Growth, development, leadership, and all the signs of future success are definitely things I found in my short time with the Rip City Remix a few weeks ago. The Remix is a new NBA G League team in Rip City (aka Portland, aka The Rose City) where players who are not quite ready for the bright lights of the NBA can literally develop their talents through a close partnership with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Written by Besa Gordon - Recently, Monika C. Matthews from QueenCare, a health and wellness shop in the Central District that I highlighted back in August has opened up a spa called The Spa House in Columbia City. WOOT WOOT! I remember when Monkia told me about her plans to open this spa; she said it had been years in the making, and I'm so happy for her that it's finally here.

Reflecting on what happened at Holiday Jam, I'm reminded as to why I love being in radio. Jumping on stage and making thousands of people scream is such a wild and energizing feeling. The first time I did it, I instantly knew what artists meant when they said there's nothing like performing on stage and feeling the energy of the crowd. It's a vibe I wish I could bottle up for when I'm having a bad day and need a pick-me-up.

Have you heard of Teatro Zinzanni, the world-famous circus dinner theater from right here in Seattle? Recently, we visited one of their rehearsals to talk with Seattle's Tiffany Wilson, also known as Madam Z, about her first year at Teartro, a song she wrote that is now part of the show, how she got into music, and more.

Written By Besa Gordon - It's almost time for Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle! As usual, on Thursday, I headed over to FOX 13 to preview what would be on Back2Besa this week, and this week I got to catch up with my bill and preview my interview with Paul Wight, formally known as the Big Show where he gave radio legend Danny Bonaduce his flowers (in case you missed it, yesterday was Danny's last day on air as he decided to retire.)

Written by Besa Gordon: Recently, I headed to West Seattle for the HBCU drink competition, where eight different bartenders came together to compete and see who could make the best Old Fashioned using Uncle Nearest Whiskey. For those that don't know, the whiskey is named after the formerly enslaved man, Nathan "Nearest" Green, who taught a young Jack Daniel the craft of distilling. As of 2023, eight brand variants have been produced. According to the IWSR, Uncle Nearest is the fastest-growing whiskey brand in the United States and is recognized as the most successful black-owned distillery in the world.

Written by Besa Gordon - It's Nutcracker season for the Pacific Northwest Ballet, and you already know I had to pull up and give you a behind-the-scenes look at how it all goes down before and during the show at MaCaw Hall. In case you missed this weekend's episode of Back2Besa on FOX 13 Seattle (btw if you missed it, you deff missed a lot), in this segment, we met with the youth that are part of the show, we went down to the orchestra pit, we went to their dressing rooms to see the dancers getting their makeup done, plus we even went to the side stage and saw dancers coming on and off the stage.

This week on Back2Besa, we’re highlighting Tiffany Willson, who is part of this year's Teatro Zinzanni; we head to Portland, Oregon for a Christmas tree giveaway with Trap Kitchen PDX, we go backstage at the Pacific Northwest Ballet's Nutcracker, we highlight hot fish house in Lakewood Washington, we go to the communion 3-year anniversary party, Besa talks about what Sankofa Theatre which is no longer open, meant to her and the community, and Events To Know about along with Hot Topics are back this week.

Written by Besa Gordon - Now, THIS is how you have an anniversary party! In case you missed it, Communion Restaurant and Bar celebrated their 3-year anniversary Tuesday evening, and you already know your girl had to pull up to support. I always say Communion is one spot that's more than just your average restaurant. People really do come there to commune with the community. I'm always reconnecting with friends I grew up with in the Central District when I stop by. And this night is no different.

On Tuesday, Communion Restaurant and Bar celebrated their 3 year anniversary. It was a night full of joy as the community came together to celebrate this fantastic milestone. Owned by the Mother-Son duo Chef Kristi Brown and Damon Bomar, Communion was opened during the pandemic and continues to thrive. It's a place where people not only come for their delicious foods. But also to commune with the community.

Written by Besa Gordon - I recently had the pleasure of visiting WOW Gallery in Pacific Place Mall (located in downtown Seattle) to have an in-depth and even emotional at times, conversation with Veronica Very about the space, why she decided to open it in what used to be Pacific Place Mall's Victoria's Secret, and what this space means to not only her, but our community as well.

The Habesha Networks Fall Brunch Series happened on Sunday across 11 Cities, and Seattle was one of them. These networking events are amazing for anyone who wants to connect with the community, even if they are not Habesha. The Seattle event took place at Agelgil Ethiopian Restaurant on Cherry Street in Seattle, where people came together to not only network but also there was an opportunity for them introduce themselves to the group and promote their business.

Chillleeee, I had a time this day! In case you missed the most recent episode of Back2Besa, then you missed my segment where I pulled up to Lumen Field and got dripped out in Seahawks gear at the Pro Shop. Twas a whole shmood. Literally walked in there and was hype when I saw all the throwback jersey gear, Christmas items, and don’t get me started on their Kingdom line. Dude, I didn’t even knoowww, they had a Kingdom line, but that was a whole vibe too.

Not long ago, Back2Besa and HITS 106.1 Seattle Host Besa Gordon hopped on the Amtrak to Portland, Oregon with her production team and Tanzanian Radio Host on MjiniFM Abby Plaatjes to tell some of the stories of Portland’s Black community.

Don't miss episode 23 of Back2Besa, hosted by our very own Besa Gordon. Tonight, we have another very packed itinerary, and viewers are in for a treat.

Last Sunday Converge Media partnered with the Emergency Feeding Program (@emergencyfeeding ), Tre Simmons (@tresimmons13 ), Gardner Global (@jaebadiah , The Chosen Few, Hashtag Lunchbag (@hashtaglunchbagsea )A 4 Apple (@a4applelearningcenter ) and more for their annual meal kit giveaway. Hosted at the Holy Temple Evangelistic Center in Skyway, the event featured meal kits, books, clothing, and other resources for the community, including 400 meal kits.

It was a good night to be at Climate Pledge Arena as our Seattle Kraken took on the New York Islanders on hockey fights cancer night.

On Wednesday, the Emergency Feeding Program stopped by Pioneer Square to provide meals and supplies to those in need. Our Besa Gordon was there along with the Back2Besa crew to catch up with the organizers and help out as the EFP team work to make the holidays a little brighter in the community.

One of Seattle’s most iconic poets hosted a book reading and signing event at Cultural Art Galley and Event Space TASWIRA last week.

Have you heard of Beau Legs Fish and Chips in Lacey, Washington? The family-owned restaurant has been serving the community for the last 15 years and is going strong. Serving staples like jambalaya, grits, gumbo and more, Beau Legs uses family recipes to bring soul food to Lacey.