FINALLY...I've found another place to call home. The Professional Style File is a new fashion blog that pairs high-powered women and celebrities with professional bags to match their personalities and careers. The blog so far has highlighted the likes Kate Hudson, Suze Orman, Ellen Denegeres, and Tina Fey to stylish looks from careerbags.com. As I said in my Spring Fashion piece, every woman should carry a bag and since Im not a fan of a purse, my "man bags" have been a constant companion since my high school days. CareerBags.com allows you to shop by product, size, price, even personal style and career type. So even if you're a student on a budget, artist on the go, or CEO on the rise - you have NO excuse to walk around without a fly "man bag" in your possession.

What a great night of music! Shelley Nicole in the little shiny, gold black dress, channeling her inner Tina and the talented band giving the people of Brooklyn the true definition of black (and Japanese) Soul, Rock N Funk! I'm now motivated to take my guitar out of its bag and practice. Pics below are courtesy of drummer, Hiroyuki Matsuura. Gotta give the drummer some.

Tonight! NYers, come and check out playwright, Franco at Prime (511 W 28th) at 7pm for some after-work fun, music, cocktails and a staged reading of his play, Creative Stages.

You Got Me (ft. Erykah Badu) - The Roots

In the midst of an eventful night shuffling between Manhattan and Brooklyn and getting kicked out of a damn cab (on the highway) in the middle of a rainstorm - flicks were the last thing on my mind when I finally made it back to my apartment.

For those who didn't have the pleasure, last night hosted two exciting events for GGG; first featuring the much-anticipated release of Staceyann Chin's, "The Other Side of Paradise - A Memoir". The people definitely came out to support and party with the poet/activist as her book finally went on sale to the public. It's always a good look to see women of color getting their voices and stories told and heard so it was my pleasure to be in attendance. Look forward to pics of the event and interview with the lady herself soon!

After checking out Staceyann and Bar 13, with DJs Storm and Reborn on the decks, it was over to the West Village to check out "The 10 Dollar Show". The legendary, Roots Crew gave the crowd a two hour set to remember at Highline Ballroom after coming off their nightly gig with the Jimmy Fallon show and opening for the Dave Matthews Band at Madison Sqaure Garden. For only $10 DOLLA'S. That's the reason why the Roots are still around and will be around until the day they decide to no longer make music. In spite of all the fame and success, they dont forget the "underground" is who they are...the place that raised them and the people that heard their music before Jimmy Fallon and bright lights on Broadway even came knocking. Im so happy for their current success and even more proud to see them giving back what the fans have given to them for so long...always coming full circle back to their roots. So many talented artists and individuals now tasting even a bit of success could use a little 101 from these brothers.

Enough preaching and back to the basics. The night included an incredible lineup of guest performers from Tanya Morgan, Joe Budden, violinist Mazz Swift(who is beyond words brilliant and definitely a must-see performer) and many others and also included a 5 piece wind ensemble featuring their newest member, a man Black Thought likes to call, "Tuba Gooding Jr", along with a Wall-Street look-a-like on Sax, Teena Marie's love-child on Baritone, and two Latin-flavored trombone and trumpet players, who absolutely killed their on-stage solo's. At one point, there were so many musicians up there that I was tempted to jump on-stage with an empty Corona bottle and a butter knife and get to beat-making myself. It was incredible, I can only suggest that you see it live for yourself. For show dates, check the Highline Ballroom website. Although most all online tickets are sold-out, you can still grab some at the door if you aren't too proud to stand in a line.

These are a couple pics from Highline off Brooklyn Vegan, a music blog featuring some hot live shows in an around NYC. Since my digital wanted to "exhaust batteries" as the lights dimmed, I didnt get a chance to capture the night. These shots are dope, check photog Jacob Blickinstaff and Brooklyn Vegan for more photos from the show.

Speaking of shows, Gay Girls Guide is giving away FREE TIX to see Meshell Ndegeocello and Toshi Reagon 5.7.09 to two lucky subscribers. Enter your email address to win & stay up-to-date on everything going happening on this side.

Is Love The Reason - Toshi Reagon











To ENTER:
1: Subscribe to Gay Girls Guide via email
2: Confirm your email subscription
3: Wait for the "You've Won" Email from Gay Girls Guide!

It's that simple!

Names will be randomly selected and emailed on May 2nd. Even if you aren't able to make the NYC show, Im sure a friend will be happy to attend in your honor. Dont be left out, subscribe to keep up-to-date on everything GGG and more "Free Swag" Giveaways. For more information on ticket purchases, donating a ticket to an NYC Youth, and more information on FIERCE, go to www.fiercenyc.org



NYC BOOK RELEASE for The Other Side of Paradise & AfterParty

Tomorrow, Tuesday 4/14 - if you don't know, now you know. Acclaimed Poet and Activist, Staceyann Chin, will be at Barnes&Nobles, Union Square for the official NYC release of her book, The Other Side of Paradise - A Memoir. Afterparty at Bar 13 - 35 E 13th St!

This is Jasika Nicole, an artist and actress on the Fox television series, Fringe. I first saw her at the GLAAD Media Awards and simply thought to myself how beautiful she was in her dress. It didn't occur to me, even as she presented an award with J.Manuel, that I may want to take a second to look her up. I can only blame that on the copious amounts of wine and champagne I had consumed at my table.

It wasn't until a few days later when I did a browse through the media coverage of the Awards show and the interview she did with AfterEllen , do I find she is an openly gay actress on a major network show! I sure did drop the ball on that one but definitely make sure you check this young talent out.

http://www.jasikanicole.com/