Suite Success

When I saw Jada Avenue on the bill for Suite Soul Spot I was sold. I love her voice and her positive energy and great humor made me a fan last year. While I love to support this event I don't get a chance often to attend the 2nd Wednesday monthly event, but I told myself there was no way I would miss Jada on the stage.

Homegirl did her thang in her cute dress which is a new look for the artist that promises to release her EP in time for Christmas. Her song "Vitamin" talking about one man giving you everything you need had me on the edge of my seat. Her songs about love, men and just life in general weren't the norm because the voice that Avenue belts out reminds you of why you love music. The rawness, the originality, and true passion that flows through her voice will make you a fan for sure.

Wildman who is also from St. Louis came on after Jada and did his thang to the fullest. The only way I can describe him is think Bilal without his ADHD medication. He is a talented man and his on stage performance is something that everyone should see at least once. He took his shirt off and flipped those long dreads all over the small stage and gave the folks a true show. The makeshift spotlights proved to be too hot for him because he insisted on taking off his jacket, which got the crowd going and got one fan an up close and personal look. Each time I see Wildman live I like him just a little bit more. He is for sure different and while his style is his own his music is for all to enjoy.

It was Wednesday night, I was tired, my feet were starting hurt and the spotlight I was seating next too was giving me a headache and I told Nicole, Inc that I would only stay for 1 maybe 2 songs by Choklat. Well when this Seattle born songwriter got on stage and hit her first note I was happy I stayed and knew I wasn't leaving until her last note was out.

CHOKLATE, who Nikki Roach, the host for the evening described by using song title "Killing Me Softly" may have reminded some of Lauryn Hill (pre the crazy drugs) but she was more the female version of Eric Roberson with a twist of Common rolled up into a female with a bad ass pair of shoes on. She had us singing along to classics but her own music is what made me truly take notice of her greatness. She was singing so hard she went down on her knees and finished one song, but when she tried it for a second time the speaker fell off the stage, knocked the spotlight off all while she was rocking those heels and never, missed a note. Normally I would have laughed but when she never stopped singing and even made a quick joke about it I was like this sister is the business! She finished her set by spitting a freestyle and even brought "16 Bars" on stage with her and allowed him to do his thang as well. I could go on and on about her and ya'll know I will but I'm going to save it because I'm determined to get Choklate in the V.I.P. Suite very soon.

NEXT MONTH: ERIC ROBERSON. That's right folks MR. ERRO will be in St. Louis on September 9th for Suite Soul Spot at Black Label. Show starts at 8 but if you've ever been to an Eric Roberson show before you may want to go camp outside starting now.