ocated in the heart of Silver Spring, Maryland, on the corner of Georgia and Thayer Avenue, across from Negril Jamaican restaurant, is Oasis of Silver Spring.The new internationally flavored nightclub sits above street level observing the modernization of downtown Silver Spring.

An oasis is described as a fertile place in the desert, or, an area or period of calm in the midst of turbulence. Either of these definitions can define the new nightclub. It is a fertile place among the old shops and restaurants, like Dave¹s Music, Kit Kat Kopy, and the famous Negril Jamaican Bakery. It is also a sense of calm and relaxation among the frantic developments of new businesses and malls popping all over downtown.

The atmosphere is very intimate and tranquil, perfect for you and someone special, or just you watching life on the street below, with Yvette Spears¹ beautiful jazzy sound as the soundtrack. At the bar, the bartenders are beautiful, with warm smiles and alluring eyes. Around the bar is a combination of people discussing various topics and interests.

Oasis offers a variety of artists and programs to benefit the diverse people of the Washington DC area. Club manager Thaylor, with strong ties to the Haitian community, created a Haitian Happy Hour on the first Friday of every month. Smooth Jazz is played on Tuesdays and Thursdays. DJ Jn-Michel can be found on Saturday nights spinning the best Konpa, Reggae, Soca, Soukous, Hip Hop and even the Latin groove.

For the "Playas," the high rollers, or just those sophisticated men and women, the VIP room is set at the back of the club, with beautiful tables and chairs. A bar and buffet is also available in the VIP section. The mood is very relax and romantic.

Few clubs exist where people of all kinds can come together and enjoy a beautiful evening. With the club so close to many there's little excuse for not gathering among friends and dansé Konpa, or reggae, or merenge, or dance it all.

In all, Oasis of Silver Spring is the calm lake of the suburban concrete jungle. A growing place to relax the mind and body after a long day, or a long week of work. In between the old and the new, Oasis is a great alternative to the frustrations of D.C. nightclubs.

s an artist continues to stroke her canvas, her goal and struggle are one in the same, to channel her vision into descriptive strokes that define her inspiration. She searches her soul, her spirituality and emotions to give life. Life, she struggles to understand, nonetheless wants to share so her world can be free beyond the boundaries of a society misguided and confused.

Holding the golden brush is Yvette Spears, in front of her canvas with a vision of success like no other. Strikingly beautiful, she embodies a diva like flair as she moves into a crowd so naturally to meet and greet what seemed be men who've been locked away for years in solitary confinement. This Creole bijoux makes no apologies for her grace and natural captivating smile, in fact, it's available for a simple hello or a lucky eye contact. Notice the strong hand shake and solid eye contact as she introduces herself, which creates an immediate struggle for her attention among many conversation starved bar philosophers.

As I sat at the corner of a bar on a very cold evening when mother nature seemed to draw the curtains limiting our habitual view of her magically lit universe, one rebellious star refuses to remain hidden. It doesn't take long to find out Yvette is a Jazz vocalist, one who's performed at many of DC's famed venues: Blues Alley Jazz Super Club, Takoma Station Tavern, One Step Down, Kennedy Center Grand Foyer Series. Born and raised in the Tradition of New Orleans, Yvette Spears has no choice except to be a ³keeper of the flame.² Yvette's love for jazz and her talents as a ³Jazz Stylist² is simply rooted in her upbringing. Honoring those who came before her... Mahalia Jackson, Billie Holiday, Josephine Baker, Abbey Lincoln, Sarah Vaughn, ³Little² Jimmy Scott.

This Creole diva commands your attention, yet as she speaks she challenges you to see her as woman of vision with nothing less than success in her scope. For now Yvette invites you to come devour her menu entitled "La Boutique de Jazz" at the brand new OASIS of Silver spring, 8241 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD (301-608-3360). This Creole bijoux promises to be the rare gem that you feel so proud to know you have discovered.

DJ Jean-Michel