More Or Less: Talking with Skewby

Skewby D Listening Session 12.17.10. Photo Courtesy of Young Fly Richy

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of going to fellow Memphian Skewby’s private listening session for his latest release, More Or Less.  He’s had quite a busy year since the release of last year’s Proving You  Wrong since '88 (he’s been featured in the Source’s Unsigned Hype column (April/May 2010), performed on MTV, and opened for Lil Wayne’s Farewell tour). Based on the positive responses he received at the listening session, he won’t be slowing down anytime soon. Skewby is definitely an artist to keep on your radar.

He took some time out yesterday to answer a few questions for me. Check it.

It's the eve of the release for More Or Less; How do you feel?

I feel good. Just chill really. Ready to advance and to give my people something new.

 How did you decide on the title?

It came from a conversation with a friend. We were talking about life, and I said "life is more or less what you make it." That just stuck with me. It described the period in my life perfectly.

The sound of this record is different from Proving You Wrong Since '88, which had a really fun, cool kid retro vibe. More Or Less is sleeker, a little more mature. Natural growth or strategically planned?

Just natural growth really. Nothing was planned. It was all organic. I just went in the studio and did what felt true to me.

Which song are you most looking forward to performing live? Why?

Probably LALA. Ready to see what the crowd does with that song.

 What's one thing you hope people take away from your music?

Mostly the positive energy that it comes with.

 Any videos in the works?

Not yet, we'll see what the most talked about tracks are and just go from there.

 Are there any upcoming shows** that our readers need to know about?

Definitely. January 21st at the Hi-Tone Cafe in Memphis. Good times ahead.

 We're living in a digital world: where can people download More or Less?

They can download it at http://www.djbooth.net/*

 Where can people learn and hear more about Skewby?

They can follow me at twitter.com/skewby or peep my blog somethingaboutskewby.com.

*Download will be available on DJ Booth at (you guessed it!) 12:21 p.m.  Gotta love the marketing! Until then, here's the tracklisting for More Or Less, and video from the listening session:

** Skewby will also be headed to the Sundance Film Festival the follow day, and has plans to perform at SXSW in March. Good times ahead indeed!

~KT

Strange Fruit Vintage Presents: Everyday People





Petey is the spitting image of her mother.
How dope is this flyer!



 The weekend is here and while I'm looking forward to some rest (finally! this has been a crazy busy week), I'm also looking forward to The Everyday People Fall and Winter Fashion Show, produced and hosted by Shalishah "Petey" Franklin, owner of Strange Fruit Productions. One of the hardest working women I know, I was able to get her to take a few moments away from her work (the show is tonight at AIM Co-Op Studios (287 Madison Ave.) and give the NDLoop readers a little more insight into Strange Fruit Vintage.

Tell us a little about SFV.
Strange Fruit Vintage is an online urban vintage clothing boutique that specializes in offering quality clothes and accessories from the 1980s to the present. Since launching in the spring of 2010, SFV has held three pop-up shops in Memphis and has been featured in various publications including the Memphis Flyer, and on the popular ilovememphisblog.com. SFV was also featured on “Flipside Memphis,” a documentary produced by the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau in partnership with Live from Memphis that highlighted all things unique to Memphis.

Vintage (in the fashion world) is classified as anything over 10 yrs old. What made you choose the 80s-90s as Strange Fruit's niche?
I am a 80s baby and I am consistently inspired by hip hop, art and popular culture from this time-period. I began throwing events under the moniker Strange Fruit Productions a few years ago and at one event in particular, I projected the movie Breakin’ on the wall to play silently during the party.  Some of my younger crowd marveled at the movie…just stared and watched it. It was at that time that I had an epiphany…there is a new generation or two, who have only heard about the 1980s. So, I decided to begin SFV to introduce the original clothes to younger generations and to re-introduce the original clothes to people who already know and love the era. 

What was your inspiration behind hosting an "every day people" fashion show (which I hear is sold out, by the way. Kudos! That's a huge accomplishment).
Thank you. The Everyday People Fall and Winter Fashion Show is indeed sold out and that is a huge honor and accomplishment for me. I’m humbled by it honestly.  Selecting “everyday people” for the fashion show all goes back to Strange Fruit Productions, my original party company. Being an artist, living in Memphis, not necessarily fitting comfortably into the club scene or typical entertainment experience here, I created SFP to offer an artistic experience where people could just be themselves. I’m a firm believer in diversity on so many levels and I think we as a society have to get to a point where we appreciate people not for their similarities but for their differences.

How did you select your models?
My models in the upcoming show are dancers, artists, rappers, social workers, epidemiologists, actors and many other things. They are tall, short, thin, curvy, various races, various ages….they are me…they are you.  And that’s the point. They are everyday people and damn beautiful for it. Some of them I’ve known. Some of them I’ve met randomly over the past month and awkwardly asked them to model in my show.  Some of them responded to a model call a month ago.

I know that you're a big proponent of individual style; are the model's looks a collaborative effort or where there certain looks already set but you needed the right person to rock them?
For the most part, the person makes the clothes and not vice versa. I have over 400 vintage pieces in the SFV studio and I gathered my 25 models and began styling their outfits for the show based around who they are as people. Some of my girls are really really sassy and you will know exactly why they are wearing the items they are!

What can those lucky enough to score a seat expect from the show?
This is a culmination of what intense creativity, love, and faith look like in action. 70 straight up and down fabulous looks, 25 beautifully diverse models, 5 performances including beatboxers and violinists, in an artistic and collaborative space, set to great 80s and 90s music on a fantastically warm night in downtown Memphis. For those who will be there, thank you in advance. For those who didn’t score a ticket to this show, I hope that you join us for the pop up shop immediately to follow and open to the public, 8-10p.  And most importantly, I hope you all stay “NDLoop” with SFV….there’s so much more.

Where can people shop & find out more Strange Fruit Vintage?
Each week we offer the “seven on sale” on www.strangefruitvintage.com featuring hot and rare finds for men and women.  We also do events in the Memphis area and will be expanding to other cities very soon.  Follow us on twitter @iamstrangefruit. Grow where you’re planted.

It's always a pleasure talking to someone so dedicated to their craft. She's proof positive that hardwork really pays off!

So dear readers, who scored tickets to the Fashion Show? Who's going to shop? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!

Sean Padilla brings the heat to Java Cabana

When used correctly, social media is a wonderful thing. New people, new things, and new music come across your timeline daily (if you know where to look) and if you're lucky, you might make some super cool connects.

A few months ago I started following one of the most inspiring, funny, and impressive musicians that I've yet to meet: Sean Padilla (aka The Cocker Spaniels). Also affectionately known as "The Cookie Man" (he's also a baker; I ordered some of the best macadamia nut cookies I've EVER had and got to sample his music), Padilla is one of those people that you can't help but root for.

An über talented musician (he plays all of the instruments on his album), Padilla writes and sings about his every day struggles and triumphs with ease. His  lyrics are relatable (how many people do we know fall into the category of the Overeducated Underclass?), and usually injected with humor (my favorite "Touch My Hair" is an hilarious recollection of strangers feeble attempts to (you guessed it) touch his hair).

Tonight, Memphis gets to see him in action.

On a cross country tour to promote his newest release "Sometimes You've Gotta Fight To Get A Bit Of Peace" (Hornbuckle Records), this Austinite will bring his live fusion of Funk and Indie Rock for a rousing set at Cooper Young's Java Cabana (2170 Young Avenue). The show starts at 8:00 p.m and it's one you don't want to miss. If you follow Sean, come out and support; he'll have music and *fingers crossed* some of his delicious cookies on deck.

To learn more about The Cocker Spaniels, the tour, and cookies, click here and here.

The Trilluminati Chuuuch of Ackrite will be in effect!

~KT

"Road to 106 & Park" Dancer Auditions for Porcelan Chalet

CALLING ALL DANCERS:

Face Management is looking for female background dancers for upcoming performances for R&B vocalist, Porcelan Chalet. Fresh off her performance at Rising Star’s One Year Anniversary Showcase, Porcelan is poised to blaze the stage on B.E.T's 106 & Park- "Wild'n Out Wednesday” December 15, 2010. As Porcelan prepares for her 106 & Park debut, she’s ready to take her performance to the next level and that’s where YOU come in!

REQUIREMENTS:

Candidates must be 18 +, with previous experience/training in Hip Hop & Jazz, and be able to commit to scheduled practices and performances. Candidates must bring photo ID, and provide a 5x7 headshot and dance resume at time of sign-in. Most importantly, candidates must bring creativity and energy to the stage!

There will be 2 rounds of auditions. For the first round, each dancer must come prepared with a 90-second performance. If chosen for the second round, a choreographed routine will be taught, with the final 3 (2 leads and an alternate) selected that day.

These positions are initially unpaid however, this is a great opportunity for exposure, with additional perks to follow. Airfare, makeup, and clothing WILL be covered for the 106 & Park performance.

Audition Day: Sunday, October 24, 2010
Audition Time: 3:00pm-7:30pm

Location:
409 S. Main Street

Memphis, TN 38103

****Please come early to sign in. Auditions will start at 3:00pm on the dot!

****For inquiries, please contact us at facesbyseven@gmail.com

You can learn more about Porcelan at http://www.reverbnation.com/porcelanchalet 

 You are now NDLOOP!

Sketchbooks, The Wiz, Karoke, Hip-Hop, Oh My!

The weekend is here and I have to say, I’m pretty stoked. It’s jam-packed with festivities so I have to find a way to fit in all in but I have to say, I love when my weekends are like this. I’m still waiting to get the word on Saturday’s activities but based on all there is to do Friday, Saturday may just have to be a day of rest!

First up we have the Project Sketchbook: 2010 Exhibition at the Adam Shaw Studio (2547 Broad Avenue).

Hosted by the Rozell Artists Guild, this is the opening reception for the exhibit. On display will be dozens of the 12 page completed sketchbooks (all filled with various forms of artwork) submitted from both amateurs and professionals. I’m excited to see the finished products. Who knows, next year I may submit one myself.

To find out more about Project Sketchbook, click here. The reception will be from 6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.; the exhibit will be up for 2 weeks.

If you can’t make it to the exhibit but still want to get out for a bit, mosey in over to Marshall Arts Gallery (639 Marshall Ave) for Neosoulville presents…Soul Cinema.

Starting tonight, Neosoulville will be hosting a series of vintage African American film screenings while offering entertaining renditions of songs from the featured movie’s soundtrack during the breaks. Following the movie, DJ Manus will be spinning a set for those who want to mingle a little while longer.
 

If you were fortunate enough to go to the DVD screening of Timeless: The Composer/Arranger series (which featured an amazing tributeto J. DIlla) earlier this year,  you know that this is an experience like no other.

The show starts at 7:00 p.m.; this week’s feature is ‘The Wiz”. Advanced tickets are $20 (includes popcorn and beverage). Click here to purchase online.

If a movie isn’t your thing, you can go and get your laugh on at Comedy & Karaoke Fridays at 2 for 1 Bar & Grill (7144 Winchester Road). Hosted by funnyman Prescott & Karaoke King Time Bachus, admission is free before 9:00 p.m. with drink and food specials all night. Tonight’s comedian will be Big Sean Larkin (click here to check him out). His set will start at 10:00 p.m.

Finally, if you're a fan of hip-hop and Dubstep, swing by Odessa (2613 Broad Avenue) to check out performances by Oz Alone, Youre_Strooly, and Walks of Life as they celebrate their Daytime Nightmares EP release.

Doors open at 10:00 p.m.; admission is only $5. Click here for more info.

So dear readers, how will you be spending your Friday? Comment below and keep us NDLoop! ~KT

1st Annual All Pink Gala

October 16, 2010
Time: 7:00 PM- 12:00 AM

Pink Palace Museum, 3050 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111

It’s time to party with a purpose!

Partikingz Inc., in association with TMalone Promotions & Marketing Mix & Mingle Ent., is proud to present the 1st Annual All Pink Gala, an entertaining and fashionable social event held to benefit breast cancer awareness. Come and enjoy a fun night of mingling with your fellow Memphians at the historic Pink Palace Museum as we do our part to help raise money for breast cancer research.

There will be live entertainment provided by the soulful sounds of Main Focus, as well as a DJ for your dancing pleasure. In addition to live musical entertainment, there will be a silent auction of original artwork submitted by nationally & locally known artists. A portion of the proceeds from the silent auction will be donated to the American Cancer Society. There will also be free food and a cash bar. This will be a semi-formal event and we are asking all attendees to incorporate pink into their attire. Let’s come together for good music, good times, and a wonderful cause!

Advanced tickets are $20; $25 at the door. VIP Access (includes valet parking and a goodie bag) is $50.

Sponsorship opportunities are available; inquiries should be made by phone to 901.213.8551.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.allpinkgala.org/

Hope to see you there! ~KT

Loyals Forever: SP Finale

Now it's time to say goodbye to one of the hottest stores to ever come to Memphis.

This Saturday, make your way to Aquarious Creative Studio (688 S. Cox, Memphis, TN 38104) for the Finale Sale and Party.

From 12p-12a, enjoy 50% discount shopping (everything has to go), then spend some time catching up with other Loyals while enjoying live music and performances. Wear your favorite SP fit for a chance to win a cash prize; there will also be a 5for$5 Photobooth.

Admission is only $3, which also gives you a chance to win over $300 in prizes for all loyals in attendance.

If you ever visited the store, you know that Sneak Peek was more than just a sneaker boutique; it was a movement. Not only a place for the latest kicks and urban gear, Sneak Peek was a place that encompassed the true meaning of hip-hop: artistic culture, music, political knowledge, and most importantly, individuality.

 Celebrate the good times with the #SPFAM as they say goodbye. It's an end of an era!

Red Bull Presents: Rope Masters

Jump it out!

This Saturday, Hickory Hill Community Center (3910 Ridgeway Road) hosts Red Bulls' Rope Masters Double Dutch Competion from 1p-4p.

Red Bull Rope Masters features the top Double Dutch teams in the United States. The teams will compete in a head-to-head Double Dutch freestyle battle to determine who will be the Red Bull Rope Masters Champion. This event is sanctioned by the National Double Dutch League.

DJ D'NYCE (part of the Enforcers DJ Crew and official Red Bull DJ) will be spinning throughout the competition.

 Double Dutch has been a fun past time activity for years. If you were anything like me, you spent countless hours with your friends seeing who could double dutch the best. This isn't your regular double dutch match though; come see how it has envolved.

For more info, visit here.

So dear readers, who mastered double-dutch? Who will be in attendance? Comment below & keep us NDLoop! ~KT

Fun Times: Cooper-Young Festival

This Saturday, The CYBA hosts the annual Cooper-Young Festival. One of Memphis’ most anticipated outdoor events, The Cooper-Young Festival is a pleasurable time to enjoy with your friends and family.

Offering a diverse mix of arts & crafts, live entertainment, and food, there will be over 300 vendors to visit.  This will be the 23rd year of the festival, so I look forward to seeing how it has grown.

The fun begins at 9 a.m. and will continue until 7 p.m. In the event there is rain, it will be held on Sunday. Please note, pets are not allowed.

For more information on sponsors, vendors and volunteer opportunities, click here.

Will you be out Saturday? Comment below and keep us NDLoop! ~KT

ATL: Come enjoy a Taste

Elite Marketing Group & Justin’s Restaurant present Taste, a relaxing evening set for Atlanta’s professionals.

Each and every Friday, come chill with Atlanta’s elite while enjoying infinite wine refills, 5 star meals and good music.

DJ Ace will be on the 1s & 2s spinning old school, hip-hop, and R&B. Enjoy drink specials  and complimentary hors d’oeuvres from 5p-7p.

Every week, the specialized taste menu is created by Diddy's personal chef, Jay.

To RSVP: email Events @MyModelTalk.com, or click here to contact Atlanta’s InCrowd.

Live at New Daisy: Corinne Bailey Rae

Photo courtesy of corinnebaileyrae.net

Grammy Award Winning and Platinum Recording Artist Corinne Bailey Rae will be performing at The New Daisy Theatre tonight. One of the last few stops on the North American leg of her tour, those in attendance will be blessed with the pleasure of hearing her soulful, honey-drenched voice.

Her debut single “Put Your Records On” brought her to fame in the US (she became only the fourth female British act in history to have her first album debut at number one on the Billboard Charts) but there are so many gems on that album (“Till It Happens To You” “Enchantment” “Breathless” and “I’d Like To” are standouts) you’re sure to be an instant fan after the first listen.

The Sea is more melancholy (it was recorded after the lost of her husband) but it has a very chill, reflective vibe ("Closer" is such a sexy song; your hips will sway as soon as the beat drops lol). Any person who says that they love soul music should have one if not both of these albums in their library.

I found out about this concert by accident a few months ago (I was researching something else and stumbled across it) and I’m SOOO excited! Upon the release of her sophomore album in January, I stated that she was one of the few artists that I wished to see perform live so imagine my surprise when I learned she’d be making her way to Memphis! Plus, New Daisy Theatre has a more intimate setting, so that will make the experience that more enjoyable.

Corinne Bailey Rae is an extremely talented singer-songwriter, so this show is sure to be memorable. Tickets can be purchased at Spin Street or by clicking here. Doors open at 7pm. You can also visit her website to learn more about her and her music. I also want ot send a special thank you to Neosoulville for making this concert happen. You guys rock!

So dear readers, who will be in attendance? What song(s) are you looking forward to her performing? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!~KT

Rising Star Spotlight: Porcelan Chalet

Courtesy of Regis Lawson Photography

Porcelan Chalet is one of the many talents performing tonight at Rising Star's Amped Up Indie Artist Concert at Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison Avenue).

A modelesque beauty with the talent and personality to match, Porcelan is already generating quite a buzz in the industry. A vocal powerhouse, her songs are R&B/Soul with a hip-hop edge; she’s poised to give many of these starlets a run for their money.

She took some time out to answer a few questions so that we could find out a little more about the girl behind the voice:


What made you decide to pursue a career professionally?
Music kinda runs in my family. Both my parents were performers and would also sing to us. In turn, music became my passion…I honestly can’t see myself doing anything else.


Who influences you?
Aretha Franklin has to be one of my biggest inspirations. She wasn’t afraid to be original. She let her voice use her! I want my music to be hypnotizing and totally captivate my audience, like Ms. Franklin.


How would you describe your "musical" style?
I would say my music is R&B Soul with a chic Hip/Hop edge.


What makes you different from all the other up & coming singers?
Overall, my music makes me different. I like to embody different genres. I especially like to take different elements of Blues and Rock, stir them up in my beats, and make P’Rocker Pie! J (P’Rocker-nickname my manager gave me).


What project(s) are you working on?
Currently I’m working on my first studio album due to drop fall 2011. In addition, my mix tape will be available later this year.


Where can people find out more info on you and your music?
You can check me out on my FACEBOOK fan page @ Porcelan Chalet or at

www.twitter.com/porcelanchalet
www.reverbnation.com/porcelanchalet
www.youtube.com/Porcelan10
http://www.porcelanchaletmusic.com/  (coming soon)

Sunday Funday: Sunset Lounge x Rising Stars x Fashion Wonderland

While Sunday is a day of rest for many people, for others it's another chance to enjoy friends & have a little fun one last time before the week gets started. If you're looking to get out this Sunday, here are a few options for you:

First we have the 2nd Edition of Sunset Lounge at Café Soul (492 S. Main St) from 3p-8p (there will be complimentary drinks from 3p-5p so get there early). Hosted by BHall, JWhite, and G.L.O. Social Club, Sunset Lounge is a true networking event.

If you’re tired of yelling over music to answer simple questions or having to sift through “socialites” to get to the real movers and shakers of the city, this may be for you.

I spoke with BHall after the first set to find out what his motivation was behind this & he stated that he wanted to offer something that was more than just a club scene. The idea had been brewing for over a year & he finally felt like he was in the position where he could put his all into it.

Café Soul was familiar stomping ground for him (poetry nights and karaoke), so he wanted to familiarize people with the location while also getting more people to migrate downtown. His goal is to help people meet those that they may not regularly come into contact with. Sunset Lounge will be held ever 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month. The first edition was Sponsored by Style Junkie; if interested in being a sponsor, click here to contact Mr. Hall.

If you still need more style in your life, Stylus-A Fashion Wonderland will be held at Brinson’s Lounge (341 Madison Avenue).

Benefiting Youth With Senior Citizens, this show will highlight fashion categories from vintage up to falls new trends. You must be 18+ to attend and have to RSVP by Sunday morning to attend so click here for more information.

Cocktails are at 5p, with the fashion unveiling at 6p. Donations are accepted at the door for admission so don’t miss out on seeing some wonderful trends while helping a good cause!

Finally, we have Rising Star's Amped Up Indie Artist Concert at Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison Avenue).

Hosted by Ty Sanders & Whitney Griffen, Amped Up is a showcase highlighting many of Memphis' talented musical artists.

Many have or are scheduled to appear on 106 & Park (Lou Writer, Jessica Ray, and C Cren just to name a few), so now's your chance to catch  a few before they cross over to the big leagues. A few other favorites listed on the performance roster are Ify, YoYo Picasso, & Porcelan Chalet.

Doors open at 6p. 18+, dress code is casual (but no T-Shirts allowed). Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door. For more information on tickets or to find out more about the artists that are performing, click here 

So dear readers, how will you be spending your Sunday? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!!

Wknd Update: Maroon 5 x Trolley Night x Fashion

So much is going on this weekend and I have to say, I love it! If you’re like me and always looking for fun things to do outside the norm, you get excited when you have multiple options.

First off, there’s a Maroon 5 Concert at Mud Island Amphitheater (I’ll be in attendance!). Maroon 5 has had SO many hits over the years (I still sing their debut single “Harder to Breathe” at the top of my lungs) so this is a highly anticipated show. There are concerts at the Amphitheater year round but this will be my first time going.

It’s also the last Friday of the month so South Main Street’s Trolley Night will be in effect. If you’ve never been, many of the galleries and boutiques along the trolley line open their doors for everyone to come inside and take a peak at what they have to offer.

Many offer free appetizers and wine to folks who pass through so if you’re looking for a low-key, early evening with friends, this may be for you.

Be sure to stop by Strange Fruit Vintage’s Pop Up Shop at 546 S. Main. At their last event I scored a CUTE oversized clutch and earrings. There are a lot of fashionable vintage pieces from the 80s & 90s so go before it’s gone!


Speaking of Fashion, Revolutionary Runway will be hosting a fashion show Saturday at Sense’s NightClub from 8p-10p.

Revolutionary Runway is a runway show of models who walk the runway with local artists' canvas art pieces. Saturday Night’s event is titled “The Revolution” . They've had  series of fashion shows this year, each one centering around a theme so this will be a change of pace for those use to standard shows. I'm always game for anything that incorporates art and fashion!
Click here for more info about the show.

 
 
 
 
This weekend is full so stay tuned for part 2!

Let Me Put You On Some Game

Fellas, pull out your hottest gear; ladies, grab your highest heels: this Saturday Memphis Ten welcomes The Game’s Marlon “Pooch” Hall to Level II. The Game is one of my favorite shows so I can’t wait until it returns in 2011. Until then, we can catch The Game in syndication on BET and keep up with  Pooch on Facebook.




Savvy Saturdays will be a little bit sexier as The Game’s Derwin Davis hosts and gets the night poppin. Come and party with one of the hottest up and coming young actors in the game. Drinks will be flowing while the hottest DJs in the city set the floor ablaze so this is a night you DO NOT want to miss!

The dress code will be strictly enforced so be sure to be in your flyest attire. Doors open at 10:00 pm VIP tables are still available (contact CGI ENT at 901.365.0077 to RSVP).

Will you be in the NDLoop?

Weekend Style: SVF Pop Up Shop & Style Junkie Casting Call

Hey peeps, what's on your agenda for this weekend? If you have nothing planned but are looking to get out, here are two options for you:

Strange Fruit Vintage is premiering their pop up shop at tonight from 6p-10p at Odessa (2613 Broad Ave Memphis, TN).

 If you love 80s and 90s apparel  and are looking to expand your collection, this is the place for you to be tonight. There will be live spinning by DJ Homework, and also an 80s inspired photobooth so that you can snap some cool pics with your friends.

 The pics are only $5 bucks, and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Odessa's Building Fund.

Tomorrow, Style Junkie is hosting a casting call from 6p-9p at their store to find true fashionistas for an upcoming commercial shoot for their brand. If you feel that you have the look and style that MUST be seen, be sure to go down and show your face.

There will also be an exclusive Meet & Greet with upcoming R&B Artist Porcelan Chalet during the call (I heard her sing a capella the other day and the girl can SING. She has the talent, personality, and look so make sure you watch out for her).

Be sure to dress chic and bring a pic!

So readers, what else is going on this weekend? Will be going to the events listed above? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!

Creative 4 Cause x Westham Records x Cool Sessions = Fun Times!

Peeps, this weekend is JAM PACKED with festivities! In addition to CGI's Can I Live Celebrity Weekend, you have, many, many other options to choose from. Here are a few that are standing out for me!

Tonight, Photographer/Graphic Designer Akeara Williams hosts her 1st showcase, Creative 4 Cause Charity Art Exhibit. A Digital Art Exhibit,  there will be 10 original pieces for viewing and silent auction.

Admission is only $5, and proceeds from the door & sale of the pieces will be donated to the Red Cross for Haiti Relief. It's only been 6 months since the devastation that struck Haiti, so if you can attend, please swing by to show support!

It's from 6:30p-9p at Aquarius Creative Studio (688 S. Cox, Memphis, TN 38104), and there will be food and drinks, with DJ Rocksteddy on the 1's and 2's!

Also tonight will be the label release of Westham Records. A record label with influences ranging from Hip-Hop, Soul, Electro, and Dub Reggae, tonight's launch will be for the true music lover.

Performances by Memphis' own Preaux, Ify, Cities Aviv, and Homework (he is such an amazing DJ.& Producer I once sat in on a studio session and got a chance to see him scratch on a beat he created. I was in awe!)

It starts at 9p, is only $5, and will be at Nocturnal (1588 Madison Ave.) 

I listen to both mainstream and underground artists so I 'm really excited for this label's launch in our city. They already have singles on Itunes so they are making moves!

Ok, so you've been to Saturday Sessions at Senses and Rumba Room. You've been to Cool Out at Round One. But have you been to Cool Out Sessions?

Tomorrow's edition promises to be EPIC. Moody Inc. and The Cool Out Crew are collaborating on the ultimate Day Party at Republic Nightclub. Both floors will be open, including the patio with Memphis' best kept secret, DJ Houston.

I'm usually out running errands but I plan on stopping by. Free admission, and it's from 2p-7p. Hope to see you there!

Dear readers? Will I see you at any of the other festivities? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!

Can I Live? Yes You Can!

Ok guys, this weekend has to be one of THE biggest that the City of Memphis will see this summer. A plethora of events taking place, there will be activities for everyone. However you choose to get it in, make sure you have an energy drink on hand!

So last night was the official kick off for CGI Entertainment's Can I Live Celebrity Weekend. One of the most anticipated weekend's of the year, Can I Live brings so many people to our grand city. I'm prepared for a little more traffic, but I'm also looking forward to seeing new faces in the city. You never know who you might see in the car next to you!

First up was the Old Skool Skate Party at Crystal Palace last night. If you're a Memphian, you know that CP was THE roller rink to go to growing up as a kid. The DJ always played the best music, and they served some yummy food (remember their chili cheese nachos? Sigh) I spent many weekends there honing my skating skills with friends. I took a few tumbles in my day (oh the memories, lol) but I ALWAYS had a blast! If you missed it, no worries because there are waaay more activities to come!

Tonight is Curtis Given's Annual All White Affair, which will take place at the Historic Peabody Hotel. I was able to attend a few years back with my crew and we partied til the wee hours of the morning. Tickets are only $40 each, and they can be picked up at Sammy's, Level II, and Big Bill's BBQ.

There is also a School Drive from 8am-2pm in front of the Southland Mall today. CGI isn't just about parties; they do give back to their community as well. In the event you can't swing by to donate during those hours, you can also stop by Level II and Toys 'R' Us at any time. Their goal is $50,000 so do your part to help those kids in need!

Be sure to visit their website to get more information on the other festivities (Family Day Picnic, K97 Summer Jam, BabyFace Concert, & Basketball Tournament).

Also, check back with NDLoop to see pictured from all of the events.

So readers, will you be attending any of the Can I Live Events? Comment below and keep us in the loop!

Are You On The Flipside?

Saturday was the Season 2 premiere party for Flipside Memphis. Presented by Live From Memphis & CVB, Flipside Memphis is a docu-series highlighting 15 people & places around the city that are unique to the Memphis area.


Held at the Brooks Museum, there was free food and entertainment from some of the people featured in the series;when I got there, The Wise Guys (an improv comedy group), was performing and they were hilarious. I’ve always liked improv comedy so I’m interested in attending one of their live shows.

Also featured was Strange Fruit Vintage, an online vintage store owned by my friend Shalishah “Petey’ Franklin. If you’re a fan of 80s and 90s apparel & accessories, check her out!

Other highlights from the documentary (Click on their names to learn more):

Rock-N Romp-A live concert with arts and crafts for parents and their kids. Held at different venues around the city, you must be accompanied by a child.

Mollie Fontaine Lounge-Located in Victorian Village, Mollie’s is known for its cool uptown/downtown vibe. The walls are covered with cool artwork, they serve yummy food (try the mac-n-cheese), and they have two forms of entertainment: a piano player/singer & a DJ upstairs.

Fire Tribe Memphis- Fire eating, fire breathing, belly dancing with fire palm torches-this is just an all around “HOT” performance. They perform all around the city, and you can catch them at Overton Park on Sunday afternoons in a drum session with Rico Rumba’s drum circle.

I seriously enjoyed the documentary. As I’ve said before, Memphis has so much culture, both mainstream and underground. I was happy that I was familiar with some of the artists/businesses featured (hi-five for me lol) but it also gave me some activities to look forward to. Please visit Live From Memphis’ website to see the documentaries and find out what you’ve been missing on the Flip Side!

So readers, did you attend the screening? Are you looking for new things to do around the city? Comment below and keep us NDLoop! ~KT

Hookah Anyone?

So Friday night I went to Oasis Liquid, a Hookah Lounge & Cafe located inside of Minglewood Hall in Midtown. For those that are unfamiliar, hookah is a single or multi-stemmed (often glass-based) instrument for smoking tobacco in which the smoke is cooled and filtered by passing through water. There are many flavors to choose from (last night we tried Vanilla), and they also have a few that are tobacco free. They also serve libations and snacks to nibble on in case you’re hungry.

Oasis is open every night starting at 5pm. On Fridays, belly dancers from Pyramid Dance Company perform starting around 10pm.

(I’ve never seen belly dancing live so I had to go down and check it out. They were pretty good, and now I want to take a class). Saturdays, there’s a live DJ spinning.

Oasis has such a cool vibe. It feels like you’re in an Uptown NY loft, hidden away from the world. If you need a moment after work to relax, or just want somewhere to go where you can hang out with your friends in an unconventional location, go by and check it out. The only requirement is that you have a membership (which is only $6 a year; if you got one at the Highland location you’re fine).

Have you been to Oasis yet? Do you plan on going? Comment below and keep us NDLoop!

J'Adore Magazine Swimsuit Competition

Beautiful Women. Hot suits. A-List Judges. July 2nd was J'Adore Magazine's Swimsuit Competition at The Republic Night Club. Hosted by Vivica Fox, the finalists from the previous model calls competed for a cash prize & an upcoming spread in the magazine. Peep some of the pics below, and be sure to visit NDLoop.net to check out who won and to see the rest!

Dear readers: did you make it to the competion? What do you think of the winner? Comment below and keep us ND Loop!