Get Ready for the Biggest Party of the Decade. Featuring The Dopest CreW in Vegas @ the Grand Casino this Friday June 4th 8pm.
Yes Downtown Freemont Street @ the
Grand Casino 3rd Floor Pool Area.
Featuring BLOCK PARTY!!!🎉🎈🎉🎈🎹🎙🎼🎧

Lady Flava

Team Block Party Vegas- Marketing & Promotions

Flyers by Lady Flava

Video by Andrey Seville

Over the past few years as I embark on a new life as Lady Flava in Las Vegas, I’ve heard the stories how the opportunities for Black Entertainment has shifted drastically. The shift came when the once performed at The Strip casinos making a great living as Vegas Entertainers, to being pushed to the smaller off strip casinos and performing for the locals.

I’ve heard a variety of stories from when the mob ran the casinos they were working all the time and thriving success wise and financially.

When one of the great Black Entertainers, Phil Flowers passed away…my heart hurt because I just knew I would have the opportunity to hear his version of the rise and fall of Black Entertainment in Las Vegas. I never had the chance to have that conversation.

I have a strong desire to find a variety of means to have their stories told and documented for future reference and understanding of the History of Black Entertainment in Las Vegas. I felt that it should be the Black Las Vegas Media persons that should do this, so I began to research who they are.

As I began to share with my family and colleagues, my interests in seeing that the history of these great talents was documented. They question was ask, “why don’t you just do it?” And I would respond that I felt it should be a black media person to do this, not myself. Several people I spoke with, expressed that I should do it because I’m so passionate about it.

I’ve thought long and hard about this. I started to do some research on how to go about it, what tools do I need and deciding who I will I approach to be about of this series.

Now, I’m excited. I’ve purchased some tools to use; such as voice recorder, vlogging camera and journals. I’m accumulating a list of Entertainers to ask if the would be interested in telling their story there truth for my project.

I’ve even contacted 2 of the main casino gaming organizations to see if they will be opening the doors up to the return of Black Entertainment to their different locations. They are apart of Black Entertainment in Las Vegas.

I created a page on this site that I called, “Tell Your Story with Flava.” Just as a contact page for people interested in this project….then I thought, this is what this Project Series should be called.

My goal is to start with Black Entertainers of Las Vegas and then see where this project might take me.

“Tell Your Story with Flava”

Email: ladyflavanews@gmail.com

Lady Flava of Lady Flava News

Flava’s Lounge Radio

Email: flavaslounge@gmail.com

URL: http://blogtalkradio.com/flavaslounge

Have you ever had a voice and somewhere it became mute because started to criticize who you are, and what you say…it’s like you are speaking a foreign language. Since my move to Vegas, that is how it has left for me. It could be all in my head or not, but I silenced myself and it felt better to isolate than to expose myself to too many people. Also I am an Empath, so I can feel energies and at times can become overwhelmed by the energy of many people down here. I like myself and my own company so, isolation is not uncomfortable for me.

In my isolation, I realized that I lost my passion as Lady Flava. During the Covid Pandemic, I lost my passion. I got into a stated that I did not feel social to be on social media, I have nothing to talk about. This bothered me so much and I started saying, “I died in Vegas.” I no that is not healthy to speak negative things into the universe…you see, I do believe in the law of attraction. So, I got back to listening to not only God’s Word but motivational and informational videos to help stimulate me into a productive directions as Lady Flava. Slowly, it began to work, it is working.

What I stopped dreaming about, I now am developing a vision and direction that I want to do. I want to be true to myself, I want speak my truth and not hold back. I am an honestly, God fearing woman…but God brought me here with a purpose and that is to show my support to original art and to the amazing creative soulz around the world.

When this Pandemic lifts, I want to step out in Vegas and explore places and people that I have not taken the opportunity to do. I need to experience something fresh and new to me.

I mention all the time, that now matter when something was created, its is new to someone out there in the world so you should never stop promoting and sharing your past creativity.

I don’t have a team in Vegas. I don’t have a following or a real audience at this point. I am not unaccustomed to putting in the work alone…but this time, I am not going to worry about what people think. I know that I am still the new girl on the block in Vegas but I know how to leave my mark with my passion and honest support of what I like.

So, the shift starts now. I will speak my truth on the variety of platforms that I inhabit here on the internet. I hope my passion will be felt and valued. I will be heartfelt in my determination and dedicated to my goal of just doing what I do, my way with no excuses or apologies.

This time around, it will be better and the most authentic that I have ever been as Lady Flava. Those that respect will pay attention and those that aren’t feeling what I say and do will drop off or watch from the wings…I welcome it all. This is what I see as growth for me.

Stepping into my present and my future with finally a vision again.

I’m Back in Flavaville, USA

Lady Flava of Lady Flava News & Flava’s Lounge Radio

• 

I started writing this blog towards the end of last year and just saw that I had not published it. This has become hidden treasures, one of those hole in the walls in North Las Vegas that has found a special place in my heart and stomach. I was first introduced to it by one of my staff at the hospital who would have food delivered to us from there. Then I googled it and found out that it is located less than 10 minutes away from me. Dangerous, but I keep myself under control and only go by there when I want something yummy to eat and this is what comes to mind.

This now I fast forward to this past weekend in March…and I had one of those moments…I was out running errands and decided to run by there for some Veggie Friend Rice and Veggie Egg Foo Young. I was in heaven (I did not take a picture.) The above picture was taken in September of 2020 which is my go to meal of Veggie Fried Rice and Catfish Dinner with the sides of sweet potatoes, greens and hot water cornbread.

Soul Foo Young is a combination of Chinese and Soul Food. When you order at the pick-up window, it could be a 20-30 minute wait, but let me tell you it is well worth it. If you blink, you might miss it…but now that the word is getting out…so check out:

Soul Foo Young

1216 W Owens Ave-Las Vegas, NV 89106

Order Ahead: 702-539-0333

Hours: 11am-9pm Tuesday-Friday

11am-6pm Saturday & Sunday

Closed on Mondays

Lady Flava News

Lady Flava News Rating: 8 Flava Snaps

You see that I started out this blog with pictures of food…Although, this is not why I went to the West Side Oasis, it is a big facture of what captured my attention and will cause me to return for a pick up order on my way home from work. The food was outstanding, the display was beautiful and eye catching and let me tell the prices were so reasonable. Since I got off work early and was hungry after I went home, showered and head down the street, I knew I would order food to eat as soon as I arrived.

I met up with my friend and colleague, Lillian Rice from Love The Music Entertainment & Productions. She invited me to come out to check out this new venue and support Bobby Rose & Friends, along with Queen ARIES and Miss Renee. The sound systems was not up to par, it turned out that Bobby had to bring his own sound system because the Oasis does not have a Backline. This will be one of the factors that can pose a problem in providing quality sound for the variety of entertainment to come perform at the Oasis. I have seen Bobby Rose & Friends…Along with Queen ARIES perform at other venues so I was not concern with their performance at all.

(I originally posted snippet videos of tonight’s audition, but out of respect for these great talents, I deleted the videos and pictures.)

As the night came to and end, an early evening which worked well for me…I was interested in finding out more about this new venue and what the owner was looking for in entertainment and ideas of the use of his wonderful space. Lilian and i did get the opportunity to speak to Terry Adams the venue’s owner. Honestly, he appeared to be disinterested in speaking to us. When I realized who the owner was, he was the gentleman outside the door when I arrived, who did not greet me nor open the door for me to go in.

I introduced myself and expressed my interest in his club and was pleased to have a black owned business which would provide a space black entertainment to take place in my neighborhood. I told him a little about myself, letting him know that I wanted to post a review but wasn’t sure if I should strictly base it off my experience of this evening. I was thinking of coming back a few times to see if it would evolve quickly into a full functioning performance space.

Terry Adams was not warm and engaging. He expressed that his goal is to make this a multifaceted gathering place for community, local and mainstream talents, politics and event hosting. Along with media recordings, restaurant, bar and gaming with the plan to be fully functioning 24 hours, with food service ending around 11pm. It sounded great but I felt a disconnect from the owner, but he did express that he has been working nonstop to get the venue open.

I understand working nonstop and having last minute things to pull together and being exhausted. I also understand the need for great people skills and being welcoming and engaging to entice people to return to your place of business.

I started this review almost 2 months ago and hesitated in sharing my truth. Was it fair to base it off of a one time experience. Then the words rang in my head, “ you only get 1 chance to make a first impression.” My 1st experience was not one that pulled on me to return, due to the following reasons:

1- The owners disconnect.

2- The poor customer service

3- The lack of sound equipment. The entertainment had to bring their own, and without the proper time and space to get the sound right.

4- No social distancing and hand sanitizer visible. This was my first time out in 1 year and I have Covid issues, so I went home and showered immediately.

Since my one and only visit I have had a variety of conversations with people from the community and people I know and the one thing in common, was the disappointment around the customer service. Another thing that has been implemented is a charge to sit at a table…this I have never heard of. So, on an average what I have heard was expressed hopes that this would be one of the locations to come to for entertainment, food and drink and then displeasure in an actual experience a time or two.

Honestly, I’m not sure what could draw me back to West Side Oasis…clearly the food I enjoyed and the fact that it’s 5 minutes from my home is not enough at this point.

I’m disappointed in my one time experience but will keep my ears open to what I hear…you know, word of mouth is a powerful tool.

2-FLAVA SNAPS

Lady Flava of Lady Flava News

With permission from a colleague of mine, I am posting a review written on a variety of internet business review sites along with social media:

When you open a business that is customer based and reliant upon people to buy your product and enlist people to help you to get your business off the ground and to become successful how do you treat all of your customers? Do you think that because you are trying to improve the reputation of a particular area of town it is alright to treat people that are celebrities one way and the people who support you by purchasing another way?

I believe that all people should be respected and treated the same way. Good customer service, good product and appropriate follow up are the hallmarks of any successful business.
If you have been to a place more than 4 times and receive the same disrespectful treatment and terrible service would you say something to the public by giving an appropriate bad review because more than one area of service falls terribly short of what is expected from other businesses in the same category or should you just accept it as a norm and say nothing.

When people spend thier money they expect great service am I right or wrong?
I am in a quandry because I would like to see this business prosper and become a great hallmark in Las Vegas however they fall short of what is decently expected. Unfortunately in speaking with previous new patrons I have found the same complaints. 1. Poor customer service staff just will outright ignore you or tell you they will be right back and don’t come back because they are told it is not necessary to serve those persons right away they can wait. 2. Charge on price on a menu and when your bill comes for the same drink for example ordered you have been upcharged for the second and/or third drink and food is a different price than what is on the menu that you selected from. Oh also there are 2 menus but you absolutely adhere to the appropriate menu for the time frame. 3. Recieve food cold or outright not cooked at all. 4. Bought food by the server that you did not order and than billed for it after you have told them it was not your order. 5. Told that “we serve paying customers 1st and than we serve others.” When you can show that there has not been a time that you went and supported them that you did not spend no less than at least $80.00 to $100.00 with tips each time you have been there.

There is more. Westside Oasis receives 2 stars from me and the only reason is because they hired Bobby Rose and friends to help them build thier business. If it wasn’t for the entertainment this establishment would would recieve Zero stars. If you read this entire review I look forward to your feedback. Thank you.

Lillian Rice of Love The Music EMP 5/5/21

I was told today that Face Masks are helping but not a full blown answer to stopping the spread of Covid. I was advised to stay away from going to small enclosed venues… Covid is being spread amongst those wearing masks. It makes me think about the unknown symptoms that do not include temperature as a warning signs.

This is so confusing on what is real fact and how to keep ourselves safe.

I came home feeling drained today. It was a good day, but a challenging day at the hospital.

So, what are your thoughts? Have you been exposed? How do you feel about this crazy pandemic, that doesn’t seem to have an end in sight?

Thinking out loud…

Lady Flava of Lady Flava News

He Plays Me…My Piano Man

Sometimes he plays the keys across my body

Hitting notes I’ve never heard from within myself, as the abstract movement shifts in tempo

And in those moments I feel loved, allowing his powerful energy to consume me

I sway back and forth, meeting every, beat as if I’m orchestrating the song but it’s his essence that causes the dance to continue

My toes curl and I moan from inside out and back again, am I singing…

I find my peace, as he plays his piece upon my keyboard, which I let him, it’s his

Soft and gentle melodies 

Hard and powerful cords

Prediction and surprises as notes rise and fall

Never a disappointing experience as I feel his music erupt from his soul into mine and dig my nails into the piercing fullness of our musical climax

Breathing fast, with crescendos exploding, quieting to a whispering  sonnet

He tells me words that I’m beautiful, as if he really means it, but the stroke of the keys allows me to feel it every time he plays across my keyboard

And I fall in love with him Time and Time again, as we continue our lustful journey of making music together

Engulfed by the sounds of his presence and feeling the aftershocks of the melodic holding between us, sometimes I cry 

Soft and gentle melodies 

Hard and powerful cords 

Trusting his song is so important to me, so I close my eyes and I pray

Knowing God gave him a gift and talent to play his heart for many to experience, and I wonder if I am his real muse

I listen…I really listen and I feel him, all of him playing cords that make sense to only us

My soul craves his music, his rhythm pleasantly sweeps over me as I drift off to sleep

Sending shivers up my spine as the tempo speeds up and slows down in my dreams, or not

Allowing myself to get caught up in the transitions of the cadence of my own voice, wondering if am I awake and is he still here next me me

Soft and gentle melodies 

Hard and powerful cords 

The steady pounding on the keys keeps the rhythm and the arch of his fingers creates the mystery of the story

Throwing me off with a push and pull as I try to meet the progression of every key

At times lyrics slip out, and more and more of his musical soul is revealed to me, as I allow my bricks to come down and I share my song…this is the music we are creating

With Funky tones and soulful cries I revel in the openness of what I’ve come to know with him

A mixture of black and white keys creates the journey to a natural reaction, driven by the stroke of his fingers and I scream a climatic note 

Soft and gentle melodies 

Hard and powerful cords 

The notes become quiet and his breath is shallow, as his revelation comes to a halt

Leaving me with a knowing of his presence, as our song plays over and over in my head

I search to see if it’s just the remnants of musical notes, or the flow of yesterday’s show

Producer or should I say conductor or maybe even Song Writer … Naw, you’re my piano man

Running up and down my keyboard playing me inside and out and I love it, I crave it even when it makes me cry because I know your song and I know mine

Soft and gentle melodies 

Hard and powerful cords

Remembering, I scream…

Closing my eyes and feeling the vibe

Waiting for the next piano journey of scales to be played

Only you know the direction to take my mind, body and soul 

This is the music we create together

I know you, I’ve heard that tune over and over, but every time it’s a new experience…something changes and I trust the notes you play across my fragile body, you are the director of this performance, the creator of our songs

An excitement draws me to your music and I pay attention as a passion keeps me in the moment of the dueling of our musical bliss

But your creative power and authentic form of communication has captured my attention, it’s so challenging but that’s why I stand by you, besides you, under you and over you…as we create our own songs together, that only we can hear

Soft and gentle melodies 

Hard and powerful cords

Play Me Piano Man….Even if it’s just a fantasy, or a memory of once upon a time.

Written by Lady Flava 

8/25/19