(Kim Jackson) -- I'm sure by now that you have heard that Joyce Littel has been released from V103. And right before one of her biggest events of the year.  But, rest assured...the event is still a go*; I've checked. So, tap your sweetie's shoulder, take ahold of your loved one's hand, and enjoy a sensual evening together.

But, I began to wonder about something. What happened? Why won't one of our favorite deejays be soothing our ears with the sounds of the Quiet Storm anymore? Well...inquiring minds would definitely like to know! So, UPH did a little digging. And what did we find? Emptiness and dead air. Attempts to get a response from the Program Manager of V103, were not answered. Joyce, on the other hand, has been interviewed and states:

"I was shocked," she said. "It was totally unexpected. Yet, I was prepared. Whenever that day came, I was prepared."

Personally, if she's happy; then I am happy for her. She also states that she is not bitter and that  "it's just a time to readjust and keep moving forward".  But I am a little peeved. As a lover of poetry, prose, and cadence; I looked forward to her monthly poetic shows. As an adult that can appreciate the tone, inflection, and lyrics of REAL music; I will miss her Quiet Storm.

Of course, speculation rears its head...Did she ask to be compensated for her growing recognition and achievements for her 19 years of service and they refused? Did they feel that their targeted audience (under 30) was not being reached by her efforts?

I'm not certain and I can speculate all I want; it doesn't bring her back. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to keep checking for her events on www.littelconceptsllc.com and get my fill of the arts outside of comfort of my home.

*IF YOU GO
"Passion and Poetry"
Center Stage
1374 W. Peachtree St. NW, Atlanta
8 p.m. Saturday Feb. 13 (Malcolm Jamal Warner)
midnight Saturday Feb. 13 (Malcolm Jamal Warner)
7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 14 (Eric Roberson)
$35 general admission
www.ticketmaster.com 404-249-6400