Welcome! I hope you enjoy my blog as I intend to entertain, motivate, and INSPIRE in any way that I can! Please, feel free to leave your feedback respectfully, as any criticism is happily welcomed. Jherrison Bradshaw, 2022
In this series we follow the lives of Gherrison “Gherri” Bedford and his friends Naomi, Vivica, Aloura, and Sapphyre as they navigate through life’s perils of love, sex, and friendship in the metropolis of Reneigh, NY. This urban yet diverse cast brings a sense of relatability to the “dramedy” as they tackle many issues that people from all walks of life face in our society today, including but not limited to racism, homophobia, sexism, classism, gender identity and acceptance etc.
Reader discretion is advised.
When you're a kid you just take trees for granted. Then when you get to be an adult you realize that a fully mature tree cannot be created in an amount of time that fits in a convenient landscaping timeframe for love nor money nor all the powers of science. Then you realize that people are very very very cavalier about chopping them down
Beyoncé ACT II: "Cowboy Carter & The Rodeo Chitlin' Circuit" Tour Experience
Here we go AGAIN! As I've said before, if you really know me, you'd already know I wasn't going to miss this! I knew it was going to be nothing short of SPECTACULAR from the taste she gave us during the Christmas halftime show, but I wasn't expecting it to be this EXTRAORDINARY!!! From the lights to the interludes, to the meticulous details of crew members all wearing cowboy hats, this show was not only inspirational, but it was truly a once in a lifetime event.
It's almost as if I was meant to experience this, even with all the doubts and bumps along the way. I had been planning for this since the album dropped last year. I had my online carts FULL of cowboy gear and accessories just waiting for the inevitable tour announcement. This time around, I already had an outfit in my closet and a million ideas on how to make it better. The album really struck parts of me that I never knew could be affected, and for that ALONE I couldn't wait for this experience. I spent the bulk of 2024 keeping an eye out on Bey's comings and goings trying to pick up hints on when the tour would be announced.... and then Christmas came, literally.
As I suffered through most of the football game awaiting the Queen's first live performance of the album, I had a feeling she was going to surprise us with SOMETHING, but I didn't have an idea in what exactly was coming. As she opened her performance with my FAVORITE track on the album, I sat teary-eyed, in awe of what I was seeing. The rich history embedded in her performance was breathtaking to say the least. How could one woman think of such a grandiose way to pay homage to not only country music's black roots, but Black southern excellence in such a way?!
Once the performance ended and we were hit with that 1.14.25 date and nothing else, I KNEW it was the long awaited tour announcement. She left the internet in shambles and I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the demand she caused with one 13 minute performance. It wasn't until the date came that I started to think "maybe she's not going on tour" .... until THE ANNOUNCEMENT FINALLY CAME!!! And that's when all the drama started.
I originally planned on attending the DC show as it would've required less time off from work, but those pre-sale prices had me second guessing if it would ever happen! As the doubt and discouragement tried to trickle it's way in, something reminded me that waiting is better and that's exactly what I did. Shiiiddd I already had the outfit, the paid time off I'd need, I just took a breath and decided to check back in weekly.
By mid February, I found myself looking at those NYC dates, especially when they added another show... in May of all months!! Although it was MUCH cheaper than D.C., it really put a dent in my plans for sure. I almost gave up, nearly threw in the towel!, and then it happened. Not only did I find a great seat with somewhat a good view initially, it was literally HALF THE PRICE OF MY RWT TICKET!!!! With sales and fees, this bitch walked away spending $222.45!
(Via Google Wallet)
Now that I had my ticket, I needed to figure out how in world was I getting my ass to East Rutherford, NJ. And of course, my best friend Google came through in the clutch! I found out it's cheaper and quicker to just stay in Newark and take an Uber, and I did just that. I'll spare you the absolute NIGHTMARE that was and get into the GOOD stuff.
Being from Upstate NY actually had its perks for once, as I literally caught the train down to Newark the morning of the show and got there with PLENTY of time to get lost trying to find a dispensary. I wouldn't be me if I don't get lost anytime I travel. With no luck I made it to my room and still had enough time to relax and finish my pregame from NYC.
Now my Renaissance tour experience taught me that Beyoncé is NEVER starting on-time, and the procrastinator that I am didn't leave until 7:30pm not knowing the madness that awaiting at the gates. Thankfully it wasn't a long uber and the drive was really nice!, he even put on a Beyoncé playlist for the occasion. I should've asked him about the pick-ups at the END of the show, but my mind was on the clock, and I was busy throwing together the finishing touches of outfit.
As you can see, i didn't have much time to take pics upon arrival, and being a little buzzed for most of the night, I was able to get SOOOOOOO much more footage of the show compared to the Renaissance Tour. Follow me on TikTok for full lengths that won't fit here, I'll be sure to plug it towards the end.
I have one thing to say, MetLife Stadium, ..... not a fan. Don't get me wrong, the staff that I had the pleasure of interacting with were a bright, cheerful, energetic bunch, ESPECIALLY the young lady who pointed me in the directions of the wristbands! (Love you gurl!) BUT THE CLIMB I HAD TO ENDURE TO GET TO SECTION 227A WAS INSANE!... I mean if you're not afraid of heights and don't mind sweaty fans literally up your ass, then yeah, I may come off as dramatic. It took not one, not two, but three escalator trips to get there! I can only imagine what the hivers in the 300's & beyond have to go through getting to those seats. When I looked up that final time and saw the red sign with an arrow pointing to 225 my knees got weak. And after getting snippy with that rude ass 'security assistant' who had the nerve to ask if I had a ticket after all that i just with through, I FINALLY made it to my seat. And honey... the view was worth every penny.
Chiiiillllleeeeee the beyhive was definitely buzzing that night, and we still had a good twenty minutes show time! I was relieved to have two beautiful black Queens to my life, they really took the edge off as while we were exchanging compliments, I mentioned my fear of heights, and they had such kind words that had me feeling good.
That was before the two screaming tyrants to my RIGHT came in about 25 mintues AFTER the show started. With all the bass booming through the speakers, and literally being the skinny one in the middle, I did my best to not let it get to me. Enduring quite a few moments from them, we ultimately had a friendly exchange. Come to find out they were drunk and CLEARLY having the time of their lives, who was I to be that mad. How I carried on during the RWT's Boston stop, I have no room whatsoever to judge any concert goer. Just keep it cute and keep your hair to yourself if you can.
During the show, I realized I wasn't taking as many pictures as I wanted, due to all the recording and the screaming tyrants, but when I made the effort to, I was just in a complete state of Awe! Seeing the vision, the growth, & the overall message to every set piece was enough to make you "Would you just look at that?!" And that I did, MANY times throughout the show.
And clearly I wasn't the only one, either. I don't know, I can't quite describe it, but being amongst thousands of people, seeing my favorite entertainer of all time for a second time mind you, I felt so open and receptive to the energy that flowed throughout the stadium. It got to a point where even Beyoncé literally had to stop & a take a minute to take it all in! And to think..... I GOT TO BE APART OF THIS MOMENT!! Plus, I got it on film
Even though this took place back in May, it still feels like it was just yesterday. To witness something like this, especially in the climate this generation is in now was monumental, inspirational to say the very least, and I truly feel it was yet another once in a lifetime moment that cannot and shall not be duplicated. As she made her way back towards the stage in that damn flying red caddy, I couldn't help but shed a tear. That "Legacy" interlude definitely set the tone for that Grammy Award winning number. 'Amen' was just the cherry on top. As the lights came up as the final pieces of confetti descended from the sky, I thanked God for allowing me to take part in this experience. Everything the day had thrown at me to take away a smidge of the joy I had when I awoke that morning was worth it.
Little did I know, I had just one more hill to 'climb' before I could really resonate in the moment, and that hill was the spiraling ramps we had to hike down to get out that damn stadium! After what felt like 30 minutes I made it to gates in one piece. During the hour wait for my uber, I snagged more pics of the 'fit, even contemplated on going & make friends to pass the time, thankfully however, my uber driver had great communication and literally updated me every 5-10 minutes.
One of the greatest things I've come to find in my solitary travels are the people. Jhonny, my driver for the evening, had such a heartwarming story about her son with IDD as to how he got into the shared lift industry. It seems pretty common with Uber and services that they honestly don't pay their drivers enough, largely in part to the fees and nonsense they take out. Our conversation started me with asking about the madness after events held at the stadium and ended with me walking away with much more gratitude for mankind.
I hardly slept that night, for a number of reasons, but mainly because I just couldn't believe I did, AGAIN!!! This experience really put everything that Beyoncé does into a whole new perspective. Being a mother has impacted her artistry significantly. Her general outlook on the world, and that tenderness pours into every piece of work she releases to the masses, it almost makes me sick that we have one more Act to sit through before we get see what other endeavors she plans to pour into. This entire Era has been eye-opening for a “Hag Hive” like me who’s been riding with Bey since '98. You saw the growth from then until now and it makes me feel like a proud parent, even more so now that's officially over.
What were some of YOUR favorite moments from this Tour/Era?For full performances and more, follow me on TikTok, as promised, links below.
We are alive. And now the work is to be gentler with ourselves and with the world. I want such a sweet life for you. I want the fierceness of attention, of the light coming over the hill, of your own hand bringing a cup to your mouth. Of love, which will abide so much longer than the fire.
Molly McCully Brown, from Places I've Taken My Body: Essays
We Listen, We Don't Judge: The Infamous '4th Act' Debacle
So, as we all know everything & everyone thinks there's a mysterious 4th album coming eventually. In all actuality, we know it's going to be a full-length theatrical film. Let's be honest, after Rock what other genre of music is left for her to reclaim and dominate? Unless you're waiting on a gospel album, I've got some bad news for you... and let me explain why.
Beyoncé has been dabbling with different elements of filming and angles, and of course lighting for quite some time now, it was bound to happen eventually. She's always been an Artist and she's going to expand her art by producing and directing scripted full feature films. 'Echoville'.... how do we describe her?
It's going to be a theatrical movie that blends all the visuals we've seen thus far and then some. I feel like "Echoville" will be her grand farewell to mainstream & industry politics and a PERFECT segway into whatever her heart and mind TRULY desires, whether it sells or not. She's focused on Love, Enlightenment, & Legacy, works of art that will live on and inspire future generations.
In my humble opinion, after the movie, she's going to jump genres again but she's going to be doing more of what she did on the "4" album... not sonically, but conceptually (iykyk) whenever she decides to go back to making music.
Being a mother has truly impacted her artistry and general outlook on the world, and that tenderness is going to spill into SOOOO MANY SOUNDS AND ARENAS that it almost makes me sick that I have one more Act to sit through before we get THAT.
This tour has been a true eye opener for a "Hag Hive" like me who's almost 34 and been riding with Bey since '98. You can just see the growth from then until now and it makes me feel like a proud parent <3 .
