We are continuing the celebration!!! May 15, 2022 is my father, Rev. Howard E. Brown Jr.’s Birthday! So today’s show, we are celebrating my dad and me being COVID NEGATIVE!! It’s not everyday that you can shout to the rooftops and tell your dad, HAPPY BIRTHDAY! So make sure to leave your comments and birthday wishes for my daddy.
Here’s the audio, videos, pictures and links.
Press PLAY to listen to the 5.11.22 show
So if you’ve been hanging with me, you know that I’m the baby of the Brown family. A couple weeks ago, my sister and I talked about how we grew up slightly different just because it was new parents compared to experienced parents. When I was coming up, my Dad wasn’t playing the trumpet or singing with the Tempressions anymore. He was still singing, but mainly at church (and preaching). My parents were more involved in church as I was coming along so the rent parties and Dad playing at the clubs was a wrap. He was a family man spreading the word of God.
Press PLAY
Take a listen to my Daddy:
Rev. Howard Brown Jr. singing Order my StepsRev. Howard Brown Jr. singing I Bowed on My KneesRev. Howard Brown Jr. singing It is Well with my SoulRev. Howard Brown Jr. singing Never Would have Made itRev. Howard Brown Jr. singing Because of Who You AreRev. Howard Brown Jr. singing You’re the Center of My JoyRev. Howard Brown Jr. singing He is Able
My Dad is retired now but he spent over 30 years at the same job, driving a forklift (it’s rare to see people stay at a job 3 years so you know this was a big deal). He is also an army vet, so put some respect on my daddy’s name.
A father of 3, married almost 54 years to my mommy, ordained minister, and divinely educated. One thing you are sure to learn about my Daddy; he will crack a joke, sing and ‘tell you how good God’s been.’
My Daddy preaching
The Brown Family
My Daddy by Topshelf ARTistry by NiSi
Daddy’s Girls
Always Supportive… my parents flew to NC as I earned 1st Runner Up for Ms. Full Figured NC in 2017
You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.(links to the apps are under the Radio tab).
Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show
The music from today’s show comes from some of the amazing artists I saw during my Chapter 40 Celebration. Here’s the videos, links and more…
Press PLAY to listen to 5.4.22 music spotlight
Soul of Motown Vegas
These people are truly special to me, my Greensboro connection to Vegas. I know Cj and BL from performing in Greensboro many years ago. I met Sean virtually and Mo, also known as Big Sexy if you go see the show, rounds out the #soulofmotownvegas; the #2 show in Vegas! You will not be disappointed! The amazing part of this group are they are amazingly talented. Of course I’ve heard Cj and BL sing, and seen them perform but listen here, the robust sounds of thee lady of the group, Sean. She did the dang thang! I had to highlight her amazing voice. Unfortunately I don’t know Big Sexy’s talents outside of his vocals and cartwheels but when I say I had an amazing time at their show…. I definitely wanted to hear more.
Here’s how you can see what they’ve got coming up next:
So I met Cj a long time ago, we’ve done shows together and had some long talks. It is great to continue to see him continue to grow and share his talent. So you know I couldn’t leave y’all without knowing how to find this multi-talented actor, singer, dancer, and children’s theater performer from Greensboro, NC. He has been seen in Color Purple: The Musical, Hairspray, Love Machine: The Musical, Smokey Joes Cafe, Crowns, Black Nativity, Little Shop of Horrors and more. CJ also worked as many characters for the Storybook Children’s Theatre. Aside from constantly working as a professional musical theater actor, he also teaches and performs hip hop and street dancing and is an accomplished national recording artist.
Here’s how you can see what he’s got coming up next:
I had no idea that I’d be meeting a legend… but I did! As I listened to the music and learned about all the people who have sampled his music, I knew I had to do a little research. This Grammy Nominated Artist, Composer and Producer has had his music sampled by Kanye West, A Tribe called Quest, J Cole, and many more. You may not know his name, but you may have heard his work.
Here’s how you can see what he’s got coming up next:
Just like Ronnie Foster, I did not know who Brian Newman was before I arrived in Las Vegas. Apparently, he’s a big deal and has had a residency for years. I met Brian… Lady GaGa’s trumpet player/bandleader and he is amazing at what he does. Just listen… just watch…
Here’s how you can see what he’s got coming up next:
I have known Tyriq Johnson since I was a teenager (wow that’s crazy), back in Milwaukee. We’ve performed in shows together and I’ve followed his musical journey (yes, I was doing shows/plays when I was younger…it’s always been apart of my life). He’s long been known for his voice and his locs, but his voice far outweighs the length of his hair. Be sure to keep an ear out for his Earth, Wind and Fire tribute show, “Serpentine Fire.”
Here’s how you can see what he’s got coming up next:
As I’ve said many times, I love live instrumentation. I dare not compare Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns to Mint Condition; but what I can say is that they both provide feel good music and have some amazing musicians. I hate that I wasn’t feeling my best when I saw this amazing group, but they kept me awake and feeling better than I was before I arrived. They have a few albums and new music coming soon. If you didn’t notice, Tyriq Johnson also sings with them. The video below was one of my favorite songs that night (although not the live performance I saw).
Here’s how you can see what he’s got coming up next:
You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.(links to the apps are under the Radio tab).
Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show
So some of you may know, I’ve been a lil MIA. Well, I was on a west coast tour traveling for business and pleasure. I was in Newport Beach and San Diego, California; then finished it off in Vegas with my sister. So here’s how it all went down… (make sure you click the hyperlinks throughout to get connected).
It all started on April 15th, packed up and headed to the west coast to be the lead makeup artist for my cousin, Leota’s wedding. This trip was full of firsts. First time having to consolidate my makeup kit for flying purposes, and boy did I learn a lot (thats the sound of the price going up).
April 16th- Newport Beach
The plan was to fly with my makeup kit as a carry on, however the flight was so full that I had to check my bag. I prayed really hard that it all made it to my final destination, as I had 3 flights just to get there (in and out of airlines from about 10am-9pm) and then the time difference. So I had to get some rest since I had an early morning of bridal makeup; and then my first wedding on a yacht. I met an amazing makeup artist that assisted me with my cousin’s bridal party. Thank you so much Joanna for helping to beautify the majority of the bridal squad (we did not provide makeup services to all that participated).
The IconMy first time on a yacht
The sisters (my cousins)
I had the chance to see some family that I haven’t seen since I was a child; and now NiSi is all grown up. Thanks to my cousin, Leota for insisting that I be apart of making her memories flawless.
April 17th- San Diego
The morning after…
It was another early morning, as my sister came to pick me up so we could head back to San Diego. I got to see my sister play the lead role in a really good play (I think it was better cause she was in it but I may be a bit biased) called “The OtHer Place.” Here’s a little overview via Wikipedia: Juliana is fifty two years old and a brilliant drug-company scientist. She is giving a speech to a neurological convention. As she speaks we cut away to scenes with her doctor, phone calls from her estranged daughter, and arguments with her husband who may or may not be divorcing her. Through it all she constantly refers to “the other place”, a cottage on Cape Cod that the family once owned, and a place where Juliana feels she may reunite with her missing daughter and find some peace of mind. Juliana becomes argumentative with everyone around her and appears increasingly confused. The phone calls from the missing daughter may be a delusion. Juliana believes that she has a brain tumor and says that her mother and other relatives all died of brain tumors at an early age. Eventually Juliana actually visits the other place and encounters the current owner whom she mistakenly believes to be her daughter. The woman is initially hostile and has problems of her own. But soon the two women find mutual comfort as Juliana’s husband arrives to take her home. In a poignant closing monologue she finally confronts what is really going on.
The cast of The OtHer Place
I spent a few days in San Diego experiencing the sunshine and blue skies, the crazy parking situations and sight seeing. It’s nothing like spending time with your best friend, who happens to be your sister. We realized that we were finally having our Sister’s Trip!!!
After a few days, we headed to Las Vegas!
April 22nd- MY BEARTHDAY!!!!
We took a quick flight and I started my bearthday at Griddlecakes, they even gave me a cute birthday pancake even though the rain tried to make an appearance (as usual).
I finished the evening support my good friends, CJ Williams and BL in “Soul of Motown (Vegas).” It was an amazing show, they are currently the #2 show in Las Vegas, so make sure you check them out. #SoulofMotownVegas
#SoulofMotownVegas
#SoulofMotownVegas
I thought the night was over, little did I know; there was more in store. I ended up at a lovely venue called The Nomad Library, it was Brian Newman After Dark. He is the bandleader and arranger for Lady Gaga’s Jazz & Piano show. Now listen here, one thing that I am learning as I continue to grow in my craft and artistry; is to be personable. This man knew my name from being introduced to him prior to the show starting, after it ended and a day or so after… that’s impressive. Brian, thanks for a great show full of many guest performances; some of which were your amazing band, JayR Beat Box, Ronny Foster, Angie Pontani and Tyriq Johnson. Listen, the time difference most definitely caught up with me. If I had been in NC, I would’ve been going to sleep at about 5am.
This venue was dope.
To command attention without saying a word…
You may not know Ronny Foster, but his music has been sampled by J Cole, Kanye West, and A Tribe Called Quest (to name a few)
Be sure to check out Tyriq Johnson’s original music and his Serpentine Fire show
The Human Beatbox
Thee Brian Newman….
April 23rd- Las Vegas
This was the day where things began to get a little interesting (stay tuned). I got a chance to sight see a bit and got in a lot of steps. I got a chance to see some beautiful artistry, met some talented people, and connected with some amazing artists. Of course we saw the Venetian, the Bellagio, The Mirage, the MGM, etc. but the best parts of the day was connecting with other artists. We went into the Forum Shops at Caesar and happened to meet a beautiful artist, Naneth Peterson at Blu Fine Art ; she definitely poured into me and gave me some things to think about (she was also connected to my sister for her work with Afro Latino Travels with Kim Haas). We met the amazing Marcus Glenn and his beautiful wife, Yolanda (Princess Yo has been added to her nicknames- inside joke), it was great talking with them and soaking up some of their knowledge, please go check them out and support them. Y’all better be prepared to be sick of me after talking to them.
We found ourselves at the Golden Nugget.
A little bit of history I learned, my grandparents always stayed at the Golden Nugget anytime they came to Vegas. I was the young one of the family, so I didn’t know about my grandparents escapades before I made my grand entrance.
April 24th
We just chilled the majority of the day, but I began to feel extremely tired no matter how much I slept. Y’all I played pool for the first time in like 15-20 years. I didn’t win but I hit what I was supposed to hit and they sometimes went in the pocket. After the tiredness, the cough and scratchy throat came in with the congestion after that to join the party. I thought it was just a cold, so I took a couple vitamins and Ginseng.
April 25th
Last day to play, but not much playing took place. I was exhausted and the more and more I thought about it, it had to be the lady that coughed without covering her mouth while my sis and I were walking down the strip. She literally was sitting on the side of the walk way and let out a huge, deep down within cough. Yes, it could’ve been someone else but that was the most outwardly presentation of COVID on display. I had a red eye flight but first, we were going to see Tyriq Johnson sing with Santa Fe and the Fat City Horns. I was so exhausted but loved every minute of the live instrumentation.
April 26th- I’m Goin Home
The exhaustion really hit me prior to and on the 4 hour flight home. Thank God for good friends that keep me awake while waiting in the airport and checking on me throughout my journey. My flight took off at 12:30am (basically 3:30am NC time), it didn’t take long for me to fall asleep; I slept through the snacks too. There was a medical emergency on the plane but we didn’t have to land. After an Uber ride to my car (thanks to the bestie for keeping an eye on it) and a hour drive home, the bed was most definitely my friend. However, the realization came as soon as I got in the house and I took my at home Covid test.. it was positive. So as I sit here in bed, feeling a little better with tissue stuck up my nose and an occasional, yet frequent cough; I am glad that you stayed around for the finale of Sliding into 40 journey.
HEAR MUSIC FROM THE AMAZING ARTISTS I GOT TO EXPERIENCE IN VEGAS
You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.(links to the apps are under the Radio tab).
Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show
Thank y’all for sliding on over to the blog to get a lil extra. Be sure to catch the audio replay above because my schedule this month is bananas. If you’re not following me on Facebook or Instagram, you’re going to miss out on a huge portion of the last pages of Chapter 39.
This week we’re talking about ages 11-19, those good ol’ teenage years. What was ya girl NiSi up to? I was involved in a lot, thanks to my parents and my sister. From singing, dancing, touring, etc., I had a pretty good life. I honestly can’t complain. I had a good family and good friends. One of those friends was Charcora Palmer. Excuse me, Dr. Charcora Palmer… click HERE to see what she’s up to now.
We earned Silver Awards in Girl Scouts together, went to school together, sang together (sorry, I’ve been moving, can’t find the pics right now), we even toured the East coast together with Wisconsin State Youth Choir. We got to meet Rance Allen, the Lattimore Brothers and so many more Gospel singers. We were even on Bobby Jones Gospel. You think you can find me in the video below?
I’m a recording artist. We recorded this album Live!
African dance started with Ko-Thi Dance Company. From there, I danced with thee Deva Houston for a lot of events in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Lanterns for Peace
CAPITA Productions, “We are the Drum”
Yes, I made up the yellow brick road in ‘The Wiz’ in CAPITA Productions
Middle school… I rocked this look before Beyoncé
More pics to come (I hate moving, things start hiding from you). This is Janese and I.
Senior Prom
Performing with Uptown Entertainment (yes I was blond)
Senior pics ( I loved this suit, it was my sister’s)
As Christian Keys would say, ‘I didn’t really want nothin.’ I reflected a lot in my show and more pics will hopefully come, the more I unpack. I really hate that I can’t get to my photo album to show you more memories and the beautiful, Janese Hawkins but I’ll add them and more pictures as soon as possible.
You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.(links to the apps are under the Radio tab).
Make sure you check in each week in April- IT’S MY BearthDAY MONTH- WE’RE CELEBRATING. EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 10AM EST!
I’M SLIDING INTO 40 ON APRIL 22ND!!!
Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show
It has to be crazy for my parents and siblings to grasp that the baby girl is about to be 40. It’s crazy to me! This month has already begun with new beginnings, I have relocated back to Greensboro, NC. Funny how the plans you have don’t necessarily go as planned. I am however, excited to be back closer to my son, my team of bridal hair and makeup artists I trust and experiencing growth in many ways.
Be sure to catch the audio replay above because my schedule this month is bananas. If you’re not following me on Facebook or Instagram, you’re going to miss out on a huge portion of the last pages of Chapter 39.
It’s amazing to be starting my bearthday month being booked for prom, 2 weddings, one of which is in California and to be able to have a much needed vaca. Due to my schedule, I’ve had to turn down potential clients. That’s a good problem to have, sliding into 40; I am learning to make time for me. Being booked and busy is not the goal
The Brown Kids
Be sure to check out my friend from way back in elementary school, Lo’s clothing line. Keep elevating and growing!
You can stream the show on iHeart, iTunes, Streema, TuneIn, etc.(links to the apps are under the Radio tab).
Make sure you check in each week in April- IT’S MY BearthDAY MONTH- WE’RE CELEBRATING. EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 10AM EST!
I’M SLIDING INTO 40 ON APRIL 22ND!!!
Interested in free advertising or being a guest on the show, click HERE to schedule a time to chat or feel free to email me at: info@NiSisEyes.com with the subject: Through the Eyes of NiSi radio show
