Mah Man Rahsaan Patterson

I have an infatuation with music. I meticulously maintain my iTunes collection at least twice a week. Both of my parents have eclectic music tastes which influenced me. Sometimes I am not sure if my tastes can be classified, much like the style of the below mentioned artist.

I first heard Rahsaan Patterson on Ledisi's 'We Are One' from her most recent LP, Lost and Found. It was hard to tell the gender of the high pitched voice. I was surprised when I found out that Rahsaan is a male.

Shortly after this discovery, I picked up Wine and Spirits. And I fell in love. I wouldn't call 

him neo-soul, nor R&B. My take on his style would describe it as the cousin of a baby by India.Arie and Prince who is married to Maxwell. Did you follow that? If not, then you just need to go ahead and test him out by coppin' one of his CDs. And he is coming to town!

You know imma be there! Tickets on sale today! Here is the info.

February 8, 2009 @7:30pm

Rahsaan Patterson

Park West

322 West Armitage

Ticketmaster.

Kwanzaa In Chicago

If you didn't know, the holiday was created by in 1968 by Dr. R. Karenga. It is not an African holiday, but it is a holiday that celebrates elements of community and African Heritage of African Americans. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate our history and not simply imitate the dominant American Culture!

Each year, Malcolm X College on the city's near west side hosts a renowned celebration of Kwanzaa. 

The holiday will be celebrated over seven days, each with its own principle. Kwanzaa kicks off tomorrow, December 26th and ends  Jan 2, 2009. The program features a myriad of musical and dance performances and an elaborate African Marketplace.

14th Annual Kwanzaa Observance Program

Malcolm X College

1900 West Van Buren Street Chicago, IL 60643

Kwanzaa E-Cards

Sorry, but if you ain't mail out your cards by today, then the USPS just might not deliver them on time. Well, don't fret 'cuz by the grace of technology there are E-cards.

I found a great selection of animated Kwanzaa E-cards...Check them out!

123 Greetings Kwanzaa ECards

Blue Mountain Kwanzaa ECards

eCardia Kwanzaa ECards

Look out for info on Kwanzaa Celebrations coming next post!

Urbano!

This is for all mah LGBT Brothers and Sisters in Chi-City!

Urbano is held at Circuit Night Club on the last Fridays of each month. The DJ's showcase Hip-Hop, Reggaeton and Latin Music.

Urbano was held this past Friday, December 13, 2008. It was a cool event. Turned out that one of my dear friends/alums of my alma mater was on condom patrol at the door...lol. The one and only Breion Diamond was in present reppin' the infamous FlavaWorks Productions, the folks behind CocoDorm.

I am a big fan of black gay culture and social scene. But, I don't understand the shade that tends to pervade our social interactions with each other as brothers and sisters. The personalities are expected, but it would be great to see more love and affection in the club than superficial masquerades that pull us further away from being the beautiful community that we are.

Even in Boystown, there is racism. So why would we not love being around each other to the fullest extent, knowing that we face hatred from outside because of our sexuality and our race? Let that marinate for a minute....I don't wish to sound preachy 'cuz this blog is not for that...but I feel very hurt by the reality that the community that I love is so self-hating...any input?

Now plan a night out!

Circuit Night Club

3641 North Halsted (Between Addisson and Sheridan)

$5 Cover (though most were charged $10)

Monday Sundae!

Hey! This week, the good stuff gets a head start with Monday Sundae...three scoops of events that you might wanna-kinda-needsta be at! LOL...

First Scoop

Ledisi Quick Fast and In A Hurry!

Y'all up on mah girl Ledisi? She is the soul songstress that has been playin' on Quiet Storm shows for quite some time. You may be familiar with her hits, "Alright" and "In the Morning" from her most recent album, Lost and Found. Its hot!

Well, Ms. Ledisi will be in Chicago again (for those of you who missed her at the NDIGO Gala this past summer) for The Experience with Ledisi as she debuts her Christmas album at the Dusable Museum on the South Side.

The Experience with Ledisi

Dusable Museum--740 East 56th Place

Tues., December 16, 2008 TOMORROW!

7pm, Doors open at 6:30pm

$20 pays for entrance to mini-concert and a copy of Ledisi's new Christmas CD

Tickets available at the door or The Music Experience

Second Scoop!

Chi-City Photos Downtown

I went to see the following photography exhibit a few weeks ago. It was huge and great, at the same time. The photos are by various photographers taken at different times throughout the city documenting everyday life in neighborhoods and the evolution of Chicago. The exhibition begins with black and white photographs of former landmarks that were torn down to make way for the city as we know it today and smoothes out over several decades with pictures of folks that we can identify with in the many diverse communities across our city.

Its free and allows one to step into communities and the lives of people that we would normally not have access to.

Made in Chicago: Photographs from the Bank of LaSalle America Collection

Chicago Cultural Center

78 E. Washington (Washington and Michigan Avenue)

Free admission

Run until January 4, 2009

Third Scoop!

Get Some Ice In Ya' Life

Ice Rink In Millenium Park 

Bundle up and take yo' tail out there and skate! The rink is open as long as weather permits until March 2009. 

Skate rental is $9. I would suggest making this an early Saturday date or going on a weekday because everyone and their momma is downtown for the holiday season! Have fun!