BIOGRAPHY of MAISHA K. PERKINS January 5, 2009

A self-proclaimed jack of all trades, master of writing, Mai Perkins has always been a part of the cultural arts community thanks to the encouragement of her artistic father and her mother, who is an educator. As a youth, she studied dance and theatre, participating in essay-writing and oratorical contests during middle and high school. In 1996, Mai enrolled at Howard University where she studied visual arts in the Experimental Art program, comprised of both art history and studio art courses. Graduating with honors in 2000, she became immersed in the Los Angeles artistic community by volunteering and working at museums such as the J. Paul Getty and the California African American Museum. She eventually accepted a client coordinator position with guerilla marketing agency, GTM…It Means A Lot, which was the beginning of her career in marketing and advertising.

During the summer of 2003, Mai participated in the Voices of Our Nation (VONA) Summer Writer’s Workshop in San Francisco, where she later became Workshop Coordinator. This intensive, nurturing week-long program was the direct link to her graduate study of Creative Writing at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, New York, earning a Master’s Degree in 2006. Since relocating to New York City, Mai has continued to hone her craft as a writer, photographer and artist, having forged a relevant connection to the live music community as a photo-documentarian and biographer of local musicians. With freelance gigs as an events producer, publicist and occasional background vocalist, Mai spends the majority of her time providing the service of writing, editing and photography through her business Mai.Lyfe.Image. She is currently ghostwriting a memoir and self-help project for a major client, has been the copy editor for Inner City Industry Non-Profit Organization since 2001, and occasionally shoots events for the Dance Theatre of Harlem. Mai is also completing her first children’s book manuscript, Ella Phantz-Gerald: The Jazz Singing Elephant, and is working on a first collection of poetry.

While in New York, Mai has had the opportunity to work for two marketing and advertising agencies, Spring, LLC and UniWorld Group, the nation’s longest-standing multicultural marketing agency. While working at the two agencies, Mai gained significant experience in copywriting, public relations, and branded entertainment, and worked with prominent clients such as: BMW, Time Warner Cable, and T.D. Jakes ministry, The Potter’s House. At UniWorld, Mai had the responsibility of writing content for their revamped website, which is currently under construction being redesigned. In addition to working in the marketing and advertising sector, Mai has worked in arts education for many years, frequently teaching workshops at the Amistad Center for Arts and Culture, which is housed at the Wadsworth Antheneum Museum in Hartford, CT. Her teaching experience ranges from working with kindergarten and first graders to teaching young adults beginning their college careers.

As a mantra, Mai often reflects, “Words are my craft, music is my passion.” As a poet she’s performed in numerous cities throughout the US and abroad including the Calabash International Literary Festival in Treasure Beach, Jamaica to perform her award-winning poem, “Old Fashion Girl”. She has published a number of poems, essays and short stories throughout her career, and looks forward to incorporating of all her different crafts into projects that shape the world. Mai currently resides in a remarkably charming neighborhood in Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn. In the next five years she hopes to tour five of the other six continents, sky dive, wind surf, take a flying trapeze class, and when the time is right, get married and have a couple of babies! She believes that potential is a beautiful thing when you realize it, and makes a point to laugh out loud every single day of her life.

The Obamafication of the Negro November 12, 2008

Black President by Dwayne Rodger

The Obamafication of the Negro*
by Maisha G. Woodson

I thought this would be a cool and appropriate title for an essay chronicling the emergence and catapulting of Obama into/beyond his super-iconic-BARACKstar status. I feel like I should have something extremely clever and/or poignant to say here, but let’s see what happens by the end of the essay…!

[So the essay would start off like this:] Examples of the “Obamafication” of said Negro- and large parts of other races, ethnicities and the rest of the world- is evident in the immediate Barack/Michelle Obama naming phenomenon where already hundreds of babies around the globe, from Kenya to the States, are being named after our President and First Lady-elect (and if babies aren’t being named after Barack, parents may feel even more comfortable with giving their children ethnically and culturally relevant, meaningful names without the backlash of “name discrimination” once the child has become an adult); also, the word/name “OBAMA” has now become a greeting, chant, and all around crowd-hyping catch-phrase; as the term “First Lady” has become a greeting, which has already being directed towards me a few times in the past week, e.g. “Good Morning, First Lady!” and so on; it seems that Sunday, November 9, 2008 was officially observed as “Barack Obama Day” in many churches and houses of the Lord here in NYC, and I’m sure around the country where parishioners, mainly African American, arrived decked in Obama gear from head to toe, singing the praises of Barack (“Obaaaaa-ma! Blessed be Ba-rack….!” or the Walter Hawkins inspired, “I voted for O-baaaaaa-mah! Now he’s pres-i-deeeent!”) and giving thanks to God for this “miracle” that many -young and old- believed they’d never live to see (I myself attended a Barack “Ba-runch” Sunday afternoon where much if not all conversation was directed towards the President-elect’s historic election and victory, even with obvious racism and cultural intolerance still running rampant in this country. All kinds of Barack-inspired greetings filled the place as people entered the brunch like, “Happy Obama Reign!”); since Barack’s election, I receive, forward or compose no less than 5 Barack Obama-related emails in a 24-hr period (and if it’s not emails, I’m reading all sorts of articles about him and his family or pending administration online- not to mention that I LOVE reading about Rahm Emanuel as much as I love reading about Barack & Michelle!); There are probably more songs written about or featuring Barack Obama than any other president in history, not to mention artwork and Obama paraphrenalia being massed produced for side hustles across town; also, in regards to the “Obamafication of the Negro” (and the entire world), it seems that Michelle and her girls have become fashion icons with so much influence that the outfits that they chose to wear for the election day celebration (and other public engagements like the J. Crew outfit on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”) have sold out in record numbers in other parts of the world (And, YES, I do mean that infamous, questionable black-n-red dress that every black person I know has had a problem with. For the record, I decided on election night that even though I may not have chosen THAT particular number to debut in as First Lady-elect, I was not going to hate on the black-n-red dress. I respect the black-n-red dress, I even like it… in a certain type of lighting, mainly low. But still.. I’m not hating); and, lastly, the all-encompassing euphoric optimism (which is steadily countering the jaded cynical belief of nothing having changed since Barack’s election) that is lingering around the hood yet is far-reaching all the way across oceans into other continents (I got an email today from an Australian client of mine expressing her happiness for our new president and her HOPEs that his term(s) in office will leave the world better off!) is clear indication that the “Obamafication of the Negro” (worldwide) is here to stay! Not to mention how folk are REALLY aspiring for that Barack/Michelle/OUR family is what’s most important to US kind of love (My parents got it… and maybe your family is similar- or maybe not, but I think it’s within reach for those of us who really want that type of relationship and family unit)!! I’m sure there are plenty of more examples of this “Obamafication” that I speak of, but I, for one, welcome it, embrace it, and will do my part to see that its positive effect continues past this moment and inspires life-changing, momumental, personal CHANGE in all of us– one way or another! OBAMA!!!

*Of course this is a take on the classic best-seller “The Mis-Education of the Negro” by Carter G. Woodson, originally published in 1933, theorizing how the indoctrination and conditioning of Negros taught us to seek out inferior positioning in the greater society of which we are a part, preventing us from thinking and doing for ourselves. I, hereby, theorize that the “Obamafication of the Negro” will condition this generation of Negroes, et al. (and generations to come) to seek out the highest possible positioning in society and to proactively bring about unprecedented leadership of the changing world.

Road To Discovery//Lifestyle Challenge April 1, 2008

Road To Discovery//Lifestyle Challenge*

Life is short for some people, unfortunately, and long and miserable for others. With that in mind, it’s not uncommon to hear the statement, “I’ve ALWAYS wanted to…” emerging from a lively conversation amongst people from all walks of life. It’s a universal statement that can be heard from the customer service agent who has always dreamed of being a graphic designer, the mother of four who has always wanted to learn how to swim, or the indie-soul singer who’s living out his dream as a musical artist but always dreamed of learning a martial art. Desiring something more than what we know to be reality is as natural as breath itself, yet we often think that there’s no way to ever acquire all of the random experiences we dream about. And perhaps there isn’t… But WHY is that a reason to sit back and let the POTENTIAL of gaining those experiences fade into an illusive daydream just out of reach? No matter what point we’ve reached in our lives, professionally or personally speaking, there are a few desires and aspirations that lay in the periphery of our minds waiting to come into fruition, should we just decide to take ACTION.

Road To Discovery//Lifestyle Challenge is just the vehicle to drive our participants to reach their desires one month at a time. Birthed from a past new year’s resolution to experience one new thing per month that you’ve “always wanted to do” the challenge is that our participants will commit to experiencing one new adventure per calendar month. The foundation of the idea is that through these twelve experiences within a one year period, each participant will inevitably be on their own personal road to discovering a new reality of who they are in the world in which we live. There is so much to be gained just by trying something new, so there is no limit to what each person may choose to experience each month; it can be as big as traveling to a destination they’ve never visited, or as simple as growing up in New York City yet never having visited the Guggenheim Museum or Statue of Liberty. Only YOU can decide what new experience you’d like to take on, and why it will be significant in your Road To Discovery!

Naturally, as this journey is being played out, the means by which the journey is reached is just as important as the journey itself. With each participant having decided to take on the challenge of creating and attaining the new experience, we invite [TBD Car Brand] to be the official means of transport on our Road To Discovery. Whether our participant is going to take a flying trapeze class, taking a cross country trip, or going to meet a long lost family member, it will be necessary for them to reach their destination by way of [the selected TBD vehicle]. With film crew on hand to document the entire experience from Point A and en route to Point B, the compelling and exciting story will partially play out within the [TBD Car Brand] vehicle, making it a unique and irreplaceable component in the complete “Discovery” experience. The Road To Discovery begins in the [TBD Car Brand] and where it leads is up to the one on the journey.

*Sample branded entertainment content

HUAC NYC Scholarship Fund to Raise $5,000 March 31, 2008

Each year, HUAC NYC holds a variety of fundraisers to award scholarships to deserving high school seniors in New York City who plan to attend Howard University in the fall. While the program helps in attracting quality students to Howard, the eligibility requirements include acceptance and admittance into the university during senior year at a New York City high school, applying for financial aid and housing, and the completed HUAC NYC scholarship application along with a copy of a high school transcript.

This year HUAC NYC has set the goal of raising $5,000 in scholarship funds to award incoming freshmen for the Fall 2008 semester. With the May deadline to raise the $5,000 one month away, it is imperative that each Howard Alum donate to the scholarship fund immediately. All donations are tax deductible, and a number of fundraisers have been held in order to facilitate reaching our goal. Last year, HUAC NYC was only able to award $500, and considering the 3,000 alum in the greater New York area we certainly are able to increase that amount to $5,000, even if every single person gave above $1.25! Certainly we are capable of raising more than $500, and we are charging you with the task of putting your money where it counts TODAY!

Consider these easy ways to immediately donate to the scholarship fund:

Maybe you’ll decide to take leftovers for lunch this week and use that $50 towards the scholarship fund?

Why not donate $40 to the scholarship fund in lieu of getting a few cocktails at the weekly happy hour!

How about skipping your weekly nail salon appointment and donating that $25 to the scholarship fund?

Perhaps donating $20 to the scholarship fund instead of playing the NY Lotto this week will increase the chance you’ll win next week!!!

Okay, you definitely can’t skip on filling up your gas tank…or can you? Weekly MTA Subway cards are $25, which is significantly less than filling up your tank! Maybe the rest of this week’s gas money can go towards the scholarship fund!!

However you decide to find the money, there are viable ways to cut back on the things in which we splurge to find extra dollars for the scholarship fund.

What better way to show our BISON LOVE than by helping the next generation to successfully get through their experience at Alma Mater with a little extra something that counts, LITERALY!!!!

MAKE YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO THE HUAC NYC SCHOLARSHIP FUND TODAY and send someone to HOWARD with a few extra dollars in their account for books!!!!!

Bison Broadway-Fundraising Event: Cat On A Hot Tin Roof March 4, 2008

On Sunday March 2, 2008 the New York Alumni Club gathered in large numbers at the Broadhurst Theater to attend the first ever all-African-American cast of Tennessee William’s Broadway classic, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. In total, HUAC NYC sold 119 tickets for this in-demand event which featured an EXCLUSIVE Talk Back session with Stephen C. Byrd, the producer of the play who was joined on stage by Debbie Allen (’71), Phylicia Rashad (’70) and the entire cast of the production. A portion of each ticket sold was donated to the HUAC NYC Scholarship Fund who raised over $1000 with this fundraising effort. Also, couture brand Jimmy Choo provided a wallet valued at $450 which was raffled off to one lucky guest following the talk back session. Noted audience members included HUAA National Officers M. Sandra Brown, President; Kim Singleton, Vice President; Keith Benn, Treasurer; Candice Jacko, Alumni Trustee; Alice Dear, former HUAC NYC President; and Andrea Hogans, HUAC NJ President.

To witness “Black theatre” royalty, live and in full color, on the main stage is always a touching experience; yet, to watch a stellar African-American cast on the Broadway stage breathe life into the embittered characters of the Tennessee Williams classic, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof is to witness Black history unfolding in real time. On Sunday March 2, 2008, members of the HUAC NYC witnessed the first ever all-African-American cast of Cat On A Hot Tin Roof at the Broadhurst Theater. This historic performance currently casts incomparable thespians James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad as the larger-than-life tycoon Big Daddy Pollitt, and the robust matriarch of the family Big Momma. Film star Terrance Howard makes his Broadway debut as their troubled alcoholic of a son, Brick, while Tony Award winner Anika Noni Rose is his hot-blooded, gold-digging wife, Maggie-The Cat. Directed by iconic entertainer and Howard alum Debbie Allen, additional cast members includes; Giancarlo Espocito as the elder son, Gooper; Lisa Arrindell Anderson as his wife, Mae who is expecting for the sixth time; Lou Myers as the Reverend Tooker; and Count Stovall as Doctor Baugh. Also marking her Broadway debut is the daughter of Terrance Howard, Heaven, as ill-behaved Dixie, the eldest daughter of Gooper.

A Stephen C. Byrd and Front Row Productions in association with Alia M. Jones, Walk Tall Girl Productions and AKILA WORKSONGS, Inc. (founded by alumnus April Silver ‘91), the entire cast was gracious enough entertain the HUAC NYC group during the exclusive Talk Back session hosted by Fine Arts alum Mo Beasley (‘91). With opening night on March 6, make it a point to witness history in the making by catching this breath-taking performance, which has limited engagements through spring.

I thought about Prince today… January 1, 2008

I thought about Prince today; my friend, Prince Jones, who was murdered by an undercover PG County police officer on September 1, 2000, at the age of 25. He doesn’t cross my mind quite as often as he used to, but certainly when new tragedies like Sean Bell arise, Prince is foremost on my mind. And even still, when I think of my time at Howard University, Prince is in that mix of memories, and again I am reminded that he just isn’t here anymore. He was followed out of Maryland through the District into Virginia where he was eventually greeted with gunshot after trying to protect himself by ramming his Jeep Cherokee into the black Montero SUV that blocked the road he was on. HIT eight times out of 16 shots fired, five shots in the back, Prince lay dying. Standing well over 6′ tall, he was allegedly mistaken by the officer/gunman for a man of 5′6″ and stocky build, who apparently had stolen a police firearm. From what I remember, Prince was trying to reach the house where his fiancé and daughter were sleeping at the time he was shot down. Unimaginable to hear of someone you’ve never met, let alone someone who you sat with and called Friend. If it weren’t for the media coverage and court documents that I’ve uncovered on the internet in recent years, I still would not believe it. It’s been a while since I’ve tried to put together the current pieces of what’s been going on in his case, but from what I read [I gather] things have become a bit contentious in the wake of the $3.7 million that’s been awarded/revoked/appealed/settled between his mother, his fiancé/the mother of his daughter- who was an infant at the time of his murder, and his father, which hopefully will be resolved (completely ironic considering Prince’s knack for conflict/resolution). There are so many details of which I basically know nothing (in the grand scheme of things), and certainly I’m not in the slightest position to make any type of judgment on who would deserve what between whom… I’m just a person far removed from the situation but remembers a wonderful brotha who once stood with us.

—

To a friend I love with all of God’s agape, to whom I am grateful for showing me the essence of thoughtfulness, joy, smiles, & humanity, and who, almost twelve years later, is still as cherished as the day we met.

Charming Prince Carmen

At a time when Howard University’s main campus was still a foreign sea of unknown, I realized the power of a smiling face and outstretched hand the day I met Prince Carmen Jones: Freshman year, August 1996. I first met Prince one evening while waiting for the shuttle to Meridian Hill Hall. I noticed this tall brother coming towards the shuttle stop on 4th street across from the Quad on the back side of campus. When he reached the stop, with one of those classic broad- Prince Jones- smiles, he introduced himself. “Wow!” I said. “Prince? That’s you’re name?!” We made small talk, me finding out that he was an old head around the HU community, but it was all good. “As long as you’re taking care of business, take as long as you need, right!?” we laughed. Eventually, the shuttle came and we continued to chit chat until we reached our Meridian Hall destination and went our separate ways.

Imagine my surprise that Saturday when walking onto campus from Georgia Ave I ran into my new friend in front of Cramton Auditorium amongst a bus load of school-aged children. “HEY! What’s going on over here?” I asked. “This organization I volunteer with is taking these kids to the skating rink… What are you doing?” Before, “Ooh nothing much…” came out of my mouth, Prince was already convincing me to come with them. “Right NOW!?!?!? Don’t I have time to go change?” “NO!” he said, “Come on! If you’re going you have to get on the bus right now! COME ON!!!” I was convinced. “Okay, I guess…!” I mean, I didn’t have any plans and when was the last time I went skating anyway!? Needless to say, my spur of the moment skating adventure was a complete blast! Especially since being a new student there were limited off campus activities I participated in, and I had Prince to thank for the invitation.

Over the next four years, being that I developed a major yard-chill-mode of operation, I ran into Prince wearing his black cowboy hat quite often as I chilled on the steps of Fine Arts, or anywhere else on campus I saw fit. There aren’t too many folks whom I can say this about, but EVERYTIME I ran into Prince I was received with a RADIANT SMILE and ENCOURAGING WORD. By my senior year, it wasn’t uncommon for Prince to express how proud he was to see that I’d “developed into such a respectable young woman taking care of business!” People are often so quick to voice their displeasure or problems with you that it’s really substantial to receive genuine encouragement from our brethren. Maybe it was Prince’s example that led me to become such a gregarious sunflower during my four years Howard. There is a thin line between confidence and arrogance, the latter which I have zero tolerance for. And Prince honestly knew the measure of a confident and spirited existence.

And he also knew the measure of a helping hand, because there were times when I needed a ride to or from somewhere and if I saw Prince and asked, he happily obliged. One such episode was last fall when I had taken the metro to Dave & Buster’s for a friend’s birthday party. It was, as always, a pleasant surprise to run into Prince and he ended up joining us for the party! When it was over we were trying to decide how everyone was going to squeeze in the cars to go back to campus (since there were more people riding back than had come to D&B’s). Prince was quick with his offer, “You know I’ll give you a ride, sis!” When we got into his black Jeep Cherokee, one of my favorite songs, Fred Hammond’s “Blessed” came blaring through the speakers. “Let me find out you’re into Fred” I smiled. “Yeah” Prince answered, “I listen to this song every morning. The Lord has really blessed me.” He told me that he was not in school that semester because there were some things in his life that he was getting together. It did then and still gives me comfort to know that he truly found his joy in the Lord when he was here.

And even though in this human reality we can’t comprehend why our friend was taken from us in such a detestable manner, we can find our peace and confidence in knowing as Prince has departed his earthly body, absence from the flesh is to be present with the Lord (2 Corinthian 5: 6-8). And so I don’t try to figure out why or how this happened, because I’ll NEVER know in this lifetime. BUT I now smile brighter than ever knowing that I WILL see him again.

September 11, 2000

Lee Hogans, Trumpeter December 20, 2007

Trumpeter and composer, W. Lee Hogans finds truth in the words of the charismatic Louis Armstrong, “What we play is life!” Maintaining an aggressive path of professional achievement in his own right, Lee’s journey as a musician has been guided far beyond his native of Atlanta, where he began studying music at the age of ten. Now, several years later, Lee’s diligence has paid off as he continues to fashion a style of music distinctly his own.

Quickly gaining notoriety by working with giants in the entertainment industry, Lee’s experience covers the gamut. He is a band member of legendary pop icon, Prince and played with him at the 2008 Academy Awards/Oscars Party. They’ve also played together at the club 02 in London following a performance with him during the 2007 Super Bowl week in Miami and a stint at Club 3121 in Las Vegas. Lee also jumped at the opportunity to tour with media mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs’ on the Press Play world tour, where the band made numerous guest television appearances. Lee has also found distinct pleasure in playing with Hidden Beach Recording Artist, Mike Phillips, performing at annual events including the Tom Joyner Cruise, Essence Festival and the BET Jazz Festival.

When not playing with such notables, Lee is persistently cultivating his sound and skill as a trumpeter and composer leading his own band, Pursuance (with bandmates Jesse Fischer, Seth Johnson, Josh David and Jerome Jennings). Encompassing the worlds of Jazz, Hip-Hop, and Soul, Lee’s stylistic influences range from Lee Morgan and Freddie Hubbard to James Brown and Run DMC. Having completed his debut album with Pursuance, The Vibe Orientation (which has received airplay on The Weather Channel and XM Radio), Lee’s focus as a composer centers on strong catchy grooves with beautiful hypnotic melodies. His brilliant tone, excellent articulation, and dynamic lyricism provide much range to artistically stretch out while Pursuance dazzles audiences at a number of destination venues throughout New York and New Jersey.

Lee’s sense of composition and delivery developed through years of musical study. Under the tutelage of renowned trumpeter Danny Harper, Lee received first-hand instruction on theory, improvisation, composition, and technical style; a foundation which further developed his skill and ability as a trumpeter. While studying with Mr. Harper, Lee attended Georgia State University (GSU), where he gained knowledge of classical music under Mark Hughes, principal trumpeter of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Balancing his formal study with essential on-stage experience, Lee began playing at Atlanta’s premier jazz club, Churchill Grounds until graduating from GSU with Honors.

In 2003, Lee earned a Master’s degree in Jazz Performance from Rutgers University under the guidance of renowned jazz educators William Fielder and Clark Terry. Since completing his formal education, Lee has continued to make influential moves in his career as a trumpeter-in-demand, diligently making a name for himself in New York City. When not touring with any number of prominent musicians and performance acts, Lee is in the recording studio lacing tracks with his relevant signature, having recorded with Fantasia, Missy Elliot, Sheila E, and on Prince’s new album, Planet Earth.

Come Home to Solomon’s Porch November 7, 2007

There is a certain energy illuminating the neighborhood of Stuyvesant Heights, Brooklyn, which can be traced directly to the live event restaurant venue known as Solomon’s Porch. Converted from an antique shop, it has become a hip, urban meeting spot where one will find anything from a great bottle of Chilean wine to tasty bite-sized southern crab cakes. Under new ownership since the fall of 2005, it was determined that the residential aesthetic of Stuyvesant Heights, the vicinity bordered by Stuyvesant and Lewis Avenues in particular, far exceeded the commercial aesthetic of the neighborhood. The new management also concluded that nearby families shouldn’t have to travel outside of their immediate neighborhood for quality dining and entertainment experiences. Accordingly, in the past two years, Solomon’s Porch has evolved into a premier destination location for individuals living in Bedford-Stuyvesant and in other parts of New York City, at large. General Manager Ardenia Brown mentions how their clientele ranges from enlightened artsy types to more staid corporate types, noting that often guests travel from as far as Manhattan and Queens to their locale because of the caliber of talent showcased along with their first-rate menu. She also mentions that they’ve attracted a wide variety of people from various cultural backgrounds as the historic community continues to rejuvenate.

Describing the cuisine of Solomon’s Porch, Brown paints a picture of American Southern fusion cuisine with elements of North African spices that are used in dishes that create flavorful tastes to the pallet. Managing Partner, Quinn Isaac, adds that the menu’s southern American inspired dishes compliment the neighborhood as well. Whether it’s their Savory Tilapia & Clams, the Jerk Steak Wrap, or their vegetarian friendly Black Bean Cakes and Moroccan Lentil Soup (each created with its own savory sauce), Solomon’s Porch provides what people want to eat when they’re listening to great music. Personally selected by Brown, an incredible wine list is comprised of selections that range from California to imported wines from Italy, Chile, and Argentina. Their bar is rounded off with exquisite imported beer and “…a mean Sangria!” An incredible brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays from 9am-4pm, which includes spicy shrimp and grits, salmon croquettes and a special French toast complimented by fresh bananas gives the menu an appetizing variety.

In keeping with the vibrant cultural tradition, Solomon’s Porch boasts an assortment of live entertainment acts six nights a week, ranging from straight ahead or hip hop jazz fusion to spoken word poetry nights. Talent is personally chosen by Brown, whose professional background includes executive experience in the music industry. She speaks of jazz musicians living in the neighborhood, and the Porch’s mission of providing a venue where the younger generation can be creative with their talents from every genre of music. Their calendar truly varies, and as a patron, “you never know what you will walk into, whether it’s dancing or comedy”. Supporting the arts in every sense of the word, Solomon’s Porch uses the interior space to exhibit works by visual artists of all ethnic groups. Chosen by Quinn’s keen appreciation for vibrant works that illustrate distinct artistry, various artists are given opportunity to introduce their inspired concepts to the community in which they reside through Solomon’s Porch.

When asked how he would like to continue building on the legacy in which Solomon’s Porch has diligently invested, Mr. Isaac is sincere with his desire to be even more involved with community outreach and neighborhood charitable events. Ardenia points out that while they are providing the space for entertainment arts, they also support events that speak to cultural education and cater to nonprofits that reach their clientele and the community. The Porch proudly fosters close knit relationships with adjoining businesses across Halsey and Stuyvesant, understanding the necessity in supporting other black owned businesses while encouraging dialogue about businesses dynamics within the community. The establishment also welcomes private engagements such as bridal or baby showers, birthday parties, and sponsored luncheons. Ultimately their customers are the most important element in the equation of their success. “Our customers’ input is very important” Quinn Isaac reflects, “because we are off the beaten path and have to create an environment where they’ll always have a reason to come back.”

David “Deej” DiGiantomasso September 28, 2007

Deej @ Taste The Stage in Brooklyn

Percussionist David “Deej” DiGiantomasso lives in the balance of music and the live musical experience. With a strong belief in its unquestionable power, David’s journey to uncovering his mission as one of New York’s premiere percussionists began with his brother’s trumpet at the age of nine in New Jersey. It wasn’t until age fifteen, however, when he bought his first pair of bongos that the love affair with rhythm and his development as an artist truly began to take form. It was this pair of bongos that remarkably set the wind of determination in motion which carries Deej through a lifetime of creating percussive rhythms, and the optimism to face the world one beat at a time.

As his career began to unfold, sitting in at club dates, David always stayed close to the musical influences of esteemed masters like Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, and Carlos Santana. Clearly understanding the impact of Davis’ groundbreaking fusion, Deej’s style as a musician combines a folkloric jazz taste with eclectic R&B and Hip Hop flavors. This style is ultimately enhanced by the color and effects of his musical auxiliary tools: chimes, triangles, and special instruments—like the Brazilian berimbau—that have been acquired over the course of his worldwide travels. As a producer, live onstage and in the studio, Deej has worked and toured with many R&B and funk luminaries including Shelby Johnson of Prince’s New Power Generation, the Original Parliament, Grammy Award winner John Legend, three time nominee Anthony Hamilton, Martin Luther, and renowned jazz trumpeter, Roy Hargrove. He also played on the Flavio soundtrack, which won a best documentary award at the Woodstock Film Festival.

Growing up David studied with many great artists, which contributed to his own unique sound. Early in his career Deej had the opportunity to play with Zigi and Lion Heart in many SGI Peace Concerts, featuring world class musicians Kenwood Dinard, TM Stevens, Delmare Brown, and Carlos Alumar. Learning from these greats proved to be a valuable springboard for Deej’s career. Coming to New York City at the age of nineteen, Deej honed his craft in percussion, studying with the likes of Frank Colon and Doc Gibbs, among others, combining the value of both street teachers and formal educators. Studying the handcrafting of snare drums with Gladstone under Arnie Lang, Deej learned triple tuning system, working in sales, equipment setups, and with making the drums.

Holding a Liberal Arts degree from Ocean County College with a minor in Music Performance, David has studied at The Boys Harbor Latin Music Conservatory in Harlem and the Drummers Collective. As his passion runs deep David believes as a musician it is his responsibility to play music that adds to the betterment of the world. On a smaller scope, his mission is to uplift the people for whom he plays, leaving the listening audience optimistic about facing the world and encouraging that feeling in their daily lives. David spends his time as a music educator when not touring, working with after school arts programs within the NYC school system and with private students, and in 2002 coordinated and performed with a group of twenty five students at NYC’s Madison Square Garden. With his students Deej is creating a healthy sense of self esteem, self discipline and self confidence, making a substantial in their lives.

Melissa Young September 19, 2007

Melissa Young Album Release

Solomon’s Porch recently hosted the pre-album release party of Atlanta-based soul singer, Melissa Young. Celebrating the upcoming release of her debut album, Just Up The Road, Melissa performed an acoustic set accompanied by Brooklyn-based guitarists Shelton Gardner and Teddy Crockett. During the listening party, selected songs from the album were played in conjunction with an engaging question & answer session from her New York fan base. During the session, the singer/songwriter from Greenville, SC recounted anecdotes of her life which she’s masterfully crafted into songs of love, courage and freedom. A filmmaker-turned-songstress, Melissa Young began her career as a background vocalist for Ky-Mani Marley touring around the world from Paris to Berlin. In all of her travels Melissa always dreamt of performing her own music in NYC where her film career blossomed, and before long, music became her fulltime gig. During the Q&A Melissa spoke about her debut album, released by SugaShack Music, having been inspired as a result of painful struggle she’s endured throughout her life, and the resolve to personally overcome in the most progressive ways.

Starting off the set with an ode to good brothas worldwide, “Mr. Sho’nuff” affirms: “Hey, Mr. Sho’nuff, tell me where you get your stuff, from your mama or your daddy, I sure can’t get enough…”, while the soulful melody of “Just A Girl” affirms her own personal and distinct walk through life. The album’s title track “Just Up The Road” oozes gospel sensibility, boasting a collaborative effort with Melissa’s dad (whose vocal range is reminiscent of the legendary Ron Isley). She was very proud to share the recording experience with her father who was never able to pursue his own passion of singing professionally choosing rather to provide for his family. In her own success, Melissa finds being part owner of SugaShack Music her saving grace and most rewarding, having secured a major distribution deal in the U.S. and Canada.

For more information on Melissa Young’s music and upcoming shows, please visit:

http://www.myspace.com/melissayoung1

http://www.sugashackmusic.com/