I was thrilled to partner with Neiman Marcus Charlotte for an intimate event highlighting the 2021 Spring Trends.
It felt great to gather (safely) and talk all things fashion over light bites and mimosas! ? Many thanks to the Neiman Marcus event team, my trusted assistant, the beautiful guests, our amazing model Amani Madden who rocked each look, hair by Royalty Beauty Bar, MUA Krysta Medley, floral backdrop by Aisha Thomas Events, music mix by Luke Calvin and event photos by Shot By Lindsay.
Hosting an in person event felt good. It was the adrenaline rush I didn’t know I needed. I did however forget when I take the stage, dancing is likely to happen and well, between that and talking for an hour, ya girl was parched! ?????
UNCF raised $2.3 million, thanks in part to Oprah’s generosity!
Celebrating 75 years of service to the nation, more than 1,000 guests adorned with fascinators and hats attended UNCF Charlotte‘s sold-out 17th annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, raising a record-breaking $2,300,000 in support of education.
Fashion auteur and media personality Stacee Michelle interviews the legendary Oprah Winfrey on the red carpet at the UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon before her big announcement.
Global media leader, producer, actress and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey headlined the signature fundraising event presented by Wells Fargo and bestowed an unrivaled moment by matching live fundraising efforts to donate $1,149,000!
With only a few more days left in the Charlotte SHOUT! Festival, we are excited to welcome back Umphrey’s McGee to the Queen City to celebrate Charlotte’s 250th Anniversary.
The dynamic headline band, Umphrey’s McGee, will be hitting the Atrium Health Main Stage at Romare Bearden Park on Friday. I caught up with them to chat before the show to talk about everything from favorite denim to Star Wars! Check it out!
Photo by Abby Fox
Charlotte is celebrating its 250th Anniversary with the SHOUT! festival, how do you feel about being apart of the celebration?
Charlotte has been an important city in the history of our country, as well as important city in the history of Umphrey’s McGee. We’ve played at the Visulite, Amos’ Southend, Neighborhood Theater, the Fillmore & the Symphony Park in Charlotte. So many great venues & memories. We are always thrilled to celebrate iconic events like this and feel like we represent a great cross section of American music history. With our chameleonic musical style, you never know what you’re going to get but we can promise that it will be an energetic and entertaining concert. We’ve often been described as party music for the brain, so it makes sense that Umphrey’s McGee would be tapped to celebrate with the city of Charlotte.
Why is live music important to a city’s growth?
As far as the importance of live music to a city and it’s growth, live music brings people from all walks of life together and builds bridges between people, often creating friendships between fans. In a time when many of us can become isolated in the world, live music brings culture and love, giving audience members and band members alike a life-affirming bond with each other.
Photo by Dave Vann
How does performing at festivals differ for you from a traditional concert?
At a traditional concert, we know everyone there is there to see Umphrey’s McGee. At a city festival, we have the opportunity to often play before new people who haven’t experienced our show before. We love when we have opportunities to show new folks a good time. We’ll undoubtedly be playing for a mix of those who have seen the band many times and those who have never seen us before, so expect something for everyone at our show.
Is there a particular item you wear each show and if so, what is its significance?
Brendan Bayliss, Guitar/Vocal: There’s not really a particular item worn by any of us each night, although Ryan has worn some questionable things on stage. We do all have a Star Wars action figure on our rigs each night — good to have The Force on our side.
Photo by Umphrey’s McGee
Do you have a pre-show ritual?
We spend about 30 minutes before the show warming up together and getting on the same page musically. The idea is that when we step out and hit our first notes, we already feel like we’re firing on all cylinders.
Go-to denim jean brand or favorite pair of jeans?
Joel Cummins, Keyboard/Piano/Vocal: I have a pair of Joe’s that’s survived for almost 10 years, so ‘have to give it to them.
Brendan Bayliss, Guitar/Vocal: Levi 100%. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Ryan Stasik, Bass/No Vocal: There’s only one brand of denim approved by the National Tanning Association: Shinesty. (see photo from our destination event in Mexico)
Photo by Ryan Stasik
What is the process you go through as a band in deciding what to wear before a show? Does it happen the day before, a week ahead?
We talk about what music we want to play and never talk about what to wear. Every guy has his own style, so we just try to embrace that and let it ride.
Can you repeat the same look you’ve worn to a previous show?
Yes, you can repeat the same look from a previous show, just hopefully not the following day!
Photo by Dave Vann
Memorable on-stage wardrobe malfunctions story?
Trying to wear a mask on Halloween has produced mixed results. We had to take them off because we were sweating too much, but more importantly, our shows rely on eye contact. We’ve done shows in masks where we couldn’t see what anyone was trying to do and that made things challenging.
The concert is part of the Charlotte SHOUT! festival, a two-week celebration of art, music, food and ideas that ends Saturday, May 11.
Style is a major part of an artist’s brand, and Hamilton does it well. We asked him a few questions to find out more about the stylish man behind the music.
Photo by Stacee Michelle
1) As one of the city’s premier artists, how have you noticed the music scene develop over the years?
It is such an honor to be a part of a legacy with such history. Since I’ve started my musical journey, I’ve seen the city birth some phenomenal talent and shape the careers of so many. We still need more nightlife to house it all, but the potential and demand is there.
2) How does performing at festivals differ from a traditional concert?
Performing at festivals is a chance to showcase to those who wouldn’t normally come out to see you, open the demographics.
3) Is there a particular item you wear each show and if so, what is its significance?
Each show, there’s gonna be a hat, an amazing one. It’s the trademark for the sound.
4) There is a pendant necklace that you have been wearing a lot recently. Tell us the story behind it?
It’s a pendant of St. Augustine I got from Tomfw is a guide for men’s fashion accessories. He was a Roman African, philosopher and writer. It stood out to me and kinda reminded me of myself.
Photo by Stacee Michelle
5) How does your style of music influence your style of dress?
My style of music brings about a southern flair and a well traveled family man. And I think that’s reflected in my boots, hats, great quality T-shirts, socks and underwear.
6) You seem to love wearing boots, what is your favorite kind to wear? Summertime is approaching. What is your go-to footwear for the hot weather months?
I love a good comfortable boot. From any vintage line or thrift store to All Saints and Varvatos. Comfort is my key style. Summertime, I lets the dogs out— flip flops and slippers or a sweet pair of Jordans.
7) Do you have a pre-show ritual?
Before each show I like to hang out some and vibe with the fellas, [have] a few laughs and soundcheck. An hour or two before, I just wanna be left alone to ready my spirit.
8) Which five songs are in your car or playlist right now?
It is always a pleasure being the official red carpet host at the Off The Field Players’ Wives Association Super Bowl Fashion Show! This year Super Bowl LIII, Patriots vs. Rams, was held in the beautiful city Atlanta, GA. A city known for fashion and luxury, the runway show highlighted nothing less! The event was held at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, with a pre-party celebration at Dior! I loved seeing the husbands support their wives as each year they raise funds for a non-profit organization in the Super Bowl host city. This year Girls Who Code was the beneficiary! Always a sell-out event, I can’t wait until next year! Enjoy the video!
Production Team: Bryant Walker, Ethan Neville, & Erica Dunn
Stay Connected with Stacee Michelle! IG: @itsStaceeMichelle www.stacee-michelle.com
‘Tis the season to talk fashion! I partnered with The Charlotte Observer and SouthPark Magazine to host a holiday event at SouthPark Mall, 9-10:30 a.m. The event was all about decorating, what to wear for upcoming holiday parties and creating the best food display. Reid’s Fine Foods provided the food and beverages for the breakfast, and SouthPark gave away some amazing stuff all morning.
All of the looks that I showcased were a total hit! They sold out at all the stores within the week – which was so exciting! Featured Boutiques were: Capitol / Poole Shop, BOEM, and Bevello.
