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Bryan Terrell Clark: Marvin Gaye in Motown the Musical

January 15, 2013

Mmmm, mmm, mmmm I was hanging on for dear life waiting for the news! And now we know, its official: Bryan Terrell Clark will be playing Marvin Gaye in Motown the Musical! Heard it from the man himself and it was confirmed by our director not to mention the repeated tweeted congratulations he’s received. Its been a longtime coming, truly you gotta go figure. To find a man with the voice, looks, talent, air, and hippie dippy heart breaking swagger of the (god-rest-his-soul) Marvin Gaye is hard to find! (wooo, I faint at the thought) but (hiccup, hiccup) here he is for all to see and enjoy in the upcoming Motown the Musical. Having been a part of the workshops for over a year and a half I’ve seen several talented young men play the part (including Isaiah Johnson, Clifton Oliver, Joshua Henry) and it has definitely been a joy to watch each of them thus far. I watched him during the last developmental stages, researching and working himself to the bone to get the spirit of Marvin Gaye and it really paid off. So I’m excited to see what Bryan will bring to the table. Being a girl in Motown the Musical ain’t easy I’m forced daily to watch gorgeous young men rehearse and re-enact the moves, and the vocals, of the Jackson 5, the Four Tops, the Contours, and the mighty, mighty Temptations (Claude have mercy) But now to add our official Marvin Gaye to the roster, is oh too much! Enjoy!

Check out one of my favorite clips of the original Marvin Gaye rehearsing for a concert in Europe in 1981. Now mind you this clip ain’t polished, it ain’t glossy and perfect, it may be only something a musician or his mother may love but I seriously enjoy every braid, beard, and Jerry curl in this clip each time I watch it. And yes the beautiful Marvin Gaye reclined on the sofa sounds THAT good. We loved him. Not to mention the beautiful lyrics sung by poetic musician who was gone too soon.

Marvin Gaye – I Want You Lyrics @ SeekLyrics.com

I wonder if this song will be in the Motown show? You gotta come see our show to find out! Click here to purchase tickets!
Berry Gordy Rides in Style: Chrysler 300 Motown Edition

January 14, 2013

Mr. Gordy’s been the epitome of American class for over 50 years why should he stop doing just that! From fine beginnings as the son of a local grocer to packing powerful punches as a boxer and eventually writing, producing, and promoting some of the most beloved music in the world, Berry Gordy has always been a hard worker. So its natural to see him lay back and enjoy the ride and the fruits of his labor on the scenic journey from Detroit to NYC. He amps it up a bit with his newest toy one that many Americans will look forward to traveling in this year! The Chrysler 300 Motown Edition. I saw it up front and personal on the day they filmed the New York portion of the commercial shoot and boy was it nice! The ladies in the cast gushed and cooed over the beautiful designs of it, posing around it like we the hot chicks in some car magazine, while the fellas dug all the details and of course the fact that the Motown emblem is classically featured on there does not hurt one bit! Excuse my excitement but yoooooo! this car has “Beats Audio” and Motown tracks already loaded and ready for you to enjoy! At the end of the commercial below he says a few words that pretty much sum it up… “This is what we do”
Morgan James Amazes at 54 Below

January 13, 2013

What a weekend! I participated in a rehearsal read through of a new short film script for Mitch Hooks, 138 Films and then dashed off to see Morgan and left my cell phone! After turning around to get it and headed back, I was late. Catching the later part of her set I was so glad I finally got to see Morgan James do her thing. Outside of rehearsal that is. She is, as I mentioned before, a part of our Motown cast, so I had to support as she promotes her new album. I had a ball last night and knew I would. I teased my ‘fro, put on my favorite aloe vera essential oil, grabbed my purse and headed to 54 Below ready to enjoy some good music and celebrate Morgan’s new album Excited to hear her take on Nina Simone and Morgan did not disappoint. It was a fun opportunity to shmooz with the crowd. I mean why wouldn’t I, some of entertainment’s mightiest were in tow, record label execs, stars from the upcoming “Black Nativity” the movie, along with singer Crystal Monet-Hall, actress Angela Bassett, not to mention some of the gorgeous cast of Motown too. Entertainment royalty Vivian Nixon attended along with her beau wordsmith and dancer Daniel Watts, along with Marva Hicks and her hilarious boyfriend Kwaysee, and of course me! The room was naturally filled with the glamour and energy of a new year. And for a room full of “singer’s singers” with raised brows ready to be entertained. Miss James was prepared to, as we say down south, “show-out”! She gave it to us indeed petite curves and throaty wails with a range to be proud of. She is quite a thrilling performer to watch, giving you show biz, elegance, and good old fashion sex appeal!

After the show we were buzzing of course about Motown. And honey, the question of the night was “Who will play Marvin Gaye in Motown the Musical?” Even Angela Bassett seemed shocked that none of us knew. Delightful conversation with an Oscar nominated actress indeed. I can only surmise after having worked with several different “Marvins” during the developmental stages, whoever ends up with the role has big shoes to fill, we’ve had Joshua Henry, Isaiah Johnson, Clifton Oliver, and Brian Terrell Clark they were all wonderful and different. I’m curious to see how it ends up.

Big ups to Morgan for a job well done.

Here we are earlier this year singing together at “Broadway Sings Michael Jackson” at Le Pouisson Rouge:
Saycon Sengbloh, Morgan James, and Tituss Burgess
Saycon sings at Madison Square Garden January 21st

January 10, 2013

Saycon jumps for joy! photo by Montanausa

Wooohoo! I’m screaming at the top of my lungs ready to rock the stadium and honor my fellow Americans with our National Anthem January 21st! Representing Motown hard! . I hope ya’ll got ya tickets already. During my Fela days I rocked the anthem for the Braves versus the Mets at Yankee stadium. For me its a day to remember! In the meantime I’m ready to see Knicks verses the Nets! Leggo!!!

Click link below for details:

https://www.reverbnation.com/show/9396944?utm_campaign=HTML5_ShowSchedule_Widget_Details&utm_content=show_details_link&utm_medium=widget
Young African Queens of the Diaspora: a playlist for you

January 8, 2013

I dare you to broaden your minds! Young African Queens of the Diaspora are here! Well, the latest playlist that is! Listen to something new for a minute or 1 hour 🙂 In support of indie artists and musicians everywhere and divas of the African diaspora: English speaking, Spanish speaking, and those of various African or European languages are all on this short list together. I put a new Youtube playlist together to listen to while I write. Actually, many of the artists added to this playlist are not new, many of them have a huge following outside of the US but if you’re anything like me you may find yourself listening to America’s top 40 constantly and just might enjoy listening or learning about other artists you haven’t heard before. So I went on a search on Youtube, this playlist consists of what I’ve found. Start listening now!

Now not to confuse or leave anyone out this 1st list consists of female artists who are new to me and perhaps new on the landscape of music in the last few years, I could of course populate a list with beautiful queens like Angelique Kidjo, Miriam Makeba, and Celia Cruz. But this list is something different. Please hit me with more names of artists who fit this title I learn something new everyday and look forward to hearing from you guys. The Ask Saycon page is there for questions. Click the link to listen while you work. As a kid I’ve always had a fascination with maps imagine all the musicians of the African diapora making music throughout the world and check out a list of names below:

Click this map to start the “Young Queens of the African Diaspora” video playlist!

Peep the names listed below:

Becca

Zahara

Saycon

Nneka

Tiwa Savage

Abena Koomson

Elasea Dougla

Fatoumata Diawara

Asa

Buika

Imany

Christine Horn

Shingai Shoniwa ( of the Noissetes)

Suzanna Lubrano

Emeli Sande
Morgan James @ 54 Below Saturday 1-12-13

January 7, 2013

Buzz! Buzz! Buzz! We are counting down the days until Motown rehearsal starts! And with the buzzzz we’re keeping it going with the several artists from the cast of Motown glowing and showin’ out in NYC! What a treat to have yet another rising star in our midst! I’m talking about Morgan James. This soulful young lady has come on the scene with a steady burn and I’ve watched her rise, working hard as an indie musician ( love it), singing her face off, and reaching the epitome of music fire securing a dream deal with Epic records.

I’m gonna be there to support her I’m sure lots of Motown cast members will be in tow! Will you be there?

Saturday January 12th, 2013

Morgan James 54 Below 254 West 54th St. New York, NY 10019 866-468-7619 use code Morgan5 for $5 off cover charge in main diningroom

xoxo,

Saycon
Saycon Speaks on Commercial Auditions

January 7, 2013

I recently posted a video blog about commercial auditions. I received great emails about the video realizing that this is the stuff they don’t tell you in acting class or in school, or maybe they told you in school and you’re so nervous about your coming audition you’ve forgotten, I hope to remind you of some practical tips to help prepare you for commercial auditions. Number one being: Just Breathe!

The number one question I received was what was your first tv commercial?

So I basically approach this topic from my own personal experience. I’m a working actor and I think it helps to get that point of view. For information’s sake I shot my first commercial in Georgia as a teenager. It was an advertisement for the Georgia Hope Scholarship and I was thrilled! That was quite a while ago. Perhaps I can find it on video… Happily there’s been a few others over the years and I look forward to more. I’ve also been in some commercial and stock photo shoots as well. Commercials are so much fun, the sets are usually pretty cool and the directors are fast thinking, fast talking, hip creative creatures. Plus the huge benefit of an intense yet short amount of work is that it can pay pretty well, especially for a nationally shown commercial. Now I’m no expert, I’m not a model, I’m an actor so the parameters are a bit different but there are some basic things to consider for everybody going in for a commercial shoot.

1. Lay out your gear the day before

2. Clean up- shave, pluck, or manicure yourself

3. Show up early and be prepared to leave late

Watch my video for more details:

A grooming side note: HANDS:There are moments when I regret my love affair with crazy nail art. They DO NOT want to see any of that at a commercial audition Nude, pailest pink, red, or mauve colored nails are the way to go unless the specifically ask for a goth girl look or glamour pop star character (in which case black nails or brightly patterned nails might be ok. I never regret changing my nails for an audition, but I always regret the times I wished I had… so a note for the ladies, wear a more conservative nail look and lenght on your commercial auditions.

Check out this ad I did for a grocery store I’m not a hand model but I had to hold bread, read a book, and type on a computer lots of hand closeups

a commercial shoot I did for a popular grocery store chain

In the future I’ll give more tips to looking and feeling your best, getting over your nerves and booking the job! Well at least the things that have helped me out. Thanks for watching.

xoxo

SS
Juel Lane of Dance Magazine’s 25 to Watch

January 6, 2013

Doing it and doing it and doing it well! That lyric is playing in my mind when I think of movement, when I visualize Mr. Juel Lane. Fusing West African, contemporary modern, and hip-hop and ballet his style is all his own. He continues to innovate and surprise with his skill as a passionate performer and choreographer. Check out this month’s issue of Dance magazine where Juel D. Lane is listed as one of the top 25 to watch in Dance. Not surprising considering his amazing work from his highschool years in Freddie Hendricks’ YEA to the performing with the likes of Ron Brown and Camille A. Brown to name a few.

He has moved on to do choreography in his own right and his work is definitely taking the reins, proudly exemplifying that “he got next” in the dance game. I’m gonna have to holler at him for some choreography on a song or two. Get it Juel!

See his upcoming gigs below:

Camille A. Brown’s – San Francisco’s Dance Mission Theatre, Feb. 15-17.

Helen Simoneau in Winston-Salem, NC, Feb. 28 and March 1

Atlanta’s Southwest Arts Center for his second annual full-stage showcase “Juel D. Lane and Friends” April 26.
Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child on Fela! Tour

January 4, 2013

Its a small world! Indeed for Destiny’s Child alum, Michelle Williams, and myself it is! She will be taking on the role of Sandra in the latest tour of Fela scheduled to tour the world!

photo by Frederick M. Brown/ Getty Images

She and I both played in Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida back in the day I was her *standby at that time. And now she will play afro-beat queen Sandra Izsadore. Sandra, notably is a activist, and performer and former girlfriend of Fela Kuti. She helped to infuse some of the political tone and strife to the Nigerian-born music man who would become a leader in jazz and African music.

I’ll be excited to see Michelle in Fela! For those of you who don’t know, Fela! is the story of one of Africa’s most well known and prolific musicians, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, a Nigerian man who’s music and very lifestyle stirred both hearts and controversy during his 20 plus years entertaining the world with his innovative “afro-beat genre of music”. I played Sandra Izsadore in the Original Broadway production and also sang on the Grammy nominated cast recording of Fela! along with Sahr Ngaujah (ABC’s Last Resort) and Kevin Mambo (Cadillac Records). We appeared with director Bill T. Jones in Vibe magazine during my shaved head days:

Fela cast in Juice issue of Vibe Magazine

Miss Williams will be having a great year as she reportedly has new management and also recently signed to Light Records, I copped her first recording and will definitely purchase the next. When we were on Broadway with Fela, Michelle came to see the show and gave me congratulatory hugs. She was playing the role of Roxie Hart in “Chicago”, in the theatre right across the street at the time. A class act, she sent me flowers the very next day! So most definitely must return the favor! I’ll never forget the fab white suit wore to her opening night party as Aida when we played at the Palace theatre. Although I’m currently in broadway’s Motown the Musica,l I continue to champion the story of Fela Kuti and to be a supporter of the show, because the powerful music and piece of history the show represents. My friends, leading men Duain Richardson, and Adesola Osakalumi will be headlining the tour along with the talented Danny Soto and “afro-soca” lady Shakira Marshall. On the SayconTalks blog look to the right under Favorite Links and click the Fela tour link for show dates.

*A standby is a sort of built in person who can resume a character at any moment and perform a role during special appearances or in the absence of the primarily advertised actor.
Saycon Sengbloh & Scott Nevins BOND on New Years Eve

January 4, 2013

Hoping everyone had a fabulous New Years Eve, or a prayerful one, or a hell of a party night as was the case for most of New York city. I brought in the new year with my last of many performances for 2012. I was a featured performer for the Ice Ball at XL complete with James Bond theme. The handsome Scott Nevins was the host and I conjured up some Shirley Bassey for the kids. Scott and I do killer shows together and they really seemed to enjoy it. It was a pretty uneventful night until I got a the train on my way home. Why do folks just have to fight when they’ve had too much to drink? Woo I saw some craziness in the subway car next to me and the train stopped in between stations for like 20 minutes. I was like Lord don’t let me spend the night on this train I got another party to go to LOL. Well I guess destiny meant for me to make it my next destination, the New Years breakfast was yummy, and I saw lots of friends and acquaintances. Plus had an impromptu interview with Chester Gregory regarding his upcoming career moves. K.I.T. ya’ll more juice later

MJ Rodriguez and Saycon at XL Night club

Me and Scott Nevins backstage at XL

Saycon at XL

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