© Al Powers, PowersImagery.comSaturday evening, Grammy award-winning R&B singer Ashanti dined with friends and family at LAVO Italian Restaurant, kicking off her night of birthday celebrations.


Visit streaming.thesource.com for more information

Before heading into LAVO Nightclub, she dazzled the red carpet in a purple crystallized dress, posing for pictures with her parents and producer L.T. Hutton. Shortly after taking over a VIP table inside LAVO, the singer took the stage to perform a master medley of her biggest hits. The ecstatic crowd erupted as the first notes of “Only U” began to play. The songstress then belted “Rock Wit U,” “Happy,” “Always On Time” and “What’s Luv.” All smiles, she thanked the crowd for celebrating her 33rd birthday with her before returning to her table.

LAVO then presented the birthday girl with a shimmering pink three-tier cake adorned with a microphone and branded with the name of her upcoming album “Braveheart,” which is set to release in November. A storm of confetti and cheers added to the surprise as the room wished her a very happy birthday, but Ashanti also had a surprise of her own. Afterward, she snuck into the DJ booth holding a flash drive with her brand new single “First Real Love” featuring Beenie Man. She slipped the song to DJ Gusto who announced the premier to the crowd. Excited fans grooved along to the new tune as the party continued into the night.

Advertisement

Additional sighting: Last night Hennessy V.S celebrated the GQ MEN Book at Hyde Beach at the SLS Hotel South Beach. The event was hosted by Miami Heat’s Dwyane Wade. Guests were treated to small bites from Katsuya & Bazaar, specialty cocktails, music by Ms. Nix and a surprise performance by Hennessy brand ambassador NAS who took the stage and performed his hits – Hate Me Now, Aint Hard To Tell, If I Ruled the World and Made You Look. Also in attendance were Gabrielle Union and Miami Heat Teammate Michael Beasley.