Join Me At Sistertalk in DC!

On March 19, 2016 at Spice Suite in Washington DC I'll be moderating #SisterTalk, the next event in the Black Girls Do series created by Leah J of Fresh Daily Inc.. The inspiration of this event came from a moment many black women can relate to. Remember the holidays we'd sit in the kitchen with the women in our family and listen to them talk? Maybe they were speaking about social issues, music, new recipes, or the latest family drama. Whatever the conversation, it was beautiful. This event was created to mimic that feeling with a twist. 

Click to Purchase Tickets 

During #Sistertalk we will prepare and dine in a three course meal courtesy of Get Plated catering. We will then engage in open dialogue on various issues and topics that relate to black women. 

This is a great event for women who enjoy networking, exclusive events, engaging dialogue and good food. 

Click the picture above to RSVP and please share with your networks. Tickets are on sale today! 

Advanced tickets are $25 but they will go up to $50 soon so get them fast!

I'm really excited that Leah J, FreshDaily, and Black Girls DO felt that I was conducive to their brand and are allowing me to be involved so heavily! 
I hope to see you there! 

IG: BlackGirlsDO #blackgirlsdo 
Tweet me and let me know if you're going! Use the hashtag #Sistertalk 
<33 @askKirbyCarroll

Merry Christmas From AKC

Hey Guys!

I hope everyone is having a Merry Christmas. Remember the reason for the season and I hope your are spending it with the people closest to your heart.

Seemed appropriate being that it's 70 degrees in VA today :) 

Thank you for your support in 2015. I'm so excited about all the great things to come in 2016.

Have a blessed one!

<33 AKC

One on One with Attention Kills's Arize'

 Attention Kills is a captivatingly gritty urban web-series centered in the DC area. It encompasses unique personalities, interesting plots, and a loyal fanbase.

So, let me tell you guys the story. A few months ago I was at brunch with a few of my friends and a met a fellow DC creative named Arize'. He manages his own sports management company and is creator of Attention Kills, a DC web-series. I'm always a supporter of filmmaking and entrepreneurship. Therefore, one day out of simple curiosity, I watched an episode of Attention Kills on Youtube. Just that quick, I was hooked. The show definitely has the "binge effect," you know where you plan on watching one episode, and end up watching one season. The characters can make you love and hate them in a matter of minutes.

Fans and newcomers should enjoy our conversation below because, Arize' spoke passionately and truthfully about his goals and ideas for the show. "People who aren't familiar with us just have to pick an episode. They will want to go back and watch what happened before. I wrote it that way on purpose," says Arize'.

I'd like to know what you guys think! Check out our interview below and watch the series! Send me your feedback!

<33 AKC

Happy Thanksgiving From AKC

Hey Guys!

I COULDN'T LET THE DAY PASS WITHOUT SAYING HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE! THANKS FOR READING AND FOLLOWING MY BLOG. I HOPE YOU SPENT TODAY WITH LOVED ONES AND TOOK A MOMENT TO REFLECT ON THE BLESSINGS IN YOUR LIFE, BIG OR SMALL. ALSO, I HOPE YOUR MACARONI AND CHEESE WAS AS GOOD AS MINE. ;) haha xoxo - <33 askKirbyCarroll

AKC Review: CREED

Check it out one of my friends, Jill Doctor, attended the CREED screening in Los Angeles on behalf of AskKirbyCarroll.com. Check out her review, and let me know if you guys go see the film this week. I want to know what you think, tweet me your feedback @askKirbyCarroll.

-- <33 AKC

I loved it! I liked that it was still the Rocky story, just a fresh chapter - not a total reboot or remake. They did a really good job of making it current and relevant for this generation, while still incorporating footage/info from past Rocky movies. It didn't feel

cheesy in any way. Michael B. Jordan is a great actor - and great to look at!! I thought it was cool that they also twisted the story, so that Adonis (who's played by Michael) has a different background than Rocky. Adonis started rough, in foster care and juvy, but then is raised in wealth by Apollo's widow (who isn't his mom but basically adopts him). Rocky fought to make money and a name for himself to pull himself up. Adonis has everything he needs, but he fights because it's in his blood - BUT he doesn't want to get by on his dad's name. So he's sort of a street kid, but then not at all. Gives him more depth as well. Rocky as a character is also well used - the film is definitely not focused on him, but he's a good dose of comic relief and very real as a person to compliment Adonis's story. 

The other thing I liked (as a feminist!), is that the "new" Adrianne, who's name is Bianca, is very also real and has actual depth. She has her own goals and struggles and is a stand alone character. This movie definitely doesn't pass the Bechdel test (in fact there are basically no scenes with 2 women in them), but at least they gave the "girlfriend" role a lot more complexity than usual. 

And final thing - it was shot amazingly well. There were multiple one-shot long takes - like Adonis walking from the locker room all the way into the ring - that were really well done. The fight scenes themselves were amazing. I was flinching and cringing the whole time. You really feel a apart of the action! And the music was great too. They incorporated the old theme song with Adonis training and running through the streets of Philly followed by kids on motor bikes and it legit gave me goosebumps. 

Such an awesome movie! And they leave it open to keep the series going. I definitely wouldn't mind seeing more of Adonis/Michael in the ring ;)

Creed comes into theaters November 25, 2015.  

- Jill Doctor 

The Arts Comes to Hampton Roads

Sunday, November 15th I attended an event called the Arts. It took place in Newport News, VA at the Virginia Living Museum. The event highlighted a great deal of local talent which included painters, musicians, models, cosmetologists, chefs and more. It was hosted by popular radio/media personality Dominique da Diva of 103 Jamz/106.5 The Beat.

 The museum was full of artsy professionals and VIP's. It had catered food and a full stocked bar. What I enjoyed  most was the environment. There was so much going on and it provided for a really captivating experience. There was a fashion show, live band, painting, body art and many vendors. Whatever your interest or mood, there was something for you.

Hampton Roads has always had a connection with the arts. Musicians like Pharell and Missy all hail from the area. However, it is not always thought of as the most artistic or entertainment driven area. But, the young creators of the event reminded me of that energy! My hometown still has an overload of talent. We just need a platform! Check out some of the pictures here.  Tag and share your favorites!

 -- @AskKirbyCarroll
of @AKCLLC

Indie Artist Spotlight: Marquita Cheron

Sultry Sounds is a showcase created by Leah J of FreshDaily Inc. At the DC event audiences enjoy live music, drinks and good company. Marquita Cheron is a creative artist who performed at a past showcase. Her strong vocals and soulful lyrics make her a great feature for Indie Spotlight. 

Marquita Cheron has been singing since the age of twelve. Though she grew up around the arts, her mother danced and her father sang, she didn’t grow up thinking she had the skill. It wasn’t until sixth grade when her teacher put her into a national broadway play that she realized her talent. Marquita is a native of the DC area and has a genuine passion for her hometown. As a lover of the DMV myself, I asked for her opinion on the realm of entertainment in the area. “I think the support is different than in the West Coast and New York. The hustle of New York causes others to do it and respect it. But, I think DC is moving into a positive direction. I wish it would have happened years ago, but it’s coming back now," she said. Marquita reminded me of the Harlem Renaissance and the significance of the DC area during that period.

Speaking of periods, I was very intrigued by the timeless artists that Marquita said inspires her. She named Whitney Houston, Jasmine Sullivan, Anita Baker, Brandy and Rachelle Ferrell. “I really admire Rachelle Ferrell’s ability, from holding to hitting high notes.” It was clear that she had a passion for musicianship and the art of singing. She explained that her process for producing songs came from different personal and non-personal life experiences. “Sometimes, I’m in an awkward phase with a song or chorus. I may have the melody without the lyrics or vice versa. I'll sit at a piano and play chords or hear a track and it tells me how to create it.” Marquita is a clear creative so I found it interesting when she said that if she wasn’t pursuing singing she’d be a lawyer. She explained later that it is because she truly cares about others and always got in trouble for defending her peers when she was younger!

I really like the positive vibe of her songs which is why I wanted to share Marquita Cheron with AKC readers. It’s not every day one hears music that is enjoyable and promotes positivity. Her songs are uplifting and catchy. “Love makes the world go round. When things happen and something gets rough you have to get through it. That’s not just in my songs, that’s life,” she says. 

Check out Marquita Cherron below and let me know what you guys think! 

—@askKirbyCarroll (IG/Twitter)

@AKCLLC (IG) <333

@MarquitaCheron (IG/Twitter)

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/emotions-can-interfere-single/id999160531

www.reverbnation.com/marquitacheron

www.soundcloud.com/marquita-cheron