Mary J. Blige |

Mary J. Blige Opens the new ESA in DC

October 10, 2018 Renita Clarke Music, Music Reviews

The queen of hip-hop soul Mary J. Blige was the main act for the grand opening for the new venue in Southeast Washington DC, ESA (Entertainment and Sports Arena) Saturday night. Mary J. held nothing back with a powerful performance of all her hits throughout the years and a medley only the queen of hip-hop so could do. The new venue, that holds about 4,200 people, was a sold-out success on October 13th. The Grammy Award winning the lodge bar with her talented opening act British singer and songwriter Jacob Banks.

Story and Photography by Rishele Ellison

Fantasia Sizzles at the Strathmore Mansion

December 7, 2015 Rishele Ellison Music, Music Reviews

The roof on Strathmore was torn off on Saturday, December 5 when Queen of Rock Soul Fantasia rocked the house at An Elegant Evening of Giving benefit concert presented by Talking Hands Corporation. As a fan of Fantasia since her days as a contestant on American Idol, receiving this opportunity to see her perform live for the first time was one that couldn’t be missed. If her gritty soulful voice gave me goosebumps through my home speakers, I could only imagine how electrifying her live vocals would be!

No Doubt, Usher Headline concert on National Mall

March 5, 2015 Dean Rogers Music, Music News

No Doubt, Usher, Fall Out Boy, Mary J. Blige, Train and My Morning Jacket will perform April 18 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. on the Washington Monument Grounds as part of the Global Citizen 2015 Earth Day

White House Hosts PBS Concert for the Troops to Air 11/7

October 23, 2014 Dean Rogers Television, Television News

WILLIE NELSON, MARY J. BLIGE, JOHN FOGERTY, COMMON, ROMEO SANTOS AND MORE
HEADLINE PBS MUSIC SPECIAL AT THE WHITE HO– — USE
TO CELEBRATE THE U.S. MILITARY COMMUNITY
— Latest From WETA’s Emmy Award-Nominated “In Performance at the White House” Series
Also Features Active Duty Military Members and A Special USO Performance by Daughtry from their USO Tour to Japan,
Airing November 7 as Part of PBS Arts Fall Festival on PBS Stations Nationwide —

“A Salute to the Troops: Read more

Don’t Stop Believin’ in the Rock of Ages

June 15, 2012 Dean Rogers Movie Reviews, Movies

Adam Shankman is back in the center seat taking on another Broadway show turned movie. This time, we are heading to the decade of big hair, LP Records and Power Ballads. Yes, the 2009 musical tribute, nominated for five Tonys and currently playing on Broadway is getting the big screen tribute. Will this rose have its thorn or hit us with its best shot? Here’s my rad review of Rock of Ages.