Artist On The Rise: Oogee Wawa

What's cooler than being on the beautiful west coast of Florida in the paradise known as Treasure Island? Being on Treasure Island listening to one of Long Island's coolest reggae rock bands Oogee Wawa, who perfectly set the good vibes last night at Treasure Island's CJ's On The Island. Oogee Wawa has been touring Long Island, Florida, and the Virgin Islands promoting their newly released album "More Sand Than Money". I had the pleasure of seeing these guys play while on vacation here in FL and could not have been more impressed. Oogee Wawa brought a high energy performance, all the sounds reminiscent of summer, and some good old Long Island charm.

I've been to quite a few shows at bars before, but never to see a reggae band and I'll be frank, this was quite an experience. Oogee Wawa had the crowd jumping and dancing and practically going insane right from the beginning and to the end. They played for a crowd that was very much into the reggae scene and fans of the band as well. In fact, last night was like their third or fourth time playing Treasure Island according to Oogee's MC, Jesse. Before the show I was thinking, what's a band from Long Island doing all the way down here? Once I walked into CJ's and the band started to perform I totally got it. The scene was thriving on their rocking island vibes and the audience was totally reciprocating the band's vitality. There was so much energy and good vibes flowing all around I couldn't help but be immediately sucked in. With one song from Oogee Wawa I was hooked.

I think what I loved most from them was their ability to capture the audience and keep them entertained with every song. These dudes were playing instruments and singing while jumping all over the stage and the venue. During one song, bassist Chad wound up in the crowd playing bass and dancing with the audience. I'm running out of breath thinking about the madness. The band played so well even for being *slighty drunk. That was even more impressive. In all seriousness, the band produced a bunch of feel good vibes with their songs fusing a mix of reggae, rock, and rap. I heard a serious Sublime influence that was really hitting home with me. It was about 60 degrees the night of the show and with their music I felt immediately transported into that 90 degree Florida summer that I could never get tired of.

I also have to make mention of the utter talent these guys have. At one point in the show, they all did a little swap. The drummer, Nick, switched with guitarist JP to play guitar and do vocals along with Jesse and it just proves that these guys are true musicians and artists. The fact that they can all play each other's instruments (and play them well very well) and sing, mixed with extremely well written songs with catchy hooks and sick harmonies make up all the ingredients for an incredible band. These are real artists. When they played I can tell how passionate they felt about their music and how much fun they were having playing it. They have all the potential to be the next Matisyahu or Sublime with Rome. It's only a matter of time for them.

If there is one thing I love is seeing a hometown band doing amazing things. Long Island has had some short comings in the music scene in the past, but is really making a revival with acts like Oogee Wawa. I mean these guys are rock stars. They write their own music, perform it live and captivate their crowd like any of the greats. They've made an instant fan out of me. They're just fun! I love to come to a show and be entertained. If I'm moving, you've got me. I couldn't stop dancing at their show! Neither could the rest of the crowd and that's 'cause they have talent. They're touring for the next couple weeks, but when they come home to LI, I'll be front row at their next show!

Below you'll find some notable tunes from Oogee Wawa and if you want see if they're heading your way anytime soon check here for the tour schedule!

(Hey cool! This video was shot at the Paramount in Huntington!)

Fun Band Fact: Oogee Wawa means "Cheers" in Zulu

Leave a Comment Bands, Florida, Hometown, Long Island, mbloggers, Oogee Wawa, Reggae, Summer

Share:

Life Update: Summer Internship!

Heyhihello! So if you've been following, I just got back from vacation in FL a couple weeks ago. My vacation would've been extended if I didn't have to come back for a really important and exciting summer here in NY. What is so important and exciting that I had to leave the sunshine and beaches in FL you ask? Good question. I have a summer internship! 

Over the summer I will be interning for 106.1 BLI and its sister station BAB. I mainly work for BLI though. Both are located on Long Island. Every Monday I work with Dana and Jason in the Morning (morning show) doing a lot of editing for podcasts and such plus the occasional blogging. At least once or twice a week we have events where I work with the street team. I also get to do a studio shift with one of the jocks at night where I learn the board and all that.

As some of you might know, I'm studying broadcast at school so the whole radio thing is right up my alley. I eventually want to end up in radio amongst other things out of college, but I'm setting my sights for iHeartRadio (I interned there last summer). No shade to BLI though. It's a great internship so far and I'm only gaining more experience while here. There is a lot of exciting events happening here over the summer so I will keep you posted on all those things throughout the summer!

I only have one picture to share so far from the internship and it's from the studio. It's just so pretty and I thought perhaps you'd be interested to know what the insides of radio look like.

So as you can see lots of colors and pretty buttons that I get to press on occasion! I sound like a child, but this is how I get around this stuff.

As I said I'll keep you up to date with all the cool things happening during my summer and of course at the internship! I can't wait to share more!

Do you have any cool things going on this summer? Perhaps an internship? Let me know what you got going on in the comments!

-- Samantha Jo XO

Leave a Comment Internship, NY, Summer

Share:

Vacation Update: Beaches, Selfies and Elephants

Okay so clearly I'm the worst blog-everyday-for-two-weeks- blogger ever. Sorry, I've just been super busy having on vacation here in FL. I'm having so much I couldn't possibly keep it all to myself, so I've decided to share it all with you guys.

This past week has been pretty laid back, nothing super hectic happening, but I managed to go to the beach and I will have a beach vlog up sometime soon! For now here's a photo from Madeira Beach in Treasure Island just to tease you.

Later on in the week I went back to The Shops at Wiregrass you may have seen in my last vlog. I didn't buy too much, but I took a lot of selfies.

Once back from shopping, my brother, Derek, and my Dad and I went on our little paddle boat around our canals. The water was beautiful, but it was the houses that stole the show.

Yesterday Mom and I went to the beach again leaving me with yet another sun burn. We also BBQ'd with the G-parents, but sorry no pictures I got too lazy.

And that brings me to today. Dad and I went to Busch Gardens which is like one of the other theme parks in FL that is strongly overlooked because of Disney. No shade, but we have more fun here. We went on all tolerable roller coasters and the sky ride where I snapped this picture of some elephants and of course took more selfies.

So yeah, that's basically my week. I leave tomorrow back to NY and as much as I loved this vacation,I'm so excited to get back. This was a great start to my summer and it's only going to get better with the million and one things I have lined up. I will of course keep you posted on all the excitement. 

-- Samantha Jo XO

Leave a Comment Florida, Summer, Vacation

Share:

How To Soothe Sunburn

Yesterday I went to a water park with the fan and of course I come home with the worst sunburn ever. I'm serious like I can't raise my arms. Now personally I have my own method of dealing with the red burn of doom, but during some research I found a couple other helpful methods. I'm sure these will come in handy throughout the summer for all of us 'cause let's face it, we all hate re-applying sun block.

1. Green Tea Compress

Brew some green tea then let it cool. Soak a cloth in it and the apply to your burn. Green tea contains natural skin loving ingredients that soothe your sunburn and reduce the inflammation.

2. Aloe Vera

A method I used to use. Applying aloe really helps to cool down the skin and yet again includes natural ingredients that help heal the skin. You can either apply the natural leaf to your skin or you can get the gel form from the store. I suggest the gel, only because it gives that cooling effect I talked a bout before.

3. Cocoa Butter Lotion

This is the new method I'm on to that I've been using since yesterday. Supposedly cocoa butter is great for keeping the burn hydrated as well as soothing it. That way it doesn't crack and peel and get all annoying and flaky. I'm trying it now and so far so good. I'm still burning red, but I am pretty hydrated. If you use this I suggest applying every 4- 6 hours.

Hope this all helps! Let's just hope this sunburn thing only happens once this summer 'cause honestly,

no one deserves this. 

-- Samantha Jo XO

Leave a Comment Beach, Summer, Sunburn

Share:

Summer Special Occasion Looks 2015

I just received in the mail today an invitation to my cousin's baby shower and of course the first thing I think is "BUT WHAT WILL I WEAR?!" For some this may be an easy task, but if you're like me there's a lot that goes into picking the perfect outfit for these types of summer occasions.

This isn't as simple as throwing on a summer dress and calling it a day. You want to make a statement, be comfortable, and look appropriate for the occasion as well. My cousin's baby shower just so happens to be at a nice restaurant with a country club feel to it, so I needed something new. I took it upon myself to do some online shopping today and had to share these looks from Forever 21. They are absolutely perfect for any summer party, graduation party, bridal/baby shower, whatever you got going on this summer that you could use a nice outfit for!

$24.90. Includes floral print and buttons down front middle.

$37.90. Lace print. Does not include top & bottom.

$17.90. Simple boho printed bottom. Layered.

The only thing I can make a suggestion on is that in the black sheer dress that you wear a black body con dress underneath to class it up, otherwise it's a great statement dress. I love all these dresses and think they are so sweet for any summer occasion, even as everyday wear.

                                             
These are just a few looks I've narrowed down on my search. I came to Forever 21 'cause I knew it would be affordable and still very stylish. Hopefully these looks can help you make a decision on what you want to wear to your summer party. Now, if only I could decide!

-- Samantha Jo XO

Leave a Comment baby, forever 21, party, shower, Summer

Share:

Summer Wish-list | Samantha Jo xo

To make up for lost time, I've decided that for the next two weeks I would blog every day. Why two weeks? Well I'm currently visiting my parents in Florida, so I figured this is the perfect down time to really spend on my blog and myself in general.

As it is my first real official start of summer, I thought I would start my two weeks off with a summer wish list. This is just a compilation of all the things I essentially want (and need) just in time for these hot summer months ahead. So without further ado, my Summer Wish-list.

1. A new bathing suit

Particularly this one from PINK. I usually opt for all black, but this year I'm starting to branch out with colors, at least on my nails so why not spring for the orange and pink straps. Let's just hope the ta-tas fit.

2. Cover FX Custom Cover Drops

This may be my perfect makeup for the summer, but I don't know for sure until I try it. Apparently you just pop a few drops of this bad boy into your favorite moisturizer or face oil and this provides the perfect coverage to your face. Shout out to my girl Brittany for showing me this 'cause I'm dying to try it. This is great for the hot months when you don't want to wear heavy foundation, but you still need coverage. The Custom Cover Drops seem like a summer necessity to me. 

3. New Work Out Gear

Like all these goodies from Forever 21's activewear line. A good pair performance shorts, seamless leggings, and a seamless tank are great for summer morning runs or even just hitting the gym. Seamless work out gear is great in the summer only 'cause seams tend to rub and could particularly be uncomfortable with all that heat and sweat and stuff. Plus, when I have new work out clothes, I'm more inclined to go work out. Especially when they're cute.

4. Ombré

I've had it before and now that it is officially all out of my hair, I want it back. I suppose you always want what you don't have, amiright? I think it'd be a nice summer look.

5. Money.

So I can actually go out and get all this stuff this summer. Maybe that paid summer internship will help.

So yeah, that's pretty much all I want atm. I'm a minimalist during the summer as I normally wear A LOT less makeup and A LOT less clothes, but honestly who doesn't do that in summer. Anyways hope you enjoyed, oh and real quick HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO MY HOME GIRL MOMMY. She's the best.

What are ya'll wishing for this summer?

-- Samantha Jo XO

Leave a Comment bbloggers, fbloggers, List, Summer, Wish

Share: