Sometimes the most incredible things happen when you least expect them.

So I receive a random email from a good friend for a magazine launch and showcase for this Donnie cat. I had seen bits of information in recent months about him and his debut album, “The Colored Section,” but I had not gotten around to purchasing it or giving it a listen. However, I will admit it was on the “Gotta Check That Out” list, along with about 50 other CDs. Without much thought to whether or not I was actually going to attend, I clicked on the RSVP link embedded in the email message, and made a reservation for 3. The 3-person reservation was odd for me, because I normally go places by myself or draft one other person who won’t get on my nerves enough to ruin my evening.

It was a holiday week with much of the normal goings on and gatherings with friends and family. My end of the week schedule was looking like this:

Wednesday – Karaoke in NYC with friends (which included 45 minute drive each way to and from my home in NJ)

Thursday – Common show at SOB’s in NYC, which I had already purchased tickets for (which also included 45 minute drive each way to and from my home in NJ)

Friday – The possibility of this showcase in NYC of some dude whose CD I didn’t even own, nor had I heard anything from it (complete with the requisite 45 minute drive each way to and from my home in NJ)

Needless to say, I was not exactly “gung ho” on heading across the Hudson 3 nights in a row. Did I mention I have an 8:30 to 5:00+ job to go to?

I made the mistake of mentioning the event to a friend during an instant messaging conversation. She was on Christmas break from college, so of course she was down to hit the town and bring others along with her! Her friend would help to fulfill the reservation I made, which gave the trip and heir of “pre-destined” significance and thus making the trek seem somewhat worthwhile even if it was wack. Basically, I had to go now because I opened my big mouth and mentioned it instead of heading home to catch up in the rest I had missed out on the previous two nights.

It started off badly. Driving into NYC on a Friday evening the weekend before Christmas is not a wise move. The 45 minute drive turned into a 2 hour and 45 minute drive. My friends and I arrived in time to the venue, The Angel Oresanz Synagogue on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. I was not aware the Church Architecture was a foreshadow to the evenings events. We walked inside, checked our coats and proceeded to the main room, which was once used as a sanctuary. The pews, religious artifacts and patrons were replaced with a few folding chairs lining the sides in between the columns, art exhibits and audience members. The equivalent of ushers and deacons passing out communion wine in the Baptist faith were video women serving fruit flavored water on silver platters. The combination of beautiful people, colorful lighting, sacred architecture and the eye-catching photographic exhibitions all contributed to an atmosphere of anticipation that permeated throughout the venue.

And then it happened. I was completely blindsided as the man took the stage and began a short thirty-minute performance of musical expression that has changed my musical and personal outlook from that night forward. From the first notes of “Heaven Sent,” and ode to romantic love sent from the Creator, I was enthralled. Before the first song ended, I had made my way to the back where copies of “The Colored Section” were on sale and purchased one to avoid the rush that was inevitable at the conclusion of this experience. With an infectious energy and exuberance, Donnie interacted with the audience as he segwayed effortlessly between compositions like the descriptive and relatable “People Person” and the self love anthem, “Beautiful Me.” By the time he performed “You Got A Friend,” I felt as though I was in the midst of a very fulfilling church service and my soul was being blessed. It was then that I realized how appropriate the venue was to this particular artist and performance. Donnie continued to bless those in attendance with four-minute musical sermons like “Cloud 9” in praise of natural hair and “The Colored Section,” a lesson in the inherit racism forever embedded in American history. I was in complete awe of the man and his message, and how he was able to capture the emotions and subject matter in a musical format.

It is a rare gift for an artist to be able to capture an audience when many people are not too familiar with your work. Not only did Donnie manage to capture the audience, but was able to inspire emotion and provoke thought. The preacher delivered a great message that evening. You should have been in church with me. Hallelujah!