
The Punk Funk Mob is one of the newest manifestations of eccentricity and talent off of the Bay Area and West Coast scene, one of the country’s innovation hubs for art and culture. The soil that I am talking about gave birth to Tower of Power, Tony Toni Tone, En Vogue, Ledisi and so many more artists who utilize the “1.”

Kween is one of the many talented vocalists hovering around the Bay, right alongside Ledisi, Femi, Netta B, Silk E, Chela Simone and others. Behind the mic, Kween is a beast, with a very distinct style and beautiful voice complemented by her seamless chocolate kiss complexion.

Deja Bryson, the niece of Peabo Bryson, is one of the young up and coming vocal talents to emerge out of Oakland, California, hometown of some of the best to ever do it – like Tony, Toni, Tone and Ledisi. She will be performing at her debut show at Yoshi’s in Oakland on Tuesday, Jan. 5, at 8 p.m.

We want to call the names of those who made their transition in January and offer condolences to their loved ones who have yet to cross that bridge. I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that Ave Montague is gone.

Langston Hughes will be celebrated in Oakland and San Francisco beginning this week at Allen Temple Baptist Church and Lorraine Hansberry Theatre. The gospel play “Black Nativity” is a Bay Area favorite.