Merriweather Post Pravillion Presents: Summer Spirit Festival

On August 7, 2010 the masses of music enthusiasts attended the 2010 Summer Spirit Fest. This annual festival showcases urban renewal at it's best. During Summer Spirit Fest some of the Hottest performers, vendors and artist showcase their talent. This years line up drew a massive crowd and included:
Janelle Monae
B.O.B
Common
The Roots
Chuck Brown
Erykah Badu
Guest DJ's: Tigger (from 95.5) Konan (from 92.3)

I have to say I am very impressed with Merriweather's handle of the crowd and the masses as they arrive for this awesome festival. The staff was not only friendly but very helpful (thanks to the nice usher guy for removing the squatters from my seats). Although the crowd varies in age and maturity level the staff handed the entire night with professionalism and tact. (Thumbs Up) Although the place was overflowing with alcohol influenced patrons, the Merriweather Staff managed to maintain the crowd and with no arrests. (2 Thumbs up). The bartending staff was friendly and skilled, however the kitchen staff could have been a little more prepared. About half way through the show, they ran out of the beloved "Boardwalk French Fries". There was about a 45 minute wait for fries, unacceptable especially at a cost of $8.00. The masses seem to be pleased with the quality of the food in spite of the hefty prices. (Note; the $5.00 popcorn was salty) There was a wide selection of vendors and artists in "The Market Place" with a great selection of cloths, crafts, and jewelry. Although a little pricey they definitely boast originality! All local radio station (WPGC95.5, 92.3,WHUR 96.3, MAGIC102.3) were broadcasting live, keeping the radio community in touch. Although the atmosphere is key to a great evening, the entertainment also plays a major role!
The Summer Spirit Fest line-up of performers peeked the interest of those seeking neo-soul,  real hip-hop or straight funk. This years line-up showcased a variety of musical genres to please the masses.
Now, let's cut to the chase and give the scoop!
Janelle Monae: The young funckstress definitely has a following of new age funk enthusiasts. Diddy and Big Boi of "Outkast" delivered this diamond in the rough to the music community at the 2010 BET Awards. She has quickly acquired a pretty hefty fan bases. She has an edge and captivating quality that I can't put my finger on.  However I'm not a fan just yet. I like her stage presence and originality, but her actual lyrics haven't sealed the deal for me. The crowd was generally pleased with her HIGH Power performance (resembles a female James Brown in the making). Personally I think she needs a little more time and practice performing at an outdoor venue with a diverse crowd, but she wasn't a bust. She gets a 3 for overall performance and a 2 for actual talent.
B.o.B: Young Bobby Ray hales from one of America's music mecca's, Atlanta, Gerogia.  He has broken into the music scenes with "Cloud 9" luring in the "Medicinal Community" (The smokers), but then turned critic heads with "The Adventures of Bobby Ray". His latest single "Airplanes" drove it home for the more mature hip hop crowd and earned him the respect of the hip hop community. His "Skreech" from Saved by the Bell like style set him apart from your average hip-hop artist.  It took the crowd a minute to match the face to the radio hit's "Airplane and "Nothin on you", but once the connection was made the crowd floated away to "Cloud 9". His down south swag excited the crowd, but his laid back hip hop left a satisfied and mellow mood. He gets a 3 for his overall performance and a 3 on actual talent.
Common: The hip hop star turned actor has returned to the music scene with no problems. Common released "Common Classics" in May 2010. Although a compilation CD, this artist is truly the "real deal". He captivated the Hip Hopers from the moment he set foot on the stage. Mixing Ol' Skool hip hip with some of his greatist hit's. Common's crowd pleasing DJ set the tone for the Blazzzing Hot Performance. The entire arena was "rockin" and bursting with enerygy. Common's command of the audience and mesmerizing performance was as natural as moths to a flame. His energy lead the crowd to sing along like the Mississippi Mass Choir. Common tipped the rating scale with a unanimous 5 out of 5. His overall performance was a 5 and his genuine talent always has been and still is a 5. Hollywood hasn't changed Chi town's lyrical lecturer. It's done quite the opposite and sent his skills into orbit!!!!! THUMBS UP Common, he made me feel like this event was money well spent!
Chuck Brown: The "GODFATHER of GO-GO" delivers his fans a time honored performance dedicated to DC's fellow go-go legend Lil Benny, who passed earlier this year. The 74 year old jazz guitarist turned go-go originator, always performs to a sold out audience. The mere mention of his name evokes screams of "Wind  Me Up Chuck" from the crowd.  Chuck spotlighted all of his hits old and new, much to the crowds liking. He also showcaseed a few fellow go-go artist. (CCB Members, Rare Essence Member, and various female go-go artist). Chuck had the crowd exploding with energy from the retro medley/mix. The tribute to Lil Benny was the highlight of the performance. Go-go enthusiasts cheered and revelled at the overwhelmingly successful showcase of Lil Benny's music. 6 out of 5 for the overall performance, extra point for being a living legend. 2THUMBS UP Chuck, your contribution to the music community is priceless.
"The Roots": The once proclaimed R&B artist, who dabbled in Neo-soul, turned "Noise Makers". I was not only shocked but disappointed. Their new contribution to the rock industry stems from their new spot on Late Night Jimmy Fallon show, I assume. However  that is where it should begin and end. The moment they leave the set, they should reclaim their talent at the stage door. Not only have they lost me as a fan, but they have alienated the mature R&B crowd as well. The entire performance included 2 songs with actual lyrical content, the remainder of the set consisted of Questlove (drummer) banging on the drums like "Animal from Muppet Babies" and a series of Electric Guitar solo's masquerading as songs. A total waste of talent, a stage full of talent that sold out to Hollywood's, silly image of actual music. This was a complete waste of music lover's time and money. The overall performance gets a 2 out of have 5. They receive a 2.5 out of 5 for actual talent, because they have some it is just currently M.I.A. So sad because there are so few artist left that aren't "Pop, Locking, and Droppin it", "Learning How to Dougie", or "Swagging and Surfing" trying to connivance the community that it is music.
Erykah Badu: By far the BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENT of the Summer Spirit Festival, 2 years running. The once beloved neo-soul artist has completely lost her edge, talent and audience. Although aesthetically pleasing to the crowd (she looked great), Ms. Badu has excommunicated herself from her fans with this new "style" of music. Unfortunately this has been a downward spiral since the release of her 2003 album "Worldwide Underground". All of her albums after have consistently moved further and further away from "real music", and closer to "talentless vinyl being sold". With her recent hit "Window Seat", I had hoped that this years performance would be 10 times better than last years instrumental solo on her "drum machine". However I was not only disappointed but COMPLETELY DISGUSTED with her as an artist, a performer, and a human being. The show was terrible, horrible, such a waste. Ms Badu believes that her "Drum Beat Machine" enhances her performance, IT DOESN'T. In fact is annoys the H*LL out of me. It's a sad substitute for talent, especially when you have a 15 person band sitting on stage. Such a massive waste of talent and space. The 20 minute instrumental intro of her band. was unnecessary and not that great. However it was a step up from the sub-standard performance Ms. Badu gave. Although this review reflects my opinion, the masses of people leaving in the middle of her performance should have clued her into the fact that the audience had "LEFT THE BUILDING".  She had a packed house waiting with bated breath for the creator of "Baduizm" and "Mama's Gun", but that musical genius has apparently RETIRED! The music industry has suffered a great lost, and is also enduring a great injustice as the real Badu fan's continue to be fooled by the "bate and switch", where she put out 1 or 2 nice songs to bate the masses and then the rest of the album has been switched with confusing chaotic content. Ms. Badu has earned a -5 out of 5 because she is a repeat offender, logging 2 TERRIBLE performances 2 years in a row! (MAJOR Infraction, that should be punishable by LAW). 1 for actual talent, because she actual still has a nice voice even if she chooses not to use it.
I AM STAMPING THE SUMMER SPIRIT FESTIVAL "Under Construction", pending them showcasing reputable artist! Note: Please schedule artist that will deliver a great performance with  great music.