I have been reading Joplin’s Ghost by Tananarvie Due.  The book is about a young lady named Phoenix and her journey as a rising R&B singer and how her life changed after encountering the ghost of ragtime king, Scott Joplin.

I love Tananarvie Due because she does a great job of blending normal and paranormal.  Joplin’s Ghost is also packed with historical and musical elements as well.  In addition to being entertained by Phoenix’s story, I get this rich lesson on who Joplin was, where he lived, his likes, dislikes, etc.  As well as his struggles with being accepted as not only a ragtime composer, but simply a composer, who loved to write genres from ragtime to Opera.  

With that said, it seemed so timely when I learned that today, August 10^th from 7-9 p.m. BAG (Black Artists Group).  will host a musical/poetic set at the historical Scott Joplin house inside the Rosebud Café on 2658 Delmar Blvd.  

I will definitely be there to witness where Scott Joplin used to call home. Two of Scott’s greatest supporters were actually the owners of the Rosebud café.  Joplin spent countless evenings there listening to a constant stream of live ragtime performances, and on rare occasion he would join in as well. 

Performing at the Rosebud Café tonight:

Marsha Cann, a St. Louis native and published poet , storyteller, and actress.

Michael Castro, who has  performed poetry throughout the United States and in London, Edinburgh, Toronto, Montreal, New Delhi and Budapest.

JoyCe Blue and Deborah Mashibini, who make up the poetry team Blue-Mashibini.  They first joined forces in 1982 and now they are back together and reading from their upcoming title, “Some Things Need to be Said.”

Zimbabwe Nkenya, widely popular for presenting his work at what most consider the finest performing arts centers in the country.  He is currently working on fusing two sacred African instruments, the Bata drums and the mbira, together.  According to written reports, Nkenya has incorporated the sacred sounds of the mbira, traditionally used to summon the ancestors, into original jazz-based music for more than 30 years.

Friday’s performance is part of an ongoing series that has included internationally known artists Eugene B. Redmond, K. Curtis Lyle, Jerome "Scrooge" Harris, Shirley LeFlore, Oliver Lake and Mike Nelson.

For more information, contact Scott Joplin House at 314-340-5790 or email BAG at bag_blackartistsgroup@yahoo.com.

About the Scott Joplin House (retrieved from Mo Historical Society website):

In a modest walk-up flat at 2658A Delmar Boulevard, Scott Joplin and his new bride Belle began their life in St. Louis. It was then called Morgan Street, a busy, densely populated, blue-collar district of African-Americans and German immigrants. Located nearby were the honky-tonks and dives of the notorious Chestnut Valley. This black musical genius, buoyed by his success with the Maple Leaf Rag, was making his move toward the national arena. He would soon be known as the "King of Ragtime."

Lit by gaslight, and appropriately furnished for 1902, the Joplin flat where many ragtime classics were composed awaits your visit. The building also has museum exhibits interpreting Joplin's life and work, and St. Louis during the ragtime era. The new Rosebud Cafe, a reconstructed structure that recreates a local turn-of-the-century bar and gaming club, is available to rent for gatherings.

Let the antique player piano that here once again fills the air with Scott Joplin tunes be your passport back to... The Age of Ragtime.

From March through October, tours are offered every hour between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday and on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. (ending with the 3 p.m. tour).

Tour fees are $2.50 for adults and $1.50 for children age 6-12. Children age 5 and under are free.

Groups of 15 or more should make reservations at least one week in advance. Group rates are $1.50 for adults and .75 for children age 6-12. To make a reservation, please call the site at (314) 340-5790

More about Tananarvie Due’s and Joplin’s Ghost:

Seriously injured by Joplin's ancient piano, which mysteriously fell on her when she was ten, Phoenix Small, at twenty, is on the verge of a major career when she suddenly starts seeing and hearing Joplin's ghost—a man in her apartment, a voice calling to her, and Joplin's music appearing in her own computer music program.

Chris Tucker is back for the Trifecta.  Today is the release of Rush Hour 3, starring Chris Tucker and co-starring Jackie Chan.  After six years, Carter and Lee are back on their crime fighting capers.  Oddly enough, the two just recently became good friends. Regarding the first two instalments of Rush Hour, Chan was quoted saying “The first time I met, I don’t understand a word he says. He speaks so fast.  Then the movie (shoot) starts and I see him on the set and, like, ‘Hi, Jackie,’ and after rehearsal I’m hiding from him. Then, I realize, he’s hiding from me - he’s a shy boy. And I think that’s what makes the movie work - I don’t know him.”   

Now both Tucker and Chan are like bosom buddies, going out together, and travelling to visit one another as well.  Rush Hour 3 Fans will be pleased to know that Rush Hour 4 is already a hot topic among Tucker, the producers, director and writers for the show.

Another Conspiracy and I want a refund, btw!

Pepsico admitted that Aquafina bottled water is basically boiled tap water…hahaha. Their water comes from the same source as tap water.  After the closing of the GM plant in North St. Louis, Aquafina expanded its operations to this site.  Apparently they purchase their water from the city’s water treatment plant.  To put it in layman’s terms, the Missouri River!

Consumers spent $15 billion last year on bottled water, according to Beverage Digest. 

Do you think Aquafina's disclosure about its source hurt bottled-water sales? 

It Better!

Pepsico stands by the idea that Aquafina still isn’t the same as tap water.  Yet, John Sicher, editor of Beverage Digest says “Pepsico's Aquafina and Coke's Dasani dominate the industry. Their plants get water from whatever the local water source is.”

Auditions for Flavor of Love Season 3

If you actually have any interest in being on Flavor of Love 3, slap yourself.  Okay, if you are still interested, you can go to Lucky’s Sunday for Mocha Latte’s Shindig and (in my best Jay-Z voice) show ‘em what you got lil’ mama.  The Shindig has reportedly been off the meter every since it jumped off at Lucky’s on Washington (formerly club Isis and the Formula).  My girl Mocha Latte sent me a flyer, so I’ll let her words do the talking.  Also, keep an eye out for Got Lyrics and it’s new venue, coming soon!