“My music is the spiritual expression of what I am; my faith, my knowledge, my being … When you begin to see the possibilities of music, you desire to do something really good for people, to help humanity free itself from its hang-ups … I want to speak to their souls.” - John Coltrane
“All that jazz.” Live entertainment on Tuesday nights at Si Salsa in Pikesville, featuring jazz, comedy and poetry. Audience participation is encouraged so pick up your axe and bop to Pikesville for a fun Tuesday night. Si Salsa was so hot recently with musicians wanting to sit in on the hottest jam session of the year. There were so many musicians wanting to play they needed a sign-in sheet. During the break “I was caught up.” I started to tell a few of my Moms Mabley jokes during the open mic session.
“I love music.” The jazz musicians definitely came to perform and they did. When Jackie Blake arrived with his clarinet the night was right. Check out Binx Watts and Jacquel as they host Tuesday night jazz.
“When we recall the past, we usually find that it is the simplest things; not the great occasions that in retrospect give off the greatest glow of happiness.” - Bob Hope
Happy retirement to my son-in-law, Lt. Col. Gregory Packer Sr. on his retirement from the U.S. Army with 22 years of distinguished service. Greg and his family have made many moves over the years around the world. He and Lisa are looking forward to finally settling down in Fairfax Station, Va., and will enjoy this next phase of their lives. As my grandsons Gregory and Matthew informed me, “We have visited 23 countries” and thanks to my wonderful son-in-law I have visited most of those countries with them.
“When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace.” - Jimi Hendrix
“Isn’t she lovely.” Watching Angela walk “down the aisle” to marry my nephew Kevin Johnson, I marveled at the vision of beauty. The ceremony performed by Kevin’s grandmother Rev. Pauline Wilkins was “simply beautiful.” “I cried a tear” when my niece Morgan Chase, a student at The Alvin Ailey School of dance, performed a liturgical dance in honor of the newlyweds. My sister Cheryl Johnson was radiant as she flashed that gorgeous smile, reminiscent of a tooth paste commercial at the union of her son and his new bride. “With a child’s heart,” beautiful Makala, 4, stole my heart when she extended her hand to assist me walking down the steps. I’m certain her cousin, R&B sensation Mario, has plans for her in a future video.
“I’ll tell it to the hot. I’ll tell it to the cold. I’ll tell it to the young. I’ll tell it to the old. I don’t want no laughing; I don’t want no crying; and most of all, no signifying.” - Petey Greene
“It’s celebration time.” If you want to know what I’m celebrating join me Nov. 18 at Ruth’s Chris’s Steakhouse at Pier 5 for the baddest, coolest and most sophisticated happy hour featuring martini, cosmo, crab cakes, shrimp cocktail and burger specials starting at $5. It must be a recession. Even Ruth’s Chris has lowered the prices.
"It was a bold man who ate the first oyster." - Jonathan Swift
“When Irish eyes are smiling.” The event at the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) on Buena Vista was a prelude to this weekend’s Irish festival at Timonium Fairgrounds. We stopped past the FOP recently for a Guinness Stout cook off featuring local restaurants serving their signature dishes prepared with, you guessed it, Guinness. We sampled “shepherd” pie, cream of crab soup, Kobe beef sliders, bread pudding and other dishes for just $5. After sampling the dishes we voted on the best ones. The money raised was to support the Irish Charities of Maryland. For more info go to www.IRISHFESTIVAL.COM.
“Take care to get what you like or you will be forced to like what you get.” - George Bernard Shaw
“Soon and very soon.” Time to plan your outdoor events. Visit the Outdoor Oasis in Villa Nova, a perfect venue for graduations, birthdays and more with the pool, gazebos and other special amenities. Call Rodney Thompson at 443- 804-4746 to host your next event.
“Joy to the world.” Colin Dante Daniels entered the world weighing over eight pounds, to the delight of proud parents Dante and Candace Daniels.
“I’ll fly away.” Condolences to the family of Emmett Starkes and Stanley Tucker on the death of his sister Leslie and to Lauretta Walden, Vera Newton, Donald and Gerald Abrams on the death of their sisters Muffy and Roberta. They flew away within hours of each other. “We will understand it better by and by.”
“Do not resent growing old. Many are denied the privilege.” - Irish proverb
Happy birthday to my son Keith Lee, Ralph Wright, John Wood, Jeanne Foster, Mildred Harper and twins Janet Richardson and Joyce Frierson on their birthday celebration at the Belvedere 13th floor. Sorry I couldn’t make the party. I know you tore the roof off.
The Baltimore Data Collection Center is hiring for the 2010 Census. Go to www.jobsthatcount.org to apply.
“I’ll be there.”
Valerie & the Friday Night Bunch
a luta continua