The Stax Music Academy’s SNAP Concert was a real sizzler on Saturday. I have to give Deanie Parker and Ashley Davis over at Soulsville big props for putting on a great show.

The program titled “Hey Sista, Soul Sista” was a salute to the Divas of Soul, Jazz, Pop and R&B. This was a show that had us all dancing in our seats as if we were seeing the original artist in person. If you like Aretha Franklin, Patti Labelle, Gladys Knight, Diana Ross or Tina Turner, your favorite Soul Sista was represented to the fullest. For Generation X and Generation Next, Mary J. Blige and Beyonce were represented as well.  

I thoroughly enjoyed this show and couldn’t have spent a Saturday night doing anything better. I’ll tell you this: major talent is being cultivated and grown in the City of Memphis. And if you don’t believe me, just hop in your car and take a short drive over to McLemore and spend a little time at the Stax Music Academy and see for yourself. The young lady who performed Jennifer Holliday’s “And I’m Telling You” was one of the most memorable moments.

The highlight of the night, however, was the performance from soul singer Candi Staton who performed her 1975 hit song, “Young Hearts, Run Free.” And if I might add, she could be my grandmother, but she still looks good! I got the chance to chat with her about her career, her inspirations and her latest gospel album. The interview is on the way!

A ‘Basement’ view

This Sunday’s Basement Soul Lounge at the Rumba Room was off the chain once again and it continues to grow at a rapid rate. This week’s show featured a very seasoned poet, a local artist who needs to be on someone’s music charts and a neo-soul harpist … yes a harpist! This was entertainment that you will not find anywhere else in the city, especially for the low admission price.

Let’s start with one of our featured poets, Gran Gran. Yes, that her stage name. This lady is really something else. I promise you, if you saw her, you would not expect to find such fire in someone her age. She’s not old, she’s chronologically gifted. If you are a poet…and you know it, we do have open mic during each Basement Soul Lounge, so come on out and show your skills.

Have you ever seen someone play a harp in person? I hadn’t until last Sunday night. Not only does harpist Lyrika play, she also sings. Now this wasn’t your normal “peaceful, go to heaven” harp playing, this was neo-soul harp playing. I could have sworn that young lady went into Jimi Hendrix riff with that thing! She’s really good and you should check her out.

Now for the main act! What else can I say about D’Monet? This girl was SANGING! Now when I say that she needs to be on someone’s music charts, I mean it! Not to take anything away from the other performers that have dropped by the Basement, but she is by far the best performer we have had so far.

She will be dropping her CD in Spring 2010, and if I should be so bold to say it, Jill Scott and Erykah Badu had better brush up their game because this girl is coming with “fire.” Remember the name “D’Monet.”

The next Basement Soul Lounge will be all about Christmas! December 20th, we will have the Rebirth of Soul Christmas Show. So mark your calendars and come on out and hang with us. For more information, go to www.memphisrebirth.com.

Ask Myron:

Q: “Myron, what is your favorite Christmas song?”


A: My favorite Christmas song has to be Donny Hathaway’s “This Christmas.” This song really defines the African American Christmas experience. I mean, it’s not officially Christmas until you hear this song. Don’t you agree?

(Myron Mays is a freelance columnist and host of “Myron at Midnite” on WRBO Soul Classics 103.5. Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or catch me on Facebook and Twitter.)