Mateo is no stranger to my site. Watch his take on “Sing About Me” by Kendrick Lamar.
Author: ayminor
J Video: Kerry Washington’s President’s Award Acceptance Speech
If you are going to have a prepared speech, make it sound like this one.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjgcueWm2FU
At the Kerry Washington was awarded the President’s Award for her work on the Obama campaign and as a member of the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.
What I really connected to within her speech was the strong correlation she mentioned between the arts and success in other areas of education. I had the privilege of growing up in a house that cultivated creativity, but even with my exposure to music and acting, there was so much I learned and gravitated towards through arts education.
I had the opportunity to make my own jewelry box in wood shop class that still sits on my parlor table with pride. In home economics we learned to make pillows —one (of many sewn thereafter) sits on my bed. As I type this, out of the left corner of my eye I can see the painting I am working on and can recall the first time I learned real painting techniques in class. It was the opportunities to perform and create through school activities that influenced me to look into extracurriculars and helped create who I have become.
I know the impact I felt is not unique to me, because so many students from my school have looked to pursue long-term careers in non-traditional areas through exposure in the classroom.
For these reasons, amongst many others, I truly believe in the value of the arts in the classroom.
I salute Kerry for her efforts!!
Find more information about the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities here.
J Music: Video Footage Featured in “Mylah Mondays” Vol. 16
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG9DMzMkuis
Check out an update from up & coming artist Mylah featuring my footage from the Sol Village concert at S.O.B.s last month!
Find the original blog post about the Sol Village performance here.
J Music: Dawn Richard at S.O.B.s
A huge fan of Making the Band and Danity Kane, I have seen Dawn’s career blossom from the beginning. When it was announced that Dirty Money was no more and Dawn had been release from Bad Boy to begin her solo career, I wondered what direction she would take her music.
Fast forward to this week, Dawn would headline the night’s show as she celebrates her new EP GoldenHeart. The EP would go on to be #1 on iTunes following its release, although Dawn is now an independent artist and the EP does not have any features. All the reviews I have seen have been extremely positive, noting the electronic, progressive, “medieval meets modern” (MuMuse) sound that is unique to Dawn’s music.
I was able to get a preview of the EP before the performance (thanks to Spotify). Though her sound is not exactly my cup of tea, I could watch her perform anything and I would have enjoyed it.
She killed her performance!!!! *two snaps* Dawn opened her set with hard hitting choreography and her upbeat tracks. This is where she really shined. As a performer, one of the hardest things to learn is performing with your face — you could see the years of training as every move and facial expression was purposeful. Her dancers matched her energy 150%.
Set List
- “Faith”
- “Bombs”
(I love the choreography in this video. Watch it here.)
- “Northern Lights”
- “Heaven”
- “Scripture”
- “B****, Don’t Kill My Vibe” Cover
- “Damage”
- “Gleaux”
- “86”
Find Dawn’s website here.
J Music: Bridget Kelly at S.O.B.s
Bridget Kelly has been featured on my blog several times this year as she works toward the release of her debut album. If you’re not familiar with Bridget, she’s a new artist signed to Roc Nation. You most likely know her as “the girl who stands in for Alicia Keys on ‘Empire State of Mind.’” I am hoping by the end of 2013, she will be known primarily for her solo endeavors.
Bridget’s new single “Special Delivery” was most recently featured on my blog. Bridget would close her set with the song, but it was far from the only highlight of the night.
When I first listened to Bridget’s EP Every Girl, I was a bit shocked by how aggressive many of the tracks were in contrast to the more mellow “Special Delivery” and “Thinking About You.” After seeing Bridget in an intimate setting, however, I get it. Her fiesty, yet gentle-hearted demeanor was reflected throughout her performance and in her music.
“I’m not mad, a little scorned” – Bridget Kelly
Set List
- Empire State of Mind
- In the Morning
I loved the live performance of “In The Morning” even more than the subdued vocals on the original track.
- Seek and Destroy
- Thinking About You
- Say Yes
- Ex-Factor
- White Lies
- Stay (Ft. Ro Johnson)
- Special Delivery
Download Bridget Kelly’s EP Every Girl here.
Check out Bridget’s website here.
See my post about “Special Delivery” here.
P.S. Bridget just recieved her commemorative plaque as she serve as a writer on Kelly Clarkson’s smash record “Stronger” — Congrats Bridget!
J Music: Ro James at S.O.B.s
Another great night at S.O.B.s! Ronnie “Ro” James opened up the night with a short set that included a cover of “Creep,” by Radiohead, and his original tracks “Neon” and “Pledge Allegiance.” Although Ro had trouble hearing himself in the monitors, he did his best to work through the technical difficulties and put on a good performance for the crowd.
A New York native (amongst other infuences), Ro was dressed in a Fedora hat and leather overalls with two sleeves of tattoos and a gleaming gold tooth. I was a bit thrown off by Ro’s appearance —in a good way (I think). His demeanor, dress, and direct lyrics seemed to contrast his smooth, sensual tone. I was curious to learn what influenced his image and sound.
Find “Introducing Ro James” below.
Check out Ro’s website here.