Star-Studded "Jazz on the Grass" Raises Money for Students

Whew!!! These last couple of months have been absolutely crazy for the Macklicious One! I have to admit that updating this blog hasn't been at the top of my priority list, but I'm trying to get back in the swing of things. So much has happened in our fair city, since we last spoke. Rather than trying to catch you up -- because if I know you as well as I think I do, you already know the deal -- I'll just take you from where we are today.

This weekend, I was able to attend the Jackie Robinson Foundation's 4th annual Jazz on the Grass event. It was originally inspired by the March on Washington back in 1963. At the time, Jackie and Rachel Robinson organized a jazz concert at their home to raise bail money for jailed freedom fighters. This year's event was held at the home of director Oz Scott, and the money raised will be used to help fund four-year scholarships for deserving minority youth.

While the tickets for individuals were $300 -- $250 if you got 'em early -- the lineup was well worth the price. The scheduled performers included James Ingram, Patrice Rushen, Brenda Russell, Kevin Toney, Kathryn Bostic, Michael Lington, Carmen Lundy, Ndugu, Greg Phillinganes, Sylvester Rivers, and Billy Valentine. As if that wasn't enough, the UNSCHEDULED folks included the likes of Sheila E., Kat Dyson, Marcus Miller, Stephen Bishop, Dave Koz, and George Duke. In addition, we heard some of the Jackie Robinson Foundation's up and coming musicians.

With a lineup like that, you'd think there wouldn't really be any standouts. You'd be wrong. One of my favorites came from actor Michael Chiklis. The former star of The Shield did a rousing rendition of Mustang Sally that he punctuated by jumping from the stage into the pool. Hilarious.

Another stellar set included Sheila E. We all know she's an wicked percussionist, but who knew she had such an awesome sense of humor? She was the one who started calling people out of the star-studded audience to come out and perform. One standout was MC Lyte. Apparently Sheila had invited her to the gig, but didn't tell her she was gonna put her on the spot. It was funny because Lyte was eating an ice cream bar when she was called to the stage. Sheila took her bar and proceeded to take a bite while Lyte stood there in shock. She said, "This is gonna be really quick, or else I won't have any ice cream left." She did a bit of Cha Cha Cha, and quickly exited the stage.

Please know and trust, the stars really turned out for Jazz on the Grass. In addition to Chiklis, I saw Dondre Whitfield and his lovely wife, Sallie Richardson-Whitfield, Attila Shabazz (daughter of Malcolm X), James Avery and Tatiana Ali of The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Reginald VelJohnson of Family Matters, CCH Pounder, comedian Chris Spencer, Drop Dead Diva star Brooke Elliott, Access Hollywood's Shaun Robinson, Vanessa Bell Calloway, and three Grey's Anatomy stars -- James Pickens Jr., Justin Chambers, Showtime at the Apollo's Kiki Shepherd, and Kevin McKidd.

What was truly great was seeing these big-time celebrities doing their thing and supporting a great cause. I'm just glad I was able to see it all.

*Oh, I normally would've posted pictures, but cameras weren't allowed.*