Weak Scene

Have you ever experienced an epiphany while driving in Worcester?
Maybe its the name of someone that you ran into while grocery shopping
that, for the life of you, you can't remember their name or maybe it
was something your significant other said to you this morning, while
running out the door, that all of a sudden makes complete sense (being
honest, this happens to me all the time).

While driving on Lafayette Street, I stopped at the red light where
Lafayette Street ends, and intersects with Southbridge Street, I
saw "it". IT was a tag (read: graffiti) on the boxcar that stated
both boldly and delicately, "WEAK".

I don't know why this hit me with such an impact, but maybe it's has
something to do with Christmas and the reflective state that I'm in.

I have always enjoyed Christmas, and see it as a time to give thanks
for all that God has given to me and my family. But, this year has
been a particularly tough year, in more ways than one. I won't
divulge what some of the issues have been, because, as my 90-year-old
Grandmother always says, "Don't complain, because no one wants to hear
it." And I realize that those words couldn't be more true. Why
complain? It does no good and I view it just like arguing........a
waste of energy.

I know I'm "WEAK" and at times have my moments of boldness and
defiance. I have to be that way. Otherwise, I'd never leave the
house or interact with God's people.

While it's fun to believe that I know alot and can overcome any
obstacle, it's enlightening to know that I am "WEAK" at times, and
pray for "bold humility and grace". This is my prayer.

Merry Christmas!

Worcester Nightlife: The Boiler Room

Worcester night life is very different, and I mean different in a good way.  The city strikes me as being on the cusp of being bigger than its parts, but a little afraid of "going there".  Maybe it has something to do with our left-leaning views on life and the fact that Worcester is a diverse City that will only become more diverse in the coming 4-5-years.

If you've been bold and confident enough to go out at night to listen to some live music, or bust a move and show off those dance moves that you've been practicing in your bedroom.....there's something for everyone in Worcester.

Last night, The Boiler Room, was the place to be! It was festive with dueling DJs--- DJ Hevan vs. DJ Hectik-- along with the filming of the music video for "Go Crazy" performed by Worcester's own Ariez Onasis, whose song was produced by Art Beatz with a special guest appearance by the rugged and raw-voiced, Fatman Scoop.

Now, I'm a self-described Hip Hop-head, and I use the music and cultural events to time stamp my life. 

I've been very fortunate to experience a number of monumental Hip Hop moments up close, be it witnessing the Notorious B.I.G. battling a mere plebe on the corner of St. James Ave. and Fulton Street, or running into Biz Markie or Big Daddy Kane at the old Albee Square Mall in downtown Brooklyn. 

The Boiler Room was hot, boisterous, and people were in an all-around festive mood.  Folks were ready to cut loose and there was more flesh than a butcher's shop.

Here are a few behind-the-scene pictures and I'll post the music video when it's available:

Left to Right: Fatman Scoop, Ariez Onasis, Baige O'Bannon and Art Beatz.

 Ariez Onasis with party revelers.

 Ariez Onasis with partyers.

Fatman Scoop