janelle monae takes stage

Caught sleepin? Well I hate to be the bearer of bad news... but if you did not attend the Giant Step Summer Stage show this Sundae, you were definitely fast asleep!The Grand List was front and center for this event. Initially we just wanted to see the show to check out Giles Peterson and Jose James on the cheap (suggested donation: $5). Jose James is an incredible talent; Grand List approved for sho! (If you're unfamiliar with Jose James, you're snoozin', forget sleepin'!)

The Summer Stage lineup also included five artists everyone will know by the end of 2008, Little Jackie, Jamie Lidelle, and Janelle Monae. Janelle Monae was the unequivocal stand-out performer of the event. What can I say? This woman is a powerhouse! Janelle's stage presence and energy level is so intense, all other artists paled in compar... (well, let’s just say she shut it down).

Janelle Monae was seen with Purple Ribbon All-Stars via OutKast fame and has just recently inked a deal with Bad Boy Records (let’s just hope she does not receive the usual P-Diddy artist treatment). JM’s sound is soulful, yet futuristic with hints of Electronica & Afro-Punk. This woman is definitely one to watch for 2008 & beyond!

Although Janelle Monae was the show standout; the headliner, Jamie Lidell is a man who knows his roots. Not just a great blue eyed soul singer/performer but a great soul singer/ performer in general. This man and his band definitely took the audience on a journey of soulful ballads, urban funk and an impromptu beat production. After rocking out, Lidell's band mysteriously leaves the stage and Lidell starts beat boxing and working the MPC . Next thing you know, this guy is making beats on the fly. Can we say hot!? If you are not familiar with Mr. Lidell (again, in a slumber) "A Little Bit More" sans the Target commercialism (exploited). Nevertheless-ism, Jamie Lidell is all-the-way GL approved.

Quote of the Day: "You snooze, you lose!"