Thursday, December 31, 2015

New Year's Resolutions 2016: Focus (Back to the Basics)!


Have you started your New Year's Resolutions for 2016?


New Year - New You: 6 Tips for Making a Great New Year's Resolution. http://huff.to/1Oz3aa6

This year I'm trying something different.  I teamed up with some close friends (accountability partners) and we wrote our resolutions this past weekend (before January 1st). This is a great thing because that means I'm working towards my goals before the start of the new year. This way, I'm already in motion towards my goals for the new year. We plan to check on each other during the course of the new year to track our progress.

I am believer in new year resolutions (goals) for the new year.  I feel they give you something to look forward to and to work towards during the year.  My problem with resolutions are I don't have them in a place where I can see them on a consistent bases and I often get off course during the course of the year. I find myself at the end of the year wondering what went wrong. To counter this, I've created a goal book where I've printed my goals out and I can refer back to them on a monthly basis.  I've also created a couple of vision boards that I can look at daily to remind me of my dreams and desires.

This year, I also joined the Activate Movement, lead by the chief Activator, Lucinda Cross. From the Activate Conference in Atlanta in September and vision board parties at the Circle of Sisters in October and the (place) above Grand Central Station, I noticed a huge improve in my life and perspective/outlook! It's so empowering to be around dynamic, movers/shakers, phenomenal woman who are striving for excellence and to help others. It is often said that you should surround yourself with great people and people who are doing better than you. I've found this to be very true. Every Activate event was a learning experience and a wealth of knowledge that is invaluable. They have definitely kept me focused. For more information about the Activate Movement, visit: http://lucindacross.com/.

That's my theme for 2016: Focus (Back to the Basics) - to stay on course and focused on my goals no matter what the distractions/interruptions.

I wish you much success, good health, love, happiness, wealth, prosperity, peace and joy throughout the new year 2016 and beyond!

Much Love,

Benita Charles

"Performing Diva spreading joy and empowering others!"


http://benitacharles.com


Highlights from the Activate Movement 2015



                           December 5th Activate Vision Board Party at luxe office building 
(top of Grand Central Station)




October 18th Activate Vision Board Party at Circle of Sisters


  


  September 18th - 20th Activate Conference in Atlanta


 

2015 Activate Conference 90s Networking Party in Atlanta


Thursday, December 24, 2015

Merry Christmas from Benita Charles Music!


Merry Christmas!! Christmas time is my favorite time of the year.

On this Christmas Day, I'd like to wish my fans a very special day of love, happiness, laughter, freedom and joy to last for eternity! Today is a gift. Let the spirit of Christmas fill your heart with love!

Thank you so much for your interest and support of my music in 2015. Your encouragement, attendance of my performances and purchase of my music mean the world to me.

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com







Saturday, December 19, 2015

Thanks to all who attended the Holiday Celebration at IL CAFE LATTE on Dec 17th!


Happy Holidays: A special thanks to all who attended the holiday celebration at IL CAFE LATTE!! It was an awesome evening!!



Awesome night: My Pre-launch of Star Entertainment (Holiday Celebration) at IL CAFE LATTE last Thursday night was a huge success! I couldn't have done it alone. A special thanks to all who contributed to the show: Toastmasters For Entrepreneurs, Marcia Chambers (SpeakerMC), Gaelle Weithers (EAT SKATE ROCK), Margaret Babb (Nature Sure Products), Jim Leroy (Freedom Artist Mangement Entertainment), Carolyn Jones (Qi to Go Project), Jinno Germain (Jinno Enterprises), Klehotas Tshyre Higden (Spellbound Productions), Temecia Jackson (Young Talented and Thriving), Jason Thompson (Pavement-films), Andressa Deane (Fashion Authority Palace), Peter Archer (guitarist - Benita Charles Trio), Chao (percussions - Benita Charles Trio), Ed Holley, Gloria Gross, Ken Garner, Ms. Young and  Polo King Skinner of IL CAFE LATTE .





From friend and fan, Se Hee Jo: "Thank you for an amazing show @benitacharles! Twas so nice to see you perform again, such a beautiful voice." #‎musicforthesoul‬ ‪#‎rockstarfriend‬


Event Committee: Marcia Chambers, Benita Charles, Gaelle Weithers and Margaret Babb







More highlights of the Pre-launch of Star Entertainment (Holiday Celebration) at IL CAFE LATTE!






Benita sings original Christmas song, "Christmas Time (My Favorite Time of the Year)" at the show.





Sneak peek (new music): Benita performs "Lessons" at IL CAFE LATTE on Dec 17th.

http://benitacharles.com




Monday, December 14, 2015

A Holiday Celebration, featuring The Benita Charles Trio - Dec 17th!



Toastmasters for EntrepreneursEat Skate Rock and Benita Charles present "A Holiday Celebration featuring The Benita Charles Trio," a special fundraising pre-launch event for Star Entertainment New York at the exquisite IL CAFE LATTE in Harlem!

At the show, Ms. Charles will present new music from her upcoming, Lessons EP on her new digital record label, Star Entertainment New York. She will also sing familiar favorites such as "Never Let Me Go," "Round & Round" and "The Freedom Song" as well as new music and holiday favorites!

The show is a special Pre-launch event to benefit NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles' new premium digital record label/production company, Star Entertainment New York. The company will feature the original music and live musical concerts of Benita Charles with more artists to be added to the roster in the future. For more information about Star Entertainment New York, call (212) 802-9249 or email starent99@hotmail.com. For more information about the artist: Benita Charles, visit: http://benitacharles.comStar Entertainment New York is “Feel good music for the soul!” 

**This event is a Toastmasters for Entrepreneurs' sponsored event.

**Toastmasters for Entrepreneurs is a mastermind forum and club where businesses are referred, relationships are formed and ideas are generated, resulting in increased self-confidence, and enhanced public speaking and leadership skills. For more information, visit: http://www.tm4entrepreneurs.org/.

EAT SKATE ROCK is an underground movement catering to the urban Millennial counter culture. We are a creative collective of foodies, hipsters, skateboarders and independent music artists. EAT SKATE ROCK is the champion of the underdog and provides the stage for starving artists to connect and expose themselves to the world through showcases and various media outlets. Visit us online at www.eatskaterock.com or call 347-974-0847 for more information.

**Join us for light fare (appetizers), cash bar, holiday fun, good times and feel good music for the soul!

 Tickets $20 / For reservations, call (212) 802-9249. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-holiday-celebration-featuring-the-benita-charles-trio-tickets-19427933472

A Holiday Celebration, featuring The Benita Charles Trio! 



***hors d'oeuvres  *** cash bar  ***live music and entertainment!  ***holiday raffle ***holiday fun ***good friends ***good times!!


IL CAFE LATTE is located at 458 W 145th St (between Convent and Amsterdam) in Harlem, New York City.

Friday, December 11, 2015

The Benita Charles Trio @ IL CAFE LATTE on Dec 17th!



The Benita Charles Trio: Benita Charles (vocals), Peter Archer (guitar) and Chao (percussion). We're ready!!

Join us on Dec 17th at IL CAFE LATTE in Harlem for an evening of feel good music for the soul! ($20)

For tickets, visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-holiday-celebration-featuring-the-benita-charles-trio-tickets-19427933472



Thursday, December 10, 2015

People get ready: Benita in rehearsal at IL CAFE LATTE for the big show next week!

Photo courtesy of Margaret Babb of Nature Sure Products


People get ready: Benita in rehearsal at IL CAFE LATTE for the big show next week!

"I'm so excited!! The show is going to be awesome! I can't wait to share my new music and holiday favorites with everyone!" -- Benita Charles

http://benitacharles.com





Performance Details:

Thursday, December 17, 2015 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

"A Holiday Celebration" - featuring The Benita Charles Trio
IL CAFE LATTE 

458 W 145th St (bet. Convent and Amsterdam)
New York, NY 10031
$20.00

For reservations, call (212) 802-9249

For tickets, visit: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-holiday-celebration-featuring-the-benita-charles-trio-tickets-19427933472

Sunday, December 6, 2015

A special thanks to all who attended Preachermann's Birthday Concert at the Shrine on Dec 5th!




A Night to Remember: Thanks to all who attended Preachermann and The Revival at The Shrine in Harlem last night. It was such an awesome show and the audience was so engaging!

Preachermann (Ed Holley) was on fire last night!! He's such an incredible artist and I feel so blessed to share the stage with him and my life! A special happy birthday to him and many, many more!! I love him so much! The best is yet to come!

A very special thanks to Andrew Kerr for opening for Preachermann. It was a great set! Your voice was incredible and I really enjoyed your songs and story. You can find his music at http://andrewkerr.com.

A very special thanks to the Revival Band for a slamming set (Ari Kessler "Joe Team Leader" on keyboards, Joseph Paldino "Clean Papa Joe" on guitar, Karl Watson "The Rock" on saxophone and violin, Nick Paldino "Mr. Soulfly" on guitar and bass, Tom Pope "The Pope of Brooklyn" on drums and Manny Montanez "Music Making Manny" on percussion)! You men brought it last night! The music washed over me and set my soul free. It was incredible! For more information about Preachermann and The Revival, visit: http://preachermann.com.

A special thanks to the Shrine for always making us feel welcomed during our residency this year! It's a great venue and we're so happy to be there!! Looking forward to returning in February 2016!

There were so many new faces last night but they thoroughly enjoyed the show! It was so nice to meet Tara, Fara (who was overjoyed after the show) and Ron (a teacher in the Bronx who said our music brought us back to the old days when he was in a funk band)! This such a huge validation of the impact our music has.

Thanks to all our fans for your continuous support!! Looking forward to rocking again with Preachermann & The Revival in 2016! Happy Holidays!! Stay crunchy and Shalimar!


Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Happy Thanksgiving!




Dear Friends:

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! I wish you safe and wonderful holiday!  I hope it's delightful and special.

On this Thanksgiving, I am so grateful for all of the love and support you've shown me through the years!! It is very much appreciated.

I have a couple of performances coming up that I would like to invite you to:

On Saturday, December 5th, Preachermann celebrates his birthday at a special concert at the legendary Shrine in Harlem.   The show starts at 9 pm with opening act, Andrew Kerr (folk singer/songwriter and Preachermann's best friend). Followed by Preachermann's birthday concert at 10:00 pm.  Join us for a special night of music, good friends and great fun. Let's wish Preachermann a Happy Birthday! (no cover)

On Thursday, December 17th, you're invited to "A Holiday Celebration," featuring the Benita Charles Trio at the exquisite IL CAFE LATTE in Harlem! This is a pre-launch fundraising event for my new record label, Star Entertainment New York. At the show, I will present new music from my upcoming Lessons EP as well as my original holiday music and other favorites from Moments in Love CD. I hope you can join me as I celebrate the holiday season with love and music. Enjoy light fare (appetizers), holiday fun and feel good music for the soul! (Showtime: 7:00 pm) $20 Tickets are available here: http://bit.ly/1LsyHm1

That's all for now. I hope your Thanksgiving holiday is safe and wonderful!!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Performance Details:

Saturday, December 5, 2015 - 9:00 pm - 12:00 am
Preachermann and The Revival
The Shrine
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (134th Street)
New York, NY  10030
(212) 690-7807
http://shrinenyc.com
(No cover)

One night - two great shows!

 9:00 pm - Andrew Kerr

10:00 pm - Preachermann & The Revival Birthday Concert

Join us at The Shrine in Harlem on Saturday, December 5th as we celebrate Preachermann's birthday for a soulful set of ATOMIC SOUL! Leave your burdens at the door and let the music set you free!! You have to see it to believe it! Showtime (birthday set) starts at 10:00 pm. For more information about Preachermann, visit: http://preachermann.com.

Opening act for Preachermann’s Birthday Show this year at 9 pm is folk singer/songwriter and Preachermann’s best friend, Andrew Kerr. He has been described as a poignant, and witty singer/songwriter - Aimee Mann meets James Taylor. For more information, visit: http://andrewkerr.com.

Join us for a special night of great soulful music, good friends and good vibes. Let’s all wish Preachermann a very special Happy Birthday! (no cover) Stay crunchy: Shalimar!!

***
Thursday, December 17, 2015 - 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
The Benita Charles Trio
IL CAFE LATTE
458 W. 145th Street (bet. Convent and Amsterdam)
New York, NY 10031
$20 - For tickets, visit the Eventbrite event: http://bit.ly/1LsyHm1

Toastmasters for Entrepreneurs, Eat Skate Rock and Benita Charles present "A Holiday Celebration" featuring The Benita Charles Trio at the exquisite IL CAFE LATTE in Harlem.

The show is a special fundraising Pre-launch event to benefit NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles' new premium digital record label/production company, Star Entertainment New York. The company will feature the original music and live musical concerts of Benita Charles with more artists to be added to the roster in the future. For more information about the company, call (212) 802-9249.

At the show, Ms. Charles will present new music from her upcoming Lessons EP on her new record label, Star Entertainment New York. She will also sing familiar favorites such as "Never Let Me Go," "Round & Round" and "The Freedom Song" as well as new music and holiday favorites.

Join us for light fare (appetizers), cash bar, holiday fun and "feel good music for the soul!" ($20 admission).



Saturday, November 21, 2015

Preachermann celebrates his birthday at a special concert at the Shrine on Dec 5th!




One night - two great shows: Saturday, December 5, 2015 @ The Shrine in Harlem:
9:00 pm – Andrew Kerr
10:00 pm – Preachermann & The Revival Birthday Show
Join us at The Shrine in Harlem on Saturday, December 5th as we celebrate Preachermann's birthday for a soulful set of ATOMIC SOUL! Leave your burdens at the door and let the music set you free!! You have to see it to believe it! Showtime (birthday set) starts at 10:00 pm. For more information about Preachermann, visit:http://preachermann.com.
Opening act for Preachermann’s Birthday Show this year at 9 pm is folk singer and Preachermann’s best friend, Andrew Kerr. He has been described as a poignant, and witty singer-songwriter - Aimee Mann meets James Taylor. For more information, visit:http://andrewkerr.com.
Join us for a special night of great soulful music, good friends and good vibes. Let’s all wish Preachermann a very special Happy Birthday! (no cover) 

For more information about the event, visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/1558498304404052/. 

The Shrine is located at 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (at 134th Street) in Harlem, New York City.


Stay crunchy: Shalimar!!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

A Holiday Celebration featuring The Benita Charles Trio - Dec 17th!

You're invited: Star Entertainment NY Pre-launch event - A Holiday Celebration featuring The Benita Charles Trio!


Toastmasters for EntrepreneursEat Skate Rock and Benita Charles present "A Holiday Celebration featuring The Benita Charles Trio," a special fundraising pre-launch event for Star Entertainment New York at the exquisite IL CAFE LATTE in Harlem!

At the show, Ms. Charles will present new music from her upcoming, Lessons EP on her new digital record label, Star Entertainment New York. She will also sing familiar favorites such as "Never Let Me Go," "Round & Round" and "The Freedom Song" as well as new music and holiday favorites!

The show is a special Pre-launch event to benefit NY-Vocalist, Benita Charles' new premium digital record label/production company, Star Entertainment New York. The company will feature the original music and live musical concerts of Benita Charles with more artists to be added to the roster in the future. For more information about Star Entertainment New York, call (212) 802-9249 or email starent99@hotmail.com. For more information about the artist: Benita Charles, visit: http://benitacharles.comStar Entertainment New York is “Feel good music for the soul!” 

**This event is a Toastmasters for Entrepreneurs' sponsored event.

**Toastmasters for Entrepreneurs is a mastermind forum and club where businesses are referred, relationships are formed and ideas are generated, resulting in increased self-confidence, and enhanced public speaking and leadership skills. For more information, visit: http://www.tm4entrepreneurs.org/.

EAT SKATE ROCK is an underground movement catering to the urban Millennial counter culture. We are a creative collective of foodies, hipsters, skateboarders and independent music artists. EAT SKATE ROCK is the champion of the underdog and provides the stage for starving artists to connect and expose themselves to the world through showcases and various media outlets. Visit us online at www.eatskaterock.com or call 347-974-0847 for more information.

**Join us for light fare (appetizers), cash bar, holiday fun, good times and feel good music for the soul!

 Tickets $20 / For reservations, call (212) 802-9249. Tickets are available here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-holiday-celebration-featuring-the-benita-charles-trio-tickets-19427933472

A Holiday Celebration, featuring The Benita Charles Trio! 

***hors d'oeuvres  *** cash bar  ***live music and entertainment!  ***holiday raffle ***holiday fun ***good friends ***good times!!


IL CAFE LATTE is located at 458 W 145th St (between Convent and Amsterdam) in Harlem, New York City.

Sunday, November 15, 2015

A special thanks to all who attended the Shrine show last night!

A special thanks to all who attended the Preachermann and The Revival Show at the Shrine in Harlem last night!

It was so great to see our friends, Jay Ward and Desmond Shaw. There were a lot of new faces last night. The great thing was there were people from the previous show who stayed for our whole show! That was unbelievable! After the show, one of the ladies told me that the were going to stay for only one song out of politeness, but they were so blown away, they couldn't leave. Isn't that awesome! The power of music never ceases to amaze me!!

A very special thanks to Preachermann and The Revival (Ed Holley, Ari Kessler, Paul Paldino, Nick Paldino, Joseph Paldino, Karl Watson, and Tom Pope)! It's always so wonderful performing with such amazing musicians. I've grown so much as an artist and performer making music with you all. I always leave show the happier and more fulfilled than when I came to the show. The power of music!

Thanks to the Shrine for their hospitality! They always made us feel like royalty!! The Shrine is our home!

I know first hand the power of music.  I came to the Shrine last night weary, tired from the week and drained.  I left the show energized and with a renewed allegiance to pursue my dreams. That's the power of music. It touches the soul. I am so grateful for the gift of music!!

No matter who you are and whatever your gifts and talents are, don't stop living your dreams. The world needs it now more than ever!

Much Love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com


Missed the show? Watch it live here: http://livamp.com/preachermann.

Friday, November 13, 2015

Prayers for Paris



Prayers for Paris: Sending love and prayers for the people of Paris and all those who lost loved ones.


Paris attacks: At least 153 killed in gunfire and blasts, French officials say: http://www.cnn.com/2015/11/13/world/paris-shooting/index.html


Peace for Paris:


Preachermann & The Revival return to The Shrine in Harlem for a soulful set - Nov 14th!




We're baaak! On Saturday, November 14th, Preachermann & The Revival return to The Shrine in Harlem for a soulful set of ATOMIC SOUL! Come to the show and leave your burdens at the door! Let the music set you free. You have to see it to believe it! Showtime is 10:00 pm (no cover). Shalimar!! #staycrunchy

For more information about Preachermann, visit: http://preachermann.com.

The Shrine is located at 2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd (at 134th Street) in Harlem, New York City.




Monday, September 28, 2015

10th annual Indie Soul Mixer at DROM and The Shrine a hugh success!


A special thanks to Mike Ashley and Dexter Myers for producing a successful and entertaining Indie Soul Mixer for the 10th anniversary on Sunday, September 27th!! The amount of talent and great souls in the room filled my spirit.

It is said there's strength in numbers and you should surround yourselves with like-minded people. This is what I experienced last night. If you didn't get encouragement to keep spreading your gifts and talents to the world from listening to all the great artists, I don't what you'd need.  Each artist brought his/her talent and unique way sharing their story and their music!  I absolutely loved it. My only regret is I couldn't stay and see each and every artist!

It was so great to see my friends: Dejavoux (Cheryl Alford and Crystal Alford), Brian Christopher, Gloria Ryann and her adorable son, Trillary Banks, Sydney Gabrielle, the lovely, Mika, Danny Brookings (great job on the DJ set), Paula Ralph Birkett, Mycah Chevalier, Charisa Dowe Rouse (Violin Diva), my friends from the A-Train Productions (Matthew Moody, Nikki Nicole, Ofnie Thee Ufo and many other talented artists from the group) and to all the other talented artists from around the world. You all are so awesome!  I'm so honored to be in the company of such amazing artists.  There's so much power in music and each and everyone of you brought it last night!! It makes me so proud to be a music maker.

A special thanks to my band, The Benita Charles Trio. Peter Archer (guitar) and Manny Montanez (percussion) for your continuous support of my project.  It's an honor to share the stage with you.  You really took my song, Never, Ever Give Up to another level! It was so much fun with you gentlemen as always!!

A special thanks to Mrs. Russia Montanez for your support and for taking the pictures and videos of our group.  It was so wonderful to have you there! I appreciate your help!!

To the staff at DROM, thanks for allowing us to share your space.  I appreciate the hospitality of the staff with getting me the tea I needed. They were awesome!

It was great evening. The power of music was in the room and every one bright their "A" game last night!! That's what you have to do because you never know who will see you or be inspired by your performance.

On Monday night, Sept 28th, the last event of the Indie Soul Mixer was the Rendezvous produced by Marko Nobles of RhythmandSoulRadio.com. It was so much fun.  It was great to see the lovely, Mika. I can't wait to see her on stage again. It was good to see Danny Brookings at the show. The Uptown Trio (the house band for the Rendezvous killed it!!) Mama Soul - the diva hostess did her thing at DROM and at The Shrine for the Rendezvous. She kept the show flowing.  The artists I saw were awesome. Cush I Kushanti, a reggae artist, was really great.  He had the crowd rocking.  I had the pleasure of meeting artist, Tai Allen after his soulful set. He worked it! I was able to stay for one song of the hip hop artist, LuQuantumleap Lab but unfortunately, I had to leave.  I was impressed with what I heard. He had so much energy! I thoroughly enjoyed all of the music. It was a fun evening!

To all the artist: Keep keeping on sharing your beautiful music to the world. Always remember: NEVER, EVER GIVE UP!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

10th Annual Indie Soul Mixer 2015 at DROM - 9/27/15


Benita @ The Rendezvous at The Shrine - 9/28/15
The Benita Charles Trio @ DROM - 9/27/15