On Nov. 12, Lil Man Entertainment continued to fulfill its mission of bringing quality entertainment to Tallahassee by hosting Harlem Nights.
Harlem Nights is a monthly event filled with live music, spoken word and comedy.
The event’s hosts were Cedric “Lil Man” Brinson, CEO of Lil Man Entertainment, and 96.1 Jamz on-air personality, Ivy Kordae.
Kordae, a 2004 Florida A&M University graduate, said she felt blessed and honored when she was asked to co-host the event. As a young professional she was excited Lil Man Entertainment was giving people the opportunity to get away from Tallahassee’s usual club scene and be among what she calls “the beautiful people.”
“Music is universal, and Harlem Nights offers all types of music from jazz to old-school blues, along with R&B and neo-soul,” Kordae said. “Every performer is talented, passionate and dedicated to giving the audience a good time.”
Harlem Nights features local artists such as Kendra Foster, who has recorded with George Clinton & the P-Funk All-Stars, and Socorro, a recording artist who performed during the 2005 Keith Sweat Summer Tour.
Soccorro, a 1993 FAMU graduate, has been performing since age 4. The singer said she has been extremely pleased with crowd turnout over the past four months but encourages people to join in the movement of music and good musicianship that Tallahassee hungers for.
“You cannot find the talent, quality and style of Harlem Nights anywhere in Tallahassee,” Soccorro said. “You can expect soulful music in a feel-good atmosphere. The production is definitely one you don’t want to miss.”
Renita Thompson, a Tallahassee native, said she was beyond pleased with the show and looks forward to next month’s production.
“My husband and I have been looking for an event like Harlem Nights for a long time,” said Thompson. “Everything was well-organized, and the performers were excellent, we really enjoyed ourselves.”
Not only does Harlem Nights provide comedy and music for the soul, Back Talk Poetry Troupe offers food for thought. During the show, various poets share their innermost feelings through words.
Darius “Doc D” Baker, operations manager of Lil Man Entertainment and FAMU graduate, said he felt Tallahassee lacked an organized event for local up-and-coming artists to showcase their talent.
“People should not have to travel to Atlanta, New York or Miami for live entertainment,” Baker said. “That’s why Harlem Nights has done so well.”
Looking at the record, doing well could be considered an understatement. With four shows under its belt, Baker said Harlem Nights seems to be the fastest growing show in Tallahassee. On Aug. 29, at Club Elements, Harlem Nights previewed to a sold out crowd. The last three shows were held at the Ramada Inn with few to no empty seats.
Brinson and Baker are optimistic the public’s interest will grow which would force them to change locations.
“We don’t want to jump too fast, but we can definitely foresee moving Harlem Nights to a larger venue,” Baker said. “The Moon would be an ideal location.”
The next Harlem Nights will be held in the Ramada Inn located at 2900 North Monroe St. on Dec. 10. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 VIP and $10 general admission at Clippers, Tallahassee Dodge, Vinyl Fever, Settle’s Beauty Supply and Shear Image Barber Shop.
Ticket prices increase by $2 at the door.
For more information on Harlem Nights visit harlemnightslive.com.