It takes a creative mind and a thoughtful soul in order to have the mindset of being able to ‘move the crowd’ with words and phrases. That would be a fine description of today’s Hello Beautiful’s featured guest, South Florida’s own Ingrid ‘Ingrid B’ Bazin. Fitting the West Indian stereotype of having many jobs, popularized on the 90s television series, ‘In Living Color’, she is a poet, television producer, host, spoken word artist, performer, promoter and no doubt, a ‘Soulcialite’. We got the chance to ask her 5 questions and she gracefully obliged as you are about to read. If you are ever in the South Florida area, Ingrid B is the person to get a hold of during your stay!

1. What led you to become involved in the industry in the capacity that you’re currently involved?

Everything I am doing now stemmed from doing a favor for a friend. I started a yahoo group in 1999 because out of towners kept asking me where to go when they came to Miami. It grew and a lot of local people joined as well. I built up a database that I then used to assist a friend in building her poetry night. As the saying goes The Rest Is History.

2. What inspires and drives you on a daily basis?

My love for the art of spoken word and my intense desire to never work a 9 to 5 again.

3. What will Ingrid B be doing in 5 years?

If God Spare Life, I will be “Making My Passion My Prosperity”.

4. The music scene is ever evolving, do you see the scene, as it is now, in a positive light and how has the changes you’ve seen, changed (if it has), your perception of the business of music?

I just got into promoting music, the scene as well as those in it, are all going through serious changes. I believe they are for the better, people are tired of the status quo. I believe we have a ways to go but things are definitely changing for the better. I have no choice but to believe that.

5. What difficulties do you face, if any, in doing what you do?

Securing and getting access to mainstream resources to assist in promoting my Live Music & Spoken Word events has been a struggle. Miami is a COMMERCIAL city, If it’s not on the radio, it doesn’t exist. With that being said, I have great support from my clientele and they spread the word as much as they can.

Born in Jamaica raised in Barbados Ingrid “IngridB” Bazin has been a tour de force on the South Florida poetry scene since 2001, turning a favor for a friend into a livelihood that has garnered her a reputation as the ultimate “Soulcialite” promoter amongst poets, singers, and musicians. With the creation of BSide Entertainment, Bazin took her passion for Poetry and built a scene within the established scene which later came to include soul music.

The decision to infuse Poetry and Soul Music was an easy one for Bazin, as the audience showed appreciation for the music and it became obvious that the two were interchangeable.

Possessing the perfect blend of West Indian Sensibility Southern Hospitality and Northern Flair IngridB develops a soul connection with her audiences whom she has come to call “The Soulcialites” an assembly which include varied cultural back grounds of like minded individuals who share of love of Soul Music, Poetry, and Positive Hip Hop and enjoy the BSide of Life that Bazin has created. Nationally recognized for her savvy Soulcial skills and intimate knowledge of the Spoken Word Poetry and Soul Music scenes, IngridB has been Poet Producer for 2 seasons of LYRIC CAFE seen on BETJ and CentricTV. Currently IngridB is the host and promoter of four weekly events. The Soulcial is a live music event which features up and coming and well established Soul Singers and Musicians. The Bohemia Room is a Spoken Word Poetry experience which features some of the best poets South Florida has to offer as well as international spoken word artist, writers and poets. Flow Fridays is an open mic event and the more laid back vibe on Bazin’s event roster. Her newest event, “So You thInk You Can Karaoke”, turns the soulcialites into performers and is a great time for all involved . It is her consistency and passion for what she does that has made IngridB a lasting and highly respected figure on the Poetry and Soul Music scenes. Passion that will undoubtedly help her attain her goals of venue ownership and national branding and have millions living on the BSide of Life.

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“A person like myself always needs a great sidekick and a person you can rely on no matter the circumstances. And she’s that,” James tells the magazine. “She’s got my back, and I love her for that.”

Savannah on the other hand may not be so thrilled to be in Miami:

“Personally, Miami was not my favorite place,” she said. “Vacationing there is great. You go for three days and get some sun, and it’s time to go home.”

I’m sure Savannah has her reasons, after all Miami is home of the jumpoffs!!!

SOURCE

Does LeBron Have A Jumpoff?

Did Amber Rose & LeBron Hook Up During NBA All Star Weekend?

Jay-Z and Beyonce Knowles caught up in Miami over the weekend for a romantic rendezvous on a yacht. The married duo had to be apart on Valentine’s Day this year since their busy schedules had them on different continents.

Jay mentioned their temporary separation during a recent interview with UK’s “Friday Night With Jonathan Ross” (see it below).

When Ross asked how he spent Valentine’s Day with Beyoncé,

“Well, I’m not gonna tell you that. I’ll give you a little bit of information. She was in Peru, and I was in Denver, on my way to here, and … it was very romantic. … Skype.”

He also claimed he was the one who invented the “Single Ladies” dance, saying his wife “steals routines.”

Is Beyonce Finally Ready For A Baby?

VIDEO: Beyonce Dances At Trinidadian Carnival

We’re hearing that Rihanna was so drunk after a night of club hopping in Miami Beach that she had to be propped up and half carried to a waiting car after her last stop!

According to sandrarose.com, witnesses say Rihanna was paid a substantial fee ($20,000) to make a 30-minute appearance at Mansion nightclub on S. Beach last night.

“All she had to do was show her face for 30 minutes, but she couldn’t do that,” said a spy.

Designers offer RiRi more than Beyonce to sit in front row

Rihanna preps for Superbowl Fan Jam

The Travelistas love heading down to Miami for fun, relaxation, and boy-watching! Take a look at our must-dos when you’re in the Sunshine State!

Shop: Miami is full of shopping, whether it’s on South Beach, Lincoln Road, or in Coral Gables. We like the newly-opened Viva Verde Boutique in Coral Gables.  This is a true gem of a boutique, stocked with essential oils, soy candles, organic pajama sets, and carefully-selected gift items.

Check out Miami’s art scene and see why Art Basel stateside (Dec 3-6) decided to set up its annual event here. The Wynwood Art District has some of the best art exhibits in the city.

Eat: We love brunch at The Raleigh on Sundays, and for dinner, we favor Casa Tua. For authentic Latin cuisine, we recommend taking a break from Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road and heading to Little Havana for sweet potato, cassava, and ropa vieja. On the last Friday of the month, there is Viernes Culturales, a street party with live music, gallery openings, and the smell of Cuban cuisine.

Nightlife: What better reason to come to Miami then to get a taste of salsa dancing. We head over to the Yuca Club on Lincoln Road for dance lessons and the lively dance party. Another spot is Lenny Kravitz’s Florida Room (in the Delano Hotel) for live music and some of the best cocktail mixologists on the beach. Get there early!

Stay: The traditional boutique hotels of South Beach still live up to the name, whether it’s the Raleigh, Delano, or Shore Club. Newcomer Hotel Gansevoort South is giving the others some competition. This trendy boutique hotel made its name in the Meatpacking District of NYC. The newly opened Miami outpost is as popular, complete with Plunge, the rooftop pool, which turns into a sexy evening spot. At Philippe Restaurant you can dine on Asian-fusion cuisine and randomly spot Gabrielle Union and Dwane Wade. The Standard Hotel, directly on Biscayne Bay, features secluded bungalows and a casual sexy scene if you want to escape South Beach. The Turkish hammam and spa is a wonder!

Get your cruise game on by taking a look at Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, Oasis of the Seas! Sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, this ship offers top of the line services, amenities, and state rooms. We’ll be on board to take advantage of everything the Oasis of the Seas has to offer!

Travelista Packing Tips

Travelistas and La Dolce Vita

Introducing the Travelistas!

Kanye West and on-again girlfriend Amber Rose enjoyed some time in the sun in Miami Beach yesterday. Amber opted to wear a skimpy bikini with a G-string bottom, and at one point went topless.

Check out the couple below:

Amber Rose: “I’m Not Into Threesomes”

Amber Rose and Kanye coupled up…still!!!

Lil Kim was spotted in hot and humid Miami over the weekend wearing this get-up!!! My favorite part—the hair pin holding up the hoodie.

Check out the pics below:

GALLERY: Lil Kim’s Miami B’Day Bash

VIDEO: Lil Kim’s Epic Fail!!!

Lil Kim keeps Miami hot at her birthday celebration with her girls Trina and LisaRaye last night at Mansion.

Take a look:

VIDEO: Lil Kim’s Epic Fail!!!

GIRLFIGHT: Lil Kim vs Faith Evans

Halle Berry was spotted with adorable daughter Nahla on a beach in Miami early today. Mother and daughter were joined by boyfriend Gabriel Aubry who was showed off his toned abs in a pair of red swim trunks.

Check out the gorgeous family below:

Halle and family at LAX

Keeping things casual with capris and a tank top, the “Monster’s Ball” babe pushed her little girl along in a stroller as the pair headed off for a bite to eat for dinner.

Check out the gorgeous duo below:

Did Halle give Jamie Foxx a helping hand?

Halle goes back to short hair

Beyonce’s Beach Look!

Sasha Fierce Clothing Line!

Beyonce’s Strange BET Performance!

Jay’s other half took a dip in the ocean before packing up and catching a private jet out of town.

Check out the pics below:

Take a look at Beyonce’s performance at the BET Awards

Behind the scenes of Beyonce’s “Street Dreams”

Chris Brown is definitely back on the scene, from basketball games to album release parties. Check out Breezy as he parties the night away:

Breezy’s ex says Rihanna bloodied Chris first

Eve did not blast Chris Brown

We just found out that T.I. will serve his prison sentence in a federal prison in Forrest City, Arkansas starting on May 26th.  We were hoping for a wedding between T.I and Tiny over the weekend, but all that went down was a farewell party. The party went down in Miami on Star Island at Jennifer Lopez’ former mansion.

Watch the video below and check out the pics:

According to eurweb.com, Williams said: “We all know who the real number one is,” the second-ranked player told a news conference at the Italian Open on Monday. “Quite frankly, I’m the best in the world.”

Asked which opponent she feared most, Serena replied: “Probably myself. I always beat myself.”

We say Serena is quite confident.

Tennis star Serena Williams appears to have a problem finding a bikini which adequately covers her butt:

Tennis star Serena Williams appears to have a problem finding a bikini which adequately covers her butt. The muscular tennis star was photographed frolicking on the beaches of Miami with sister Venus and friends after losing in the final of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

Click here to see the William sisters play tennis in style gallery.

Want more Serena? Click here to see the tennis star leaving a salon looking a hot mess.