Ambience, intimacy, an engaging audience, and the freedom to be me. That was what showed up for me during my debut at Joe's Pub last Sat night. Had a nice size crowd (wish more had come) and each and every one there was giving me such love that it was divine to sing the songs from the album and new songs that Tomas and I wrote together.

Our covers of Luther Vandross's the Night I Fell in Love and People Make the World Go Round featuring Toni Blackman made the audience erupt in applause and delight.

The new song "Strapped..with half a century o' woe on her back" about Coretta Scott King, Nina Simone, and Daisy Bates got a lot a reaction from the crowd. I love singing that song. It's funky, it's got an old and new feel, and it has something to say about the role of women as the stars in our everyday culture.

It was a special night for me. Tomas and I did our thing. I was looking great in my Moshood dress and my hair was done up fierce by my locktician Desaré (It's a Wrap in Harlem). She is a genius with hair. Everyone complimented me on my music, my covers, my dress and hair and the funky encore of People on which Toni Blackman killed on!

Thanks to those who made it and those who didn't. Thanks for all those who intended to come and something came up and you let me know. Really appreciate it!

NEXT GIG: Friday Aug 10th at Rose in Williamsburg! IT will be slightly different (more songs) than Joe's Pub and starts at 9pm!