Last week, I was invited by one of my sistars to visit the Well’s Built Museum to see a play called “It Bears Repeating“.  The museum was built in 1926 and still has it’s original hotel facade from the 1930′s.  This historic hotel (now museum) provided lodging to African Americans during our era of segregation.   I’ve lived in Orlando most of my life and NEVER saw it, but I must say, I’m glad I visited.

The play provided an accurate depiction of the struggles that African Americans went through in order to gain the right to vote.  Beautifully performed by some friends of mine, Erob, Stu, and also included a new friend, Craig Joseph.  I wish I remembered the playright’s name because not only did she do an awesome job writing this play, but she also gave one hell of a performance (the woman brought me to tears)

Finally, one of my FAVORITE rappers alive came to Orlando this week.  Common along with N.E.R.D. and Chester French graced the stage of the Hard Rock Live on October 9th and ROCKED IT!  I got there early so I was RIGHT up under the stage.  I saw every bead of sweat that dropped off of Common’s face.  I gazed in amazement as Common took each breath of air and exhaled perfectly executed lyrics.  I even witnessed in amazement (and a little confusion) as Common went so HARD that his nose bled.  Yes, his nose bled and he STILL kept on going.

Of course, Common performed numbers from his upcoming collab with Pharell (Universal Mind Control is awesome), but he sprinkled a few gems from past albums like “Be”, “Testify”, “Go”, and one of my all time fav’s…”I Used to Love Her”.  He break danced for us, he freestyled, AND he brought some audience members on stage.

N.E.R.D. was there in FULL effect (minus Chad Hugo).  Their music has seriously evolved over time, but one thing remains the same with them…their ability to appeal to the MASSES.  They offered plenty of crowd participation…men were brought on stage for “Spaz” and girls were plucked on the stage like chickens out of a bin for “She Wants to Move” and “Everyone Nose”.

If they come to your town, I DEFINITELY suggest you go!  The sh*t is BANANAS!

My continued love affair with food has now spilled over into this blog.  Spice Modern Steakhouse is a GREAT restaurant in Orlando.  A few friends and I went to the Downtown location on Lake Eola over the weekend and it was DELICIOUS!

• Embiance: A+__It was a very modern spot…quiet, and well-lit.  Great spot for a date or even a night out with friends.  The back porch is open to Lake Eola wich is VERY beautiful in the day OR night.
• Service: A __Very attentive wait staff
• Menu: Great selection of items…many different types of food
• Appetizers: DELICIOUS!
• Drinks: Depends on your taste…my drinks were STRONG (how I like em’) VERY potent.
• Prices: Expensive. (But well worth it)

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure to take press shots of TheMaddness podcasters of Orlando, FL.  They are a talented young mix of individuals who release a new podcast every week on Itunes.  They present a colorful collection of commentary on news, technology, and all sorts of current events.  If you haven’t had a chance to download a show, check them out ASAP!

DjDragn: The cynic of the show.  He’s the technical go-to guy of the group.  Not only does he produce the show, but he also makes beats, designed their website,  and is working on video production in the VERY NEAR future.

Prime Suspect: This young man seems to be a motivating force behind the show.  Constantly keeping the bunch in order and always bringing the audience the ‘fresh and new’ in technology.  He frequently updates on Twitter, so make sure to check him out!

Dr. Welby: The comic.  This gentleman adds gut-busting humor to the show.  His timing is perfect and if you listen in,  he’ll grow to be one of your favorites on the podcast.  He’s as smart as he is funny.

Sidenote;  I met this great group of guys through Twitter.  If you haven’t seen it yet, I’d definitely suggest you give it a try.

The rest of this photo gallery can be seen on Flickr via {the following link}

That’s right heffas! Maxwell’s going on tour! You should’ve known after seeing his stellar performance on the BET Awards this year.  Thank you so much SoulBounce for the head’s up!

• October 8, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. – Boston Opera House (Boston, MA)
• October 9, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. – Radio City Music Hall (New York, NY) Ticket sales begin 8/22/08 at 12:00 p.m.
• October 12, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. – Massey Hall (Toronto, ON)
• October 21, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. – Orpheum Theater (Minneapolis, MN) Ticket sales begin 8/22/08 at 6:00 p.m.
• October 22, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. – Omaha Music Hall (Omaha, NE) Ticket sales begin 8/23/08 at 12:00 p.m.
• November 7, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. – Verizon Wireless Theater (Houston, TX) Ticket sales begin 8/23/08 at 10:00 a.m.

Here’s the problem, I don’t live anywhere near any of these venues, so a sista’s gonna to have to travel!  I just need to find someone who’s down to go with me and I’ll be good (I’m thinking NY).  Is anyone else out there as excited as me?  I LOVE Maxwell, I’ve been missing him for a while now.

Some of my favorite Maxwell songs are:

Whenever, wherever, whatever
Till’ The Cops Come Knockin’
This Woman’s Work
Ascension (Don’t Ever Wonder)
Fortunate

Kanye West : Champion

The video’s great!