Carnival Time: Byron Lee and the Dragonaires - Dollar Wine

Once again, I’ve searched the Internet but couldn't find a video for this song, which I know doesn't exist.   This is another classic Soca song from Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. Memories. If you can't Dolla Wine, then there is something wrong with you. LOL :-D

DC Hide Away: Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar

I happen to be walking from the Starbucks on Pennsylvania Ave SE, some time in the spring of 2010, when I came upon a small restaurant named Sonoma Restaurant and Wine Bar. I was like, wow, this place looks very nice. I proceeded to check the place out an was very impressed with the decor. The restaurant is not that big, but what really impressed me was the private dining room upstairs for events as well as what they have dubbed the Avenue lounge. You see, around the same time I was in the process of planning the Florida A&M University - National Alumni Association (FAMU-NAA)Washington, DC Chapter's first ever wine social. I felt that Sonoma was the perfect venue and that my timing for this discovery couldn't have come any sooner because I was having a hard time finding the right venue.

What I like about Sonoma is that you can stop in to have a glass of wine and some cheese at the the bar down stairs or upstairs in the lounge. The lounge has a very nice ambiance in the evenings with the exposed brick, dimmed recessed lighting accented with the soft flickering light from the candles on the tables. It's just a nice place to sit and enjoy the evening with some friends. Another time I stopped in on my way home from work and was fortunate to meet Conregressman John Lewis. My civil rights movement experts and Atlanta people know who I'm talking about.

Even thought I've been going to Sonoma since last spring, I have to admit that I've never ordered anything off of their menu other than a combination of a charcuterie board with a selection of assorted cheese. If you are interested in dining at Sonoma you should check out She's Savvy Blog. She actually dined at the restaurant last fall and gave it a glaring review. 

I've also provided a few pictures of the avenue lounge for you to get a feel of the ambiance. I recommend stopping in for dinner or a glass of wine with a some cheese.

P.S. Sonoma also has a happy hour in the lounge from 5 - 7pm Tuesdays - Saturdays. I forgot to ask why they have named it the Italian Happy Hour, but glasses of wine are five dollars and they also offer three dollar beers  and signature cocktail drinks.

Carnival Time: Byron Lee and the Dragonaires - Tiney Winey

Okay, I'm pretty sure a video doesn't exist for this song, but you can't talk about carnival and not bring up Byron Lee and the Dragonaires. This song takes me back to my youth and all of the wedding receptions, backyard and basement sessions. Memories :-D.

Carnival Time: Rupee - Tempted to Touch

Another song since its Carnival time. I like this video. :-D

Carnival Time: Kevin Little - Turn Me On featuring Spragga

The problem with a lot of the classic Soca songs is that there are no videos for them, at least good quality videos. Well, I am mentally preparing myself for carnival, while running sprints to physically prepare for the Soca line. Dancing to Soca is tiring. Prepare yourself. Always liked this song by Kevin Little featuring Spragga Benz.

Maxi Priest: Close to you

I was out this weekend and the selector played this song. Took me back to the days of my youth. Still a big tune. Felt the need to share this since the DC Carnival is this weekend. Jump, Jump, Jump. Jamaican Massive Standup.

L-Boogie on Jimmy Fallon --- Memories

Rejoice and Shout

This film, REJOICE AND SHOUT, seems as if its going to be a good one. I got the following excerpt from Magnolia Picture's website:


"Rejoice and Shout traces the evolution of Gospel through its many musical styles – spirituals and early hymns, four-part harmony-based quartets, the integration of blues and swing into Gospel, the emergence of Soul, and the blending of Rap and Hip Hop elements."

I am definitely going to check this out. I thoroughly enjoyed @vh1soul's documentary of the linkage between Gospel music and today's different music genres. This new film opens in DC at the West End Cinema on June 17th.


Oh, and it's right around the corner from Dusk lounge, one of my hideaways in the city.

Hip Hop Samples

Whose album sampled this song? Can you guess?

DC Hide-A-Way: Dusk Lounge at the Best Westin

I usually like to have a few spots that I can meet up with my peeps with out having to deal with over crowded bars and no place to sit or post up. People are always asking me to put them on a few of my spots so I decided I'll start sharing. The first spot is a lounge called Dusk, located in the Westin Grand in Washington, DC.


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The atmosphere is really laid back and the bar tenders are pretty cool. I have to admit that I really enjoy just stopping in for a happy hour. I also think the food is pretty good. I usually go for the lamb chops appetizers and their crab cake sliders. They are so good. Below are a few pictures of the lounge. Check it out if you get a chance.

Tell Me How Come --- Morgan Heritage

A big tune. Love this song. Felt the need to share.