In 2005 I was at AfroPunk film and taste-maker James Spooner’s first Liberation Sessions, a party that was dedicated to shocasing Black rock acts, when Younglao and Joi were the two artists who performed that night. When Joi was about to launch into her cover of Labelle’s You Turn Me On, she peered into the audience and pondered, “Do my eyes decieve me or is that Nona Muthafuckin Hendrix in the audience?”
The audience went wild, and I turned to see Ms. Hendrix, one third of the original LaBelle, was sitting on top a speaker right behind me. Joi, along with then backup singer Keisha Jackson (daughter of R&B legend Millie Jackson), launched into the powerhouse ballad penned by Hendrix, and brought the house down.
This Saturday in New York City, Joi (aka Starr Kitti aka Tennessee Slim) will headline a tribute show to Patti Labelle, Sarah Dash, and Nona Hendrix’s groundbreaking group LaBelle. The show will also feature Tamar-Kali (who is nobody to sleep on, trust me!), and Shelley Nicole’s blaKbushe. If you get the tickets ahead of time, and use the discount code, the tickets are half the cost. The show is produced by the women of color led and operated Ubiquita NYC, which produces and promotes some of the best parties and music shows in NYC.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJLJOcGWM_g]
Show details:
The Queen’s Daughters: Celebrating Women Who Rock with a Touch of Soul: Honoring the Musical Legacy of Labelle
Doors open @ 6:45pm for VIP pre-show reception; 7:45pm for General Admission; Show starts @ 8:30pm
$30 VIP Ticket Code: VQD777 | $20 GA Ticket Code: QD777
The Grand Ballroom at The Manhattan Center 311 West 34th Street, Corner of 8th Avenue
You are cordially invited to be part of a historic evening bridging past, present and future for women of color in music. THE QUEEN’S DAUGHTERS will feature stellar performances by 3 of the hottest women in independent music today as they pay tribute to the musical legacy of the incomparable LABELLE. Mother’s Day Weekend will never be the same. Featuring live performances by Shelley Nicole’s blaKbüshe, Tamar-Kali, and JOI. Sounds provided by THE LADIES OF UBIQUITA DJ’s Reborn, Selly & shErOck. Tickets available through Ticketmaster. Or by calling the Manhattan Center: 212-279-7740 Ask to speak to Mia, Lena, or DeVasha.