2 more days until my final performance of the summer which will be at Washington D.C’s historic The Howard Theatre Friday July 19, 2013.
Just added to set thew party vibe is Baltimore’s DJ Lisa Moody, one half of Ultra Nate’s renowed club promotions and DJ collective Girls Squad. Lisa will be spinning club classics and all serving all sorts of groovy fabulousness.
Oh yes, ba-by, it’s going down. Don’t miss this!
The weekend was whirlwind and full of excitement, with just enough chaos. After arriving, my band, dancers and I went out for our customary group dinner – not mandatory, but everyone always loves the hang. We had a wonderful meal at The Gumbo Shop just off Bourbon Street. I purchased cajun seasonings to add to my home spice rack. It was a pretty crazy scene when we left and fun to watch the revelers with their fish bowls and giant assortments of alcohol vessels as they walked customarily do in New Orleans on Bourbon Street. We had an early call for soundcheck, therefore everyone turned in early, although we joked the the younger set in my crew were probably going back, after we all walked back to our hotel.
After soundcheck, there were press and promotional obligations I was responsible for. I was greeted with nothing but love.
My first time as a performer at the 2013 Essence Festival did not disappoint. Though some fans observed and couldn’t figure out why some artists were afforded the ‘Main Stage’ – though I have more hits as a solo artist, as well as from my Shalamar repertoire; I chose to accentuate the positive. Admittedly, it also made me want to shut it down and really make a great impression – my band, dancers and I achieved that with our high energy musical journey. The two new songs “Nightlife’ and “The Dawn (Don)” were part starters and already reacted to as if they are already familiar Jody Watley hits. My Twitter timeline was full of praise after the show and without being totally obnoxious I shared a few of the more flavorful ones such as “@Mikeisha @jodywatley just went the fuck off onstage tonight! Essence Festival!!!” as well as @MissJenn1920 who tweeted ” OMG @jodywatley was simply amazing she rocked that McDonald’s Super lounge” from @ActivistFreak (Anthony Antoine) “@jodywatley “Thank you Essence..but what the hell took you so long” said after Jody rocked her set! You DDS dat! #essencefest #bouttime- among others. You can scroll my Twitter timeline to read more. After almost 40 years in this business…6 of them in Shalamar – I remain with all my my success a virtual underdog. I appreciate those who really get it. My name may not grace the headlines or be a gossip and celebrity blog staple, however I continue to do ‘the work’ as a viable quality artist; while enjoying my journey with all of it’s twists, turns, highs, lows – hits, misses and triumphs. That’s life baby.
The Howard Theatre in D.C is next on July 19 – and my final concert of this summer.
Last minute prep with dancers for Essence Fest All Rights Reserved Jody Watley Music (c) 2013
Jody Watley. FanZone Essence Festival 2013. All Rights Reserved Jody Watley Music (c) 2013
Jody Watley Essence Festival FanZone Q&A. All Rights Rights Reserved Jody Watley Music (c) 2013
Jody Watley. Fanzone. Essence Festival 2013.
Jody Watley Fanzone. Meet and Greet Essence Festival 2013
Jody Watley in VIP Green Room Convention Center Essence Festival. All Rights Reserved Jody Watley Music (c) 2013
Jody Watley and Former Miss USA and RHOA’s star Kenya Moore
Inside Superlounge at pre-soundcheck Essence Fest.
All Rights Reserved Jody Watley Music (c) 2013
At Convention Center, also hosting Essence Festival. All Rights ReservedJody Watley Music (c) 2013
Fan Photo Courtesy of Jennifer Stanback from Essence Festival
Chill nightlife in hotel lounge, pictured with Wallace Butts, Rodney Lee, Stanley Sergeant and Donnell Spencer Jr.
A few more pics to come.
Observations from Billboard Magazine, not sure why they would be polling fans under but.: Here
Get Your Tickets July 19 Concert! The ONLY Jody Watley East Coast Summer Appearance Scheduled: HERE
June 3, 2013 — Video premiere of “Dancing Out” another collaboration with electro duo French Horn Rebellion.
With China’s Cantopop star Kay Tse, my co-star from International Musical Event “Loving The Silent Tears”, Shrine Auditorium Oct. 2012
June 8, 2013 – Chengdu, China “GRAMMY Stars” Night of Global Fortune Concert, Chengdu Sports Centre
Gerald Brown, (who’d driven down from Indianapolis to see me) and I had a fun time and it shows on this brief soundcheck clip from 4thStreet Live in Louisville, Kentucky from May 26, 2013. An original lead singers of Shalamar reunion went down after 35 years!
We had an amazing experience in Louisville, enjoyed great food, friendly locals and then our show at the new structure 4th Street Live a semi- open air plaza with a stage in the middle surrounded by restaurants and other businesses. Staff was great, sound and lights – everything was terrific. Think concerts that are broadcast outside on on The Today Show’s Summer Concert Series – that’s what the vibe was. Former original male Shalamar lead singer Gerald Brown (Take That To The Bank” surprised me and drove down from Indiana. He was there at my soundcheck – before any of us had arrived, full of enthusiasm. We ended up doing an abbreviated version of our early Shalamar hit, falling right into step and sound as if 35 years hadn’t passed at all. There were thousands of people as far as I could see and surrounding the upstairs area’s as well – love definitely was in the house. After the show I met a young lady who said she was 20 and had never heard of me before my show – and was now a big fan. That’s also what it’s about as an artist – bringing in new fans.
“It’s in the music!”
Original Shalamar Male Lead Gerald Brown and Jody Watley
Jody Watley – Photo by Renee Shaw via Twitter
Sunday May 26, 2013 – 4th Street Live Louisville. Click Here To Learn More About The FREE Event!!
June 8, 2013 – Night of Fortune GRAMMY Stars Concert, Chengdu, China
July 6, 2013 – Essence Festival Mercedes Benz Superdome – Superlounge Tickets and Info: Here
Funky NEW MUSIC! singles “Nightlife” produced by Count De Money and “The Dawn” produced by Mark de-Clive Lowe Coming Summer 2013!
Art Design/Logo: Ray Easmon, Jody Watley (c) 2013
Just added – we will be heading to Louisville, Kentucky May 26 ‘LIVE’ In Concert for another hit filled show of classics, favorites, rare gems and new music preview – and it’s a free concert, what’s not to love?!
