My daughter took this photo of Janelle Monae last night.

Last night, I took a trip to my hometown, Atlantic City, NJ.  My daughter drove and it was a good thing because I haven’t been there in awhile.  Well, actually I was there a couple years ago, but my husband was driving and I wasn’t paying attention.  So much has changed in that city since my youth.  We were on our way to the Borgota to see Janelle Monae! I was convinced that you had to take the White Horse Pike to get there, but now you can get there from the expressway.  My daughter wheeled her truck through a long tunnel that seemed to be playing music and then around these twists and turns in the dark to an area that reminded me nothing of Atlantic City.  The Borgota seemed to sit on its own little island.  I thought of so many things as she drove, like how easy it must be to get caught up in the “magic” of Atlantic City.  The lights, the water, and the musical tunnel coupled with the rings, and dings and screams of the slot machines reel you in. You feel like you are a part of something big!  I understand how easy it must be to fall into the trap, but even though I had been away from that city for some time, I will never forget the despair I saw on the faces of gambling addicts as they lost their money, their homes, and their families. The streets may have changed, but the people were the same.

I cannot deny that I enjoyed the fantasy for a moment, but I knew not to stop, lest I get caught up like I once did many years ago.  Besides, I was on my way to see Janelle Monae! Janelle “Amazing” Monae!  She rocked the house!  And she rocks it with such class and talent!  There is nothing cheap or dirty about her act. When she came out, her diverse audience screamed and danced and sang as she worked that stage with a combination of Micheal Jackson, Elvis Presley, and James Brown moves! Of course she had original moves of her own.  She is a 5 ft 1 beast! Singing brilliantly and beautifully, she bellows her message of peace, self-love, and unity.  I would definitely pay to see her again! I am so grateful to my daughter for introducing me to this amazing young artist! May God bless Janelle Monae!

After the show, we stayed at the Sheraton with my daughter’s college buddy and her mother.  We all enjoyed the show and had a great talk in the morning, just laughing.  The generational gap is just hilarious in and of itself. We(mothers) thought it was so funny that our daughter’s consider us “old.”  I am sure they also think we are “politically incorrect” when we speak, but I must say, the four of us had a wonderful time.  We tried to school our daughters on some things I am sure they will reflect back on one day, even though they will probably never admit it to us.  At that time, I am sure they will think we are over a few hills and mountains!

The four of us enjoyed the show. Janelle Monae appeals to a broad audience.

Oh here is a video of Janelle Monae: