Miss Mini

The Blur…..

Hey y’all!!! I have been totally slack again in keeping you updated but I said I was going to stop apologizing for that….Let’s jump right in. So, I went up to the D.C., Maryland and Virginia area to do a show. But before the show, I had to go to WPFW 89.3 FM to do an interview with the one and only Dr. Nick! The traffic is TERRIBLE when you get close to Alexandria VA. Being new to the area I didn’t prepare for that slow down. AND I put the wrong address for the radio station in my GPS and ended up on the other side of DC before I realized I was in the wrong place. Needless to say, I was running late. I was supposed to get to the station around 2:00 pm but I ended up getting there at about 2:45. So, I was completely flustered when I first got there but I quickly calmed down once I saw the smile on Dr. Nick’s face. It was so nice to see him again. He is always a lot of fun! I also met Lady C who is quite nice as well.

The interview went well, we talked about my music, particularly my song “That Actright”. The song was written by Mike Darden, a producer out of Mississippi and got me nominated in 3 categories for the 10th Annual Southern Soul Music Awards…Best Club Song, Best Debut and Best Female Vocalist! I didn’t win but WHO CARES??? To be nominated alongside the greats in the industry was reward enough! We also talked about my new manager, DJ Heavy, and how I got started, where I’m from, etc…. and just like THAT my live radio interview cherry was popped and I’m glad Dr. Nick was the one to do it! LOL Here are some pics from my visit!

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So, after the interview, it was back to the traffic to get to the hotel. I swear, I must just be country as hell! I just cannot seem to get used to a lot of traffic! It stresses me the hell out. I’ll have to work on that since I KNOW I’m about to start traveling a lot more. Anyway, I get to the room and as I start to get ready for the show that evening, I hear a knock on the door…I say “Who is it?” and all I hear is children laughing. So, I said to myself that maybe they had the wrong room. Then about 10 minutes later, it happened again….They were PRANKING ME… Now, I’m already stressed so I was plotting to strangle the little rascals BUT since I didn’t want to catch a case in Maryland, I thought it would be better to just change rooms.

Fast forward to the show….

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I get to Lamont’s and it was pretty much like I thought it would be. I had heard a lot about it from other people so I had a good picture of it in my mind. It really is a down home country kind of place. It’s a big juke joint. That is NOT a complaint but a compliment! I felt right at home. So, when Dr. Nick introduced me, the audience received me very warmly because it seemed that they all heard the interview from earlier that day! I was up first and I did a pretty good show. I say pretty good because I was not very happy with it but the crowd seemed to enjoy it. I’m still not very good at doing shows with a music track. This is yet another thing that I have to work on. But I did well enough that I was told I will be invited back. Next time, hopefully I can bring the band.

I also made another great contact. I was introduced to Pamela Boone who writes the Southern Soul Paradise Blog. She interviewed me after my set and I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation. I can’t wait to see what she writes about me on her blog! So, that was two interviews in one day! I’m still just overwhelmed that I’m doing interviews…LIKE A REAL CELEBRITY!!!

Shay Denise was up next and she killed it! I had seen her perform before but this time was different! This time she was out there on her own and she did a great show. J. Red was great and so was the Rise Band!

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Anyway, I ended up staying pretty late. After I ate a few chicken wings (Yes, they fry chicken there like any respectable juke joint!) I went back to the room to sleep.

The next morning I checked out a little late. The front desk called me and asked when I was checking out! That’s how much fun I had…So, I hit the road around 12:00 headed back to NC to my manager’s birthday party!

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No rest for the weary…After being on the road for a little over 4 hours, I was tired when I got there. After about 30 minutes, tired was GONE! I was in party mode again. AJ the DJ was playing really great music, I was taking shots of Fireball and before I knew it, I was on the dance floor! There was live entertainment by Tony Chambers, a really good saxophone player and singer. He did a couple of instrumentals on the sax and sang a couple songs. That was fun to watch. And I DID NOT come there to perform, I promise! But as the Fireball started talking to me, it said “You know you have your tracks with you. Sing something for Heavy! So, this happened.

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Totally impromptu!!! But the folks enjoyed it. And I actually think I did better there than at Lamont’s! At least it felt like it. It was probably the Fireball in my blood….Yeah it was! EVERYTHING about this party was great, the food, the music, the people, the atmosphere…I always have a great time when I go to the Hawg Pen anyway. AND I will be performing there on April 16th with the band!

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So after ALL of this, yesterday, I had to get up and do a photo shoot with the band. I did NOT want to get out of the bed but it was already planned. Something went wrong with the photographer that we were supposed to use so I had to find someone to do the pictures THAT day since we were all together. So, I went to my computer and googled local photographers. I found this guy Photography by Allen. He agreed to bring us in at @ 2:00 and I had just called him @12:30! I had no ideal what I was walking into. I had never worked with him, never met him, NOTHING. But for some reason, when I do things on a whim they usually work out. This was no different. He has the photography studio in his home so the boys and I went there and he was so very friendly. His wife was very friendly as well. We were in and out within an hour with some really great pics. The price was reasonable too. Needless to say, I was very pleased with the results. Check us out.

After that was over, I went home and crashed! I stayed in bed for the rest of the day. That was some well deserved rest. I was so tired, I actually couldn’t see well. Hence the title of this post…THE BLUR! This is why I’m JUST getting to this today. I just didn’t have the energy to write it yesterday! I hope you enjoyed reading this and again THANKS for your support. Keep listening.

About Last Saturday!!!

Hey folks, so, this past Saturday January 14th was full of stuff so let’s just dive right in. My day started off around 1 pm when I woke up. I had rehearsal with my band at 2 so I needed to prepare. (Yes, I got out of the bed at 1:00 pm. Don’t judge. I’m a musician!) This was a particularly exciting rehearsal because I was going to meet my new bass player for the first time. Remember the last post where I was belly aching about losing my old standby, Andrew? Anyway, the new guy’s name is Osbert Osborne. I was told he was good so I was anxious.

Now, get this…It turns out that 20 something years ago, Andrew, my former bass player had gone to see Lee Fields in concert. Andrew had just started playing the bass and wasn’t that seasoned yet. So, he saw the bass player that Lee Fields was using and was completely mesmerized by that guy’s talent. Guess who that guy was…OSBERT OSBORNE!!! And now he’s with me…I can’t make this stuff up folks. These little “coincidences” are constant confirmation that I am on the right path. Side note *I don’t believe in coincidence. I just used the word for lack of a better one. EVERYTHING happens for a reason.*

Anyway, it turns out that Osbert also played with the group SLAVE for a while. So, yet again, change has proven to be a positive thing! So, we rehearsed and everything went well. We will be getting together again this coming Saturday. I think I will video some of it and share it with you.

As soon as I finished rehearsal, I had to hurry and get dressed to make it to this…

Now, I wasn’t on this show but so many of my friends were that I had to see them. The only one I hadn’t met was Wilson Meadows and I STILL didn’t get to meet him unfortunately. By the time he came out of his dressing room to go on stage, my stomach had already led me to the fish plates they were selling outside. I hadn’t eaten all day and that plate gave me a new lease on life but I digress!!! #StillMyLove

I actually got to sit and talk awhile with my Southern Soul Godmother (her unofficial title in my head) Nellie “Tiger” Travis. #IfIBackItUp It was REALLY great to see her again. We talked about everything from losing weight to cheap jewelry and it was magical. Just in case you didn’t know, this lovely lady will be appearing on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in two more days! He featured her song “Slap Your Weave Off” a few weeks back and now she’s going there to perform it LIVE! That will be Wednesday January 18th @ 11:35 pm on NBC. Make sure you tune in. We need the highest possible ratings for this one. Yes, this is a major move for Nellie but it could also reach back and pull some of the rest of us up as well. If featuring a Southern Soul artist produces high ratings for the show, guess what? THEY WILL KEEP DOING IT! Our music may finally begin to get the national recognition it deserves and Nellie is blazing that trail. I am honored that she is my friend and I know she will only continue to do great things. Anyway, here we are. (You knew I had a pic!)

This time, I also got a pic with Roy C. As much as I see him, for some reason I just never took a picture with him. So, here it is…As usual, he put up a great performance. The people still love this living legend and he hasn’t skipped a beat. He still sounds great and is still very entertaining to watch. By the way, I didn’t let him hug me this time 😉

Now, this is GOOD so pay close attention. You ready? OK, at the last minute a new act was added to the show…Big Pokey Bear. Yes, Mr. Sidepiece himself. The thing is Maurice Wynn does quite a few cover tunes and “Sidepiece” is one of them. So, no one told Maurice that Pokey was going to be there. AND…that’s right, you guessed it, Maurice decided to do the song. When he started, Pokey was sitting backstage watching Maurice and I had just met Pokey so I was giving him a little background on Maurice…THEN Maurice broke out into “Sidepiece”!! Pokey lifted his head up, immediately jumped out of his seat and headed for the stage! Guess what he did???? HE GOT ON STAGE AND STARTED DANCING TO HIS OWN SONG WHILE MAURICE WAS SINGING IT!!!!

MAAAANNN…..The look on Maurice’s face when he saw Pokey was priceless! It was OK though. The audience got a big kick out of it and you can imagine how we reacted backstage! WHEW!!! Anyway, when Maurice came off the stage, he immediately apologized to Pokey and told him he didn’t know he was there. You know what Pokey said to Maurice? He said, “Man, I’m happy as hell right now. I feel like you paid homage to me. Thank you.” That was one of the coolest things I had ever seen. He told me that this business is all about connections and that he had no problem connecting me with all the good people that he knows. He also invited me to his studio in Louisiana to work on something with him. And you know me. Have gas, will travel! Yes, he also performed “Sidepiece” and the audience still loved it! So needless to say, my first impression of Big Pokey Bear is that he is a lot of fun, humble as hell and just an all around good guy. And check out this smile!

So, it was a very long day but all in all, it was a great one! I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed myself that day. It was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. When I got home though, I finished up some apple moonshine DJ Heavy had given me and was out like a light!

I’m still working on the new album. I am SURE this one will be better than the first. I want to have it finished in time for this…

This is a HUGE show that I will be kicking off on July 8th. I’d like to be able to see my new CD there. I know my picture is not on the flyer YET. I am the question mark. HA! I don’t care if I were a cow patty as long as I get to perform. My ego does not need to be stroked! But, this is only the preliminary flyer. I will be on the updated version. My pic and bio will also be in the program booklets that they will be handing out for this show. I’m sooo excited about this one. I will get to meet and share a stage with even more great artists! Sometimes it’s hard to believe just how fortunate I truly am…..

Anyway, that’s all for now. Keep listening…Thank you all for reading this and if you haven’t already done so, SUBSCRIBE. That way you won’t miss any of my ramblings!

Under New Management!

Hello all! I’m kind of tired of apologizing when I don’t post for a long time so I’m just going to tell you. You probably won’t get a blog post but about once a month! Apparently, that’s all I have in me! My pattern has shown me that I just don’t have enough to say to post every week or whatever….On the bright side, at least you won’t get tired of me. So, on to why I’m posting today!

I have a new manager! I’m really excited about it because I have been managing myself up until this point and it has not been easy. I’m starting to realize that me controlling EVERY aspect of my career is not as rewarding as I thought it would be. I am the artist, and that is what I want to be now and not so much the business person. So, when I realized that I wanted a manager I had to think about a lot of things. First, I had to consider who I believe is trustworthy. Even if I didn’t know the person well, at the very least I could look at their reputation in the business and form an opinion from that.

I also had to look at who had contacts on BOTH sides of the fence where I do music…Southern Soul and Beach music. I sooo love doing both that I absolutely needed someone that also had their foot in both doors. I love Southern Soul because I grew up on it and it makes me remember “The Good Ole Days” of when I was growing up and both of my parents were still around. I love Beach because when I’m near the water I feel at home and at ease. I can’t explain it but I just feel like I belong there. AND I GET TO SING AND HEAR OTHER BANDS THERE??? GET OUT!!!! It doesn’t get any better than that.

I also wanted someone that has already been pushing me along in my career. This is the part that makes me tear up a little….There have been countless people that I have met on this journey that have seen something in me that I still have a little trouble seeing in myself. And because they see IT, they have thrown their hats in the ring to help and support me in ways that I could have never dreamed of. I feel so honored because these wonderful people didn’t HAVE to do any of it. It’s almost magical because it seems that when I need something, someone just shows up that can help me with that need. This phenomenon is one of the things that confirms for me that I am doing what I was put here to do. All that to say, I wanted one of my allies.

(Is the suspense killing you yet?) OK, so I thought about all this stuff and chose someone in my head. I asked and he graciously accepted. I have the paperwork to prove it! Anyway, I love this dude and I’m looking forward to our brand new business relationship. So, without further ado…My new manager is THIS GUY!!!

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That’s right! DJ Heavy…I am now officially a part of Heavy Entertainment! He was really the only one I wanted for this so if he had said no, I would have been crushed. BUT instead, I am ecstatic! So, if you want me, you gotta go through him. I need to get back to work and I know he is the man for the job. I’ve been pretty still for the last couple of months and I’m looking forward to being very busy.

Since I’ve not had many gigs in the last few months, I kind of let my band go by the wayside. The main reason is because I’m losing my star player; my bass player Andrew. He has been there since the beginning and was actually the one who encouraged me to strike out on my own. He was the FIRST one to see “Miss Mini” and was constantly telling me for months that I should be a solo artist. We met a few years back when I was a part of The Rhythm Express band and he came in as the new bass player. When he saw me perform, he immediately started to ask me for a list of songs that I knew, which is too long so he never got it. BUT he wanted to work with me on other things that he had in mind. A few months went by and we got to know each other and I let him hear some of the stuff I was writing. One day he looked at me and was like “What are you doing with these guys? You’re a star. You should be doing your own thing.” At first, the thought was a little scary but it obviously grew on me! So, we left the band pretty much at the same time and started working on my solo career.

Turns out he is also a brilliant musician and he was instrumental in helping me on my first album. For many of those songs, it was just the two of us in my studio for hours on end recording. Long story short, he can’t travel with me right now but has promised that he will still do my second album, which is currently in the works. BUT with Andrew also goes the guitar player, who is his son, and the drummer, which was a drum machine that he had programmed. So, I’m back at square one with the band. I’m looking at it as a positive though. I’ve been saying for the longest time that I wanted musicians that were dedicated to me and would put my projects ahead of their own. Now, I have a chance to find them. I can make that one of the things I insist upon before they join. I believe my last keyboard player is solid. I have a few other people in mind so I should be able to pull it off. I don’t know another bass player but I’m sure some of the musicians that I know do know someone. They probably won’t be as good as my Drew but I will learn to live with it…I will surely miss all of the energy and personality he brought to my stage. AND he gave the ladies something to look at while I sang. Did you forget what he looks like? Here’s a reminder.

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*sigh* At least I should be able to promise the new guys pretty consistent work in the coming year. I trust that my new manager with that!

Enough belly aching about that! Every change is a positive so I am looking forward to whatever may come out of this perceived loss. I think maybe I have been leaning on him too much. Not having him around will force me to stand completely on my own and learn how to better manage my musicians, which he was largely in charge of. So, I’m going to get on the stick and make some calls.

I’m off to the mall now. I hate to shop except online but my 16 yr old daughter has a choral program that she needs a dress for by tomorrow. That’s right, she can sing too! But she has no interest in doing it as a career. She wants to model. I can see that for her since she is quite lovely and a size Zero….I’m not exaggerating. She is a size Zero and about 5’9″. Imagine how hard it’s going to be to find this dress!!! My 7 yr old son on the other hand just may have performing in him! He also has a nice singing voice. I can hope for one right? That’s all for now. Keep listening and MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

The Carolina Beach Music Awards 2016

Well, I literally just stepped in the house from North Myrtle Beach. I couldn’t wait to make this blog entry. One, because once I lie down, I will be a complete vegetable. Two, I’m excited about all the new people I have met and the new connections I have made. I went down on Saturday November 12th. I started by doing my song Ole School Style with Big Time Party Band. Here is the video of that. Those guys are always super cool! Thanks for hanging out with Me John, Todd and Tracy! And thanks for the dance Johnny! 😉

Later, it was on the the Industry Awards. This is where I met soooo many people. First, I met Gary Lowder, lead singer in Smokin’ Hot. I have wanted to meet this dude for a long time because I love his voice and would really like to work with him. So, we talked about that and I think we will be in touch about it. High five to me!! Here we are.

Then it was on to Rhonda McDaniel!!! THE female vocalist on the beach music scene. She has won best female vocalist for 9 years in a row! This year she shared the award with Allie Privette, another very talented young lady. I introduced myself and told her I was a huge fan. I gave here a card and a CD and took this pic.

THEN, in walks Lomax!!! I recognized him as soon as I saw him. So I went and spoke to him for a little while. I let him know how much I loved his music and that I’ve been a fan for a long time. Apparently, he was expecting to see me. His manager told him that I wanted to meet him. He seems kind of quiet in person. Not at all what I expected because of his stage personality. Anyway, at least he let me get a pic.

Of course Hardway Connection was down for the awards. So, I went to catch them but I was late because I took a long nap that day. BUT I did get to hang out with them the next day. I wasn’t going to stay for the awards show on Sunday but Robert offered me a free ticket. Who could refuse that. So, I ended up staying and this time, I got a pic with my girl Toni, who is still cooler than a fan! Had a GREAT time with you girl. See you soon!

So, I went to see the Tams later and this happened!!! Hey Little Red! I finally got to meet him! That man has energy to burn! I don’t know how he does it. On that same show was also Jim Quick and Coastline. They are always a good time. So, I snapped a couple more pics! (See this time, I made sure I took pictures. I did good! It’s probably starting to annoy you now but. Bare with me! There’s only a few more!

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Fast forward to Sunday. I had to get up early to go to the artist showcase and set up my table. I didn’t know who else was going to be there but I ran into THIS!!!

On the left is Robert from Hardaway Connection. On the right is Sir Jonathan Burton…OK this is exciting enough but who is that fellow in the middle you might ask…That my dears is Eddie Floyd!!! That’s right! Mr. “Knock on Wood” himself! He is a real and true legend and I was soooo honored.

The awards show started soon after so I changed my clothes and Toni and I went over to the Alabama Theater together. We sat out front for a while and then went backstage. There were photographers taking pictures of all the artists. I have always hated taking posed pictures but I am starting to get more comfortable with it. So, I posed for mine and went back out front to watch. Long story short, the Male Vocalist of the year category came up towards the end of the night and a young man by the name of Kendrix Singletary won the category! He is the lead singer for Black Water Rhythm and Blues band and he is amazing! I’ve been listening to him for a while. It was his first time winning and the whole room shared his excitement, including me! I was lucky enough to meet him and he is a great person and yeah, he’s a cutie too. Take a look.

Needless to say, this trip was fantastic. So much happened that I’m sure I forgot something. Like I said, I am exhausted. One thing about this weekend, there was always something going on and not much of an opportunity for rest. Thanks to Neal Furr for being my champion and tour guide this trip. It was truly great to see Linda Wengerd-Liskey and her new hubby again. They also won an award this year for greatest fans. I also saw Tammy Velozo-Brown or as she says, Tammy from Boston. These are two great gals indeed. Anyway, I’m out! Until next time, keep listening.

So, so much!!!

Hello all! I’m sorry I haven’t made a post in a while but my computer has been having all kinds of issues and….I’ve just not had much to say until now! Where do I start? How about this past weekend. So, I went up to Bealeton VA for the tribute to Hardaway Connection for their 35 years in the business. Well, first off, the drive was hell…But that’s not the point of this. One point is that I was absolutely SHOCKED that there is such a strong Southern Soul Market in that area. I mean, I was damn near in Maryland and I just kind of thought that there was not much interest in Southern Soul that far north. But I was WRONG! The place was packed. See for yourselves.

And when I tell you they came to party…THEY CAME TO PARTY!!! On this show there was Maurice Wynn, Shay Denise, J Red, Donnie Ray, Roy C and of course, Hardaway Connection. Great line up right? The only one I hadn’t met before was Donnie Ray. I swear the man is only about 5 feet tall! He packs a lot of punch in that small package though. I enjoyed his show so much I got his new CD and an autographed pic for my collection.

Now, I have known Roy C. for a long time but I never did have anything of his that I could display. So, I decided to get a pic from him too. And of course he got on stage and showed his a$$ as usual…not literally. I just mean he talked his usual trash. The fresh bastard also groped me a little when I hugged him…Yep, same old Roy!

I also got a selfie with my dude J Red the Nephew. It was good to see him. I hadn’t seen him since we recorded that song together back in March. What song you say? Listen here. If You Need Some

What I failed to do though is get a pic with my dude Dr. Nick. He hosted the show and he has been faithfully playing my music on his radio show Southern Soul Rumpin’ on WPFW 89.3FM on Saturdays from 2pm to 4pm. He’s been a great champion for me and I forgot to get a pic with him. I also forgot to get one with Hardaway Connection. I guess I just got too into the show to cover much with my phone. I at least should have gotten one with my girl Toni Love, the female singer in the group. She is a great lady and put on a really great show that night. Anyway, I will try to do better…That’s all I can do.

I’m glad I made the trip though. I made some great contacts, got to meet some great people, saw some old friends and generally had a really great time.

Now, I know it was two months ago when I said that I was working on a new song. Well, I did finish it and it is doing quite well! It is the only song that I have ever recorded that I did not write. It was written and produced by a guy out of Mississippi named Mike Darden. When he contacted me about doing a song I was apprehensive because people send you stuff they think is great and most of the time it’s not so great. Also, I was a little uncomfortable giving up my creative control. Again, I didn’t write it so I was like…uhhhhh. BUT when I heard it, I knew I had to record it. I could actually hear myself singing it in my head. So, I figured it was meant for me. It called “That Act Right” and you can hear it here That Act Right I have put it on CD baby so that you can buy it but it’s still under review right now but it should be available in a day or so.

Even though it is brand spanking new, it’s already making waves. This is the one that Dr. Nick is currently playing on his show. I can’t even tell you the other stations that are playing it but it must be quite a few since my Facebook music page is getting so many views per day now. The song has also made Daddy B. Nice’s top ten for October. It is at #4. When I saw that, I got emotional. Even as I am typing this I am holding back the water works! I have been reading and watching that site for a while because it is THE Southern Soul website authority and I just couldn’t believe that my name was on it. Have a look. Daddy B, Nice’s Corner and Top 10

I guess that’s about it for now! As far as I know, my next gig isn’t until December 9th. It will be the Mr. Freeze Christmas party. It will be a good one! More details to come. Until then, thank you and keep listening! Update…You can now buy That Act Right! Here is the link. That Act Right

Buy the CD! On Sale for $7.99

Slowly But Surely

Hey, I know I’ve been MIA for a while but that’s because things have stagnated a bit. Nothing is really happening that I wanted to tell you about. I think I need to change my energy. I’m beginning to worry about silly things and I think that is slowing my progress. I’ll probably watch some Oprah Life Class tonight to try and get myself together. But don’t worry. Giving up is STILL not an option and it will never be.

Well, next show I’m doing is at Shaw’s Ball Park in Kenly, NC. I’m a little nervous about it actually. It will be the first time I’ve done a show with tracks instead of my live band. I THINK it will anyway. I’ve been thinking of asking them to do me a favor and come out but, I don’t know….Anyway, here is that info. I know it says Sundays but this is actually on Friday, Sept. 2nd.

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THEN the very next day, Saturday Sept. 3rd, I’m in Ahoskie, NC at the amphitheater. I will definitely have the band with me there. I’m looking forward to this one! Ahoskie won’t know what hit ’em. MISS MINI IS COMING!!!! The poster has changed a little because it turns out that Big G won’t be there. He has been replaced with Black Diamond.

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Both of these shows should be a blast. I know they will be for me anyway. Speaking of the tracks, I need to get to work on them. I have been putting it off because I really don’t want to use them. But if I must they need to sound right!

Oh, I almost forgot. I got in touch with Dr. Nick, who is the premier Southern Soul DJ in the Washington DC, Maryland and VA area. He hosts a show called Southern Soul Rumpin’ on WPFW 89.3 FM . I sent him my songs and he loved them. He has promised to spin “Ole School Style” for the next few weeks but can’t decide what to play after that because he likes so many of my songs! That pleases me to no end! So I’m stretching out…Slowly but Surely…Here he is with Lady C, the other host of the show.

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I also got a little secret for y’all…I’m working on a new song (shhhh). Actually this time I didn’t write it. A DJ down in Mississippi named Mike Darden ran across my music and thought I would be perfect to sing a song he wrote. I tend to be skeptical when people say they can write but when I listened to it, I could actually hear myself singing it! I really like the song and when I finish it, I’ll give you a little preview.

That’s all for now. Keep listening and I will try to get better at this. I’ve been told that I need to start posting more videos….I’ll work on that. Thing is, I’ve always found live videos to be a bit presumptuous. I mean, it’s like you are just assuming that people want to see you, and hear you speak on whatever…I guess I’m wrong about that. People actually like that. I myself am a reader. I’d much rather read something than watch a video about it. BUT THAT’S JUST ME. Bear with me y’all. Anyway, I appreciate the time you have taken to read this. Please feel free to comment! I would like to see what you all think about whatever! BYE

Shelby Jean’s Restaurant

Hey, this past Saturday I performed at Shelby Jeans in Carolina Beach. I had a blast! The people there are really friendly and the atmosphere is really laid back and down to earth. I took a new keyboard player with me this time, Elmore Dunn, and he did an amazing job! The only crazy thing was, I go so scatter brained that I forgot I had taken my purse to the car. I was looking all over for it and it was in my friggin’ car. Not only that but I also thought my keys were in the purse and yes, the car was locked. So, we break into my car with a wire hanger only to realize that I actually had the keys the whole time in my CD bag!!!

I guess that 41 years is starting to take a toll on my brain! Anyway, I’m hoping this will open the door to more gigs in that area. I really like it there. Here is a short snippet from the gig that Elmore posted on Facebook.

My crazy behind wanted to go to the fishing pier after the gig because they stay open 24 hrs. I was seriously going to go too had it not been for the rain! I had my gear and everything. Next time little fishies….

I’ve made a few more contacts today and I’m still going to e-mail a few more people before I’m done. I gotta keep dangling the bait until they bite…Did that fishing analogy do anything for you? Probably not but what are you gonna do? Alright, it’s about 3:15 pm and the beer gods are calling me. For a musician, it’s never too early! Next stop, Shaw’s Ballpark in Kenly, NC on July 31st. This will be my first track show and I’m actually kind of nervous about it. I’m used to having my guys behind me. I’d better get used to it though. I see a lot more of these coming in my future! That’s it for now. Keep listening, join the fan club….XOXO

P.S. I’ve been thinking about finding a name for my fans. Do you like “Miss Mini’s Minions”? Could you be called a minion and be cool with it? I’m open to suggestions! Please give me your input.

I Can’t Even….

Hey ya’ll,

I have a few more updates for you so let me just dive right in. The Down Home Blues Fest was absolutely fabulous except for one thing….Walt Luv, the dude that put on the show, disappeared! He did not perform and he stiffed me completely. I got no money other than CD sales. I think the other artists, got deposits at least but didn’t get what they were owed afterward. Thing is, I was warned….But I always give people a chance. If you haven’t done it to me then you haven’t done it.

But let’s look on the bright side! There had to be over 2000 people there so I got a lot of exposure (OK musician friends…We all know that exposure is total bullshit but just let me live in the fantasy.). And I got to meet some really great people. This guy here was there.

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Yep, that’s Bishop Bullwinkle. I remember sharing his video so many months ago when my sister asked me to help clean out her house. “Hell naw, to the naw naw naw” LOL. That said it all! She couldn’t even get mad because it was so funny! I still didn’t clean out that house though.

And actually, two of my guys played with Billy “Soul” Bonds because his musicians didn’t show up. Andrew Sr. and Andrew Jr. helped this dude out and they did an OUTSTANDING job. I swelled with a mama’s pride…

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This just came up TODAY! I will be at Shelby Jean’s at Carolina Beach on Saturday! My friend John L. Wilson of Big Time Party Band booked the gig for me. It was last minute but since I wasn’t playing anywhere, why not?

Shelby Jeans

I just got the flyer for this…I knew about it for a couple of weeks but now that I see this, I’m really excited!

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It just amazes me how this music thing is coming together for me. I’m convinced now more than ever that I am meant to do this. This is my life’s purpose. When I think about it sometimes, I get so overwhelmed that I cry…I am so grateful and so humbled by the things that I have been allowed to do and see. And I look forward to all things to come. Until next time ya’ll. Your support is worth more than gold. OK, I’m misting up again so I have to go! Keep listening. Much love!

Follow the Tracks

Hey folks. I have come to a sad, sad realization….I’m going to have to put together a track show. I have always hated using music tracks on a live show because it takes away from my flexibility as an artist. You can’t tell a track to “break it down” or give the musicians solos. And when I started out, tracks weren’t even a thing. Nobody did that! All live music was actually LIVE. Every instrument had a person on stage playing it. That is what I am used to and that is what I like. For me, tracks kind of cheat the audience out of the best experience possible.

BUT alas, I must do it. Here are my reasons…

Musicians are unpredictable and not very loyal. When I started (I know I’m beginning to sound like an old person), NOTHING came before a gig. If you had a show, you went and did it unless someone died! On Xmas and Thanksgiving, we took our plates of food on the road and ate on the way to the gig. I remember one girl getting fired because she chose to go to an MC Hammer concert (whew I just dated myself) instead of doing a gig scheduled for that night. It was THAT serious. Now it seems if someone has a hangnail, they won’t be able to make it! That blows and I’m sick of it!
I’m still kind of the new kid and cannot yet demand top dollar. Although my popularity is continuously growing, many still have never heard of me. It’s difficult to get paid a decent wage when you are not yet a household name. That means, there is only a little bit of money to spread around. I like to pay my guys well and I just can’t every time. *LIGHT BULB* THAT’S PROBABLY WHY THEY ARE NOT SO LOYAL!! Anyway, if it’s just me and a track, that little bit is fine because there is no one to pay but me.
I can gig more often with tracks. If I have music tracks, I can take gigs in smaller venues and get even more exposure that way. I can charge a very low price while I’m getting my name out there. I can probably gig somewhere every week with the tracks. This would be impossible with my band.

Now, I’m still going to do shows with the band. I will never totally give that up. BUT the gig has to pay enough so that I can pay my musicians. If not, I’m going with the tracks…*shrugs shoulders*

OK, my radio show is now up and running on Remember Then Radio. It airs every Wednesday at 6pm. My music is played for a whole hour! Thanks Barb and Steve. You guys are great!

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I contacted a few folks in the Lake Gaston area who had venues that offer live music. I have gotten absolutely ZERO response but I am undaunted. I’m gonna bug them until somebody lets me play! One good thing though is that my DJ friend Neal Furr (Soul Dog) hooked me up with a guy named Andy Lucy who apparently has a radio station in Emporia VA, lake country. I sent Andy my music and he has promised to play it! So, maybe when people hear it there, they will be more open to letting me come there to perform.

He’s also got a couple of more DJ friends in that area that he said he’d reach out to for me. I swear I LOVE that dude. I don’t even know what I have done to deserve so much of his support but I am surely grateful! And it’s not just him! So many folks have gone out of their way for me. Let me just shout out a few…DJ Heavy, Gary King, Scott Beasley (Deckerz Bar and Grill NMB), Robin Lancaster, Gene Coker, J Red the Nephew, VA Fonz, Terry L. Batts, Chip Sistare, Vicki Chaffin, Andrew Blackwell….I know I’m forgetting some people but my brain only works so well….Just know that I appreciate you all so much!!! I am honored and humbled that you have even taken the time to say my name much less help me along this winding road.

That’s all for now. Keep listening…Why am I about to cry? Happy tears…

Lake Country

Hey folks! So, I had a bit of an epiphany today. I live in Rocky Mount. DUH Right? But I am realizing that I am very close to Lake Gaston….And there is a large market for live music there. Why I’m just realizing this, I don’t know but yeah…So, today I’m going to contact some folks and let them know I’m available.

So, last week I went to Downtown Live here and saw Jim Quick and Coastline. I didn’t let them know I was there. After the show, I went and said hi to the guys and Jim says “Why didn’t you tell me you were here. You could have sang Chain of Fools. It brought the house down last time” He was so right! I gotta kick this whole modesty thing. Getting on that stage with him would have given me a bit more credibility with this beach music thing. Oh well, at least I got this selfie!

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I have also got managed to get a sponsor!!! YAY!!! It is Remember Then Radio

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They are giving me a whole hour per week of just playing my music! It is already in daily rotation. I like to listen when I surf the net or clean the house. You should give it a try! It’s commercial free and always on! My favorite shows are Gary’s Beach Shack and Soul Dog’s Beach Boogie and Blues. Let me be ghetto for a minute…Shout out to Neal Furr and Gary King, my DJs are in the house Baby baby! OK I’m back! They don’t JUST play beach music. They also play Doo Wop and oldies. Anyway, check them out at the link above for the schedule and give them a listen. Once my show gets produced, I will let you know what time you can tune in to hear me! That’s all for now. Thanks for listening and join the fan club!