Connecticut – ayminor

J Music: UR Experience Tour at Mohegan Sun Arena

November 16, 2014February 1, 2024ayminor

Usher was my first love. Before the Famous Jett Jackson, before Sammie, before J Boog — there was Usher Raymond IV. You name a record off My Way, 8701, or Confessions and my mind instantly goes to a cherished memory from my childhood. Growing up, Confessions defined for me what success was in the industry — diamond album, sold-out tour, movies, timeless music. Until he went and messed around with Tameka, Usher was the standard.

Some argued after Confessions he had nowhere else to go but down — I had always believed he would be considered one of, if not the best entertainer of our time. Nonetheless, it’s been years since I’ve attached Usher’s career with unmatched excellence. In his stead, Beyonce and Justin Timberlake have risen in the ranks, dominating the industry and record sales.

He has the star power, voice, technical skill, and over 20 years in the business — what is the missing element? It’s a question I have asked myself a thousands times. After attending the UR Experience tour at Mohegan Sun arena in Uncasville, CT, I think I can finally articulate my answer.

I’ll fast-forward through DJ Cassidy (mostly because I missed his set — CP Time), and August Alsina (who sounded much less like a goat than anticipated).

I’ll tell you this, the problem with the concert is not Usher and it’s not the music. For two hours straight Usher performed all of his greatest hits with near perfect precision. He was accompanied by world-class dancers who performed a very high-energy set without hint of fatigue, three background singers, and a full-piece band. His charisma shined as he weaved in personal anecdotes throughout the night, keeping the crowd entertained.

The answer then — lack of innovation. The production value was nowhere near where it should be for a star of his caliber. Let’s start with the staging — a small, triangular stage flanked by two short ramps. There was no second stage. There would be no “flying” around the arena. Fans that weren’t in the front, lower level of the arena had little to no interaction with the star beyond a few shoutouts. There was scattered smoke and pyro throughout the performance, but nothing out of the ordinary for your average concert. There would be no stunning visual elements, no spectacular costume designs, and no storyline or cohesion to the songs performed. I counted one video (the intro), some filtered camera shots, 2 jacket changes, 1 shirt change and 1 hat.

I forgot, I think he changed his sneakers too.

Now I believe had the tour gone as planned, as a promotional tool for the now indefinitely delayed UR, the show would’ve been more along the lines of what I had envisioned. I understand they most likely had to cut back on the scale of the production as a result, but at 36, Usher doesn’t have time to waste on mediocre presentations. He needs something BIG to shake up the industry and remind us who has the #1 spot, and I.M.O. it’s now or never. From the album rollout, to the award show performances, to his tour production — everything needs an infusion of innovation.

Steps down off soapbox.

I know I just went in, butttt purely as a fan, I would still encourage you to attend the tour if it stops in your city. I had a great time, I sang, I danced, and when he flashed those pearly whites….swoon.

The rest of the tour dates are below:

J Events: Empowering Through Beauty (ETB) Expo

January 23, 2014January 28, 2024ayminor

When my Dad came home with a flyer from the barber shop for the Empowering Through Beauty (ETB) Expo, I was extremely skeptical. The event boasted a few known names including Jen the Pen (of Love and Hip Hop New York) and Jazmine Sullivan (!!), but you don’t hear about this kind of notoriety often in the Greater-Bridgeport area. In the end, my curiosity got the best of me; I wanted to see what it was all about.

What I found out at the event.. Empowering Through Beauty is a nonprofit organization founded by Tanisha Akinloye meant to bring communities, the beauty industry and philanthropy efforts together to fulfill the hopes and dreams of underserved women in southern Connecticut. Tanisha put together the expo, entitled “A Celebration of Beauty” as a way to further her nonprofit’s mission by hosting vendors, motivational speakers, performances and a fashion show.

For what I believe was the nonprofit’s first expo, it was really well done — I only wish that there had been a larger group of young women, as we served as the target for most of messages presented by the speakers. I was presently surprised by every speaker — they all had something poignant and powerful to contribute.

Logan West, Miss Teen USA 2012, describes how she overcame years of bullying as a child.

Jen the Pen was one of the first to speak with the audience; I didn’t recognize her at all, as she rocked a new hair color and shorter cut. Jen dove into her experience as a reality star on season 3 of Love & Hip Hop NY. She expressed her surprise at how cruel and negative the response was from viewers on social media, leading her to one of the most insecure times in her life. Of course, it is hard to be sympathetic knowing her character often brought the criticism on herself (particularly with the post-show interviews all over NY radio), however, the hurt I perceived was heartfelt. I’ve never been excessively critical of celebs, but her comments made me think twice about my cheeky comments on social media.

(For anyone wondering what she’s been up to since leaving the show, she said she has focused on taking care of her son and enjoying some time away from the limelight.)

Pam Sullivan, discusses the importance of confidence and promotes her new line of personalized, talking dolls (pictured above) that encourage self-esteem.

From the moment I saw Jazmine Sullivan’s name on the flyer, I knew she was not going to perform, but that didn’t stop me from hoping and praying (and imagining our duet of “In Love with Another Man”). As expected, Jazmine only made a brief appearance to introduce her mother, and co-manager Pam Sullivan. Pam spoke to the role of a “momager,” and described how she has tried to balance the two roles that often conflict; as a mother she always looks to encourage her daughter and instill confidence, and yet as a manager in the industry, the message is always “you are never good enough.”

Dr. Tiana Von Johnson, entrepreneur and real estate guru, getting the crowd energized and reengaged before providing some tips for financial and personal success (fearlessness!).

It was quite encouraging to see Tanisha’s ability to put together such an empowering event for the up-and-coming nonprofit — I left with a million new ideas for the launch of my project later this year!

ETB CEO and Founder Tanisha Akinloye stopped to chat and take a quick photo with me at the end of the night.

Find a full listing of the guest speakers and vendors here.

J Thoughts: Oh, the Places I’ll Go!

July 22, 2013January 28, 2024ayminor

I have taken a bit of a summer hiatus from my blog, but I miss it so much! My blog keeps me active and inspired as I experience and learn new things and look to share them.

I think we all find in the summer, however, that if anything there is too much to see and do as it is a great time to travel and spend time with family and friends. Halfway through what has been a busy summer, I wanted to share some of my favorite memories.

Miami, Florida

Miami beach was everything I needed. Clean, not too crowded and the water was the perfect temperature. No sea creatures spotted in sight.

Charleston, South Carolina

In town for my family reunion, I am glad we took the time to do a carriage tour in downtown Charleston. You get a brief history lesson while viewing gorgeous million-dollar estates.

Hartford, Connecticut

It’s always good to take advantage of the things to do in your home state. Had a great time at a Rock Cats game this weekend. (The Rock Cats are the Double-A minor league baseball affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.)

All my traveling have inspired a new goal — visit all 50 states!