out town 3

It was an interesting week this past week with the Kappas in town for their annual convention. And you know what that meant: PARTIES, PARTIES AND more PARTIES. It was also the weekend for many fashion shows in the STYLE. It was so much coutureing going on, you would have thought the designers were competing for the next Project Runway show. Your boy tried to get to as many functions as possible last week, but you know, it's hard to be Solomon and compete with the likes of Delores Shante and Deb Peterson to catch everything. More than likely, I had to use the ear to the ground method and jot down what was poppin.

First up was last Thursday at Club Seven. Thursdays are free again. STL party organizers Robert Kirk and Keith Harris put on these free nights to offset the much crowded 609 on Delmar (It has become a madhouse up in there for real--too many people, too little space, too many cops). It was packed up in there because of the Kappas finding somewhere to get their step on. I saw a few Nupes I went to school with (I saw you Trez) and a lot of youngins up in there with their red and white Conclave T shirts on. They also have free drinks from 9 to 10 p.m. I drank a Tequila and lime juice concoction that was potent as TNT. I just drank one cause I wasn't trying to climb the ceiling, not on a Thursday at least. A brotha named Mario (Fowler???), an old school Kappa was passing out flyers for the WS Kappa party that Friday giving everybody a reminder that the Kappas were gonna tear up WS for sure. In the house were Bill Beene, Alfred Wade (Club Seven security bruh), Christiaan Coffield, and Kameron Holbert (K-HO!!!)...Friday night was Too much playing. It was so much jumpin. The Platinum Hood Awards/Creme Party was going on at Pageant, Exquisite Fashion Show at Toxic, Panama Reds (for the alternative crowd), and, of course, the WS. I spent most of my attention at Club Toxic near Union Station at the Exquisite Fashion Show. So I got there about 10:30 p.m. cause the fashion show was suppose to kick off about 11p.m.--NOT. Try after midnight. I heard that a couple of the models jetted, the music didnt arrive yet and their wasn't a call sheet for the order of where the models was supposed to be for the stage director (CHROSTIAAN COFFIELD you still did your thing). Now don't get me wrong, I can understand the last minute HELL that one goes through to put on a show, but two hours after the actual production time is strecthing as far as Star Jones in a SIZE THREE skirt. Anyway, when it did start, it was off and runnin. The host was The Beat's Staci Staic. Some of the designers were Nicci Bonds (you were workin that black ensem), and Skylar (He is SUch a short short DEE-VA). There were some hot fashions the models had on like jeans skirts, fatigue pants, and jumpsuits. One bruh had on a tall pimp hat, cape and white belled pants that had the audience rollin. I guess the saying is true: DARE TO WEAR. The fellas in the crowd were gettin rowdy and started cat callin the female models (who I hear some were strippers, BTW), tellin some to take it off and even throwing bills at them on stage. Now that wa sjust too much playing. The ladies weren't any better. WHen one guy wore some low ride white slacks exposing the top of his ARSE, one sista shouted :Damn I just want to grab that ASS:. It was too Scandalous up in there. The favorite female model was Jamille, a tall, dark skinned sista who slinked when she walked. She had them going (Kameron and Brandon y'all did y'all thing, too.) things seemed to be jumpin off but I had to roll and attend some other functions. Much congrats to X-Jam for making a dent in the STL with their function at Panama...Anyone who attended the Platinum Hood and the Ws events, holla at me...On Saturday, I just went to the gym thenm jetted to the crib but from my party bords, Club Seven was the place to be, however, there were only two bartendars working the whole club!!! Now that is just too much playing for people who need to get their drink on and in a hurry. ..On SUnday, I attnded two fashion shows back to back: DIVA Events show that benefited the Marshall Faulk Foundation that was held at Airport Marriott and VYAA STAR's Asian fashions at WS. Now you know a bruh was working some miles from the County to the City to get to both of these events. DIVAs were on point. It was hosted by 100.3 the Beat's Hypeman Dwight Stone (I didnt hardly recognize you in that dapper suit and shades--Looking too grown and sexy.). The models were definitely in step, with their syncronzed steps and classic slow turns that gave you Ebony Fashion Shows for real. The only part that had me struggling was the opening comic Mr Troy. I felt for him becasue people were laughing more at the air than at him. Most of his act was doing OLd School roll call with the Dee-jay playing back-in-the-day-jams for the crowd to get hyped. Marshall Faulk was in the house. Deandre Perriman (who now goes by D-ST. Louis--Hmmm, OK) performed as well as STL gospel sensation Praize (who was going through some pain when he announced his best friends were gettin separated), and the Black National Anthem was done by Twana Barber (good job on that last note). My only thing was it was a sit down, dressy dressy affair, and your boy here was wearing a cut up sweater short sleeve and white pants and I was definitely not dressed for the occassion (Carlos M, you shouyld have warned a bruh, but I digress). Some of the fashions included summer wear, career ware and a highlight, the Sazzi Church Ladies, middle aged plus size sistas who was struttin down the isle like they were ready to walk through the pearly gates. I had to skip out during intermission to hit VYAA's joint (she is a beautiful Asian sista). I had time to regroup, catch a drink, cause the stage was still gettin set up (You heard me). She designed some beautiful Asian print wear, mostly floral dresses, pink chiffon lingerie, kimonos and pajamas. It was totally NYC and the choice of Asian house music gave it a quirky touch. The models were tall, lean and sexy (especially Lakia who was giving you Tyra Banks for real) The flow of the show went smooth until Vyaa brought her 11 year old daughter and her friend up to the stage and sang a Hilary Duff tune. The crowd kind of went HUH? (I know I did). They didnt really sing that well, but it was cute. But the clanker was the professional local group One Sound (who was backed up by STL band Level Ground). Their title suits them because it seemed like they sang in one sound--and a bad one at that. And what made thse four guys try and sing Maze's "Happy Feeliongs". That is like sacred, you know. and they gave it no mercy. It was just AIIGHT. Clown-hip-hop dancers Richie and the Crew was on point. Just picture You Got Served meets STomp. One guy even slid his head on the stage while doing a hand stand(just like in You Got Servd). They definietly need to be in You Got Served Part Deux! Oh the food was off the meter: Vyaa prepared for the VIPs a vegetable drop soup that would make you slap your mama. Theer was also veggie rolls, pork chops (they were TENDER)and angel hair spaghetti that was too legit to quit (sorry for the HAmmer reference). I have to give a shot out to Christiaan Coffield who did a great job stage managing this show even though he did not get credit at the end of the show when Vyaa introduced everyone in front and behind the scenes.If it wasnt for him, the show would have fell apart. Oh well. In the house were Harry Colbert, Ali Moseir, Tiffany (lookin slim and trim), and Mary Cannon (your new short do was rockin).

BLIND DISH ITEM: What STL brother, whose behind the scenes at a local newspaper, was caught on front street swappin spit with a sista in the men's bathroom at Pepper Lounge last Sunday? Hmmmm, that's very American of him. LOL

Next week: Babyface concert review--hopefully. Until then--see ya outside!

out of town pt 2

Hello people. This is ma'atology here here to give you the 411 (or 911) of the happenings in the Lou and beyond. Thanks again for those who have been reading this new blog Ive created and posted (much love to hollabackboi--and hope you kick it good in NYC). ANyway, I am going to give you a run down of some of the spots Ive attended since last time I posted. OK. I did not get a chance to go to the Destiny's Child concert (boo-hoo). I did not get my hook up tix for some reason, but from I heard DC showed their azzes last Friday at the Savvis (KAM WHERE"S THE REVIEW AT?????), and of course Beyonce did her thing. They say the highlight was the Cater to You lap dance when they brought three guys from the audience and did what they did on the BET Awards with Majic, Nelly and Hustle and Flow star terrence howard. I tried to roll up to the official VIP afterparty at Club Toxic, but I hookupthere did not show up either. This is just too much playing for me. If anyone went to this, let me know how it was...I'm hearing the Nectar Lounge is the place to be. Hollabckboi gave you the skinny on that. I attended the FREE preview of 1204 formerly Club Isis. It was still under construction, but it gives you the feel of Malibu for real(just without the palm trees that I hear will be comin thru there). There are two black marble stages on both sides of the wall for dancing, two adjacent bars and the basement area will be used for music bands to jam (kind of like the Duck Room in Blueberry Hill). They had $1 shots for the crowd. Peeps up in there were Black Rep's Ron Himes, Christian Coffield, Kameron, Brandon, Lisa May, Kadov, Kwame and Tony Thompson, Ingrid Owens, Indigo Sams, and Vokal's Yomi Martin, to name a few. The music was poppin and the barmaids were jumping up on the bar counters doing a PG striptease to the 1s amd 2s. It was too classic. My only thing is the type of music played, after 1 a.m. they started playing the KNUCK IF YOU BUCK music for the thundercats who staretd comin in there. I just hope the clientele doesnt turn into what Club isis used to be with all kinds of street thugstARS all up itn he cut. Anyway, much love to new manager Kay for the hospitality. The official opening I hear is Late August...

Next up was the Joe Torry B-Ball weekend(THE PIC THAT IM SURE YOU AW ALREADY BEFORE YOU GOT THIS FAR IS ME WITH DAWNN LEWIS AT THE JOE TORRY MEDIA LUNCHEON AT THE AIRPORT HILTON). It was OK this year. The game was held at UMSL. The only problem I saw was there wa sno STAR POWER this year. This year's biggest star ws Dawnn Lewis (yes, Jalissa from Diffrent World). Next were Rockmond Dunbar (Kenny from SOul Food) and Mel Jackson (Tripp on Living Single) The rest were...I know him/her, but what's there names. I hear the rest of the regulars (MC Lyte, James Avery, Tichina Arnold, Etc.) were either at the Balck Film Festival in Miami or the Majic Johnson B-Ball Party in L.A. The game was good as always (they did their famous pile up that was funny). It was Hollywood vs,. St. Louis. Some of STL stars in teh house were Darius Miles, King Jacob and former Rams Player Mike Jones (He got teased throughoutteh game withhsi name being exactly like the rapper--I'M MIKE JOOOOOOOOOOONES.LOL) and Joe Torry. Boxing star Cory SPinks was in the house, but he was nursing a cast on his right leg and sat on the sidelines and couldnt play. AWWWW. And what was up with Rockmond playing slap fighting with one of the male Joe Torry staffers while sitting on the sidelines of the game? Hmmm. and why wasnt Rockmond as well as Mel not playing in the game? What was really going on there? I guess they werent paid to play (they didnt show up at the media luncheon prior to the game either). Former Star Trek Enterprise star Anthony Montgomery was acting as though he was on speed or Ex the way he was all hype at the game, rolling on the floor almost showing what God gave him. Nothing cute. St. Louis won the game and they had a Dunking COntest.Not too many people stayed to see it. People had to get flossed for the AFter Party at CluB Seven. Maybe it was just me,. but I thought the party should have been at the Airport Hilton like last year because it wasnt enough room to walk around and be noticed. Club Seven is cool, but I thought it was too small of a venue to accomodate everyone. And what was up with the VIp bracelets? Only sponsors coudl have them? Peopel paid $390, general admission to get in, but VIp was exclusive. And from what Delores Shante reported in APrtyline, they were even gettin janky with peopel who had VIP bracelets who were trying to get up in VIP. Whats really going on. Too much drama for an eventthat only had one big star, Dawnn Lewis. But I digress. But I did look flyy and fab in my Batman Plus black Tee. I have new cornrolls too. I was looking too good if I do say so myself. I even ran into my girl Chrys Yvette, the ST Louis bred playwright who moved back to teh STL from L.A> to cast her tour of A Woman's Worth this fall. You had me sweatin my cornrolls off dancing near most of the eve. But it was all good. This past Sunday was the Joe Torry's Gospel Explosion at the Airport Hilton. Some of STL's gospel artsist performed like Ameriocan Idol contestant and ESTLer Deandre Perriman (good luck at the Billboard MUsic Awards this year)Praize, Karen Hylton (the highlight), Joseph George (good seein ya again) and they had some gospel mimers as well. But the crash and burn was this sista named Zina who performed. The emcee gave her this rousing introduction saying she was a member of her church and she is the one who can sing soprano, alto, tenopr or bass at their church choir. Well when she sang, it sounded like she sang all parts together. It was a HOT MESS. The celeb testimony came from Dawnn Lewis who spoke about how we need to put on our armor and fight our battles and she saaaaang. She got the crowd hype (she sang teh National Anthme at the b-ball game as well). I didnt know she can sing like that. She had them up on their feet, shout dancing and all. She is fit, too. Anyway, much love to the Platinum Group and Jacque "SLIM JIM" Land for the hook up for the Joe Torry Weekend.

Next week, I'll talk about the Kappa (NUPES) Convention here inthe Lou, the Club Toxic fashion show and other things happening in the STL.

the haps around town

Hello people. Welcome to my blogger. From this day on, I will scribe my thoughts on the latest gossip and events I attend and maybe get ya'll to respond and get your feedback. I am a vet at special events in the STL area and beyond and I hope to continue this on until I no longer have breath in my body.


OK.

First off. I attended recently the Jazz Festival in Shaw Park last month and I must say I really enjoyed it. My fave was Peabo Bryson (still looks good after all these years in the biz), Everette Harp and Normon Brown (He is very energetic with that guitar). Brenda Russell unfortunately was not able to attend due to a minor operation. Hope you get better. The guys did a tribute to her by singing her penned gem, "Get Here" (that was covered by Oleta Adams). Peabo stole the show by walking out in to the audience of of women who wanted to wipe the sweat off his brow. I was waiting for him to take off that suit coat and show off his chesteses. LOL. Anyway, I saw many local celebs there like Portfolio Gallery's Robert Powell, Black Rep's Karla Goldstein, and CBS TV guy Russ Mitchell in the VIP tent. The following day, Roy Hargrove and RH Factor performed. I mostly stayed in the well air conditioned tent gettin my grub on with my friends Sonja Sheriff and Kameron. But from what I heard they were OK. They had one sista named Renee who was the def eye candy for the show. The attendance was kind of low for this one, but it seemed as though people had a good time while they were there.

Next off was the Woodie Awards at the Balck Rep. Intimate Apparel cleaned house swiping most of the major cateogories: Best Play, Best Actress (Linda Kenndedy, of course), Best Suppoting Actress and Best Director, Ron Himes. The celbs that were there were Ken Page, Glynn Turman (Still lookin good), Antonio "Huggy Bear" Fargas and Phyliss Yvonne Stickney. The festivities were nice, but the auction during the ceremony was kind of tacky, but I digress. The post party was very shi-shi with salmon and noodles and drinks flowing to the fullest. I had everyone talking with a balck sarong and pants outfit I had on. You had to have been there to see it.

Last July 4 weekend, I attended Steve Lacy's B Day Party at Seven. It was nice. Packed as always. No big celeb attended like Mike Jordon did awhile back at Seven for the Rams Party, but it was still nice. I'm glad I attended that and not Nelly's Black and White Party at Plush that was going on at the same time. I heard that Nelly did not show up and there was many fights that erupted there. What is really going people? Can't we all get along?

Last Monday I attended Darius Bradfords Comedy Jam at Plaush. It was $3 to get in with a special ticket that people got from Steve Lacy's Party. Now I now it was the end of teh holidays, but can we still be on time for stuff? The show was suppose to start at 9:30 p.m. Well I thought at least it would begin at 10. NOT. It started close to 11 pm. Now this was too TRIFLIN. They say it was the mike problem. But DJ Needles, for some reason did not have a problem with his amps on the 1s and 2s. Anyway, Darius asked the bar to give away $3 shots for an hour to make up the time. The comedians were OK. The first was Deandre. He needed to go back and learn how to deliver his stand up. My lil neph can get up there and do better. Then there was a sista who performed. Her name slips me. But she was actually good. She had a joke about her baby daddy kids stealing this mans CDs in his car and she said, "Boy, put all those CDs back in his truck. You can have two, but give the rest back. That was funny. Then it was Mr Whitfield. A comedy legend. He is TOE UP to the floor up. He reminds me of Redd Foxx. He is a blue comedy comdian. The joke with the mike hitting the top of women's heads simulated a DYCK was too hilarious. Darius, who was recently seen on P Diddy's Bad Boy of Comedy, had the laughs going as the host. He even brought up this sista from the audience who sang the hook to Nellys "Tipdrill". Bruh man had her in a headlock and demanded that she sing her verse so the crowd will know it is her. She refused and he continued to put her in a headlock. It was too classic.
Anyway, the show was good. It just needs to start on TIME. People like myself gotta hear the birds chirping the next morning.

Next week, Ill guive you my dibs on the Destinys Child concert and post party. And my skinny on the sneak preview of 1204, formerly Club Isis. An upcoming party is Joe Torry Basketball Game After Party at Seven July 16. It should be nice. I hear Soul Food's Rockmond Dunbar and Diffrent World's Dawnn Lewis are suppose to come through this year. I hope all the celebs show that say they are attending. We'll see.

FUTURE BLIND DISH: I just got word that in the next few weeks, some prominent big shots will get exposed about their hiring practices of AFRICAN AMERICANS. This has the potential to rock the world of St. Louis. Hmmmm. Be on the look out for that.
Until next time--see ya outside!