few other people that I knew. With drink in my hand I watched the goings on of the club scene today.

I will say that I did enjoy the stripper that was in the VIP Room. I try to be a little reserved when I'm out so I didn't run up to him like so many of the other older guys were doing like they had never seen a naked man before. They were shameless...but the stripper smiled and did his job and collected their dollars in his very short and very shear boxer briefs. He was tight though I must admit!!! Had everything that anyone with a particular interest would be interested in.

So as the stripper took a break I noticed a tall light-skinned brotha that sort of glided into the VIP room. On second glace I noticed it was not just any light-skinned attractive brotha. It was the one and only Jonathan Plummer. Yep Terri McMillian's ex. I was surprised to see that he is not as big as I thought he was or as tall. He is taller than me, about 6'1". I also envisioned a sizeable muscular ass. That wasn't their either. However, he did not disappoint me as far as looks and his nipples. Yes I'm a nipple lover. His did not disappoint at all. They poked out of his shirt like the soldiers that I hoped they would be...ok ok I know I'm getting carried away. I'll stop.

Anyway, I would have loved to talk to him, but I'm a bit shy at times. I know many wouldn't believe it but I am!! Especially when I'm interested in someone. Anyway Jonathan made my night by turning to me smiling and saying hello. I wanted to run after him and say let's get out of here...but I guess the brotha had other things on his mind. Plus that's just not my style to run after anyone. So Jonathan if you're out there give me a holla! Hey maybe I'll pick his book Balancing Act and get him to come to one of my Book Club meetings. Hmmm maybe I won't tell the other members the correct date of the meeting and it'll be just me and him...LOL

If you google his book google has a preview of about 50 pages of it for your perusal.

Ledisi Returns!!!!

Ledisi's new cd (Lost & Found) comes out August 28, 2007. I have been waiting and waiting. I love her! The 1st time I saw her perform was on New Years Eve several years ago. She was the opening act for Rachelle Ferrell. Man you should have seen the crowd rushing to the table in the lobby after the show was over, hoping that she had a cd out there for sale. Unfortunately, she only had flyers at the time and you could only purchase her cd from her website. That night I got home and ordered it right away. I was not disappointed by her New Years Eve performance and when the CD arrived I was even more elated by what I soon heard.

Enjoy this clip of her from PBS's tribute to Ella Fitzgerald. I love good music!! In my next life I'm going to be a singer I just know it. I guess I'll have to start practicing remembering all the words to songs instead of mumbling through those I don't know. LOL

Emile Griffith

This is Emile Griffith, from the Virgin Islands. He was a boxer in the late 50s and early 60s. There were a lot of rumors about whether he was gay or not. Evidently Emile has never given an answer that has quite satisfied anyone. So much so that it seems he has been deemed to even have a medical condition that causes him to be confused about whether he is gay or straight.

Now I don't know anyone that has ever had this condition before and I'm not saying that he doesn't have it by any means. However, he supposedly developed this disease after being mugged and beaten badly. An article about Emile on Wikipedia states...

In 1992, Griffith was viciously beaten and almost killed on a New York City street, allegedly after leaving a gay bar. Today, Griffith requires fulltime care and suffers from pugilistic dementia. According to Sports Illustrated, the Alzheimer's-like condition makes him confused about his sexuality, and he sometimes declares himself to be heterosexual, other times he identifies as gay and other times, as bisexual, but one that prefers women.






There were rumors about Emile long before 1992 one boxer (Benny "the Kid" Paret) that he fought who unfortunately died due to there fight on March 24, 1962, called him a maricon (spanish for fagfot).

The death of Paret caused much controvery in the boxing world. Boxing was not televised until the 1970s after Paret's death.

I write all this to say the following:

• He was born on an extremely homophobic island, why wouldn't he deny his homosexuality?



• He was a boxer. In the sports industry even today we know how difficult it is for someone to admit that they are gay.



• I'll never understand why it is so important for people to be able to categorize and undermine those that they deam less worthy of respect than themselves.



• Lastly, homophobia is the fear of becoming a homosexual. Why are so many people afraid of becoming what they supposedly don't think that they are. If one knows they are straight are they afriad that they'll fall on some dic azz first or into some azz?
  

If you get the opportunity rent the DVD Ring of Fire that documents this time in Emile Griffith's life and his present life. It's a sad story that doesn't talk a whole lot about his homosexuality but one commentator in the documentary makes no hesitation in stating the Emile is Gay. It's a tragic story that I'm sure would effect the lives of anyone that would have to go through what he did. Watch the deleted scenes too. Those are even more interesting.

In the words of Rodney King, "Can't we just all get along?"

Jennifer Lewis

I went to the Jennifer Lewis one woman show Bipolar, Bath and Beyond last Saturday.

Thank you Fred!

The show was great! She is just plain funny. If you saw Jackie's Back then you know what I'm talking about. If you don't get a chance to see Jennifer's one woman show then at least rent Jackie's Back. Trust me you won't regret it if your looking for a good old fashion laugh.

Jennifer has the ability to make you feel as if she is talking directly to you or as if you are listening to one of your relatives who just can't do anything but tell it like it is.

I'm going to the show again this Saturday. I can't wait. And like Fred said on his site. Don't do anything that might be considered disrupting to her show cuz she will clown you. I mean she will stop right in the middle of talking and address yo azz. Some folks had the nerve to come into the show 30 minutes late. Didn't she stop talking and literally ran up the aisle to address them and tell them to sit the hell down. Then mumbled motha fukahs. Sounded like something I would say...after all those are two of my favorite words. :-)

Oh yeah if you do go to the show I hope you are not offended by ...uh words that a pristine woman of leisure might describe as gutter talk. If you are she won't care anyway!

Ask The Fruitcake Lady!

I will miss the Fruitcake Lady. She told it like it is to all the dumb asses. This is the only video I could find of her. They took them all of of the NBC website. She died November 3,2006 and was 101 years old.

Fools fall in love

And small I love Jennifer Holiday still. Jennifer Hudson is filling some big shoes and is doing a great job. However, Jennifer Holiday is untouchable. Jennie where are you???????

Phyllis Hyman - In A Sentimental Mood (1981)

Phyllis Hyman In a Sentimental Mood 1981

Dave Chappelle

I wasn't going to post anything about the Dave Chappelle interview with Oprah. However, after reading different posts about it, I had to bring up this story that I found. I'm not sure if someone sent it to me or I found it on my own. Just interesting reading cuz that interview was a little weird to me. Just weird. Take a look at this and let me know what you think.

The Chappelle Theory

Black Entertainment Memories

For some reason I thought about these pieces of entertainment today. Don't ask me why but If you ever get to see them you should. Why some of these are not easily available I don't know!!!What a world what a world...they all SHOULD be on DVD now or in the future.

Dreamgirls 1981

And now a new Dreamgirls set to be released December 2006. Dreamgirls 2006

Starring: Jamie Fox, Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover.

Sister Sister

A made for television move about 3 middle class sisters. If you don't know Rosalind Cash rent any movie with her in it. She died of Cancer and was a wonderful actress. This movie was written by Maya Angelou.




















Sounder


The story of a Sharecroping family in Rural Louisianna. Starring Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield.

















Assault at Westpoint: The court martial of Johnson Whitaker

This movie stars Samuel L. Jackson and Seth Gilliam. You may have seen Seth Gilliam in Oz, The Wire and Punks. In Assault at Westpoint Seth was pretty young and FINE ass hell!

Kirk Franklin on Oprah

Kirk Franklin was on Oprah today talking about his addiction to porn. I don't know what you thought about it but I know I'll never get that hour of my life back. If you want to read another interview that he had with 700 Club. You can check that out too.

I though I heard a story that his hotel bill got out that listed a bunch of pornographic movies he ordered and that is why he is now talking about it. I could be wrong.

HEY!!! That's not where I left off on my pornographic video, who found my stash!!!

Anyway, if you want to read the interview on the 700 Club's website click on the picture of him and Tammy.

The two interviews of course had a very different timbre. You decide whether you believe all this or not.

Oh, one more thing. I believe that if America was not so hung up on not talking about sex that there would be much less sexual guilt and perversion here.