If you have any requests or suggestions, post them here, on the Facebook fan page, or email them to me. I will be finalizing the playlist on Friday afternoon.

Below are the playlists from the previous two years to give you an idea of what this year’s show will be like.

Tune in to Mystery Roach, every Saturday from 8-10am on WKNC for Progressive, Fusion, Psychedelic, Garage and noise from the 60s and 70s. (This week the 50s are fair game as well.)

Cheers.

-La Barba Rossa

2009 Show

2008 Show

The Summerville, SC, native is poised to take over the male R&B scene with his infectious melodies, soulful delivery, and powerful voice.

The South Carolina Music Award winner has already received international success on the Japanese and European charts and has been featured on a number of major tours.

Tune in at 10:30 p.m. for our live interview with the rising star. To find out more about Marcus Allen, visit here or follow him on twitter. Check out some of his latest music below.

“Real RnB Radio” with host Mir.I.am airs Saturdays from 10 p.m.-12 a.m.

Charlotte native, Bettie Grind is storming the music scene with his hit single “Dammit I’m Fly” and latest Mixtape, I Am G’Sus. The rapper, who many call the King of the Carolinas, is determined to make his mark in the industry and bring the much needed and deserved attention to the region.

For more information on Bettie visit his official website and follow him on twitter.

Princess of So So Def Records, Dondria will also be calling in at 9pm to “Real RnB Radio” in celebration of the release of her debit album, Dondria vs. Phatfffat. The soon to be released album features the hit singles, “You’re The One” and “Shawty Wus Up”.

Originally discovered on YouTube, Dondria is fastly becoming one of R&B’s most promising stars, with her soulful voice and impassioned delivery.

In case you missed our last interview with the R&B sensation, listen here.

To find about more about Dondria and to hear her music connect with her on  MySpace, YouTube, Facebook, or follow her on Twitter.

“Real RnB Radio” with host Mir.I.am airs Saturdays from    8-11pm.

Jetplane’s refreshing approach, musical sincerity and exciting production give him an edge up on the competition.

Vocally he could be compared, Musiq Soulchild and John Legend, but be clear,  Jetplane’s  style and voice is all his own. Musically, along with Janelle Monae, Jetplane’s sound is genre-bending, with its mass appeal and could be played on a number of formats.

Not only is Jetplane a singer, he writes, produces, arranges and engineers his own music, similar to R&B genius Ryan Leslie. With talented young upcoming acts such as Jetplane, the future of R&B shows great promise.

Find out more about Jason Jetplane on MySpace, Twitter, Facebook and ReverbNation.

Check out the exclusive Q&A Real RnB Radio conducted with the multi-talented singer below:

*Congratulations to Jason Jetplane on his recent win for “Best Male R&B Artist” at the 2010 Carolina Music Awards.

T-boz, along with countless others, was deeply influenced and inspired by Jackson and called in to give her thoughts on the music icon.

In the revealing interview, T-boz explains the indelible imprint that Michael Jackson has left on music, society as a whole, and herself personally.

T-boz also recollects what it was like meeting Michael Jackson for the first time, shares her favorite songs and videos, and explains what Michael’s overall legacy should represent.

Check out the interview below and feel free to leave a comment.

TBOZ1

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“Real RnB Radio” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 8-11pm.

T-boz, like many, was heavily inspired and influenced by Jackson, who passed away almost exactly one year ago.

We’ll find out from T-boz what Michael meant to her personally, meeting him for the first time, and his overall lasting legacy.

Tune in to “Real RnB Radio” as we the celebrate the life of the greatest entertainer to ever live. This exclusive can only be heard tonight 6/26 from 9-10pm on 88.1FM WKNC or streamed live at www.wknc.org/listen.

Also don’t miss Mir.I.am give her predictions for the BET Awards airing 6/27 at 8pm on BET.

“Real RnB Radio” airs weekly from 9-11pm.

This Thursday, 6/3: REVEREND HORTON HEAT with Cracker and the Legendary Shack Shakers at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro (I will also be celebrating my birthday there that night!)

Also, on Saturday, June 5 ROAD RASH, at Puckett’s in Charlotte… the first annual car show with some great bands…

I will be there admiring the hot rods and the great music!

<3 always,

Laurie Lu

The Rockabilly Hour

Sundays, 2:00 – 4:00 PM

rockabilly@wknc.org

In the twenty minute interview, Case also describes how involved he was in the writing and production of his latest album The Rose Experience and how he’s already working on the album’s follow up.

Most known for hit singles “Touch Me Tease Me”, “Missing You”, and “Happily Ever After”, some would classify Case’s signature sound as romantic soul with a touch of hip-hop.

Find out more about Case here and on twitter.

Check out clips of the interview below in case you missed it.
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“Real RnB Radio“ formerly known as “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” airs every Saturday night from 9-11pm.

Tune in as we discover the reason behind Case’s 8 year absence from the music industry, the accident that nearly ended his life, his thoughts on current R&B music and much more.

Most known for classic R&B jams, “Touch Me, Tease Me”, “Happily Ever After”, “Faded Pictures” and the #1 single “Missing You”, Case is now back with his forth album The Rose Experience.  Released last March, The Rose Experience, featuring smash single “Lovely”, shows that Case been able to adapt and bring a current, fresh approach to his music, while remaining true to his signature sound.  

For more information on the R&B star, visit here and follow Case on twitter.

“Real RnB Radio“, formerly known as “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” airs weekly from 9-11pm.

Tonight, on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B”, the legendary R&B group and kings of slow jams, H-Town will be calling in to 88.1FM WKNC, to discuss their new music and latest projects.

Tune in from 9 to 11 p.m. to hear the now-duo explain their six-plus year absence from the industry, thoughts on todays R&B music, dealing with the passing of member Dino and more.

Best known for their hit singles ”Knockin Da Boots”, “Emotions” and ”Part Time Lover”, the multi-platinum 90’s group is poised to make a comeback with new single “Knockin Your Heels”, from their forthcoming album, Child Support.

For more information on H-Town, visit here and on twitter.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

Should be a fun show.  Talk to you then.

-La Barba Rossa

In case you missed it, check out the interview below and leave your thoughts.

To find about more about Dondria and to hear her music visit here or follow her on Twitter.

Dondria part 1
Dondria discusses how she was discovered on youtube.
Dondria part 2
Dondria discusses how she promotes her talent over her sexuality.
Dondria part 3
Dondria discusses how social networking can benefit the industry.
Dondria part 4
Dondria defines her definition of success.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

In the three years since Monica Arnold’s last album, The Makings of Me, R&B music has become increasingly watered down, and drifted further away from its soulful origins.  With her latest release, Still Standing, the Grammy award winner has helped to bring R&B back to its strong roots, where the focus is on vocal ability, meaningful lyrical content, and dynamic production.

We were first introduced to a 14-year-old Monica back in 1995, with the sassy, “Don’t Take It Personal” from her Debut album, Miss Thang. Since then, she has remained one the most consistent and powerful singers to emerged in the past 20 years. Still Standing chronicles the joys and sorrows of love, life and relationships and reminds us why Monica has been able to achieve such longevity in her career.

We begin the album with its title track, “Still Standing” featuring rapper Ludacris. The hard hitting anthem is a testament of Monica’s strength and resilience, despite life’s obstacles and trials. It’s one of the albums best and sets the tone for the emotional journey that is Still Standing.

Next up is, the Los Da Mystro produced piano driven, “One in A Lifetime”, where Monica stresses the importance of appreciating that rare love and recognizing it before its too late. “One In A Lifetime” is followed by, “Stay Or Go”. The Neyo penned tune has Monica demanding an answer from an indecisive lover as to whether or not he wants to be with her.  On both up-tempo tracks and throughout the album, Monica sings with an intensity and urgency that penetrates the soul.

Stand outs on the album include, the sample heavy, Missy Elliot produced “Everything”, which samples Deniece Williams R&B classic “Silly” and “If You Were My Man”, sampled from Evelyn “Champagne” King’s, “Betcha She Don’t Love You”. On the albums first single,” Everything” Monica proclaims how her love means the world to her and on the up-tempo “If You Were My Man”, she boast of how good her love is to prospective mate.

Although Still Standing is very strong, it does not go without its share of missteps, including the generic and gimmicky, “Super Man”, where Monica croons how she will be her mans Lois Lane. Never fear, Monica shines on the other slower songs, showcasing her vocal prowess on the sensual “Here I Am”, the inspiring “Believe In Me”, and the Jermaine Dupri helmed “Love All Over Me”, where Monica explains the feeling of being covered in love. On another gem, the  radio friendly mid-tempo urban pop “Mirror”, Monica relays how she has discovered that love and not material things makes life worth living.

Overall, Still Standing is a well balanced and cohesive collection of what we’ve come to expect from Monica, impassioned delivery and relatable music. What separates Monica from her female counterparts is her ability to tackle material with emotion, conviction and a sense of sincerity. Monica proves that she is able to remain current and relevant, while bringing a sense of maturity and timelessness to her music, which is why, in a fickle industry, she is Still Standing.

For more information on Monica visit here and follow her on twitter.

88.1 WKNC DJ Pick of the Week is published in every Thursday print edition of the Technician, as well as online at technicianonline.com and wknc.org.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

Originally discovered on YouTube, Dondria is fastly becoming one of R&B’s most promising stars, with her soulful voice and empassioned delivery.

To find out more about Dondria visit here or here and follow her on twitter.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

Return to Forever: (from left to right) Lenny White, Chick Corea, Al Di Meola, Stanley Clarke.

On the Musicology show next week, I will feature the collected works of Latin-American jazz fusion guitar player: Al Di Meola. We’re going to start at the beginning of his career as member of Chick Corea’s band Return to Forever, and move to his solo works. Expect to hear sounds from Return to Forever’s album: Romantic Warrior, as well as Di Meola’s Elegant Gypsy, This is Jazz, Friday Night in San Francisco (Featuring Di Meola, John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia), and The Infinite Desire.

Listen in Tuesday, April 20 at 7 p.m.

TLC

Last night on “Saturday Night Soul and R&B”, I had the pleasure of speaking with Chilli of the Grammy award winning, legendary and iconic R&B trio, TLC.

In the revealing interview, we discussed her new reality show, “What Chilli Wants,” her relationship with ex-flame R&B singer Usher, her love for Michael Jackson and so much more. In case you missed it, check out the interview below or download it here.

Part I: Chilli discusses her wants and needs in a relationship.Chilli Interview pt 1

Part II: Chilli answers if there’s any chance of reconciliation with ex-love Usher.

Chilli Intervew pt 2

Part III: Chilli discusses her love for Michael Jackson and how the two first met.

Chilli interview pt 3

Part IV: Chilli answers a question from one of her biggest fans and gives final shout-outs.

Chilli Interview part 4

“What Chilli Wants” premieres tonight on VH1 AT 10:30 p.m.

Follow Chilli, host at Mir.I.am and special guest co-host Allisha and Blair on Twitter.

Special thanks to Christal of Enchanted PR.

“Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with Mir.I.am airs weekly from 9 to 11 p.m.

TLC courtesy USA Today

Tune in tonight to “Saturday Night Soul and R&B” with host Mir.I.am from 9 to 11 p.m. for a revealing interview with Chilli of the Grammy awarding winning, multi-platinum and iconic, TLC.

Expect to hear Chilli discuss her new reality show “What Chilli Wants” premiering on VH1 4/11 at 10:30 p.m., her love for Michael Jackson, romance with ex-flame, R&B singer Usher and more. For detailed information on “What Chilli Wants” visit VH1.COM and follow Chilli on Twitter.

*In the event that NC State’s baseball game is on air, the show will resume immediately following.

Oh, listeners of Americana Blues & Co — you know how I love me some Robert Earl Keen.  The man was back in town, hitting the Lincoln to play for the usual crowd of drunks, fun-lovers, and good-time aficionados.  In fact, it appears the NCSU student body president Jim Ceresnak is a fan.  I didn’t know he was right behind me until my helpful brother informed me after the show.

But, on to the show!

Sons of Bill opened up and, like last November, showed that they can hold their own.

Sons of Bill

These are a group of good ol’ boys from Virginia with a sound that pulls together influence from outlaw country with a dose of Gram Parsons.

When REK and his band came on stage, the audience was in for a big surprise.  They played a lineup of lesser-known, lesser-played songs.  The people expecting him to tear through No. 2 Live Dinner looked a little confused and certainly didn’t know the words, but some (like me) were thrilled to hear some favorites that we thought we’d never hear live.  (Mine is “The Raven and the Coyote,” by the by.)

REK tuning.

The best part of a Keen show, in my opinion, is just letting go and having fun.  This is a band of seasoned pros who know how to put on an excellent show.  Next time you’re in town, give ‘em a try.  I know I’ll be there.

Kellie Harper’s first season as head coach of the women’s basketball team will continue into the postseason as N.C. State was selected as the 9-seed in the Kansas City regional Monday night.

Read more at TechnicianOnline.com and catch the game against UCLA Sunday, March 21 at 9:30 p.m. on 88.1 FM. As always, non-sports fans can continue the great indie rock on our sports-free Web stream at wknc.org.