On The Music Scene : Red Devil Lounge - March 26, 2010

Where: Red Devil Lounge

When: March 26, 2010

Time: 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM

Who: Adam Stern, Damon Castillo, Matt Masih and The Messengers and Elevaters

My best friend Connie Harris and I are first and foremost music lovers, secondly we are HUGE fans of the Elevaters so when we both heard that the band was going to be back in San Francisco we had to be there! So Connie ordered our tickets with the anticipation of seeing our guys rock the stage once again.

Both Connie and I have frequent the Red Devil Lounge in San Francisco for past shows, however last night Friday night (03/26/2010) when we arrived to the venue a highly charged energy seem to consume the place. People were happy and in a positive mood as Connie and I entered the venue. We were greeted by familiar faces and most of all by the musicians set to take the stage. Matt Masih (a long time friend and brother from another mother) was the first to greet us with his BIG smile. Just earlier that day I'd sent him a facebook message letting him know that Connie and I would be at the show... he was thrilled to see a familiar face in the building.

After exchanging hugs with Matt both Connie and I made a beeline to the front of the stage so that we had the best seats in the house. While standing mid center of the front row Sam Golzari of the Elevaters stepped off the stage to greet me. I gave him a smile followed by hug while asking about the show for the night.

"It's gonna be fun!" He said... "The new songs are dope, I think you're gonna like em!" To be honest, those guys could sing the Alphabets backwards and upside down and it wouldn't matter to be because they are that damn good.

Anyhow, we embraced one last time before he made his way over to give Connie a hug and as he released me he was like "Damn girl you smell good what are you wearing?"

"Versace Bright Crystal," I stated with pure confidence and smiled.

"Like that?!" he asked.

I laughed and answered back, "Hell yeah!"

Then as Sam left to go back stage I ran into Miles at the bar and was greeted with a loud "KESHA YORK-JENKINS!" For those who know Miles, you know he is crazy as hell but loveable nevertheless. The interaction between he and I was similar to what Sam and I had shared only moments ago. He greeted Connie and gave her a hug as well and told him that he was excited that we had been able to make it out to the show... he said that it was going to be a good show.

Now it has become cliche' to promise a good show even if there is a chance that the show may be dreadful. However being that they won us over nearly a year ago to the date with their highly charged performance at Hotel Utah Saloon in San Francisco we knew that when they said we were in for a good performance; we were going to get just that!

We're also really good friends with Berkeley's favorite flower child Adam Stern, so while tuning up on stage for his performance Connie and I dropped by the stage to say hello and give him a hug for good luck. He like Matty and the fellas from Elevaters was excited to see us as well. It had been a year since he'd seen us and just was happy to see friendly familiar faces back in the Bay.

Now out of all the shows I've ever been too I had never felt such a personal connection with the performing artists but it felt great to know that the guys really appreciated our support and enjoyed being in the presence of true music connoisseurs that understood their passion for the music they played for their fans.

As a dedicated soul to music I can dig the hard work and dedication that these artists put into a show. So as the lights dimmed as Adam took the stage I made it a point cheer on my dear friend as he strummed his guitar to classic tunes like  Stronger Everyday, Backstab Baby, California Sun, The Dreamer Child and War. The one song I would have loved for him to do with Elevaters is Cornerstone but he gave a solid performance that left me out of breath.

However what neither of us counted on the San Luis Obispo musician Damon Castillo and his band to grace the stage with such fierce determination that Connie and I could help but notice how deeply rooted Damon's groove was. Belted out tunes like All I Know, Surrender, That Ain't Love, Breakdown, Encore and Prince's Musicology brought the level of intensity to a feverish pitch as the band's saxophone player jazzed up the funk on the band's cover of Prince's tune.

By the time Matt Masih took the stage the crowd was really digging the vibes and rocking to the Messengers as Matty sang pitch perfectly to Take Me Away, Commotion, Just Friends, the Jackson 5 I Want You Back and Stevie Wonder's Superstition. As a long time Michael Jackson fan I found Matt's tribute to the late King of Pop to be fitting and wonderful.

Once Matt's set was over there was about a 10 minute break as the Elevaters prepared to take the stage. Every artist that performed made their way into the crowd to witness the phenomenon about to happen on stage. Both Adam and Matt know the musical genius of the band... after all they are all friends. Just as the energy began to erupt from the eager fans to the left and right of me Sam took the stage with Miles and Benjamin in tow.

After a brief introduction the Elevaters kicked off their set with their brand new single 'Tonight' followed by crowd pleasing tracks like Take Me Out, Can't Stop It, Trippin and a saucy dedication of Patience to my best friend Maharisha. By the time they ended the show with The One I was dripping buckets of sweat and my hair was all but shot! But it was well worth it! The Elevaters gave a high energy, high impact performance that left me wanting more.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

TMI - When is it too much information (original post date 03/29/2010)

We all have at some point in our life share a little more about ourselves than we should have. Telling our business when it wasn't necessary and often sharing too much of our private lives with the wrong people.

I too have done it a time or two, but to error is to be human, right? But when is too much information just that... too much?! Granted one can only learn about the human condition through sharing experiences, but shouldn't there be limit on what we share with whom we share that information with?

The social networking has allowed people from every corner of the globe to come together under a veil of social technology to learn about each other via myspace, facebook or twitter.

While I find it fascinating to learn about the people I socialize with online, I'm not quite interested in really knowing what unsavory activities their involve with offline.

For instance I recently had to give some chick the boot off my twitter followers list because she was a bit of a hoe bag. She and I had corresponded for about six months and she seemed like a cool person... that was until I started noticing her raunchy late night tweets in my feed the next morning.

I try not to judge, really I don't but it's hard not to wonder why someone who indulge in such loose behavior like using twitter as a universal black book to hook up with men and women and then brag about it on twitter.

It's cheap and tacky and I didn't want to have anything to do with her little exploitive game she was playing on twitter so I gave her ass the boot. Had she kept her little escapades to herself I would have never known what she was doing.

However, being that she was so comfortable sharing that part of her life with whomever would read her tweets without questioning her actions made it all too easy for her to share her business online with random ass strangers. Let me say it again, I try hard NOT to judge but she made it real easy for me to cut her loose without looking back.

Some of the other things I have run across on twitter and facebook is people in relationships drawing attention to the flaws of their relationships by inviting others in speak openly about the problems they (the couple) is having.

Now there is nothing wrong with friends seeking the advice and guidance of other friends, but I do have a problem with pulling EVERY friend into a situation that does not call for an audience.

Allowing everyone into your business only complicate things, yet I can't tell you how many times instigators from the outside were invited in only to cause online drama between girlfriend/boyfriend or husband/wife.

The point I am trying to make with this post is that when you share too much of yourself or your business online you open yourself up for all sorts of foolishness and manheim. When you limit what you share online, you spare yourself from being butt-hurt when someone says something about you that you don't like or they judge you because you say something that they don't like. Either way it's a screwed up situation that you should stay away from.

People having issues in their marriage are better off sharing their deepest and most private secrets with a marriage counselor, not your "online" friends. While it's great to have them as a source for guidance and support, depending on what the situation is you may want to get to the bottom of your disparaging marital issues without the peanut gallery messing up your chances for reconciliation.

Just saying...

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Random Video - 'Grandma's Hands' by Elevaters (original post date 03/28/2010)

The band pays homage to the grandma's of the world! It's a cleverly written song consisting of equally impressive musical blend of harmony backed by the head nodding rhythm and ridiculous bass line. It's one of my favorite songs and sure be a favorite of yours as well.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

John Legend teams up with Rick Ross & Cassidy for 2 new hot tracks! (original post date 03/258/2010)

The very talented John Legend lends his unique vocals skills to both Miami rapper Rick Ross and Philly hoodstar Cassidy for two separate but equally pleasing tracks.

Check out:

Sweet Life by Rick Ross featuring John Legend

Searching by Cassidy featuring John Legend

Click to download, listen and share the music.

Enjoy!
ChicaWest

Big ups to Nikia Leslie and the KUMSfm Family! (original post 03/25/2010)

Last night I co-hosted Brown Sugar Radio with Nikia Leslie on www.kumsfm.com and if you were listening you know we were acting up!

There was plenty of good music and a lot of discussion about bad ass Bebe's kids and the future of our youth, haters versus people with valid opinions and dumb ass co-workers who don't know when to shut the f*ck up!

Oh yeah, Nikia and I blew up the spot with straight wisdom and knowledge... and an occasional b!tch slap. The night was fun as hell and hopefully I'll get a chance to co-host Brown Sugar Radio again with my girl. With us you never know what the discussion will be when you get Nikia and I together but it's guaranteed to be on point and real... believe that!

Big ups to KUMSfm.com radio for providing listeners with a stations that plays good music not that commercialize ISH you hear 50 times a day!

Hope those who tuned in enjoyed the show!

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Blind sided by the ignorance of the youth (original post date 03/22/2010)

This past Saturday I attended an event with a friend (Nikia Moore) who is managing Sacramento hip-hop group Major League Spittaz at The Roadhouse off Bell Avenue.

I had never been to this venue nor had I heard the group perform live, so this opportunity provided me with several firsts. Well, a local Sacramento organization came up with a great venue so Sacramento pre-teens and teens could have a positive place to hangout and enjoy the company of their peers in a friendly and hostile free environment away from the streets.

Nikia, Courtney aka Century of MLS and other members of the group arrived at the venue ready into kick start the Safe Haven event in high gear, but instead of a warm welcome MLS was met with curious and confused eyes.

I say confused because Nikia and I both notice before, during and after the group's performance (which they killed it by the way) that our youth of today have become complacent with the commercialized brand of hip-hop heard on the radio or seen on the television. They missed the opportunity to see the genre in it's rare and creative form.

The group completed their set with a resounding silence that created the void between the hosts and the attended receivers of the lyrical messages provided by Major League Spittaz. The truth became evident as the adults witness the disconnection not only from the music but the purpose of Safe Haven.

We were blind sided by the youth and their appetite for everything opposite of the purpose for the event. The ideal of wanting to keep them safe by providing them with a Safe Haven from the streets had eluded them all together.

Every adult in that room had a look of fustration because as current leaders we felt a bit helpless and while looking around the room we realized that we are not only fighting with the streets but with popular urban culture to save the youth from itself.

I am going to pray that the Save Haven program is a success because the youth of Sacramento really do need it, especially with the looming summer months ahead.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Make An Impact on Finding a Cure for Breast Cancer (original post date 03/19/2010)

When she was only 38, Sonia was diagnosed with breast cancer. This young mother of two entered the race of a lifetime in her passion for beating the disease. Today, five years later, Sonia has won her battle and is actively supporting Komen Sacramento's efforts to win the war. She leads one of the largest race teams, that over the last four years has raised $96,174. Sonia, like so many of our registrants, is inspired to save lives. Survivors and activists alike are making an impact on the disease, and will not stop until we've reached our goal.

YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT BY REGISTERING FOR THE
KOMEN SACRAMENTO RACE FOR THE CURE
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Cal Expo - Sacramento
5K run/walk or 1 mile fun run/walk

CATCH THE EARLY BIRD SPECIAL BY REGISTERING BY FEBRUARY 26TH
You can now register online by clicking on the Race icon to the right
Team captains - register yourself, name your team, and start recruiting

PREFER TO SLEEP IN? - Register for Sleep In for the Cure® and support Komen Sacramento without sacrificing your beauty sleep! You'll receive through the mail a door hanger that lets the world know you are Sleeping In for the Cure and a t-shirt. You can also collect donations and win a prize.

NEW T-SHIRT DESIGN - As always registrants will receive a free t-shirt (while supplies last). This year the shirts have a new design voted on by the public. We think you will love it!

If you would like to register to walk please visit www.komen.kintera.org.

Also I am hosting a fundraiser event in support of  the Race for a Cure event on May 1st. If you would like to attend the Pink Panties Cocktail Social please e-mail me at chicawestpromo@gmail.com.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Attention Independent Artists & Bands (original post date 03/18/2010)

Are you an independent artist looking to spread your music via the internet? Let the music diva ChicaWest review the music and blog about it! Send all MP3 submissions along with the name of the artist and/or band with the proper contact information to chicawestpromo@gmail.com.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

P.S. All submissions are reviewed and all genres are accepted. ;)

Tiger Woods? Please! (original post date 03/16/2010)

The buzz on Twitter and Facebook today is centered around Tiger Woods returning to play in the Masters. Personally I think it's great that Tiger wants to return to golf to play in the sport he is good at and loves but seriously there are just wayyyyy too many people tweeting this information with glee like they have been watching The Masters before Tiger could walk.

"I mean really? How many of y'all really watch golf even if Tiger Woods is playing. That ish is boring as hell... no fuss, Tiger doing what he does best... swinging his balls at random holes. (pun intended) HA!"

I tweeted that less than an hour ago and here are some of those responses I've gotten via twitter and facebook.

On Twitter

@geneeeva: @ChicaWest ~laughing at you ; ) golf is a pretty big deal around here dearie!

@DeeJayClyde: @ChicaWest OMG how dare u! I love golf! Its one of da bestes spor...t....s. Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

On Facebook

Jenicco DeLoach Cotton - Well I like Happy Gilmore. Thats about it. :-)

Johnny Florence - Blood that's how u feel u r crazy for that one!!!

Kesha York-Jenkins - he he, I'm saying right?! Girl Black folks is all giddy about Tiger playing in the masters and they know their black asses ain't watching no golf tournament. It's like The Tiger Effect, now that he has been prosecuted by the media because he cheated on his wife all of a sudden blacks want to support him. Psst, give me a damn break!

Mayra Felix - Hahaha. Yeah seriously who watches golf?

Kesha York-Jenkins - Shit I don't... not gonna lie to kick it with all the Tiger supporters. lol

Mayra Felix - Random white holes that is Lol

Bussaina Nubi Ahmed-Mohamed - I know! Like what kind of a sport is that, waiting for the ball to roll into a white hole. Wow. Almost as much as a sport as poker on Espn. Intense as hell.... NOT

Kuji Amani - Actually, I started watchin golf when I learned of Tigers story re his father. Great story. Havent watched since he stopped playin No ones as good as he is. Cant wait to see him do it again.Clinton didnt lose his presidency, politicians dont resign. I support brothers in all sports golf, tennis, swimming, speed skating, bmx, classical music included. There isnt anything we cant master and I enjoy our diverse abilities.There are plenty who support Tiger which is why the PGA is losing money every second he's out.

Kesha York-Jenkins - Kuji your support seem genuine, so kudos go u for supporting Tiger and the golf sport. I personally have never nor will I ever watch golf.

Melanie Wilbur - You are a mess girl! I love it!

Sandy Highland - I don't know who Kuji is...but they are smart ;) I can say "we knew him when"....or maybe "before"....and the story with his father is genuine. So was his love for his extended family...who he gifted generously when he hit it big. Fame is a drug....and he failed the test. But, I never watched golf until he played...and it IS boring as ish without him. Charisma....

Kesha York-Jenkins - Kudos to all people who watch golf... Kuji gave a great explanation as to when, where and how he became a fan of golf. That's great and all but the posts was meant for the bandwaggoneers... only.

Connie Harris - You got a lot going on here..... LOL

Kesha York-Jenkins - @Connie I know right?!

Patricia Castille - You are Crazy Kesha!

Robert Florence - my sister is da only person n da world that understand me.

Sarrah Nunyabidniz - No you di-ent, Mija! Nasty-coshina-girl! But I LMFAO at that! Muahzies!

Keep the comments going. I'll post them here to share with the world! This post is NOT to diss tiger (per se) but to draw attention to the fake hooplah surrounding his return by those who have never probably watched a golf game in their life!

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Music Monday - Murder by Music Monday - Murder by FreshCoastICON feat J. Luttrell (03/15/2010)

Today I started my search for brand new music from some of the hottest artists you have yet to hear about. My boy Aydin sent me a tweet with the download link to FreshCoastICON's new track Murder featuring J. Luttrell.

As your official Chica of The West Coast, I am stamping this one a summer banger. Hold on to your butts because this song is going to murder the competition!

Peace & Blessings

ChicaWest

RECOMMENDATION: Click the link, listen, download and share it! :)

www.sendspace.com/file/krd52w - Murder by FreshCoastINC feat. J. Luttrell

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FreshCoastICON's Bio via Myspace.com

He is NEXT. Iconic in every sense of the word, it’s no wonder that even Wikipedia rushed to print his name. With swag like some, lyrical play like none and a smile that entices all, its quite clear why ICON answered his calling to hip hop. Born in a tumultuous post-revolution Iran, ICON (born Ila Parvaz), stepped into the world at the height of another mass movement taking place in the U.S. Hip Hop was pressing into the music scene at the hands of Russell Simmons and other legendary figures. When “Walk this Way” hit the Billboard charts in 1986, it was more than a welcoming introduction for ICON, whose family made the U.S. their home that same year. While the East Coast was bumping, the N.W.A. was making major noise in the West Coast. Landing in Orange County, California ICON took notice at the major influences of American culture and felt the strong presence of Hip Hop. It was at age 13 that ICON entered the ring for his first freestyle battle. Awakened by N.W.A., but inspired by the evolving East Coast culture, ICON rests his influence on the likes of those rappers who could creatively deliver a message while containing their emotions ingeniously in their bars. Almost a decade after he went in for his first taste, ICON is now more than an ingredient in this melting pot some call hip hop. He is the product, uniquely branded and individually wrapped. He represents the legacy and the continuation. a new era has begun.

For more information on this artist visit www.myspace.com/hiphopicon.

For more information of 80hAydin visit www.myspace.com/aydinmusique.

Are you a hater or highly opinionated? (original post 03/15/2010)

Ever browse some of the pages on social networking sites like myspace, facebook and twitter? What did you see? Things that made you laugh things that make you cringe and probably a lot of self-absorption, right?

For every one good correspondence that is taking place on the World Wide Web, there are about 10 correspondences that are liable to end in disagreements which often leads to hatred.

Why is that? Let's take me (because it's my blog) for instance. I potentially hang out among like-minded people in various online communities but always manage to butt heads with several members because they dislike my views on a discussion or they either find my approach too straight forward therefore writing me off as indifferent or a HATER.

While I am strongly opinionated I am definitely not indifferent nor am I a hater. The thing is; I am not obsessed with hate, so  when I speak on a subject it's usually with clear and concise understanding of the matter with an opinion derived from logic and knowledge not passion and lack of knowledge.

Sometimes it's hard to understand how others draw their conclusions about this world we live in, but then again those same people have grown sensitive while becoming obsessed with labeling people as haters if someone disagrees with what they have to say or what they do.

Well I won't digress because I think people need to understand the difference between people who discuss opposition to offer evident truth as oppose to those who could care less about the truth but seek to make your life a living hell by disagreeing with you say or do.

People who don't know you can only offer up their opinion of what they perceive as an honest answer and/or observation. This is the case with most of the interaction that takes place via the Internet. So then why is it while I am roaming those mentioned social sites do I see people tripping over what people have to say?

You can't possible put yourself out there expecting EVERYONE to agree with what you say or do? It's unrealistic to think that your audience and followers are accepting of every single post and/or update that you give.

I have found that in this voyeuristic age the more personal information you provide for yourself to the world, the more likely to be met with disagreement, opposition and in small rare cases sarcasm. Should you accept it? No; but unless you live in a fishbowl where social events are just centered on your thoughts, feelings and emotions it's most likely that those "so-called" haters are going to slice you up a piece of humble pie.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Family & Money equals Nonsense

This morning I awoke to a text message from my brother Shawn asking to borrow money. Shawn is the eldest of my three brothers and has 8 kids with the same woman and lives in Texas. He works at UTMB in Galveston and makes enough money to take care of his family.

At first glance of his text message I laughed, then I re-read it again and was stumped and upon another read and I became pissed. Shawn is two years younger than me and very capable of taking care of himself so I found it odd that he would be asking me for money.

You see, I hardly ever hear from Shawn and usually when we talk I am the one doing the calling. Through conversations with my grandmother I assume he was doing well because of his job at the hospital  but I was wrong.

Anyway, I called him this morning to get more insight on the story before giving him a resounding NO and you would not believe how quickly the conversation soured when he realized that I was not going to give him money.

Ok, here's a little advice for those of you who like to hit up your family members for loans:

- Be ready to answer a shit-load of questions about your lifesytle and financial management.

- Be ready to hear the truth... whatever that is. So if you are one of those people who only call when you need something, be prepared to hear it.

- Suck it up! Nobody cares that your pride is suffering. If you are bold enough to ask for money then be strong enough to take the criticism that comes with borrowing money.

- DO NOT insult the person you are asking for money. I revealed to my brother the reason I thought he was broke was because of all them damn kids and he told me flat-out, "I should reach through this phone and smack the shit out of you!"

- DO NOT assume the person you are asking for money is financially wealthy just because they manage their money well. My brother said I MUST be rich if I could afford a family vacation in South Lake Tahoe.

I share these pointers with my fellow "loaders" so that in the distant future you don't add insult to injury by asking for money and insulting the person all at the same time. It's not a good look and could lead to some resentment or fallout.

Instead of getting angry with my brother, I decided to explain a few things to him before telling him NO. I realized that although we were raised in the same household with the same values my brothers didn't absorb the life lessons as I had.

However, being that he is an adult now and having kids that he can't afford I only felt it necessary to tell him to get a second job or take out a loan with his bank if he needed the money so bad. After that I told him that I had to get ready for work myself and bid him adieu.

For the first time in my adult life I didn't feel bad by turning m brother away AND I kept it civil instead of loosing it! I issued a soft b!tch slap without dislocating my elbow! LOL :)

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

B!tch Slap Wednesday (original post date 3/10/2010)

It seems the earth DID NOT align with the stars so that my day could be a peaceful one. First my both of my sons decided that they wanted to work each other’s nerves early in the morning. My youngest son was hell-bent on taking a shower before heading to school but my eldest son thwarted his plans by beating him into the shower first.

I didn’t say anything to either of them because I wanted to see how they would handle the situation without my input. So I continued getting dress for work and kept my ears open for the never-ending bickering between the two of them.

Needless to say I left the house without having to lay the smack down on some children. So here I am feeling good about the start of the day, I get on the bus headed to work listening to Adam Lambert and browsing twitter through my Snaptu application when all of a sudden the heifer cow driving the bus decides to slam hard on the brakes; sending my $600 cell phone flying out of my hands and onto the floor.

To make matters worst, the screen calibration on my phone starts tripping, and then it freezes in the middle of my tweet to my Sexy Face Lady sister Patricia, turns off completely and comes back on. Once the welcome screen is done spazzing out, a phone call comes in from my youngest telling me that he was rushed out of the house by his big brother without grabbing a jacket.

 So you know I had to go crazy ass mom on the phone with the two of them and set things straight. I told my youngest that from now on he would rise at the butt ass crack of dawn to take his shower, get dress, brush his teeth, comb his hair and eat breakfast and I told my eldest to turn his ass around and GO BACK to the house to grab a sweater for his little brother.

By the time I was done having that conversation the bus was at my stop. Still steaming from dropping my phone I threw the bus driver an eat-shit-and-die look as I exited the rear of the bus.

It took me about 5 minutes to walk to work and get settled. I grabbed a cup off coffee and logged into twitter to respond back to Patricia when I spotted a tweet in my in my stream from Michael Jackson’s make-up artist Karen Faye. She, like the rest of us had learned of the death of actor Corey Haim but she was the only one standing on a soapbox sounding off on potential circumstances surrounding Corey’s death.

First off @wingheart has not earned the right to be pointing fingers at anyone in Hollywood when she was just as much of an enabler to Michael as the doctors who often prescribed him the pills. But she had the nerve to tweet - "Drugs take another artist! Hollywood must put a magnifying glass on the enablers, so we as a society can help save our precious artists."

I hate hypocrites with a passion and she sparked the urge to issue virtual b!itch slaps via twitter so I let her have it:

@wingheart Cut the crap, how many times did you know Michael was doing something he shouldn't and you did NOTHING about it Karen?!

@wingheart He was merely a paycheck for you as well and now you're standing on your soapbox calling out Hollywood enablers?! Please!

KF: Our artists are GIFTS, we need to protect. Society and the media uses them for money, vilifies them, then glorifies them in death. 4$$$

@wingheart Life in general is a GIFT from GOD. Just because they are artists does NOT make them less accessible to the wicked ways of the world. The fact of the matter is Karen is that Hollywood creates and control how society embraces celebrities. The Media is used to perpetuate certain levels of celebrity as well as exposed their little secrets and the fans glorify them for personal reasons. WHAT IS YOUR POINT?!

KF: @QueenBee_73 You most certainly are attacking me Tina...quite consistently.

@wingheart Did @QueenBee_73 bruise your EGO Karen! Just like you have the right to spout off lies, she has the right to dispute them!

KF: @QueenBee_73 I am not here to convince anyone of anything. I do not agree with you, but I do not go on YOUR pages and tweets to attack u.

@wingheart Welcome to twitter... you may want to close off your page if you can't handle public opinion Karen.

RT: @wingheart I am going to see Captain EO....sad for me. So many beautiful memories. - Make sure the paps are there to catch you crying for Michael. SMDH

I am so sick of Michael’s "so-called" friends speaking on “stuff” they know nothing about. The fact of the matter is, until the medical examiner has listed the cause of death for Corey Haim, we DO NOT KNOW WHAT KILLED HIM.

 She spoke out-of-place and then reference Michael Jackson to solidify her argument... NOT COOL. These Hollywood insiders looking for their 15 minutes of fame off of someone else's demise is not enduring or forthcoming and she needs to shut the hell up. Karen is a snake in the grass using Michael's death as a step ladder to a successful career.

 After my minor head butt with Karen Faye I decided I needed to be amongst other loving MJ fans only to read some condescending nonsense from Michael’s #1 stalker Miss Moonstreet. She titled her thread If June 25th Hadn't Happened...

Um, hello it did happen and Michael is gone so I don’t quite understand the purpose of her juvenile post. The stalker turn sour puss obviously need a little excitement in her life because Michael’s death has caused her such pain;  so to make herself feel better she starts a discussion that is bound to earn her countless virtual b!tch slaps from fans all over the world?! Paint me confused… please.

Let me just clarify that this b!tch is crazy, PLAIN AND SIMPLE. Why Jackson fans must clarify how and why they became a fan before or after his death is not her concern. For someone who is grieving, she surely knows how to flaunt her stalker express card at the wrong time.

B!tch has been served her ass and then some by the homies at www.michaeljackson.com. Shout out to the PYT’s and MJ’s Sexy Face Ladies.

Who’s Next!

ChicaWest

The Disappearing Black Family

 My husband and I debate and/or discussed social issues that directly affect our culture (our people) and the one topic that we're constantly discussing is the disappearance of the black family.

Now before you click to leave let me just say that this post in no shape or form is an attack on the single parents raising their children the best way they know how. This post is to open up the dialogue to those interested in finding a solution to this problem.

As a member of my functioning black family it's hard NOT to notice that the core members (the dads and moms) are missing from today's traditional black family. When we (me, my husband and two sons) go out and about around town people often stare in amazement because we are not an everyday occurrence.

People's reaction to us being together, raising our children and participating in life as whole unit is amazes me because for as long as I could remember, the immediate family was always the foundation in which gave us our morals and values.

For me family is the key, period and that is something that my husband and I wish to passed on to our boys and them to their children and so on.

 I guess my questions to black parents would be:

- Why is the black family disappearing and who’s to blame?
- Do personal choices play a HUGE part in the disablement of black love and black couples?
- Have society placed too many demands on black men and women to the point that a wedge have been placed between them?
- Have men become to complacent with making babies and not raising them.
- Have black woman settled for raising a child alone instead of making wiser choices for mates?

The future of our black children hangs in the balance if black men and women can not get it together. What are your thoughts?

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

To Jerk or Not to Jerk?

Last summer when the New Boyz monster hit 'You're A Jerk' claim the airwaves youngsters donning their skinny jeans, ultra colorful flannel shirts, gotti scarves with fresh vans started bouncing, swaying, pop-locking, leg hopping and JERKING in parking lots, playgrounds and private yards all across the country.

At first I tried ignore the entire jerking scene like the plague sighting the movement un-original and un-inspiring. However since the summer of 2009 multiple jerking groups have sprout up throughout the Sacramento area and my 12-year-old son is in one of them.

Forced to witness the dance crazed up close and personal I began studying my son's involvement with the jerking movement. First there was the video recording via cellphone of him and his little brother mocking the jerk like movements they had seen on the New Boyz video.

Then he and his best friend decided one day to make a video after school on the tennis court behind their campus and it was then that I realized that my eldest son had found something that he loved to do. I remember watching his first video and smiling... it wasn't perfect but he didn't suck either.

As parents we often wonder what trend our children will partake in as they start to come into their own. I would have never figured "jerking" would be what my eldest love to do. However, I am glad he has chosen something that he loves to do and I can support him in.

Although I don't understand the phenomenon behind the jerk movement, I DO understand that it's something the kids today love and can call their own. It's not the running man, the wop, the cabbage patch, the worm or the pilot; it's the jerk and all the kids... mines included are doing it. :)

Peace & Blessings

ChicaWest

The Clean Up Woman - Review

Actor, Director, Producer, Singer and Writer JD Lawrence arrived at The Sacramento Community Theater ready to deliver his long running play The Clean-Up Woman to the anticipating play goers of Sacramento, California. Deliver he did as the play's centralized theme about love/relationships/marriage/trust and family held the crowd's attention to the end.

The storyline itself wasn't something we hadn't seen before (i.e. Tyler Perry's infamous Madea plays); however the one thing that made this play shine  brightly was its cast (star-studded - Christopher Williams, Jackee' Harry, Ali Woodson, and Telma Hopkins) and their delivery of exceptional energy through every scene of the play while JD Lawrence's many characters introduced impromptu comedic monologue that left the crowd in stitches!

The Clean-Up Woman had some cliche' moments of taboo where Christopher's character Stuart Adams is pursued an overt bubbly white woman who is hired to break up his marriage between  so that his wife's (Terry Adams) co-worker can create scandal and replace her as anchor at the news station where they work.

I like how Christopher was able to own this character and portray the "good-guy" without coming off too humble and his comedic timing and periodic giggle outbursts came off authentic and flawless making his connection with the audience rock solid.

The play is definitely worth checking out and a delight for play lovers alike. There is no scale system worth implementing here because it's a GO!

Recommendation: Go See It!

Side Note: I spoke with JD Lawrence after the show and told me that once the play is finished in May he is going to take a 2 month break before pre-production for The Clean-Up Woman "the movie". He also said that between filming he'll be planning a tour for the sequel The Clean-up Man.

Music Monday - Michael Jackson Edition

I know there are several... dare I say thousands of blogs dedicated to the late King of Pop Michael Jackson and his music, but as a fan I feel it necessary to share with you a few of my MJ moments from time to time.

Don't ask me why, but this morning I started off my day with Tabloid Junkie, mixed in Superfly Sista and topped off my voyage to work with Earth Song, Human Nature and Smile before the tears started forming at the corners of my eyes.

The sadness is NOT quite what it was 7 months ago but then again I find that no matter the mood I am in Michael's music is what seems to soothe me. So the tears from this morning was NOT from sadness but merely a tranquil joy of hearing his beautiful voice in the wee hours of the morning when the world is quiet and peaceful.

Something about the harmony of Human Nature meshed with the light feeling in my heart made me want to start a Michael marathon for the entire day but I found myself needing to break away from his haunting voice so that I could stay focus for the entire day.

It is lunch time now and Michael is playing once more and this time he is singing about how his Liberian Girl gives him Butterflies... Imagine that?! The King of Pop was so enthralled with his beloved Planet Earth that his PYT got caught up in the rapture of his Dangerous game that went on to the Break of Dawn.

Y'all see where I am headed with this, right? Enjoy the music because that is all we have. His very energy is embedded in every note, melody, line and lyric of each of his songs.

If you start off your work week with a little MJ boost, You Are Not Alone for I am here with you! ;)

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest

Tonight I'll Meet the Clean Up Woman

JD Lawrence presents THE CLEAN UP WOMAN

Date: 03/05/10 8 p.m.
Location: Community Center Theater
Cost: on sale Saturday 12/19 10 a.m. : $39.50 & $34.50 ( price includes $3 theater facility fee)

Description: Telly Award winner JD Lawrence brings his new stage play "The Clean Up Woman" to the Sacramento Community Center Theater for one night only on Friday, March 5 at 8 p.m. Starring TV personality, Jackee Harry ("227," "Sister Sister," "Everybody Hates Chris"); Telma Hopkins ("The Love Guru," "Family Matters," "Half and Half"); singer/actor, Christopher Williams ("New Jack City," "Men Cry in the Dark") and Ali Woodson (formerly of The Tempations). Please see web site below for more information.

For more information, please visit http://www.jdlawrencepresents.com or call (916) 808-5181.

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This looks like an interesting play. To be honest I would not be going if it wasn't for my best friend Connie Harris. She loves Christopher Williams and always make it a point to see him when he comes to town. *crossing fingers* Lets hope the play is as good as the advertisement for it. lol




ChicaWest

Come In From The Cold by Marc Broussard

The first time I heard Marc Broussard's 'Come In From The Cold' was during the release of his Save Our Souls LP on June 26, 2007. Prior to hearing the song my husband and I had seen Marc's vivid black/white contrast video for his cover of Reverend Al Green's 'Love & Happiness'.

We had been blown away by Marc's vocal skills and decided he was worth exploring even if it meant purchasing ALL of his earlier released EP's and LP's before the S.O.S. album.  After purchasing Save Our Souls my husband and I would spend countless hours listening to the track  from beginning to end, reminiscing over songs like 'Harry Hippie' and "You Met Your Match".

His music transported us back to the days when then music was the central theme around our parents get together with family and friends. The nostalgia of the music prompted us to discover the one and only original track on the entire album.

Clearly not a remake but merely a musical interlude to the emerging blend of yesterday and today, Come In From The Cold captures the essence of the  album with its memorable hooks and haunting melodies. It's not only one of my favorite songs but a  timeless masterpiece worth archiving.

May this song warm your hearts! (:

ChicaWest

Click Here To Listen

Introducing...ChicaWest! :)

I have the option of telling you all about me or telling you to google me. But in doing so you would only get to know a fraction of whom I really am as a person, so please allow me to introduce you to ME! :)


The name is Kesha, but people know me as ChicaWest. The infamous alias is definitely worth noting if you are a music lover. Considered by my peers as an entertainment junkie and a music connoisseur I pride myself on discovering unsigned and independent artists who have yet to be signed to a major label.

Music is my first love and attending LIVE music event is my second love and when combined together I am in total bliss and in tune with the world where I belong. With this blog I hope to share some of my favorite unpolished pearls of the independent music movement.

I'll also share with you my love for beauty, books, fashion, movies and so much more. Hope I am intriguing enough to earn your readership.

Peace & Blessings,

ChicaWest