Jody Watley. A Return To Elegance

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I’m looking forward to the performing jazz and other musical treats that have influenced me over the years at San Francisco’s Rrazz Room. Since recording Cole Porter’s “After You” for Red, Hot & Blue I’ve been asked about doing something like this. There’s a sultry chanteuse that has lived in me right alongside my dance side – throughout my career, and I’m letting her out at last. My shows have always been a mixture of styles as my music has evolved over the years from my Shalamar years of Disco/Funk/R&B moving to my solo endeavors of Pop/R&B, Dance, Jazz and ambient Electronica.

With “A Return To Elegance”, I’ll be putting my own extensive catalog on the back burner (with the exception of a few that fit the concept) and creating a new musical experience.

I started thinking about the concept a while ago and the opportunity presented itself for me to do it. In addition to the elegance; the evening will be a refreshing and fun change. This is a nod to an era of music where simplicity, grace and good music were appreciated.

Jody Watley: A Return to Elegance: Motown, Jazz, Pop and Me

The Rrazz Room / Hotel Niko, San Francisco

March 15, 8 PM

March 16, 8 PM

March 17, 7:00 and 9:30 PM

For tickets: http://www.rrazzroom.com

HealthyStyle. Van Roy

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A native of Louisiana, Van Roy and I have worked together for years and are dear friends. Both of us share a fondness for morning run/walks and always have enlightening conversations about life and surviving in a tough and unpredictable business.

I’ve been toying with the idea of featuring real people, recipes and other stories as a tool for inspiration for others who may be struggling with something be it weight loss, or just getting by day to day.

Van sent me this note a couple days ago and I asked if I could share – especially for those that have a weakness for potatoes.

Van has committed to losing weight and despite the occasional and normal setbacks – has lost 27 lbs in the past year, with an eye on 50 more to go. He has found that sticking to a morning routine is helpful (meditation, a nutritious breakfast, robust walk, etc) is key to keeping him on target for his goal. If you, like Van, are looking for healthy options and have a weakness for mashed potatoes – this might be a wonderful replacement or option.

“I have recently become a huge fan of cauliflower! I’ve been steaming it slightly, then mashing it as one would do potatoes… I swear it tastes liked mashed potatoes – comforting without all the carbs and starch… just a little olive oil and salt and pepper…”

Learn more about nutritional and anti-oxidant benefits of cauliflower: Here

Photo of The Day.

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Whitney Houston was the first black woman to appear on the cover of Seventeen Magazine in 1981.

As it turns out, Whitney also possessed one of the greatest voices of all time. She wasn’t simply a power singer, what I appreciated was the nuance. Whitney was never heavy-handed in her performances. She could give you power and strength but knew when to sound sweet, vulnerable and regal. Whitney Houston had a big girl’s voice (by traditional standards) that came out of a model’s body and face to match, a great smile and natural star quality.

I had the great fortune to be on the charts with a great like Whitney Houston, in categories together at awards shows in addition to sharing the pages of magazines. She was one of my music peers. There’s something especially jarring to know she is gone, though her music will live on.

As a mom, I can’t help but think of her daughter Bobbi Kristina as well as Cissy Houston – Whitney’s mom during this devastating time. She was a human being first and foremost.The Houston family continue to remain in my prayers.

Rest in peace Whitney Houston.