Oh, Happy Day! Last Sunday, on DA CORNER of Fillmore and Eddy - Gospel Music flowed throughout the popular, elegant 1300 on Fillmore Restaurant. Spirits were high among the integrated diners, some, celebrating their birthdays. And enjoyed the Gospel Brunch continental soul cuisine served every Sunday, under the expertise of extraordinary CHEF (and co-owner) DAVID LAWRENCE ( Saturday he was at Macy’s Union Square store demonstrating his comfort food speciality).

Ah, the magnificent entree’s are to die for - melt in your mouth - my fav, Barbecue Shrimps with Grits set me off! And the performance of FUTURE PERFECT, 1300’s House Band, feature lead vocalist MICHAEL CHEADLE, his daughter, singer MICKALA CHEADLE, accompanied by soulful musicians: Mark Lee on drums, Michael Robinson, keyboards, Bill Hampton on guitar. Mickala sung a stirring tribute to the late ETTA JAMES, singing “At Last,” and two songs in acknowledgment of WHITNEY HOUSTON, “I’m Every Woman,” and “Saving All My Love.”

Savvy hostess, MS. MEGAN (MITCHELL), enthusiastically greeted guests with a wide smile (last week she spoke at the San Francisco Board of Supervisors’ RULES Committee, along with others, on behalf of 1300 co-owner MONETTA WHITE, nominated to the Small Business Commission; appeared to have the votes, recommended to the full board for vote yesterday; sure OK’d - CONGRATULATIONS!

While enjoying the scene, had the pleasure of meeting actress HALILI KNOX of SFGOV.TV on air talent, whom I originally noticed on the station, impressed. Ms. Knox has appeared in several Lorraine Hansberry Theatre presentations.

From 1300, within a few paces, walked into YOSHI’S to catch the last hour of the BENEFIT CELEBRATION in remembrance of the late drummer EDDIE MARSHALL, that saw stellar musicians turn out to perform. Show started at 1 p.m. When I arrived, extraordinary vocalist BOBBY McFERRIN was on stage; as usual blew us away with his phenomenal vocal techniques and improvisations. The club was packed to the rafters - a show of love to Eddie, master drummer and leader of The Holy Grail Band, and performed with vibist BOBBY HUTCHERSON. Radio station KCSM'S announcer GREGG RICHARDS emceed.

Photographer JAMES KNOX captured the afternoon which was over about four-thirty, then many journeyed next door to the LUSH LIFE GALLERY, where Knox’s wonderful photographic works were on exhibit , along with James Gayles and Jim Dennis, through March 4th. Oakland’s 57th Street Gallery Blue Monday House Band, led by saxist MELVIN BUTTS and entourage - LEON JOYCE, Jr., (drums), HESHIMA (bass), KEITH SAUNDERS (keys) and CHARLES HAMILTON (trombone). The group took you back to days of Bebop Jazz - the swingin’, dancin’ feet of Bass player HESHIMA made me smile with happiness - AH, PURE JAZZ!
The 57th Street Gallery is the hottest club going in Oakland, located on 57th Street and Telegraph. Checked it out about two week ago.

Artistic Director CHRISTINE HARRIS coordinated the Jam session. She recently retired from San Francisco State University to take on the venture of running the gallery, which she loves - Christine, thanks for the heads up!

Sunday hit the spot to reconnect with musicians I LOVE. There on the scene, flowing in from the Marshall Tribute, KCSM Jazz guru SONNY BUXTON; smooth Jazz stylist KENNY WASHINGTON sat in with the band, doing “Kinda’ Blue”. He shared with me he’s on his way to New York City for a week’s engagement. Spreading a lil BLUES in the mix, BIG BONES, blowing his harmonica, sharp in a light brown plaid suit, white shirt and tie, wide tan hat - ALWAYS love to see Bones - met him back in the ‘80s, when he first hit town, on DA CORNER of divisadero and California Street, (at the time, the site of Rasselas), driving an old Buick, packed with all he owned - one, a message tape recorder which he gave me to temporarily hold - STILL got It!.

YES, I TOO was stunned over the death of SUPERSTAR WHITNEY HOUSTON - her music touched me deeply, which happened to be during a SPECIAL time in my life!

HEY, IT’S NICE TO BE NICE AND TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE ... LOOK FOR ME ... I’LL BE THERE ...

E-mail Rochelle at iheard@earthlink.net