It’s an election year and certainly music has been at the forefront of both campaigns. In another post, I’ll share my thoughts on more of the music I’ve seen transform the way both candidates have been viewed. But for right now, I just want to share my highlight moments from the DNC. I’m sorry, in comparison, the Republican National Convention just didn’t get it. Perhaps they forgot that the music wasn’t just for them but for the folks watching the convention on TV too….ya think.

Democratic National Convention

You see, music unites us. And the Democrats got it. Not only did they have R&B, but they also had Rock n Roll, and the Blues.

Some of my favorite artist were there – Stevie Wonder, my favorite soul sister Sheryl Crow & Michael McDonald (two of the soulful white folks I know), Take 6, John Legend, Melissa Etheridge, and of course the House Band.

They probably worked the hardest those 4 days and they definitely sounded great. Hats off to them for getting the gig. They played cover tunes that rocked the house and kept the party going.

And to the folks who thought Stevie Wonder went soft….give the man a break. His music as been so successful and timeless, he’s had to play it for over 40 YEARS!!!! He deserves to play new music just on GP (general principle) alone.

To me the convention are just that….big parties. My hope and prayer is that in my lifetime, we can party with more of a purpose and remember that we don’t have to live in a world with poverty or where folks have to choose between their medicines and bread.

The DNC did a much better job than the RNC at addressing some of those issues in my opinion, but let me know what you think. I was happy to hear about New Orleans artist and performer Margie Perez speaking at the convention and wrote about Margie speech here.

I suspect the best party is yet to come if Obama makes history again. Looking forward to finding out. What do you think?

While I’ve been quiet this summer, not really communicating very much to you, I’ve definitely been trying to enjoy the summer as much as possible. All work and no play, after all makes Monica a dull babe .

So to that end, I wanted to share with you my trip to Philadelphia in August for the Black Women’s Arts Festival. Organized by Monica McIntyre and volunteers, the BWAF ran for 4 days in several venues across Philadelphia including World Cafe Live, Kaffa Crossing, and the Rotunda.

Although I did not perform, Black Womyn Conversations, a recent documentary I scored, produced by Tiona McClodden, was screened during the Saturday night film screenings.

Black Women Arts Festival

All in all, the festival was wonderful. It is always a joy and gift to be in the company of such talented African American women. Despite the number of great vocalist out there, there is still an under-representation of Black Women on stage with instruments in the public eye and out there working.

Ebony Tay, BWAF Perfomer

In the coming weeks I’ll be shaaring more with you about these beautiful women who are working hard to realize their dreams and share their gifts with the world. I am inspired and even more motivated by them to continue to share my music as well. In some ways this trip was just what I needed

ZoiRose

Maritri, BWAF Performer

Hats off to you, Monica McIntyre, for organizing and pulling off such an amazing event and bringing us all together under the same roof.

Monica McIntyre, BWAF Organizer

Shelley Nicole's Blakbushe

As I have been on a mini hiatous, it was inspiring and invigorating. I’ve even picked up my Ovation guitar. Learning chords Baby!!! Whoo Hoo!!!

Monica On Guitar

Most of you know me as an artist, songwriter, and composer. What you may not know or have a sense of is the incredible amount of work it takes to actually market my music as an independent artist. It takes work daily. Monica who??? Some say….well I’ve grown accustomed to having thick skin.

Luckily, there are so many channels on-line to help with marketing. One of the channels I love is Youtube. If folks watch your video there’s a chance you may gain a new supporter and fan.

I was pleased to see a fellow New Orleanian using “social media” in this way. Theresa Andersson new cd release is scheduled for September (when’s mine…I hear you asking…soon…soon).

So she cleverly released a video of one of her songs and wow did it create a powerful buzz. Although I don’t think recording music with pedals is earth shattering, and I’m actually a little concerned that so many people thought it was better than a live band, this is where we are.

So check out Theresa’s video and Na Na Na on!!! And use social media, no matter what business you’re in. It works

“Johnnie’s Song” is an upbeat, pleasant, simple and straightforward tune, and on Dillon’s very relaxed solo piano rendition of the children’s hymn “Jesus Loves Me,” she ornaments and only hints at the original melody. The songs “We Make Do” and Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” sound like they are right from out of church.

The shaking tambourine in the introduction, Hammond B-3 organ on “We Make Do,” and profound lyrics of praise in Mayfield’s opus, are enough to convert any sinner. The reprise of “Think of Me” closes the recording, pared down from the earlier one, with Dillon accompanied only by her acoustic piano…”All I Have Is A Moment” is a very pleasant, creative CD that showcases a talented singer and songwriter – Craig W. Hurst, All About Jazz

Monica Dillon is a welcome addition to the wealthy talent pool that exists within the New Orleans community. A versatile keyboardist and vocalist, Dillon shines on this first solo effort.

Most of the 11 tracks are slow, mellow numbers in a smooth jazz vein with some noticeable strains of gospel, R&B and cabaret skillfully mixed in.  Dillon is equally dexterous on acoustic piano, Fender Rhodes and Hammond B-3 organ, moving up and down the keys with ease and creating a current of sound that flows evenly and is soothing to the ears….

It is a fine piece of work, with a nice version of Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” as one of the highlights – Dean M. Shapiro, New Orleans, Offbeat Magazine

She may just have a moment to grab your attention, but for every soul music fan, this will be time enough, especially if you hear one of the vocal tracks of her album that let’s you gasp for more…. but all in all Monica really has a own style that digs deep into the roots of Southern soul and jazz… create an overall warm, organic sound that just oozes soul with obvious jazz influences – Dirk Binsau, www.jazz-not-jazz.de, Germany