Already doing the most before I’ve landed in the City.

A work leadership program kicked off in NYC on the same day I was scheduled to pitch a new client.

I could have thought, “That’s plenty. I’m good.”

But a week before, @thevaleriejune stole my heart live in Austin before mentioning she’d be in New York the following week. WELL, OK GIRL, ME TOO!

When she revealed her venue as the Cafe Carlyle, a tiny hotel cabaret that had once hosted David Bowie, Eartha Kitt, Judy Collins and so many more, I couldn’t even pretend I wasn’t trying to go.

OF COURSE the only tickets available were on the night of my arrival, the night before the pitch and the leadership launch.

And OF COURSE I BOUGHT ONE ANYWAY.

So we came into NYC HOT, changed in the JFK bathroom, and headed straight to the Cafe Carlyle, luggage and all.

And man, did the city rise to meet me.

I’d stressed over how late I was arriving. I was the first person at the bar with my pick of stage view seating in a room capacity of 90.

I’d worried I’d sit there falling asleep after a long travel day, or worse, small-talking with a stranger. Instead, two separate and vibrant Black women sat down next to me, and became my new friends.

And when the show started, Valerie June appeared in a doorway all of 5 feet away from us, singing a capella, playing a tambourine, and channeling every bit of her southern Black roots.

Time stood still until without any warning, she whisked all her sequins out the venue’s main door, leaving her audience pinned to their seats and still pending checks.

Both times I’ve seen Valerie June now, it’s felt like those dreams you wake up from and try desperately to fall back asleep into. It’s so good, then it’s just… over.

My new friends and I tried to hold onto the night as long as we could, chatting with GRAMMY-nominated Little Richard documentarian and VJ’s friend @misscortes and slow-sipping our (outstanding) cocktails before retreating to our respective beds.

Besides, between client presentations and @theamericanblackstory, I had work to do.

Luckily for me, NYC is full of dreams and mine with Valerie June wasn’t done quite yet…