Discovering Levi Stephens' music is like enjoying a surprisingly great meal at the local cafe you've passed a thousand times before finally deciding to stop in. You thought you knew what you were getting into, but this is something more. It’s refreshing --a pleasant surprise that a new artist in an industry plagued by dying creativity chooses to follow in the tradition of those classic singer-songwriters that came before. His debut album, “This Way” goes far beyond the confines of R&B and seamlessly melds a variety of genres, from soul to rock to gospel to folk while always remaining honest, clever and conversational.
Levi’s affinity for singing can be attributed to growing up in the Washington, D.C. area in a home he remembers being filled with music. “My father was a big music head. We grew up listening to all kinds of really good music. Music was bigger than TV.” Like many artists, his musical roots began in church where Levi, like his father, sang and played the piano. Outside of the church, young Levi was exposed to artists like Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers and Donny Hathaway. In addition to those soul legends, The Beatles, Paul Simon, James Taylor, Jimi Hendrix and Prince all made their mark on Levi's musical style and led him to the guitar which was the final piece needed to create his sound.
With each song he writes, Levi’s goal is timelessness. “I feel like that kind of music will always have a place and staying power” he says. His songs explore a variety of relevant subjects while including the elements that always stand the test of time; musicianship, strong lyrics, and shared experiences. This line of thought is even reflected in the cover songs that Levi chooses to perform.

This is Avery Sunshine - She's a singer/songwriter/pianist deeply rooted in Gospel.  Born/raised in Chester, PA and resides in Atlanta. She considers both places home with many fans eagerly anticipating her first full length. In fact, when it comes to Philly, Avery always has her finger on the pulse
with all the newcomers on the scene and she's embraced by so many there. Performing in Philly is coming home.  Similarly in Atlanta she gets the same response/support.
An EP came out earlier this year that placed really high on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart.  The foundation has been laid and the fans are ready!  Avery considers herself a healer through the power of music. First having touched individuals to eventually collective healing.  Through her Gospel
training, she articulates the complexities in life with a luminous insight. She sings about love, loss, healing and finding oneself all through the midst of it. Debut self titled album out now featuring Roy Ayers.
http://www.averysunshine.com

Can you believe that it has been a whole year of performances at Ben's Next Door? Well we are doing extra special Sept 21st for our 1 year celebration.. W.Ellington Felton and Alison Carney will share the stage rocking some of their solo work, duets and few other spicy musical treats!

Speaking of "Spicy" we will also premiere Chairman's Reserve SPICED! The latest style of Rum from Chairman's Reserve's Vaults! It is already receiving great reviews!

check this out:
http://thefloatingrumshack.com/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=245%3Achairmans-reserve-spiced&catid=40%3Awhat-we-have-been-told&Itemid=5

GET THERE EARLY or call ahead and make a reservation!

LET'S CELEBRATE!!!!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND...

Born and raised in Washington, DC, the singer/songwriter Tamika Jones has finally come into her own. Growing up in poverty, Tamika turned to music as an escape from the harsh realities of drugs and violence that those around her so easily succumbed to.A young and timid Tamika, at the age of 11, was discovered when a classmate heard her singing a song so beautifully and ahead of her age and outed her to her teacher and classmates, who let her know that she could no longer keep her voice hidden.

From then on, Miss Jones began singing everywhere she went. Singing in various gospel and jazz choirs in school and around the city and even directing her very own gospel ensemble at School Without Walls High School.Eventually, Tamika caught the attention of Grammy nominated producer and Bad Boy Hit Man Chucky Thompson, also a DC native. Chucky worked with Tamika for several years mentoring her on songwriting, recording and the music business, inviting her to work on projects with acclaimed artists like Faith Evans, Mya, Lil' Kim, Nick Cannon, Tanya Blount, and Grammy winner, songwriter Denise Rich.Surrounded by so many successful artists, Tamika began searching for her own sound and place in the industry.

With other musical influences such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Rachelle Farrell, Nina Simone, Sade, Karen Clark Sheard, and Jill Scott, she found that she was most at home with Jazz and Gospel. Also, her love affair with hip hop is what she found connected her to her peers and younger kids who she wanted her positive messages to reach and also gave her that street edge that is intrinsic of a girl surrounded by the ghetto.

With one look into the eyes of Tamika Jones, you can see the love and passion she has for music and her people, and in her songs you can hear the pain, struggles and triumph that makes Tamika stand out like a rose emerging from the concrete. Finally, she is ready to walk her own path, as she shares her life, love, and passions in the only way she sees fit, through heartfelt lyrics and most enchanting melodies.

Tamika has put in years of work performing around New York City and Washington, DC and her performance vitae includes but is not limited to Bohemian Caverns, Blue Note, Groove, INDULJ, NY Perks, The Creek LIC, Carter Barron Ampitheater, The Sugar Bar, Peachez Café, Busboys & Poets, Café Nema, Twins Jazz, Posh, Duke's City, and Republic Gardens. Performing at every chance and passionately following her obsession with live music, Tamika captured opportunities to perform with the likes of Amel Larrieux, Yahzarah, Black Indian, Marsha Ambrosius, W Ellington Felton, Jaguar Wright, Chris Rob, Bilal, Maya Azucena, Maimouna Youssef, Rashida Jolley, John Forte, Taraji P. Henson, Eric Roberson and Marcus Mitchell. She continues to spread her music through various community events, private engagements, and benefits, and finds herself most comfortable at various festivals and other live music venues where her music is appreciated by true music fans and writers alike.

http://mrbriggsmanagement.com/tamika-jones-live.html