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← Older posts Newer posts →COCOA PRINCESS Debuts
February 28, 2014TELEVISION WRITER AND PRODUCER STACEY EVANS MORGAN MAKES HER DEBUT AS A CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR WITH THE RELEASE OF HER HIGHLY ANTICIPATED BOOK, COCOA PRINCESS. COCOA PRINCESS, written by Stacey Evans Morgan and beautifully illustrated by Fred Matamoros takes readers into a day in the life of young Coretta, who prefers to be called Cocoa Princess, as dubbed by her father. She sees everything from a Royal point-of-view and wants everyone to do his or her part to be EARTH SMART! The hardcover storybook also comes with a read-along CD (read by the author) that includes the GO GREEN song, written and produced by Stacey Evans Morgan, arranged by well known Los Angeles based musician/producer/engineer Demetric Collins, and features the vocals of Nikko Allen. COCOA PRINCESS was published in print by Nu Urban Audio & Book Publishers and released January 14, 2014. Cocoa gives the reader a glimpse of her world as she prepares for a visit from her grandparents, coming all the way from Jamaica, W.I. She wants to make her Royal entrance when they arrive but her dog (Princess Puffington a/k/a Puffy) has other plans. Stacey’s own daughter, whom she has lovingly called Cocoa Princess since her birth, inspired the story. “I wanted my child as well as all children to see a beautiful, positive image of a girl proud to be in the cocoa skin she’s in, wearing a super thick Afro-puff hairstyle, tiara and all,” Evans stated. “The main message to all children is that they should see themselves as royal, along with encouraging sustainability or as Cocoa Princess proclaims ‘Let’s keep our Royal land beautiful and clean… GO GREEN!’” Currently, the book is available exclusively online at http://CocoaPrincess.bigcartel.com, but it will make its Royal retail debut at all major booksellers and as an e-book for the Kindle, the Nook, the Kobo, all Apple devices and at any vendor that sells e-books, later in …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentMusic Icon Teddy Riley Receives Black History Month Salute
February 21, 2014Music Icon Teddy Riley Receives Black History Month Salute on “The Producer’s Corner with Spud Too Tight” Music Production Expert Spud Too Tight Talks with Riley’s Former A&R Consultant Tiger Da Writer in Video Tribute Interview Photo Credit: Ray Lopez Dharknight Media Minneapolis –“The Producer’s Corner with Spud Too Tight,” a renowned celebrity music production and tech talk show since 2009, paid special homage to legendary icon Teddy Riley with a special in-depth interview with singer, songwriter Darryl Easterling ask Tiger Da Writer during the show’s most recent installment. Tiger Da Writer recaps his career as Riley’s former A&R consultant during the 30-minute video production with host Spud Too Tight, with both acknowledging Riley’s vast musical contributions and unwavering support for their professional pursuits. Tiger Da Writer shares how Riley opened up his home to him in 2008 and soon after offered him an opportunity to serve as an A&R consultant. The position served as impetus for a list of esteemed accomplishments throughout his career. “Teddy Riley advised me to never rush your music, let it come, keep it simple but never erase a track as it is like throwing away millions,” disclosed Tiger Da Writer. Darryl Easterling aka Tiger Da Writer Tiger Da Writer was signed early on to producer Easy Mo Bee as a recording artist, and has worked with Montel Jordan and Mario and wrote “Highway To Love.” In 2009 he worked with producer Sir Jinx and wrote and performed the hook to Ice Cube’s “Life in California” on the “I AM The West” album. The album was released in 2010. He has since launched his own company, M&T A&R Consulting LLC. Music producer and composer Spud Too Tight details how the King of New Jack Swing changed his life musically and technically by providing him a new blue print of how to run studio. Spud Too Tight converted from MAC to PC based on Riley’s mentoring and advice. “After several personal …
Posted in Fitness | Leave a commentTYLER PERRY’S THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB – in theaters March 14
February 20, 2014Synopsis: Brought together by an incident at their children’s school, a group of single mothers from different walks of life bond, and create a support group that helps them find comedy in the obstacles of life, as well as their inner strength to overcome their personal challenges. TYLER PERRY’S THE SINGLE MOMS CLUB is written, produced and directed by Tyler Perry. Lionsgate and Tyler Perry Studios Present, A Tyler Perry Studios/Lionsgate Production. http://www.thesinglemomsclub.com/ In Theaters March 11.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentKansas City Chiefs Quintin Demps Talks Purpose By Faith
February 20, 2014Th Quintin Demps of the Kansas City Chiefs about #DempsTalentSearch & more! “How we prepare for an opponent is the same way I prepare for a testimony I’m about to give.” Q Demps “I really embrace the fact that the Lord is using me to as a vessel to bring hope.” Q Demps In celebration of the recent launch of Purpose By Faith, Quintin Demps, the founder of the indie label launched a talent search competition to seek an artist to be featured on his upcoming album, slated for a summer 2014 release. To participate, entrants were asked to submit a 15-second video highlighting their singing abilities via Instagram, Twitter or Facebook. website: http://purposebyfaith.com
Posted in On the Scene | Leave a commentAND THEN THERE WAS YOU DVD Release
February 11, 2014AND THEN THERE WAS YOU Synopsis Joshua (Leon) and Natalie (Garcelle Beauvais) appear to be the picture-perfect couple, but looks can be deceiving. When Natalie discovers her husband has led a secret life, she is forced to deal with losing everything she loves. While picking up the pieces of her shattered world, the process of healing introduces some newfound obstacles in the form of a new love interest (Brian White). Now, Natalie must test the boundaries of her trust and the capacity of her heart before she can love again. Lynn Whitfield, Greg Vaughn and Trilby Glover costar in this fresh start romance from award-winning director Leila Djansi (The Ties That Bind). AND THEN THERE WAS YOU stars Leon, Garcelle Beauvais, Brian White and Lynn Whitfield and arrives on DVD (plus Digital Ultraviolet), Digital HD, Video On Demand and Pay-Per-View on Tuesday, February 11 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment DVD RELEASE – February 11.
Posted in Cinema | Leave a commentABOUT LAST NIGHT in theaters February 14
February 10, 2014ABOUT LAST NIGHT Synopsis: A modern reimagining of the classic romantic comedy, this contemporary version closely follows new love for two couples as they journey from the bar to the bedroom and are eventually put to the test in the real world. Starring: Kevin Hart, Michael Ealy, Regina Hall, Joy Bryant, Christopher McDonald and Paula Patton. Directed By: Steve Pink Screenplay By: Leslye Headland. Based on the Screenplay by Tim Kazurinsky & Denise DeClue. Based upon ‘Sexual Pervisity in Chicago’ by David Mamet Produced By: Will Packer, Will Gluck Executive Producer: Glenn S. Gainor Producer: J. Miles Dale. In Theaters Valentine’s Day!
Posted in Cinema | Leave a comment12 YEARS A SLAVE INTERVIEW with Director Steven Rodney McQueen
February 6, 2014By: Kam Williams Artist and filmmaker Steven Rodney McQueen was born in London on October 9, 1969. His critically-acclaimed directorial debut, Hunger, won the Camera d’Or at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival. He followed that up with the incendiary offering Shame, a well-received, thought-provoking drama about addiction and secrecy in the modern world. In 1996, McQueen was the recipient of an ICA Futures Award. A couple of years later, he won a DAAD artist’s scholarship to Berlin. Besides exhibiting at the ICA and at the Kunsthalle in Zürich, he also won the coveted Turner Prize. He has exhibited at the Art Institute of Chicago, the Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris, Documenta, and at the 53rd Venice Biennale as a representative of Great Britain. Steve and his wife, cultural critic Bianca Stigter, live and work in Amsterdam, which is where they are raising their son, Dexter, and daughter, Alex. In this interview, McQueen talks about his latest film, 12 Years a Slave, which has been nominated for 9 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Kam Williams: Hi Steve. Thanks for honoring me with the opportunity to interview you. Steve McQueen: Thanks so much for the interest, Kam. Williams: Editor/Legist Patricia Turnier asks: What does it mean to you to be in charge of adapting Solomon Northup’s memoir? How do you explain that his autobiography was buried for around a hundred years contrary to those of some of his contemporaries like Frederick Douglass? McQueen: I feel tremendously honored but I also feel a tremendous responsibility because through this film we can bring Solomon Northrup’s memory to the surface. His story was buried for so long. When the book first came out in 1853, it was a phenomenal best seller for its time, and sold 27,000 copies in 18 months. But what …
Posted in Celebrity Profile | Leave a commentWeather Rocks! Shines at Center for Puppetry Arts Feb. 6 – March 23, 2014
February 4, 2014Bringing weather to life in an en“lightning” musical It’s a forecast for FUN as the Center for Puppetry Arts is set to rock out Feb. 6-March 23 with the original tunes of Weather Rocks!. This en“lightning” musical opens the flood gates to the mysteries of Mother Nature and shares cool facts about rain, snow, hurricanes, sunshine and more. Using a wide variety of puppetry styles and music genres – from rock-n-roll to reggae to gospel – a cool band of meteorologists performs an array of songs that shed light on many natural phenomena including the water cycle, volcanic eruptions, rainbows and much more. In 2009, during the last run of Weather Rocks!, Spencer G. Stephens wowed audiences as a cast member in this original work by Jon Ludwig. Stephens is back for this latest production, this time directing a new cast of performers: Dolph Amick, Eric Baumgartner, Jared Brodie, Eliana Marianes and Mandy Mitchell. The set, props and all of the more than 25 puppets were designed and constructed on-site by Center for Puppetry Arts artists and staff. Recommended for ages four and up, Weather Rocks! is presented in the Mainstage Theater, Feb. 6 – March 23, 2014. Show times are as follows: ·Tuesday – Friday: 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. ·Saturday: 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. ·Sunday: 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Tickets include Museum admission as well as the Create-A-Puppet Workshop (or To-Go Kit), where children can make their own Shining Sun hand puppet. TICKETS ARE $9.25 (MEMBERS) / $16.50 (NONMEMBERS) AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE AT WWW.PUPPET.ORG OR BY CALLING THE TICKET SALES OFFICE AT 404-873-3391. Weather Rocks! is supported in part by Georgia Council for the Arts, National Endowment for the Arts, and Fulton County Arts Council. The Center for Puppetry Arts is supported in part …
Posted in Streaming | Leave a commentFOREST WHITAKER TO RECEIVE NAACP CHAIRMAN’S AWARD AT THE 45th NAACP IMAGE AWARDS
February 4, 2014Two-Hour Special Airs Live on Saturday, February 22 on TV One at 9:00 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed) One-Hour Pre-Show Airs Live from the Red Carpet at 8:00 p.m. ET (PT tape-delayed) Academy Award-winning actor, producer, director and 2014 Image Award nominee, Forest Whitaker is set to receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award during the 45th NAAP Image Awards, broadcast live on Saturday, February 22 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT tape-delayed) on TV One, the civil rights organization announced today. The Chairman’s Award, chosen by Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors, Roslyn M. Brock, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Past honorees include United States Navy Vice Admiral Michelle Howard, Radio One Founder and Chairperson Cathy Hughes, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Tyler Perry, Former Vice President Al Gore and Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, Aretha Franklin, Bono, then Senator Barack Obama, The Dave Matthews Band, and Danny Glover. “Forest Whitaker embodies the moniker of artist/activist,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directos. “His work in front of and behind the caera engages and entertains, and his sevice to communities around the world is truly inspirational. It is my honor and privilege to to recognize Mr. Whitaker with the Chairman’s Award.” Whitaker just wrapped an astounding year led by the success of “Lee Daniels’ The Butler,’” in whish he delivered a moving portrayal of Cecil Gaines, a butler at the White House through eight administrations and 34 years, as well as the critically acclaimed “Fruitvale Station,” on which he served as a producer. Both films garnered significant praise, including Image Award nods for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture and Outstanding Independent Motion Picture, bringing Mr. Whitaker’s total number of Image Award nomincations to seen, inluding a win for Outstanding Actor in …
Posted in Movie News | Leave a commentRussell Wilson Clinches Super Bowl Glory, Adds to Lure of Black History Month
February 3, 2014Rory’s Round-Up: Russell Wilson Clinches Super Bowl Glory, Adds to Lure of Black History Month By Rory Sharrock Throughout the 28-day period in February (29 during a leap year), newsreels, television series and online posts are flooded-stories celebrating the achievements of African Americans during Black History Month. Adding his name as the newest member on the list of legends honored in February is Russell Wilson, Super Bowl champion quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks. In just his second season in the NFL, Wilson, 25, has climbed to the summit of pro football after leading his squad to a 43-8 rout over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. With the win, the Richmond, Va. native, who was a third-round pick (No. 75 overall) in the 2012 NFL Draft, became the second African-American starting quarterback to win the Super Bowl. Washington Redskins’ signal caller Doug Williams was the first to claim this feat after his Most Valuable Player performance in Super Bowl XXII. Ironically, both Williams and Wilson earned their championship glory following blowout wins over the Broncos. In the aftermath of Super Bowl XLVIII, all the talk focused on Seattle’s ferocious defense and how they manhandled the most prolific offense in NFL history. While the chatter for the defense is justified, no one can overlook Wilson’s impressive play under center. Although he didn’t take home the MVP award like Williams, Wilson was nevertheless stellar on the field at MetLife Stadium, completing 18-of-25 for 206 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed three times for 26 yards. These numbers were great, but perhaps his most important stat was zero turnovers. Wilson’s name is now forever linked with a host of heroes who are revered for their greatness during Black History Month. This proud moment is just one chapter in a potentially classic book. He is one of the league’s rising stars and he’s still in the infancy of his football career. He already has a Super Bowl ring and is blessed with the …
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