The Passing of An Icon - Michael Jackson Dies at 50

Let me say that I can remember the day that I first saw this family called The Jacksons.

It was at the Savannah Civic Center...circa late 1970's. they actually stayed at the Desoto Hilton if memory serves me right. At least thats where many of us camped out to get a glimpse of them....

It was my first ever concert and I never knew what to expect. I must say, I was never the same afterwards.

That was of course, many many years ago.

I look back over the years and I can't remember a song or a moment in my life that one of Michael Jacksons song didn't touch me. I guess its because I related with a "part" of his lifestyle in his earlier years. I grew up in the same religion he did, and believe me, I know how hard it is or was. As for that, that is the extent of my relating to the man who would become The King of Pop.

I was at work today listening to my normal evening radio program when I heard the news. For some reason, I didn't know how to feel. Initial reactions is shock.....

Then comes sorrow, I mean this was the man that I looked up to back in the day... I, along with so many my age even tried to dress like the man... Those memories will always be there....

I choked backed the tears and just started doing what we all do when tragedy hits, we start remembering the good times.

I started reflecting back to that very first concert where I caught a glimpse of what was to be...

My brother had the priviledge of sitting next to Mrs. Jackson... (Lucky him...Thanks for leaving me in the cheap seats DJ).

Anyway, the good thoughts turn to selfish ones... You know the ones...

Why did he have to go..?

Why him?

If I could just have seen him in concert one more time...

None of those rendered any normal or lucrative conclusions... So, I said a prayer for him and his family, and let tears of joy and pain form a mixture in my brain....

After work I came home to myriads of emails and phone messages about this great entertainer that was no longer with us....

I couldn't take the "talking heads" and their usual tributes... I went for the real people of merit.

I didn't have to look far... There were so meany bloggers paying tribute to a man that spent his life entertaining us...

My sorrowful face turned into a spiritual smile....

I looked at all of the photos flashing by me and it was as if I was looking at a family member and enjoying the favorable times we've had... Oh the stories we could tell...

Now, I can only sum up this posting with some of the photos that I have collected through the years and some that are clearly accessible through other means...

I can tell you this... Those of you who have never had the chance to see him concert, you missed a genious at work.... But, thanks to true fans, you will never miss the opportunity to at least view it in the comforts of your home...

If all goes corectly with this post, I am adding a youTube tribute for all to enjoy for eternity.

In closing.... I can only say to those who loved this man as I did....

You are not alone....

Rest In Peace ... Bro. Michael Jackson

Jepson Gospel Brunch AASU Gospel Choir

Once again, the Jepson Center for the Arts has released yet another stellar event. The Armstrong Atlantic State University Gospel Choi8r delivered a magnificent performance for a very enthused crowd.
Stay tuned next month for more great local musical talents.

Wow!!! It Actually Happened

Yes, it has been a while since my last post but I am quite glad to be able to be back in the fold so to speak. So many thing has happened lately that I truly don't know where to start.

First, let me just say Happy New Year to all that read this post. I believe this year will be one to remember. This brings me to yet another milestone.... It's not what you think ... Not yet at least. I graduated from culianry school.... Yipppppppppiiiiiiieeeeee!!!!!!!

Ok, I got that out. Thanks for those who endured that burst of energy. ;-)

It was an accomplishment that took a lot of blood sweat and tears. Anyway, I am moving on into the world of cuisine even more now than I once did. I am a firm believer that food is where you touch people the most and I am glad to be working in the industry.

Ok, enough of the sappy stuff.....

Ladies and Gentlemen. I am proud to say we have a new president.

For the first time in U.S. history, we the people stood and delivered on Nov. the 2nd and said, "Yes we can!!!". The 44th President of the United States of America, Mr. Barack Obama. Not that it should matter, but it does, he is a man of color. A man of Kenyan and Caucasian decent. Ladies and gentlemen, we have elected the 1st African-American as the 44th President.

You can not believe the emotions that went through me watching the Inauguration. I must say my heart went to my now decesased father. Wondering to myself, what would my dad had thought of this. There are photos of the biggest event in history to folow this entry.

I will be updating now on a regular basis. Stay tuned to what I have coming next....

You don't want to miss it.

Savannah Jazz Fest Finale

Savannah did it again!!!
I hope that you had a chance to attend at least one of the many events that were put on by the Savannah Jazz Festival Committee. I was pleased to be able to attend Friday night under the stars. It was a fun filled, family oriented, romantic, awe-inspiring evening.
Mark your calendars for next year.
And I'll see you under the oaks in Forsyth Park.
Enjoy the photos and enjoy a taste of jazz in the video...

Wake Up Savannah

Ok, I had to make a note here.

This story broke in Savannah a few days ago and I couldn't let it go.

I guess I am just one of those people who believe that there is still good in all mankind; after reading this story, I began to challenge my way of thinking. If you check out the link. You will get the true origin of my rage for my city, my hometown, the place I call my sanctuary.

Here was my response to the story........

OMG!!!!
I had to read this article about 10 times. Word for word, line by line. I was taken by the stories that were so eloquently presented by the SMN journalist Lesley Conn. Excellently done. Then I had to get to the meat of the story. I guess you have to have the lemons to have lemonade. There was so much talk about the numbers, the numbers, the numbers. Whatever happened to "reach one, teach one"?
Last night, I sat through a presidential debate that made me absolutely ill. So much talk about numbers. Numbers which in turn becomes dollars. Are we all becoming nothing but numbers to these people. Lets not let this become the case in Savannah. I could care less if the success rate is 10%, at least someone is being helped.
People are people Savannah. The programs that are on probation help many in this city. The mere thought of them becoming extinct is absurd. Correct me, ANYONE if I'm wrong; but isn't the whole purpose of these programs is to get people off the streets? Get people off of the welfare system? Lower Savannahs unemployment rate? I do believe if you train someone, no matter what their background is, they will prosper at some point. Surely the City of Savannah leaders do not expect the Union Mission to turn out doctors, lawyers, and mayors. Lets be realistic. These programs are helping people get a hand up, not a hand out.
Bottom line? You want to make Savannah something to be proud of? Listen to the visitors. You see, your visitors can tell the difference in Savannah. They see that there are fewer people on the strolls of River Street pan-handling. They see a difference in the streets. Isn't that what its all about? Making this wonderful city a showcase to bring more tourist and money into Savannah? I thought so! Wake up fellow citizens!!!! If these programs start falling by the wayside, where are these people going to go? Let alone whats going to happen to the people who are working within the program? The office managers, instructors, counselors, medical workers; I mean the list goes on and on. Eliminating these programs won't just hurt the ones being helped, its going to hurt the ones helping.
Wake up Savannah!!!! Lets let our City "Leaders" know that this can't happen. Given the time limit placed on the directors of the sited programs, my prayers are truly with those that are currently being served. I have always lived by the mantra of "reach one, teach one". Hopefully this can bleed over to others of our community. I can only conclude by saying, stand up and be counted. Let your voice be heard. They can never take that away from you.

Sunday Brunch in Savannah at the Jepson Center

Well my friends, another event of great multitude has graced our fair city. This time it comes in the form a magnificent Sunday evening in the squares of Savannah.
Just off the corner of Barnard Street, you'll find the Telfair Museum of Art - The Jepson Center. This center lives up to its motto... ART in Focus. The center is filled with a bounty of exhibits. I encourage you all to take a trip there when time permits. Even better, become a member, you'll be informed about great events like the one featured here.
Honestly, I came across this event from an editor at the Savannah Morning News where I was given an assignment to cover a Sunday Brunch. WOW!!! Was I ever taken back.
Let me take you through my time at the Jepson......
This is an event that brings members of the community together with the many visitors to our fair city.
Add in great art...
Some of the best of food, prepared by Savour Savannah...
A well-known host and radio personality, Ms. Ursula Boyd of Magic 103.9...
And a host of talents from local and some not so local gospel choirs in the area...
And you have the makings of a great Sunday Brunch at the Jepson Center.
This months entertainment ... The 1st Tabernacle Baptist Church Adult Choir.
Friends let me tell you.... this choir brought it.... And I mean they brought it.
A group of about 15 angelic voices brought a sound that could only be described as heavenly.
I have been taking photos for quite some time now, but I had to put this event on a different level.
This program, which is the brainchild of the Executive Assitant of the Telafair.. Ms. Verdise Bradford. A person I will always consider a friend. In plain words... She gets it.
This program will be around for a long time. Never fear, you will get another chance next month. Just check out Telfair.org for whats coming up next.
I want to go back just a touch though.....
The event brings in an educational value as well. Along with a great meal and entertainment, you are given a tour of the facility. This is the most important part to me. Educational because you are able to bring the kids and share this experience. I would recommend this to any family. Its affordable and inspiring to all that attend.
I hope to see you at the next Sunday Brunch at the Jepson Center.

Savannah Almost Slept On A Great Production

Let me start by saying that I AM proud of my hometown. Savannah is a "jewel".
Anyway, Savannah was blessed with the opportunity of viewing one of the hottest Christian plays. It's called, "Church Mess".
This is a play about a troubled congregation. Filled with every form of deviance you can imagine. From a womanizing "minister of music" to a devout "pillar" of the church with a checkered past.
I must say, I went into this show with blinders on. Preconceptions that this was just another writer with "Tyler Perry" dreams. A play that thoroughly disgraced the sanctity of the christian faith. I tell you, I was wrong. Wrong in many ways.
Seeing the advertisements for this play made me want to see it. After talking with a few friends, they had the same feelings.
What stressed me the most though, was what I was hearing in a "few" pulpits before the play made it to Savannah. Things like: "Why would a Christian want to see something called "Church Mess"?" I started thinking that maybe there is something wrong with plays of such content. On the outside looking in, it could suggest that "some" churches are filled with nothing but "whore-mongers", cheating mates, and false prophets. I will say this, I am glad that there are "shepherds" in our community that believe in teaching and preaching, instead of dictating a fictitious intimidating form of law. Promoting values that are bible based, not from personal opinion.
I want to say, thank you to "real" Savannah Christian leaders. Your sheep answered the call.
The opening performers, the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Choir. Wow!!!! What a performance. This group of 9 angelic voices brought the house down. Their photo is also included in this article. I say to them, you are all truly blessed.
Leaving me almost gasping for breath, they brought out Ms. Virginia Bostic. A powerhouse vocalist from the Miami Mass Choir. Let me tell you, she brought a message. A message delivered from a wheel-chair. The wheel-chair she came out on was only a to set her off the runway. From the first note she shared, you knew that this woman was heaven bound. "On the heels of Glory."
The message brought forth was so powerful, I felt bad for those who missed it.
From beginning to end, you were made a part of the action & drama. Viewers were given several issues to ponder. Things that we know may be occurring , but we do nothing about. Faith and the importance of Gods' will were the focal points. I can see no reason why any clergyman wouldn't encourage his flock to view such a masterpiece.
So as not to give away the plot or the content, I will say this. There wasn't a stone left unturned in this plot of twists, turns, and deceit. The characters lead you right into their hearts, no matter how dark it may be. The play dealt with issues not so far from any church in this city or country for that matter.
You see, there is "mess" everywhere. Although the writers and producers put their comedic spend on it, it was chock full of truth.
So, take a look and see where this beautiful play will be presented next. You won't be disappointed.
I say to the producers, Chad & Alicia Cooper, thank you and your staff, writers, cast, and production crew, Thank you. Savannah, GA has been blessed with your production.