I really need my own entire section to give my props and “stops” with justice…but I’m used to making due…so I guess I’ll go ahead. I will do two installments to make provisions for all of the kicking it that went down in the 2K10 or possibly give myself a little cushion in case I forget something. So let’s get to it.
Concerts:
The Good – I thought that it was gonna be a toss up between Mary J. Blige and Jay-Z , but then Usher swooped down on the STL – on Black Friday of all days – and snatched any chance of anyone else getting the top pick. I must say his opening act power fizzled compared to the punch that El DeBarge (and he gets a double dose of daps for his performance at The Broadway) delivered to pre-heat the crowd for the Queen of Hip Hop Soul. But I must say that hometown “shero” Angela Winbush and that show-stoppin’ set she delivered for her Unsung TV special was very near the top of my list.
The other notable shows included Fresh Fest (y’all can’t tell me that vibe wasn’t crackin’ like fish grease!), Super Fest (sans that mummified comatose performance by Jaheim), FoxyFest, John Legend on the riverfront, Eric Roberson using a stool as his stage at EXO and PJ Morton at Café Soul. Rose Royce’s Foxy concert at the Ambassador was also THE BUSINESS. I’ll probably get some sideway faces because of my connection to the Dru Hill performance at The Venue, but I’m still sayin’ it. And it would be an act of blasphemy to not give “The Boss Ms. Ross” a nod for her timeless performance at the Fox and the late great Teena Marie her just due for shuttin’ it down at the Super Music Fest (which was her last performance ever).
The Bad – Okay, there were so many good shows, but plenty fell beneath the bar of my expectations. The most disappointing was another legend that came to town with the intention of tearin’ up the Fox, but she ripped through my eardrums instead. I know that Patti LaBelle was sick and the O’Jay’s ripped it on her behalf, but I hadn’t seen her live in so long and I was ready for another classic performance. Laura Izabor is not a household name. And as much as I hate to say it she probably won’t ever be, based on the show she gave as I froze to death at the 560 Music Center. If it hadn’t been for Brian Owens and Martha Mae all would have been lost for me that night.
Drake’s “Boom Shake The Room” show at the Fox had me vibin’ and a nervous wreck at the same time! The show was good, but that shaky baky balcony had me ready for a cocktail to calm my nerves.
The Ugly – It’s horrible for me to assume it, but two words come to mind when I think of the two performances that were the utter pits for this year….drug related. Chico DeBarge did it worse, but Alexander O’Neal did it worse (grammatical error intended). Alexander O’Neal’s missing teeth and Chico’s missing vocal chords were by far the lowlights of STL’s concerts. The woman who was dedicated enough to toss her panties in his face despite his present state should have been all the motivation Alexander needed to get an intervention going. They were bad, but Babyface wasn’t far behind them. He had me beyond supremely disappointed after seeing him as the opening disaster for Frankie Beverly and Maze. His holyghost dancing to hot freaky hunchin’ combo still gives me nightmares.
Clubbin:
The Good – Again, as I looked back there were far more good times than I even remembered this year that saw a couple of spots come and go. City Spud’s B-day and Mixtape release party at EXO was full of celebrity athletes and entertainers and was packed to the gills. Sygu – who has been pretty low key for the later part of the year – had more than a couple of bangers on the front end of the year…especially Teese at the Pageant and that Revolve (Jay-Z afterparty at City Hall) both had potentially recordbreaking crowds. The 1st Friday Lambert Airport takeover was also a classic kickin’ it experience…even if the venue was wonky and the exit strategy was a nightmare. The Butterscotch Belle’s beauty takeover at Exo was a stunning change of pace. And Natalie of the Bad Girls Club had the Eye Candy Party even more crunk than usual when she decided to roll through as a special judge. Free Time’s 5th Anniversary party with Dwele was also poppin’ like dynamite.
The Bad – I guess white was bad luck for 2010, because two themed parties I had high expectations for were essentially “no Bueno” when I thought back about the hotspot misses. Though their intentions were good, the fancy winter wonderland makeover that White Ice gave the Ambassador wasn’t enough to bring out the masses. And S.L.I.M.’s All White Birthday bash was pretty regular when you consider his reputation of consistently bringing out the folks in droves.
The Ugly – It may sound odd, but the most disgusting thing I witnessed this year on the nightlife beat was what I saw that was missing…and that was….yep, for the most part St. Louis was utterly dusted when it came to official after parties for the biggest concerts of the year. Why was there nothin’ to do following the Mary J. Blige concert? And for the most part folks were left to fend for themselves for OMG – with the exception of that Soulstylz set at Lola with Miguel. Meanwhile, I’m reading about Usher hosting parties in cities far less deserving than the STL.
Comedy:
The Good – LaVelle Crawford stole the show hands down for his hometown with a sold-out live performance at the Roberts Orpheum, but Jovan Bibbs gave me such a treat when he introduced me to Shawn Morgan at his Class Clownz comedy show. Jessie Taylor also brought my heart joy when he welcomed Tyler Craig to his Funny Sundays show.
The Bad – R.I.P. House of Comedy. I saw it coming, but I was sad to see the club shut its doors.
The Ugly – That Nephew Tommy needs to stay inside the radio FOREVER. His show at the Ambassador was the funny biggest bust I’ve EVER seen…well…besides the opening act for Lil Duval (I forgot his name). And the only thing worse than his jokes, where the folks he brought with him. I’ve seen bitter custody disputes funnier than that alleged comedy showcase.