Once Upon a Time in a Little Village Called Harlem…
The Annenburg Foundation, The Kennedy Center, Target and the Debbie Allen Dance Academy presented the musical, “The Brothers of the Knight,” at the UCLA Freud Playhouse in Westwood, California to a celebrity-laden opening night. Based on her book, the musical was written, directed and choreographed by Allen to music by James Ingram and based on the Grimms’ fairy tale “The Twelve Dancing Princesses.”
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Photos by Willie Tassain (323) 232-6391
Tyrese Turns 30
Tyrese celebrated his 30th birthday with a bash at Boulevard 3 with family and friends. In the entertainment business for the last 15 years, Tyrese can be seen in 2009 reprising his role of Sergeant Robert Epps in “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen” and the fourth installment of “The Fast and the Furious.” (l-r) Tyrese’s sister Shonta, his mom Priscilla and actor/singer Tyrese Gibson.
Photo by Willie Tassain (323) 232-6391
Just Go, Sings Richie
Lionel Richie and Al B. Sure renew old times when Richie stopped by the Clear Channel urban AC KHHT-FM (Hot 92.3) to chat with Sure about his upcoming IDJMG album Just Go due February 17 and his current single with Akon of the same title.
Hawkins Explore Music & Arts Ministries
Award winning gospel pioneers Edwin and Walter Hawkins recently sponsored a three-day workshop, “Exploring the Music & Arts Ministries,” at the Antioch Church of Long Beach, California. Songwriter Pastor Calvin Bernard Rhone was among those joining in the presentation of vocal technique, choir decorum, songwriting and the business of gospel music.
Daryl Coley, along with the Devine Purpose Chorale, performed at the closing, recording a live CD, with a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the CD going to assist Coley’s foundation “Heart of Hope” which was established to help raise funds to assist in his much needed kidney transplant as a result of diabetes. Other guests included Jesse Campbell, Omarosa, Tiny Lister, Lester Barry and Desiree Coleman-Jackson.
The Southern California Chapter of the Edwin Hawkins & Walter Hawkins Music & Arts Love Fellowship Conference sponsored the workshops that lead up their much larger yearly National Conference now in its 28th year.
KKSF Smooth Jazz Holiday Sampler
Commemorating the 20th anniversary of World Aids Day on December 1, San Francisco’s Clear Channel smooth jazz KKSF-FM (103.7) released its annual sampler, Volume 19, of smooth jazz holiday titles. Promoting the benefit CD on its website, KKSF asked listeners to join it in a special tribute to individuals infected and affected by HIV/AIDS by purchasing the newest volume of smooth jazz.
Blue Note’s 70th Anniversary Headlines Portland Jazz Festival
In celebration of its 70th anniversary as a legendary jazz label, Blue Note Records has a myriad of events scheduled for 2009. One is headlining the Portland Jazz Festival February 13-22.
And headlining they will be! Both current Blue Note artists like trumpeter Terence Blanchard, saxophonist Joe Lovano, pianist Gonzala Rubalcaba and vocalists Cassandra Wilson, Dianne Reeves and Parricia Barber will join Blue Note heritage artists like McCoy Tyner, Bobby Hutcherson, Pat Martino and Lou Donaldson over the 10-day festival. Literally, every concert will feature a Blue Note artist. Additionally, seminars and dialogues with Blue Note executives and artists and archival Blue Note film screenings are scheduled.
Enjoying the Big Top
Actresses Judy Pace and Beverly Todd were among the celebrities joining the stars at Hollywood Park when the UniverSoul Circus came to town.—Photo by Willie Tassain (323) 232-6391
Oasis Promotes Ferreri
Riviera Broadcasting smooth jazz KOAS-FM (105.7 the Oasis) in Las Vegas has promoted morning show co-host Carmy Ferreri to APD/MD. The veteran broadcaster has impacted such stations as KRLA-FM in Los Angeles, KZZO-FM in Sacramento and KGGI-FM in Riverside.
According to PD Duncan Payton, “Since his arrival in June, Carmy has made a tremendous impact on the operational side of the Oasis. As the station has grown, it became clear that his passion for the Las Vegas community and his commitment to our listeners makes this a natural move. Carmy’s work ethic and positive vibe have made him a popular addition to our company.”
Added Riviera Broadcast Group VP/market manager and President of RBG Digital, Dave Presher: “Riviera Broadcast Group is committed to hiring, retaining and promoting the best talent in the marketplace. The energy and enthusiasm that Carmy has brought to our staff has been a very positive force. It’s my belief that this promotion reflects very positively on what we’re about as a company.”
Lamont Dozier Honored
TAXI, the independent music website, recently honored legendary award-winning songwriter/producer Lamont Dozier with its Living Legend Award during its 12th Annual Road Rally Convention on November 7-9 in Los Angeles. More than 3,000 TAXI members convened for seminars, mentoring and open mic performances that were highlighted by the annual awards. Dozier, who most recently contributed to Solange Knowles’ latest album and has been working with Kanye West, the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, Black Eyed Peas members and Joss Stone, also serves as the first artist in Residence at USC, where there is an annual scholarship given in his name in perpetuity.
Lionel Richie: Yes We Can
Lionel Richie hosted a private meet and greet with staff and listeners of KHHT-FM (Hot 92.3) to promote the “Yes We Can” project on Hidden Beach. (l-r) international artist Andy Madadian, KHHT-FM/Hot 92.3 PD R Dub, KHHT-FM/Hot 92.3 Midday Personality Al B. Sure, Def Jam artist Lionel Richie, Hidden Beach Records General Manager Bruce Walker.
