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 

Benita Charles #5 on Reverbnation R&B/Soul chart for New York!

Moving...moving...moving...Right to the top: Today, I'm #5 on the Reverbnation R&B music chart for New York!! I have the best fans in the world!! Thank you for your continued love and support!!

Tonight, I will be debuting my new song, "Never, Ever Give Up!" with The Benita Charles Trio. I co-wrote this great song with the lovely Jean Wiltz ! I can't wait for you to hear it. See you tonight at The 10th annual Indie Soul Mixer at DROM in the east village! ($10 cover)

DROM is located at 85 Avenue A in the east village, New York City.

BENITA CHARLES MUSIC

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

http://benitacharles.com

‪#‎musicchart‬ #5 ‪#‎top10‬‪#‎ Reverbnation‬ ‪#‎newmusic‬ ‪#‎IndieSoulMixter‬ ‪#‎DROM‬ ‪#‎eastvillage‬ ‪#‎BenitaCharles‬

Preachermann makes worldwide debut with new project Holy Forest!

Great News: Ed "Preachermann" Holley makes his worldwide debut of a new song he sings on called, "Africa Calling" on the Gilles Peterson BBC Radio 6 Music Show (an international radio show). This is a side project he's working on called Holy Forest. Here's the link to the radio show: http://bbc.in/1iUkyYS

Holy Forest is a new musical project from songwriter and documentary filmmaker Jon Fine (Still Bill, Herbie Hancock’s Possibilities), who recorded an album over 3 years across the Gambia and several cities in the United States. “Africa Calling,” the lead single from the self-titled Holy Forest LP, pairs the virtuosic sounds of Gambian griot Tata Din Din Jobarteh (aka the Jimi Hendrix of the kora) with the robust vocals of Harlem-based singer Ed “Preachermann” Holley and horns from members of Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra on a song inspired by a trip to the Makasutu forest.

This is so awesome for Preachermann!! It's only the beginning for great things to come! Congratulations and best wishes on the new project!!

Holy Forest "Africa Calling" (Official Video)

10th annual Indie Soul Mixer at DROM - Sunday, Sept 27th!

10th Annual Indie Soul Mixer NYC presented by Executive Producers, Mike Ashley & Dexter Myers!!!! Join us sunday, September 27 | 5pm at DROM-NYC where all the Indie Soul creators from all over the world will come to NYC to network and participate in the world-famous jam session!!!! Benita Charles Trio will be in the house!

Celebrating 10 years of the Indie Soul Mixer - and the Excellence of Indie Soul talent that has passed through our doors over that period, and new emerging talent. Indie Soul Mixer 'alumni' will be encouraged to attend.

There are still slots available to perform.  If interested, email dextermyers@gmail.com.

For more information about the event, visit: http://www.facebook.com/events/482375281935720/

DROM is NYC's premier music venue located at 85 Avenue A in in the East Village. For more information, visit: www.dromnyc.com.

****

A message from Mike Ashley:

For 10 years I have been co- promoter of the Indie Soul Mixer Event in New York.

The event is principally for Independent Soul Artists, enabling them to perform and network amongst and with their peers.  It is attended by emerging and established Independent artists.  The list is endless and many have graced our stage.

It offers opportunities for UK artists to grace the stage in New York to perform in front of an audience of other Independent artists, and others who are committed to the development of Indie Soul (or related) talent - Promoters, Radio DJ's, management etc.

The event is for artists (although it is open to the public) for networking and enhancing their connections and business models. We will give priority to any artists from the UK so please take the opportunity to appear on stage at one of New Yorks hottest spots right now, and one that has graced many high level Indie Soul Artists over recent years.

Several US artists have taken the opportunity to include trips to the UK in their promotional budgets and have, through ISM connections, worked and collaborated with UK artists.  There are many initiatives and collaborations between US and UK artists that have arisen as a result of attending ISM, and I will detail some of these over the coming months.  Only a few have made the reverse trip - UK to US, however, it is an opportunity that should be considered.

There will be 'partner' events over the weekend to enhance the New York experience and make it more worthwhile and productive.

The event itself is a joint venture between myself and Independent artist Dexter Myers so it truly is an international cross border initiative. We have great assistance with our friends at Rhythm and Soul Radio and our other US 'partners'.  Again these will be referenced as we approach the event.

It also offers the opportunity for anyone connected with the promotion of Indie Soul in the UK to meet and exchange with like minded people in the US

500 FB Fan Likes for Benita Charles Music!

Awesome: 500 FB fan likes on my music page - Benita Charles Music! A special thanks to all my fans for your support through the yeaers!! You are awesome! I am so grateful.

Benita Charles Music FB Fan Page: http://on.fb.me/1LT7Yja 

Benita Charles Artist Website: http://benitacharles.com

"Spreading love through music for your inspiration and entertainment

Benita Charles to compete in Toastmasters Area Contest - 9/24/15

A blessing in disguise: This past Wednesday, I placed second in the Moody's Toastmasters Club Humorous Speech Contest. However, the first place winner is not able to make the area contest next week. I will be representing our club next week instead. I feel like this a perfect opportunity to get it right! I'll take it!

The Toastmasters Area Contest for the financial district will be held on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at Moody's Corporation at 7 World Trade Center at 6 pm.

Only 2 weeks away: 10th Annual Indie Soul Mixer at DROM - 9/27/15

10th Annual Indie Soul Mixer NYC presented by Executive Producers, Mike Ashley & Dexter Myers!!!! Join us sunday, September 27 | 5pm at DROM-NYC where all the Indie Soul creators from all over the world will come to NYC to network and participate in the world-famous jam session!!!! Benita Charles Trio will be in the house!

Celebrating 10 years of the Indie Soul Mixer - and the Excellence of Indie Soul talent that has passed through our doors over that period, and new emerging talent. Indie Soul Mixer 'alumni' will be encouraged to attend.

There are still slots available to perform.  If interested, email dextermyers@gmail.com.

For more information about the event, visit: http://www.facebook.com/events/482375281935720/

DROM is NYC's premier music venue located at 85 Avenue A in in the East Village. For more information, visit: www.dromnyc.com.

****

A message from Mike Ashley:

For 10 years I have been co- promoter of the Indie Soul Mixer Event in New York.

The event is principally for Independent Soul Artists, enabling them to perform and network amongst and with their peers.  It is attended by emerging and established Independent artists.  The list is endless and many have graced our stage.

It offers opportunities for UK artists to grace the stage in New York to perform in front of an audience of other Independent artists, and others who are committed to the development of Indie Soul (or related) talent - Promoters, Radio DJ's, management etc.

The event is for artists (although it is open to the public) for networking and enhancing their connections and business models. We will give priority to any artists from the UK so please take the opportunity to appear on stage at one of New Yorks hottest spots right now, and one that has graced many high level Indie Soul Artists over recent years.

Several US artists have taken the opportunity to include trips to the UK in their promotional budgets and have, through ISM connections, worked and collaborated with UK artists.  There are many initiatives and collaborations between US and UK artists that have arisen as a result of attending ISM, and I will detail some of these over the coming months.  Only a few have made the reverse trip - UK to US, however, it is an opportunity that should be considered.

There will be 'partner' events over the weekend to enhance the New York experience and make it more worthwhile and productive.

The event itself is a joint venture between myself and Independent artist Dexter Myers so it truly is an international cross border initiative. We have great assistance with our friends at Rhythm and Soul Radio and our other US 'partners'.  Again these will be referenced as we approach the event.

It also offers the opportunity for anyone connected with the promotion of Indie Soul in the UK to meet and exchange with like minded people in the US

A special thanks to all who came out to The Shrine last night!

Last night's show at The Shrine in Harlem was so awesome! There's only one word to describe it: electric!! The music...the band...Preachermann...the audience - it truly euphoria! That's what I love about music.  You come in heavy burdened and you leave happy and alive!  It's truly a blessing to be a music maker. I'm so grateful.

A special thanks to all who came out and celebrated the music with us!! It's always great to see Mr. & Mrs. Holley. We are so grateful for their love and support. There were so many new friends we met: Abagail, Corey, Senegal, Sabrina from Switzerland and her friend, Joe's (Clean Papa Joe - Revival guitarist) friends and the audience members who were sitting at the bottom of the stage patiently waiting for us to start!! How awesome is that? I have a feeling this is only the beginning of more great things to come!!

A very special thanks to Preachermann & The Revival!!  To Ed Holley, Ari Kessler, Joe Paldino, Paul Paldino, Nick Paldino, Tom Pope and Karl Watson: It is such an  exhilarating experience playing with you all on stage. You are such an awesome and professional group of musicians! It's truly a blessing.  I've grown so much as an artist and entertainer playing with you. You are awesome!! I came to the show feeling glum and left the show feeling on top of the world because of the beautiful music you created!! That's the power of music! It is a gift.

It was so awesome to have our bassist, Paul Paldino with us last night! He is presently on a national tour with Matt Jaffe and the Distractions. We were happy to have him rock with us.  Wishing him much success as he embarks on a new chapter in his music career!

Thanks to all our fans for your continued support and well wishes of our music!! We are grateful.

I thank God every day for the gift of music.  To see it's power and how it unites people of all ages, backgrounds, races and nationalities - it's a miracle!! That's the power of music!

As always, stay crunchy!! Shalimar!!

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

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

"Spreading love for your inspiration and entertainment!"

http://benitacharles.com

Back on top: Benita Charles Music is #9 on the Reverbnation NY Music Chart!!

Back on top: Benita Charles Music is number 9 on the ReverbNation R&B/Soul charts for New York, NY! www.reverbnation.com/benitacharles ‪

Benita Charles Music: Upcoming Shows for September!

Dear Friends:

As we say goodbye to the summer, I hope you have fond memories of a great one! I hope your recent Labor Day holiday was enjoyable. It's back to school time for all the children and I wish them a successful school year.

Today, marks the 14th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.  On this day, we remember and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11/01. We will never forget. Sending peace, love and God's comfort to those who lost loves ones and friends on that day.

I have a couple of performances coming up this month that I'd like to share with you:

Tomorrow (September 12th), Preachermann & The Revival return to the Shrine in Harlem for a soulful set at 10 pm. If you're looking for something to do this weekend, I hope you can share this musical experience with us.  It's truly magical!  You have to see it to believe it!! There's no cover as always.  Come as you are and leave your cares behind.

Next Sunday (September 27th), The Benita Charles Trio will perform at the 10th annual Indie Soul Mixer at DROM in the east village.  It's always an exciting show with lots of talented artists from all over the world.  The show starts at 5 pm and runs through the night. I'm usually one of the earlier acoustic acts.  I hope you can join in the fun. ($10 cover)

That's all for now.  I have more exciting things coming up that I will announce really soon.  Take care and I hope you enjoy the fall season!

Much love,

Benita Charles Music

http://benitacharles.com

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

***

Performance Details:

Saturday, September 12, 2015 - 10:00 pm - 12:00 am
Preachermann & The Revival
The Shrine
2271 Adam Clayton Powell Blvd. (134th Street)
New York, NY 10031
(212) 690-7807
http://shrinenyc.com

He's baack! Preachermann returns to The Shrine with his band, The Revival at the legendary Harlem venue for an evening of atomic soul!

Join us for a night of music that feeds the soul. You have to see it to believe it! Shalimar!!

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


Sunday, September 27, 2015 - 5:00 pm - 12:00 am
10th annual Indie Soul Mixer NYC - The Benita Charles Trio
DROM
85 Avenue A, New York, NY 10009
(212) 777-1157
http://dromnyc.com
$10.00

The 10th annual Indie Soul Mixer NYC will join artists from all over the world for the world-famous jam session!

The Benita Charles Trio will perform a soulful set along with a host of other very talented artists who have performed at the Indie Soul Mixer through the years.

For more information about the event, visit: http://www.facebook.com/events/482375281935720/

Remembering September 11th

Today on September 11th, we remember and honor those who lost their lives on 9/11/01. We will never forget.

Sending peace, love and God's comfort to those who lost loved ones and friends on that day.

#NeverForget911 #Honor911 #September11 #peace #love #America

Indie Soul Mixer 2015 - Ten year Anniversary Special - September 27th!

Coming soon: 10th Annual Indie Soul Mixer NYC presented by Executive Producers, Mike Ashley & Dexter Myers!!!! Join us sunday, September 27 | 5pm at DROM-NYC where all the Indie Soul creators from all over the world will come to NYC to network and participate in the world-famous jam session!!!!

Celebrating 10 years of the Indie Soul Mixer - and the Excellence of Indie Soul talent that has passed through our doors over that period, and new emerging talent. Indie Soul Mixer 'alumni' will be encouraged to attend.

There are still slots available to perform.  If interested, email dextermyers@gmail.com.

For more information about the event, visit: http://www.facebook.com/events/482375281935720/

DROM is NYC's premier music venue located at 85 Avenue A in in the East Village. For more information, visit: www.dromnyc.com.

****

A message from Mike Ashley:

For 10 years I have been co- promoter of the Indie Soul Mixer Event in New York.

The event is principally for Independent Soul Artists, enabling them to perform and network amongst and with their peers.  It is attended by emerging and established Independent artists.  The list is endless and many have graced our stage.

It offers opportunities for UK artists to grace the stage in New York to perform in front of an audience of other Independent artists, and others who are committed to the development of Indie Soul (or related) talent - Promoters, Radio DJ's, management etc.

The event is for artists (although it is open to the public) for networking and enhancing their connections and business models. We will give priority to any artists from the UK so please take the opportunity to appear on stage at one of New Yorks hottest spots right now, and one that has graced many high level Indie Soul Artists over recent years.

Several US artists have taken the opportunity to include trips to the UK in their promotional budgets and have, through ISM connections, worked and collaborated with UK artists.  There are many initiatives and collaborations between US and UK artists that have arisen as a result of attending ISM, and I will detail some of these over the coming months.  Only a few have made the reverse trip - UK to US, however, it is an opportunity that should be considered.

There will be 'partner' events over the weekend to enhance the New York experience and make it more worthwhile and productive.

The event itself is a joint venture between myself and Independent artist Dexter Myers so it truly is an international cross border initiative. We have great assistance with our friends at Rhythm and Soul Radio and our other US 'partners'.  Again these will be referenced as we approach the event.

It also offers the opportunity for anyone connected with the promotion of Indie Soul in the UK to meet and exchange with like minded people in the US

The return of Preachermann to the Shrine in Harlem - September 12th!

He's baaak! On Saturday, September 12th, Preachermann returns to The Shrine in Harlem with his band, The Revival to present 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.