1. ANGELINA JOLIE

Angelina Jolie is spot on when it comes to managing her personal life in perfect balance with her red carpet life. She has one of the most diverse families in Hollywood. We love her consistent looks. Ms. Jolie is often setting trends in Hollywood. Simplicity is key where Angelina Jolie is concerned and it helps that she seems so authentic.

2. HALLE BERRY

Halle Berry is one of the world’s most beautiful women alive; however, beauty is everything. The reason she is so high up on this list is because of the interaction we see between her and her offspring. We love the connection we can see between her and her daughter. Imagine Halle Berry being your blood mother? What an EXPERIENCE huh?!

3. VICTORIA BECKHAM

Victoria Beckham has risen to fame in her role as a Spice Girl. Now she is a fashion icon and has made her way into the cookbook world among working mothers, as she balances her family and work lives. Every time she is photographed with her husband and children, they all seem so put together and happy. We love the BECKHAMS!

4. BEYONCE KNOWLES

Beyonce is brand new to the mothering world; however, she has maintained a look that we are willing to highlight. This global sex icon has only become hotter in many fans’ eyes with the recent delivery of a healthy baby girl, Blue Ivy Carter. While some have their suspicions where the origin of the offspring is concerned, we must say Beyonce has maintained her public look as a hard-working mother in the limelight.

5. HEIDI KLUM

Heidi Klum recently divorced her now ex-husband, Seal; however, we still love her public image as a family lady. Her red carpet looks are so consistent. In an interview with Elle Magazine, she said “I’m a lioness. I have four cubs. I’m a mom. I want to take care of my kids and protect them. I don’t want to talk about them, or him, or me.” That’s the type of talk that has Ms. Klum at number five on our list!

6. RACHEL ZOE

Rachel Zoe is an extraordinary stylist. We were highly anticipating her delivery. Zoe was smart in publicizing the journey to motherhood on her reality tv series, as it made her so much more personable and revealed the struggle working mothers face when deciding between children and their jobs.

7. JENNIFER LOPEZ

Jennifer Lopez has permanently put Hispanic women on the map in Hollywood. Her finesse and striking beauty is consistently the talk of the town. Although Lopez has had various romantic flings, she proves to be a good example of why Hollywood motherhood can work.

8. LISA BONET

Known for her role on the Bill Cosby show, Lisa Bonet has been a staple actress in Hollywood for years. Her dreads and quirky style has landed her a place on our fashion Guru Mommas List today. We love the style that has transferred to her daughter Zoe Kravitz. You go lisa Bonet!

9. VANESSA WILLIAMS

Vanessa Williams is a strikingly beautiful woman and has produced equally beautiful children. She is often photographed with her children and gives us the Matriarch of Hollywood feel every time we see the interaction. Vanessa’s fashion is simple, yet fitting. We love this hot momma!

10. ERYKAH BADU

Despite the number of children Badu has with different fathers, we felt she needed to be on this list for her unique presentation and motherly music. Badu has consistently delivered looks unlike any other and has kept her family together amidst the media attacks. Badu has unique names for her children, like Puma, Seven and Mars. We love Erykah Badu and she is another fashion guru momma!

11. SARAH JESSICA PARKER

Sarah Jessica Parker, one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood, gives us SEX IN THE CITY on and off the set. She has become iconic in Hollywood but not many see the motherly side of her busy life. In an interview with Marie Claire, Parker responded to questions about missing her children saying, “I dealt with it the same way working moms deal with it all the time: You miss them; you wish you were sharing every experience with them; you stay in touch; you annoy them with your sentimental phone calls and Skyping.” We appreciate this side of Sarah Jessica Parker.

12. JADA PINKETT SMITH

Jada Pinkett Smith has raised some amazing children. She is deserving of a fashion guru momma title. All of her children are gorgeous and already jump starting their careers. Jada is always captured in photo with a proud look on her face and her children in the forefront. Such a mentality is crucial to raising good children. Although not always consistent, we still love Jada’s style on and off the red carpet.

MUTEMATH:

MuteMath headlined the Rites of Spring Music Festival, taking the audience through a number of familiar tunes. Their use of percussion kept the crowd surfing. Flashing lights, clashing cymbals and energy were the focus. We totally enjoyed their performance.

CHANCELLOR WARHOL:

We love electro-pop! More so, we love the infusion of rap and electro-pop that Chancellor Warhol delivered on stage. A Nashville native himself, Chancellor Warhol was comfortable in his own stomping grounds. He delivered an energetic performance that kept the audience engaged, performing familiar songs from his debut album Japanese LunchBox, his sophomore album Silver Factory and his mixtape Playlist for Edie.

TYLER HILTON:

Well-known for his character on the series One Tree HIll, Tyler Hilton gave us a bit of DeJa Vu  on stage. His grungy pop-rock vocals and clean look thrilled the ladies in the crowd. The acoustics of his guitar reverberated throughout the entire festival. We enjoyed his performance mainly because it was a drop of different in between the other acts.

REPTAR:

We bumped into some of the members of Reptar backstage and were able to catch some moments on camera. Take a look at the video for our interview of William Kennedy, the man on the keys. Reptar delivered a phenomenal show at Rites of Spring 2012. Their electro-pop sound prepared the way for the next few hype performances as the night slowly came to a close. The threads were reflective of the 60′s decade, very free-flowing and artsy. Check them out on Facebook for some good music: Reptar’s Facebook

WICK IT THE INSTIGATOR:

Wick it The Instigator performed with so much energy and creativity. The artist spinned with prowess on his turntables, delivering mash-ups that had the audience raging! We moved to his electro beats clapped to his baselines. Wickit contributed to an extraordinary night.

SLEIGH BELLS:

The crowd raged to the booming, pumping music streaming from the speakers as Sleigh Bells did their thing. They performed a crowd favorite “Comeback Kid.” Nashville was ready for the energy, as the audience danced and jived to the hardcore melodies of Sleigh Bells. The duo is from our hometown of  Brooklyn, New York City. Sleighbells consists of Derek Edward Miller (guitar) and Alexis Krauss (vocalist).

WIZ KHALIFA:

The main act of the Saturday night show did not disappoint. Wiz Khalifa came out arrayed in fashion-forward apparel with a light-up, laser-beam mic stand. His creativity, most likely enhanced by some Mary Jane, was brought out in full force. We expected nothing less as 4/20 was only the day before he came on stage. The crowd jammed to some of our favorite Wiz Khalifa tracks. What a weekend!

Gospel Artist Karl Jackson presents the debut of his new dynamic ensemble EMINENCE! With the eclectic sounds of classical, funk, jazz and soul-infused gospel goodness, this new ensemble will wow and woo your soul. Special guests will accompany EMINENCE in this debut celebration. Be the first to witness history in the making!

The Experience Blog delves into genres of all types, ranging from deep house and electric pop to jazz and gospel. I urge you to check out the promotional video below; it is quite astounding:

FACEBOOK LINK: Click Here

TWITTER PAGE: Follow Here

EVENT PAGE: RSVP HERE

We are all about innovation and style at the Experience Blog. Both are reflected in the inner workings of this project. Jonét sports dark apple red hair and dark eyeliner with a relaxed look, incorporating a self-tied over-sized wife-beater (vest), an over-sized hoodie, and short shorts.

Watch the video all the way through and you will be sure to be singing the catchy phrase during your next shower, walk to the park, or exercise routine, “Ba La La Rina!”

If you will be in the TriState Area during the week of May 7th, please consider attending Jonet’s next show.

May 7 – Mercury Lounge: http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com/event/110641/

Website: http://www.justjonet.com
Subscribe to DanceOn: http://bit.ly/HMtGu2

Directed by Philip Byron, Sal D’Alia and Steven Pierce
Choreographed by Sarah Zehnder
Ballet Mistress: Janet Sorrentino
Dancers: Brigid Gillis, Sarah Morrill, Angela Gorman, Alysia Douglas, Edwardo Brito, Sarah Zehnder

This has been a DanceOn Production

The Experience Blog is heading to Nashville, TN to cover the highly anticipated Rites of Spring two day music festival! Headliners Wiz Khalifa and MUTEMATH, additional artist Reptar, Caitlin Rose, and Friendly Savages have been confirmed for music enthusiasts to enjoy. As tradition has shown, this is THE place to be to kick off your spring in musical style!

Fans can catch a preview of the fun‐filled weekend, beginning Thursday, April 19th during the Battle of the Bands competition and Silent Disco. During Battle of the Bands, beginning at 7:00pm, each band competes to perform during the opening slot on each festival day, with the selection made by the audience that evening.  Being a battle of the bands winner ourselves (as apart of Weetu and the Truth, opening for TI, NERD, etc), we can attest to the great fun one can have during a Battle of the Bands event.

Ready to start planning your weekend? Check out the festival schedule below to make sure you don’t miss any of your favorites:
*As of April 2, 2012; Subject to change*
Friday, April 20, 2012  

• 5:30pm:   Gates Open
• 5:50pm:   Battle of the Bands Winner
• 6:30pm    Beaker Street Blues Band
• 7:25pm:    Gloriana
• 8:30pm:   Fitz and the Tantrums  
• 10:00pm:   MUTEMATH

Saturday, April 21, 2012

• 3:00pm:   Gates Open
• 3:30pm:   Battle of the Bands Winner
• 4:10pm:   Friendly Savages
• 5:00pm:   Chancellor Warhol
•  5:50pm:   Tyler Hilton
• 6:40pm:   Caitlin Rose
• 7:35pm:   Reptar
• 8:30pm:   Wick–It the Instigator 
• 9:25pm:   Sleigh Bells   
• 10:55pm: Wiz Khalifa 

The 2012 Rites of Spring Music Festival is an annual tradition of beautiful spring weather and great music at Vanderbilt University. The event will be held on Friday April 20th and Saturday April 21st on the Alumni Lawn in the heart of Vanderbilt’s campus. Weekend Passes and Single Day tickets are ON SALE NOW to students and the general public at all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 1‐800‐745‐3000.

Tickets can also be purchased with Cash or Check with no service fees included only at the Sarratt Box Office on the Vanderbilt campus. Weekend passes for Vanderbilt students are available for $30 and faculty and staff for $40 (one ticket per student, faculty or staff).  Weekend passes for the general public are $55 in advance or $65 the day of the festival. For general event information, call 615‐322‐2471. For more information, visit www.vanderbilt.edu/ros or follow us on Twitter @ritesatvandy. No Refunds will be given due to weather conditions or band cancellations.
Media Contact:  360 Media, Inc. – Laura Cubbage – 404‐577‐8686 / info@360media.net
Vanderbilt Contact:  Student Campus Events, Vanderbilt University – Dwayne V. Elliott – 615‐322‐2471

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^^^SHE WAS OUR FAVORITE FOR THE NIGHT^^^

^^^ THE DJ’s Doing their thing^^^

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BOUNCE BOUNCE BOUNCE BOUNCE BOUNCE, DIRTY SOUTH SWAG

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY KIDEAR!!!

When we first heard of artist Marie Dahlstrøm, we were curious as to what this young blonde from Denmark had to offer.  After hearing her video “What Did You Say,” we instantly fell in love with her soulful inflections and beautiful harmonies. Below you will find an exclusive interview the Experience Blog had with Marie, who currently resides in the United Kingdom.

1. Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in New York. I began working with world renowned voice coach Katie Agresta (Bon Jovi/Cyndi Lauper) at the age of 10. I would travel to her brownstone on 88th Street and sing while holding my tongue out for an hour. Her exercises helped me learn how to use my voice like an instrument — it was an invaluable experience. I did theater locally for 10 years, which became the foundation of my stage presence and the theatrics audiences can expect at my live shows. Being from New York opened me up to the best and worst parts of this industry, and now living in the West Village I am blessed to still be learning and growing as an artist.

2. When did you first discover you had a vocal gift?
Its funny — my parents have endless videos of me from the time I could speak singing and putting on shows in my living room. It wasn’t until kindergarten graduation when my teacher asked me to sing that they realized it wasn’t just normal “kids being kids” behavior. It was what I was meant to do.

3. Can you remember your first amateur performance? Where was it and how did it go?
Hmmmm…this is a hard one. I guess the most notable one was when I was 13 and performed at the Apollo. I won a nationwide tour Apollo hosted and a woman named Vanessa Brown invited me back as the “star of tomorrow.” I always joke and say to myself… “I think it’s tomorrow now!”

4. What is your major pet peeve?
Bad stage performers, because it’s a package deal. Just because our generation of performers can be airbrushed and auto-tuned to hide any flaw doesn’t mean we should be. There’s something raw and real about getting on a stage and connecting with an audience. Today when I see a performer hyped up to be the next big thing and they can’t sing two of their own songs on live TV (not saying any names) I don’t get it. They should go home and practice in front of the mirror some more.

5. Who are some major influences in your life?
In life…my parents, my friends and Bob Dylan.

6. Which artists influence your sound?
In music? Alanis Morisette. Janis Joplin. Etta James. Billy Joel. Alicia Keys. Lauryn Hill. Sheryl Crow and Bob Dylan. I went to a psychic once who told me my career would most resemble Bobs’. I had just finished reading “A Freewheelin’ Time” by Suze Rotolo the day before…needless to say it blew my mind and I prefer to believe in psychics.

7. If you had one last request on this Earth, what would it be?
One request? Can’t I have a few? Haha If I had one last day I always say I’d love to go out with a bang. Gypsy style if I can make a musical theater reference. I’d like to be belting out some soul music in front of the world and the people I love. A stage, a mic and the people who have made it all possible… that’s my request.

8. Are you a sports fan? If so, who are your favorite teams?
Sports are not for me. I love the UFC though. I’m a bit violent in the best way.

9. What is a broken black balloon?
When I wrote the album I had just moved into my apartment with my best friend. It was a dream I had since I was younger. I had all these thoughts on what life was going to be like at 22. It ended up a bit more complicated than that, but complicated in a good way. I heard a quote once that said, “sometimes your heart breaks in the right way.” That’s the best way I can describe it. Sometimes the hopes you have shatter, but what’s left are lessons. Those are the broken black balloons we all have around us.

10. What keeps you busy throughout the day?
Dreaming. My friends make fun of me when I say that, but when you’re an artist your mind never stops. It’s exhausting but I wouldn’t change it. Creativity is the source of everything I am. It’s also what keeps me constantly searching for satiability. And I’m a Sagittarius. Combine that with the dreaming and you get a never ending quest for never ending things. It’s a bittersweet symphony.

11. When can we expect the album to be released?
Right now I’m just focused on playing out and getting the album to the people who are going to like it the most. Along the way I’d love for the industry to pick-up on its depth and musicality. I think it’s a good testament to music still being entertaining with basic instruments and vocals. It’s a raw take on some of my favorite artists, influences and time periods.

12. What is next for you in this music industry?
Some videos, some shows and more music. I have a show April 18th at the Canal Room and May 7th at Mercury Lounge. This upcoming week I’m filming a video with the YouTube’s #1 dance channel, DanceOn (www.youtube.com/danceon). Overall though, I’m always looking to build contacts and combine my art with the art of other interesting people. I couldn’t tell you what’s next because a big part of me feels it’s not in my control. Oprah said in an interview that success is preparation meeting opportunity. I’m ready. I just hope life is on board to meet me.

We here at the Experience Blog want to thank Jonet for getting down-right honest and open with us. She was a fun subject to interview and we wish her the the best of luck with her career!

Jonet’s Facebook: Click Here FB

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Jonet’s Website: Click Here for the Website