One of my favorite fan photo captures from 2019 came from Detroit Soundboard.
The end of a year and a decade is on the horizon so I’ll be sharing some of my favorite photos and video from concerts on my various social media (Facebook and Instagram) so make sure to check it out. The final Top 10 roundup recap will be posted here on the blog.
Thoughts on this final Saturday of the decade is to release the things that are weighing you down and not serving you and your life in a positive or productive way.
The first time I performed the tribute to George Michael was 2016 not long after he’d passed away..it’s still hard to fathom. Since then I’ve included it in my concert a few times including Unplugged this summer in Hawaii where I was able to share more of the back story and add a few more music bits as well.
I’ll be a special guest with Taylor Dayne and Lisa Lisa on these dates doing a few early solo classics:
January 24, 2020 – Gulfport MS – Island View Casino
January 31, 2020 – Theatre at Westbury, Westbury NY
For the tea and coffee drinker and Jody Watley fan – you can’t go wrong with this mug, and the hoodie will keep you warm with a touch of panache with the signature Jody Watley hoop earrings logo, on demand items: Buy Now
From the limited edition collection, environmentally friendly tote use for grocery trips, and your other shopping — comes with two pins as well: Shop Now
Buy the wide range of Jody Watley music — available at all digital outlets! .99 cents for a single download I’d call beyond a bargain – full albums 9.99.
Give the gift of love each day – it’s free. Do something good for the environment, animals, those in need too – especially children.
It’s a must. People will disrespect you, run all over you, run you ragged, make you look bad and not care how their actions or behavior may impact you.
Stig Edgren Presents: The Colors of Christmas Tour 2019 was a whirlwind California trio of concerts with Peabo Bryson a staple and feature of the tour since it’s beginning 27 years ago, along the way the shows at one time also included Philharmonic Orchestra’s in each city and small choirs.
Peabo was joined by Oleta Adams, BeBe Winans stepping in last minute for an ailing Ben Vereen and myself. The three of us have also done the tour before – this being my third time, the first over a decade ago. The collaborative nature of the tour makes it once of the most unique concert experiences one could experience backed by a full band and additional backing vocalists.
James Ingram, an alumni of the show and close friend of Peabo as well as music director Herman Jackson, received a poignant and emotional musical medley tribute. The first night, Herman became so overwhelmed he had to leave for a minute to regain composure.
The 3 days of concerts (Palm Desert, Cerritos and San Diego) was a whirlwind and we all lamented on what a great time was had by all..one of the highlights was Oleta and I crashing BeBe’s ending of “I’ll Take You There” for a rousing reprise of the song – we were on side of the stage lost track of the set and thought our duet was next and rather than waiting for the regular timing – let’s just go now! To our surprise Peabo was on the other side of stage — saw us go out and start singing and so he joined. The audience loved the spontaneous moment as BeBe laughed and went with it. He and Oleta had a hilarious exchange at the end..she and I realized we’d come out too soon and BeBe still had his “My Christmas Prayer” to do. Impromptu moments are always special and memorable. On “Beauty & The Beast” only one show had children to join us. Parents don’t seem to bring the little ones out the way they used to.
Thanks so all who came out to see us and as always for supporting live music – there’s nothing like it.
One of the rehearsal days – filmed this with the awesome Oleta Adams.
Palm Desert. Jody Watley Season’s Greetings.
View from my suite. Palm Desert.
The beautiful McCallum Theatre, Palm Desert – first stop on the 3 day tour.
Dressing Room Door.
Green room McCallum Theatre.
Bebe Winans and I hit it off right away – and it surprised me. He was so nice and down to earth.. I should know better from my own experience of how some view me before meeting me — ‘preconceived notions.’ Because BeBe was a last minute replacement for Ben Vereen, we only had soundcheck to run through our duet for “My Favorite Things” – we had a blast singing and performing together. Photo: Soundcheck McCallum Theatre Dec. 13, 2019
Ready to begin show with Peabo Bryson final night in San Diego. Peabo was in the stairwell warming up his vocals, I told him we have to get a photo! I warmed up in dressing room – still doing what I was taught by the great Seth Riggs.
Everyone has pre-show rituals – we finally got a partial group shot before the final show at the historic Balboa Theatre in San Diego. Jody Watley, BeBe Winans, Oleta Adams.
Snow Princess Wattage. Life is a gift and a present each day – cherish it.
Sparkle and Shine!
Gown by I Luv Stevie – Chicago’s Stevie Edwards.
Rear View. Watch me walk out!
Final night was historic Balboa Theatre -San Diego, CA. It’s lovely and well maintained throughout.
This Instagram post meant so much from BeBe and a nice surprise.
4th look for ensemble finale – Joy To The World (Reprise).
Jody Watley. Peabo Bryson. Oleta Adams. BeBe Winans. ‘Joy To The World”
After show. Jody Watley Christmas T-shirt.
Thanks to Stig Edgren, musicians, backing vocalists – and all who came out to support us!
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Blessings to All for 2020!
First show under our belts, in Palm Desert at the McCallum Theatre – next up tonight December 14 Cerritos Center for Performing Arts and San Diego Balboa Theatre December 15.
Performed at private event by invitation only – The Bass Museum:: ‘Better Nights’ Mickalene Thomas’ immersive art experience. The exhibition is an installation, performance space and bar that functions as an experience, a moment, a time, and a place. Including a series of five geometric-patterned mirror works and two collages by the artist, the exhibition features a selection of painting, photography and video by other emerging and prominent artists curated by Thomas.
Description of Event and Artist.
Jody Watley – Exterior Bass Museum. Art Basel 2019. Mickalene Thomas Better Nights Exhibition.
Back in 2013 -Art Basel Switzerland: Better Nights was with Solange Knowles – so this definitely going to be a high quality and unique experience and super cool to be asked. I’m often told how much there are elements her her look and out of the box approach reminds some music fans of me.
It was really difficult to capture the exhibition and do it justice on a phone and so I recommend looking at the professional images.
As always, I’m giving just a glimpse into some of the behind the scenes.
Meeting Mickalene Thomas at soundcheck and have a chance to talk about her process in creating the installation – which took a year and a half start to finish.
With my rhythm section band chilling in green room, impromptu rehearsal of the special arrangement we were doing of ‘Still A Thrill.’
With with fellas: SRL (Nate Allen Smith, John Gregory) Kerry Griffin, Naz Chambi, Wallace Butts Keith Eaddy Roland Hamilton.
