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Flowerpot Productions
RADICALLY COMMITTED TO OUR CLIENTS
Flowerpot Productions transforms creative ideas into captivating shows and recordings that entertain, inspire, and connect with audiences.
Flowerpot’s secret sauce is our unwavering commitment to our clients. We build deep relationships that bring their vision to life.
- Audience Engagement & Merchandising
- Packaging & Booking
- Tour Management
- Education & Programming
- Community Partnerships
- Marketing & Promotion
Mz. Val “Simply Me”
“It was always in my heart to do something on my own”
Valerie Monroe (MzVal) has established an impressive musical legacy over the past decades. A relative of the illustrious Clayton jazz family—bassist John, the late saxophonist and flutist Jeff, pianist Gerald—Monroe was inspired early on by Sarah Vaughan, Dinah Washington, Nancy Wilson, and Nina Simone. She got her first big break as a Raelette—a backing singer for The Genius himself, Ray Charles.
“With Ray every show was magical, and I took it all in,” the native Texan says of those two international tours, in 1990 and 1991. “I still have my scrapbook!”
Monroe eventually settled into her day job as an academic counselor at a high school. But music never left her blood. The alto-contralto kept her creative fires burning—whether on the theater stage (Ain’t Misbehavin’, Chicago) or the NBA stage; she sang the national anthem at numerous Lakers, Clippers and Spurs games. In 2018, she made inspired appearances on cousin Jeff’s 2018’s Listen Through the Looking Glass.
All these experiences forged who she is, and what she wants her music to impart. “I like music that can be playful, happy, thoughtful, and emotionally invoked—and jazz allows me the space and freedom to create music that speaks to me. I’m able to be simply me”.
FORREST ROBINSON’S FUNK ASYLUM
Forrest Robinson isn’t just keeping the funk alive—he’s reviving its sacred pulse.
With the release of Funk Asylum Vol. 1, the veteran drummer, musical director, and soul innovator launches an electrifying homage to the golden era of funk (1976–1985), channeling the spirit of legends like Rick James, The Brothers Johnson, Angela Bofill, and Shalamar with fierce originality and reverence. This eight-track debut isn’t a throwback—it’s a spiritual continuation. What Robinson calls an “apostolic succession” of Black American music, crafted with bold intention and cultural clarity.
“This sat in my heart for 17 years,” Robinson says. “We’re not just playing songs—we’re carrying a culture.”
Produced in collaboration with multi-Grammy Award-winner Ralph Johnson of Earth, Wind & Fire, Funk Asylum Vol. 1 pulses with lush arrangements, blazing horn lines, and a groove-driven foundation that both honors and reimagines its roots. It is a sonic revival—equal parts celebration and reclamation. “It’s great to see a full band—vocals and musicians—working together. Earth, Wind & Fire had that too,” says Johnson. “Funk Asylum is well on their way to preserving funk and being true stewards of the genre. The songs they’ve chosen reflect that—it’s a strong cross-section. Every musician is a steward of the sound they carry. It’s about presenting it at its very best.”
Backed by Flowerpot Productions’ Executive Producer Lindsey Nelson, whose no-censorship creative direction allowed for raw authenticity, each track became a space for emotional truth. From dance floor anthems to introspective ballads, the album offers funk not just as a genre, but as a healing vibration, a spiritual force born out of joy, struggle, and community. When asked about this album functioning as a bridge for younger audiences unfamiliar with classic funk, Nelson responded “I think they’ll respond to the freshness of the sound—because it’s distinct from what’s been circulating lately—but it’s rooted in the music of the ’70s and ’80s. Any curious listener will almost inevitably trace it back to the source—Angela Bofill, the Brothers Johnson, Sly Stone, Rick James, James Brown.”
The project’s first single, “I Try,” is a bold declaration of Robinson’s vision: to educate through rhythm and honor the personal and collective stories that shaped funk music. Originally performed by Angela Bofill, Robinson’s reimagined version—featuring lead vocals by Imani-Grace, a soaring saxophone solo by Gerald Albright, and lush strings arranged by John Clayton—invites listeners into a space of reflection, movement, and belonging. It’s a groove with a message, and a call to join the legacy.
Set for full release on September 21, 2025—the date immortalized in Earth, Wind & Fire’s legendary anthem—Forrest Robinson’s Funk Asylum Vol. 1 is a curated journey through funk’s most iconic expressions, revived with purpose and spiritual depth. Each of the eight tracks draws from the canon of Black American musical brilliance—from Rick James and Teena Marie to Shalamar and The Brothers Johnson—infused with new vitality by Robinson and his powerhouse collaborators. With Earth, Wind & Fire‘s own Ralph Johnson at the helm as producer, the project carries the torch forward, honoring the groove, joy, and legacy of the funk tradition.
Track Highlights Include:
“Give It to Me Baby” (Rick James) – Lead vocals by Mabvuto
“I’ll Be Good” (René & Angela) – Lead vocals by Mabvuto and Lauren Evans
“A Night to Remember” (Shalamar) – Lead vocals by Mabvuto and Lauren Evans
“I Need Your Lovin’” (Teena Marie) – Lead vocal by Lauren Evans
“Back Together Again” (Roberta Flack & Donny Hathaway) – Lead vocals by Imani-Grace and Frank McComb
“I Try” (Angela Bofill) – Lead vocals by Imani-Grace, saxophone by Gerald Albright, with string arrangement by John Clayton
“Strawberry Letter 23” (The Brothers Johnson) – Lead vocal by Mabvuto
“Tomorrow” (Instrumental) –The Brothers Johnson features layered vocal textures from Lauren Evans, Terri Harper, and David Harper
The Band:
A world-class ensemble brings Robinson’s vision to life, featuring Tak Nakazawa (guitar), Isha Love (piano/keyboards), Robin Bramlett (bass), David Leach (percussion), and Michael Angel Alvarado (guitar). The incomparable Gerald Albright delivers masterful saxophone solos on “I Try,” adding his signature brilliance. Vocal firepower comes from lead vocalists Lauren Evans, Imani-Grace, Mabvuto, and Frank McComb, with rich harmonies provided by David Harper and Terri Harper. The dynamic horn section includes Jesse McGinty, Aaron Janik, and Ivan Malespin.
With Robinson anchoring the drums and guiding the creative direction, Funk Asylum Vol. 1 is a high-voltage celebration of musical heritage. Each arrangement is layered with reverence and intention, balancing groove-forward precision with emotional release.
“This isn’t about nostalgia,” Robinson says. “It’s about cultural succession—passing on the spirit of funk with authenticity and honor.”
Imani Grace-Cooper at the Home Rule Music Festival at The Parks – June 21, 2025
Date and time
Saturday, June 21 · 1 – 9pm EDT. Doors at 12:30pm
A vibrant celebration of D.C. music and culture at The Parks at Walter Reed—live performances, food vendor, community orgs and activations.
Earth, Wind & Fire Tickets at The Theater at MGM National Harbor – December 2025
The Theater at MGM National Harbor Earth, Wind & Fire 12/12/25, 8:00 PM
National Harbor, MDThe Theater at MGM National HarborEarth, Wind & Fire
About
Earth, Wind & Fire in Concert
The word gets thrown around far too frequently these days, but in the case of Earth, Wind & Fire it genuinely applies: This band is legendary. From the mystical elements of their name to their profound and lasting influence on contemporary pop music to their litany of hits spanning the latter decades of the 20th century, EWF have achieved status beyond the merely mortal. Even with the passing of founder and lead vocalist Maurice White in 2016 the group live on, bringing their uplifting, body-moving blend of R&B, funk, disco, pop, and jazz to several generations of fans.
Their latest tour begins when EWF headline opening day of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Fest in a massive party for the iconic festival’s 50th anniversary. From there, EWF travel across the U.S. and Canada, performing at amphitheaters and arenas from coast to coast and wrapping up with a pair of shows at the scenic Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery outside Seattle.
The crew is 11 members strong and includes original members Philip Bailey on vocals and percussion, Verdine White on bass and vocals, and Ralph Johnson on drums and vocals, plus a three-piece horn section and a host of young, talented players. Their stage show remains potent, featuring sophisticated group choreography, stunning instrumental interplay, and eye-popping visuals. You very well might not sit down.
Earth Wind & Fire Background
The Earth, Wind & Fire story begins with Maurice White. As a kid growing up in Memphis in the 1950s, White went to school with a young Booker T. Jones, and the two began performing their first tunes together. White moved to Chicago for college and fell in with an Afrocentric artistic crowd, playing as a session drummer for Chess Records and performing at the South Side’s Afro-Arts Theater with a funk group called The Pharaohs.
His musical ambitions took him to Los Angeles, where he put together a band that included his brother Verdine on bass plus a few more Chicago transplants as well as local phenoms. Earth, Wind & Fire began releasing acclaimed albums from the start, but it wasn’t until the mid-’70s that they charted their first hits, No. 1s like “Shining Star,” “Getaway,” and “September.”
Over the years, they’ve won four Grammys out of 12 nominations, including a 2016 Lifetime Achievement Award, and the band’s lineup has changed but their sound has never wavered. After five decades of soulful music, Earth, Wind & Fire’s message of peace, unity, and celebration is now more necessary than ever.
Earth, Wind & Fire on Tour
Grammy Award-winning, legendary artists Carlos Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire embark on a North American tour. A continuation of 2019’s Supernatural Now tour for Santana, the Miraculous Supernatural 2020 Tour marks the first time these two powerhouses share the stage in the U.S. The Live Nation-produced outing kicks off June 19th in San Diego and makes stops in Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Chicago, Toronto, and more before wrapping August 29th in Tampa.
Earth, Wind & Fire is one of music’s most celebrated musical forces in history with an iconic music catalogue that has been the soundtrack of millions of lives around the world. They were the first African American R&B group to receive the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor in 2019. Philip Bailey, Verdine White and Ralph Johnson continue the legacy of the band with career achievements that include nine Grammys, one being a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and they were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. EWF’s music catalogue of singles and albums have tallied hundreds of millions of streams and sales worldwide and forever changed the history of music.
Luxury Air Travel for Events
Exclusive Gulfstream 450 and 550
J4U Entertainment offers an exclusive Luxury travel solution for top-tier special engagements and events. Business executives and celebrities can enjoy a luxuriously breath-taking air travel experience. Private jets like the Gulfstream G450 and G550 provide unparalleled comfort, reliability, and lavish amenities. For business or leisure purposes, our Luxury travel solution will elevate your journey to new heights.
Our experienced pilots have serviced corporate CEO executives and chart-topping music artists such as Rihanna.
TV, Film, Wedding Location in Maryland
TV, Film, Wedding Location in Maryland
It is a place that must be seen.
Today, Cold Saturday and its myriad indoor and outdoor venue options for TV, film and wedding location awaits. Cold Saturday is a delicate the mix of contemporary and colonial. From The Courtyard, the expertly restored Orchard Barn, the panoramic Overlook – make for a unique space as a wedding, film and tv location in the Maryland area.
Words do little justice to Cold Saturday Farm. Named to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2008, it has experienced an endless stream of visitors over the years, curious onlookers and passersby walking up the carriage lane to sneak a peek at the historic estate. Like a rustic mirage, Cold Saturday is a private oasis only 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore and 45 minutes from Washington D.C. Once stepping onto the property, you are immediately transported to a different era, where windows reshape the view with their original handmade glass, century-old sweet gum trees soar like high-rises, and wind rustling the pines – not highway traffic and city commotion – serves as the soundtrack. Over the course of the year, Cold Saturday comes alive in every color: pink in the magnolia blooms, purple in the bougainvillea, orange and yellow in the live oaks in autumn, emerald green in the horse fields and hillsides.
Past TV/Film projects: “VEEP” – Selina has a secret meeting with an outside strategist, and is invited to General Maddox’s country house.
For information about using this location for film, tv or weddings, please contact us.