To most people, Ryan Spicer was a typical seventeen-year-old, Cleveland native, who attended St. Ignatius High School.  However, over the past few months, he has caused quite a buzz that is starting to give him recognition around the city. Spicer had a realization that he wasn’t contributing enough to his peers, and after much thought and research, he came up with the idea of organizing a benefit concert.  He planned on donating all of the proceeds to various foundations, and the concert was going to be called RapCure.  When it came time to select a cause to donate to,  Spicer knew he wanted the proceeds to go towards ‘ The Woo Who Foundation‘ and ‘The National Multiple Sclerosis Society’.  When I spoke to Ryan, he said, “My two best friends mothers died of cancer, and my grandmother has MS. While searching for a unique service activity to join or create I thought of them.”  Many months later, Spicer has now created a unique event where he can have fun with all of his friends while giving back to good causes.  The support of his friends and family has allowed RapCure to grow into a bigger event than Spicer could’ve imagined.  You can expect to see one of the hottest concerts of the year, this Friday night.  Mark Spicer’s words: it’s going to be crazy!

Check out Ryan’s top picks by each performer attending RapCure:

1. Luvi- ‘Stay Out’

2.  Rak Smith- ‘Where I’ve Been’

3. Chip Tha Ripper- ‘Catch Da Beat’

4. Shwayze- ‘High Together’

Tickets are now on sale at all NEXT locations- $30 plus tax for general admission, $50 plus tax for VIP.  Gates open @ 5PM- first act goes on @ 6:30PM.  For more information check out RapCure’s official website, here.

We decided to get inside of the super star’s head and give our readers a taste of what to expect at the meet and greet with Chip on Thursday, at the Akron store. I had the honor of sitting down and asking him few questions:

1. What’s it like now, returning to Cleveland, after you’ve moved out to California?

::: Being in Cleveland always feels good. It feels like the old TV show “Cheers”. It’s all love for the most part.

2. What are your earliest musical memories from your childhood?

::: Earliest memories: Going to club “Möda” waiting for DJ Chicago to play my jams. Then goin HAM when he’d finally spin em. Lol. Those were the days.

3. How do you gain inspiration for new music?

::: I gain inspiration for new music by just living & observing life. The small things are the things that make us. The small things that ppl can relate to no matter what age, color or culture.

4. Aside from Cleveland, what is your favorite city, and why do you love it so much?

::: Aside from Cleveland, California is the best place I’ve ever been, and I’ve been almost everywhere on earth. Weed is legal, weather is great and it’s just beautiful. Malibu is unreal.

5. When it comes to fashion, what’s your go to style?

::: All black. Favorite denim is Dior. I love their cut. Louis Vuitton of course. Nothing too crazy. Jordan’s. Maison Martin Margiela’s.

6. Since ‘The Cudi Life Tour’, you have really started branding yourself as a musician. Looking back on the past year, how has your life changed?

::: Every year things get better. Fans want to hear good stuff. According to feedback, people are starting to realize that my music is not only fresh, but my views are new & innovative. I always try to out-do my last work. It’s a gift & a curse.

7. What can we expect to see from Chip this summer?

::: This Summer hopefully Chip will be the go-to guy for flawless jams. As I listen to mainstream rap, I hear music that is good but not as good as some of my overlooked material. I’d rather be on the rise then at my peak though. Chuch.

Come see Chip @ NEXT Akron on Thursday, April 26th from 4-6 PM. In the mean time, download the newest project, “Tell Ya Friends“. See you, Thursday!

For hour increments, they take turns banging out pieces of work, which represent their personal styles that make them recognizable in our city.

It is the Second Annual Monster Drawing Rally at SPACES gallery on the West Side, and local art enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the finished pieces of work, which can be purchased for $70.  The Monster Drawing Rally is a live fundraiser and interactive experience benefiting the gallery.  SPACES is a unique studio, which provides open spaces for artsits to display over the top exhibits such as video, sculptural, and robotic pieces of work.  Tonight, the room is buzzing with smiling faces, there is a DJ in the corner and a long line at the bar, and the artists continue to develop intriguing masterpieces.  The artists and onlookers interact in an informal setting, and all proceeds are donated to the gallery at the end of the night.

Here were some of my favorite works:

I bought this one for my brother’s new apartment:

This artist was constructing a life size picture of a room.  I didn’t stick around long enough to see the finished product, but it’s still a cool picture.

Think you have what it takes to be a model?  Think your Next’s flyest customer?  Submit your flyest pic to NextCleveland@gmail.com for your chance to win a $100 Next giftcard and an appearance in our next video shoot. One picture only please.  More details below…

Photo Cred: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150415769874107&set=a.439163569106.234569.21010144106&type=1&theater

The 27th Anual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is coming home to Cleveland on Saturday, April 14th, and I for one am very excited!!  This years’ inductees are as admirable as ever and consist of the following performers, early influencers, and sidemen:

• Guns N’ Roses
• Red Hot Chili Peppers
• Donovan
• Laura Nyro
• The Small Faces/ Faces
• Beastie Boys
• The Crickets
• The Famous Flames
• The Midnighters
• The Comets
• The Blue Caps
• The Miracles
• Freddie King
• Don Kirshner
• Cosimo Matassa
• Tom Dowd
• Glyn Johns

If you missed out on getting a ticket, there are still many ways to participate in the festivities. Special events will be happening downtown at the Rock Hall from April 5th-14th including the grand opening of the Library and Archives, tours of the Museum’s revamped interior, free concerts, and more.  For those of you who want to truly get in on the action, enter to win a free balcony ticket to the sold out show.  All you have to do is submit your information on the Museum’s Facebook Page (which also includes a list of events leading up to the big night) before the end of the week- good luck!!

Photo Cred: http://nextwd.com/street-art-3/

What: The 36th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival.

When: Friday, March 22nd- Sunday, April 1st.

Where: Tower City Cinemas (230 W Huron Rd).

Friday, March 22, marked the start of the 36th Annual Cleveland International Film Festival.  The festival originated in 1977, and takes place for eleven days, every March, at the Tower City Cinemas.  Over 160 films are shown per year, and they range from local, short films to international films from 60 foreign countries.  Tickets range from $10-$12 per show, and a full schedule is listed on the festival’s website.

Must-see Films:

Photo Cred: http://desertstarweekly.com/2012/01/19/dissecting-pig/

“Pig” (Henry Barrial) Tuesday: 9:40 PM; Wednesday: 2:05 PM 

This Sci-fi mystery is about a man searching to find himself and understand his past while in the desert.

“Dirty Energy” (Bryan D. Hopkins) Wednesday: 7:15 PM (at the Capitol Theatre, 1390 West 65th St.); Thursday: 2:00 PM; Friday: 11:50 PM 

Hopkins, who is from Aurora, Ohio, sheds light on the environmental aftermath of the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Photo Cred: http://www.tft.ucla.edu/calendar/screening/2012-dreileben/

“The Dreileben Trilogy”

“Dreileben — Beats Being Dead” (Monday: 7:30 PM); “Dreileben — Don’t Follow Me Around” (Tuesday: 9:50 PM); “Dreileben — One Minute of Darkness” (Wednesday: 9:50 PM).

Three German films, directed by three different directors, tell different parts of the same thriller about a runaway murderer.

Photo Cred: http://www.paulsimon.com/us/news/25th-anniversary-paul-simons-graceland-celebrated-new-documentary-film-commemorative-editions

“Paul Simon: Under African Skies” ( Joe Berlinger) Thursday: 7:15 PM (at the Cedar Lee Theatre, 2163 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights); Saturday: 1:15 PM; Sunday: 7:15 PM. 

In honor of the 25th anniversary of Paul Simon’s “Graceland” album, Berlinger traveled to South Africa with Simon to revisit the political, cultural, and musical influences of the successful record.

Photo Cred: http://inspiredology.com/filter-foundry-shows-off-the-sxsw-film-beauty-is-embarrassing/

“Beauty is Embarrassing” (Neil Berkeley) Friday: 7:30 PM; Saturday: 4:30 PM; Sunday: 12:15 PM. 

This documentary explores Wayne Whites successful career in the pop-culture world.

Photo Cred: http://www.shefinds.com/2012/nicki-minaj-for-opi-is-here-shop-colors-like-super-bass-and-pink-friday-now/

Niciki Minaj‘s collection for OPI encompasses her vivacious personality, daring lyrics, and quirky style.  Although the product hit stores in January, I just encountered it, on Friday, at Dino Palmeri Salon & Spa at LaPlace in Beachwood.

Obviously, I couldn’t make it out the door without buying ‘Save Me‘.

He goes by the name FAME and with his mixtape dropping this Summer, it’s time for the world to get familiar with him.  His mixtape titled Freshman Year: Class of 2012 features the unique rap style of FAME mixed with vocals from Cleveland singer LyricstheSinger.  I got the opportunity to ask FAME a few questions and here’s what he had to say…

1.) How would you best describe your rap style?

FAME: My style is diverse. It’s like a blend of underground battle rap with a mainstream twist.

2.) What was the worst job you ever had?

FAME: The worst job I had was working as a cashier at a grocery store.

3) What inspires your music?

FAME: I’m inspired by almost anything. Mostly my life: past, present and future.

4.) What makes you different than other rappers in the game?

FAME: I’m different in many ways. The main reason would be my bravery and my talent.

5.) What is the best month of the year and why?

FAME: The best month would be July! Not only is it my birth month but my mixtape is dropping in mid July!! Freshman Year: Class of 2012.

6.) What’s the significance of the title of your mixtape?

FAME: Lyrics and I wanted something that was not only fresh and new but a name that confirmed exactly what we are: the rookies, the underdogs.  It’s our turn now.

7.) If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

FAME: To follow your dreams.  It’s cliche but it’s real. Never let the next person determine your future.

8.) What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?

FAME: FAME! I’m the best kept secret by far!

9.) What famous person, dead or alive, would you love to do a track with?

FAME: I can’t think of just one but I’ll say Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Lauryn Hill and Jazmine Sullivan.

10.) What can we expect from your mixtape?

FAME: It’s something for everybody.  Songs about love, the highs and lows of relationships.  It’s something for the streets and we got club bangers.  Our mixtape is like a movie.

11.) What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

FAME: Shopping. If I’m not in the studio making magic, I’m out spending money.

12.) How did you get the name FAME?

FAME: FAME is actually an acronym for Fashion, Art, Music and Entertainment.

13.) What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

FAME: I love Atlanta but New York has to be my favorite.

14.) What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

FAME: Before I leave, I just want to inspire somebody. I want to be a walking example of a dream coming true.

15.) What can we expect from FAME in the future?

FAME: Expect new music, a lot more collaborations and crazy live shows.

For more on FAME and LYRICStheSINGER, follow them on twitter at @F_U2 and @LyricstheSinger. Also look out for their mixtape Freshman Year: Class of 2012 dropping on July 11. Make sure you cop it.

1.)  What is your favorite Michael Jackson song?

KAREN VAUGHN: WOW! I don’t think I have just one. But I do rock out to “Enjoy Yourself” by Jacksons. It’s one of my favorites because of the feel good message. Whenever I hear it, I smile instantly. My family calls it our Disney song because before every Disney vacation we play “Enjoy Yourself” as we arrive on Disney property. For us, it sets the tone of our vacation. Yes, corny but so much fun to sing it at the top of our lungs!

2.)  What do you appreciate most about your parents, being a parent yourself?

VAUGHN: When I think of my parents I get emotional because they have done so much for me. I appreciate how they ALWAYS put me first and gave me the best life a child could ask for. Their unconditional love and support is the foundation to everything I have been able to accompolish personally and professionally.

3.)  What is the best concert that you have been to and where was it?

VAUGHN: This is a hard one too! I’ve seen many concert yet the one that sticks out is the New Edition “All For Love Tour” in 1987. On the bill was The Force MD’s, Cherrelle, and New Edition. I rocked out the entire time….so much so I saw them in Connecticut and at Madison Square Garden in NYC.  Also the Fresh Fest Tour—Now that was a non-stop party. Hip-Hop music was emerging as a force in music at the time. The tour was a movement of music and lifestyle. RUN-DMC, Whodini, LL Cool Jay performed. It was dope! Word!  Another great concert was Janet Jackson’s “Velvet Rope” tour. Janet was AMAZING. It’s another tour I checked out twice. Once in Baltimore and Washington, DC.

4.)  What is the best month of the year and why?

VAUGHN: July! Summer is in full swing and I can spark up the grill everyday. My grilled Szechwan chicken and citrus ginger salmon are the best. 

5.)  What is the most important lesson you have learned from your career in radio?

VAUGHN:  Network, Network, Network.  Take constructive criticism positively. Reinvent yourself continuously.  Leave your personal situations at the door; you have an audience to entertain!

6.)  If you could tell the world one message, what would it be?

VAUGHN: Don’t sweat the small stuff!!

7.)  What’s the best kept secret about Cleveland?     

VAUGHN:  The Green Tavern on 4th Street. Marsha Ambrousius introduced me to the eatery after seeing them featured on Food TV. They use all natural and organic products.  You have to try their Lamb Burgers. They are awesome!

8.)  What famous person, dead or alive, would you love to spend one day with?

  VAUGHN:  Oprah, Bill Cosby, and Martin Luther King, Jr.

9.)  What has been the most fulfilling experience of your life?  

VAUGHN:  The birth of my son. He brings me joy everyday!!!

10.)  What is the definition of “The Working Diva?”

VAUGHN:  A Superwoman; multi-tasking goddess. A go-getter, trend-setter, problem solving guru. A woman with the understanding talent to juggle life, work and family and still look fabulous.  One day while passing a spa, I really wanted a massage.  Work was really working me and I needed a break! At this moment I thought, there must be other women that need a day of pampering. I went home, put together a contest proposal to help women indulge in “me time.”  Needless to say, the contest was a hit.  Since then, the Working Divas theme has blossomed into a lifestyle of women that live an awesome life full of love, balance, family, children, career, sister-friends and yes…fashion.

11.)  What is a guilty pleasure of yours?

VAUGHN:  The spa! Who doesn’t love to be pampered from head to toe while sipping on green tea! Matter of fact…I’m making an appointment right now. 

12.)  What 5 albums could you never go without?

VAUGHN: Jill Scott: Words and Sounds Volume 1, RUN-DMC: Raise Hell, George Howard: Personal, Michael Jackson: Off The Wall, and Salt N Pepa: Vicious.  BONUS: The SOS Band: The Sands Of Time

13.)  What is your favorite place to travel to and why?

VAUGHN: I love Miami and Key West. I lived in Miami for 10 years and loved the energy, weather and looking at the ocean every day!

 14.)  What is one thing you would like to achieve before you leave this earth?

VAUGHN:  One of my biggest goals besides my career choices and projects in media would be to give my parents a huge gift. WIthin the next few years I want to relocate them to any destination they desire. It’s been a goal of mine since I graduated from college.

 15.)  What can we expect from Karen Vaughn in the future?

VAUGHN:  To become a leading Entertainment and Lifestyle correspondent. My website KarenVaughn.com features celebrity interviews, news and events.  Check it out!

For more on Karen Vaughn, tune into 93.1 FM WZAK midday on Monday through Friday.  You can also follow her on twitter at @KarenVaughn. 

Also visit the Working Divas website or KarenVaughn.com for more information.

As if I wasn’t already impressed with Musiq’s recorded albums, his live show simply blew me away.  His vocal range and stage presence were quite unexpected.  Not because he isn’t talented, but because his vibe is so mellow.  I didn’t expect him to be so high energy during his live show.  He even apologized to the crowd, in case he got carried away on stage.  Keep reading to see more pictures, in case you want to live vicariously through them. Haha.

The crowd eagerly waited for Musiq to take the stage. The opening performance by Antoine L. Dunn got the crowd primed and ready for the main event.  Emcee Karen Vaughn was a lucky woman to be able to introduce the soulful singer to the eager House of Blues audience.  Once Musiq Soulchild stepped onto the stage, the crowd went wild.

Musiq Soulchild entertained the crowd with a combination of his older hits and newer material.  The majority of the show featured songs from his most recent album MusiqInTheMagiq.

Musiq put on a great show.  He definitely did his thing for the Cleveland audience.  He even stayed after the show to sign autographs and take pictures with fans.  He is truly a class act and a fantastic artist.  I can’t wait to see him sing again.

Photographs taken at House of Blues Cleveland by permission of HOB Entertainment, Inc.

Keep reading for more…

Last night, I arrived at the House of Blues but instead of going into the front door as I normally do, I entered through the back entrance with Antoine L. Dunn and his band mates.  It was funny that I could actually use the line “I’m with the band.”  They loaded their equipment into the venue and began setting up on the intimate House of Blues stage.  Antoine, his guitarist, drummer, keyboardist, and backup vocalists took the stage for their sound-check.

After the monitors were set and the mic sound levels were marked, we grabbed some dinner and got ready for the show.

Antoine’s band consisted of his guitarist Jack, backup vocalists Elizabeth, Reuben and Marcel, his keyboardist Jerry and his drummer Travis.

Before the show, I even got to snap a photo of Antoine Dunn with the emcee for the night, 93.1 FM’s Karen Vaughn.

Antoine L. Dunn and his crew took the stage with a five song set.  He started off with his melodic track “She Pleases Me,” which was happily stuck in my head since I heard it at the sound-check earlier in the evening.  It was followed up by my favorite Antoine L. Dunn song “It’s Over.”  The lyrical content really resonates with me on a personal level.  It’s the type of song that anyone who has had their heart broken can relate to.

The set continued with Antoine’s tracks “Save Yourself” and a reggae version of “You’re Real.”  He also played the title track of his most recent EP called “Miss My Love” (which is available on iTunes).

Congratulations to Antoine L. Dunn and his band on a fantastic performance.  I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Antoine’s music and his career.

For more information on Antoine L. Dunn, visit his website.

Photographs taken at House of Blues Cleveland by permission of HOB Entertainment, Inc.