This summer is determined to impress you, Glass City! Get ready because I am going to list a few events you may have attended or will want to attend within the next few months.

I kicked off my “summer o’ fun” recently with Tyler Perry’s latest production, “Madea’s Big Happy Family.”

I was in awe at the peaceful walk of thousands from the parking garage to the new Huntington Center Downtown, where a multicultural crowd (many in their Sunday Best) waited patiently in line. This was my first Tyler Perry play, but it will not be my last. It featured an uplifting story about love and respect in the family and singing that would put any reality T.V. competition winner to shame. Madea even took the time to address the audience, first about turning off their cameras and later offering advice on mortgages and relationships. I never expected to learn anything while I was there, but was pleasantly surprised that I did.

This was one of the best events to happen this year in Toledo and if you missed out, don’t worry; Perry assured us he would be back.

Next, Toledo’s native son Nate Washington of the Tennessee Titans provided a celebrity-filled weekend that only a two-time Super Bowl champ could. The weekend started May 7 at club Plush with various NFL stars in attendance. May 8, after giving his first annual football clinic, Washington presented his “First Annual Celebrity Bash,” boasting guests from the sports world like Jerome Bettis and Kenyon Martin (who accompanied his girlfriend Trina as she was one of the performers). Houston rapper Slim Thug is no stranger to our city and made his fourth appearance along with Yung Buck (formally of G-Unit) and Lil O. The Omni was packed and the ladies came for music, fun and possible “sponsors.” There were three different V.I.P. areas for pro ballers, high-paying patrons and V.I.P. ticket holders. DJ Manny Fresh hit the stage after Toledo’s DJ Kausion warmed it up, entertaining us with Cash Money’s past hits and other southern tracks to get the crowd moving.

Despite the usual hang-ups such as V.I.P. issues and late performances (Slim Thug performed around 3:30 a.m.)  partygoers were able to get pretty close to the stars and even get pictures to upload to their social network profiles. Proceeds from the events went to Washington’s charity the 85th Foundation.

The Toledo Museum of Art’s Juneteenth Celebration,  June 19 from 11 a.m.  to 5 p.m. is for the family. This event will feature a day of music, arts and festivities geared toward African-American heritage.

I don’t know about you, but I love to laugh and this summer releases an onslaught of comedy shows guaranteed to leave you in stitches. Fat Fish Blue’s Home of The Funny Bone at Levis Commons has already given us solid shows like Bill Bellamy, DeeRay Davis, Tony Rock and Tommy Davidson. Upcoming shows include Bruce Bruce,  May 21-23; Kevin Hart, June 4-6; and D.L. Hughley, June 18-20. July welcomes back Bruce Bruce and Earthquake. For more info, visit www.fatfishfunnybonetoledo.com.

Ladies, this one is for you! The “old school concert” June 12 at the Stranahan Theater with 90s R&B stars Shai, Sillk and H-Town is a R&B lover’s treat. If you were a fan of “Baby maker” and hits like “If I Ever Fall in Love,” “Knocking Boots” and “Freak Me Baby,” this is a concert you will not want to miss.

In case you spent your winter cozied up with your Wii Fit or Px90 bootleg, I have the perfect event to show off your new beach body. On July 22-25, The Bash at the Bay will quench your thirst with the latest artist in Hip-Hop and R&B. Hutch Daddy Dolla along with The Core DJs present this third annual event at Maumee Bay.

In the past this event has brought big acts to the city such as Yung Joc, Pretty Ricky and Toledo’s own Lyfe Jennings. For more info, visit www.bashatthebay.com.

As we continue on …

Tags: Martini

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 11th, 2010 at 11:13 am and is filed under On the Rox, Star.
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