"Between the Sheets - An Isley Brother Tribute" A Smash Hit

Bemba Entertainment's first show of the monthly Soul Legend series took place at Momo's on Friday January 21, 2011. It was a Smash Hit! Brandon Badillo, founder of Bemba Entertainment, chose the Isley Brothers as the first Soul Legend tribute and assembled the unique Bemba Family Soul Band for the series. After hearing the band, Brandon made the right choice in creating the band for the tribute and more so in the selection of the exceptional musicians . The band had the right sound and the right orchestral mix that created the "feel" of an oldies soul band.

Brandon had vintage record giveaways, a special dance performance by Ballet Afrique and also paid tribute to the late, great Teena Marie.

It was a great night for music, dance and fun. The atmosphere was electric, the house was packed and Momo's is always a gracious host. After the show, one thing I found humorous was that the crowd didn't want to leave. They still wanted more, I guess the euphoria from "Between The Sheets" hadn't worn off.

Dan Dyer and Sonia Moore with special guest Sharee Smith did a great job in re-creating the Isley Brothers tunes. Check out the videos of their performances.









The next in the Soul Legend series is "Wild Is The Wind - A Tribute to Nina Simone" on February 19, 2011 at King-Seabrook Chapel located in the Huston-Tillotson University campus, 900 Chicon Street in Austin, Texas.

"Between The Sheets - An Isley Brothers Tribute"

Bemba Entertainment, known for creating unique and fun themed events, is initiating a monthly series dedicated to paying tribute to Soul Music Legends. The first of the series will be "Between The Sheets - An Isley Brothers Tribute" on Friday January 21, 2011 at Momo's in Austin, Texas.

Brandon Badillo, founder of Bemba Entertainment, has assembled a special collection of talented and soulful musicians for this series and event. The band is called Bemba Family Soul Band and Sonia Moore will front this ensemble. Sonia "Saja"Moore, a veteran singer, started singing at age 6 and at 16 was a featured singer in MC Hammer's "2 Legit 2 Quit" album. This will be the second band Brandon has assembled for a show. He put together the Bemba Beat Arkestra for his "Birthday Felabration for Fela Kuti the Creator of Afrobeat" on October 15, 2010 at Red 7. Personally, I've been to numerous Bemba Entertainment events and I thought the Birthday Felabration was the best event ever because of the Bemba Beat Arkestra and the other bands in the line-up. I expect Brandon will do even better with this Isley Brothers Tribute.

The Isley Brothers have been around for a long while, since the 1950's. They combined gospel, R&B, soul, funk, disco for a unique and soulful sound. Some of the more notable songs they've released are "Twist and Shout" in 1962, "This Old Heart of Mine" in 1966 and "It's Your Thing" in 1969, just to name a few songs. The Isley Brothers have influenced all genres of music and musicians and as a result, in 1992 were inducted to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It is fitting that we pay tribute to such soul legends to keep the legend alive and perhaps introduce the Isley Brothers to a new generation of music lovers.

Event Details: "Between The Sheets - An Isley Brothers Tribute"

Date: Friday January 21, 2011
Time: 10:00 PM - 2:00 AM (Doors Open at 9:30 PM)

Venue: Momo's located 618 West Sixth Street Austin, Texas 78701

Cover Charge: $10.00

Musical Line-up: Bemba Family Soul Band along with DJ Aquaman
Featured Guest: Dan Dyer and Trey Seals



The second show in the series is definitely in the works. Keep up to date with Bemba Entertainment for all shows in the series because they promises good music, good entertainment and fun for your hard earned money.

Afrofreque CD Release Party at Momo's

Last night was the Afrofreque CD Release at Momo's presented by Bemba Entertainment. This is the third time I've seen Afrofreque in the last 30 days and still want more. I saw them recently at the Birthday Felabration for Fela Kuti at Red 7 and at the Funk Freak Halloween Ball at ND at Studio 501, also produced by Bemba Entertainment, and last night at Momo's. They just won me over immediately. They are Funk, Soul, Rap, Hip Hop, R&B and more. All the people at Momo's last night were definitely moved to dance, bounce or sway to the music. I purchased Afrofreque's new CD,"Jewels and Gems," so I get to hear them anytime I want.

I do have to thank Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment for continuously producing numerous themed showcases like the Birthday Felabration and the Funk Freak Halloween Ball which have been great events and experiences. Brandon has the knack of selecting the right musical talent, the right venue and the ability to create a unique experience that people want to attend and then look forward to the next event.

The musical line up last night included Dawni McCray, Adam Rodgers, Soulkitchen, Afrofrique and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. I did get to record video of Soul Kitchen, Afrofreque and Courtney Sanchez and SWAY. It was an exceptional night for music.







To find out what Bemba Entertainment has planned check out the Bemba Calender.

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World Beat Cruise with Jai Roots

I had so much fun on the last World Beat Cruise that I again booked another passage. There are several reasons why I was back on the cruise. First, Bembe Entertainment knows how to throw a party. Second, you have a large Capital Cruises party boat on Lady Bird Lake in downtown scenic Austin, Texas. Third, you have liquor, food, DJ Jah Karma and live music. Fourth, Jai Roots & the Herb-n-Café Project was the band for the cruise. I had recently seen Jai Roots and the Project at Momo's and immediately liked them. Jai Roots is very charismatic and has a striking stage presence. The Project is strong musically and cranks up the Reggae and World Beat music. If I had to be on a party boat for "a three hour cruise," I would definitely pick Jai Roots and the Project.

Brandon Badillo welcomes the party people to the third of four Bemba Entertainment World Beat Cruises.



Picturesque view of party go-ers and scenic view from cruise boat.



Jai Roots & the Herb-n-Café Project perform "ChanChan" to get party started.



The final World Beat Cruise of the series will be on September 29, 2010. Don't miss out. You now have a pretty good idea of what the cruise will be like.

JEZ: New Star in Austin

I'm always looking for the next big artist or band, both locally and beyond. I'm not in the music business but I do share my finds with people who are. You could call me an avid music fan or crazy, hence the name "Manny Go Crazy." Every Tuesday at Momo's, Brandon Badillo of Bemba Entertainment presents World Music Night sponsored by KUT 90.5fm/kut.org. Brandon has provided numerous of my new discoveries because he books many exceptional and diverse acts for World Music Night, as well as other venues and activities.

I was looking through Bemba's and Momo's calenders, the opening act for Tuesday July 13th was JEZ. I had never heard of JEZ so I looked JEZ up. I checked out the MySpace page and YouTube for info and music. There was also a website with an e-mail sign up. I liked what I had seen and heard so I decided I would go. Brandon had also sent me a music link on Facebook of JEZ's current album. When I got to Momo's and JEZ started their set, I was just blow away. Do you remember the Maxwell's man in chair being blown away by the speaker ad? (click on link) Well that was me Tuesday night. Jezarey Barbazcy, known simply as JEZ, is from Houston, Texas and now living in Austin. His band at present lives in Houston. Their music was a combination of Rock, Latin, Folk and Pop. I was impressed with the lyrics and exceptional musicianship of the band. Their music kept me mesmerized for their entire set. I also heard many musical influences in some of their songs. For instance in "Aire" I heard U2 and in other songs I heard Mana, John Mayer to name a few artist.

I've seen a lot bands. These bands have been in various stages of success. They range from just starting out to bands who are touring nationally. JEZ is already at star level waiting to be re-discovered in a new setting, Austin, Texas the "Live Music of the World." The buzz has already started with JEZ's appearance on Fox TV's Good Day-Live Music segment on Tuesday morning, Momo's in the evening, July 13th plus my little blog. I anticipate great things for JEZ and once you see JEZ perform you'll know why.