Kimberly Nichole's Patriation Party at Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar
Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson Since 1996, the Sugar Bar has been a hot-spot for hearing new talent, spotting celebrities, and enjoying good food and drink. Since Nick Ashford's passing in 2011, Valerie Simpson has been running the place with tender loving care, providing open-mic evenings when unknown talent can sing with one of the best bands in New York, as well as extravaganzas featuring stars such as Patti LaBelle and Chaka Khan. Last Sunday the star-du-jour was Kimberly Nichole, the "Rock Ballerina," in her farewell performance in New York before her departure (or "Blaxit") to London. Kimberly Nichole on "The Voice" Nina Kennedy posing with a portrait of Nick Ashford at the Sugar Bar. The singing/songwriting team of Ashford & Simpson has secured its place in history as composers of Motown-era classics like "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," "Found a Cure," and "Soli...