New Ed Freeman Shot - Underwater Bliss!

I got back my first edited shot from my recent shoot with Ed Freeman today. It is beautiful, I must say. While there is some photoshop magic most of what you see was captured on camera. A mirror was placed at the bottom of a pool the create the reflection! I love you Ed!

Bounce Rock Skate returns

Bounce Rock Skate is back at a new sexy location bringing you the fine art of soul and beyond at the newly remodeled Tantra on Sunset.

If you haven’t been to Bounce Rock Skate, then prepare yourself for the sexiest night of progressive soul in LA. The ethnic-chic Tantra Restaurant and Lounge is the backdrop for a dance party that plunges into the sounds of Nu-Soul.

Residents Kaleem, Destroyer, Loslito, 7 and special guest dj Myxzlplix keep it bouncing with a selection of R&B, electro soul, classics, and organic hip-hop that never fails to pack the dancefloor!

Tantra
3705 Sunset Blvd.
Silverlake, CA 90026

FREE b4 11p.m. & $5 after w/rsvp@bouncerockskate.com

$5 valet available
www.tantrasunset.com
www.myspace.com/bouncerockskateclub

Bring your “Bilal” after-party to Bounce Rock Skate and present your ticket stub for FREE entry all nite.


For dinner reservations/birthday parties contact eventinfo@bouncerockskate.com

Dress fresh: no baggies, hoodies or sports apparel

Redlight Mix - Free download

Our friends at Redlight Special events have put together this beautiful mix of summer sexiness for you to enjoy. With a playlist compiled by Jenn Laskey and smooth mixing from Dj AudioMoe this mix is sure to keep you cool on those hot summer days. The playlist includes tracks fro Jazzy Jeff, Hi-Tek, Res, Little Dragon, and Jimijames to name a few so grab it now.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Win tickets to see Dwele in Socal - Aug 6

Dwele is returning to Souther California for this exclusive show at an intimate new venue in Redondo Beach and Nu-Soul has a pair of tickets to give away.

Simple send an email to info@nu-soulmag.com with the subject DWELE with your full name and contact information (email or phone number) and a winner will be chosen at the end of the the day on Tuesday August 4. Please note that all entries will be added to the Nu-Soul Magazine email list to be eligible.

Concert Details:

DWELE Live!
Thursday August 7, 2009
Brixton SouthBay
100 West Torrance Blvd
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
www.brixtonsouthbay.com

Tickets are $30 at the door/ $25 with an RSVP to rsvp@rkentertainmentgroup.com

Old School Jams - Sept 13

One of the hottest events of the summer! Get ready for Old School Jams at the Greek Theatre on Sunday September 13. This ridiculous lineup will have you dancing and singing in the aisles under the stars at this amazing venue!

Purchase tickets starting at $35 HERE

Strictly Social Second Anniversary Party - Wed. Aug 19

On Wednesday August 19, 2009 get ready for a landmark event! STRICTLY SOCIAL is celebrating two years of eclectic soul fusion!

From our humble beginnings in North Hollywood to our new home at Little Temple to our events around the country, Strictly Social has consistently presented lovers of progressive soul with some of the best artists around. Past guests have included Anthony David, Lisa Shaw, Sy Smith, Kissey Asplund, Lina, Mark de Clive-Lowe, and Maya Azucena to name a few.

For our special two-year anniversary edition we are pround to present live performances from:

Yahzarah (of The Foreign Exchange)

Yahzarah aka Purple St. James is an artist who invokes memories of the soul greats of the past. Funky, beautiful and passionate, her sound pushes the envelope at times, while being subtly sexy and familiar at other times. You may have been exposed to her singing alongside some of her contemporaries including Floetry, Musiq Soul Child, Kem, Donnie, Amel Larrieux, Goapele, Talib Kweli, Rahsaan Paterson, Raheem Davaughn, Chaka Kahn, Bilal Oliver, The Roots, Little Brother and the list goes on and on. Most recently she can be seen touring with The Foreign Exchange as a part of an ensemble that includes Nicolay, Phonte, and Darien Brockington.

Read the review of Yahzarah's The Prelude
myspace.com/yahzarah

Nola Darling

Harlem Hellfighters by way of East L.A., Forest Hills, Miami, and Haiti. NOLA DARLING’s distinct sound is new school, yet reminiscent of the past; Their tongue in cheek sensibility and innovative sound combined with a unique image make Nola Darling incomparable.

myspace.com/whoisnoladarling

Rhythmic Fusion (Future Soul Sessions Tour)

Rhythmic Fusion is a unique DJ collective from Detroit, bringing you the finest in sound and rhythm. Malik Alston, DJ Funknatra and Craig Huckaby [Napi Hedz, Rotating Assembly] dive deep into the pulse of the dance floor. Rhythmic Fusion gives you seductive elegance and the very best of unlimited excitement on the decks, fused with live performance. Discover artistry taken to another level of intensity, for the true music lover…the ultimate experience.

myspace.com/rhythmicfusion

Showtime is at 10:30pm

Resident DJs Destroyer & Myxzlplix will be playing their patented selection of soul, hip-hop, house, and broken beats
www.myspace.com/djdestroyer
www.myspace.com/djmyxzlplix

In the B Room - SOUL GOOD, soulful drum&bass hosted by Jayvon & Atlantic Connection

$5 all night with an RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com
Must be received by 6pm night of show
$10 without

Strictly Social
Wednesday August 19, 2009
9pm-2am
21+
Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
www.littletemple.com

www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial

Flyer design by myxmedia (myxmedia@gmail.com)

Kiss N Grind vs BounceRockSkate - Saturday July 11

Behind the midst of the underworld lies beauty and grace and for one special evening, two of the most progressive and eclectic nights synthesize a party many hear about, but few journey into...

The setting: A 100 year old Church, converted into a private loft.

The location: Deep in the heart of underground downtown Los Angeles

The experience: You don't want to miss.

On Saturday July 11th
Kiss-n-Grind & Bounce Rock Skate present...

Rock the Party

A Sound Clash Encounter featuring the Kiss-n-Grind Sound System and the Bounce Rock Skate Massive on a non-stop 4 turntable orgy of raw and soulful sounds and genres.

The sexy dj sonics of KnG's Vikter Duplaix & the eclectic flow of BRS Kaleem, Destroyer, loslito & dj7
will surely rock you at this bi-level indoor/outdoor music and art experience. Prepare yourself to sweat and be happy.

location:
The Church
606 e. 6th street
(corner of Crocker, just east of San Pedro)
LA. CA. 90021

admission:
$10 b4 11. 15$ After.
rsvp@bouncerockskate.com for priority entrance and avoid line.

time:
10PM to 4AM

parking
$7 Valet available
$10 secure lot, corner of 6th and San Pedro

Cash Only Refreshments and ATM on site.

recommended directions:
Take the 10fwy east or west and exit San Pedro (east of 110) and go north. 7th st. (turn right)
Crocker st. (turn left) (1blk east of San Pedro)

Look for Valet signs at gated entrance at 6th and Crocker

attire: Dress fresh!

Your Mind:
Keep it open!

My BET Awards weekend

The BET Awards was this past weekend and although I didn't actually attend the show I was pretty busy. My first stop was a gifting suite in Hollywood where I did some networking and got a little bit of gear. Then it was off to Halo where I was having my very first high profile Hollywood event with one of my partners Jenn Laskey. There was a little bit of drama and confusion but for the most part things went well. Raz B and Fonzworth Bentley did show up and DJ Destroyer won over a lot of new people with his skills. All in all a good night and hopefully I will be doing more events like this one soon!

LTJ Bukem Interview

LTJ Bukem is an iconic figure in drum & bass for many reasons. With his landmark album Logical Progression, Bukem broadened the scope of drum & bass, infusing it with jazz, soul, techno, and ambient sounds, widening its audience and gaining a loyal fanbase that has remained intact for well over a decade.

Read the interview by Norman Mayers

BET Awards Pre-Party Friday June 26

Nu-Soul Magazine & Red Light Special Events is proud to present this very special BET AWARDS Pre-Party in conjunction with Artists Plug In and Tesla Motors

ELECTRIC

Friday June 26, 2009

This special event is in support of Tesla Motors efforts to make the world a greener place. By allowing high profile individuals a chance to arrive at the BET Awards in one of their luxurious electric cars, Tesla Motors is at the forefront of the green revolution. Nu-Soul & RedLight want to honor their efforts with this star-studded event in the heart of Hollywood.

We will be honoring 2009 BET Humanitarian Recipient
WYCLEF JEAN

With a special performance from
FONZWORTH BENTLEY
In support of his upcoming single "Greener" featuring Anthony Hamilton

Hosted by
RAZ-B of B2K

Music by Nu-Soul's Resident DJ Destroyer & Mike Palmieri

Doors open at 9:30pm
Open Vodka Bar 9:30 - 10:30
Early Arrival is Suggested!
RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com for complimentary admission before 11pm on the Nu-Soul list
Email Norman Mayers at norman@nu-soulmag.com for VIP, press, and celebrity list considerations

This event will take place at:

HALO
1743 N Caheunga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028

nu-soulmag.com
redlightspecialevents.com
teslamotors.com

Black Eyed Peas review

The Black Eyed Peas drop one of the biggest albums of the summer. Read my review

Artist: Black Eyed Peas
Title: The E.N.D.
Genre: Hip-hop/Electronica/Pop
Read the review

Deborah Jordan review

Artist: Deborah Jordan
Title: The Light
Genre: Soul/Electronica/Broken Beat
Read the review

Norman the Nomad drawn by Belasco!

I had the honor of being drawn by one of my favorite artists, Belasco, a few months ago. Belasco is an illustrator known for erotic comics depicting Black gay characters. Think Bishop from X-men with a hardon and you get the idea. Basically he just did some figure drawings but I was really excited for the opportunity.

For all the drawings: Click here

Pride 2009

LA Pride 2009 was a pretty crazy time! I got to hang out with a bunch of friends and to my surprise wound up on a float for the whole parade route. It was fun seeing all the black girls get excited when they saw a dreaded brotha in the parade. I guess we were underrepresented. Hopefully there will be more pics to come!

Strictly Social presents Choklate - Wed. July 17

Nu-Soul Magazine and Soul Union return once again with our signature monthly event of Eclectic Soul Fusion. It’s STRICTLY SOCIAL on Wednesday July 15, 2009!

Strictly Social is the physical embodiment of Nu-Soul Magazine, allowing music lovers to witness the convergence of soul and electronica through our carefully selected monthly showcase of cutting edge artists and DJs.

Featuring LIVE Performances from:

CHOKLATE (with full band)

This Seattle-based songstress, who writes all her own music, has already taken the breath away from many listeners around the world. Choklate infuses her sultry alto voice with hard, progressive beats and very real lyrics—sparking many different kinds of emotions. “All of the music that I make is from my soul,” Choklate genuinely confirms. With her second album, To Whom It May Concern, Choklate continues to make progressive soul that speaks with truth.

Read the Choklate interview
Read the To Whom It May Concern review
www.myspace.com/listen2chok

ELLE B

www.myspace.com/mselleb

MCCLAIN SULLIVAN

www.myspace.com/mcclainsullivan

Resident DJs Destroyer & Myxzlplix will be spinning a selection of future soul, organic hip-hop and electronic beats!
www.myspace.com/djdestroyer
www.myspace.com/djmyxzlplix

SHOW BEGINS AT 10:30PM

In the B Room - SOUL GOOD, soulful drum&bass hosted by Jayvon & Atlantic Connection

Admission is $10
$5 before 10:30 with an RSVP to events@nu-soulmag.com with the subject Strictly Social July
Must be received by 6pm night of show
Get your presales for $5

Strictly Social
Wednesday April 15, 2009
9pm-2am
21+
Little Temple
4519 Santa Monica Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90029
www.littletemple.com

www.myspace.com/lastrictlysocial

Flyer design by myxmedia (myxmedia@gmail.com)