There are few artists out there that I would want to risk my personal funds on, but if there was one that I would invest in, it would be Shannon Curtis. If the amount of times I’ve listened to her six-song album is any indication, she’s going to be someone I’m going to personally be talking about for a long time to come. She has completely charmed me into 100% endorsement. This is the contemporary pop/jazz artist I’ve been waiting for since Norah Jones and Vanessa Carlton.

This is the best underground hip hop group I’ve heard in years and yet another happy accident by MySpace surfing. Common Market are RA Scion and DJ/Producer Sabzi and are based in Seattle. Fourteen tracks plus one bonus, this progressive music keeps the beats and lyrics groundbreaking with a activist edge. This is music that urges you to act and love first with lyrics like, “How can we be leaders if the rest are lost?” There is passionate delivery in their music often fused with soul and jazz, reflections of their Bahá’í Faith and their dedication of delivering the message of serving all people, spreading love, encouraging building character, spreading hope and encouraging change and uniting in the world in a positive direction.

Make the 28th Annual Academy of Friends Gala your destination for international intrigue, sexy spies and fast cars. Use style as a weapon, and make fun your mission while watching the Academy Awards over seductive cocktails and gourmet food.

Joshua Klipp got on my radar by complete accident. I found Josh via MySpace, and his looks caught my eye that I had to give it a listen. Josh is a trans singer and he has made musical history on his self released EP Patience in 2006 by singing in both his pre- and post-transition voices on the R&B track “Little Girl.” Josh has been catching plenty of eyes and ears by being featured on the Tara Banks Show and The L Word and there’s no stopping Josh now. Josh is originally from the Midwest and currently lives in California where he works with opely gay producer, Kristopher Cloud.

I’ve heard about the legendary duo known as Kiki and Herb for the last few years, but never understand exactly who they were. I heard they were great live and finally, the opportunity to check them out live came from their latest DVD release, KIKI & HERB Live at the Knitting Factory. I was not disappointed, they were better than I expected and more entertaining than I could have imagined, I’ve found my newest guilty pleasure.