The Christmas parade was today, and it went really well. Lots of fun horse carriages and people-powered floats. Didn’t feel dimmed down at all from previous years, and honestly was much more pleasant (and safe-feeling) with no cars. Kids were able to play in the street in the midst of the long pauses between sections of the parade.
https://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/article281997983.html
Dreamville lineup announced. I’ve only heard of 3 of the acts, and know none of their music. Yet again, I feel like they’re not tailoring this to my preferences… 
Saturday, April 6
Sza
Chris Brown
J.I.D
Lil Yachty
Schoolboy Q
Sexxy Red
Jeremih
Earthgang
Teezo Touchdown
Amaarae
Lute
Luh Tyler
Domani
Sunday, April 7
J. Cole
Nicki Minaj
Rema
Jeezy
Monica
Rae Sremmurd
Key Glock
Bas
Muni Long
Cozz
Omen
Tiacorine
Chase Shakur
Sorry, I forgot to count Chris Brown. I assumed it was just someone with the same name, but nope it’s actually that piece of shit. So 4 acts that I’ve heard of.
Agreed, but I’d add Amaarae to your list; she had a massive year!
but tbh even if they had a lineup of nobodies, just landing SZA on her own is huge…
but here’s the thing… they’ve already landed SZA… for the first lineup. Not that repeat artists are inherently bad, as I understand why they also repeat the Dreamville artists year after year - and that’s fine! But when the lineup is this light (as in, what 26 artists TOTAL??) - the repeats are kinda a bummer. Especially the Dreamville acts like Bas who was literally on the lineup LAST YEAR, and Earthgang who were on the lineup 2 years ago. If the lineup was around double the number of artists, this wouldn’t even register. But when they’re repeating the same artists from 1-2 years ago and not offering much else along with them, they overstay their welcome IMO.
I also know full well that Cole will be bringing out surprise guests as he always does, and I’m sure Nikki will too. But the lineup is the lineup, and compared to last years (which was the biggest lineup both in terms of number of artists as well as big name headliner quality) - this is weak!
re: SZA, I agree that being a repeat artist lessens the impact a lot, but that was six years ago. Catching her in the middle of one of the biggest album release cycles in recent years is still a huge win; she’s a much bigger name than she was in '18.
No, I agree. She’s one of the 3 acts I mentioned actually caught my eye 
she’s not one of the repeats that lessens the impact, moreso the other Dreamville acts that have been on the last 2 years’ lineups. But to have ANY repeats yet a smaller lineup than just one year previously is still goofy IMO. No matter if it is such a big get like SZA. They need more artists in addition to her (and the other repeats) to make this less of a dud, is really where I’m trying to get to.
Yeah, I feel you guys on the lineup being a bit meh this year. But on the bright side, J.Cole isn’t sharing the spotlight like last year, and as a big fan, that’s got me hyped! Plus, I’m thinking maybe he’s making space for his final album, ‘The Fall Off’… 
The renovations bit is clearly mismessaging, but I wonder why this hotel is operating at all still if the following is true about two floors:
A front desk manager at the Holiday Inn on New Bern Avenue told WRAL that the issue is due to hotel renovations and that they are “only operating on two floors.”
But this isn’t the Holiday Inn on Hillsborough St that’s allegedly becoming the Kimpton. Like you pointed out from the article, it’s one in New Bern Ave.
Ah, assumed it was as that’s the one the video from WRAL showed on the article.
It says that someone else has a reservation cancelled at that one too, but didn’t specify anything about renovations. 
It’s WRAL. Shame on you for expecting decent, coherent reporting!
This is more of a small event, but I’m very excited for this. Exactly the kind of thing I’ve been hoping for in Smoky Hollow.
https://www.instagram.com/p/C5OepqDs6Vr/?igsh=MTlzbnBybDVocGdybQ==
Something to do in the neighborhood this spring and summer. Good stuff.
Mild weather and Sunshine for this weekend sounds like the perfect scenario for an outdoor festival. While others might want it a bit warmer, I think that the 60s is perfect for hanging outside for hours and hours.
Yeah we’ve spent yesterday and today taking my mom around all of the outdoor walking activities. Perfect weather for that.
Garland Mason is an old band mate of mine. Great voice and performer
