Artist United For Haiti Benefit Concert

Combine talented local artists, a long-standing reputable venue, an amazing DJ, and gifted live band, generous patrons, a good cause and you have the recipe for a night of entertainment and altruism. Hosted by local poet Se7en, the Artist United for Haiti Benefit at the Red Cat Jazz Cafe on Monday, January 25th was a night filled with poetry, hip-hop, and great soul vibes.

As the artist began entering the Red Cat, anticipation was high and the mood was set with the wonderful DJ styling of DJ Regg, providing sounds from Hal Linton to old school hip hop favorites, Camp-Lo. The venue provided birds eye view for all in attendance and within minute, the place was packed with people willing to party for a good cause.

Host Se7en (Power In The Word), took the stage with his usual confidence and witty interactions encouraging the audience to feel at home and like family, setting the tone for an intimate evening amongst friends. Live band, Exclusive took the stage providing a musical interlude followed by the poetry of Fertile Spirit and Baritone, who's French interlude and deep timbres delighted the women attendance. Soul artist, David Sha (Beloved Perfection), lent his vocals and brought his A-game to the packed house. Next to the stage was poet, Black Bluez who brought hard hitting pieces, including a tome to Vidor dragging victim James Byrd.

Councilman Jarvis Johnson took the stage stirring the audience with his words and a call to continue providing help and aid wherever it is needed. Councilman Jarvis also encouraged ongoing political involvement for the sake of progress in our city.

B.E.T Comedian Keir Spates provided a seamless transition and brought the laughs and a sense of humor and community. Poets Black Snow and Savannah performed both new and signature pieces appropriate for the cause, illuminating the importance of showing love to people all over the world. Prairie View Slam Poet Outspoken Bean took the stage with partner, TheFluentOne giving a dynamic duet performance that kept the audience enthralled. As a personal touch, Outspoken Bean also performed a touching ode to his brother, highlighting the importance of being there for loved ones.

Singer, Krystal Hardwick, who’s folksy sound left the crowd feeling lighthearted, followed a short intermission, with sounds provided by Exclusive. Soul Artist, Tony Henry performed a medley of inspirational tunes, ending his brief set with his trademark, Stuck In The Ghetto.

A comedic break provided by B.E.T Comedian Lil Brough, left the audience in stitches and appreciating his revealing, oft irreverent, but always hilarious sense of humor.

Hip Hop ingenue's JuzCoz, brought their quirky and much appreciated rebirth to the scene, prompting this writer to think of them as Hip Hop(e) for Houston's hip hop community, rousing the crowd into a head bobbing frenzy with their song Video Game.

B.E.T Comedienne Kiesha Hunt's comedic styling proved the adage "good things come in small packages" and provided her style of humor complete with catch phrases that won't soon be forgotten.

Rounding out the show were jazzy chanteuse Marium Akilah accompanied on the djembe and Mississippi Soul Man Joe Lee McCoy, singing his signature hit, Natural.

This is what happens when artists of all types donate their time, energy and skill to a cause...a night everyone can enjoy, comfortable with the thought that they are able to put aside day to day selfishness and make a difference in a global way. All in all, a show packed with talent, sponsored by 713Black.com, is one Houston hopes will return soon.

P.S.
Donations can still be made by texting "yele" to 501501 or visiting http://www.yele.org/.