A lookback over the years. Thank you! It’s been quite the journey…
“Walk into the room like God sent you there. With every step walk with purpose.”
A HOLIDAY GOSPEL CONCERT FEATURING: ANDRE CAVOR, YOLANDA ADAMS AND A HOST FROM THE WEST COAST, DR. ERIC J. CHAMBERS
Well, the holidays may be over, but one thing’s for sure, The Holiday Gospel Concert, which took place on December 19, 2021 at Cleveland’s Marriott Hotel was a sold out night! People gathered in their Sunday best attire, as they waited for the doors to open for the main event to take place, starring, national saxophonist, Andre Cavor and national Grammy award winning gospel artist, Yolanda Adams. Before the event began, a variety of vendors filled the main entrance hall. There was also a VIP with food served, just a good time!
The gospel concert was hosted by 9 time award winner, Eric J. Chambers, a vet in the entertainment industry. Chambers has done many red carpet events, host to his own radio show, The Jazzspel, airing Sunday mornings at 10AM PST and 1PM EST on KIFM.com and also his own media show, The CUT, so he had no problem keeping the audience engaged and immersed in his good vibes! Traveling all the way from sunny California, to the cold East Coast of the greater Cleveland, OH area for the concert; this was his first time visiting Cleveland, OH. I hope Cleveland rocked for you and treated you well!
A special thanks to the local talent of Cleveland who blazed the stage before the opening act. There was a live band full of entertainment. The crowd continued to enjoy themselves and celebrate with praise throughout the night.
As soon as the MC for the night, Dr. Chambers introduced Andre Cavor to the stage, it was a good time from start to finish. Cavor, showed his many talents of using his pipes on the saxophone. He blessed us with countless melodies like, “I love you Jesus,” as well as a host of popular holiday songs like, “Little Drummer Boy.” It was a great way to kick off the holiday season!
Yolanda Adams looked absolutely beautiful wearing a sequin 2 piece suit, with a pop of orange for color. I still can’t believe we matched. (See the pic below for details). Just listening to her words and the smooth powerful sound of her anointed voice, left goosebumps in the room. She started the show by acknowledging how good God is, and how He will continue to manifest new doors being opened to us, if we only believe. Her words of wisdom was such a shield of favor to receive.
One of my all time favorite songs of Adams is, “Open My Heart,” because that particular song has gotten me through some tough times in my life, I’m sure you all can agree. The lyrics say…
“…so I need to talk to you
And ask you for your guidance…”
Just taking the time to pray or cry out to God, and ask Him for guidance or re-assurance can clear many obstacles from our paths for a better day or tomorrow.
But that’s not all! The highlight of the show was when Adams called Cavor onto the stage for an unexpected encore performance, but this time playing with her in a duet. The two were amazing together! Cavor will shed more light to his big debut with Adams and all the emotions he endured as they performed together in our sit-down interview. As well as my interview with Eric J. Chambers and highlights from the show below:
Overall, there was so much to anticipate at the concert and it kept the audience engaged for more.
We look forward to upcoming shows with Andre Cavor & the Cavor Project. You can see him performing in upcoming shows locally and in mid March/April with 2 other features guests coming to Cleveland.
You can check out more with Eric Chambers on the Jazzspel and the CUT network, and if you missed it, check out a “A Very Cali Christmas,” hosted by Sheryl Underwood.
And be sure to check out, Yolanda Adams in her new debut show, The Kingdom Business, executive produced by Devon Franklin, Kirk Franklin and Holly Carter airing soon on BET+. This will be a music driven drama, according to deadline.com. Looking forward to following each artist in the new year!
CLEVELAND’S OWN: R&B Soul Singer Dre Walton with surprise guest Eric Nolan Grant of the O’Jays
Who remembers 90’s R&B music? Sexy, soulful, sultry and it just made you feel so in love right? Well, that’s what genre Cleveland artist, Dre Walton is known for. The kind of sound that is pure, memorable and has a smooth melody that takes you back to that 90’s kind of vibe. Walton, is known for his unique style, where he stands out from the crowd. There is not a moment that you won’t hear him saying his slogan, “Been Told’em!”
At just 31 years old, Walton is making a name for himself as he continues to step out on the scene as a rising independent artist. The Ohio native has had the wonderful opportunity to work with various artists. And has been influenced by those such as the late Michael Jackson, Tyrese, Musiq SoulChild , The Temptations and so many more. And, in 2017 one of his other R&B influences Tank, announced the Savage Tour with Sammie at the House of Blues Cleveland.
See in this exclusive interview as he explains how he was selected out of thousands to participate. But, this only marks the beginning of his rising career. “I’m just getting started, just barely touching the surface…,” says Walton.
As the interview continues, despite being on a busy tour, Eric Nolan Grant of the O’Jays another artist that Walton has built a great relationship with, made a special stop to Nakia’s Key to the Stars. He came to shed some light and legendary advice on our youth and upcoming artists; especially those in the Cleveland, Ohio area. This is a show that will definitely go down in history.
Walton will be featured this weekend at Cleveland’s Homegrown Showcase on Sunday December 22nd alongside many other Cleveland artists. And he will be performing his latest single, “11.16.” The show is presented by the Real 106.1 iHeart Radio. You don’t want to miss it! Doors open at 6pm and concert starts at 7pm. For tickets and more details be sure to visit https://www.agoracleveland.com/.
ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE: A TOUR TO REMEMBER
The Cleveland Cavaliers made championship history after 50 long years! Now entering into 2019, things in Downtown, Cleveland will never be the same. Starting with the scene of the Rocket Mortgage Mortgage Fieldhouse, formally known as the “Q”-Quicken Loans Arena.
Thanks to Emma Brown for showing us her hospitality as she takes us on a virtual tour of the NEWLY built Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. The inside includes new food and entertainment options. “It’s definitely alot more spacious, that’s for sure,” says Brown.
As the public enters, viewers will notice a longer atrium built like a club scene, the infamous Championship trophy and Legends Jersey Wall. And, if you are someone who loves visiting the venue for all events, such as basketball and hockey, concerts, and more you definitely do not want to miss the Members Only Club Suite, dynamic Budweiser Brew House and Overlook Bar. And, how about launching your very own party as you watch the game. Pretty cool!
Inside the arena, fans will also get a chance to charge their phones now right from their seats without having to get up, very convenient. Well I don’t want to give too much away, so take a look here for yourselves:
Daniel Caesar: WOW’s his crowd!
Photo by: Brian Wherry
“You don’t know, babe When you hold me
And kiss me slowly
It’s the sweetest thing
And it don’t change
If I had it my way
You would know that you are….”
The crowd sang in harmony as the Canadian soul and R&B singer, Daniel Caesar serenaded his audience at the House of Blues Cleveland on a Wednesday night. Fans went wild the entire night as they sang each melody including hits like, “Best Part,”Get You” and “Love Again.” Caesar’s music has been streamed millions of times as a successful independent artist. According to Rolling Stone, his first two EP’s were launched a year after each other, Praise Break in 2014 and Pilgrim’s Paradise in 2015. Later in 2017, the first debut album, Freudian was released. And his 2nd debut album, Case Study 01 released earlier this year in June. Not only is Caesar a singer, but an amazing songwriter who has managed to still thrive and reach the top of the Billboard charts leading him to a platinum status.
Caesar, an Ontario native, grew up with a gospel background which explains his powerful vocal range. His talent has also landed him two Grammy nominations for Best R&B Album and Best R&B Performance, as well as going on to WIN his very first Grammy for his single mentioned above, “Best Part.” In addition, in 2018, another big win was when he won for the category of Best New Artist at the Soul Train Music Awards. Caesar has worked with several other R&B vocalists and major talents such as H.E.R., Brandy, and Pharrell to name a few as he continues in his career.
Featured below, are more photos from the night of his SOLD OUT concert as he stops his band from singing to stop and sign an autograph for a fan. What a night?
Photo by: Brian Wherry
But that’s not all. After exiting the stage, Caesar was not done yet as he was chanted by his crowd to return for an encore. Which extended the show with an additional 5 songs! And his fans cheered him on with appreciation, as they continued to sing and shout, “I love you Daniel” not missing a beat.
MORE PHOTOS:
Get Ready for Star Wars like you’ve NEVER seen it before: The Empire Strips Back
Coming to you LIVE from the Masonic Cleveland Auditorium Thursday April 18, 2019 is The Empire Strips Back: A Star Wars Burlesque Show.
You will witness all the Star Wars characters up close and personal in a sultry, sexy, sophisticated, and even hip hop way! That’s right, Darth Vader, Princess Leia, Luke Skwalker, Chewbacca and so much more…This show has everything, presented to its fans by the mastermind behind the project Russall S. Beattie. The show first appeared in Australia in 2011, and after making a major debut, it was a HIT! And now has been on tour, and we are thankful that Cleveland, Ohio is one of the places the show is coming to while on the road. Hear more in our interview below:
With great costumes designed specifically and brought to you straight from the original trilogy itself and tons of excitement! An event for those 18 and older that you won’t be able to take your eyes off of. I can assure you that you will never look at Star Wars the same after seeing this extraordinary show! Don’t believe me, check it out for yourself…
Here is a SNEAK PREVIEW!! Enjoy…
For more information & tickets visit:
Thursday, April 18 @8pm; Cleveland – MASONIC AUDITORIUM
3615 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44115
WELCOME TO: NAKIA'S KEY TO THE STARS 