HOFE Clothing Line Special Event

Sorry but I'm a little late posting this one. I dun got caught with a summer cold. (a-choo!)

The guys of H.O.F.E. (Hand Over Fist Entertainment) held an event on Sunday, August 12 at Ben's Chili Bowl to introduce the first T-shirt in their signature collection. Their first signature T-shirt was a collaboration with W. Ellington Felton, a local performance artist and son of recently deceased jazz pianist Hilton Felton. In addition to showcasing the new signature T-shirt, the fellas also had their current line for sale which included a couple of adorable new additions. They also had a spread of Ben's vittles which included hot dogs, chili, fries and chips. The vibe in the room was hot with young creative people who support entrepreneurship, innovative T's and hot sneaks.

Visit http://www.iamhofe.com/ or www.myspace/hofex for more info.

Vida Stars

Here's my first installment of Vida Stars, a piece where I highlight dynamic young people.

Name: Keith Reed
Age: 30
City: Boston, Mass
Primary Gig: Business Writer for the Boston Globe
Secondary Gig: Freelance Writer
Tertiary Gig: Blogger-Blackpeoplesmoney.com
Married: No
Kids: Yes

You can see a sample of Keith's work in this month's Ebony Magazine. He has a piece titled "The Fickle Business of Fashion" where he interviewed fashion icons Tyra Banks, Iman, Kimora Lee Simmons and Alek Wek.

Did u go to school? If so, where and what was your major?
I went to Coppin State in Baltimore and graduated with a B.A. in English and a minor in communication management.

What r u most passionate about?
That's a tough question to answer because I'm passionate about so many things. I love writing, really communicating and the power of having a voice that reaches masses of people. I've also always been fascinated by politics -- how ideologies are harnessed through the art of compromise to bring about policy -- and by business and money. I guess you could say I'm passionate about all the vehicles through which people exercise power and influence.

What kind of business/opportunities/activities were u involved with when u were younger?
Man, when I was younger I did all kinds of stuff. In high school I worked at a McDonald's for two weeks and worked in a stockroom at a Victoria's Secret for a month. In high school I had all kinda hustles -- signing up people for credit cards, working at a rental car joint, writing papers for people, helping promote parties and concerts. Whatever way I could get a lil money.

How did you come into your current opportunity(s)?
Well, I got my current job four years ago through a recruiter for the Wall Street Journal. Iinterviewed there and they liked me, but then 9/11 happened and they stopped hiring, so she passed me on to her friend who was coming to be the business editor at the Globe. Freelancing is all a hustle. Writing small stuff, taking little assignments, building relationships with editors and getting in everybody's mix until people recognize your name and take your calls and pitches. My blogs, those things I pretty much created on my own. You don't have to knock on anyone's door anymore to put your ideas in front of the world.

What were u doing 5 years ago?
I was in my first job as an editor, running the web site at my old paper, the Baltimore Business Journal.

Where do you see urself in five years ?
I want to still be writing, about all kinds of subjects but especially business, style and big pieces about things that affect life in black communities. There will always be room for more and more nuanced perspectives on those things. The big thing is I want to have a higher profile and develop content based on what I write, so instead of being just a staff writer or freelancer, I might add editor or executive producer to my repertoire.

Who have u patterned your work/strategy/development/professional style after?
I have tons of mentors who I call on all the time for advice. I've always respected Earl Graves. Love Bob Johnson for his understanding of the business world. Roland Martin for being a journalist who mastered the art of self-promotion and building a personal brand without compromising his ethics in this business.

How do u balance ur schedule?
I haven't really figured out the balance part just yet. I mean, honestly, it's just in the last few months that I've figured out that the job, the gig, the hustle isn't everything. When you know you have all this energy and enthusiasm to put into what you do that makes you impatient. But when you knock on that glass ceiling for the first time that impatience can turn into frustration that'll kill you if you don't find other things that are more important.

How do you feel right now?
Grateful -- that I've been blessed with the opportunities that I have, that I have two lil reasons named Malik and Elijah that motivate me to take advantage of those opportunities and that I have the ideas and energy to keep opening more doors.

Who are you supporting in '08?
Ha. I'm a journalist, so I couldn't even answer that if I knew at this point. I have a good idea, but I'm not entirely sure yet.

Scene & Heard

Bobby Valentino was in town performing at Six Flags for the Starburst Thursday Night Concert Series. The opening act Paula DeAnda finished her set at about 6:55PM. Mr. Valentino was supposed to begin at 7PM but at that time he was just leaving Reagan National Airport. Bobby V didn't begin his performance until 8PM (and FYI the park closes at 8PM) but when he finally came out the kids in the audience went wild. He performed a mix of sings which included "Tell Me" and his latest single "Anonymous". During one lively set he played the song "Georgia" and did all the latest dances with mostly originate from his native Atlanta such as the motorbike, walking it out, and the superman. And if you don't know what the superman is you're not a true ATLien. For those of us who need a quick dance update, Click here to see kids doing the Superman.

After the show and after the park closed Six Flags staff members personally ushered Bobby V. and his entourage around the park to get on a few rides. Although it was drizzling and humid, his entourage had a ball getting on the rides in the dark. A fun time was had by all.

And FYI, Bobby V. is a CAU graduate, Go Panthers!!

Upcoming performances

Just thought I'd update everyone on artists coming to town.

August 17-Angie Stone Carter Barron $20+

August 19-Teena Marie, Lyfe Jennings and Kindred the Family Soul Constitution Hall $75

August 21-Dwele Birchmere $25

August 25-Chrisette Michelle Black Cat $18

September 6-Musiq Soulchild Warner Theater $39.50

September 14-Macy Gray and the Brand New Heavies

Constitution Hall $53

September 17-Ben Harper and

the Innocent Criminals

Warner Theater $40-50

Hit in Jet Magazine

Well, apparently I have made it to the big time. A pic I took for the station made it into this week's edition of Jet Magazine. We are working on an initiative to expose more minorities to NASCAR in the sports section is a pic of WHUR FM General Manager Jim Watkins and 17-year-old NASCAR Busch East driver Marc Davis (Silver Spring, MD native). WHUR is breaking new ground by being the first urban radio station to sponsor a NASCAR drive. But hey, don't believe my hype, just read it.

This Jet edition has Tracey Edmonds on the cover and the pic is on page 52. I didn't get my photo credit but hey man, that's my work. Check it out if you get a chance.

Check out Ebony/Jet Magazine here: http://www.johnsonpublishing.com/graphics/content/jetCover.jpg

NASCAR and opportunities

Yesterday with the station we attended the Pennsylvania 500 at the Pocono Raceway. I spoke with Chase Mattioli, grandson of Doc. Mattioli who owns the Pocono Raceway and soon-to-be pro racer. He emphasized the need for NASCAR sportcasters since the sport has gotten so popular. He said in the past NASCAR was not popular but since its rise to popularity in recent years there's an extreme need for sportscasters in the sport. This is a tremendous opportunity for any up and coming broadcasters or current journalists looking for a niche.

Also, we met with three of the five minority pit crew members working on Sunday. NASCAR has a long way to go with their diversity initiative but this is another area where minorities can get involved with the racing industry. Working behind the scenes, getting the car in tip-top shape, changing tires, fixing the car after wrecks; it's very cool.

Visit http://www.nascar.com/ for more information. And remember, I drive faster than boys.

Por Que!!!!!!

The very popular Peruvian restaurant El Pollo Rico is in a heap of trouble. El Pollo Rico, the popular chicken restaurant, has locations in Arlington and Wheaton and is well known for their delicious rotisserie chicken prepared with a special seasoning and the most perfect french fries you will ever eat. Anyone who's eaten there knows you can just follow your nose and the smoke to get to the restaurant.

EPR's owners, The Solano family include patriarch Francisco, his wife Ines Solano, sister Consuelo and brother Juan Faustino were taken into custody and charged with knowingly employing illegal aliens and money laundering. Authorities confiscated over $2 million dollars in money and jewelry in the Solano family residences. WOWEE, cheddar and more cheddar.

The FBI shut the Wheaton location down to the dismay and rage of many Up South residents in Montgomery County.

Well, I went on ahead and made a special trip out there today after work. I had to indulge because this location will probably shut down faster than you can say "a quarter white please".

I advise you all do the same because this is a local landmark which may be gone soon.

Scene & Heard

I'm back--sorry for the delay.

Rapper and Mobile, Alabama native

Rich Boy was seen traveling on American Airlines on July 4th from Miami to Washington, DC. And he's keeping it

real trill because he was flying in Coach with all the regular people. He had the sunglasses onand everything but man that boy has a set of choppers on him.

Scene & Heard

B-List Celebrity Fonzworth Bentley (and as his Wiki bio says formerly known as Farnsworth Bentley?!?!?!) was seen downtown near the Hard Rock Cafe looking not-over-the-top for a change. No sunglasses, no long trench coat and no umbrella. He looked surprisingly normal wearing a red members only/polo windbreaker style jacket. Hey man, life comes at you fast.

PJ Morton Live at the Black Cat

PJ Morton, an outstanding and upcoming singer/songwriter will perform Friday, April 20th at the Black Cat on 14th Street. Morton is a former Morehouse man and son of Bishop Paul Morton of Greater St. Stephen Ministry in New Orleans. Anywho, PJ is opening for Teedra Moses at the Black Cat but you DO NOT want to miss this guy. He does a lively stage show and writes songs with profound lyrics. Last time I saw him, he was performing at Union Temple with his ex-girlfriend, Lilly, who is also the youngest daughter of Reverend Willie Wilson. His songs varied from slow ballads where members of the audience put their cell phones in the air to upbeat tempos which had the audience jumpin. Treat yourself this Friday and check out PJ Morton, after seeing him one time, you will most certainly become a fan.

(I especially like the song called Blah Blah Blah-you have to here it to appreciate it).

Check out his myspace page http://www.myspace.com/pjmorton

Scene & Heard

Hey There,

A source spotted R & B Singer Kelis at Tony & Joe's on the Georgetown waterfront wearing white rubber boots and an asymetric hair cut. I assume she's in town with her husband, Nas, who is peforming at LOVE on Friday, April 13th.

Quick Hits-HSAN and DJ Drama

Hey There,

My girl Valeisha who runs the Hip Hop Summit Action Network just returned from Darfur, Sudan on a fact-finding mission to get more depth on the tragedy going on in the region. Much love to them and the organization for even understanding the need to go to the area and the need to address the issue. I can't wait to see what they do with that.

Also, my good friend--wassup to CAU-DJ Drama is bouncing back from all his

DRAMA earlier this year and is about to drop his latest Gangsta Grillz Mixtape. VIBE did a quick hit with him, check it out now--
DJ Drama Interview with Vibe.

Aphiliates you *******!!(I'm a good girl, I can't say this)

New Black-Owned Art Gallery

Hey There,

Shout to Cheryl and Karen, owners of H & F Fine Arts, a new black-owned art gallery in Mount Rainier, Maryland. The gallery has beautiful pieces in a variety of media including sculptures and paintings. Cheryl also does framing if you have a piece that could use a boost of new energy with a new frame. The open house for H &F is Saturday, April 14th, 12-6pm. You can meet some of the artists who are featured from 2-6pm. For more details on the gallery hit them up at www.hffinearts.com.

Scene and Heard

Hey There,

I'm real late on this but Saturday night a source spotted Santana Moss, Clinton Portis (Washington Redskins), Edgerrin Jones (Arizona Cardinals) and Chad Johnson--Mr. Ocho Cinco himself--(Cincinatti Bengals) at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Vienna, Virginia. Apparently the guys got their party bus together on the way to a comedy show/party in Silver Spring and Chad Johnson broke out into a stand-up routine right on the bus. Word is, he could possibly have a second career in comedy if the football gig doesn't work out. Also at the comedy show/party was LeVar Arington (NY Giants), Shawne Merriman (San Diego Chargers) and Reggie Wayne (Indiannapolis Colts)--and yes he had that big "A" championship ring on!!

My favorite restaurant

This happened about two weeks about my co-workers and myself went to yours, mine and everybody's favorite spot Lauriol Plaza. When we first came in I noticed, on the whiteboard where they write all the specials, a COCKROACH was sliding down the board. I was so disgusted and they didn't do anything. The workers just looked at it and kept on going. Im gonna have to bump this restaurant down on my favorites list a few spots--just for that one incident.

Be Safe

I was recently pumping gas at a gas station on South Dakota Avenue. An officer was circling the station and rolled pass me and told me to secure my valuables whenever I'm pumping gas. He said the purse snatching while women are at the gas station are getting bad and some stations are getting 10 to 12 hits a day. He also said the most hits are during the evening--during rush hour people are in a hurry and talking on their cells.

Please be careful out there ya'll.

Ciao Bella!!

Steve Harvey National Mall Event

This weekend Steve Harvey and a host of celebrity friends were in town for the 50 million pound challenge. Stars such as Yolanda Adams, Omarion, Kimberly Locke, Jackee Harry and several others were in town to kick-off the national effort hosted by Dr. Ian Smith from VH1's celebrity fit club. The event would have been nice but Saturday morning snow hit the DC area and made for a cold day on the mall. The event went over well although the planners were expecting thousands of people--only about 1,000 showed up. Singer Kelly Price and Kimberly Locke were there and both have lost significant amounts of weight. Word is these, now, little mamas are looking real good.Quick FYI: Radio One has launched an FM gospel station in this town and people are already catching wind of the station. If this station does anything like their FM gospel station in Atlanta, it's really going to do well.Ciao Bella!!

Weekend haps

I was very startled to see that the festivities I enjoyed on Saturday were spied on by The Going-Out Gurus of the Washington Post. Everything we did was covered in his column this morning. Myself and a friend of mine were hoping to go to the Hotel Helix Saturday night only to find out it's closed for renovation. We then went on to Firefly where my girlfriend had the Cherry Blossom Mojito that the waitress said is usually kind of strong for the ladies but the fellas really like. My friend assumes the guys who enter the restaurant must be weak because the drink was nice and lightweight for her. Now, I had the blue thing, something Azul, it was pretty much just straight up liquor-dead on. It was pretty and blue with salt around the edge. I recommend this drink for anyone stopping by the Firefly anytime soon. The Cherry Blossom mojito is only there for a short time so get it while its hot.