A Change Is Gonna Come

Comments (0) By Patrice Elizabeth Grell Yursik Thursday, Jul 6 2006

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Like verbose rapper E-40, the crunk-challenging hyphy movement, and screeching car sideshows, the gorgeous chanteuse Goapele remains one of those California phenomenons who, for some inexplicable reason, hasn’t made it to the mainstream. Because of her family-owned record-label roots and nonconformist music, she has not yet found a place in heavy radio and music video rotation. But with her latest album, Change It All, she is set to become a first-name-only sensation to rival other soulful songstresses clogging the airwaves. Her name means “to move forward” in the South African dialect Sitswana; her stunning biracial beauty has won her physical comparisons to Alicia Keys and Beyoncé; and her voice is as sweet as candied yams drizzled with maple syrup. Fans of fresh neo-soul are in for a musical treat tonight, when she headlines the return of the Funk Jazz Lounge, a much-missed weekly event spawned by the popular Funk Jazz radio show on Hot 105. “The Funk Jazz Lounge was the first to play her on the radio here in Miami. Then people were like, wow -- she’s awesome!” raves event organizer and co-owner of Tru Soul Entertainment, Hasan Brown. He promises an evening of lush musical delights beginning at 9:00 at Yuca Lounge, 501 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach. Get there early for scorching performances by Big Brooklyn Red and Noel. Tickets cost $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Visit www.ticketannex.com and www.goapele.com.
Wed., July 12