Hello Everyone,
I hope and pray that my column finds you in good health. Hope all of my guys had a wonderful and Happy Father’s Day last weekend. I am so sorry I missed some of the celebrations last week.
This week my column will be about a young lady I so admire. Anyone who knows me and my background in the entertainment business world, know that I offer up few such compliments. But this young lady will be famous one day because of her work and what she does to support local Baltimore musicians.
Let me tell you a little bit about this young lady who I am so proud of. Her name is Viola Griffin; she is a native Baltimorean who went to Lombard Junior High School #57 and then later to Keystone Joy Corps in Drums, Pennsylvania where she studied business. She continued to PTC Career Institute in 1984 where she was certified in Business Administration.
443-822-5356.
Viola has loved music all her life. At the age of 5, she and her siblings played as a DJ for their parents (held concerts for their parents), neighborhood families and friends. In high school, she regularly participated in talent contests called, “Showcase 57.” Ms. Griffin was always a part of any musical activity in school or in her neighborhood. She collects hard to find and rare oldies records and music and has a wide collection of vinyl albums and “45’s.”
In 2001, she began traveling from state to state to hold concerts and musical seminars. In 2004, she started a production called “An Angel’s Touch Productions,” which spotlights new gospel talent. She promotes various young artists and helps them to get started in the business. In 2012, Ms. Griffin founded VG/Viola Griffin Productions and began organizing an Annual Award Banquet which honors Baltimore’s Metropolitan area Legendary Legends who never received the recognition, appreciation, or the support they deserved. So, in honor of these performers that entertained so many of us over the years, Ms. Griffin told me, “I just want to salute them with gratitude and appreciation and say, “Thank you” for your musical career and entertaining us in shows, bars, nightclubs, and parties back in the day.” “I am a lover and fan of “Ol Skool Music,” and I want to tell these performers thank you and job well done.” Viola Griffin’s motto is “Keeping “Ol Skool” Music Groups alive and always keep a melody in your heart and a tune on your lips.”
Her Awards Ceremony and Banquet is Sunday, June 26, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Waxter Senior Center, 1000 Cathedral Center in Baltimore 21205. The Awards Ceremony will feature live entertainment by The SheDevil’s, Tommy Vann, “Tee-Shirt” Brian Hall, Soul Experience, Starpoint, and Al Brown & The Tune-Toppers, just to name a few. The Ice Man (Phillip Lindsey spinning music from the past) and JB Brown, former radio station personality will be there. Yours truly “Rambling Rose” will be Master and Mistress of Ceremony. For more details, call 443-822-5356.
Well, my friends, I we will see you somewhere. Until then, if you need me, call me at 410-833-9474. or email me at rosapryor@aol.com. UNTIL THE NEXT TIME, I’M MUSICALLY YOURS.