2014 MV Summer Madness Music Festival and Conference

The MV Summer Madness Music Festival and Conference is a weekend-long event featuring concerts, parties, artist showcases and networking opportunities for people in the entertainment industry.  Only in its sophomore year, the festival is August 8-10, 2014 in Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts on Martha’s Vineyard.

This year’s theme, “Ladies First,” commemorates the 40th anniversary of Hip-Hop and the 25th anniversary of Queen Latifah’s 1989 hit, “Ladies First.”  The theme celebrates women of color in entertainment that are making a difference both in front of and behind the scenes, as well as through their philanthropic efforts.

Mr. Janon Costley, Managing Member of MV Soul Concepts, LLC, the group that founded the festival in 2013, says many wander why MV Soul Concepts chose Martha’s Vineyard as the location of the festival.  The event was initially intended to cater to vacationers on Martha’s Vineyard who visit every summer.  MV Soul Concepts wanted to explore the history of Black Americans on the island and how its impacted the culture there and the families who’ve vacationed there for years, even before it became a popular tourist destination.  “We wanted to explore what Martha’s Vineyard means to people of color,” says Costley.  However, the MV Summer Madness Music Festival and Conference has become so popular that organizers have already brainstormed expanding into a bigger venue after only 2 short years.  MV Soul Concepts is also considering adding food, wine and other elements that will make the festival bigger and better next year.

This year’s performers include Lauryn Hill, Melanie Fiona, MC Lyte, and Amel Larrieux.  Other events throughout the weekend include a panel discussion featuring women in the entertainment industry, beach bash sponsored by the Barbados Tourism Authority and jazz brunch featuring vocalist (and soror!) Suzzanne Douglas.

For more information about the MV Summer Madness Music Festival and Conference, click here.  This will be my first time in Martha’s Vineyard, so I look forward to not only attending the festival, but exploring the island and sharing my adventures with you. Stay tuned!

Photo Credit: mvsummermadness.com

Exploring Washington, D.C.: Rooftop Bar Crawl in Shaw

This weekend, I had the opportunity to participate in a Rooftop Hawaiian Bar Crawl, right in my own neighborhood of Shaw.  When I go to my neighborhood favorites, I tend to only go to the same places, so I was excited to venture into new bars and restaurants.

The neighborhood of Shaw is considered the area bounded by Massachusetts Avenue NW, New Jersey Avenue, NW, Florida Avenue, NW, and 11th Street, NW.  If you’re not familiar, it’s very close to the bustling area of U Street, where the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl and Lincoln Theatre are located.

First Stop: DC9 (1940 9th St NW, 20001)

Bar crawlers gathered here, where we were immediately “lei’d” upon entering (I love a good theme!).  On the rooftop, we were able to enjoy drink specials and the speciality cocktail, the “Blue Hawaiian” – rum, pineapple juice, sweet and sour mix, and Blue Curacao. This bar had lots of tables and chairs to enjoy food and drinks with friends.

Second Stop: 1905 (1905 9th St NW, 20001)

1905 had a nice, quaint rooftop.  We mixed, mingled and enjoyed free snacks, including bacon-fat covered popcorn.  Yum!  Make sure you go to the second floor of this building, as the first floor is not associated with the bar.

Third Stop: Dunya (801 Florida Ave NW, 20001)

I loved Dunya’s rooftop and it was right in the heart of Shaw, at the corner of Georgia and Florida Avenues.  As I walked onto the rooftop, I took a peak into the restaurant and it seemed so chic that I’ve made a mental note to go back.  It looked like it had the perfect ambiance for an intimate date night.

Fourth Stop: Brixton (901 U St NW, 20001)

Brixton is one of my go-to bars when I want a nice, laid back atmosphere with good music.  Since it’s not quite in the heart of the U Street corridor but still close enough to the craziness, there’s always a fun crowd.

I gave my liver a break and decided to eat since they had food specials from 4-9 pm.  The sliders, fries and samosas were delicious and the perfect bite-sized bar foods.

Fifth Stop: Nellie’s (900 U St NW, 20001)

I was sad for the bar crawl to end but Nellie’s was a great place to finish.  While I had never been, this U Street mainstay is always crowded when I drive by and now I know why.  It has a large deck, great views, and a very friendly staff.

Nellie’s is known to have a fabulous Sunday drag brunch that I’ve been meaning to try.  By the way, don’t you just love these stairs? Great reminder!

If you’re visiting or living in DC, make sure you support these small businesses.  Great drinks, food, music, and atmosphere…everything you need for a fun day or night in DC!  Thanks to Lisa of Growth Matters and Shaw Main Streets for the invite.

Cheers!

Ashlee

Photo Credit: Ashlee Tuck