Charmed Creatives

This year I have decided to focus on those things that are genuinely me, here on the blog.  I love and appreciate art, everything from a visit to a great museum to performing arts. So, I will be bringing you more of that in 2016. After all, making use of your God-given talent is certainly one way to claim your Charmed Life. I absolutely live for great music! It’s even better when the artist is obviously passionate about their craft.  On this post, get to know the soulful Tiffany J, Black Alley Band, and find out about my next Truly Charmed event. Read on!  

Look…I need for you all to not keep secrets from me.  Apparently, the powerhouse vocalist Tiffany J. has been on the scene for a minute, but I just had the opportunity to see her perform during a National Kidney Foundation event in January.  When I say that she can blow…yes, she SANGS!  During the event, Tiffany performed Jill Scott’s “Golden”, a couple of Erykah Badu hits, and some of my favorite tracks from “The Miseduation of Lauryn Hill”.  We all know that if you cover these artists, these heavy hitters, you have to come correct or leave it alone.  Tiffany J. owned EVERY bit of it with her rich and soulful voice. Her range is sickening. Her rendition of “Ex-Factor” had all of the ladies in the room reminiscing.  You could look around the room and see it in their faces…took us right back to ’98. 

Do I sound like a fan?  Lol.  Yes, Tiffany J. has found a new fan in me. When I heard about the release party for her single “Being Me”, I had to be there.  

The release party was held on January 28th at Empire Supper Club (Columbia, SC), a nice 1920’s themed spot. Tiffany J. engaged the crowd effortlessly with her down-to-earth demeanor. I wondered what artists inspired her passion for music. She revealed that her favorite artists are Jazmine Sullivan and Musiq Soulchild.  I enjoyed the evening’s performance as Tiffany J. covered some of my favorite neo-soul hits.  She concluded the set by introducing her much-anticipated single, “Being Me”.  The song is inspiring and upbeat.  It’s the type of song that you want to have on your playlist, especially for those days when people and circumstances want to push your buttons or those times in which your motivation is not quite where you want it to be. 
I look forward to all that is sure to come from Tiffany J.  Let’s support our local artists. There’s sooo much genuine talent in the Carolinas.  

Image from Tiffany J's Facebook page

Follow Tiffany J. across social media! 
www.facebook.com/IamTiffanyJ
www.instagram.com/IamTiffany_J
www.iamtiffanyj.com

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I first met Honey Nelson when she and my mom worked together. After that I’d run into her around town, from time to time, always a sweetheart. One night a friend invited me to see a new band perform, Black Alley Band.  I had been hearing that the band NEVER disappoints, so I decided to go and enjoy some great music. When I arrived, guess who’s on the stage?  It’s Honey!  Not only was she on the stage, she is the band’s lead singer.  The word on the street was on point. Yes, Black Alley Band does not disappoint.  What’s unique about the band is that each member brings genuine talent.  Each individual could stand on their own, but they chose to come together and bless the masses with their unforgettable “slayage” on the stage.
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Black Alley Band will be celebrating their 3rd anniversary tonight! The show will take place at Lincoln High School, 22 Council St. Sumter, SC.  Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show starts at 9.  See additional details on the flyer below. Let’s celebrate with Black Alley Band.  Comment below and wish the band a happy anniversary! 

Image from Black Alley Band's Facebook page

Follow Black Alley Band on Facebook!
www.facebook.com/blackalleybandshow/

I have the greatest love and respect for my fellow creatives. I have been writing poetry since middle school.  Writing means so much to me. It comforts me. It helps me to reflect…to put things in perspective…to vent.  One thing that I know for sure is that writing is my God-given talent, and I treasure it. I decided that my next Truly Charmed event (and future events) will cater to artists and the people who love them. 

Soooo, up next is my Charmed Life Artist RoundUp.  I want to bring together writers, musicians, artists so that we can just be our creative selves and have a great time.  Final details will be announced soon.  I’m so excited about the event’s potential.
Are you interested in performing at the RoundUp?  Email [email protected]

Announcements about the event will be made on social media.  Be sure to follow Truly Charmed on IG!
Instragram.com/trulycharmed1

Until next time, let's continue to claim our Charmed Lives! 

​-Antoinette