EUR on the Scene: Celebrating Black Music Month at CAAM 2015

* Los Angeles-The month of June is a festive time of year on several levels. The obvious ones are the many graduations taking place. Father’s Day will be upon us in a couple of days and other special occasions.

The month of June is designated as Black Music Month or African-American Music Appreciation Month. The nation and the world put the spotlight on the contributions of African-Americans to all genres of music.

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President Barack Obama stated “By honoring the timeless sounds that define our past and help transform our future, we celebrate not only the musicians who move us, but also the spirit of resilience and renewal they embody. This month, let us remember the essential role music plays in breaking the barriers of our time and guiding us toward a more inclusive and more equal tomorrow.”

The California African American Museum (CAAM) presented Target Sundays at CAAM, Salute to Black Music Month, Sunday, June 14, 2015.

This wonderful event was hosted by Alesha Renee from MTV’s “Girl Code” on a beautiful, sunny, Southern California afternoon. A diverse crowd was in attendance to celebrate this occasion with entertainment provided by some amazing musicians.

Mir Harris and Alesha Renee: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Mr. George Davis, Executive Director, California African American Museum and Ms. Mir Harris, Associated Director, Rhythm & Soul Creative Services, ASCAP welcomed the crowd gathered outside in the Museum Courtyard.

Mr. George Davis: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

The Komposers are a tightknit group of producers/musicians who have played for an array of superstars and have also produced top selling songs for said stars. The Komposers, Gil Smith, Eric Ingram, Charle CSUN Bereal, Jarius “JMO’ Mozee, and Kennan “KGE LOKO” Ephriam served as the house band.

Alesha Renee and The Komposers: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Higher Learning Nation took to the stage first. Compose of a duo of young teens, Gregory, AKA GMoney$ign and Jeffrey, AKA, JRockStar. The duo’s high energy set gave the crowd a refresher course in some classic, old school hip-hop as we swayed in our seats. The duo describes their music as “Freshadelic Hip-Hop, The Future of Entertainment.”

HIgher Learning Nation: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Target Sundays at CAAM was loaded with talent. Dominque Toney graced the stage for a wonderful version of “The Answer is Love” by Aloe Blacc, who happened to be in town performing at the 37^th Annual Playboy Jazz Festival. She continued her set with “Loving You is So Easy” and concluded her set with “Pretty Young Thang.”

Dominique Toney: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Marian Meraba was another pleasant surprise to grace the stage. Ms. Meraba is a folk soul singer and spoken word artist who opened her set with two original tunes “Rolling Stoner,” and “Parachutes.” Next, she sang a heartfelt version of “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley, one of the major influences of her music.

Marian Meraba: Photo Credit, Ricky Richardson

Kris Kollins brought another level of powerful surging energy to the stage as he performed an original tune “Lavender” followed by covers of “I Get So Lonely,” and “Let’s Go Crazy” and “B-Side another original tune.

Kris Kollins: Photo Credit, Ricky RichardsonTarget Sundays at CAAM, Salute to Black Music Month concluded on a rousing note with a set by vocalist PJ as she performed “Nickle’s and Dimes” that resonated with the crowd. Check out this tune on YouTube, Amazon and other outlets. She continued her crowd pleasing set with “Wish List” and closed with “I Mean It.”

Please visit www.caamuseum.org for a list of current exhibits as well as to find out about upcoming events at California African American Museum (CAAM).

Ricky Richardson is a Southern California based music reviewer, writer and photographer. Contact him via: [email protected].