Serious laughs and serious music were in abundance for the hundreds in attendance at the first annual Jokes N' Jams benefit for the Tom Joyner Foundation at TBAAL on Saturday night.
For over ten years, the Tom Joyner Foundation has provided over 50 million dollars in scholarships, benefitting disadvantaged students at 112 HBCU's, and there were big names in the house to champion the event, including gospel's Fred Hammond and contemporary soul artist Kem, fresh from Friday's show with Ledisi at the Palladium. In-between making jabs at OJ Simpson ("He got away with murder the first time, that's what he should've stuck with. When he changed to armed robbery, he got caught. What's the lesson? Do what you know!"), Tom Joyner and J. Anthony Brown stressed the seriousness of this year's election and even had voter registration tables waiting outside. For those reluctant to be added to the jury duty rolls afterwards, Mr. Brown offered an easy-out; "Scratch your crotch and act crazy, you'll be outta there in no time!"
N'Dambi was the first to kick off the performances at around 10PM....
It was obvious that there was little to no soundcheck done beforehand, because The Grits seemed ill at ease and kept fidgeting with the equipment well into the songstress's opening number. With her full burgundy fro', ruffled hot pink mini -dress and silver stilettos, she was a whirling bundle of sass and energy, strutting the stage even while the audience remained strangely subdued (too much cheering at the game, I guess?). She has a new CD in the works for the spring, but in her final song, re-invigorated the crowd with a teasing, throaty rendition of Cherelle's 80's classic, "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On."
Tom Joyner introduced St. Paul, MN's Mint Condition as "one of my favorite bands," and anyone unfamiliar with why were schooled with relish during their one hour set; fans sung along with both older and newer hits, including "So Fine," "Whoa" "Baby Boy Baby Girl," "Nothing Left to Say" and the rock-edged "It's Hard," which included a blazing, finish-on-the-floor guitar flourish from guitarist Rick Kinchen. "Someone to Love" and "U Send Me Swingin'" made glorious use of Stokley Williams' richly-ranged tenor. Each member took turns in the spotlight before they wrapped up with their signature hit, "Breakin' My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)," which found both Mr. Brown and Mr. Joyner on their feet, shouting their praises and even joining them on stage to bow at their musical mastery.
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Comments
Posted by Mint Condition @ 4:06 PM Sun, Oct 05, 2008
Thanks Lorrie!
We Love you!!!
Mint Condition
Posted by DeAnn @ 9:08 AM Mon, Oct 06, 2008
We appreciate you covering the event for us! Mint Condition did well on the Tom Joyner Morning Show. Check them out on www.blackamericaweb.com
Thank you,
DeAnn
The Tom Joyner Foundation
Posted by DeAnn @ 9:11 AM Mon, Oct 06, 2008
Thank you Lorrie! Everyone performed well. Mint Condition was also on the Tom Joyner Morning Show this AM. Check them out on www.blackamericaweb.com
DeAnn
The Tom Joyner Foundation
Posted by Rhonda Nicole @ 9:25 AM Mon, Oct 06, 2008
Mad love to the musicians who blessed the stage in the Muse Café at TBAAL Saturday night as well! Dallas' own rock n' soul mainstay, Montrose, smoked the stage and got it ready for jazz violinist Michael Ward and the seminal house band, the Gritz. Last but absolutely not least, Geno Young brought his lovely brand of neo-soul to close out the night.
Thanks to the Tom Joyner Foundation for having us out!
Peace.
Rhonda Nicole (vocalist for Montrose)
Posted by DeAnn @ 10:14 AM Mon, Oct 06, 2008
No doubt Rhonda you guys rocked the house as well, Geno, Michael Ward, The Gritz, I think we could sell some cds from all of your performances. I was highly satisfied. And Mozan, J. Anthony Brown, Damon Williams, AJ Jamal, Marvin Dixon, DJ Frances Jaye, Sybil from the Tom Joyner Morning Show, all made for a great show. If you didn't see it, you missed a treat!
DeAnn