Mini Recap: DJ Backspin's B-day Party | The Roxy

Saturday night I heard DJ Backspin was havin' his b-day party at The Roxy and I was like - bet I'll be there to show support. Now...when I told people about this party they were like - Tiff, The Roxy? You sure? I'm like -yeah what is the problem? - he's a great DJ, I've been there once for the John Legend thing last summer, it wasn't bad.

Nobody was convinced so I headed out solo, and was met by a bunch of hoops. (Hoop 1)- the roped off line - even when there was nobody in it - (Hoop 2) Body guards who didn't check ID's just looked you up and down - (Hoop 3) The Guy who just checked your ID - (Hoop 4) to the 1st admission person - who didn't have the Guest List just took Admission (Hoop 5) The Guest List person who took your name and gave you a ticket - by the way the guest list was closed so I had to pay $15 bucks to get in - (Hoop 6) The person who took your ticket. (Hoop 7) the person who looked through your bag - and the optional (Hoop 8) Coat Check.

After inside I realized that this was going to be a Night at the Roxbury rather than the Night at the Roxy - the crowd was not AT ALL what I expected...and the music - I guess on the flyer somebody omitted the - glowsticks and pacifier are strongly encouraged.

I did find the birthday boy with his crew looking mad outta place in the corner. Some people were trying to get into it, swaying back and forth, or throwing 'em back hard enough so that it didn't matter - but you didn't see any of them on the dance floor, though it was packed.

I shot the birthday boy a Happy Birthday greeting and called this night a wrap. Can't say if it got better (I arrive around 12:00). But I didn't have it in me to find out.

Sincerest apologies to those who went at my somewhat suggestion - my serious bad.

*Fab! Girl Tip: Let's take a moment to clarify the difference between A Club Birthday Party and a I Got A Table at a Club Birthday Party - A Club Birthday Party - which is the only kind you should ever make flyers for or announce publicly - is party that is FOR you and ONLY you - when you have entire control of the club and something invested in who comes in and who goes out. A I Got a Table at a Club Birthday Party is when you send out an e-vite to your bestest and closest friends, wil' out and have a good time. If I'm you're best friend I'll hang with ya nomatta what...if I'm a paying customer - um Ima need you to do better. Thanks.

Don't confuse the two and you'll stay fab!

12.13 Massachustep | Wheelock

Join the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Boston Alumae Chapter for MassachuStep - Step Up and Give at Wheelock Family Theater (180 The Riveweray)

Tickets are $15 ($16.37 w/ service charge) in advanced. $20 at the door

To purchase tickets click here!!

12.11 Artmarket | Downtown Crossing

Bless by Bless clothing and Soodee are giving 10% of their sales at Art Market (439 Washington Street, Downtown Crossing) to Baby Safe Haven

5:30 - 10 p.m.

Photoshoot by Andreas Thanos, Trunk Sale, Refreshments

Complimentary make-up consultation from Motives - Customized Cosmetics

DJs Manny Torres & Paul Ferraro will be there for ambiance :)

$5 -suggested donation

For more info click here!!

12.13 Special Request | Vintage Lounge

Join R.O.B. and Extended Family Entertainment at Vintage Lounge (72 Broad Street, Financial District)

DJ Eight2 on the set

All Sagittarius are FREE! before 11:30 p.m.

For more info click here!!

12.13 Saturday Night Special | Z Square

Join the Nightlife Executives for The Saturday Night Special at Z Square (14 JFK St, Harvard Square, Cambridge)

A special night with cocktails, FREE food and music!

DJ Select - Hip Hop, Top 40, Soulful 90's and Nwe R&B Hits

$10 w/ RSVP - click here!! or here!! or call 617.840.1227

12.13 Christmas Toy Drive | Stix Lounge

There's a new night for Latino Professionals at Stix Lounge (35 Stanhope St, Back Bay) brought to Latino DJ's, Eddie Cue, Victor of W.B.O.P Networking and Gerry

Join them for their First Annual Christmas Toy Drive bring a non wrapped toy and get in FREE!

10:30pm - 12 (sharp!)
Sample tasting from Remy Cointreau!

2 Floors Of Entertainment

Level 1:

DJ Kanario: Latin Hits & Classics

Level 2:
DJ Wepa: Top 40, Reggaeton & Hits

To RSVP click here!! 617.908.3790

*This is a weekly event!

12.12 NSBE 21st Ebony Winter Gala | Copley Marriott

Join the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) for the 21st Ebony Winter Gala at the Boston Copley Marriott Hotel (210 Huntington Avenue)

6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Meet and Greet

8 p.m. - 2 a.m.

Three Floors of Entertainment Jamn' DJ Joe Johnson
R&B, Old School, Hip Hop, House, Latin, Salsa, Merengue and more!

Light Fare, Dessert, Cash Bar

Attire is Semi Formal

Tickets are $55 in advanced, $75 at the door

Tickets can be purchased in advanced here!! or call 917.476.5324

12.12 The Awesome Two | Z Square

Adidas Originals,The Lab and So Good Entertainment presents The Awesome Two "The Ambassadors of Hip-Hop" Special K & Teddy Ted at Z Square (14 JFK St, Harvard Square, Cambridge)

Special guests: DJ KON & DJ Nomadik spinnin' nothing but your old skool classics. It's also DJ Nomadik's birthday!!

$10 w/ RSVP before 11:30

With this flier you'll receive $20.00 off any purchase of $100.00 or more at Adidas Originals (1270 Massachusetts Avenue, Harvard Square, Cambridge) *offer expires 12/24*

12.11 All New!! Lounge 33 | 33 Lounge

Eddie Cue, R.O.B., MJ, Steve and Friends invite you to The All New! Lounge 33 at 33 Lounge (33 Stanhope Street, Back Bay) the Economic Stimulus Party

DJ T-Clark

No cover charge! FREE!

12.12 The OFFICIAL DJ Backspin Birthday Bash | The Roxy

Join Generation Next Inferno Entertainment, Team Allstar DJ's and Street Smart as they celebrate Fab! Fav DJ Backspin for his birthday bash at The Roxy (279 Tremont Street)


Ladies FREE before 11 p.m.

Guest List $10 before 12 a.m.

To get on the Guest List click here or here!! or text 774.259.0107

12.12 Method Man and Redman | Lupo's

The rescheduled Method Man and Redman concert is set to take place at Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel (79 Washington St, Providence, RI) *Providence, RI is about 45 min from Boston

Photo Credit

Tickets are $25

12.11 Laugh Out Loud | Macumba's Lounge

TryMEntertainment and Another Big Time Productions presents Laugh out Loud hosted by Corey Manning at Macumba's Lounge (477 River St, Mattapan)

Featuring Vanessa Fraction and Eddie Bryant

Doors open at 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10

For more info call 617.851.5246 or click here!!

12.11 Tanto Metro and Devonte | Club Pearl

Vision Entertainment and Jewlese Inc presents Tanto Metro and Devonte Live at Club Pearl (275 Tremont St)

They will perform hits like "Give It To Her", "Everyone Falls In Love" and more with Special Guests Nomad-I & King Spyda

Along with DJ's DRU NYCE, King Illabash, Renegade Soundstation and Willie Daniels

Bring 5 people with you, who pay the $ 15.00 Cover and your Admission is FREE!

This promotion will only be going on till 11:30 p.m. the night of the event

For more info click here!!

12.11 Samba Lolo | Johnny D's

Enjoy the sounds of West African guitarist, singer, songwriter, and storyteller, Boubacar Diabate, along with his group, Samba Lolo and Johnny D's (17 Holland Street, Somerville)

The group has combined traditional rhythms with modern influences to create his own style of contemporary Malian Griot music. Singing in Bambara, the ensemble creates a performance that spans the full spectrum of Traditional to Contemporary Malian music from West Africa. These songs of a common shared experience of love, life and humanity, give all an opportunity to hear the age-old West African tradition of Griot, storytelling through song. - going.com

Show starts at 9 p.m.

12.11 Massachusetts Conference for Women | Boston Convention & Exhibition Center

State Street is sponsoring The Massachusetts Conference for Women at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (415 Summer Street)

Photo Credit

Keynote Speakers are Holly Robinson Peete, Marianne Williamson, Joni Evans, Liz Smith, Lesley Stahl and Judith Martin

In addition to listening to these speakers you will be able to network, gain insight through exhibitions and hear what inspiring work women are doing in the community

7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

$135 General Admission
$65 for Students

To register click here!!

*Fab! Girl Tip: If you are able to attend, be sure to attend the exhibition booth 224 hosted by Frances Moseley "My Sister's Closet" which proceeds benefit the American Red Cross and Liz Walker's booth 606 to benefit the non-profit My Sister's Keeper supporting the women of Sudan.

SPOTTED in DC!

One half of the Nightlife Executives was spotted at The Park on 14th in DC this weekend!

Hey man...weren't you suppos'd to be workin' 360? ;)

12.5 - 12.21 Black Nativity | Tremont Temple

The National Center of Afro-American Artists presents its 39th Season of Langston Hughes' gospel song-play, Black Nativity at the Tremont Temple (88 Tremont St)


A joyous company of 160 singers, actors, dancers and musicians Black Nativity delivers its powerful message of joy, hope, victory and liberation in an account of an historic event that occurred 2,000 years ago. Based on the Gospel of St. Luke, a song-play combined with the poetry of Langston Hughes

Fridays: 8pm

Saturdays: 3pm & 8pm

Sundays: 3pm

$17.50 - $45

For more info click here!!

For discounted tickets on certain shows click here!!

12.10 Comedy in the Square | Michael Blackson | Z Square

Z Square Lounge presents comedian Michael Blackson at Z Square (14 JFK Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge)

Guest appearance from Boston's own: Derek Blackwell, Bigg Nezz & Howie

*Complimentary appetizers & drink specials all night!! Giveaways!!!
After the show dance to music selections by DJ Select: Top 40, R&B, International, Reggae, Mash-UP's & moretill 2am

Show starts at 9pm

$15 w/ RSVP before 11pm. For tickets click here!!
For more info click here!! or call 617.388.7883

*Proceeds of this event will go to Help the Homeless Charity Fund

Recap: First First Fridays | News

Me and my Fab! Friend Michelle and BostonFab! Photographer Deniece decided to head out and celebrate my girl's Michelle promotion (yay!!) by livin' it up at First Fridays at NEWS (150 Kneeland Street)

BostonFab! congrats Fab! Friend Michelle!

I came out to the place really late, even though there was a higher cover charge $15. You could of gotten in for 5 bucks before 10:30, but who wants to head to the club at 10 p.m.? At any rate, I expected a line, but when I got through the doors the crowd was rather dismal. Apparently I had barely missed the lengthy speech by Newton Mayor candidate Setti Warren though from the crowd reaction I don't believe I missed much. There was a raffle so I saw a few patrons with goodie bags in their hands.

Salud!

We settled in to start our celebration with a round of shots that took forever-and-a-day to get to us. My girls got hungry and ordered some chicken wings that unfortunately needed to be drenched in barbecue sauce in order to be edible. Yuck.

The bar stayed slow all night regardless of the amount of people that stopped through. And for the most part the attendance was scarce - most leaving by 12:30. It seemed like everyone wanted to be anywhere, but there. The DJ...sorry, no salvaging the night there either. He stuck with slow jams of the 90's. If the purpose was getting people dancing, he more than certainly failed. Okay there was one guy who really felt like dancing -but he's a recent transplant from the ATL -nuf said...other than that the dance floor aka: a space a 5x6 area inbetween couches - was never touched.

Lone dancer

So I gotta say guys First Fridays was a bust. I mean it would have been one thing if they set it up as a lounge after-work cocktail mixer, but to sell it under the guise of First Fridays was a complete waste of everybody's time and money.

C- Unfab!

Fab!Girl Tip: No more parties at NEWS...it's a friggin' restaurant that doesn't cater to the party scene. Spend your money elsewhere and stop wasting our time. Thanks.

12.13 Massachu Step | Wheelock College

The Boston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta National Sorority Inc. brings you the rescheduled MassachuStep Step Up and Give Step Show at the Wheelock College Theater (200 Riverway)

Bring a gift or toiletry item for the needy

Tickets are $15 - $20 and can be purchased in advanced here!!

Partial proceeds go towards the chapters scholarship funds

12.6 Obama Jammy Jam | DJ's at the Garden

Tonight join Tito Jackson and Party wth a Purpose for the Obama Jammy Jam: Don't Wake Me I'm Dreaming at DJ's at The Garden (222 Friend Street, near the Boston Garden)

Pajama's are suggested Being ready to dance - REQUIRED!

DJ Pain will be brining it! R&B, Hip Hop Old School Hip Hop, Reggae, House, and Rock !

$10 before 11pm $15 after

For more info call781.507. 3987 or click here!!

12.5 Put a Ring on It | Tamboo | Brockton

Join V-World & Friends for 1st Fridays - Put a Ring on It at Tamboo Bistro-Ultra Lounge (252 Main St, Brockton)

Tropical Flavor Affairw. 21+ Proper ID

For more info call 617.719.9802 or click here!!

12.5 First Fridays Boston | News

Upper Echelon Events & Mistrie bring you First Fridays Boston at NEWS Restaurant & Lounge (150 Kneeland St, South Station)

10pm-11pm

Meet and greet for Newton mayoral candidate Setti Warren

Party 'til 2 a.m. with DJ Eight2 and DJ Big

$5 before 10:30 $20 after

$15 in advanced click here!!

12.5 Bump This Friday | Frank White | Z Square

Drink some Red Stripe with So Good Entertainment at Z Square (14 JFK Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge)

$5 before 11 p.m.

RSVP here!!

12.5 Eye for Fashion | Castillo Night Club | Everett

A.G. Fashion Productions presents Castillo Night Club (355 Ferry Street, Everett)

Networking at 9 p.m. Show starts at 11 p.m.

Mix and mingle with the models, designers, stylist, make-up artist, hairstylist, photographers, and the rest of Boston's Fashion crowd with Jamn 94.5 FM DJ On&On giving you the tunes

Revenge Fashion from New York, DUR Photography will also be in the building

Conceited Clothing by Shawyna - From CTMOD Boston - Clothing by Colby Chandler - The DON by Joshua Johnson and Daniel Rechel Flava's Clothing

Ticket Locations: MOD Boston (184 Washington Street) and Flava's Clothing (1152 Bluehill Ave)

$15 in Advance and $20 at the door. For more info click here!!

Recap: John Legend | Orpheum Theater

I hadn't planned on going to the John Legend concert since I'd seen him before, but when my obsessed fan and Fab! Friend Michelle told us there was a way for us to see the show and meet John Legend and support a great cause I was all for it! Shout outs to Road Manager Savannah!

After passing out flyers for his Show Me Campaign we headed to our seats to first hear opening act Vaughn Anthony who is actually John's younger brother recently signed with his label Home School along with new artist Estelle. The main challenge of getting Vaughn's career to take off is that he sounds so much like John...duh their brothers. But I've met the guy on another occasion and they seem to be complete opposites. I think there's room for both of 'em in this industry. He also sings back up. Total crush on the man...if you couldn't tell, but unlike his brother he is most certainly TAKEN.

His songs are available on I-Tunes and he performed my favorite "Wish you were here" and tore it up! I heart you Vaughn! ;)

"How I wish you were here...."um I'm here...row 15...

After his set came Rafael Saadiq...I kinda forgot who he was...yeah I know I am so wack! But when he came on with his rockabilly self, his back up dancers in suits and so animated I was like ooookay. I can get into this. Then when he took his shirt off and tucked it in...I dunno that hit me for some reason. Maybe it was the tattoos and the glasses...whatever, but the song that is still on my mind is "Love That Girl." Perfect warm up for the man of the hour.

Rafael Saadiq stylin'

Rafael Saadiq takin' it off!!!

John did an uncanny entrance by coming in through the crowd at the base of the auditorium and was walked onto the stage in leather jacket and shades. He had this whole confident almost stand-offish kind of vibe, much more so than previous concerts I had attended where his raw musical talent shined through. Here were flashing lights stages, costume changes, and different placements. It wasn't bad, just another evolution of his music.

Right after John hit the stage

He kept us hype throughout the evening first hitting us with classics of "She don't have to know" and mixing it up with "I can change" then a little bit of "Stereo"...for a minute there we were in hyper drive. I couldn't catch my seat even if I wanted to!

John lets Vaughn take the spotlight for a moment
.
Getting intimate on "Everybody Knows..." I got this one on repeat in my Nano.

Final number "If You're Out There"

After the amazing show we were invited back for a meet and greet. It really was us getting in a line and getting to take either a picture or an autograph. Very regimented, very quick. Completely opposite from the Common listening party. They wanted us out with a quickness and you could tell he was absolutely exhausted. But at least I got to say hey. Although my "heart" still belongs to Vaughn ;)

BostonFab! and John Legend

Shout outs to those who had better seats than me...YBWS, Alicia and 9 Alarms, Salih - sorry the seats were so tight for ya man. :) See you at Dwele? (Jan. 23)

Stay Fab! :)

Social Service | Pine Street Inn | Westin Copley Hotel

Looking for a way to get involved in social service? Come learn about Pine Street Inn at their first Young Professional Mixer at the Westin Copley Hotel (10 Huntington Ave)

Learn how you can help brighten the holiday season for homeless men and women while you neet other young leaders looking to make a difference in the city

Featuring food, a cash bar, music and a raffle for Celtics tickets and other prizes!!

DONATION: $10 or more to purchase holiday gifts for homeless men and women

For more info about this event click here!!

For more info about the Pine Street Inn and how you can help click here!!

Recap: Common Album Release Party

As Fab! as your girl is - it takes a lot (besides a holiday) to get me out on a Monday night. But when you’re talking about Common coming to Boston for free? Uh- yeah your girl is there!

Now I don’t know what was up with the promotions for this team switching it from District to Venu at the last minute. I mean I’m glad that they were able to accommodate more people, but that should have been a given…I also thought it was shady that they raised the price for guys after they moved the Venu and especially after 12 p.m. Missed you Chris!!

Fab! Friend Jax and BostonFab!

Anyways I rushed over there after work to get there around 10:45 p.m. – there was a line, but it went relatively quickly compared to some events at Venu – you know they gotta check bags for weapons, pat you down… we did get to see Common enter the club through the front door. Uh- what kind of VIP treatment are you giving my man?

Since I was in my down jacket I decided to do coat check – usually I’m a stasher, but the second room wasn’t open. It was like $4 a piece = $8!! They are sooo nuts with that. But I had to give it to ‘em since I figured I didn’t pay to get in, but I certainly didn’t want to stop at the bar after that.

Geespin was on the 1’s and 2’s and I headed to the dance floor where he was taking pictures with anyone and everyone. My boo was sooo nice! He would let people take them over if they were bad, do funny pictures, compliment people andseemed half-way genuine while doing it. After that Geespin got into some more tunes, but I was a lil’ curious as to why he didn’t play more Common. He played like 3 songs. Ugh.


I let my Fab! Friend Jax get the pic...we don't like to show affection in public ;)

The crowd waiting for a picture

Then outta no where!! Common comes to the stage and performs 4 of his oldies! I was super happy that I was in the front so I got some good shots, but I kinda wanted him to perform something new. I thought this was an introduction to his new album? And why does my boo always have to look straight into the crowd? I mean look down. I’m right here for you! *Sigh…;)

Common performing

After his short performance there was more dancing and a bunch of random people took over the VIP space where the stage was and by 12:45 he was out. Geespin played his single “Universal Mind Control” the title track, but other than that…I got no new music. Man.

So this listening party was kinda what you paid for -$8 in coat check. But I was glad for another opportunity for me and my boo to connect.

Shout outs to my party hustlers that were in the building Greg , Era, Liz (I saw you walking across the stage on my man’s coat tails- LOVE the new doo!), Akrobatik, DJ Nomadik, Rob, MJ, Sammy aka “Mr. West”

Stay Fab!

Recap: Soweto Gospel Chior | Symphony Hall

I tried a “Do Differently” this Sunday and headed out to see the Soweto Gospel Choir at Symphony hall. I had not even heard of the group before Larae Junior, Associate Director of Marketing and Sales for the Celebrity Series of Boston contacted me to do a write up. I learned , that they are multi-award winning gospel choir group based out of South Africa and tour about 9 months out of the year.

As I entered the hall – uh- late! Guess I’m still used to club times, not to mention that parking was murda. But as I entered the hall I thought that the place would be minimally crowded for a 3 p.m. show time, but it was wall to wall packed!

When I got to my seat I thought I would see a large group as the sound from the foyer indicated, but instead I saw twenty brightly (I’m talking neo y’all) dressed people in African themed garb and headdresses. And they were just…jovial, joyful. Smiles on their faces, dancing and singing. My heart was immediately lifted from the fight I had outside to find parking and was engulfed in this session of praise.


With 19 songs (24 including the encore!) they definitely delivered a full show. The thing I liked the most was how everyone had a part to play. Everyone was featured in some way, whether in song, or dance, or playing the drums - it seemed like every person and the group could play any role. Incredible!

Some of my favorites renditions were “This Little Light of Mine” the male soprano – killed his part! If I hadn’t been in Symphony Hall I may have had to throw my ‘kerchief at ‘em! :). Then in the piece “Nomalanga” they had a portion where they were two featured dancers were kicking and I’m almost positive they were kicking over their heads …their own heads…repeatedly. But I would have to say my absolute favorite part would be the “Table Scene” aka: “Canteen” which also highlighted the men, but used the utensils as instruments while singing acapella.

This is certainly a show that appeals to any age, or creed for that matter, high energy, with something for everyone to enjoy. I highly suggest that you check out their website to see when they’ll be back again – heck you may even want to travel for this show - click here! for concert listings. Def. Fab!

Thanks again Larae! :)

For more events brought to you by the Celebrity Series of Boston click here!!

JUST IN!! Common tonight has been MOVED!! to Venu!

Okay so they just let us know that the Common event has been moved to Venu (100 Warrenton Street). Guys are now being charged $10 to get in. Kinda shady, I know.

Hope to see you in there!