Page 7 - Noah's Arc Launch Party @ Splash

This past Tuesday was off the hook at Splash. All the celebrities were out. People were out having a good time. The dancers were sexier than ever and everyone got to witness the premeire of Noah's Arc the Second Season. Check out these photos. There are more photos on www.logoonline.com.

interview with MICHAEL ASHANTI

1. So tell me about the evolution of Michael Ashanti. How did you get here? Wow! Nathan, you don’t waste any time do you?(LOL) How much time do you have? (LOL)

Well, I believe that the most important factors that have shaped me into the person and artist that you see now are spending the earliest parts of my life constantly traveling as an Army-brat, discovering my ancestral roots and really just having a thirst for seeking out ways to constantly nurture the mind and spirit. In one way or another, those things show up in my music.

I remember leaving New York right before my 7th birthday and moving around with my family every 1 to 3 years to different parts of the world. It’s really hard to keep long-term friendships like that but it did heighten my ability to adapt quickly to diverse environments and cultures. All of the traveling that I’ve done right up to this very moment helped me to appreciate different styles of music from around the world. And let me tell you, it also opened my eyes to how powerful the influence of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop is around the world. And all of this “we are the world” talk is in addition to the fact that my parents are originally from Jamaica. Another major part of my evolution was being able to trace my African heritage, like that of many Jamaicans, to the Ashanti tribe which still exists to this day in Ghana, West Africa. A few of my cousins that live in London have been keeping track of my family history by compiling a family tree. A year after that discovery, I dropped my middle and last name and legally changed my name to Michael Kunin Ashanti. I kept the first name Michael because it is a sacred name. After the name change, I went to Ghana to re-connect with my roots and seek out the Ashanti people. That was such an emotional event. Right there, I remember making a promise to myself and my ancestors, who have recently welcomed my Mother, to give meaning to their sufferings and sacrifices by using my Divine-given gifts in ways that would bring them pride.

Of course, there are many other things. But, right now, these things pretty much stand out in my mind as the inspiration behind working so hard and sacrificing so much to complete my CD debut All Of Me. The CD title is just a simple statement of what I’ve experienced and learned over time about living your dreams and the importance of knowing yourself.

2. When did the singing bug first hit you? Oh, that’s easy. It started in church when I was only 5 years old. That is so typical of many soul, blues, and gospel singers’ right? (LOL) But it’s true. The first time I performed a solo was in church. Someone in the church overheard me playing the piano by ear and quickly told my family. The rest, as they say, is history.

3. Where have you traveled with this melodic voice of yours? (Smile) Hey, thanks for the compliment. Well…let’s see…starting at home in NYC, I’ve been able to perform at the coolest spots like B.B. Kings, SOBs, and the Apollo Theater. I’ve also done quite a few gigs throughout Miami and the South Florida region. I’ve even performed quite a few times at the Mar-a-lago, which is Donald Trumps estate in Palm Beach, Florida. That was an eye-opening experience. I have also performed in London, Grand Caymans Islands, Toronto, and in San Juan, Puerto Rico where I also spend a great deal of time.

Even now….as I gear up to promote my new CD, I’m finishing out the summer by performing in St. Louis on July 21st, the 4th Annual White Party Moonlight Cruise in New York City on August 4th and I’ve got a really serious performance in Toronto, Canada on August 25th. I’m hoping to add a couple more August dates in New York since it is my home city.

What’s really cool right now is that I am getting airplay from a radio station over in Switzerland and I just received interest from a radio station in the Netherlands. This is really hot for me because I have my eyes set primarily on the international markets.

As an independent artist just starting out, I am so thankful that all of this has happened. But, Nathan, I have tell you that all of this is hard work. I’m reaching that point where I need to compile a team of honest and competent people to help me see my vision through. Right now, I’m searching for and also speaking with managers, consultants, talent booking agents and publicists. But, I am still leaving the field of communication open for others to contact me until I truly feel the chemistry is right.

4. Tell me 3 singers (past or present) that you would like to perform with? Ah man!! I get only three? Okay...let’s see….Stevie Wonder because, in my eyes, he defines musical genius. Need we say more?

Luther Vandross. I hate it that I never had the chance to perform with him because he is the single greatest influence on my desire to write songs and arrange melodic background vocals. But, I am glad I had the chance to meet him.

I know this makes four, but either Mariah Carey or Beyoncé Knowles. This is because, on a contemporary level, these two ladies are truly talented and I think our voices would blend really well on a duet.

But can we really talk about the possibility of a Whitney Houston comeback? My God…don’t you remember that voice on “I Have Nothing” or “All At Once”? Pure magic. Now, that is one leading lady that would be on my collaboration wish list. I pray for her to get better and return back to the scene really soon in a strong way.

Okay, that was 5. Sue me! (LOL). Rachelle Farelle, Prince. Now that’s 7. Get it? I can’t stop!! (LOL)

5. Thus far, what has been your most rewarding performance? Believe it or not…. performing the National Anthem at the Madison Square Garden a few years ago for a NBA game. I’ll never forget it. When I was working at a major label, I was called upon to sing in place of the labels former artist who was not able to make the flight to New York on time. So, I was called upon at the last moment to do the National Anthem. Talk about a really cool situation! Right?! It was confirmation for me that I was on the right track. But it was also a strong sign that I needed to stop hiding in the shadows as some corporate administrator and make a greater commitment to the completion of my own CD project.

6. Are you currently in a relationship? If so, how has that affected your singing career? If not, would you like to be in a relationship and what would that need to look like for you? Nah, I’m single. Between my focus on the CD over the past few years and recently losing my mother, my emotions were elsewhere. But, now, a loving relationship would be nice. The most important thing for me is that a person views themselves as a whole individual rather than as half of a whole. In general, I think people are screwed up by “the fantasy” versus seeking after those things that really help build a strong relationship. Yes, I do believe mutual, physical attraction is very important. But if having a pretty face and a beautiful body are attributes that are not matched with a personal relationship with the Creator, honesty, kindness, purity of spirit, a sound mind, and the abilities to listen and communicate, then it holds no weight with me. I have learned to move slowly, so it would be nice to find someone who enjoys the art of romance and just taking time to really get to know each other. It would also be nice to find someone who can be comfortable with silence or just giving each other space when needed. I am a person with flaws like anyone else. So it is important that Michael the person is what is really appreciated as opposed to just the recording artist. And, of course, they should enjoy traveling just as much as I do. And, liking “outdoorsy” things like hiking, mountain repelling, rollerblading, going to the beach, parasailing or cross country driving wouldn’t hurt either (LOL).

7. What inspired your current single? “With You I’m Born Again/Contigo Yo Naci” has a few inspirations. The first inspiration is the song itself. It is a well written song and it was made a hit back in 1980 by Billy Preston and Syreeta. I was way too young to appreciate it back then. But when the song kept popping into my head several months ago, I knew that if I decided to do a cover on the CD that it had be this song.

But what’s really interesting is that I kept hearing this whole new version with a dancehall beat fused with a reggaeton vibe. That’s when the “Contigo Yo Naci” part of the song was born. I spend a lot of time in Puerto Rico so I thought it would be cool to display the relationship between musical forms throughout the Caribbean. While in production, I decided to add flamenco guitar and castanets because Spain is one of my favorite countries in the world. We then laced the track with a rap segment from a wonderful Latina artist who goes by the stage name of SooSo. She is originally from Ecuador but bred right in the NYC area. And, of course, we’ve got soulful vocals all over the place.

I’m very excited about the emerging attention that this track is receiving because it covers different radio and DJ formats such as dancehall, reggaeton, latin, urban, R&B-crossover, and pop. I’m speaking with a very talented video director right now about doing a video on location in New York and Puerto Rico. Hey! You wanna be one of the video dancers? (LOL).

I have to say that I’m most proud of this first track release because (1) it represents the fusion of culture that has become a part of who I am over the years and (2) with the recent passing of Billy Preston, I am hoping that it serves as a worthy tribute in remembrance of what he contributed to the world through music.

FLAWLESS - AUGUST 2006 - ANTAR (No4Real4Real)

1. What's the most exciting thing you've ever done? The most exciting thing I have ever done was having the honor to speak the benediction at the Black Alliance Convocation for my city while attended high school. I know doesn’t seem that grand but my passion is to become an inspirational speaker. That event happened to be my first real public speaking engagement. It confirmed my passion and continues to give me confidence. There I was reciting the blessing for the well to do black folks of the town and loved it.

2. When you are not feeling your very best, what do you do to change that? If I am in a funky mood I tend to call one of two people who I consider my support lines. Usually I vent to them and they know enough to hear me through. Once that’s complete they curse me out and make me realize it’s never that bad. During very difficult situations one of them is great at cheering me up by reminding me, “It could be worst you could have that problem and be ugly!” Speaking of which a fresh haircut always does the trick as well.

3. If you could spend the day with 3 famous people who would they be and what would you spend time doing? Three people I would spend my time with are Martin Lawrence, Les Brown, and Hill Harper. I love Martin like cooked food. I would try to do something exciting like hit up Six Flags while trying to get to know him. We would laugh at some of his antics from his sitcom while eating funnel cake on the Ferris wheel. Les Brown is my biggest idol. He is a reknown black inspirational speaker. I would entertain him at my house and cook a serious meal. Over dinner I would pick his brain and get the inside story as to how established his career. Its my biggest desire to follow his path. Where most public speakers famous for other feats like success in business, Les Brown is famous for just being a great speaker. Hill Harper is the attractive black brother on CSI: NY, an inspirational speaker, and recent author of Letters to a Young Brother. Recently I finished the book and fell in love with him. I would like to spend a day with him while visiting several high schools arousing students with his unique style of real-life wisdom.

4. I read on your blog (www.no4real4real.blogspot.com) that you handle death differently than others. how do you deal with death? When it comes to death I am very unmoved. I don’t cry, mop, or express any usual sign of remorse. My roommate says I have no affect or feeling but I approach death my way. We are taught that good people go on to a better place and I believe that. So I don’t mourn but truly celebrate a loss especially if their passing relieved their pain. With the recently lose of my aunt I suggested my immediate family wear white as opposed to the traditional black. It was a sign of cheer that her home coming was not in vain.

5. What is your biggest fear? My biggest fear is FAILURE!!! I am a serious Capricorn and so true to its nature. I am very hard working and persisting in everything. I tend to expect perfection in myself and give my all to obtain it. To try is to fail - I just do! That perfection comes with an awesome burden because I constantly fight not to have any regrets. I find that my regrets are my failures and may ultimately prevent me from accomplishing my goals. As a result I recognize my fear and try not to be so hard on myself. It comforts me to know not everything is a failure but moments of improvement which will take me even further.

6. You seem to be pretty well traveled. out of all of the cities you've visited which city would you like to live in and why? Yeah I am hard-headed when it comes to travel. I am always down to break out and go anywhere at a moments notice. Most of my travels have been domestic and of them all the one I enjoy the most is New York City. The funny thing is most people already believe me to be a New Yorker but I am all Connecticut through and through. I will admit when I am in New York I am more alive and so much more myself than in CT. Giving my sexuality there is a comfort level in New York that I believe I will never obtain in CT.

7. What are some of your favorite sweets? (be explicit with this one okay?) I am so not big on sweets. Well…now I am not. ‘Cause let me tell you, when I high school through college I used to tear up some Hostess Honey Buns. They were two for a dollar. Everyday I had at least two if not more. I was a beast. It got so bad that three years ago I put myself on a fast for a year and didn’t eat a single one. Talk about will power but when that year was up I got all excited and eat one. I hated it and haven’t had one since. Talk about strange. Now if I get the urge for a sweet now I would eat a Drakes Coffee Cake or the frozen fruit juice bar with the whole chunks of fruit. I tear those up. Mango happens to be my favorite.

introducing... Wes Duncan*

Wes Duncan* gives us a glimpse into the life of a single New York social Don. Through commentary laced with occurrences and thoughts both entertaining and true, he shares his insight on relationships, life and the always lingering possibility of love. If you’re looking for benchmarks for dating, a navigation guide to dating or old-fashion comic you’ve come to the right place.

Brace yourself…
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A Scavenger Hunt for "Happily Ever After"

The New York Athletic Club on Central Park South (not too be confused with New York Sports Club, nah, The New York Athletic Club is more country club-like, while the New York Sports Club is more Chi Chi’s-like), stands gangsterly at the foot of Central Park, poised like a mafia king pin, holding court at one of the grandest locations in New York. The club’s invitation only membership roster includes big chips galore; a couple hundred Olympic medalists, professional athletes, multi-millionaires and celebrities -- money, both old and new. Sounds like the appropriate place to find a midsummer suitor, meet a seven figure piece or at least get my feet wet in a different tax bracket (well, my feet weren’t exactly what I was looking to get wet).

I ain't saying I’m a gold digger, but I ain't (how could I – don’t judge me) with no broke...you get the picture.

So when I received an invitation to my friend Molly’s (Molly is what I call all clueless, rich, white girls, who sport Kelly bags financed by trust funds) engagement party, I wasted no time calling her mother’s personal assistant to RSVP.

I am not completely sold, on the whole marriage thing – heterosexual, homosexual or otherwise. But, I am sold on free of charge top-self sprints (grey goose on the rocks, with a splash of lime thrown in for effect works for me), thought provoking conversation and a pass inside these folks private club.

Happily ever after! Holy Matrimony…cut that sh*% out, it’s not natural. I take that back, it’s not natural for some of us.

Over the years there have been a few honorable mentions scattered out there holding it down. Ozzie and Ruby, Will and Jada, Oprah and Gayle, opps my bad, I meant Oprah and Stedman (suuu (twisted face), they were engaged; have been together for more than two decades, so, let’s just include them for the hell of it, Oprah is good people – but wait, doesn’t, that sound like some palimony/civil union/community property courtroom drama, whoa, never really thought of that until I started writing this, Oprah hold it down ma, get it in writing or Dude will stick you for your loot, I’m just saying) have all unintentionally fouled us, single by choice, forever looking, almost divorced or bitterly divorced mortals into believing the complacency they’ve managed to settle into, could possibly move in the same rhythm for us.

The engagement party was last Tuesday and it started at 7:00pm, but I was on CP-Time (that’s Colored People’s time for you non-colored folks). I arrived fashionably late and damp, properly attired in a jacket, respecting the club’s strict dress code. Unfortunately, the heat wave was in full-effect, leaving traces of moistness all over my Calvin Klein.

Yuugh! I took note of this, arriving sweaty was a small set back, but without any doubt, through the dampness I knew, I was STILL, BIG PIMPING! That’s what we do in New York, we don’t complain about the weather, its apart of the experience – rain, sleet or Tuesday (wasn’t that heat wave some different kinda stuff, man), we endure in spite of. A quick stop in the men’s room solved this problem.

After I stopped at the bar for my party favors (a shot of Patron and a grey goose on the rocks, with a twist of lime), I spotted Molly on the terrace with a couple of her guest, playing Anderson Cooper, giving news updates (which went on for the remaining hour of the party). I made the mistake of rushing over to say, “Hello.” It was HOT Tuesday, African hot but the record breaking temperature, which left parts of Queens, without power for more than seven days, couldn’t compete with the humid conversation I walked into.

Molly was going on and on about how “people, don’t respect marriage” and “love is something serious, that should be cherished.” Then she weighed in on suspected arsonist Dr. Nicholas Bartha (can you believe love allegedly made him blew up a seven million dollar upper eastside townhouse to kept his former “happily ever after” from getting the loot from the sale of the property) and Peter Cook (can you believe the perception of love made him cheat on his wife, former supermodel Christy Brinkley and soon to be former Mrs. Christy Brinkley-Cook). She also talked about how she had read about gay marriage litigation in Washington, adding that she felt “the gays” (again clueless, she has no idea I likes a boy in my bed on occasion) are too promiscuous for marriage. Silently, I was screaming, “Molly, SHUT UP!”

Is this the thought provoking conversation, I had anticipated? Damn, damn, damn...she’s spitting all this knowledge about dysfunctional and defunct marriages, at an engagement party being held in her honor. In spite of her diverse insight on the subject, she’s STILL getting married in a couple of weeks.

I am sure, Molly thinks her situation is better, its NOT!

Should I tell her that her soon to be “happily ever after” offered me more than an invitation to their engagement party? It’s likely, I will never tell her either. Knowing Molly, she wouldn’t care that he is gay or bisexual or whatever he is; with his fine-wanna-be-Brad Pitt ass (Yo, let me tell you, different time, different place I could roll with Dude). After all, I had heard from Molly’s own mouth, when we attended college together out West, about her trysts with women. I guess she’s speaking from experience about “the gays.”

My clueless, Kelly bag toting friend maybe on to something, “being too promiscuous” may lead to the demise of happily ever after. However, she omitted an important fact from her news report. She should have told her guests that this fact is true regardless of sexual orientation.

Sadly enough, we often approach relationships and even marriage, like a statement included in marketing materials for The New York Athletic Club, "Welcome to our home and our traditions." It seems we’ve accepted the possibilities of dysfunctional or defunct relationships as apart of our “home, and our tradition.”

I had a brilliant time at the engagement party, but I left tipsy, without a seven figure piece and with a head full of garbage about relationships and marriage, which only further intensified my skepticism about, happily ever after – especially as it relates to life in our community.

On some off-the-chart level, the prospect of "men marrying men" and "women marrying women" or even seriously dating for that matter, will more than likely always be laced with unavoidable wondering – wondering thoughts, wandering eyes and wondering who I can lay besides my spouse. Why? Because, we all still, "have a lil ho" in us -- laughing out loud! Nah, seriously, it will likely not happen because situations of complacency (being with one person) have always been optional in our community.

Yeah, the boys and girls in the House on the Hill, rejected a proposed constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage last month. Our “home and FAM traditions” have become a political platform for the politically incorrect. Imagine that!

Still, I can't image government legislation prompting hundreds of thousands of gay and lesbian couples to rush out and book Colin Cowie to plan an elaborate wedding in Vermont, Massachusetts or Canada. It will NOT happen, 'cause we don't know Colin Cowie like that (and even if we did, most of us couldn't afford his event planning fees -- ya ain't Oprah!) and because marriage still hasn’t become a truly respected part of “our home and FAM traditions."

Even in the face of HIV/AIDS, the random DL hookup scene (internet, bathroom at Luke & Leroy’s, Christopher Street, Park Slope or cruising the dime outside the "let-out" at Sky on Saturdays) is usually the relationship of choice, with marriage being a non-negotiable alternative.

Side note, Did you know that a new HIV infection occurs ever 6 seconds -- whoa! Yo, I'd advise you to make the kat straddling you put a condom on his jimmy -- oh and condoms, work for sucking jimmies too, just make sure you use the flavored ones to avoid the nauseating taste of spermicide and plastic. What? Stop frontin'; acting like the only thing you’ve ever sucked was a lollipop. You are probably online now looking for something to put in your mouth. Just request a condom Kid -- cool?

In Massachusetts, of the more than 7,500 couples who become legally married, only 45 have legally divorced (but I’m sure, there are few among the remaining 7,455 couples roaming clubs and the internet or sitting at home with their boos pissed off watching LOGO, nah, I'm just playing, they’re sitting at home watching LOGO enjoying each other’s company, wink, wink). This doesn’t prove whether or not marriage in our community will or will not work

Until a gay/bisexual/lesbian friendly cupid descends on Gotham City, like Batman and Robin and unmasks the true villain attacking us; the true villain being our strained emotional capacity and twisted sense of always looking for something better, we're just stuck talkin’ ‘bout marriage and being committed to one person. All jokes aside, that's exactly what we should be doing – talkin’ ‘bout it – talking about commitment and pondering whether, "happily-ever after" and "holy matrimony", can work for us.

Truthfully, I do believe a few of us (ok, until someone shows me concrete numbers, like numbers from the US Census or something, I think I’m correct to say a few, this number is really, really small), have a lil Ozzie and Ruby or a lil Will and Jada or a lil Al and Star (uum (twisted face), bad example, sorry) in us. Owning “the notion” of being single at will and sexually free has never allowed us to seriously consider happily ever after or holy matrimony. That’s always been apart of our “home and FAM traditions.”

But wait, hypothetically speaking, let's just say we do get married in masses and change our "home and FAM traditions" Will we all then become a, Dr. Nicholas Bartha waiting to blow up a house? Or will we become a Peter Cook-Brinkley looking for a pre-adult hottie to make us feel young and diesel again?

Maybe? Maybe not? (Wait – all this marriage stuff is confusing. I just thought of something, if Dr. Bartha and Peter Brinkley are examples of our fairy tale view of happily ever after, should we buy a fire insurance policy to protect our things or buy a 45 in case some fool sucks-us-in and then tries to trade-us-in for a younger model?)

Like a complex unsolved physics equation, I am not certain of the answer to these questions. But, there’s one thing I am certain of and we should all think of this when we stand around at parties or the water cooler at work gossiping about the demise of someone’s failed attempt at happily ever after;

“We are all emotionally fragile mortals, on a scavenger hunt (on our hunt, we may not blow up a multi-million historic townhouse, be among the first same sex couples in our state to marry or get caught boning a 19 year old) in search of our own treasure chest filled with happily ever after and regardless of where our scavenger hunt for happily ever after takes us – along the way, we will all ache and rejoice because of love (or the perception of love).”

That's what I'm talkin' 'bout...

* Wes has never been married, but he knows heterosexual and homosexual couples who are married and some who are divorced. Is “happily ever after” possible? Let him hear your thoughts. Email him at wesduncantalks@yahoo.com

an interview with John Goodman

1. How did you come to create the FIRE ISLAND BLACK OUT? My best friend Michael and I were talking one day and thought it would be cute to have a small intimate beach party. He's a caterer so that made the idea even more viable. We thought about it and figured that we didn't want to go to Riis Beach because everyone goes there. So we said, "Hey...how about Fire Island?" Both of us laughed but then decided, "Why not?" The name came from a play on words and the Fire Island Black Out, or "FIBO" as we call it, was born.

2. How many men were on fire island the first year? We sent out Evites to a few of our closest friends and the result was about 50 guys.

3. What is your most memorable experience from the 3 years that you've done the black out? My most memorable experience was at last year's event. We were issuing FIBO logo tattoos and this group of white people came over and asked what was going on. After we explained, they joined the party and got tattoos too. Another memory was of someone that I will simply call "Crazy Naked Boy"...and I'm leaving it at that.

4. How many men do you expect to be in attendance this year? Whew! Our staff is expecting to entertain close to, if not over, 1000 male AND female attendees this year. To say that our attendance has grown exponentially, would be an understatement.

5. Are there any surprises in store? Well, we just released info that we will host our first dance party at the legendary Ice Palace, called the "FIBO Bump and Dip". We have some talented DJ's coming through with the intention of making the people bump for 5 hours straight and we are offering a special bracelet that allows the wearer access to the Grove Hotel's private swimming pool. The bracelet will also afford the wearer some special deals that we have arranged with a few of the local restaurants and vendors. All for just $10. Visit www.fireislandblackout.com for more information.

6. How will THIS year be different from last year? This year we had to get serious and go from just a bunch of guys bringing black folks to Fire Island for a day and become incorporated. This is the first year we had to buckle down and really approach this as a business. Instead of a "bunch of my friends," I have a Board and a staff of hard-working professionals. Professionals in their personal lives and that professionalism shows in everything they do.

7. How does it feel knowing that all these men are going to be on fire island because of YOU? Honestly? I get a greater satisfaction knowing that I am giving my brothers and sisters something a little different. Its not an ordinary beach party but an event that has grown by leaps and bounds into something much greater than we ever thought it would be. Keeping that focus helps me and my staff to continue producing an event that keeps people talking and coming back for more.