OUT 156

Hello my people! Ma'atology is back, phyiscally that is. I batteled the flu for the past 2 weeks and let me tell ya, if you ever got the taste of hunger after gettin over an illness, that's how serious it was. But I'm good1 So lets get to it.

In national newz:

Barak Obama officially put his hat in the ring of running for Prez in 2008. He had his homecoming in his adopted city of Chicago at U of I at the Chicago Pavillion last Sunday to announce it while protestors of the war in Iraq was there to demonstrate. "I'm glad they were there," Obama said later. "They feel a sense of urgency about a war that should have never been authorized and a war that should have never been fought." This is just the beghinning brotha Obama....................

Is it me, or is the media trying to make Anna Nicole Smith's death a mystery like Martiyn Monroe's?...............

Has NBA player Tim Hardaway lose his mind? The Retired Miami Heat guard said Wednesday on a particular talk show that he hates gay people, but later said he regretted the remarks He said, "You know, I hate gay people, so I let it be known. I don't like gay people and I don't like to be around gay people," he said while a guest on Sports Talk 790 The Ticket. "I'm homophobic. I don't like it. It shouldn't be in the world or in the United States." The discussion was sparked by last week's announcement that retired NBA center John Amaechi is gay.

It seems as though Hardaway is very uncomfortable with his sexually . If he was a real man, he would care less about who's gay or not. Besides, he doesnt know who has peeped at him in the NBA lockerrooms while he was changing clothes to take a shower, ya feel me?......................

Got your flu nasal spray yet?

The 18-year-old gunman who shot five people to death in a Salt Lake City, Utah, last Monday at a shopping mall was a survivor of the siege that ended in the Srebrenica massacre of 8,000 Muslims in Bosnia's 1992-95 war, a cousin said on Wednesday. Sulejman Talovic, who was killed by police after Monday's shooting spree in which he also wounded four people, fled his village with his family during the Bosnia war to Srebrenica, a U.N.-protected enclave, Redzo Talovic said. Wow this is defintely another movie of the week here. Too bizarre for Hollywood writers to even come up with something like this!.............

On a Local tip,

The St. Louis area got 6 inches of snow earlier in the week along with teen cold temps and is projected mor eis to come this weekend.

But things are about to heat up cause..................

The State Board of Education voted Thursday morning to take the first step to intervene in the St. Louis Public Schools, despite parents and teachers who disrupted their meeting.The final step hinges now on whether the district is awarded provisional accreditation. That decision is expected as early as Feb. 28.At that time, the board is expected to vote to intervene in the St. Louis Public Schools, a move that will alter the oversight and operation of Missouri's largest school system for up to the next six years -- and also trigger legal challenges..................

A salmonella outbreak that has slowly grown to nearly 300 cases in 39 states since August has been linked to tainted peanut butter, federal health officials said Wednesday. It is believed to be the first salmonella outbreak associated with peanut butter in U.S. history, said officials with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.ConAgra said it is recalling all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111. It was reported that the STL groceries may have some ties to the tainted peanuts...................

Analysts say 10,000 hourly workers probably will lose their jobs as part of DaimlerChrysler's effort to cut costs at its Chrysler Group by more than $2 billion, or $1,000 for every car sold in the United States. Meanwhile, DaimlerChrysler AG said Wednesday its fourth-quarter earnings plunged 40 percent on weaker demand from Chrysler. Workers After DaimlerChrysler announced plans Wednesday to cut jobs at the suburban St. Louis plant where it makes Dodge and Chrysler minivans, Missouri officials said they may revoke tax cuts granted to the company About 1,300 workers will lose their jobs in Fenton, government leaders said. Chrysler said it will eliminate a shift at the South assembly plant in 2008................

Lawyers for kidnapping suspect Michael J. Devlin failed today in their bid to have him moved to the St. Louis County Jail and are awaiting a judge’s word on their bid to have any grand jury proceeding transcribed...................

Now onto my travels:

On Friday, I met with my tax guy Joshua Beeks and went over my refund possibilites at the Casino Queen snack bar aera. As we were talking, the Queen had a booth of Beatles memorabilia on sale in commemoration of the Beatles show they were having at Club Sveen (One guy wa ssitting near us who was in the show dressed like a Beatle when Joshua said, "They are having a Beales concert here . I wouldnt go to something like that." CLASSIC)

Later on, I braved the hawk and my hacking cough to check out Stress Free fridays' weekly event that was going to held at the Mandarin in the Central West End. I got a call on my cell from my buddy Kamren about coming through (He is the events' house message therapist). I gottheer about a quarter to 10. Well I walked up to the spot and ran into some valet guys and asked how much they charge for their service cause I may use them for my -male fashion show project. So, as I walked down teh corridor to go inside the spot, I saw that there was a small line of people tryin to get in and all were non-white. At foirst, I thought I had the wrong venue cause most of Stress Free Fridays evente are of the chocolate persuasion.

So, I asked one of the bouncers if this is wherr Stress Free Fridays was held and they said yes. So I got out of line to walk tothe elevator. then another bouncer stopped the elevator and said,."It will be 5 dollars." Then I remarked, "When did STress Free friday start charging?" Then the guy said that Stress Free was over with (I was about 40 minutes late). So I went on and paid the 5 bones and went up the elevator with three giggly white girls who were talkin about their boyfriends. I was a bit uncomfortable at their conversation cause it was sooooooooooooo Hillary Duff you know, I mean, golly gee!. I could not relate.

When the elevator opened, I saw Kam in the lobby sitting on a lower ledge across from with his message therapy chair. He wasnt gettin much business but I decided to stay and chat with him cause I saw that the Mandarin crowd were the only patrons in there and all of the Stress Free crowd had left. While I was talkin to Kam, one of the bouncer guys said that I had to take off my hat and check it in. I was like, "huh?" Then he was like, "Well, you have to check it in cause if we let one person wear a hat, then every one will wear one (I gotta case of Club Seven deja Vu for a moment therr. LOL)

Therr was no way I paying more money, so I told the bouncer, "I'm not stayin long and I'm not goin in." So I started talkin to kam some more, then another bouncer came up to me about my hat again. I told him I knew about it and I wa sabout to leave. Then I told Kam, "Let me leave before they call the cops or something."

So I gave Kam some dap and I stepped. When I got back to the ground floor one of the guys that asked for 5 bones told me to have a good night. I looked at him and kept walking back to my car. I didnt need this especailly after tryin to get over the flu........................

On Saturday, I checked out the Meet and Greet for acoustic soul singer Anthony David that was held at the Roberst Brothers' Mayfair Hotel downtown. I deicded to check this out to interview David for Vanita Applebum (Enterprises) who was putting this event on. I was doing some serious circling around downtown liek a vulture to try and find the hotel. I've never been to their hotel but (I know) I 've passed it on ocassion. I called VAE assistant (the infamous) Nikki Roach to ask wherr the hotel was and she said that it was betwen 8th and 9th . Well that helped a bit.

I parked in my usual spot oin 11th and Cole next to the Holiday Inn Select on the curb wherr the free parking meters were (No way I was paying 10 bones to park) and

walked to the area wherr the hotel may have been, I first I thought it wa son Washingtoin but actually is next to the Renaissance Grand on 9th street going South. When I got to the Renaissance Grand I walked up to the parking valet and asked where the Mayfair was and he and two other guys pointed one building over and therr it was.

I got therre about 9 or so and asked the front desk assistant where the Meet and Greet was and he told me it was in the dining area. So, I walk in and there's no one in there. So, I walked out to make sure I was going the right direction. Then, I walked back in and asked the matre dei if this was where the Meet and Greet was and he said that it was. I walk in and saw one sista at one of the tabels . Come to find out it was Majic 104.9 personality Isis Jones. We shared some love and we partook in the light appetizers and complimentary wine. We got into some deep conversation escpecially on the apssing of socialite/club promoter Big Steph who was tragically killed in a drive by shooting in North St. Louis. We talked about how preciosu life is and the importance of family and friends.

As we were talking, I was wondering wherr the VAE crew was with Anthony David. Well they arrived about 9:15 or so with the man of the hour and his assistant. David (who looks like a skinnier version of Morris Chestnut) sat with us as we did an informal interview with him (The transcript of that interveiw will be posted in a future blog). He seem to be a pretty cool and laid back brother. As me and Isis talked with him, he had playin some songs from UK artist named Amy Winehouse playing on his Blackberry. She is like a mixture of Anastacia and Lisa Stansfield. She is the next for sure.

So me, Isis and David talked about music, his CD, his freindship with India. Arie (And Thats all I remeber cause the wine was startn to kick me in the head). Later on, Mocha Latte came through and joined us as she talked with David as well. They also had a cake to celebrate David arriving to perform here in the STL (He was suppose to be here in late January but we that had bad snowstorm that cancelled his flight here).

The Meet and Greet lasted for about an hour when the matre dei's kicked us out of therre, but some left, and some went up the elevator to a room to have more conversation. (And thats all I am saying on that. LOL) I will say that Anthony David likes watching "Saturday Night Live" with "a lot of smoke." LOL

Afterward, VAE took me to my car and I drove back to the East Side to start the Graveyard Shift at the Water Geyser.

FOR PICS OF THE MEET AND GREET, GO TO OUT 154

On Sunday, I was deep in the Grammy Awards for about an hour until I realized I had to go check out Anthony David (PICTURED ABOVE) in concert. So, I got ready and decided to get therr about an hour late cause they had a couple of opening acts and I wanted to check out some of the Grammies before I TiVOd (nothing against the opening acts of course) . When I TRIED to get to Gravity on Delmar, it was yet another go around in circles game. I was in the area, but for some reason, I couldnt find it. Therr was no sign sayin Gravity.

So to save gas and time, I parked on the side of 16th Street and followed the crowd. The spot was in the back of what used to be Club 747 (and it's not really on Delmar, but behind Delmar) surrounded by this black iron wrought gate that it looked like I was going to a prisonyard. I ran into St. Louis American Calendar editor Kenya Vaughn who wa scrcking me up talkin about how she was missing the Grammies to come to the show and how she couldnt work her VCR to pre-record it so she just hit the record button and vamped out. (She needs to be on someone's sitcom for real.)

The following is my music reveiw of David;s concert:

Acoustic soul artist David brings some ‘Red Clay’ to the STL
By Ma’at Atkins

About 200 neo-soul music lovers came out to hear the acoustic soul sounds of Atlanta based singer/songwriter Anthony David last Sunday at the new establishment, Gravity located at 1620 Delmar.

And he did not disappoint. During his 90 minute set, David came across as a male version of India.Arie (who he’s best friends with, did background vocals for and co-wrote her latest hit, “There’s Hope”) and a raspy liquid-voiced Bill Withers and you have the makings Anthony David. Manning just a guitar and his DJ (DJ Woodchuck), David sang most of the songs from his two CD’s “Three Chords and the Truth” and his latest, “Red Clay chronicles”

Although David’s more of a laid-back, introspective singer than an a live performer, one of the highlights included his exposing his “hip-hop headness” when he mashing his songs with retro-hip-hop tunes (eg. “spittin game” with Tribe called Quest’s classic, “electric Relaxation”) He also asked the crowd (that he, on a couple of occasions, interacted with stepping down from the stage and walking through the crowd )to move their seats up close to the stage so he could feel them (the action has unfortunately has become a neo-soul artist cliche).

He also did a few surprise cover tunes including Withers’ “Lovely Day” and Guy’s “I Like.”

He also gave a quick shout out to his pal, Arie saying, “A shout out to India Arie who’s nominated for Grammies tonight.”

As he was performing he became shocked and a bit surprised when he asked the crowd if they had both of his CD’s, many cheered in exultation (One fan even asked if he was going to perform “Crooked Cops”) He also got a chance to plug his wares as he was singing, “Smoke One” saying that his Cd was at Vintage Vinyl and to learn more about his music by going on his website.

David definitely did not disappoint with his raw yet refined talent. And if the crowd was an indication of his future, he will quickly become a household name. Local artists One Sound and Teresa Jenee and . Local DJ, DJ Will were the opening acts and house dee-jay respectively.

For more on this artist, go to Anthonydavidmusic.com

Afterward, David signed autographs, and sold his CDs and t-shirts to the crowd.

In the house was Big Joe, Roger Macon, Reno, Monica Tyson (Slimmin down I see), Fo Feet (or shall I say Fo Legs.LOL), Miss Erika (the hair stylist), SYGU Group, Sandra Roberts, Mocha Latte, Big Tah, Marla Galloway, jazz artist Erika Johnson (who was a little sauced), SPITFLIX's Dana Christian, Mo Tre, and DJ Enoch. Oh and can someone tell me who was the dark skinend brotha who was there dressed like a YMCA policeman with jeans and boots and hair styled Kelis in the video Bossy? LOL.

FOR MORE PICS FROM THE CONCERT, GO TO OUT 154

STL-TIDBITZ. Looks like we got someone from the St. Louis area who made the Top 24 in the Americna Idol finals...well sorta. It has been disocvered that fianlist Melinda Doolittle (PICTURED ABOVE) spent her formative years in St. Louis (until the age of 12) and lived in St. Jospeh, Mo. She is a background singer for some of the top artists and she looks like she may hav ea chance of at least being in the Top 5. Idol hopeful and St. Louis natiev Sineta Roker, unfortunately she didnt even make the Top 44. January 29, 2007..... Well according to Nelly's Myspace (and posted by Afrikan Butterfly) Mya the singer must be a very close friend of his because on his top 8 friends Mya was #1 AND NOT ASHANTI AS A MATTER OF FACT SHE WAS NOT ON HIS TOP 8, (whatever that means).... Mr. Biggs beats the rap! According to wdasfm.com, Singer Ron Isley (who used to have a crib in the STL) has dodged a bullet. Isley was facing a three year prison sentence following his guilty verdict in his tax evasion trial. Isley, who had been sick during the trial, was supposed to be housed at a prison medical facility. The verdict is currently in appeals, and Isley is doing no jail time. Isley is currently planning a 29-city tour that will wrap up in Philadelphia. On the home front, all is going well as his family expands. Isley and his wife Kandy recently welcomed their second child. Isley’s first son, Ron O’Kelly Isley, Jr., is two-months old. Isley says his family will be joining him on the road.....Singer Luther Ingram is not doing well. According to wdasfm.com, Ingram, 62, who is best known for the 1972 classic If Loving You Is Wrong (I Don't Want To Be Right). is on dialysis, and is currently depending on a respirator to breathe.Ingram used to also live in East St. Louis for a spell....Local comedian Brie Johnson wants yawl to logon to www.riverfrontradio.com and listen to her new morning radio talk show called "The Grey Area"!!! Every Monday morning from 10am to 12noon CST....Oh and for yawl Mochaheads, Mocha Latte's popular "Lyrics On the Lou" poetry/song series at the FilterBar has been moved. It will now take place at the Loft starting next Wednesday(Take some goodpics and get some good scoop on the All Star weekend, okay? ) ....and belated kudos to socialite Monica Tyson for her weight loss program. It was featured on Fox 2 news earlier this week.

CHART-IDBITZ. Well, looks like STL rapper Jibbs' song, "King Kong" (feat. Chamillionaire) is about to run out of steam. This week, on Billboard Hip-Hop/R&B charts, the song falls two spaces from 35 to 37 in its 10th week on the chart.

MA'AT-IDBITZ. Well I had another audition for my play, Monologues and Penisillin (ART WORK FOR THE PLAY IS PICTURED ABOVE) and my masculine fashion show project atteh Emerson Library. I had several to audition for both. This was the last audition to get my models/actors. (FOR PICS OF THE FINAL CUT OF MODELS ADN THE ACTUAL NAME OF MY SHOW GO TO OUT 155)...

I will debut some of my models in "the masculine fashion show" at SYGU's event Fashionable LAte...Again event that will be held at Copia, 1122, Washington Ave., in downtown St. Louis. Saturday, Feb. 24 from 9 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.........

Well, I was about 50 percent correct on my predictions at the 49th Annual Grammy Awards. Who would have thoght hat country suoerstars teh Dixie Chicks (PICTURED ABOVE) would be the big winner? But then again, it is the Grammies. They racked up in the major categories like Reocrd, Song, Album and two country awards for their song, "Not Ready to Make Nice' and album ."Taking the Long Way:) The following is what I said about the potential winners last week and what actually happened.

Anyway, this year seems that there will be multiple winners. Mary J. Blige led the pack with eight nods, but if conventional wisdom is any indication, she will not win all these awards.

I WAS RIGHT ON THAT POINT

She will be, however the biggest winner (She will cop five).

WRONG. She won THREE and DIXIE CHICKS WERE THE BIG WINNER WITH FIVE AWARDS

She will win Best R&B Song ("Be Without you")

CORRECT

Best R&B Female Vocal ("Be Without You")

CORRECT

R&B Traditional Performance ("I Found my Everything" with Raphael Saadiq)

WRONG

R&B Album ("THe Breakthrough")

CORRECT

and Best Pop Collaboration ("One" with U2)

WRONG--Tony Bennet and Stevie won this award (I should have saw that one comin!)

The rest of the artists nominated, will either win two or three. I believe newcomer group Gnarls Barkley will win three for Record of the Year ("Crazy"), Alternative Album "St. Elsewhere") and Urban Alternative Performance ("Crazy");

WELL I WAS HALF WAY RIGHT. THEY DIDNt WIN RECORD, BUT THEY WON THE OTHER TWO AWARDS

Pop/folk artist John Mayer will win three. he will win Album of the Year ("Continnuum"), Best Pop Male Vocal ("Waiting for the World to Change") and Rock Instrumental ("Route 66"),

ACTUALLY HE WON TWO , BUTTHE CATEGORY THAT I PREDICTED HE WILL WIN AND HE DID WIN WAS POP MALE VOCAL. THE OTHER WAS POP ALBUM.

Red hot chilli Peppers will win three (Rock Album for Stadium Arcadium", Rock Group Vocal and Short Form Video for "Dani California")

ACTUALLY THEY WON FOUR, THE SECOND BIG WINNER, BUT THE CATEGORIES I PREDICTED THAT THEY WOULD WIN AND DID WIN WAS ROCK ALBUM AND ROCK GROUP VOCAL.

Two time winners will be newcomer James Blunt (Best New Artist and Song of the Year for "You're Beautiful")

WRONG. HE WON NOTTA.

Justin Timberlake (Best Pop Album for "Future Sex/Love sounds" and Dance recording, "Sexy Back"),

YES HE WON TWO, BUT ONE WASNT POP ALBUM BUT FOR RAP SUNG COLLOBORATION

Madonna for Dance Album ("Confessions on a dance Floor") and Long Video "I Want to tell you a Secret')

YES TO DANCE ALBUM, BUT THATS ALL SHE WON

Beyonce ( Contemporary R&B Album for "B-Day" and Rap/Sung Colloboration for "Deja Vu" with Jay Z)

CORRECT ON R&B ALBUM, BUT THAT WAS IT

Rappers TI (Best Album for "King" and Rap Solo for "What you Know") and Chamillionaire (Best Rap Song for "Ridin" and Rap Duo Vocal for Ridin with Krayzie Bone)

TI WON TWO BUT ONE WASNT FOR ALBUM AND CHAMILLIONAIRE ONLY WON ONE FOR RAOP DUO/GROUP

Solo winners will be Lionel Richie (R&B Male Vocal for "I Call it love")

WRONG, JOHN LEGEND TOOK THIS AWARD

Christina Aguilera (Pop Female Vocal for "Ain't No Other Man")

CORRECT

The Fray (Pop Vocal Group, "Over My Head"), Snow Patrol (Rock Song, "Chasing Cars")

WRONG, BLACK EYE PEAS AND CHILLI PEPPERS WON THESE AWARDS RESPECTIVELY

and Rick Rubin for Producer of the Year.

CORRECT

Oh I think Prince will win one for something. Dont know for what, but he will win something.

WRONG (SHOCKINGLY) .

Oh well, better luck next year trying to bat 100 percent. LOL

EVENT-IDBITZ

Stormy Monday: A Play by Gregory S. Carr at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park, Thurs., Fri., Sat., Sun. FEBRUARY 15, 16, 17, 18 Adult/student matinees: 10 a.m. (Thurs. & Fri.) Afternoon performances: 2 p.m. (Sat. & Sun.) Evening performances: 7 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.) Lee Auditorium $7.50 per person; $6 for MHS members. Tickets on sale now at the Missouri History Museum, or by calling (314) 361-9017.........................

If youre still going to Las Vegas, LOOSE CANNON ENT PRESENTS THE SOSODERRTY EXPERIENCE IN LAS VEGAS FOR ALL STAR WEEKEND..THEY AINT JUST TAKING OVA THE CLUB... THEY TAKING OVA THE HOTEL AND THE WHOLE CASINO. Hosted by Jermaine Dupri and Nelly, Feb. 15-18 atthe Aladdin resort and casino during the 2007 All Star NBA weekend in Las Vegas. For more info go to www.sosoderrty.com

Yari Yari will be part of the Sisters~Nineties Literary Group annual Black History Month program/poetry reading on Saturday, February 17th, at 1 p.m. in the Prince Hall community room. Telephone 367-4223 for more information or visit www.sistersnineties.blogspot.com.

The Black Rep’s Popular “I Stand Alone” Solo Performance Series Returns. The Black Rep’s new, I STAND ALONE solo theatre series returns on Monday evenings at 7:30 p.m., February 12 – March 26, 2007at The Black Rep Monsanto Center for Performing Arts Education, 1717 Olive Street, 4th Floor. The series will feature solo performances of original work with a 15 minute intermission. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Admission is $10 or $5 for Black Rep subscribers.February 12 and 19IF AN ORCHID SIZZLE featuring Linda Kennedy. Based on the life and times of Josephine Baker and her more than 50 years as witness to triumphs and turmoil. WHERE: The Black Rep Monsanto Center for Performing Arts Education, 1717 Olive Street, 4th FloorTICKETS: $10 and $5 for Black Rep Subscribers, for info please call (314) 534-3810....................

Stress Free Fridays will take place Friday, February 16 at 5pm The Loft Jazz Club (www.theloftstl.com)> 3112 Olive--just east of Compton, Mid-Town St. Louis> St. Louis, Missouri 63103> 314-225-2505

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

From Sharee Galvin’s CORNER:

MONDAYS: LOOKING OF THE AFTERWORK EARLY RUSH- MARTINI MONDAY'S @ THE LOFT FREE HAPPY HOUR 5-7PM 3$ MARTINI SPECIALSHOSTED BY GARTH ADAMS & CRAIG BLAC W/ DJ CHARLIE CHAN FREE BEFORE 7PM, 5$ BEFORE 8PMBIG TAH'S

TUESDAYS: The ULTIMATE 2$ TUESDAY AT DREAMS-HOSTED BY STACISTATIC FREE TIL MIDNIGHT ANDTWITZID TUESDAY'S AT THE SOFT TOUCH HOSTED BY BIG JAY

WEDNESDAYS: "HUMP DAY-GOT LYRICS?" LYRICS ON THE LOU WILL NOW BE AT THE LOCFT STARTING NEXT WEDNESDAY.

FRIDAYS— CHECK OUT 5$ FRIDAYS HOSTED BY POTZEE AND THE UC MEFAMILY@ DREAMS...WHERE THE STARS PLAY DRINK SPECIALS ALLNIGHT LONG...SPONSORED BY 'JC' COGNAC…

SATURDAYS- .Big Jay Presents Dreams Do Come True by teresa, 2007 V-Day Extravaganza, networking/social party, hosted by BET comeidian Lil Rock, Sat. Feb. 10 at Ceadrs, 939 Lebanon, 7 p.m., $50, $100 VIP, $150 Couples.

For any info on these events email Sharee at sgalvin26@yahoo.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THE BLACK REP presents CROSSIN' OVER February 14 - March 11
Conceived and Directed by Ron Himes Without darkness, there can be no light.
The burdens of struggle lead to the expression of faith. And the evolution of gospel music runs in lockstep with difficult times. Witness a spiritual journey that chronicles the history of Africans in America through song, and traces the connection between your contemporary house of worship back to the times of capture. Performance Schedule:Thursdays, 7:00pmFridays, 8:00pmSaturdays, 3:00pm and 8:00pmSundays, 3:00pm*All performances at The Grandel Theatre (3610 Grandel Square, 63103)Click here for ticket information.

Stray Dog Theatre and the Clayton Symphony Orchestra (http://www.claytonsymphony.org/) team-up for an artistic adventure - MY FAIR LADY: IN CONCERT. Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Lerner & Loewe’s MY FAIR LADY!Dates: February 16 -18, 2007Friday & Saturday at 8-pm, Sunday at 2-pmTickets: Adults $20.00, Seniors & Students $18.00 Reservations Highly Recommended!Location: Clayton High School MainStage Auditorium#1 Mark Twain Circle, Clayton MO 63105Contact: Call 314-865-1995 or visit www.StrayDogTheatre.org for information/reservations

Check the Rhyme: Female Poets & Emcees at the Vaughn Cultural Center, Sat., Feb. 17, 2007, 6p-8p

MIDWEST BLACK BRIDAL SHOW coming this Sunday, February 18, 2007, noon to 4pm at the Renaissance Hotel (at the airport). For more info. 314.497.2832 or www.stlblackbride.com

FROM JUSTMEAPRIL:ALTON based film Pieces Of A Dream, wil lbe shown Feb. 21 11:00 a.m. at Trimpe Bldg on the campus of Lewis and Clark. The Community will be invited to meet cast of current film, view trailers of previous films and discuss Skinner’s development as filmmaker. Free admission.This event will take place Wednesday, Feb.21 at 7:00 pm in the Trimpe Building on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College. Address: 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL.62035.

Second Slavery: The Art of Keith Westbrook, February 23-March 24 opening reception Fri. Feb. 23, 6-8pm at Left Bank Books, 399 Euclid, St. Louis, MO. For info. 314.367.6731

Vanita Appleum entertainment presnets award winning poet/actor Soul Willimas February 23, 2007. at teh Missouri History Musuem, Admission $10.Tickets on sale right now at the History Museum.Tickets on sale now at the Missouri History Museum, or by calling (314) 361-9017, 7 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. MacDermott Grand Hall $10 per person; $7 for MHS members

If you're in Los Angeles, DON'T MISS THE PREMIERE OF "SWEET EVALINA" >> written & produced by: Kyona Levine. Directed by: Apaulo Malloy, February 2nd, 2007 – February 25th, 2007, at the Inglewood Playhouse, 714 Warren Lane, Inglewood CA . EVERY WEEKEND IN FEBRUARY 2007. Fridays 8:00 p.m. Saturdays 8:00 p.m. Sundays 3:00> > p.m.TICKETS ARE $15.00. RESERVE ONLINE: www.plays411.com/evalina For more information about the show and cast visit online: www.myspace.com/sweetevalina...................

DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND 2ND SHOW ADDED!! KETC/CHANNEL 9 presents JOHNNY MATHIS SUNDAY, MARCH 25 • 7:00p.m. Saturday, March 24 • 8:00p.m. - On sale now! Previously announced LIVE at the Fox Theatre! $65, $60, $55 & $45 Purchase tickets at the Fox Box Office, MetroTix outlets or by calling 314/534-1111. Order tickets online at www.metrotix.com Johnny Mathis celebrates over 50 years as a recording artist and performer in a concert that will take your breath away. Join us for a spectacular evening with this living legend as he brings back golden memories with "Misty,” “Chances Are," and other greatest hits.

On the heels of their hugely successful U.S. premiere of HANA’S SUTICASE, Metro Theater Company will continue its 2007 Family Performance Series with Kerfafels, adapted by Colleen Neuman, March 3 – 18, at the Theatre at the West County Family YMCA in Chesterfield, Missouri and the Theater at Concordia in St. Louis. Major support for the production was provided by Emerson.

Public Performances:
Sat/Sun, March 3 & 4, 2007 at the Theatre at the West County Family YMCA
Saturday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

Sat/Sun, March 10 & 11, 17 & 18, 2007 at the Theater at Concordia Seminary
Saturdays at 11:00 a.m.
Sundays at 1:30 and 3:30 pm.

Student Matinees: Thurs & Fri, March 1 & 2, 2007 at the Theatre at the West County Family YMCA. Wed, Thurs, Fri, March 7-9, 2007 at the Theater at Concordia Seminary. All at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are $14 for adults; $12 for students/seniors; $7 for groups of 10 or more and are available by calling 314-997-6777, or visit www.metrotheatercompany.org.

SUBMISSION-BITZ The MaTiff Dancers are going to New York's Legendary Apollo Theater!!!!!!This is a wonderful opportunity that has been offered to the MaTiff Dancers. Many of who have never traveled, performed on a national stage, or even been on airplane!!! MaTiff Dancers were chosen out of 180 acts that auditioned for the show. The taping of Showtime at the Apollo will take place March 2-5, 2007.All donations made payable to the West End Community Conference c/o MaTiff Dance Program. Feel free to contact them directly regarding additional information at (314) 249 1194 or email at matiffdance@gmail.com

ONGOING BITZ WILL RETUIRN NEXT WEEK

Well that be it (and it shooooooooooooo was alot .LOL) If ya got anything for me to pub or attend to, hit me up on my email at maatspear@yahoo.com!