ABBEY LINCOLN said "I no longer scream about my life...I sing."  Although there is plenty to scream about these days, I'm honoring her advice next Saturday, August 30th with Deron Johnson (piano), Tony Austin (drums), Edwin Livingston (bass) and Kamasi Washington (sax) at the RHYTHM AND JOY FESTIVAL in Warner Center Park, Woodland Hills. It's a short set that begins at 12:45pm sharp, so get there early.

RAJ 14 Festival, founded by Rickie Byars Beckwith, is a soulful celebration of the impact of music as a catalyst for change. I had the pleasure of participating last year, and am honored to be a part of the festival this year.  RAJ will be filled with conscious beautiful people of all ages with wonderful activities and performances...musicians, artists, the healing arts, a sustainable marketplace, the Kid's Village and more.  
RAJ Festival is FREE...but there are also VIP packages available for reserved seating, parking, etc!!!  The festival will be held at the Valley Cultural Center at the beautiful Lou Bredlow Pavilion in Warner Park at 5800 Topanga Canyon Blvd., in Woodland Hills. There is plenty of room for a late afternoon picnic with the family while being entertained.  See you there!!! RAJ ON!!!  #RAJ14 

 
 
If you're into music that comes from the Soul...Urban Contemporary, ROOTS, World Music, R&B Soul, Spoken word, Dance, Yoga and Jazz...then you should join us at the Rhythm and Joy Festival (RAJ)!!!  Come share a moment with me, Deron Johnson (piano), Ian Martin (bass) and Tony Austin (drums) on Saturday, October 5th at 4:30pm.   We're playing a few old tunes and some new music from my forthcoming CD!!! 

Rickie Byars Beckwith, creator of RAJ, refers to Rhythm and Joy as "a description of music that comes from the Soul to make the world a happier place."  The three-day festival will provide "a place to connect in the soul and celebrate what is more alike than different about us."  
 
Nestled in the sweeping vistas of the Santa Susana Mountains of Simi Valley, less than an hour from LA on the grounds of Hummingbird Nest Ranch, the festival will also feature leading edge speakers, gourmet local “whole“ food trucks, sustainable products and vendors, the healing arts and overnight camping. 
 
FRIENDS DISCOUNT:  We perform on Saturday, Oct. 5th at 4:30pm and my friends are being offered a SPECIAL DISCOUNT TICKET RATE of $50 one day or $150 for three days!!  Click here for more details and ticket information!!  
 
Check out RAJ for the entire 3 days...and definitely join me, Deron Johnson, Ian Martin and Tony Austin on Saturday!!!  We'd LOVE to see you.  
 
 
 
 

Had a blast recording a couple of songs for GETAWAY, a gritty, heart-pounding action thriller starring Academy Award® nominee ETHAN HAWKE (“Training Day,” “The Purge,” “Before Midnight”), actress and international music sensation SELENA GOMEZ (“Springbreakers,” “Wizards of Waverly Place”), and Academy Award® winner JON VOIGHT (“Coming Home,” the “National Treasure” films). The film is directed by Courtney Solomon (“An American Haunting”). 

Working on the GETAWAY soundtrack with JUSTIN BURNETT and MICHAEL BRADFORD was so much fun and I can't wait to see it on the big screen.  The film opened August 30th and from the looks of the trailer, it's gonna be a crazy experience with lots of fast cars.  My daughter LOVES Selena Gomez and my son LOVES cars and chase scenes...so this will be a very cool hang for us...LOL!!!  Hope you get to check it out!!!

NP

 

Got a call yesterday about the passing of Congressman William H. Gray, 3rd...an amazing leader, preacher, master politician and pillar in the community.  In Congress, Bill Gray rose to become Majority Whip of the House of Representatives, the first African American in the 20th century to assume that leadership post.  He served as chair of the powerful Budget Committee, was a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation and Foreign Operations, and he was the leader of Philadelphia's prestigious Bright Hope Baptist Church.  He left Congress to run the United Negro College Fund (UNCF), where he raised MILLIONS of dollars to educate black youth.  We have all been touched in some way by his work and benefit from his legacy.

The day before Rep. Gray passed away, I was at a BBQ chatting with his daughter-in-law about his trip to London with his sons to see Wimbledon. He was an avid tennis player and fan. I was watching my daughter play in the pool with his grandchildren, thinking of how it was a full circle moment for me. On Monday, I was told he passed away while in London. My heart sank.

Being a political animal, Washington, D.C. was mecca for me.  I was hired by Rep. Gray as a staff attorney...but a few days later the stock market crashed and the government implemented "freeze" prevented me from joining his staff.  I was told to wait it out...but student loans and my desire to eat won out. and fortunately,  I was hired by Hubert Williams at the Police Foundation.

There will always be a special place in my heart for Rep. Bill Gray...just as there is for Hubert Williams.  Two trailblazers who gave someone fresh out of law school a shot at making a difference and having a better life.  That being said, I'm sending prayers to the Gray family, members of Bright Hope Baptist Church, the city of Philadelphia and to all who loved him.  Another Hero has fallen...a humanitarian who cared about his people...all people.  I salute you Sir and am eternally grateful for your presence and work on the planet...we are better because you were here.  THANK YOU, SIR.

It's been a while I know...and I hope this finds you happy and thriving.  If you're in the Los Angeles area, I'd like to personally invite you to a screening of the award-winning film SATURDAY (April 13th), 7:30pm at the AERO THEATER in Santa Monica. It would be great to see you and catch up!!!  Also, feel free to share information about this film via your social media sites.  

CHILDREN OF WAR, a film produced and directed by BRYAN SINGLE. This documentary, filmed in the war zone of northern Uganda, follows a group of child soldiers as they exit the battlefield, enter the sanctuary of a rehabilitation center and undergo a remarkable process of trauma therapy and emotional healing.

CHILDREN OF PEACE UGANDA, an organization founded by JANE EKAYU, who is featured in the film working at the Rachele Rehabilitation Centre in Northern Uganda as a trauma therapist for former child soldiers rescued from the Lords’ Resistance Army.

This film is incredibly moving and it's been such a humbling experience spending time with Jane and listening to her story. Not only is she an inspiration, but Jane is a living example of compassion, forgiveness, determination and Love.

One more thing...Bryan and Jane will be present for a Q&A following the screening and a special performance by percussionist LEON MOBLEY, poet PETER J. HARRIS, guitarist DAVID NEAL and me!!! Hope you can join us!!!

blesSINGS...
Nai

So sad to hear the news of Terry Callier's passing this weekend.  His music has carried me and his voice has been a beacon of Light...guiding my Spirt through the sad times. His artistry fed me...gave me hope and more.  All of the Heavens and Celestial Beings are celebrating his arrival...Home.  

 The tribute to the Life and Legacy of Gil Scott-Heron felt like a Spiritual awakening of some sort.  My soul was transported and I felt connected to Gil and Brian Jackson's music in a way that took me back to the very first moment I heard it.