I’m starting to gather that the famous Hollywood nightclub Avalon, is becoming the destination spot for campaign sponsored events. In the past Will I Am , Bobby Brown and Alicia Keys have been some the few celebrity names to perform on the stage from what was once a rave sanctuary for your coked out party goers.
Years ago, I remember frequenting Avalon as one of the hippest social spots, but I was also extremely naive to the posh crowd wearing nearly all black and sunglasses in broad midnight. You could’ve been lost in the numerous areas of the nightclub away from the dance room that could have been easily mistaken as an auditorium.
McDonald’s has been going through a rough patch lately, far from being the Disneyland of fast food that it once was. Sales have been plummeting with all the health food junkies and now with the argument for higher minimum wage acts, their workers have been jumping on the bandwagon.
What better way than to see the brighter side of a temporary downfall possibly crashing down than to make it the light and joy of a situation all across the world. I’m Lovin It has since become a more positive universal phrase for the food chain establishment. From the hit song Justin Timberlake put out to the regular commercial jingle, everyone knows the saying, but what many , including myself have come to find is that this popular term has a much bigger impact. ImLovinIt24 campaign is an international project in bringing the world together within 24 hours of 24 cities and 24 gifts of joy.
Ne-Yo made his way to GoodDayLA as a guest to promote the final hours of the campaign. Spreading the word by doing a featured performance for many of his fans with a free concert for those who were lucky enough to become a part of this mission in spreading the love. I was one of the many lucky guest being a Ne-yo fan myself, and made sure to take advantage of any and all connections getting me into the venue at which he was performing. At last minute after making a number of phone calls, I got myself and a few of my lucky friends on the guest list before the hour striked of it being closed, which typically is either the night before or by 5 pm the day of. I made sure to reach out to friends who would not only enjoy the event, but also primarily benefit from it. A mutual acquaintance turned friend was eagerly excited about my last minute text invitation for herself and her lovely mother.
Chanel, who just so happens to be an artist herself and her mother, met me after work in Hollywood to attend the event at the Avalon. Parking was typical as it took me five drives around the block until I could find a broken meter up the block. The weather could nearly blow me away, so I was relieved on how fast they arrived due to the time that they said they would. Surprisingly enough Chanel knew two of the women who had produced the event, which made it even easier for us to access. Once inside we did what normal event goers do. Take Pictures.
The bar was open, but you couldn’t really call it a bar considering they only offered soda drinks and water. Womp womp. Once inside the venue you can tell that the list was limited to only the lucky crowd that actually knew about the event. Majority of the crowd appeared to be press and die hard fans that had legitimate access to attend.
Definitely not your average “Hollywood Kids” of the current to date packs of promoters and their minions of followers. There was roped off areas that defeated the purpose being that you’d only see the back of peoples heads and be able to hear the voice of Ne-yo. The hidden Dj and Disk Jockey on the mike, played music that had me dancing in circles around Chanel and her mother. You had a few off beat fans and two stepping dancers while the majority of the crowd stood closer to the stage to have a social media close up view of the concert. Me, I chose to stay where I could move around at ease. I’ve never enjoyed the smell and feel of armpits and sweat smack dab in my face. The pushing would also be an annoyance to me, as I’d be very quick to come out of my shell to tell someone to back off towards the other side of the room. So I danced. My skirt was a little too snug since I didn’t think to try it on before my purchase, so in fact I wiggled.
The lights started to dim and smoke began to cloud the stage as screams of women and men alike roared. There he was.
I don’t know if it’s his smooth voice, his cheesy pearly white smile or just that he’s an overall nice guy, but I love me some Ne-yo. Since his debuted single Stay ft Peedi Peedi, I was in love with his talents, though he’s been in the industry for years prior to becoming an artist. Everyone started to rush the stage while I was seeking out peep holes just to wiggle my way in. I was close enough to where I could see him perfectly and still be able to move around. Just one problem though. Someone had a bad case of hygiene. A strong odor of fish and garlic started to singe my nose hairs. Aside from that Chanel and I continued to enjoy all his hit songs including his newer hit with the ImLovinIt24 “Everyday with love”.
A song he wrote inspired by his many fans by using his social media to describe the meaning and inspiration of love. It was a cute song. I could see using a remix, as it sounded like something you would hear on a McDonald’s commercial . Another performer came onto the stage with him to sing the melody. …or at least I think she did. Actually, I didn’t even catch her name.
She was good, but I was more in tuned with my favorite hits like Miss Independent, She knows, Let me love you, Closer and his latest hit ft Pitbull Time of our lives . Once that song came on I truly was having the time of my life!
I diligently tried to make a video of us while he sang my new favorite song, but my blasted phone was pissing me off during recording. The old me would have thrown it across the room, but I’ve dreadfully learned my lesson of that repercussion and all.
His dancers who were just as sexy, heated up the stage with their dance moves with the looks of the early 90’s. He ended the show with a bang and to take with him, he took a mass selfie of himself and the audience as one of his dancers handed him his phone. Subconsciously, I waved at the camera until I realized I wouldn’t have even been a blip in the photo. Dang! Should have made my way closer to the stage.
The room quickly cleared out VIP, All access passes and all and we made our way towards the exit. What’s an event or concert without making the security (s) job any harder than it already is without having a conversation. They were patient with us as we networked with a few familiar faces. Chanel’s former manager had produced this entire event so I was definitely intrigued to find out if anymore would be lined up in the near future. Finally we walked outside and I could see they were throwing an after party right next door in what I assumed was still The Spider Club …I think.
I’m happy that I had found out about this event and I’m even happier I didn’t get a ticket on a broken meter. So with that said… spread the love and continue to find joy in everything that you do.
Xox
