..Don't Change For Me!!!

REWIND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Now, let's re-wind a little bit. I went to Nikki Marina a few months back with one of my home girls from FAMU ( wsup Novia!!). She was in town for a friends birthday party. Now, I am not sure who this friend is but he managed to get some of the BEST independant male vocalists/song writers out today. The vibe was lovely I tell you. (At that time I was in the midst of home renovation and needed a break and wanted to spend time other than a dusty condo with dirty timbs and paint stained clothes.) PJ Morton was "laid out" on the floor singing..litteraly..Patti Labelle style!

Then as the evening progressed, I see this guy walk in while PJ was wrapping up his set. (I'm very observant) I ask my friend "who's that cat with the scarf on, is he another singer..he doesnt look like a local". She laughs, "Oh that's Eric Roberson." "Eric Roberson?" I said puzzled while looking at PJ sing his heart out "Yeah girl, Eric Roberson, I need to get you caught up on some artists."

At this point after seeing PJ roll around on the ground, the backup singers "sanging" like they are singing lead, I could not imagine the night getting any better. So when Eric walked up to the mic, my first thought was..."he better be good". After he sang "Don't Change For Me"... I saw that this man was better than good. His voice is very unique and so is his music. The brotha was soooo good that if he were to do a show in ATL, I would make a mini vacay and center activies (shoping, dining, chillin) around the show. South Florida does not have a neo-soul or live music scene and I knew he would not be back down here.


FAST FORWARD


So I'm on my way to met my jogging partners (my best friend is getting maried in Jamaica this summer...i need to get it together) and I'm listening to the end of the Michael Baisden show (I'm usually listening to NPR...)..and he says "South Florida, Eric Roberson performing this weekend at Soul in da City..check Hot 105 for more details!". I could not believe my ears. The same guy who sang like the rent was due is coming to Miami. No one of calibur comes to Miami. NO ONE! So after a three mile jog, I hoped on the computer and checked ticket prices and location. Josef Caleb Center, 25 bucks center seating, "Don't Change For Me" will be sung live, so there!


PLAY

When I got there, of course there was no more than about 100 people but it was small but powerful crowd. Some of Miami's best poets opened and a vocalist by the name of Jesse Boykins. (I will never view "pantyhose" in the same manner again) This guy was amazing. After hearing Jesse SANG all of his music and a 15 minute intermission, Eric came on stage and RIPPED UP THAT MICROPHONE like it was childs play.

Ya girl was singing along, on her feet despite the fact that the seats were tight..and I don't mean tight as in good. Then he proceeds to freestyle sing. He asks the audience for random words and makes a song with them ON THE SPOT. So you know me, I must be either seen or heard...I yell out the word "MORTGAGE". Of course I got the crazy look from him, but none the less, my word "Mortgage" ended up in a song.....(oh yeah, im such a new homeowner)..

along with the words, Kitchen Sink, Shady, Classes, Sunglasses and two other words I don't remember, the crowd gets loud after each word!

I must say I was more than happy.

$25 for good seat tickets

$15 for a DVD/CD set after the show

seeing, getting an autograph and taking a picture with a great artist

PRICELESS!!!!