antaniashanae

[antaniashanae]

Sometimes, the “clock app” has me in a downward spiral… and it’s ok.. because awesome things happen!

A few months ago, I learned about #laufey and I just heard the most beautiful cover of “Valentine” by @niaashleigh_ and I’m obsessed! 😩

I’m also happy to share that she’ll be opening for #trousdalemusic and they’ll be in Dallas in on May 25th! I’m stoked! Get your tix!

#NiaAshleigh #DallasConcerts #entertainmentblogger #cocoagal

[antaniashanae]

Vegas, Birthdays, and Good Times!

For my spring break, I celebrated part 2 of my 35th birthday in Vegas with my friend Vanity, who was also celebrating her birthday. We stayed at the stunning Venetian Las Vegas, which was an absolute dream! During our time on the strip, we indulged in various activities, including a delightful afternoon tea at the lavish Waldorf Astoria. The highlight of the trip was when my dream came true—I finally got to see Rick Ross in concert at Drais! I loved every minute of it. It was a fantastic trip filled with laughter, adventure, and unforgettable memories!

[antaniashanae]

Sending love to L.A. ❤️

As many of you may know, Los Angeles is really my home away from home. I make it a priority to visit as much as I can for any reason! The news of the wildfires is devastating and I want to make sure my readers are aware of ways in which they can help.

Here are a few organizations you can trust and connect with to send donations and resources to help those in need.

[antaniashanae]

Happy birthday to me! ♐️🩷✨🍾🎂

[antaniashanae]

R.I.P. to the musical genius. The GOAT. Mr. Quincy Jones

[antaniashanae]

Chaka Khan

Indy Jazz Fest 2024

🎥: Antania Shanae’

[antaniashanae]

Chaka Khan Lights Up Indy Jazz Fest

Everwise Amphitheatre

Indianapolis, IN

The Indy Jazz Fest is an annual celebration of jazz music held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The festival spans multiple days and features a diverse lineup of both local and international jazz artists. Indy Jazz Fest not only showcases incredible talent but also promotes the rich history and evolution of jazz music. The grand finale took place on September 28th at the Everwise Amphitheater at White River State Park, 801 W. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN.

This year's Indy Jazz Fest was truly unforgettable, and the highlight of the event was undoubtedly Chaka Khan's electrifying performance. Known as the "Queen of Funk," Chaka Khan has been a powerhouse in the music industry for over five decades. With ten Grammy Awards and countless hits, she has influenced generations of artists and fans alike. Her ability to blend R&B, funk, jazz, and pop has made her a versatile and timeless artist-And to me, she will ALWAYS reign supreme! ✨

As soon as she took the stage, the energy in the crowd was lively. Her presence alone was enough to get everyone on their feet, but it was her incredible voice and timeless hits that really set the night on fire. Not to mention, her performance included dance moves inspired by the Blackfoot culture, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to the show. Chaka Khan hit the stage with long, burgundy tresses. A mini, black dress with sparkling jewels on the hem, and black patent leather, thigh-high boots.

From the moment she started performing her greatest hits, the audience was transported back in time. Classics like "Ain't Nobody", “Tell Me Something Good”, and “I Feel For You,” had everyone dancing and singing along. It was a sight to behold, seeing a diverse crowd, including a more seasoned audience, moving and grooving to the music-I mean… it’s CHAKA KHAN! The atmosphere was nothing short of magical.

Not only did she light up the stage with her timeless hits, but she also shared a lot of stories in between songs. One exciting piece of news she revealed was her plans to release an album of unreleased music, including collaborations with Prince. It was such a special moment for the audience, adding even more anticipation for her upcoming projects.

I love when artists get into storytelling at concerts because it creates a more intimate and engaging experience for the audience. When artists share personal stories or insights about their songs, it helps fans connect with the music on a deeper level. It adds context and emotion to the performance, making it more memorable. Storytelling is a lost art, and I certainly wish more artists understood its importance. It can make concerts feel unique and special, as each show might include different anecdotes or moments that fans won't experience anywhere else. It turns a concert into more than just a musical performance—it's a shared journey.

One of the most memorable moments of the night was when the Live Nation staff allowed me to move from row C to row A. Being so close to the stage made the experience even more surreal. I danced the entire concert, feeling every beat (S/O to Kaz!) and lyric resonate deeply. Chaka Khan's performance was not just a show; it was an experience that will be cherished by all who attended. Indy Jazz Fest truly outdid itself this year, and Chaka Khan was the crown jewel of the event.

[antaniashanae]

Esperanza Spalding's Unforgettable Night in Indy

As a Portland, Oregon native and five-time Grammy award-winning bassist and songwriter, Esperanza Spalding graced the stage at the Old National Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana, on Saturday, September 14. Being an avid concert-goer and lover of the arts, I couldn’t miss this opportunity, especially since I was visiting my hometown, Indy.

I remember seeing her for the first time in 2010. She did a tribute for Prince on the BET Awards. In many interviews, Esperanza states that Prince handpicked her to perform. Seeing various artists pay tribute-a little chaotic, then you see this jazz artist? Halt! Who is that? I don’t think anyone expected to see her, but the exposure instantly made you want to follow her journey. I was enamored by her artistry and I’m in awe of her evolution in this industry—

Indianapolis is gearing up for Jazz Fest, and it's exciting to see so many artists sliding through. However, “EYE know” that Indy can be a bit snobby, and many artists often skip our city, opting for places like Chicago or Cincinnati instead. But having an artist as acclaimed as Esperanza Spalding perform here was a treat I wouldn’t miss for the world.

Esperanza is a phenomenal storyteller, and her lyricism connects deeply with her audience. She brought a pianist, drummer, and two dancers, KAYLIN HORGAN and TASHAE UDO of the #AntonioBrownDance (NY), adding a unique improvisational touch to the show. The setlist included songs like "I Know You Know," featuring both her upright and electric bass.

The theater was packed, and the energy was palpable. Indy showed up and showered Esperanza with love. The show was sophisticated yet interactive, reflecting her beautiful spirit and unique way of connecting with the audience. She ended the set with "Black Gold," a song she wrote with Indianapolis native, musician, and legend, Justin Tyson. Giving him a shout-out before playing this Grammy award-winning song was a delightful nod to our city's rich musical culture.

Esperanza’s performance was bold and vibrant, ending on a high note with her twerking to the music. Her free spirit and edgy style left a lasting impression on everyone in the audience.

Be sure to check out any remaining dates of this tour. Be sure to stream, ‘Milton + Esperanza'. The most recent album release featuring Brazilian singer and songwriter, Milton Nascimento which released on August 9, 2024.

[antaniashanae]

A Night in the Music City: MonoNeon Quilted Stereo Tour

July 30, 2024

Exit/In -Nashville

I traveled to Nashville, TN on July 30th as my initial plans to see Lianne La Havas in D.C. fell through. Why must ticket re-sellers be so greedy? I watched $85 tickets be flipped to nearly $400 overnight. I suppose, the demand to see her in the US was substantial- I get it. As an avid concertgoer, this didn’t change the fact that I still needed (good) music and entertainment.

Once Lianne was ruled out, I checked to see what other artists were touring: Missy Elliot, Chaka Khan, Jhene Aiko to name a few. The algorithm on Instagram would show MonoNeon’s Quilted Stereo Tour announcement. With little hesitation, I checked out dates and locations and settled on Nashville. This was a bit spontaneous as I have not been to Nashville as a legal drinking adult. I booked a flight out of Dallas, packed my neon green, and was on my way!

MonoNeon, Grammy award winning, super-bassist. He is one of the last to play alongside Prince, and posses an unusual skill of playing the bass with his left hand, upside down on the right-handed instrument. This makes for a unique sound that is only expected from him. His musical style is not only erratic, but genius.

The Memphis native is consistently providing listeners with new  music. He has released another album titled, “Quilted Stereo” which features the “innovator of funk,” GEORGE CLINTON. The album also includes a feature from the beautiful and legendary soul singer, MAVIS STAPLES.  

A nice, sunny day turned dark and rainy as soon as the concert was scheduled to start at 8p, at the Exit/In located at 2208 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203. From the moment I walked into the venue, the atmosphere was electric, filled with concert attendees wearing specks of neon clothing, anticipation and sounds of a past time. I must admit, I was eager to see who his audience consisted of. At the end of the day, we were all in alignment to groove!

Abruptly hitting the stage around 9p, a nameless band and Mononeon take their places. He is wearing a multi-neon-colored, quilted face mask and ski goggles. The building goes up with roaring yells and claps as the band opened with “Hot Cheetos.” And the transitions were consistent.

Although none of my favorite songs were performed, the energy and creativity MonoNeon brought to the stage were undeniable. His ability to create a vibrant atmosphere kept the audience engaged, but we were all wanting more—

With a consistent flow of songs, the vibe felt more like a jam session than a traditional concert. I needed a Red Bull to power through the remainder of the set. The highlight of the night was undoubtedly when MonoNeon performed, “Women, Water, & Weed.” This performance was more of a crescendo, while exposing more of his vocal abilities—which I love. The energy of the room was palpable, and the crowd was completely captivated by his unique sound and stage presence. His talent on the bass guitar is simply unmatched—

Overall, it was a night of musical exploration and unexpected delights. If MonoNeon is ever in your city, be sure to check him out!

Remaining Tour Dates:

[antaniashanae]

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[antaniashanae]

HAPPY 100th BIRTHDAY, IRIS APFEL 🎉 ♥️✨

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Iris Apfel is one of my favorite fashion icons! Her signature look consists of oversized frames and drape necklaces. The New York native had a passion for textiles at a very young age. This is primarily due to her grandmother who allowed her to have “scraps of fabric” when she visited.

Iris Apfel is the reason I “color block” as much as I do. ☺️ she has made everything acceptable when pairing fabrics and colors. Her fashion trends have inspired me for years! She’ll never go out of style.

The fashion mogul has had endorsements with #maccosmetics, #mattel (she has an unreleased Barbie), a coloring book, a #hsn jewelry line that includes large pieces similar to her style.

In an earlier birthday, Iris shares a few gems that’ll last us for years to come!

💎 Iris on age: “Never obsess over your age.” The fashion icon has achieved a great deal of success in her latter years. There’s no deadline to reach your goals.

💎 Iris on relationships: “Pick a partner who celebrates your success.” The fashion mogul expresses that her husband pushed her into the limelight and celebrated her successes. She jokes that he may have enjoyed them more than she did 😂 (Her husband, Carl passed away in 2015 at the age of 100).

💎 Iris on fashion: “When you try to have style, you look uncomfortable.” The fashion mogul encourages happiness over being uncomfortable. 🤗

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Be sure to check out Iris’ new glasses line with #zennioptical

Learn more about Iris, order her book, Iris Apfel: Accidental Icon

Wear your BOLD frames today in honor of thee Iris Apfel 💕

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#irisapfel #cocoagal #fashioninspo #fashionicon #interiordesigner #mogul #fashionblogger #style #boldframes #glasses #birthday #centennialbirthday

[antaniashanae]

I’m a Sagittarius…

Beware of the fire sign! Haha. This is a funny trend I adopted from TikTok. It’s always interesting to learn others perspectives of the archer. It’s funnier to know how other fire signs view themselves in this trend.

[antaniashanae]

Congrats to all the honoree’s that were recognized for being changemakers in community! Keep being the light we need. ❤️

[antaniashanae]

Ah. 🤗

Thank you, Voyage Magazine for the opportunity to share my thoughts surrounding self care. This was one of my favorite interviews, because it’s crucial that we’re taking care of ourselves.

To recognize when I need to indulge in “me time” is important. There are so many components of me, and in my world, the days often mash into each other. There are times I forget to give myself a little grace while I’m being Super Woman. Self-care looks different for everyone. I urge you to find “your jam” and stick to it.

Take care of you. 🩷

[antaniashanae]

Carlos Santana Plays Dos Equis!

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