Recap: R&B Live DC August 2009 Edition @ Station 9

 Earlier this week I attended my first R&B Live event featuring Yahzarah.  Contrary to the unbelievably bad service at Station 9, the show was good.  Three artists performed - Patrice Jones, Brandon Hines and headliner, Yahzarah.  While all artists gave good performances, Yahzarah's talent and stage presence stood out like tofu at a black folks barbecue! Instead of starting her performance on  stage she decided to make her entrance from the audience.

Complete with dominatrix looking stiletto black patent leather platforms, an iridescent blue and black long-sleeved mini dress, tons of pearl colored bobbles and bangles and legs that would make Tina Turner do a double take, Ms. Thing came to tear the house down - and she did. As soon as she came out into the audience, she hopped up on some guests' dinner table and lets loose.  She then gets down from table and heads for the stage where she continued to captivate the audience. She sang a few numbers from her latest project The Prelude and even took us to church for a few minutes. 

While performing, her voice and onstage persona came off as a blend of Erykah Badu, Joi and Janelle Monae. Her style was funky, but very soulful and futuristic.  Her voice was powerful but behind the notes she sang was a lot of vulnerability.  She left her heart on stage and many audience member's souls on fire!  She reminded me of why I fell in love with good music and her performance was truly a memorable one.