It was a hot day, temp was about 105 degrees and The Majic 102 Juneteenth Summer Jam was about to happen with guest artists Najee, Atlantic Starr and Tone, Toni, Tony.
I arrived in style with local singer, actress and drama teacher Andrea. B, who was equally excited to be going to this festive occasion. When we arrived, Najee was on stage and man, I’m trying to get backstage! But since I didn’t have a VIP wristband, I didn’t have access. That's ok though, Najee was the opening act & he THREW DOWN! About that time, a beautiful breeze was coming through and it felt good. And yes...the crowd was grooving to the sounds of Najee!


(Photos courtesy of Andrea B.)
Najee had a lot of crowd participation going on with “Betcha Don't Know” and his freestyle sax playing. He also had put on an excellent and exciting show! I was able to catch up with him after the show and take this memorable picture...

(left to right) C. Wilson, Najee, & Marv D. of The Urban Music Scene
(Photo Courtesy of Andrea B.)
In between set changes, the local radio station personalities introduced themselves to the crowd and held contests etc..etc...etc. They played old school music too! The crowd was relaxed and the anticipation was building for the illustrious R&B group Atlantic Starr.


(Photos courtesy of Andrea B.)
I’ve always been a fan of Atlantic Starr from their first album with the slow jam “With You Love I Come Alive”, to their last album “Legacy” and with Sharon Bryant, Wayne and David Lewis, as lead vocalist, nothing was to follow was a string of hits.
When Atlantic Starr hit the stage,I think everybody was expecting either Sharon Bryant, or Barbara Weathers, and David Lewis. It was Wayne Lewis and Jonathan Lewis (the only originals left) on the keyboards. The young lady singing was named Aisha and to my surprise she sounded almost like Sharon Bryant. They started off with the classic, “Silver Shadows". After that, they went right into “When Love Calls”. Atlantic Starr slowed the pace down a little bit and taking David’s place was Timothy a.k.a. Scribby. Andrea pointed out to me that this must have been his first concert, cause he was kind of nervous & didn’t know the steps too well. He did a good job though! After the classic slow jams, they hit it off with “Circles" & "Touch A Four Leaf Clover”.... then slow edit down with “Send For Me", and "Always”. A lot of people were wondering what happened to David Lewis when Wayne said he is no longer with us (or maybe we mis-understood what he was saying). Atlantic Starr did great! I caught up with Wayne Lewis later on and asked him if a new Atlantic Starr cd was coming out. He said, “Yes, sometime this fall.”
Can’t wait to hear it! For those fans wondering what happened to David Lewis, please check out the link http://web.mac.com/davidmarianlewis/Site/Who_We_Are.html.

(left to right) Timothy, Aisha, Wayne Lewis, Jonathan Lewis far left not pictured.
(Photo courtesy of Andrea B.)
The radio personalities came out once again and introduced themselves, but this time they had a special Majic 102 old school mix that was off the chain!! It had everybody dancing in the aisles, up on the hill....just about everywhere.
The temperature had gone down from 105 to 97 degrees and we had a wonderful breeze, but it was about to get heated up again as soon as T.T.T (Tone, Toni, Tony) came on stage. T.T.T came out and rocked the house for at least two hours and did all their songs except “Little Walter" & "If I Had No Loot”. If that wasn’t good enough, this is where the concert got turned out. Dwayne Wiggins introduced his 12 year old son Dillon on keyboards, and 13 year old god-son (forgot his name) on drums. For 5 minutes, just those two kids tore it up! Dillon played like he has been playing for years (more than 12). He went from jazz straight into classical and back. The young drummer tore it up too, though he was playing playing drums along side Timothy Riley all night and did not miss a beat. (I tried to get pictures but the stage lights were too bright). Raphael’s voice was strong and clear as ever before. I applaud Raphael! I thought he might do some solo stuff, but he didn’t. It was all about T.T.T. that night. Dwayne said it has been over 10 years since T.T.T had released a cd, but gave no indication if one was in the making. T.T.T did their thing and the future of music was onstage last night. Look out for these two young artists.
All and all this was a very good concert series! I had a good time even though it was kind of hot. But the breeze took care of that.
I would like to thank Terrill Hanna of www.theurbanmusicscene.com, Najee and Andrea. B for hanging out with me.
Marv D
The Urban Music Scene.










In the tradition of the Fanatic’s and The Perceptions, this group out of California is throwing down a bass driving funk that will rival any funk band. Though their earlier cd’s were more instrumental, this new project welcomes warm vocals to the mix. This group boasts the finest that funk has to offer, other than knowing that this group is keeping the funk alive.
The Group I am referring to is “OO SOUL” and their latest effort is called “Till The Lights Come Up”. If you are into that seventies type of funk, well here it is. From the funky “Testify” to the ultra funky “Funky Buddha”, this cd should not disappoint.
"Till The Lights Come Up" should get every party started, and not stop 'Till the lights come up' or the sun, if you know what I mean.
What I like about this cd is that the members are playing real instruments. Yes instruments! No Electronic beats etc,etc,etc, which give this cd a real full earthy sound.
Track listing for this funkafied cd:
1. Testify
2. Clap yo hands
3. Till the lights come up
4. Cuba libre
5. Sometimes
6. Blood and sand
7. Funky Buddha
8. Dirty lowdown
9. People of earth
10. Bread basket (live at the foothill).
Make sure you get this cd, to definitely get your party on
You can find the cd at www.cdbaby.com, www.amazon.com, www.dustygroove.com
Here’s a video of OO Soul doing Dirty Lowdown!
Marv D
The Urban Music Scene
Singing professionally since the age of nine, her resume already includes 12 albums, countless jingles, and over 25 theatrical productions, as well as working with top musicians.
The album starts off with a Gospel styled song call “Unique” and continues throughout with different styles of music. Track 8, “Sir Stevie” is a funk infused production dedicated to the legend himself -Stevie Wonder.
The last track of the amazing cd is the Motown Classic “Can’t Help Myself”, featuring the Four Tops, and it’s a beautiful version.
Here is the track listing for Alex Nester’s "Rattle the Walls":
1. Unique
2. Key Of Truth
3. Darkness Into Light
4. Been Through It All
5. Sister, Can You Help Me
6. Thank You (To All My Friends)
7. For Life
8. Sir Stevie
9. Impossible
10. Beggin
11. I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know
12. Smile
13. Believe It Or Not
14. The Music In My Life
15. Can’t Help Myself f/ The Four Tops
The voice of a true singer is here on the project and has the power of Aretha Franklin, the compassion of Anita baker, and the fire....and I mean.... fire of Chaka Khan, all rolled into one awesome package!
You can find Alex Nester’s cd at www.cdbaby.com, www.amazon.com
Here a video of Alex Nester singing “Impossible”!!
Marv D
The Urban Music Scene
Available now at CDBaby!!
Most of the artists on this cd, have had singles out, so it is good they all came together for this special project. It's anchored by two veterans: respectfully they are Rena Scott, who's professional debut at the tender age of 13, when she opened for the Temptations and other Motown acts, and she rose to fame when she sang a duet with Michael Henderson on the song “Take Me I’m Yours” in which Cherrelle did backing vocals. The other veteran is Kelli Sae, who have traveled the world with acclaimed bands like Incognito & Count Basic, and in addition to that, she has two successful albums out.
This cd is loaded with jams! From the mellow groove by Maya Neiada called “I Need A Moment” to the Tiny Lou cover of Crystal waters “Gypsy Woman”, and to the smooth grooving “Feel The Love” by ex-Hidden Beach recording artist Lina.
'Independent Soul Divas' has a lot to offer. So please make sure you pick this up. It's a great saturday evening chill out music collection to listen to.
By the way, Here’s a video of Lina singing “Feel The Love” live in Atlanta!!
Marv D.
The Urban Music Scene
Available now at CDBaby!