MASTER CHEF RANDALL BENJAMIN

MASTER CHEF RANDALL BENJAMIN
CREATOR OF FUSION FOOD

Solomon's Porch would like to formerly introduce our new Chef, Randall Benjamin. We are very excited to welcome Mr. Benjamin to the Solomon's Porch family. Fusion is what he does best, and our menu will reflect the perfect harmony of his expertise and our atmosphere. At Solomon's to date, he has received rave reviews for his current specials, such as his "Rasta Pasta" with jumbo jerked grilled shrimp! Visit us soon and take part of the annual Brooklyn Restaurant Week (3/23-4/2).

Chef Randall attended The Institute of Culinary Education, in New York; graduating in Restaurant management and Culinary Arts Degree.

Chef Randall is a licensed professional chef who's been in business for 10 years. His favorite dishes to create are Caribbean Fusion dishes. He is a very eclectic chef who takes immense pleasure in cooking, especially for his wife.

"I love going head to head with the top chefs, I love the competition because I do not lose.
I am the master of Fusion Dishes."

"Food preparation to me is a very spiritual profession.
I put love and great energy in each and every project.
I love making people happy."

"I live for that "WOW!" or that "Oh My God!" when you see and taste my food. The sexier the better.
I want to entertain and seduce your senses, so much so that your only goal in life is the next bite.
I live for romance in my food and my dishes and colors to reflect my passion. I thank you and look forward to pleasing you."

Love & Guidance,
Chef Randall Benjamin

Arlene Brathwaite's 3rd novel: "In The Cut" Book Release

Lil Villa Publishing & Solomon's Porch invite you to celebrate with author, Arlene Brathwaite, for the release of her newest novel "In the Cut", this Saturday.

Enjoy the vibe and get your novel signed! In addition, live entertainment from 5pm to 6pm.

No Cover: Brunch is available from 9a-4p.

Entry of $12, includes pre-sale copy of "In The Cut"!
...See you there.

Saturday March 28th, 2009 from 2pm-5pm.

View all upcoming events at Eventful

A Night of Jazz & Soul

Brown Baby Girl & Kenny Wesley
A Night of Jazz & Soul

Soulful grooves and intoxicating melodies will fill the air on March 19th.

Join us as the talented Adina Nyree sets the stage with her masterful spoken word and vivacious stage presence.

Once y'all are feeling 'right', prepare to feel 'wow-ed' by the brilliant vocal stylings of Kenny Wesley. This gifted singer songwriter delivers.

Oh yeah...and BBG will be in the BUILDING...Brooklyn stand up and come holla @ your people. You know you want to... ;-)

See you all there!!!!

Poetry Slam/Open Mic-Show your Skills and win real cash tonight!!!

It's that time of a month again...

Please join us for Solomon's Porch Monthly
Poetry Slam & Open Mic

The last 2 months have been hot!
January Winner- Kit Yan
February Winner- Narubi Selah
Who will take it this Month?
Radhiyah, DonAmber, or Ibrahim aka P.O.E.T.

Come find out on Thursday, March 12th 2009!

Great People. Great Food. Always a Great Vibe!

Doors open at 7pm
Slam Starts at 8pm!

To participate in the Open mic...please call 646-489-4120

We encourage all attendees to wear red in celebration of Women's history month!

Never Say I Can't Entertainment Presents:

Meet us at Solomon's Porch March 8, 2009 for Part II of Leon Lacey's Birthday Celebration. A full concert. Live and Unplugged. This unique venue provides an atmosphere that the true worshipper can connect with the ministry of Leon Lacey one-on-one. Food and drinks will be available. Only $5.00 at the door. Expect your soul to be blessed richly as Lacey ushers you into the journey of worship.

www.leonlacey.com
www.myspace.com/leonlaceymusic

DAMON MENDEZ
AL MACDOWELL
DOUG RICHARDSON
WAYNE COBHAM
ROGER BYAM

Tuesday, March 10, 2009 at 9:00pm
An All out Party featuring Live Music

3.6.09 2nite: Jeff King Band Presents Open Mic For All Jazz Singers, Musicans, Artists @ The Porch

The Jeff King Band &
Special Open Mic
for all singers & musicians

Featuring:
Jeff King - Tenor Sax
Denton Darien - Piano
Larry Johnson - Drums
Abdus Sabor - Percussion
Byrce Sebastion - Bass

Playing New Jazz Standards
All Musicians & Artists Welcome

Friday, March 6th, 2009
Two Sets 9p.m. & 11p.m.
$5 all night

A Night of Gospel music with Joel Lester.
$8.00 Cover Charge

Joel Lester began singing praises to God at the age of five, at his home church in St. Louis, Missouri. With an innate desire to spread the Gospel, Joel is motivated to bring a message of hope, deliverance, forgiveness, and encouragement to both the saved and unsaved. As a preacher, psalmist and, songwriter, Joel T. Lester has blessed many across this nation. He has been called and anointed to lead people into the presence of God through the power of worship. In addition to being a featured soloist on various recordings, Joel recently completed his first CD, entitled “More Than Life”. This project delivers a message of God’s undeniable greatness, unfailing love, mercy, forgiveness, and power.

Brunch n' Munch

Chelsea Nicole: Album Release Showcase

Come watch me perform and celebrate the release of my new album, Through a Woman’s Eyes. The album, "Through a Woman’s Eyes" will be FINALLY available in March 2009. The album is a compilation of love songs and life songs written and performed through the eyes of today’s woman. The album will include 14 songs produced by Jay Mitchell and Marc Thou and featuring legendary keyboardist and producer Jeff Lorber. CDs will be available for purchase. Please save the date and spread the word to friends and family!

About Chelsea Nichole:
It was 1992 and a white light illuminated a sultry young singer on a black-shrouded stage. Asked to perform the famous song, "Summertime", Chelsea Nichole engulfed the crowd and in that instant found her element. She knew that moment that she would sing professionally. Soon after, in early 1993, she was cast as the lead vocalist of the R& B singing group, LaTre. Though signed to an independent record label the group split up in 1994 as the girls sought to fullfil their separate dreams of solo-stardom. Chelsea continued to sing and write through the following year In 1995 Chelsea was introduced to the famous jazz artist/producer Jeff Lorber who invited her to debut on his 1998 album "Midnight". Her two contributions included "I Ain't Thinkin' About You" and "Never". This proved to be an amazing opportunity and relationship in which Chelsea and Jeff Lorber continued to collaborate as a writing team. In addition, Chelsea Nichole has and continues to collaborate with many well-known producers including Randy Jackson, Guy Roche and Wah WahWatson. Some of her credits include writing for Hanna Barbara's Flinstones CD (1994) and artists such as Jeff Lorber, Tabiha Faire, Martine Mai, Wah Wah Watson, Andre Delano, Chris Camozzi, Dave Koz, Victor Fields, and gospel artists Kenny Smith. Her collaboration and vocal performance is the song "If I didn't have love" written with Dave Koz and Jeff Lorber was featured on the album "Slow Burn" - by artist Chris Camozzi which released on April 24, 2001 under the Samson Records umbrella. Her most recent writing accomplishments are the songs, "Thinking of You" and "Vibe" which appeared on the 2007 release of Victor Fields newest project entitled, "Thinking of You". Currently, Chelsea appears on the 2008 release of Andre Delano's newest album entitled, "My So Fine" and the newest release from Jeff Lorber entitled, "Heard That". This year Chelsea will complete her debut project entitled, "Through a Woman's Eyes". She is currently performing locally in Los Angeles and the east coast.

Buyu Ambroise & Blues In Red

LIVE HAITIAN JAZZ

Coming from a jazz perspective, Buyu has revealed a natural relationship between the complex polyrhythmic structures in both the North American form and the Afro-Caribbean sound of traditional Haitian music. This fusion is the birth of a new musical style that encompasses the two and sustains the mix effortlessly. Although this subgenre of World Jazz is considered cutting edge, Buyu's recordings and live performances are executed with a spirit and level of mastery that invoke a gentle blend of harmonies that have matured on Haitian and American stages for generations.

Specifically in Marasa, unexpected twists in compositions such as Plezi Mize (Pleasure in Misery) and Wangol attracts listeners and relentlessly captivates their attention. Buyu's melodies are inspired from the rich repertoire of Afro-Haitian music sustained with modern jazz harmonies.

Upcoming projects this year include a third album, continued appearances at concerts and various jazz venues in New York City, Miami, Boston, Montreal, Haiti and beyond.

Saturday, February 21st, 2009
10p

Live Mystic Jaz | Renegade Sufi with DAWOUD

Renegade Sufi is a blend of the modern and ancient music of India, Africa, Persia, and Asia upon a foundation of jazz, blues, and hip hop. This is what Dawoud calls Mystic Jaz. One of Dawoud's accomplishment is the development of techniques and innovations on sitar, including the integration of eastern and western techniques; and the development of the sitar synthesizer.
Mystic Jaz is a music that produces an enlightening effect upon the mind, body, and spirit of the listener. Audiences from the USA and Europe have attended his performances, and listened to his recordings. All feel that they have participated in a unique musical and spiritual experience.

Dawoud's work is rare - perhaps unique.
His capacity as a sitarist, guitarist,composer, and improviser is that of someone who has mastered his craft. He has no lack of confidence in his vision or ability to manifest it as an artistic reality.
Audiences have walked away from his performances having had an experience that transcended mere entertainment or art.
If you are looking for a unique and beautiful musical experience, you came to the right place."

www.myspace.com/renegadesufi

As told by the artist:
You are here because you want music.
I can offer music.
I supose I could entertain you.
But you want something greater;
Something that speaks to your heart.
Something ecstatic and sacred.
You want something more real than real.
Am I right?
I won't sing putrid love songs to an imaginary girl.
I'm talking to YOU, to your inner self.
So, since you are intrigued by innovative ideas about music and unprecedented approach to sitar, love beauty, heroism, and communion with the Divine, strive for vastness of spirit and profundity of meditative reflection on existence, and you crave a romantic mysticism and the surrender to the dimensions of the spiritual and sensual, then by all means, welcome!
You've come to the right place.

Saturday, February 21st, 2009
8p

F.O.K.U.S.
Presents:
A reading and discussion of the play
"One Monkey Don't Stop No Show"
by Don Evans

Fighting Obstacles Knowing Ultimate Success (F.O.K.U.S.) is a multicultural arts organization whose mission is to create a diverse community using the arts as the common medium. Additionally, we aim to expand the perception of what is considered art by combining interdisciplinary forms and genres in each production.

We produce art events such as art shows, concerts, and film screenings and hold discussions related to these events and general points of interests as a means to increase the participation in and appreciation of the arts. F.O.K.U.S. brings together emerging and established artists with a general audience as a means for each group to learn from the each other.


Sunday, March 22nd, 2009
Suggested Donations @ 1P

Gospel Recording Artist: Joel T. Lester, LIVE @ The Porch

Gospel Recording Artist:
Joel T. Lester

"With a call of God on my life, an endowment of diverse gifts, and an innate desire to spread the Gospel through the spoken word, music, and theater; I am motivated to bring a message of hope, deliverance, forgiveness, and encouragement to both the saved and unsaved with a particular outreach to the youth, broken-hearted, low self esteemed, lost, and outcast."

http://www.myspace.com/tarrles3

Saturday, March 7th, 2009
$8 @ 7P

R'kardo & Miss Raven: Appearing Live @ Solomon's

For those of you who celebrate Valentine’s for all week, or you just even need a good meal and good music, you cannot beat the vibe at Bedstuy’s own Solomon’s Porch, which has hosted the best of the best, from Chaka Khan to Karen Bernod to The Bridge to Grammy nominated Emily King - this place is a good look for anyone on the up an up in the music biz......and it’s our first time here on our own show so we need the support!!!! Thursday February 19th from 8pm. Both events are really inexpensive (recession price!) - $5.00 cover plus a ten dollar food or drink minimum - so come and get your groove and your hunger on!!!! Reservations are recommended- so check the links and flyer below and do the do.....feel free to forward - see y’all at the show.

r'kardo
Nu-Jazz / Acoustic / Reggae
Pronunciation - rEEEr - kAAAr - dOh Definition - Really cannot be defined...but worth a try. Eclectic, revolutionary, where-the-hell-did-he-come-from-crazy jazz/ pop vocalist/ songwriter wit caribbean roots who will throw down some reggae-dancehall-soca at a brooklyn bashment then still holla some jazz-soul-blues the next day in an upper east side acoustic set fit for your mama and her peeps to nod approvingly to - then he runs down to the lower east side to be not so acoustically tempered in a funk-rock-alternative band hype enough for you and your shortie to just fall down worn out on the couch at home afterwards and make babies to the sound of a QuietStorm-esque ballad that this bruh r'kardo wrote and sang...just cause he could.....and did. Man......


Miss Rayven
R&B / Gospel / Soul

Diva of R&B | SOUL: MICHELLE RENEE 2.26.09

Don't miss this Special Debut Performance by Michelle Renee, Live @ Solomon's. This is going to be a hot one!

Come early... limited seating. Next Thursday, 2/26, @ 8p.

Come hungry...appetizers, dinner, & drinks are always available.

Michelle Renee LIVE DEBUT PERFORMANCE

You don't know who Michelle Renee is yet, but you will. Part homegirl, part glam girl; she's a musical force in a beautiful package and she's about to be the most played artist on your iPod. You might have seen her performing around New York, or maybe you caught her touring with Chrisette Michelle. Or maybe you've just heard the name interspersed in conversations about artists who have a deep abiding commitment to quality music, musical integrity and introspective lyrics.

She began to make the rounds of the New York artists circuit, singing at the popular Maria Davis artist showcase, R&B legends Nick Ashford & Valerie Simpson's Sugar Bar and performing at every open mic night that she could get to.

Her natural beauty and grace has been featured in O the magazine, Cosmopolitan and others, a principle part in a New York City stage performance of The Oscar-winning screen musical "Dreamgirls".

A chance meeting with R&B star Chrisette Michele led to an opportunity to tour from coast to coast as a back-up singer. Her talent, smarts and dedication made a definite impression on Chrisette Michele. "She sang well and made it her business to appear in great spirits no matter what the moment looked or felt like. Michelle was not only my back up singer she often doubled as my publicist on the red carpet, my road manager, and always doubled as my personal assistant making sure I was always prompt, prepared and informed at all times. Professional, smart, well spoken and well educated -- she handles any task with confidence," Michelle Renee also became a close friend and confidante of the singer. "As a friend, she has been beyond loyal, always with an open ear, mind and heart," says Chrisette Michele. "I don't know how I would have gotten through the past year and a half without Michelle Renee."

"My music is youthful, chill, melodic and I want them to be inspired by not only my voice, but also what I'm expressing through my songs." Her musical influences cover the scope of music, but the people who stay on repeat are Minnie Riperton, Teedra Moses, Beyonce, Raheem Devaughn and Aaliyah to name a few.

So, what can the world expect to hear next from this young phenom? Singing with Chrisette Michele and Lloyd, singing lead for Harlem favorite Stereo Crowd, and headlining for the JI Group's mega-parties she's assembled a body of work that is deep, inspired and accessible to all types of fans.

And as fans can see from her Harlem smash "Handle," her music is what friends compare to "a cool breeze while riding with the top down on a summers day." It is as unassuming as she is in person; free from pretense and ego. "It's chill, it's real, it's genuine, it's from my heart," she says.

So world stay tuned, Michelle Renee is going to see if you can Handle her.

Thursday, February 26th, 2009 8p

Official Site: http://www.myspace.com/michellereneelive

Michelle Renee LIVE DEBUT PERFORMANCE @ Solomon's Porch