Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show: Let the Countdown Begin!!!

Hi Bubbling Readers,

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It’s almost that time. Countdown Everybody to the SuperBowl Halftime Show!

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I know that people are really excited about the game; but there are many of us (like me) who look forward to the halftime show. Madonna did an awesome job last year; but on Sunday, February 3 Beyonce will be taking the stage and it will be party for sure.

This week’s rehearsals give a slight indication of what will be sung. In the video, I hear Beyonce singing countdown.

I believe Countdown will be included in the playlist because fans all over the world have been counting down the minutes to see Beyonce take to the stage.

I envision that Beyonce will bring to the stage her former band mates of DC, Michelle and Kelly, for a reunion and sing their recently released from their Love Songs CD, Nuclear. I say this because what better way to release a brand new single in front of millions of people who are fans or will become new fans. The song is a relaxing jam that I could listen to when I am driving or if I am away on the beach in the Caribbean. Okay back to the music.

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One of the lyrics says, “When two become one on a quantum level”…

Take a listen.

http://youtu.be/asMKYPs6MuM

My favorite groove is, Get Me Bodied. I really hope that she performs this one because the dancing is so on point.  This song makes me show another clock picture. Oh yes!

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Will Jay Z make a special appearance? No, because it is his lady’s show. He would want all the accolades and spotlight to go to her. If Jay Z so happens to make an appearance, the hit from Beyonce ft. Jay Z, “Crazy In Love,” makes me do the catwalk. That car blowing up in the video so cool! I’m strutting my stuff. Oh oh Oh Oh Oh Oh no no!

My husband definitely got me looking Crazy in Love! Love ya Baby!

And if Beyonce could add in Deja Vu in that appearance with Jay Z, that would be too cool. Boy, I try to catch myself but I am out of control!

My other picks for the Beyonce Half-time show would be Irreplaceable and Single Ladies, both mega hits.

Irreplaceable is a fan favorite and she has to do this one. To the Left, To the Left!

Single Ladies is another fan favorite, the dancing is on point and so true that if you like it you should put a ring on it. If you like it then you should of put a ring on it.

In less than 24 hours we will see. Please check back for my review of the show.

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Music Corner:Alanis Morissette: Havoc and Bright Lights

Alanis Morisette is back with a new album. Havoc and Bright Lights debuted in late August. I remember  back in the mid-nineties Morisette was so popular. I would hear her music constantly over the radio. She will be touring North America and Europe over the next several months. So if you are looking for Alanis Morissette tickets this would be the time because they may be selling out fast in your area.

She is highly successful for her debut album in 1995, Jagged Little Pill and the BBC said it sold over 33 million copies.  She is an accomplished singer/songwriter, has won multiple Grammys and Juno awards.  She is now married and has a son.  Having so many accomplishments some would think that she would be content, but that is not Alanis. She is coming back with this project after a four year break. Her life is not the same so I cannot compare her new album with Jagged Little Pill. Her music is very personal so it would have to be different because it is evolving.

Morissette’s first single from the new album is Guardian. This song reminds me of my guardian angels looking out for me. I included the video below.  She is wearing wings. I wonder if she is thinking about guardian angels when she wrote this song?  Hmmmm.

This album is very different because it is not filled with anger, sadness, pain and not really chaos either. This album seems fresh to me, with a woman who is happy with her life and enjoying the moment. To think that she would have to try and come out with the same type of album as Jagged Little Pill would show no growth.

The Havoc and Bright Lights playlist

  • Guardian
  • Woman Down
  • ’til You
  • Celebrity
  • Empathy
  • Lens
  • Spiral
  • Numb
  • Havoc
  • Win and Win
  • Receive
  • Edge of Evolution

 

My highlights

  • Guardian – A song that reminds me of my angels watching over me.
  • Win and Win – I really like the beat of this song.
  • ‘Til You – Love song (partial to those kind of songs)

 

This album is worth the listen because it’s a different Alanis but packs the same punch.

 

All You Need Is …. Duran Duran! Live in Memphis

Hi Elegant Readers,

I would like to introduce my new travel writer, my hubby, J.  He will be writing on upcoming travel plans, past trips and concerts that we have been to. J is a cool guy and my best friend so welcome aboard honey. In this post he will be writing about the fun times we had in Memphis.

Enjoy!

Last year, Duran Duran began a tour the United States with the release of the latest album “All You Need Is Now”. My wife had always wanted to go to one of their concerts; but never had the chance to go. I began checking out the tour information, I found that the concerts were far away from the Gateway City and the venues were quite small. Getting tickets seemed to be almost impossible. I thought that the tour had finished and that the dream would have to wait again. Until last month I found that the wild boys were playing in Memphis and the tickets were still available. My wife and I decided that this would be our chance.  I quickly purchased the tickets and started planning our road trip to Memphis to see Duran Duran at the Live at the Garden concert series.

 

Waiting for the concert to begin!

 

Duran Duran put on an awesome show. The two hour concert was jammed packed with hits that made them popular in the 1980s; with a few from their latest album. They knew what people wanted to hear and they didn’t disappoint. They made sure that the playlist included hits like Reflex, Hungry Like The Wolf, and Save a Prayer. It was great to look over at my wife and seeing her singing along, as if she was a back-up singer. I must admit, I too liked Duran Duran. So when they played Wild Boys, Come Undone and Ordinary World, I too was singing along and jamming.

The line up of songs for the night.

Playlist for the Memphis concert / Duran Duran FB page 

I had been to several big-name concerts, but this concert at the Memphis Botanic Garden was a unique experience.

For the first time, I had to purchase general admission tickets. Typically, I want to be as close to the stage as possible. However, by the time we found out about the concert, there were only general admission/lawn seat tickets left. Considering that we found out about the concert three months after the tickets went on sale, I feel fortunate that we were able even get tickets.

As we parked on the grounds of the Memphis Botanic Garden, I expected to have to pay $15 or $20. But parking didn’t cost a dime, it was free. This was the first time I had been a large concert like this and didn’t have to pay for parking.

Since we had general admission tickets, we arrived at the Garden an hour and a half prior to start time. We didn’t know what to expect so we wanted to make sure we could get a good spot to view the concert. There looked to be only a few hundred actual seats, while the rest were lawn seats. When we arrived, most of the lawn seats closest to the stage were already filled up, so we stayed towards the middle of the field. We were not crammed in; and we felt free to set up our blanket and chairs under a tree.

The setup for the lawn seating worked well except for the Italian Ice food stand on the left side of the lawn section. Because of the placement of this large tent, it prevented people from sitting behind it because they could not see the show. If this tent was not there, the people in the lawn section could have spread out  and prevented people from having to sit close together.

 

Duran Duran Concert

 

I never had been to a concert where people brought in their own food and drinks. Maybe because the concerts were mostly inside where you had to pay for your food. I witnessed people eating baked chicken, salads, and deserts; all on fine china. They were popping open wine bottles and sipping champagne. I thought people came to concerts to jam, to rock, to dance and to get their groove on. This crowd was much different. While some danced to the hits, others sat there; looking like they were at a movie or just there because their spouse wanted to go. My wife and I do like to people watch so to see the vast array of expressions was quite interesting.

Although my wife and I didn’t stand up and dance to all the songs, we were definitely jamming. We both thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the Duran Duran concert in Memphis. Seeing my wife singing along with all the hits at a concert that she wanted to go to for many years, made me feel good. I would do it all over again, in a second.

Now, if anyone knows how my wife can be a back up singer for Duran Duran, that would fulfill another one her dreams. So Simon, if you are reading this, just let me know how we can make that happen.

Music for the Soul

Hey Bubbling Readers,

 

It’s hot, hot, hot!  Suppose to be 105 degrees today.  If you are battling the heat, make sure you drink plenty of water and take it easy. Hair is up and protected today, added a scarf for pizazz!

I have a passion for music, it’s in my blood. My mother would often tell me that when I was a little wee toddler,she would put me on top of the table at  the barbecue place and I would sing my little heart out and dance.  Man, I don’t have any pictures to prove it! Well, I am not singing on any tables today but I enjoy listening to all types of music, dancing and playing piano for relaxation.  I really have to schedule piano practicing time because I don’t want to have to re-practice what I have already studied (which has been happening).  I use to put in hours at a time but I really have to schedule time now.  Even if i am playing scales it winds me down and relaxes me.  It relaxes my puppies too because they are usually sitting at my feet while I am playing.

I don’t know about you but I can be sound asleep and if I hear music or a tune I am wide awake and wondering where that sound is coming from.  Does music get you up and moving?

I am starting to do periodic music reviews.  It may be of a CD that has came out, an old tune asking if you remember when or something that I may have found that you may have never heard before.

Christian Recording artist, Damita Haddon, wife of Stellar Award Winner Deitrick Haddon just came out with her latest CD, “Anticipation” yesterday so it’s brand new.  The songs are upbeat and minister full of joy to the soul and encouraging words of never quitting in the midst of any battle because God is with us always.

Much success to her on the latest CD.

One of my favorite Damita Haddon videos is from 2008 called “No Looking Back.”  

You can listen to excerpts of the new album “Anticipation” here or on  iTunes.

Have an awesome Day!

 

Happy Anniversary!

I celebrated my 12 year wedding anniversary on September 11th.  That is when my husband and I walked down the aisle to start our life together. Each year to celebrate  our anniversary, we pack up one of our Jeeps and head out on the highway for an exciting road trip. It’s been a tradition with us since 2005. In previous years, we have traveled to North Carolina to see the Biltmore, drove up Pike Peaks in Colorado and explored the Native American sites in New Mexico. This year’s trip was a little different for us. My hubby wanted to surprise me and would not tell me where we were going until we got close to our destination.  We left early Friday morning and started driving.

After about four hours on the road, we stopped and had a great Italian lunch in downtown Louisville, Kentucky.

Hubby at Vincenzo's Restaurant

We drive to our hotel and checked-in. I had never been to Louisville before, but it seems like a cool place. I think of great Bluegrass music and the Kentucky Derby horses. I still did not have an idea why we were in Louisville.  My hubby said that we had to dress up for the evening’s event. I wore my maxi dress which doesn’t wrinkle and a tailored black blazer because it was a little cool.

JTwisdom getting ready

I said to myself, “we probably will be going to a nice restaurant, how sweet!”  So we decided to take a nice stroll since he said where we were going was not that far.  We walked about a block in a half and came up on the KFC Yum! Center.  Okay I am really wondering what’s going on now.

 

KFC Yum! Center

 

My hubby had on some awesome boots. He was getting compliments on the cool look of the boots.

Hubby wearing some awesome cowboy boots

Before we got into the center, my hubby was sweating from sheer excitement. I was like, “Honey do you need to take off your coat?” He said, “So you know why we are here?” Still not sure, I noticed that people were dressed nicely so it looks like it might be a concert. He said we are here to see Sade! I was like way cool, awesome. We saw the concert in Missouri back in July. I said that we would love to see it again.  I had no idea that we would get the chance to see it again. Seeing Sade in concert is a treat.

 

John Legend opened the show.  His hour-long show was packed with piano playing, slow dancing and singing his hit songs, including  Ordinary People and Green Light.

John Legend

Sade was awesome. When I say Sade, I mean the singer and the band. They both gel together like the song, “Nothing can come between us.”

Sade in Louisville, KY

Sade in Louisville, KY

 

My hubby surprised me big time and I love it when he does those sweet romantic things. Marriage is not a cake walk. It takes work and most of all we have to communicate with each other. I know that when I need him, he is there and vice versa and I find that so important and special. My husband is a cool guy and my best friend.

Happy Anniversary honey!

 

This post is linked with Not Dead Yet Style blog Visible Monday’s

SADE Mesmerized the Show Me State!

Sade: Effortless Style

My hubby and I (two doggies in the background)

The 2011 Sade World Tour is currently making its way through the United States right now. Since this tour was announced last fall, my hubby and I knew that we would there. Even if it meant traveling out of town to the closest venue site. Thankfully, our fine city was on the schedule. I have been a long-time fan of Sade. I remember listening to the group in high school and loving the music then. Sade has stood the test of time and continued making outstanding music with her latest release – Soldier of Love. This was the second time that my hubby and I went to a Sade concert. Back in 2001, we attended the Lover’s Rock tour.

I have enjoyed music all my life. As a baby, my mother would take me to local BBQ place. As we waited for our food, she would place me on top of the table. I would be dancing and singing. One of the songs that I remember singing was Pappa Was a Rolling Stone by The Temptations. Sorry, but there are no photos.

 

For the concert, I wore a black top from Macy’s, silk skirt from Chadwick’s, peep toe wedges from Gretta and Guitar bag with metal chain from Carlos Santana. My hair is in a two strand twist untwisted and pulled up. It was over a 100 degrees, so I wanted to be cool. This outfit was definitely the right choice. The fashion was ever so Sade chic, which is not subdued at all.

My concert outfit

 

John Legend opened the show with his R&B sounds. His music proved to be a great balance for Sade. Legend wore an all white suit, which is so very on trend.  With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees on the day of the concert, the white suit screamed summer and freshness. He worked the show with great vocals, his signature piano playing, awesome backup singers and his band.

 

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During one of his songs, he asked if someone would want to come on stage and dance with him. He picked a young lady named Markita from the crowd and brought her on stage. The crowd wildly applauded and cheered as the two slow danced. Markita was having a fabulous time. As the song ended, Legend handed her a red rose. I’m sure that she will keep that rose forever. Legend ended his hour-long set with his popular tune “Green Light.” After his set concluded, the stage hands broke down the equipment and instruments to prepare for Sade’s stage.

The crowd had a euphoric buzz of anticipation. For some it had been ten years since her last concert. For others, it was their first time seeing the band. About twenty minutes later, the auditorium went dark, the crowd erupted in sheer excitement. Sade and the band members made their way to the stage, opening with Solider of Love. Sade wore a black outfit with black heels. The whole outfit gave a military feel to it, which is so on trend right now. It looked like an outfit you would wear if you were an undercover cop, so perfect for this song. Her significant other is a marine, so I wonder if this song relates to him. Who knows? Her signature ponytail and wide hoop earrings made it all real to me.  Sade and the band has not changed one bit since the last tour and I like it that way. Her wide hoop earrings to her shoulders, her hair slicked back into a ponytail and bright red lips has been her style since the 80s. Sade has managed to keep her signature look without looking dated. Back in the day, I was trying to go to every store I could to find replicas of those wide hoop earrings.

 

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Sade (Helen Folasade Adu) studied Fashion in college. In early days of her fashion/musical career, she designed clothing for the group Spandau Ballet. For me to see her style up close is fabulous. She didn’t change her clothing constantly during the show. However, when she did, it was fitting for the song she was singing at the time. These days, many singers and musicians are coming on stage wearing practically nothing. But Sade’s clothing choices were very different. Her full-length dresses were in good taste, but were oh-so-sexy. The outfits look so effortless, but I am sure that they were well planned out.

She and her band mates were so laid back while on the stage. The band has remained the almost same since the 80s, with the exception of one new back up singer and another guitar player. Their sounds jelled together so well that it really didn’t seem like they were newbies. There is no exuberant dance routines or people flying through the air. When you attend a Sade concert, you are attending a theatrical performance with a perfect balance of Sade’s strong voice and the band’s powerful music. In a time of auto tunes, it is so refreshing to hear the crystal clear sounds of the drums, the guitar, and the saxophone. The band was tight was jamming. I could feel the vibrations from where I was sitting.  Yeah, I could feel the music and it was so cool. Each song included a video backdrop that drew me in and added another dimension to my concert experience.

Being a part of this concert was almost like I was back in time at the other concert. However, it was better because I was right there in the moment, enjoying every song. Sade performed her timeless, classic tunes like Smooth Operator, Jezebel, and Is It a Crime, among others. The concert also included several songs from the Soldier of Love and Greatest Hits albums. One of these songs, Love Is Found, has so many staccato moments in it that it reminds me so much of a flamenco. While Sade was singing the Background screen was white with her and a man dancing in silhouette. Love Is Found is becoming one of my new favorites.

Sade ended the over two hour show with Cherish The Day. I definitely will cherish this day that I spent with my hubby. Sade did not disappoint her fans. I just hope that it is not another ten years before she comes to town again.