The DMV enjoyed a fantastic night of hip-hop music on Wednesday, November 29. One of the best rappers to ever grace the mic, Jay-Z made a stop at Capital One Arena for his highly anticipated “4:44” tour.
Dru Hill has always had the potential to be a long-standing group, however per the usual ego and Sisqo’s brief solo stardom appear to have destroyed those chances. Despite still touring twenty years after debuting on the music scene the group never reached its full potential.
Typically the day after Thanksgiving is officially Black Friday when most Americans shop for deals and specials, but on November 24, 2017, inside the gorgeous rainbow-lit John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, I was officially Gobsmacked!
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra conducted by Robert Spano welcomed back André Watts for Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in C Minor. It’s one of Rachmaninoff’s most captivating piano concertos. It has endeared audiences since it’s 1901 premiere.
Quiet storm love songs, gospel, rock and even some hip hop were all present during The Isley Brothers’ performance on Sunday November 5th at the world renowned Kennedy Center. The group, now composed of lead singer Ron “Mr. Biggs” Isley and his brother Ernie, showcased numerous hits & personas through the sixty-three year career.
The 63 Days of Love Tour embarked Washington DC’s 6th and I Synagogue Monday night. The outfit from Adelaide, South Australia is fresh from performing their latest single 63 Days live on Conan September 20th. They are joined with Half the Animal and Magic Giant.
The National Philharmonic opened its 2017-18 season in star-studded fashion welcoming Sarah Chang and Zuill Bailey. Sarah Chang is one of the most renowned violinists of our time and Zuill Bailey is one of the premiere cellists in the world.
The Old School Hip Hop festival was held at Pier Six Pavilion by the lovely Baltimore Inner Harbor. The festival featured hip hop legends Chubb Rock, Big Daddy Kane, Whodini, Slick Rick, Juvenile and Mystical.
On Thursday, July 27, R&B music aficionados were treated to a night of auto tune free singing when Anthony David & opening act Gordon Chambers graced the stage at Bethesda Blues & Jazz Supper Club. David & Chambers, who have released a combined ten albums throughout their careers, provided fans with smooth harmonies, lush vocals, and elegant musicianship. I first saw Anthony David live back in 2008 and since then I’ve followed his career. While I’ve always been a fan of Chambers due to his writing for others artists, this was my first time seeing him live.
After releasing the very nice “JE Heartbreak II” in 2014, one of the last standing active groups in R&B, Jagged Edge, returns to the scene with their 9th album, “The Layover”. I’ve been a fan of Jagged Edge since their debut “A Jagged Era” was released during my sophomore year of high school. While the breakout single from the album was “I Gotta Be”, the album also featured plenty of strong album tracks. Over the years, Jagged Edge continued to release good albums including the still classic “JE Heartbreak”. However with “The Layover”, Jagged Edge seems to have lost the magic they once had.
