Whitney Houston...One Year Later

Remembering Whitney Houston. August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012

Newark's Birthday Tribute to Michael Jackson

8/26/12 I was so happy to be a part of a Michael Jackson birthday tribute event right here in my hometown of Newark, NJ. It featured many talented performers, singers and dancers. There was even a DJ and also a live band performing. It was held in Washington Park. Many of Michael Jackson's hits were played and also many album tracks people haven't heard unless you are a fan with every album. People of all ages enjoyed themselves and danced until they couldn't dance no more. I've been working hard to keep Michael's legacy alive here in Newark and I am glad this event was a success. Many of my friends from New York City including Force MD's member Jessie Daniels stopped through. I performed to an original piece by Eric Harris AKA Extra Rich In Class as he sang.

Whitney Houston, Celebration of Life Concert

Sunday August 12, 2012, at Washington Park in Newark, NJ hosted a tribute concert for the late legend Whitney Houston. The program included young talented singers performing some of Whitney Houston's hit songs. The event was also a community cookout as well. I even tried to dress like Whitney in her earlier days in the 1980s. It was a beautiful event and I definitely enjoyed myself.

LMFAO: Sorry For Party Rocking! Concert

6/29/12 What better way to end a work week but than to see and meet the Jacksons, then the next day see a LMFAO concert? Two concerts back to back and ended my work week with a bang. Luckily, I was off from work that Saturday morning to fully rest. It was my first time seeing this dynamic duo, LMFAO, perform live. The group consists of Redfoo and SkyBlu. Redfoo is Motown founder, Barry Gordy's son and SkyBlu's uncle. This also makes Redfoo the brother of Hazel Gordy and the former brother-in-law to Jermaine Jackson. They also cite their former brother-in-law, Michael Jackson, as their musical influence. That is a cool correlation between me seeing the Jacksons' concert and their concert back to back. I've heard their music before and saw their videos, but watching them live was a whole other experience. This concert was held at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. My friend Shauna and I went out on this adventure. I was super excited because I heard that these guys can really put on a show. The person who told me this surely told me the truth. There were so many people there and we were lucky to have had floor seats. Well actually floor spots cause we didn't have chairs on that level. There were some great opening acts that gave the place a club vibe. Artists like Eva Simons, Far East Movement who did a cool tribute to MCA from the Beastie Boys, and Matthew Koma. There was also DJ Sidney Samson mixing up some hits as well getting the crowd worked up for LMFAO. LMFAO came out and they crowd went wild. They were dancing, partying and having such a good time on stage. People in the audience were so excited they were pushing people, of course we pushed back and that settled it. LOL. They sung their hit songs and danced like there was no tomorrow. There was some points were I thought they were really drinking on stage. It was obvious that must of the audience had a drink or two themselves. Overall, it was a wild, crazy, funny, cool, and interesting experience I will never forget. All the way down to the part when they were practically dancing half naked.

The Jacksons: Unity Tour 2012

6/28/12 Thursday June 28th, I had the experience of a lifetime. I had the chance to see the Jacksons (Marlon, Tito, Jermaine and Jackie) perform live at the Apollo Theatre in New York City for their Unity Tour. It was their first tour since their Victory Tour in 1984 which included all of the brothers and their first tour without their brother Michael. Randy was not a part of the tour, as well. I was able to actually meet and greet the Jacksons with my ticket upgrade. I was so excited to meet them. I wore my red “Beat It” jacket, white v-neck and black bucket pants. I dressed as Mikette for the occasion. I was nervous as I approached them all lined up for their hand shake and photo opportunity. Some of my friends were also in line nervous as well. The looks on their face as I approached them were surprising. They loved how I dressed as their brother Michael. They even mentioned that I looked so much like him and how amazing I looked. Of course, I blushed and say thank you. As I greeted them I almost forgot Jackie’s name and still couldn’t say it right. He was my second favorite after Michael that I truly adored. Just know I was going to be in the center and he was to my left with his arm around me, made me tense up inside. They were all so beautiful in person inside and out. I fell in love with all of their smiles and soft voices. This was also my second time meeting Jermaine, the first time being at his book signing in September 2011, and he remembered me. After the meet-up, it was time for the show to begin. Even though I sat in the third level, it was still great seats and I truly enjoyed the show. They opened up with “Can You Feel It” and from that point on, they brought the house down. I danced and sang along to their set list that mainly consisted of their hits from their Jackson 5 days. They also sang so of Michael’s songs as well. I love how they paid tribute to their brother by showing his photos on a projector screen as they sang “Gone Too Soon.” I was in tears along with my friend Shanda who sat next to me. They really performed to their best vocally and performance wise. They danced and made the crowd go wild. I was on my feet dancing like there was no tomorrow. I truly loved how they looked as if they were having a great time together and showed what the name of the tour was, and that is unity. I wish I was able to see them at least one more time. I will always remember that day forever, and my love for the Jackson family will never die. Here are just a few of many photos I took. This photo, even though I can't find a larger version, reminds me of my photo with the brothers. Only instead of Randy, it is Jermaine in my photo.

Brunch with Siedah Garrett

6/24/12 The Michael Jackson Fans of New York City and Legacy of Love: Michael Jackson Fans United NYC joined forces to celebrate the life of Michael Jackson with a key person in his life and career, Siedah Garrett. Siedah Garrett is a Grammy award winning singer/songwriter who sung duet on the track “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You” and wrote songs “Keep the Faith” and “Man in the Mirror.” She also toured with Michael as one of his main female vocalists. The two shared many memories together as she reminisced to us. She answered questions and took us back to when they shared the stage and studio together. As she spoke, the live “Dangerous” concert in Bucharest played on televisions in the room. The day was also her birthday in which we sang “Happy Birthday” to her and gave her a beautiful cake with a photo of her and Michael in the recording studio facing one another. She was such a beautiful and awesome person. She shared laughs and a few tears with us. We all shared one common connection, missing Michael. She also signed autographs and took photographs. I was nervous of course, but I got over it and showed her much love and respect. Special thanks to Siedah and her manager Erik for sharing their time with us. We definitely need to do this again.

Mama Luke Foundation and Kangol Kid Celebration

CONGRATULATIONS TO KANGOL KID AND THE MAMA LUKE FOUNDATION FOR BEING HONORED BY THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY MAY 17TH 2012!!!

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Friday April 27, 2012, I had a great time with great people for a great cause. We all came together and celebrated with legendary hip-hop artist Kangol Kid from UTFO and the Mama Luke Foundation (In Loving Memory of Gay Frances Lucas) for being honored by the American Cancer Society next month for their hip-hop fight against breast cancer. My friend Shauna joined me on this adventure.

Even to the nail design. I incorporated the breast cancer awareness pink ribbons.


With legendary hip-hop artist Kangol Kid from UTFO. Being honored by the American Cancer Society for his Hip-Hop fight against breast cancer with the Mama Luke Foundation.


People were getting down.


With my BFF/Sis Shauna and our new found friend, Chris Douglas.


Kangol holding up a Mama Luke shirt with signatures from hip-hop artists and other celebrities to help raise awareness. The shirt will eventually be auction and proceeds will be donated to the American Cancer Society. He is awesome!


Raheim from Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five and Dinco D from Leaders of the New School with Kangol Kid from UTFO. They came out to show their support.


Wearing my pink for breast cancer awareness. I had a great time and this movement is powerful.