This past Saturday, I was asked to perform alongside longtime collaborator, mentor, and friend, Substantial, at AnimeUSA 2023, which took place at the Hyatt Regency in Crystal City, VA, and I was so glad to do so. Although it was a dreary day filled with overcast and torrential rainfall, it didn’t stop the enjoyment I found participating in this wonderful convention.

What made it even more special was that I ran into my eldest nephew, Tresten, while I was there; he’s an aspiring photographer and anime fanatic, and it was another chance to make memories, as well as witness history together. I also met his brother, Jordan, who I hadn’t seen in roughly 20 years. We had a great time and I was happy to treat Jordan to his first backstage experience. Being able to converse with the likes of Shing02 and Asheru was undoubtedly one of the highlights of his night.

Even though Substantial’s set was only 15 minutes, we made the most of every second, blending old classics with new ones in the making. History was made when Substantial, Javier Starks, and Shing02 performed “Lost Touch” from Stan’s latest LP, Adultish, for the very first time, and I was there to back them up and pad the performance with silky background vocals and punchy ad libs. It was also the first time I had ever been on stage performing with both Javier and Shing02, which was equally exciting for me, because I have great respect for both of those gentlemen.

I also performed the hook to “Ghost In A Cell” a cappella – another first. I’ll be honest with you: I hadn’t really practiced it beforehand, but it didn’t matter, because I executed it perfectly like a seasoned veteran should. What a moment! The crowd loved it, and so did I.

Sub and I also performed “Black Of All Trades (V2)”, “No Turning Back 2.0”, and we ended the set on a high note with “Salt N’ Pepa”, a track that is so much fun to perform.

My prognosis? We ROCKED that crowd! As the kids would say: “We ate and left no crumbs”. 😎

Unfortunately, I don’t have much footage or photos just yet, however, once they arrive, I will share them with you.

Shouts to DJ AAROCK, Lady J, Sierra of “Cowboy Bebop” fame, breakdancer Akuma, and everyone else that performed at AnimeUSA 2023 – all of you made this a night to remember for many years to come!