Music.Sounds by TESS HENLEY

We were intro'd to TESS HENLEY by our friends at SoulTracks via their song competition recently (take a listen to all artists and decide but we LOVED Tess). She brings a voice that is indescribable and is her own! Support good music as we do and cop her music on Itunes.

ERICK ARC 'Almost Remembered' New Release - June 10th

The countdown begins June 1st....producer, poet and lyricist, ERICK ARC ELLIOTT is about to do it again with more food for thought verses with a hot beat backdrop to make you pause, ponder and do the proverbial head nod. We are fans and dammit we're proud of it. His artistry has grown and can only go one way but up. In between his forthcoming release, he's been giving his fanbase teases and varied mixes via bandcamp while he creates puts the finishing touches on his forthcoming project 'Almost Remembered' - coming soon on June 10th!!

Learn + Donate to the Lili Roquelin Project

There isn't one particular way to describe LILI ROQUELIN'S music...its artistry in all of its finest. Her vocals are flawless and she is always experimenting. Her current experiments are her ongoing Unlocking Freedom series in which she shares her creation process from her piano arrangements to her vocal harmonies with her fans. Her latest experiment is her "Make Music With Me" Project allows fans to donate to help her complete her next release and simultaneously receive a personal gift from Lili - we got our eye on her rare recordings in Paris cd (pretty cool!).

A HOT, HEAVY & BAD Mixtape

If you have not heard of the band - HOT HEAVY & BAD....then you're welcome. We call this duo's sound a fusion of funk, nasty, rock. They are comprised of members - Joi Gilliam and Devon Lee. They recently released a long awaited mixtape 'Undercover' which we've been waiting patiently for since we saw Joi last year at a WildSeed show @ Littlefield in Brooklyn. Be sure to download then thank them for their funkness with a donation and play that s%^t ever so loudly!

Something New from MEEMEE NELZY

The Synch ladies love the music that Meemee brings and are looking forward to her new project coming this November....for the time being check out her latest "Comme Un Lotus (Buscrates 16-bit REMIX"

Skin Bias Documentary produced by Bill Duke

This documentary is not for those who cannot debate openly about all issues in the minority community...this is a sad commentary but it exists and needs to be shared, told and change has to occur.

Dark Girls: Preview from Bradinn French on Vimeo.

Check the article on The Root.

RIP Gil Scott Heron - You Will Be Missed!

The legendary, Gil Scott Heron, passed away yesterday afternoon at St Luke's Hospital. He was loved, his musicianship cherished and will always be remembered!

Performance at the 2010 Annual Summerstage Concert

Catching Up - Actor Eric Benet, Harlem Film Fest, Girls Rock & More!!

Eric Benet adds lead actor to his resume!

We have to admit it’s been a bit quiet on our blog…we’ve been busy traveling the friendly skies, creating visual masterpieces and growing in our crafts. This is our FAVORITE time of year in the city where you need to get on EBay or Craigslist to cop a clone just to attend all of the events – yes its two of us running amuck in the city so that should be enough right?! NOT!! Ha!!

Here’s a few snippets of what’s ahead – be sure to stop by our Twitter page @synchrhhythm since we’re more active there on the daily – follow us and we'll follow back:

Eric Benet is not just a vocalist that renders you speechless and is pleasing to the eye – Besides working on yet another music project while his fans are still riding high from his 2010 release 'Lot in Time', he is starring in his first lead movie role as a father in “Trinity Good Heart” which isn’t a huge stretch from this proud dad – more info @ http://ow.ly/55bu2

Get in Mint Condition! You should already have Mint Condition’s latest release “7” in your music collection and have heard the single “Not My Daddy” that lead singer, Stokley Williams, performs with Kelly Price. Be sure to check their performance on the Mo’Nique show on Wed., June 1st - 11pm EST on BET

Over the next few weeks, be prepared for a sighting of the Synch Ladies at a few NYC events. We are incredibly psyched to check out the East Harlem International Film Festival this week from June 1^st to 5^th at various venues including Museo del Barrio (for information, visit http://www.ehiff.com/festival.html). Next weekend stop by Brooklyn’s Annual Atlantic Avenue ArtWalk for gallery shows, outdoor exhibits and special events for two days (for information, visit http://atlanticavenueartwalk.com/home/ ). On June 10^th, join us for a great cause at the Girls Who Rock Fundraiser featuring performances by Kathy Sledge, KimberlyNichole, JoJo, Nikki Jean, Eddy and DJ Kiss (so far – more artists to be added!!). This concert is raising funds to support She's the First Partner School Arlington Academy of Hope (for information, visit http://girlswhorock2011.eventbrite.com/ ).

This summer is about to be crazy fun! Enjoy your Memorial Day weekend and hope to see you around!!

Music Mix: "Beautiful People (The Quartermaine Blend)" - Chris Brown

Chris Brown - Beautiful People Follow Me (The Quartermaine Blend) by thequartermaine

Bk Got Next.....CELEBRATE BROOKLYN! Annual Festival

Tick Tock....the Celebrate Brooklyn! Fest is about to launch - kicking off at Pier 1 at Bk Bridge Park this Thursday. This summer's edition of the fest is gonna be better than last year and year before that and the year before that...(you get the picture).

We are so looking forward to attending a couple of the free events especially next month when Ledisi and Anthony David grace the stage!

Hope to See You There!!

About the Fest

Celebrate Brooklyn! is one of New York City's longest running, free, outdoor performing arts festivals. Launched in 1979 as a catalyst for a Brooklyn performing arts scene and to bring people back into Prospect Park after years of neglect, Celebrate Brooklyn! was an early anchor in the park's revitalization and has become one of the city's foremost summer cultural attractions. Over its history, the Festival has presented over 2,000 artists and ensembles reflective of the borough's diversity, ranging from internationally acclaimed performers to emerging, cutting-edge artists. All Celebrate Brooklyn! performances are free! The festival attracts upwards of 250,000 attendees from across New York City to the Prospect Park Bandshell each summer.

In case You Missed it....CHECK OUT KIMNICKY ON BET

KimberlyNichole gave an amazing performance recently on 106 & Park...peep this!

A Day in Prospect Heights & Crown Heights - Part One

After checking out the Sakura Matsuri Festival at the Brooklyn Botanic, SR's Chante strolled to Abigail's Cafe & Wine Bar for a delicious brunch. The Synch Ladies were here a couple of months ago for a quick bite (yummy fruit tarts to go with our merlot and blush wines) during their happy hour. At that moment, we've labeled this an official Synch Stop because this place is a definite must-indulge....with an extensive wine list, offers of delectable dishes and a great excuse to see live music plus they off cooking classes for the culinary challenged.

With a light meal in her tummy, she ventured on St Johns Place towards Franklin Ave. and came across the Five Myles Gallery. The sidewalk front is inconspicious and resembles a closed garage but during its open hours there lies a simplistic sign adjacent to the open door. When the threshold is crossed, you enter the mind of the gallery director, Hanne Tierney, serving up a diverse entree of art for all of the senses. The current exhibit is Art/Sewn by guest curator Ward Mintz featuring selected works on the beauty of sewing varied mediums together into intricate patterns or showing off meticulous handiwork. This exhibition is through May 8th. The stitchwork showcased varied from the use of macrame, quilt cloth, and plastic by artists including Jessica Rankin, Emily Barletta and Linnea Giatt.



Photo Credit: VySyn Photography

After the artistic indulgence, Chante went to the Crow Hill Community Garden on Franklin Avenue (between Sterling & Park Place). At first, she didn't want to interrupt the garden work which looks incredibly marvelous considering this was an abandoned lot that was also used as a dumping ground for garbage and unwanted treasures. This beautiful space was cleaned up because residents wanted something more for their community. The foundation has been laid with a lot work left to be done by volunteers the garden will soon be completed by this summer just in tine to feature a series of movies that everyone can enjoy. For photo updates, visit their flickr page.

Speaking of Crow Hill...one of the supporters of this garden, Krow Hill, has a boutique a few doors down called About Time featuring some cool tees of Brooklyn as well as a few of it's hoods (e.g, Crown Heights). Definitely stop by and pick up a tee or two to show your Bk pride!

What a journey.....and it ain't over! :)

Japan Block Fair Kicks Off - May 22nd!

The 2011 Japan Block Fair this year luanches on Sunday, May 22nd in Murray Hill (Manhattan) on Park Avenue between 34th & 40th Streets featuring a wide range of Japanese food, arts, crafts, services, and performances!

The Food....Japanese food is one fun part of the fair. From authentic noodles and curry to neo-Japanese cuisine and delicious sweets, we offer a large selection of delicious and healthy Japanese food at reasonable prices!

Shopping....Just stroll around and take your time to browse through a variety of Japanese merchandise, arts, crafts, and more. Hard-to-find handmade jewelry and traditional Japanese wraps are some of the items showcased --- enjoy the treasure hunt of a lifetime!

Entertainment...Come join us for an energetic stage live performance! Japanese cosplay (costume play) performances, traditional dance, a punk rock band, kids' drums, samurai performances... there is something for everyone. Best of all -- it's all FREE!

For the complete summer calendar, visit http://japanblockfair.com  

(Thanks for the info Jin Y)

REVIEW: 30th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival @ BBG



Photo Credit: Vysyn Photography



This year's 30th Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival was the talk of the town in New York this past weekend especially after the recent tragedies that continue to impact Japan. The turnout for this two day festival was nothing short than amazing. There were so many people in attendance from the the fans of Japanese traditions (tea time, the art of the bonsai) to the J-Pop aficionados (manga, anime)...leaving SR's Chante in awe.

There were so many things to get into like the origami crane making station (all creations no matter how bad..lol...will be to be sent to Japan), the bonsai tree exhibition, taikko drummers circle and of course strolling through the cherry blossom row. A gorgeous sight to see on a lovely Spring weekend!

>>Please stop by BBG to check out the cherry blossoms and the latest exhibitions in the greenhouse.



Photo Credit: Vysyn Photography

More pics @ VySyn Photography

SHOP...EAT...in Harlem - Restaurant & Retail Month

For a month, selected businesses in Harlem offer foodies and shopaholics a chance to sample their menus and shop til they drop. The Harlem Restaurant & Retail Month ends May 15th - so check the site for participating vendors (including Levain Bakery, Lido in Harlem, Red Rooster, Moca Lounge and more). 

Join us and indulge!!