MIDNIGHT MADNESS = DARK BEFORE THE DAWN?

No. 9

It seems that the Washington Wizards were trying to pump some life into what was a miserable 2009/2010 NBA season. There is the #1 draft pick John "The Great Wall of Chinatown" Wall, a newly focused former "Agent 0" now just call him "The 9" (Gilbert Arenas' "new" jersey and the apartment number when was a young man growing up in Florida) and Andray Blatche playing with his mind as free as his spirit after signing a $28 million dollar extension. The only problem with tonight's "Midnight Madness" is that Mother Nature didn't get the memo, or maybe she sent an omen. The rain cleans the earth just like the new faces of the Verizon Center are stamping a new identity on downtown DC. 

The Great Wall

Let's remember this night as we chomp on our free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches and devour our Dunkin' Donuts. Don't get peeved because we just happen to be in the same division with the Diva Trio of the Miami Heat and the under-delivering but powerful Orlando Magic. Remember "Midnight Madness" and know that next year there might not be any pro football and that we'll add another solid draft choice, if we don't sneak into the playoffs. This is a fun time of year and sometimes it is good not to have the weight of the Redskins on our shoulders. Now let's have a great tip-off to the NBA season!

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AROUND THE TOWN

"SOLD OUT"

This week around the DC area you'll find Eric Benet in concert at The Birchmere Concert Hall on Wednesday night. The Birchmere has one of the best sound systems in Washington. I know if you are going you'll be able to hear music from his new album "Lost In Time" featuring the hit single "Sometimes I Cry." As you might imagine though the ladies have already bought all the tickets for one of the most gifted performers of this era. The Birchmere has a nice calendar of concerts on the way in the upcoming months! Lizz Wright, Eddie Levert and The Whispers are among the list of musical stars.

October 20th SEI Entertainment brings Kindred The Family Soul with special guest Jay Hayden to the Ram's Head Onstage in Annapolis (another great concert venue and hideaway)

Still on-going Cirque Du Soleil's "Ovo" at the National Harbor. This is a very impressive place to take a date! The show will run until October 24th.

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NEW MUSIC & MORE

Mr. I

I'm hearing more music from Ron Isley's new album "Mr. I." The latest song I've heard is called "No More" and THIS is a Ron Isley song. It's a beautiful mid-tempo song stripped down and very adult. "No More" is Ron Isley not being Mr. Big or sounding like he's getting ready to check into an assisted living facility. It's nothing like the duet I first heard with Mr. I and Lauryn Hill. This is one you'll want to ride with.

Also out new this week, songs from Fantasia, "I'm Doin' Me" and Chuck Brown featuring Jill Scott, "Love." Both of these singles are solid and will make for good radio listening. It's so nice when there is music you can just put on your iPod and take with you around the city. There are a few other songs I was trying to get my hands on so I could review them for you, but the record company's didn't come through for me. I'm not sure if this is because they are not too sure of their product or maybe I'm on the snail-mail list. But, watch for my takes on Leela James, "Mr. Incredible Ms. Unforgettable" and Sunshine Anderson, "Lie To Kick It" when they arrive in my in-box.