Yeah Summertime and its time for a Rooftop Party!!!

Mos Def and Tom Hanks son get involved in a bloody affair and Im excited!

Mos Def is all set to have multiple appearances in one of my favorite shows, Dexter, in it's sixth season!  He will play a hardened ex-con who claims to have found religion yet seems to continually find himself surrounded by violence. Michael C. Hall’s Dexter will reveal the truth of who he really is. Sounds great to me and why not?  I mean he is the best "rapper/actor" ever!  Can you really challenge that?  For more on the story go here.

The Top Reasons to Visit Philadelphia and The Countryside® Now:

Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival
One of Philadelphia’s most popular spring festivals, the annual Rittenhouse Row Spring Festival transforms Philadelphia’s trendiest shopping district into a come-one, come-all street fest for a day of music, outdoor shopping, fashion events, international entertainment and food from some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. May 21

9th Street Italian Market Festival
The annual 9th Street Italian Market Festival features live entertainment, games and food, plus the Italian Market’s dazzling array of homemade sausages, delicious cannolis, imported meats and cheeses, luscious cappuccino, butcher-cut beef and poultry, specialty cookware and fresh pastas. May 14-15

National Garden Day
In honor of National Garden Day (May 6), many of the region’s botanical gardens, parks and arboretums are offering weekend discounts and specials, including free admission today (with coupon) to Morris Arboretum, Bartram’s Garden and more.

Spring Blooms at Longwood Gardens Festival
Explore hundreds of acres abloom with the beauty of spring at Longwood Gardens. And don’t miss the debut of another seasonal favorite when Longwood's spectacular Fireworks and Fountain shows return on May 29.

Philly Phlash Downtown Loop
Explore Philadelphia in a Phlash! Hop aboard the bright purple trolley and visit more than 25 locations in the city for just $2 every time you ride.

Mother's Day Brunch
It's that time of the year to spoil mom (or grandmom). Take a look at a few of our top spots to spend Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8.

2011 Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure
Join thousands banding together in the fight against breast cancer during the 2011 Susan G. Komen Philadelphia Race for the Cure on Mother's Day (May 8).

Leonardo da Vinci's Workshop
Don't miss the final days of Leonardo da Vinci's Workshop at the Franklin Institute. Experience full-size recreations of his inventions and see sketches and ideas from the greatest mind of the Renaissance. Through May 22

The Washington Crossing Brewfest
Philly Beer Week is less than a month away (June 3 - 12). Fortunately you don’t have to wait for great craft beer as more than 50 of the country's top breweries are headed to the Washington Crossing Brewfest on May 14.

Sesame Place
Sesame Place is now open for the 2011 season. This year, Sesame Place welcomes Murray, the park’s newest Sesame Street character.

Devon Horse Show
The country’s oldest and largest event of its kind, the Devon Horse Show features contests, exhibitions and an old-fashioned fair at the Devon Show Grounds.

Memorial Day at Chaddsford Winery
Spend a relaxing holiday weekend in the countryside as Chaddsford Winery celebrates Memorial Day (May 28 – 30). Enjoy wine tastings, picnics, live music and more on the picturesque grounds of the winery.

Visit Philly Goes Mobile
Now you can access visitphilly.com on the go. The new mobile version of our website allows you to find things to do, places to stay, places to eat and must-see attractions all from your mobile device.

Visit Philly on Foursquare
Check in with Visit Philly on Foursquare as you explore Philadelphia and the Countryside. Get insider tips, create a personalized to-do list and discover something new during your trip.

Philly Fun Guide
It’s spring in Philadelphia! That means that it's time again to take a stroll in the gardens, check out a tour of the city, or just stop and smell the flowers as Philadelphia blooms! Check out Phillyfunguide for fun ways to enjoy spring.

Paula Patton explains her son's blue eyes and blond hair...

Its so funny because I was looking at this picture of Paula and Robin yesterday thinking, its so amazing the colors we can make.  Made me wonder what Nick and Mariah's little ones will look like.  But leave it to Chelsea Lately to bring "the real" out of anyone lol.  Check out what Paula said about her little one's complexion....baby oil really!?!?! lol

oh and I found this cute throwback pic of Robin and Paula in his "Jesus" days lol....gotta love highschool sweethearts especially when you bring Hollywood into the formula.  Congrats to them!

Listen to Musiqsoulchild's new joint before you buy it!

Hey cuz, its nothing wrong with test driving before you buy the ride (-;  This is Musiq's 6th studio album!  Which is always great when a singer gets to  give us this many albums.  This one is called, MusiqInTheMagiq.  IT also marks the first time that there will be absolutely NO songs from the production duo and Grammy Award winners , Carvin and Ivan who wrote and produced 90% of ALL Musiq's music.   So far upon first listen its sounding pretty good. Soul music at this point feels so distant that any connection between me and good soul music feels so good.  And Musiq is definitely an artists we can depend on to give us some good soul music!

He recently was on 106 and Park breaking down his new album which is in stores today.  Check out the video here, and what happens when he shouts out her girl in the audience.....

Oh and get a listen to the FULL album and the link to his simulcast on BET Centric on the next page! 

Kindred gets all sexy on us!

Raphael Saadiq helps Yaya Decosta add to her acting real with his new video!

I just recently saw Yaya in the Oscar award nominated film, "The Kids are Alright" (Annette Benning and Julliane Moore), and was quite good.  Especially if you compare her to other model/actresses.  For those of us who watched her go through the motions of a natural sista with not so good skin on "America's Next Top Model", its poetic justice to see her kill the screen.  So thanks Raphael for seeing the talent in our Yaya!  Check her out in his new video, "Good Man"

Sooo is it fair to compare the Spike vs Tyler argument to Dubois vs Washington? Cuz Tyler did lol

I hate that he said that ONLY Black people do this to each other.  I mean sometimes I really feel like WE as Black Folks feel that we should only be able to criticize each others perspectives when in a private setting.  Some arguments are meant for everyone to check in on and I actually think this is one of them.  I enjoy the conversation in arguing the different perspectives of these writer/directors, even if I am riding more with Spike lol....Im open though for your perspective!

Waaaait dont forget to catch your last taste of PIFA before its over....

Biggups to everyone who made it to the Street Fair!  Thanks to my fellow PIFA blogger, Hugh E Dillon aka Philly Chit Chat I see there was a plenty of fun on Broad Street yesterday!

Of course Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings gave Philly what they needed...

Oh and the sunset performance of La Compagnie Transe Express.....beyond beautiful!!!

Hey but if you still not ready to end your PIFA experience, cram it in today before its gone!  Check out this  LIST of events for the final day!

thanks to all my PIFA folks for allowing me to bring you guys this fantastic festival!  I cant wait until next year!  Special thanks to Ed Salvato (-;

Wait did you know you can see Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings free at the Fair this weekend!?!?!

Oh if you have no other reason, this is it!  Its ok if youre not familiar with the group, thats what Laiyasworld is for, but biggups to PIFA for asking them to headline the big Street Fair going on tomorrow!  I was introduced to the at the first Roots Picnic and Ive have fallen deeply!  Sharon is a hell of a singer and MC and by that I mean she truly Moves the Crowd!  Check her and the Dapp Kings do their thing, but see it live tomorrow on the streets of Philly!!!  Thanks PIFA thats the way to go out!

this post is proudly supported by PIFA

So you mean to tell me that Justin Bieber can do Busta!?!??!

Check out what happened at the Beib's Australian date when Chris Brown hops on stage.  The highlight for me comes at around 1:56 when Beib does Busta's verse from "Look at me now"....Either its easier than I thought or could the Beib be tal----wait wait before I go there, its not like the Beib wrote the verse right?  Its easy to just repeat it right?  Ok you try lol

PIFA's got All that Jazz....to learn and love!

Well it is Jazz Month so what better way to celebrate then with a jazz cramming session the last weekend of the month?  As a matter of fact the African American Museum of Philadelphia is partnering with PIFA to shut down all other business and make this weekend truly about an American treasure that went viral, Jazz.  First we start with the ultimate cram session on Friday called, "Jazz ‘til Sunrise", it starts at 10:30p Friday night and doesnt stop until  5a Sunday morning, on two stages with continuous jazz being played. 



But if you are a extra true jazz aficionado (yeah you like my big wordness lol) then maybe you need quality time with jazz great, Gerald Vesley at his Master Workshop.  Listen its okay if you have totally neglected Jazz Month, but now is the time for no regrets by way of cramation.  For a full listening of this week's PIFA Jazz events just go HERE.   For all other PIFA stuff follow them on Facebook and Twitter!


This post is proudly supported by PIFA

Oh and speaking of the weekend, Jaguar Wright performance AND the Money Making Jam Boys!?!?

Now thats a HARD show lol

Ok so this weekend will be beautiful, how about taking the fam to a Parisian Fair in the middle of Philly!

As your official PIFA girl I have to say that I have been looking forward to the PIFA Street Fair since the full schedule was released!  Come on a FREE Parisian street Fair right on Broad Street (from Chestnut to Lombard Streets), with a huge ferris wheel, street performers, 40 food vendors, performances, and a kids area!  Its not like they shut down Broad Street everyday (right!?!?!).  So this will definitely be a day to remember and by the time you get the kids back home they will be worn out, lol.  So that's 2 for the price of none!  You know what Ill even throw in the official Street Fair MAP,  just so you know what streets to go down and to prevent frustration lol.  For more updates on PIFA follow them everywhere: 
Facebook
 Twitter

proudly supported by PIFA

Did you miss The Roots big announcement last week?

No worries you know I got you!

They didnt let Quest announce all the acts (even though he was totally about to spill the beans on this video lol), but I will tell you that its gonna be the GREATEST and most SOULFUL artists that have ever graced the  "Wawa Welcome to America" stage lol.  More Philly acts to be announced as well as some more legends....

Les Nubians=the bridge between Paris and Philly? Yup! And you can see them Thursday!

So I bet you didnt know that the ladies of Les Nubians became residents of Philly in the height of the "neo soul" explosion as I like to call it lol.  And thanks to PIFA they are coming back!  

     I dont know about you but I fell in love with these 2 French/Cameronian sisters when I first heard them bless a song called "Makeda" in the 90's.....

     It was the effortless beauty of their voice combined with the influences of Fela, Soul II Soul and a little bit of Tricky.  On top of the fact that unlike most, I took French all throughout school (kindegarden-college) and it's always fun to see if I can understand what they're saying since Im now realizing I should have paid more attention in class lol.   So after I heard "Makeda" it was a fantastic surprise to see one of my favorite MC's, Black Thought do a callabo with the girls, and it was a Sade remake!!!!  I think this was his real first acting gig lol!

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So now that Ive got you all warmed up, make a night of it!  Thursday, April 4th at the Kimmel Center lets welcome the ladies of Les Nubians back to their second home. Viva la PIFA!  Oh and after the show of course its the afterparty or as we like to call it, PIFA Underground, with my homiesistapartnafriend, DJ Afrodjiak!

For bonus Les Nubians video of them singing one of my favorites songs on "The Chris Rock Show", with the help of Philly's on Philly360 ambassador, Carol Riddick, continue on....

this post is proudly supported by PIFA 

follow them on Twitter and Facebook.

Les Nubians=the bridge between Paris and Philly? Yup! And you can see them Thursday!

So I bet you didnt know that the ladies of Les Nubians became residents of Philly in the height of the "neo soul" explosion as I like to call it lol.  And thanks to PIFA they are coming back!  

I dont know about you but I fell in love with these 2 French/Cameronian sisters when I first heard them bless a song called "Makeda" in the 90's

It was the effortless beauty of their voice combined with the influences of Fela, Soul II Soul and a little bit of Tricky.  On top of the fact that unlike most, I took French all throughout school (kindegarden-college) and it's always fun to see if I can understand what they're saying since Im now realizing I should have paid more attention in class lol.   So after I heard "Makeda" it was a fantastic surprise to see one of my favorite MC's, Black Thought do a callabo with the girls, and it was a Sade remake!!!!  I think this was his real first acting gig lol!





So now that Ive got you all warmed up, make a night of it!  Thursday

Prince takes over George Lopez and finally wears sneakers in the process!

Man I don't know how George Lopez did it, maybe it was the ccomplexion cconnection lol ( you know how Prince is about his folk and extended brown folk), but George accomplished a hell of a challenge.  And by the look of this interview he knows it!  Prince actually sits down, buses it up with George and then, get this, performs 2 songs!!!!  And hes wearing gold sneaks as performs!!! check out the interview here





And he brings the New Power Generation to join him with "Beautiful Ones"!!






To see him perform some of his newer joints check out the next page...

Behind the scenes of Questlove's Parisian Lockdown...that sure is some beautiful music!

     So this weekend is one of my favorite weekends for the PIFA festival.  As noted in a privious post, it is the weekend of my homies Questlove, DJ Afrodjiak , Rich Medina, James Poyser, Anthony Tidd and the honorable, Larry Gold, take over the Kimmel Center on behalf of PIFA.  The night begins with Quest and some exceptional musicials, full orchestra included.  As a matter of fact, when you get a chance look up some of the highlighted folks I  mention and show in the videos.  I  think   Quest can explain more of what you can expect better then me.  I love how he gives love to CAPA (his creative arts high school )for introducing him to classical music.  Its going to be a special night.. ....











Here is a sample of the beautiful music you can look forward to hearing.  Even thought they gave us a small piece it felt like a little piece of what heavan might sound like....







Legendary saxophonist, David Murray...






Oh and dont forget after that we party for FREE with Quest Love , Rich Medina and DJ Afrodjiak


But if youre interested in  tickets for the Sunday show, I got your back right THERE

Dont forget to follow PiFA for all the really cool events for the upcoming week!



..
See yall Sunday!


This blog is proudly supported by PIFA 

New Jill Scott Video ft Black Thought and Eve!!

Jill Scott takes her Rec and her city back, and brings some Philly friends along the way....

excuse my lateness, because as much as I love me some Jill in all kinds of ways, I should never be late on Jill Scott news and exclusives.  I mean we go back like

(PS that's my high school homie, Aisha Winfield who now runs Jill's nonprofit, Blues Babe and another really cool non profit, Jr. Music Exec)

 

When Jill got word that her childhood recreation center would be closing she something that most only talk about, taking action.  Ill let her explain......

Also biggups to Jill for always digging in her Philly pool for talent before she goes anywhere else.  She even brought Eve back to her home,North Philly!  I hear my other homie Tiffany Bacon (Philly radio personality and theater entrepreneur) helped with casting dancers and another Philly homie, Devin Hampton directed!  And as we await for the finished product, I love Jill for unconsciously putting together some of Philly's finest MC's for her video shoot cuz you know we had to get a cypher going on.  Check out Meek Mills, Ms Jade, Peedi Peedi, Dice Raw and your favorite MC's favorite MC, Black Thought (Philly 360 Ambassador).

To watch Jill break down Blues Babe and to find out how she is a "History Maker in the Making" click on the next page....

Is Tyrese right? Is there no hope? Could Wendy be the voice of reason!?!?!

Check out what happened when Tyrese dropped by our girl Wendy Williams show to promote his new book on.....wait for it...relationships!?!?!?

Beyonce tells the kids to get off their asses and starts a mob!

The National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation (NABEF) announced  that it is spearheading a "Let's Move! Flash Workout" featuring  Beyoncé to demonstrate support for First Lady Michelle Obama's initiative aimed at curbing childhood obesity.
The event, produced in partnership with the National Middle School Association (NMSA), the National School Boards Association (NSBA) and the American Association of School Administrators (AASA), calls for middle school students across the country to participate in a pre-choreographed "Let's Move!" FLASH MOB, Tuesday, May 3, at 1:42 p.m. Eastern Time.

take a look as Beyonce and the kids explain....

Beyoncé will be the exclusive featured performer for the "Let's Move! Flash Workout." She has re-written and re-recorded one of her songs and is providing an instruction video demonstrating the dance/exercise routine. The Beyoncé video will then be distributed to participating schools. Both the song and instruction video are being produced in English and Spanish. 

Check out the routine ....

Questlove locksdown Paris in Philly!?!?!?

So by now you know that I am your official PIFA girl, which has armed me with the mission to find all things PIFA that interest US (of course by us I mean all my Laiyasworld folks lol).  And boy do I have an event for you!  And its a 2 for 1 deal!  Ok so the event isQuestlove's Philly-Paris Lockdown.  What is it?  My homie Questlove will join a host of talented musicians including The Roots sometime keyboardist and  Grammy Award winning producer, James Poyser and multiple Grammy award winning string arranger and Philadelphia LEGEND, Larry Gold (google him!).  They will have the ultimate jam session featuring classical, jazz and hip hop!  There will be 9 compositions by four classical composers (Stravinsky, Debussy, Sate, and Ravel) inspiried by the PIFA theme (Paris 1910-1920).  Its a cultural overdose!  And then after the show is over we all head over to FREE PIFA Underground Post-Show Party in the Kimmel Center's Perelman Theater! And guess who's DJing!?!?!?  Questlove, along with one of my favorite Philly born DJs and good homie, Rich Medina! 

and just to add a little cherry on top, my other homie and business partna, DJ Afrodjiak> 

will also be joining them on the wheels and its FREE!!?!?!?Biggups to all three for representing as Philly 360 Ambassadors!

I cant wait! So mark it on your calendars, April 17 8:00pm at the Kimmel Center!

More details HERE

For all things PIFA follow them on Facebook and/or Twitter 

This post is proudly supported by PIFA.

Yes! First Spring night in DC!

PIFA Bloggers take over Philly!

The Roots Picnic...It just gets better! Youre going right?

New VIDEO Tuesday!!! with Chris Brown and Raphael Saadiq!!!

I anticipate a redeeming night for CB tonight on DWTS, so as we wait with baited breath how about a new video from him called "Beautiful People".  Me and the homie Aladdin found this video while I was filling in for the Lil Mo show at my part time day job, WPGC.  I dont know why I feel like I have to say this, but...."Im sorry, I still love me some Chris Brown...." lol  Oh and Im not alone, check out ALL the cameos in this video!

Now off to some REAL good music (no offense Chris lol).  Raphael Saadiq has always been the truth to me.

I damn near (or actually did) loose my job because of him lol (and a few other things lol). In my opinion him and the rest of the Tony's  really kicked off the revamping of soul music in the 90's also called "neo soul".  So whenever there is something new out from him I stop, listen and share! So its about that time for sharing....here's "Stone Rollin"

Lil Wayne says this is what Rock N Roll looks like...what do you think?

Check out his new artist, Porcelain Black.....I hate to say it but he may have something with this one

PIFA and Vivant Art introduce us to Black Parisian Art and I think youre gonna like it!

Biggups! to all my folks with an extra serving of Spring Fever especially after this disappointingly cold week!  Listen lets stay focused and know that good sunshiny weather is on its way and in the meantime I will supply you with some cool things to add to your calendar for some spring culture and fun!  If you're in the Delaware Valley area (Philly and surrounding) you already know that PIFA is kicking off next week! Ive told you before this is one of the biggest art festivals to hit Philly and I honestly think there is something for everyone!  like I've told you before they have a LARGE schedule of events but I try to keep my eye open for stuff I think WE might like to get more involved in lol. Well from April 15 - May 28 Vivant Gallery in Northern Liberties at 60 North 2nd Street there will be a special exhibit in celebration of PIFA .  It is a celebration of Black Parisians in the early 1900's. Now remember a lot of American Black Artist's were rejected in the states but celebrated in France.  So I think this is a good time to learn more about ourselves.  Enough of my sermon lol...

A couple of months ago I met Vivant Gallery owner and currator Florcy Morisett, who is a supafly sista from NYC but has made a home in Philly and has traveled all over the world cultivating her passion and career!  Oh this is Florcy...

She was just recently added to Philly 360's multi talented list of creative ambassadors too!  Check out all the info after the jump and they are also taking submissions from artists!  And dont forget to follow PIFA on Twitter and Facebook

 

ART CALL

"Art Noir: Parisian Embrace"

Art Call

Vivant Art Collection in partnership with Pennsylvania International Festival of the Arts' (PIFA) Gallery Night announces a call to artists. The show exhibits dates are April 15 - May 28, 2011 at the Vivant Art Collection. 

Open to all US artists

Paintings or Photography only

Pieces must be the same size

No frames unless it is a print or photography

 Submit work in JPG format via email

Must submit 3-5 works and be available for purchase

Deadline: March 28th, 2011, if accepted must be received at Vivant by April 8th. 

Art Exhibit

April 15 - May 28th, 2011, Vivant will host a visual art exhibition titled "Art Noir: The Parisian Embrace" as a part of Pennsylvania International Festival of the Arts' Gallery Night. The art exhibition will explore periods ranging from the late 1800s to the 1960s, when African American artists expiated to Paris, France as result of racial prejudices and segregation.  During this period, America refused to celebrate black art, Paris opened their city, musical stages, and art gallery walls to  black American artists such as singers Josephine Baker, Nina Simone and Charlie Parker; writers Langston Hughes and Richard Wright; and painters Henry Ossawa Tanner and Herbert Gentry.

History
In between the 1920s and after World War II black American writers, artists, and musicians arrived in Paris and popularized jazz in Parisian nightclubs; at that time Montmartre was known as "the Harlem of Paris."  During the same period, the development of traditional African sculpture became a powerful influence among European artists who formed an avant-garde aesthetic in the development of modern art.  In the words of artist David C. Driskell, "They chose a form of cultural exile over expatriation, hoping for a better day to come about in the land of their birth." 

this blog is proudly supported by PIFA