Back 2 Back Soul in NYC by Fiona Bloom

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    (September 29) This past week New Yorkers experienced some great soul music on stage, amazing networking, seeing old friends, making new ones and watching this movement grow larger and larger.

    First night we celebrated ONUTSS 1 Year Anniversary. The ladies of ONUTSS (One Nation Under The Soul Shack),  Pam and Detrell, have created a forum for listeners, fans, industry and artists alike where they can share the one thing in common-  real musicianship,  soul music and supporting the independent artist. They've done it in such a way where there's no pretense, no industry snobbery and no politics involved.  Simply out of love, passion and dedication.

    Monday at SHRINE was produced by Marko from InJoy Enterprises and WHCR. Special guests who performed were Myoshi, Ken Myles, Peachy Salthouse from The U.K and Mike Hammond.

    (September 29) This past week New Yorkers experienced some great soul music on stage, amazing networking, seeing old friends, making new ones and watching this movement grow larger and larger.

    First night we celebrated ONUTSS 1 Year Anniversary. The ladies of ONUTSS (One Nation Under The Soul Shack),  Pam and Detrell, have created a forum for listeners, fans, industry and artists alike where they can share the one thing in common-  real musicianship,  soul music and supporting the independent artist. They've done it in such a way where there's no pretense, no industry snobbery and no politics involved.  Simply out of love, passion and dedication.

    Monday at SHRINE was produced by Marko from InJoy Enterprises and WHCR. Special guests who performed were Myoshi, Ken Myles, Peachy Salthouse from The U.K and Mike Hammond.

    Next up was Eric Roberson's Birthday Bash at SOB's.  Everyone hyped it up saying tons of surprise guests including Angie melissayoungStone, Dwele and others.  It was just Eric all night...He's such a dynamic entertainer that he really didn't need any help from the stars-  he is one!

    The place was packed. The energy was high and a lot of players in the house.  Also- caught some noticeable underground hip hop legends like   Lil Sci, Company Flow and Shabaam Sadiq. The crowd sang Happy Birthday at midnight.    All the camera phones went off.   We also shared in a big birthday cake and were honoured to receive birthday giftbags.  So it's Eric's birthday and he's giving us gifts!  We were blessed with a Birthday CD.

    Peter Hadar and Gordon Chambers graced the stage and sang happy birthday. We had to leave quickly because Melissa Young and I had to be at Marko's radio show on WHCR.

    mayaThe last night was SOL VILLAGE at SOB's. Sista Soul Power! We were entertained with Eric Roberson's words and medleys and along with hosting by Emily King and she blessed us with some tunes. Brought out all the artists.

    Paula Jean
    Melissa Young
    St. Juste
    Maya Azucena

    All the artists strongly talented each with a unique grace and style-distinctive vocal abilities and entertaining the crowds in their own special ways. Melissa was the surprise- very short and sweet.  She left the crowd yearning for more. Just 2 songs.  Was just getting warmed up.  She came in to the crowd in her signature Melissa Honeysuckle way-   Gave us ' Southern Fried Soul' in its full throttle. Singled out a young man.  Hahah- who just happened to be  Mr. Akim Bryant from Music Choice who we happen to be meeting with doing a meet and greet w/staff in October.  So very appropriate that Melissa sing right up to his face, put her hands around his neck and hold him close.  What a moment. The audience went crazy. The guys were cheering and wishing they were him.

    St. Juste always special with her great charisma, wonderful energy and combination of soul/rock and Caribbean/Ragga rhythms.  Lastly, Maya gave a fabulous performance.  She was glowing all in Red with smashing red boots. She sounds so great coming off of being in Europe most the Summer on Festivals. We caught a nice soulful duet with Maya and Eric Roberson. We were able to feast our eyes on.  Very sweet harmonies.  A night to remember. It ended with the usual Eric Roberson Finale! Hard core musicianship- aggressive guitars/drums and mash ups.  Eric signing his sweet heart out and letting it be known it's good to be HIM! Happy Birthday!

    Fiona Bloom