Save the hamburgers and hotdogs for July 4. Thursday is all about gumbo.
Detroit neo soul- and hip-hop-artist Monica Blaire is bringing more than 15 of the area’s up-and-coming music performance artists together for a celebration of Detroit musical diversity as part of the Monica Blaire Detroit Groove Gumbo on the Pure Detroit Stage during the 2008 Comerica Cityfest at the New Center Area.
Blaire, 25, who is best known for her independent album “Portraits of Me” and her America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade performance alongside her Godmother and soul legend Ortheia Barnes, says the Gumbo Groove is a way to give a taste of the next generation of Detroit talent to the masses as well as prove to the city -- as well as the world -- that we has more than enough ingredients in our cupboard to continue the legacy of Motown and lead it to new heights.
“(Gumbo) is another level of creativity,” Blaire says. “We’re going to mix it up and present it to the people.”
Blaire, who is in the process of working on tracks for her upcoming mix-tape “Back to the Future” as well as several local and regional shows says she has an obligation to reach back and support local artists as people have -- and continue to -- help her.
“When you have an opportunity to pass along and help, you don’t pass it up,” she says.
Metromix caught up with Blaire to find out her secret recipe at finding success on the local music scene and what it means to work together with other local artists.
Who are some of the artists that are performing in the Monica Blaire ‘Detroit Groove Gumbo’?
We have L’Renee Ren Cen, Neco Redd -- and let me say this -- all of the acts aren’t hip-hop and R&B. We have funk, reggae, alternative and rock. We have everything in it, just like gumbo.
You are an established performer in the metro Detroit area…How has the experience been for you coordinating a concert?
The experience was good. A lot of these people are my peers -- it was kind of seamless to get them involved. It was a lot of hard work but all good stuff. Working hard is always a good thing.
Detroit artists aren’t typically known for their willingness to work with each other. How can the ‘Detroit Gumbo Groove’ change that notion or encourage more collaboration among the local artists?
It’s important to have Detroit unity. It’s important for us to be one accord, to help root you on. The world respects Detroit music -- something here is really magical. We definitely want that and this is what the show is all about.
Is this the only (and last) serving of Groove Gumbo or will it become a traditional dish of the CityFest?
We're thinking about making it (an annual event) but that is just in the thought process. We're going to see how this one goes and go from there.
Will the public have an opportunity to interact with the performers?
We're having an after party at Alvin's (featuring a live jam session with the artists from the Gumbo Groove).
