This week I visited Billy’s Gold Door in Homewood, the Kelly Strayhorn Theater in East Liberty, CJ’s in the Strip District, Mr.. Kenny’s in the Hill District and Tim’s Lounge in the Hill District. First I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and I hope that you and your families have a great time together this holiday. CJ’s owner Caren, center, and friends at CJ’s in the Strip District. My first stop was at CJ’s in the Strip District where the one and only DJ Sly Jock was on the 1’s and 2’s doing his thing.. You have to come to CJ’s every Friday and get your party on.
This week I visited the Westin Hotel in Downtown Pittsburgh, Ace & Deuces Lounge in the Hill District, Billy’s Gold Door in Homewood and CJ’s in the Strip District. My first stop was at the Westin Hotel where the Urban League of Pittsburgh held its annual Ron Brown Awards. Everyone from Esther Bush to Rod Doss of the New Pittsburgh Courier was in attendance and it was a great event for all who came out. John Jackson III and the crew at CJ’s in the Strip District.
This week I visited Alto Lounge in Shadyside, The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, Dreamz Night Club in the Strip District, Krobar in the Strip District and Billy’s Gold Door in Homewood. My first stop was at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum where Westinghouse High School held their annual All Alumni Reunion. Even folks who didn’t attend the high school came out to get their party on. Actor Will Smith’s mother, Carolyn Smith, is a Westinghouse High School alumnus for those of you that didn’t know. Westinghouse alumni at the Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood. I see you, Dawn Webb-Turner.
In the beginning there was Sossa Smooth, a young eager emcee who first stepped in the booth at the age of 13 and recorded his first song. Then there was J-Kruz, who was inspired by his younger brother to pursue a career in rap music and together they make up the most diverse group that Pittsburgh has ever heard called Mano Y Mano. SOSSA SMOOTH & J-KRUZ “Sossa, at a very young age started rapping and we’ve always had a very competitive nature. He always thought he could do things better than me, so it was only right I started rapping. We’ve been doing this for over 20 years, but he’s is the one that started Mano Y Mano. It started back when he was 13 and I was 16 years of age,” J-Kruz said. Years later with hard work and dedication they have made a name for themselves performing in almost every city in the tri-state area. They are truly a force to be reckoned with. These Latin rappin’ men are here to stay and with a little luck they will soon get the chance to show the world their skills.
This week I visited Krobar in the Strip District, Matrix in Station Square, CJ’s in the Strip District and Mr. Kenny’s in the Hill District. My first stop was at Krobar in the Strip District where B. Marshall Production held the after-party featuring comedian DeRay Davis. Everyone came out to party with the comedian who also hosted the event. Birthday girl Diamond and friends at Matrix Night Club in Station Square. My next stop was at Matrix Night Club in Station Square where Diamond held her birthday bash with friends and family. The place was packed and it was off the chain.
This week I visited the Montage in Point Breeze, Chocolate City in Homewood, Billy’s Gold Door in Homewood, Ava Lounge in East Liberty, the magnificent LaMont Restaurant in Mt. Washington, CJ’s in the Strip District, The Black Beauty Lounge in the Hill and the Grand Room in Homewood. My first stop was at the magnificent LaMont Restaurant in Mt. Washington where Champion Enterprises held an event called The 34th Annual Willie “Pops” Stargell Memorial honoring Mel Blount, B.B. Flenory, Sam “Bam” Clancy and others. Bill Neal, CEO of Champion Enterprises, always does something spectacular for the community. In another part of the restaurant my cousins Terrance and Gabriel Rodgers held their wedding reception. Congratulations to both of you and may you stay together forever. The Diamond Models of Champion Enterprises at the LaMont Restaurant on Mt. Washington.
Former WAMO executive Ron Atkins has started two new online hip-hop, R&B stations. Founder of 101 The Blaze LLC and Radio Pittsburgh Magic, LLC, Atkins last held the position of program director for Sheridan Broadcasting which included the flagship station of WAMO FM out of Pittsburgh. Other stations in the group included WAMO AM—Pittsburgh, WUFO—Buffalo, WIGO—Atlanta, WATV—Birmingham and WPGR—Pittsburgh. During his 14-year tenure with Sheridan Broadcasting, Atkins held various positions including vice president of programming for American Urban Radio Networks. J-KRUZ and RON ATKINS Before joining Sheridan, Atkins was the programming director for WBLK—Buffalo, KMJM—St. Louis, KMJQ—Houston, WOWI—Norfolk and WVAZ—Chicago. His career started as an intern at WUFO AM in his hometown of Buffalo, N.Y. Radio Magic Pittsburgh is committed to creating a positive cultural and economic impact on its listeners, advertisers and the city of Pittsburgh.
This week I visited Ya Momzhouse Recording Studios in East Liberty, the Holiday Inn in Oakland, CJ’s in the Strip District, Ava Lounge in East Liberty and Calvary Baptist Church in the Hill District. My first stop was CJ’s in the Strip District where the oldies but goodies were in full effect with DJ Nick Nice on the 1’s and 2’s. He had the 20 workout for everyone who came out to dance the night away. Nikki Coffee of the New Pittsburgh Courier and friends at Ya Momzhouse Recording Studios in East Liberty.
This week I visited Questions Nite Club in the Strip District, The Greater Pittsburgh Coliseum in Homewood, CJ’s in the Strip District, The Black Beauty Lounge in the Hill District and the August Wilson Center for African American Culture in Downtown Pittsburgh. My first stop was Questions Nite Club in the Strip District where Melvina Bradford held her own happy hour for friends and family. Everyone came out to party and get their drink on with Melvina as she partied and danced the night away. Birthday girl Esther Bush and family having a great time at CJ’s in the Strip District.
