January 15th, 16th, February 5th, 6th, 18th, March 12th and 13th
Come out and witness R&B (Randy and Barbria) back together again at Altobeli’s Restaurant & Piano Bar. You won't want to miss.
On February 18, 2021 Barbria DeÁnne will be presenting the Whitney / Aretha Tribute. This is a sold out show, however another show has been added for April 29, 2021. Make your reservations today, as this show sales out quickly. Hope to see you there.
Also, Barbria's Long Awaited Live CD will be on sale the night of the performances.
Hey Barbies, Barbria DeÁnne is Back At The 'BELI', December 3rd, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th, 20th and 31st. For the Holiday Season Come out and witness R&B (Randy and Barbria) back together again at Altobeli’s Restaurant & Piano Bar. This month you won't want to miss.
Also, Barbria's Long Awaited Live CD will be on sale the night of the performances.
This Saturday Night I was unfortunately confronted by a Hateful shrew.
At close of business this hate-filled woman came out of the door and right at me telling me I should vote for Trump because she “fucking loved him.” She continued by saying that she used to be a democrat and voted for trump. I then asked her what exactly what was it that he said that made you change parties. She couldn’t answer. She said he came down that escalator and I just fucking love him. I said okay but what did he say?
Just then I noticed her friend motioning that she was drunk. This being obvious I chose not to react. Shrew then said he said “America First, so you can take your black ass back to Africa.” I then replied, “whoa baby, I am mostly Native American so you can take your ass back to wherever the fuck it is you came from. My ancestors were here first.”
Just then a patron and friend came out with family and friends and heard the tail end of the exchange. They proceeded to snatch me away, hug me, and refused to let me turn back around. Instead her husband and visiting friends from Detroit went in on her.
So few things: 1. Pam Karavite - To you, your Mom Deanna, your husband and friends. I am sorry that your visiting friends from Detroit had to witness such hate on Their visit. However thank you going in on her and keeping me from catching a case. I love you guys to the moon and back.
2. I typically don’t discuss politics or my ethnic background. It’s truly no ones business but my own and my family. I am all about music and my shoes. I believe that I have been blessed with a tremendous gift that transcends race, language, political beliefs etc. and other than math, music is the only thing that can do that.
3. Alcohol doesn’t turn you into a hateful shrew, it brings out the hateful shrew that has been there the whole time. To the Shrew, seek help and find God. When you find him, Thank him that you were able to walk away and sleep it off without that punch to the throat.
4. I am very proud of myself for not letting that Red Blooded Chicago south-side girl come to the surface. I must be growing up. This could have been very, Very Bad.
Today we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King. In the words of Dr. King; “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Again, thank you Pam and co. For driving out the darkness and showing Pure Love. It’s all about Love.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much this Woman, Artist, Actress, Stylistically Beautiful Song Stylist meant to my musical journey.
Back in the day I had the opportunity to meet Ms. Wilson.
One Friday evening in Chicago, I happen to be performing at a supper club called, The Greenery while Ms Wilson was performing on the opposite corner at A club called, DeJoie`s Bistro.
During our set, due to the long lines outside to see Ms. Wilson, a lady walked in and decided to have dinner and listen to us perform, while waiting for Nancy’s next set.
After our set the woman, called me to her table to let me know how much she enjoyed my singing. She then asked me what was I doing after my show. I thanked her and let her know I was free as a bird. She then preceded to tell me she was Nancy Wilson’s best friend and she wanted me to meet her. I immediately thought the woman was crazy, however, I’m one for a good gotcha story so I said sure, let's go.
Well the end of our show came and I walked down the street with this woman right to the front door of DeJoie`s, completely bypassing the line. Still skeptical, I was thinking ,what now, every seat is full. Just then, a table was brought to the front of the stage and we were seated.
I was literally front and center watching Nancy Wilson perform. Close enough to count the rhinestones on her dress. Which was beautiful by the way. Now I must say that at the time I was a vocal jazz performance major at DePaul so I was beyond thrilled, But I digress.
Nancy was on fire . I hung on to every single note, diphthong and breathtaking utterance. She was Fabulous right to the end. During her encore she motioned to security to lead me and this woman, I initially thought was crazy, to the back stage area... so I thought.
Upon Ms Wilson’s last note, the woman and I were taken downstairs to the dressing room. At this point the mere fact that I hadn’t passed out was amazing. I just kept telling myself; be cool, Barbria, please be cool.
Just then in a White terrycloth robe, Nancy Wilson walks through the door. Still stunning but in total chill mode. Wow.
I was formally introduced to Ms. Wilson , however Nancy was not a mere hand shaker. Nancy Wilson embraced me with a huge hug then grabbed my cheeks and shook my head while saying I reminded her of her. “You look like me” she said. And all I could say was “thank you, I think you’re beautiful." While still trying to tell myself to be cool, I thought I was seriously losing the battle.
Oh My Gosh, is this happening?
For the next few minutes Nancy Wilson and I along with her friend talked Jazz standards, techniques and the importance of keeping a since of self and portraying that through your music. A valuable lesson I have and will keep with me forever.
Just when I could not have been any more amazed by this incredible woman, Jesse Jackson Jr. walked in. Nancy gave him a hug, asked about his family and then asked him if he was seeing anyone. When he replied no, Nancy quickly turned into Aunt Nancy and told us to exchange numbers. This caught both of us off guard, yet we would never say no to Aunt Nancy. So we exchanged numbers and made an effort to try to hang out, however, both of our schedules just wouldn’t permit.
Are you kidding me? I literally had to pinch myself. 1. I got to see Nancy Wilson, Live. 2. I got a chance to meet her. 3. I got to have her hug me and grab my face. 4. I got to talk to her, a musical mentor, about Jazz and 5. She then tries to fix me up with Jesse Jackson Jr.
Beyond Unbelievable. Upon my arrival home. I screamed at my Mother, “YOU’RE NOT GOING TO BELIEVE THE NIGHT I JUST HAD.” I could barely believe it myself.
Nancy Wilson, was the epitome of Style and Grace with an absolutely beautiful personality to match.
Ms. Wilson, Rest in Heavenly Peace and thank you for one of the most wonderful nights of my life. Heaven has called an Angel Home. I will never ever forget you. You were and will forever be absolutely amazing. Thank You.
This past week we paid homage to our Neighbor that just happened to be the Legend known as Whitney Houston. After months of dealing with an insurmountable amount of issues, sleepless nights, and a sound man which was clearly overpriced and wasn't prepared... when it was time to hit, we laid back on our talents and did what we all do.
I would like to thank all in attendance. You made it easy for us to entertain you while cleansing our souls. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
During the show as a part of the Whitney Songlist there was a tribute to Aretha Franklin. I was asked several times as to why I would leave that part in the show. I simply replied that it had to stay in. And I'm glad I did. The Aretha portion was my connection to Whitney. In fact that connection began before either of us were born.
As explained in the show, Whitney and I had a few things in common the main one was that we were both CDK's. That being an acronym that I created meaning, we were both Choir Directors Kids. Our lives, or our Mother's lives, were pretty much paralleled as displayed in the below pictorial.
Aretha Franklin traveled with Sam Cooke and The Soul Stirrers during her early gospel career, before Sam Cooke started his secular career and his label, SAR records.
It is well known by now that Whitney's mom sang background for Aretha. It is not as well known that Sam Cooke had a record label or that my mom's song was one of the first songs produced on his label.
Aretha Franklin has been a part of my musical journey before I ever knew. It was only right to pay tribute to her as well. As she is currently in declining health, I think of her and pray for her everyday. It has been my dream for a long time to meet her and see if she remembered my mom and aunts singing back in the day. It doesn't look as if that will happen, however, should she read this I want her to know that I Love her and I Thank her. Her soulful sound and ability to pour her heart into every song she sang has influenced me. I pray that God keeps her in his care and I Thank her for sharing her Gift and her Heart. God Bless you, Thank you and All Hail The Queen of Soul.
In Addendum
Obviously I wrote this prior to getting the news of Aretha Franklin passing today. However, everything still stands with the exception that I have to say Rest In Peace to a dear lady that has leaped into my soul and will never let go. Gone but Never ever forgotten. Again, God Bless You, Thank you and All Hail The Queen of Soul.
I typically don't brag on my Mom. Okay, I do, an awful lot. She was beautiful, smart, talented and caring. On the flip side she was also very Classy and Sassy and could shoot better than Annie Oakley. I think of her and miss her every single day.
My friend shared this video and I had to do an unscheduled post. This documentary on Sam Cooke was very informative and mentioned that he started his own label and publishing & management company. It didn't go too far into depth because it's only a few minutes long. However, my Mother's record was released on Sam Cooke's label SAR records.
Many people didn't know that Sam Cooke had a label. However, my Mother was the first woman of color released on SAR Records. The Song, He Cares, was originally written as a dedication to My Grandmother and has lead vocals by JOHNNY TAYLOR before his legendary solo blues career. It is also the only Gospel recording to prove he sang traditional Gospel at all.
One day I just happened to find a copy of the original release of my Mother's song on Ebay and purchased it right away.
Admittedly it was kind of weird asking my Mom for her autograph, however, she got a huge kick out of it.
I recently found a video with my Mother's song. I hope you enjoy such a legendary piece of my musical history.
I guess by now most of you have gotten or have planned your Father’s day surprise. However, when your Dad has passed on your thought’s are a little different.
Therefore, with Father's Day vastly approaching, I choose to honor my father, the late Mr. James L. Haynes.
My dad was such a wonderful Man. I've always heard, growing up, that any man can father a child but it takes a very special man to be a Daddy. Over the years that saying has seemingly changed, since the creation of "that's just my baby daddy," however, I have never heard of father's little girl. I have heard of Daddy's little girl. Which I wore this title with pride.
My dad was born in 1916 in Oakville, Mississippi. He was the youngest of 16 children and grew up on a farm owned by his dad, my Grandfather, Smart Haynes.
After the death of his father my dad left the farm to go out in the world and provide for his family. And provide he did.
My dad showed everyone what one can do with nothing but a sixth grade education, perseverance, ingenuity and determination.
During my dad's life he wore several hats, his favorite being the Fedora. However, he was a Barber, a Barbershop Quartet Singer, a minor-league Baseball Player, a poet, an entrepreneur and an extremely well connected and respected man of his community. Most importantly he was a loving and caring husband and simply, my Daddy.
Being almost 20 years older than my mom, by the time I came along, I was often confused for his granddaughter. This obviously pissed him off because my dad would say with pride; "That's my Baby Girl." In fact for several years I was simply known as "Haynes' little girl."
I accepted my title with pride. There was only
one time that my father's connections ever bothered me. This was when it was time for me to choose a high school to attend. I was determined not to go to Percy L. Julian high school, however my Mom and Dad had other plans.
Considering there were only six students being chosen to go to Percy Julian out of 100 students in my graduating class, the odds were that there was no way that I would be going to Julian. I felt this way right up until the time that they began the lottery drawing to see which students would be attending the school. Not so fast, they had a special guest pulling the names of the students that would be attending Percy Julian. That's right folks, the special guest was my father. And yes the first name out of the bag was mine. He even dropped me off at school and drove off. Apparently my dad was not only the Principal and the assistant Principal's barber, he was also their Masonic brother. I didn't stand a chance.
My dad passed away after a long bout with prostate cancer. After the funeral, while riding to the cemetery, I looked out of the window. While wiping away tears, I noticed the streets were lined with men saluting my father's hertz. I then looked back to see that the procession went on for what seemed like miles. We even had a police escort. At that moment I realized that this single man, who meant so much to me, touched so many other lives. They all came out to pay their respect.
My only regret is that I was my father's youngest child and with him passing away while I was a teenager, I didn't get enough time.
I do, however, have extremely fond memories. I remember my dad and I would sit up late to watch sports. I should have been in bed, yet my dad would allow me to watch boxing, but he wouldn't teach me how to fight. Growing up in Chicago with a name like Barbria is no easy task and I was constantly bullied. My mom and dad would say, I go to school to learn not to fight and that whole "Sticks and stones" thing, was a sure fire way of getting my ass kicked. Of course when my mom would leave my dad would simply say, if they touch you, that's a different story.
So one day while in school and sick of being bullied, I was told that I was going to be beat up after school. I decided I wasn't about to walk away crying this time. I was jumped by a set of twins and their brother. Just so happens my dad had just explained to me that Ali was keeping his eyes open and blocking a punch not just playing around and joking in the ring.
Long story short I took on all three of them and won. In all fairness their brother jumped in and limped out. He went down with one kick to the groin. After that the bullying ceased a bit, the whispers were, she's quiet but don't make her mad.
When I got out to my dads car, my dad told me to fix my hair and not to tell my mom that I had been fighting. He then asked me if I won, at which point I happily screamed "yes I did, and they are still lying on the playground."
My dad was also a bit of an amateur comedian. Therefore, rather than be sad on Father's Day missing my dad, I will leave you with one of his good ones.
One day a man walked into my father’s shop with two black eyes. My Dad, having just seen the man the day before in church, asked the man, “What happened to you?”
The man proceeded to tell my father that while at church, an older woman came out of the ladies room with her dress tucked in her girdle. The man said he pulled it out and the woman turned around and socked him in the eye.
My Dad said, oh man, “well that explains one eye, what happened to the other one?”
The man explained that after the woman got so mad at him pulling it out, he turned around and tucked it back in.
Well there you have it folks, a brief glimpse into the man that was my father. I love and miss him like crazy. He will forever be the most important man in my life.
This year since I am gearing up for the most important show of my career. Buy Your Dad tickets for my upcoming Whitney Houston Tribute concert, if you're still looking for father's day gift ideas, the gift of music is always a winner.
Happy Father's Day everyone.
Accompanying
Barbria for this intimate Concert will be a Five piece band featuring: Reginald Ward - Guitar / SOS Band Melvin 'Melly-Mel' Baldwin - Drummer / New Edition / Justin Bieber Jon Roberts - Bassist / Roberts Entertainment / Tyler Perry Nanette Frank - Background Vocals / Miki Howard Mae Koen - Background Vocals / Aretha Franklin The Bodyguard World Tour - Setlist And Others... to
round out that Nippy Sound.
