SayconTalks PODCAST: Saycon Sengbloh on culture, lifestyle & entertainment behind the scenes, wellness and more!

Move Girl, Move

December 11, 2020

Hey friends! Its been a while and so much has changed!

Some of you who follow my YouTube channel know that I moved! Yes, really, I moved–I moved, girl, I moved ??‍♀️! I recently relocated to an entirely different city and relocations can take a lot of time and effort. Especially for someone in a business who uses, talent and energy as a creative. The idea of starting over in the middle of a pandemic, wooo chile ?! Learn a little bit more about my move check out the video below! On SayconTalks Youtube Channel!

I arrived in my new state and I decided to quarantine so that I can be healthy and in compliance! This was the first time I ordered Amazon groceries and it was a good experience very convenient. I know that a lot of people are not into deliveries and just like you, I’d like to pick my own fruit, but I could not beat the convenience. Click here to try Amazon groceries . I now use them pretty regularly especially when it’s a busy time. I pretty much stayed in the house as much as possible, except for the times when I would leave to take a walk and get some fresh air.

I only had one or two friends here, at the time, so it was pretty easy to not be social, plus, I am a bit of a homebody. I wanted to take the time to decide on my next steps. The funny thing is, before I arrived I imagined things would be very slow because of quarantine. But, boy , was I wrong! Auditions kicked up and there I was doing self tapes by myself or with a friend on the phone I had to be sure to have a ring light for every situation. I was gifted a larger one last year–and I decided to get a smaller one for my live video conference opportunities. In those early days of quarantine everything was zoom zoom zoom! There’s not many people –who don’t know this video app– many people have been using replace in person meetings.

Sometimes, I still can’t believe- I moved during quarantine and finally , finally tried Amazon! Me who, Saycon, the girl who also gets overwhelmed with online shopping. Check out my moving video on Youtube and let me know what you think in the comments! Can you guess where I moved?

xoxo,

Saycon?

FTC-

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Saycon VintagePopSoul & The Dallas Cabaret Festival

September 9, 2019

In late August on the penultimate eve of hot girl summer, the sexy warm heat and tender sunset was a perfect backdrop, for VintagePopSoul.

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I sang on this balmy evening alongside the shores of White Rock Lake at the Bathhouse Cultural Center. That afternoon before the show began I witnessed a small group of women gathering to meditate and speak their dreams and I also witnessed a surprise proposal happening just 50 meters away.

All these good vibes propelled me forward excitedly to share some songs and some “talks” with the crowd. The people were gathered for that cabaret experience of wonderful singing plus a few stories from my career.

Heading to places ???:

I kept my anecdotes PG, for the most part, ??!

I had some merchandise on hand– CDs, download cards, and T-shirts and they all sold out! I wish I’d brought more with me!

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If you see me, in person, ask me about the lyrics printed on the T-shirt it’s from a very special song I wrote, Be Here. ??

?✨Download Be Here ??✨

The people definitely giggled for sure when I demonstrated the sensual and amazing ASMR vibes the tea-sipping smoothie-dripping joy of sound that is my podcast, SayconTalks.

I sang songs from my career including the shows Aida, Wicked, Rent and Secret life of Bees. I also performed music from the repertoire of one of my favorite vocalists, Miss Sarah Vaughn.

I’m surprised every time I mention Sarah Vaughn to people who don’t know her name… They know Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, but many do not know Sassy Sarah. It’s definitely a goal of mine to bring more light to this amazing artist!

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The day before the concert I went over music with the music director, Norman Williams. He’s a cool cat, I met him the previous year when I sang a few tunes.

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I’d sent him the music while I was in New York but due to timing and a filming conflict in Canada I was only able to arrive the day before the show. The following day I was with the full band and the rehearsal went really well I was particularly happy to start off the morning with a green tea latte (half almond half coconut milk) ?? And a cute little mini omelette thingy from Starbucks, courtesy of Miss Denise Lee ?!

Denise even recorded an audition tape with me that same day! ? It can be stressful having ones head in so many places. I wanted to focus on the music at hand. I won’t complain, it’s nice to have opportunities. I pray for many many more– Surplus is the word this year! #Surplus

The band members were great we all seemed to really get into a nice groove that morning .

I brought a dress to wear for the concert but decided something more vibrant and new would be better. I fell in love with this pink dress as soon as I tried it on!

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*I know, the front needs a little adjustment but hey it is what it is! ??‍♀️?

What an enjoyable time I had!

I really have to give a special thanks and shout out to Miss Denise Lee! She has got to be one of the hardest working women in show business! Her presence in Dallas is undeniable.

I did the show Stagger Lee with her at the Dallas theater center in 2014 and we never forgot about each other. I was pleased that she asked me to headline the festival this year. She’s a gorgeous mom and a knockout talent with a heart to match, in fact, she received an award for her service on the same day as the concert in Dallas! We sang a duet at the end of the night. Not. A. Dry. Eye. In. The. House.

I joined her in church the next day alongside her daughters.https://saycontalks.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/img_1635-1.mov

Please enjoy more photos I took along with the videos of the rehearsal be sure to subscribe to the SayconTalks YouTube page to see subsequent performance videos from the show soon. #VintagePopsoul

Visit Instagram and search- Saycon Sengbloh

*Gifs & boomerangs & short videos from Dallas appear as links in the blog on some browsers
Set of Ernest Dickerson’s Latest Feature Film ‘Double Play’

January 10, 2016

This fall my life took a huge turn when I found myself shooting a movie with the esteemed: Ernest Dickerson! Its based on the classic “Dubbelspel” novel by Frank Martinus Arion, it is called DOUBLE PLAY! Many people didn’t know I had left the country for nearly 2 months! It was during the final weeks of my off-Broadway production of Eclipsed. There were rumors about why I left and crazy silly articles online but I’m here to tell you, I had the best reason to take a short break from my play, a lead role in the new Ernest Dickerson feature film, DOUBLE PLAY! Well I am finally back in the states, going to Broadway in February, and of course looking forward to the film coming out but until then stay on the look out for small peeks into our process! Journalist Aramide A. Tinubu came to visit us during our final weeks in Curaçao and it was a cool experience the article was posted on Indiewire.com Shadow and Act!. READ! READ! READ!

Left to right: Isaach De Bankole, Dana Campbell, Saycon Sengbloh, Ernest Dickerson discussing to mustache or not on the set of Double Play

Click here to read the article! Writer Aramide A. Tinubu was among several writers who came to visit us during our adventure in Curaçao!
Happy Birthday to me!

October 23, 2015

Greetings all! Sometimes I dread it, or I usually get too busy, or caught up to celebrate my own born day! I’m working on changing that, as I am very thankful for life! So Happy Birthday to me! My mom and family will see me in a great show tonight and for that I am thankful! Tonight they will see me play Helena in Eclipsed! The Off-Broadway production at the Public theatre is moving and very personal. I will be posting some late pics from opening night soon but today I celebrate! More good news to come! Blessings!

Saycon Sengbloh photo: Kat Hennessey graphic: Anthony Stewart
Actresses Unite: Saycon Sengbloh, Lupita Nyong’o, Zainab Jah, Pascale Armand, & Akosua Busia

September 1, 2015

Clockwise from upper left Saycon Sengbloh, Lupita Nyong’o, Akosua Busia, Zainab Jah, and Pascale Armand.

New York City will get its chance to see Danai Gurira’s play “ECLIPSED”, uniting a group of actresses who’s passion and talent is exceptional. Making its NYC debut on my old stomping grounds, the Public Theater. Join me this fall as I join these beautiful actresses in a play that explores the treacherous lives of several women during the Liberian civil war: to be a war bride, a soldier, a casualty of the war. As a woman of both American and Liberian heritage this topic is particularly poignant and meaningful for me. Having just done, Marley at Centerstage, submerging myself in Jamaican culture, I’m ready to dive into this difficult portion of Liberian history. Honestly, I’m continuing my connection to the diaspora I am personally honored to join these women: Zainab Jah (Hamlet,Ruined), Akosua Busia (The Color Purple, E.R), Pascale Armand (The Convert, S.H.I.E.L.D.), myself, Saycon Sengbloh (Fela, Marley) ,and last but certainly not least Lupita Nyong’o (12 Years A Slave, Star Wars). The play is written by actress Danai Gurira of the Walking Dead, and will be directed by Liesl Tommy (Informed Consent). This year has been amazing thus far and I look forward to more, I’m looking forward to sharing the Eclipsed performances with my friends and family, especially my mom, and meeting new people through this show. Amen! For more info on how to get tickets to see ECLIPSED
Marley Opening Night Photos: Baltimore Centerstage

May 21, 2015

We opened Marley at Baltimore Centerstage: A World Premiere: MARLEY

Take a look below and enjoy some shots from my opening night party! Let me know if you like them with comments below! I found my dress here in Baltimore and loved it sooo much I even added flowers to my hair later in the night… Enjoy! *photos courtesy of Saycon Sengbloh, Charles Browning, and Centerstage*

Saycon Sengbloh and sister Fatu Farhart
Saycon Sengbloh as Rita Marley

May 21, 2015

Rita Marley

Bob and Rita Marley perform during Peace Concert

Catching folks up and getting my blog up to date. Its been a while and while some are on the mailing lists, others have subscribed to the blog as well and I cannot let the days pass by without sharing some pics! I take so many pics that never see the light of day!

Saycon Sengbloh to play Rita Marley

As I prepared to share my Opening night pics from Marley I realized I never posted the announcement that was in the show to my blog readers. We’re still building our readership so I can’t let that slip through the cracks. The last post announced Mitchell Brunings as Marley, but waiting on clearance, I didn’t let you guys know that I’m in the show as well playing Rita Marley in the Baltimore US premiere of MARLEY. A beautiful strong show about Bob Marley and his times in Jamaica, and London pre and post an assassination attempt on his life. In the play, I’m thrilled to play the role of Rita Marley, Bob Marley’s wife and mother of several of his children, and performer in his touring and recording band.

This role is one of my favorites so far as I’ve learned so much more about Bob and Rita Marley, who’s music I admired greatly before. I’ve also gotten a deeper understanding of some of their spiritual beliefs and an enhanced world view as well, absolutely enhanced. Now I’m in the beautiful and passionate city of Baltimore, Maryland performing in Marley: written by Kwame Kweigh-Armah. I don’t think words can describe what its been like to be here during a time of civil unrest and change in this harbor city. Being in rehearsal for a play about a man who was passionate about human rights, as people protested the horrible untimely death of Freddie Gray, while in police custody, did not escape irony for us in the least bit. Personally, it was quite difficult to be an artist stuck inside rehearsing and not be a part! So with permission and encouragement from our company, and our director, we took to the streets to uplift and share a little music, a little inspiration. We sang in front of the CVS area that had been under fire and great duress in days previous.

Susan Kelechi Watson, Saycon Sengbloh, & Crystal Joy and Cast of MARLEY sing to uplift protest with music

I pray you will venture to Baltimore and see this show, Marley currently playing through June 14th at Baltimore Center Stage. www.CenterStage.com
Mitchell Brunings: Bob Marley in “MARLEY”: Baltimore Center Stage

March 25, 2015

“Marley” will premiere at Baltimore Center Stage

Good things are happening in theatre! This spring the Baltimore Center Stage will present, “MARLEY” a musical about the songwriter, musician, the revolutionary, father, husband, and man of the people: Bob Marley! Excitedly the talented Mitchell Brunings will be portraying, Marley in this World Premiere play with the music of Bob Marley.
Got to http://www.CenterStage.org for more information. The show runs May 6th 2015 to June 14th, 2015. Will you be there? Watch the videos below of Mitchell performing some of the beautiful music of Bob Marley. Jah Bless!

MITCHELL BRUNINGS sings “Redemption Song” by Bob Marley

MITCHELL BRUNINGS sings “So Much Trouble In the World” by Bob Marley
Saycon Sengbloh: FOR the LOVE of DANCE series

February 22, 2015

Saycon moves on the streets of New York City

I’m featured on this new series: FOR THE LOVE OF DANCE with SARITA LOU! It is the year 2015 and as I take it all in I realize what an impactful year 2014 has been! Personally and professionally so many events have happened, I can’t count them all and had not previously posted much of it on SayconTalks blog. One thing that came into my life during my time at Holler If Ya Hear Me, were old friends and people coming back I did a new show reading with Sarita Lou years ago. Ms. Sarita Lou is a class act, she’s a lovely performer, and producer, and interviewer who is fulfilling a dream as she produces a web series called, ” For the Love of Dance with Sarita Lou” As we move into this year there will be some reviews of 2014 events that really should be explored here, including my time singing backgrounds with Ms. Lauryn Hill, causes and events in support of Ebola Crisis reform, and an exciting premiere of a new musical Stagger Lee, but absolutely right now I’m so thrilled to share my episode of the new series: For the Love of Dance with Sarita Lou. This series focuses on dancers and dance and movement and entertainment. Many people don’t know about the separation that occurs in the Musical Theatre world, people who sing and act with movement and choreography as an additional focus are often called “singers who move well.”

Saycon talks on self care for longevity on Broadway

Being featured here is particularly meaningful to me as quote, ” singer who moves well” as I’m sure. Sarita’s show will feature prolific dancers along with the quirkiest movers, the physical body is very important part of my life as a performer and singer on Broadway, preventing injuries and performing well. During my 10 years participating in Broadway shows my body has been important to me as well, not only my throat and voice, not just for osing weight but for strength. I admire and respect the constant training that takes place to be full fledged dancer, and because of that for many years I would never sign up for company allotted physical therapy (aka PT) as if I had no right to it as an actor or singer! My how things have changed! Your body will quickly remind you that you that it is certainly dancing 8 times a week whether you want to call it that or not! I remember my good friend Christine Horn talking about the back strength she had to get as she performed the role of Nala in the Lion King, a role that is typically not considered a “dance” track, yet required a type of agility and physical therapy to maintain. I experienced performing as a “singer who moves well” on “raked’ stages ( slanted to optimize the audiences view) climbing ladders and thrashing my head about in ” Hair” . And through therapy learned the importance of strengthening my quadriceps muscles to aid in knee support in wearing high heels. As a child I always danced but as roles for acting and singing took precedence I stopped taking ballet classes. Years later I have found how much joy and strength I gain from studying dance. One of my favorite things is to study with my many Broadway friends who are also dance teachers ( shout out to Iris Wilson and Rickey Tripp). Many singers and actors take their physical health for granted and experience pitfalls because of that, but I’m here to say WE ARE DANCERS TOO!
CLICK TO WATCH THE INTERVIEW BELOW: FOR THE LOVE OF DANCE

Hopefully my being on this forum will lead to great respect for all performers out there! Learn all about it on my episode of “For the Love of Dance with Sarita Lou.” Many thanks Sarita for your interest in my career and lifestyle!
SAYCON SENGBLOH For Your Consideration: Grammy: Traditional R&B

October 25, 2014

Saycon Sengbloh is on the 57th Grammy Ballot for Best Traditional R&B Song

Dear Recording Academy:

Kind thanks to the Voting Members of the Recording Academy for your consideration. Saycon Sengbloh is on the ballot for 57th Annual Grammy Awards in the category of Traditional R&B! First round ballots are due November 5th.

Now Streaming “Be Here” by Saycon Sengbloh for your consideration: Saycon Sengbloh (vocals), Jason Michael Webb (piano), & Jonathan Dinklage (Viola/Violin)

Now Streaming “Everything” by Saycon Sengbloh for your consideration : Saycon Sengbloh (vocals), Jason Michael Webb (piano), Konrad Adderley (bass), Les Cleveland (drums), & Dave Rosenthal (guitar)

Saycon Sengbloh on 1st round ballot for 57th Annual Grammy Awards

As an independent artist, you may or may not be privy to Saycon’s career in the arts read below to learn more! Sengbloh was previously featured on songs in Grammy nominated recordings listed below:

Motown the Musical: Original Broadway Cast Recording

*Saycon Sengbloh is lead female vocalist on “Get Ready / Dancing In the Streets”

Fela!: Original Broadway Cast Recording

*Saycon Sengbloh is lead female vocalist through out the album including “Upside Down” & “Water No Get Enemy”

Hair: The New Broadway Cast Recording

*Saycon Sengbloh is lead vocalist on “Four Score/Abie Baby”

Want to learn more about Saycon visit Official Website or read below:
Saycon Sengbloh was born in Atlanta, GA. to an American mother and Liberian father. She has been a featured actress and vocalist in the newest generation of contemporary shows on Broadway and off-Broadway, embracing a new sound of pop, rock, & soul music and production including Rent, Oprah Winfrey’s the Color Purple the musical, Disney’s Aida, the new revival of Hair, Wicked, Hurt Village, & also the first Afro-beat musical, Fela! where she starred as the delicious Sandra Iszadore. She was photographed and named one of the hottest up and coming acts in the annual juice issue of VIBE magazine. “Fela!” the musical won several Tony awards! Saycon sings on the Grammy nominated soundtracks for “Fela!”, “Hair”, “Motown the Musical” and also provided backing vocals on the soundtrack for the Julie Taymore film “Across the Universe”. The ever versatile actress brings hip-hop to Broadway in Tupac Shakur production “Holler If Ya Hear Me” including Saycon Sengbloh as a muse and rapper to a new generation of theater fans. She began performing as a kid in plays and musicals at Tri-Cities School for Visual and Performing Arts and attended Agnes Scott College and has been seen in commercials, print ads, and on the cover of the New York Times Best seller: “Big Girls Don’t Cry” by Connie Brisco. After numerous productions with the Freddie Hendrick’s Youth Ensemble of Atlanta. She has worked with directors Kenny Leon, Michael Greif, Charles Randolph-Wright, & Tyler Perry among others. She is very proud to have appeared in the films of female directors Julie Dash and Julie Taymore. Saycon Sengbloh has a cult following among New York theatre fans as the first woman of African descent to perform the role of Elphaba the Wicked witch of the West in Universal’s hugely popular musical “Wicked” and as an indie music artist and songwriter she has released several songs available online and music videos including, “Be Here”, “Warrior” and “Possible”.

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