GRAMMY Award-Nominated Julian Marley to release first album in 10 Years
This is a image of the Album cover of the soon to be released "AS I AM".
photo: Ghetto Youths International
(PRNEWS) MIAMI, November 20, 2018 - It has been close to a decade since GRAMMY award-nominated Julian Marley delivered his critically acclaimed "AWAKE" album, and while fans and music lovers have been clamoring for another musical offering, the reggae star has announced the January 25th release date of his fourth full length-album "As I Am".
Trodding on the footsteps of his iconic father Bob Marley's message to voice the grievances of the downtrodden through the vibrations of music, Julian is inspired by life and spirituality, and while remaining true to his reggae roots, the crooner transcends musical genres.
The latter self-evident in "As I Am". Released by acclaimed label Ghetto Youths International & Zojak World Wide, the 17 tracks album boasts Executive Producers, and Producers Julian Marley, Damian Marley & Stephen Marley and Executive Producers Aaron Mahlfeldt & Zoe Espitia.
"As I Am" features collaborations with some of his equally successful GRAMMY counterparts such as winner and 5 times nominated Shaggy, winner Beenie Man among a host of other impressive artists. Speaking on the album meaning and the long wait between projects, Julian explained "As I Am". "The title means exactly what it says, 'As I Am'. Each song is an expression from within, each feel represents who I am.
I was inspired by GOD -life- love - family- people and the social issues we live in today and from ever since. Music is to gather the people under the umbrella of love and the love is in the music." The GRAMMY nominated artist further related, "Time is the master, we're always working on music even though you don't hear it. Music is a feeling and we don't rush it.
The public can expect something that's not out there, a unique album tailored cut to uplift charge up and feel good." With the pre-order set for November 16th, (http://smarturl.it/JulianMarley) music lovers and fans will get an insight into the album with their first instant gratification track titled "Straighter Roads".
"As I Am" album official digital release date is January 25, 2019.
This relationship is forged from an incredible production consisting of all things Julian Marley. "As I Am" spans a decade of history in the making. The album encompasses the fundamental principal of Roots Rock Reggae which is fueled by love. The instrumental piece of this album includes key elements of Julian's experiences from England to Jamaica over into the US. Fans will come away with the true foundation of Jamaican music as today's pop culture. As Julian states very clearly "time is the master".
The mysterious bar hidden behind a vintage coke machine in Shanghai
(SHANGHAI) There’s a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine in Shanghai that hides a delightful and tasty secret – it’s actually a door into a stylish up-scale speakeasy called “Flask.”
The otherwise unassuming Coca-Cola machine stands in The Press, a sandwich shop that operates as a front for the trendy bar hidden behind it. As Alberto Caiola, the architect who designed this establishment, writes, “the fun, lighthearted feel, the bright colours and lighting [in The Press] —within a few steps, these elements segue into a mysterious space with warm, muted lighting and the murmurs of bar patrons to invite further curiosity. ”
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Dr. Dre's 'Compton: A Soundtrack' lives up to its cinematic aspirations
Album Review
by kris ex
(BILLBOARD) August 10, 2015 - Not so long ago, rappers equated their albums, songs, studio sessions, even their partying with “making a movie,” as if their life moments were epic big-screen fare. But none -- save perhaps Kanye West’s My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy -- has ever truly matched their Technicolor aspirations as well as Compton: A Soundtrack, billed as Dr. Dre’s third studio album, and his first in 16 years.
Compton is the musical movie inspired by a real movie -- the replacement of his long-delayed Detox album that’s inspired by the N.W.A. biopic Straight Outta Compton. From the subtitle to the cover art to the small overture on the album’s "Intro," which precedes a narrator chronicling the titular city’s fall from suburban dream to war zone, Compton announces itself as a cinematic event. For those who grew up with Dr. Dre, it’s like the rush of watching a new Star Wars trailer -- grandeur mixed with nostalgia and cutting-edge tech, familiar faces and new, old plotlines refreshed for 2015.
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Simon Beck creates amazing snow art just by walking
Simon Beck walks over layers of fresh snow in special shoes to create his
mind-boggling art. photo: encurious
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Michael Jackson's "A Place With No Name" music
video to premiere Worldwide exclusively on Twitter at Michael Jackson August 13
photo: prnewsfoto/epic records
(PRN) NEW YORK, August 11, 2014 - Epic Records and The Estate of Michael Jackson, announced today that "A Place With No Name," the next single from this year's critically acclaimed, chart-topping Michael Jackson album XSCAPE [MJJ Music/Epic Records], will make history when it premieres on Twitter (twitter.com).
At 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday August 13, 2014 the short film will be tweeted through @MichaelJackson allowing the Twitter universe to be able to view the video within a tweet. And for those fans in New York City, "A Place With No Name" will be shown on the massive Sony screen in Times Square at the very same moment.
Throughout his entire career, Michael has always stood on the cutting edge of groundbreaking technological advancements. With "A Place With No Name" launching exclusively through Twitter, he continues to set the pace of pop culture and music yet again.
Follow @MichaelJackson to watch the historical moment from the "King of Pop" unfold.
Increasing anticipation, a preview of the video is set to make its network television debut on the special Michael Jackson themed episode of FOX's So You Think You Can Dance broadcast that same evening beginning at 8PM ET.
The show will open with a Top Eight group performance featuring "A Place With No Name" choreographed by the Emmy award-winning Travis Payne, who worked as both back-up dancer and choreographer for Michael Jackson. During the program, all of the Top Eight remaining contestants will compete with new all-star partners and each performance will feature a different Michael Jackson song, including songs from XSCAPE.
Michael re-envisioned America's 1972 classic "A Horse With No Name" to convey a narrative following a man whose car breaks down and is led by a mysterious woman to a utopian place where "no one is in fear" and "no people have pain". It was a collaboration with Elliott Straite [Dr. Freeze] done in 1998 at Record Plant Recording Studio.
The beautifully shot short film, directed by iconic award-winning director Samuel Bayer, whose credits include seminal videos from Nirvana and The Rolling Stones, has been created by following Michael's overall vision for short films which tell the song's story, in this case, of a man enticed into a magical "place" by a mysterious woman. The short film also includes outtakes and behind-the-scenes footage of Michael shot during the production for "In The Closet" short film, which have been kept in the vault since 1992.
Upon its May release, XSCAPE reached #1 in 52 countries and went Top 5 in 87 more territories. Stateside, it debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200, simultaneously landing at #1 on Amazon and Spotify. The album's first single, "Love Never Felt So Good," a duet by Michael Jackson and Justin Timberlake soared to the Top in the U.S. and achieved 17 #1 and 67 Top 5 positions around the world. The single also made for Michael's highest Billboard chart debut since 1995 and fourth highest ever at #20 as his 49th smash hit. The album also generated his 50th top 10 Billboard chart with "Slave To The Rhythm" making Michael the first artist to ever have a Top Ten hit in each of six consecutive decades.
Michael Jackson is one of the most beloved entertainers and profoundly influential artists of all-time. He was also a dedicated philanthropist and an astute business professional.
To date Jackson has sold 1 billion records worldwide, released 13 No.1 singles and became one of a handful of artists to be inducted twice into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Guinness Book of World Records recognized Jackson as the Most Successful Entertainer of All Time and "Thriller" as the Biggest Selling Album of All Time.
Jackson won 17 Grammy Awards including 8 in one year, a record in itself, and received 26 American Music Awards, including the Artist of the Century Award. Jackson defined the art form of music video with such ground-breaking short films as "Billie Jean," "Beat It" and the classic "Thriller," which in 2009 became the first and only music video inducted into the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress.
In his short films "Black or White", "They Don't Care About Us", "Bad and "Smooth Criminal" and others, Jackson set an aesthetic standard for video production that remains unsurpassed even today. The Estate of Michael Jackson and Cirque du Soleil have produced two top shows:
Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour is one of the top grossing tours of all time; and MICHAEL JACKSON ONE, a permanent show at Mandalay Bay Las Vegas, which is breaking box office records and receiving critical raves. Jackson's sound, style and dance moves continue to inspire today's performers and new generations of fans worldwide continue to discover his artistry.
New campaign celebrates fashion icons
Three icons of taste and fashion highlight Warhol campaign
(PRN) PITTSBURGH, May 19, 2014 - Stylized caricatures of tastemakers in iconic Halston designs – Liz Taylor, Liza Minnelli and Jackie Kennedy – play pop-art homage to Andy Warhol in a new advertising campaign from MARC USA heralding the "Halston and Warhol: Silver & Suede" exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum.
The ads chronicle Halston designs that continue to have influence. One shows an outline of Liza Minelli's face and her figure wrapped in Halston's signature red sequin dress. The tagline: "Her life was a cabaret. He provided the color." Another outlines Jackie Kennedy in the Halston pillbox hat. Its line: "She was the queen of Camelot. He provided the crown." The third shows Elizabeth Taylor, with only her famous mole defined, wearing Halston's wrap dress.
"Halston and Andy Warhol traveled in the same circles and influenced each other's work," explained Michele Fabrizi, President/ CEO of MARC USA and Chairman of The Andy Warhol Museum board. "This campaign pays tribute to their relationship while showcasing the significant contributions Halston made to fashion. While Halston dressed these icons, Warhol painted them and was friends with all three. It's the perfect platform to introduce this exhibition."
"Silver and Suede" will be at The Andy Warhol Museum from May 18 through August 24. The name references Halston's innovative use of Ultra Suede and Andy Warhol's Silver Factory studio. The exhibition will also visit Des Moines, Iowa, Halston's birthplace, and the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina
The exhibition coincides with the restaging of the museum with Warhol's work now hung in chronological order. Visitors can experience how Warhol's work evolved by beginning at the top and journeying down, moving from early work to later.
"The celebration of Halston's influence as a fashion designer and tastemaker of timeless trends is a perfect fit for The Andy Warhol Museum," said Eric Shiner, director. "The campaign captures the whimsy and fun of Halston and Warhol and is certain to attract fashion and design fans."
The advertising will be seen throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding markets in newspapers and magazines such as Cosmo, Elle and InStyle. Ads will also wrap two-story buses, dominate Pittsburgh subway stations and digitally greet visitors to Pittsburgh airport where Liza Minelli's eyelashes wink and Liz Taylor's head tilts.
MARC USA is a full-service integrated marketing communications firm known for uncovering surprising insights that incite powerful reactions through a deeper understanding of whole-brain behavior. With offices in Chicago, Miami and Pittsburgh and 250 employees, it is one of the country's largest independent agencies. Services include advertising, strategic planning, research, PR, media planning, buying, digital/social, CRM and sales promotion.
www.marcusa.com
The Andy Warhol Museum, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the place of Andy Warhol's birth, is one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world. It is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
www.warhol.org
Three icons of taste and fashion highlight Warhol campaign
photo: prnewsfoto/marc usa
(PRN) PITTSBURGH, May 19, 2014 - Stylized caricatures of tastemakers in iconic Halston designs – Liz Taylor, Liza Minnelli and Jackie Kennedy – play pop-art homage to Andy Warhol in a new advertising campaign from MARC USA heralding the "Halston and Warhol: Silver & Suede" exhibition at The Andy Warhol Museum.
The ads chronicle Halston designs that continue to have influence. One shows an outline of Liza Minelli's face and her figure wrapped in Halston's signature red sequin dress. The tagline: "Her life was a cabaret. He provided the color." Another outlines Jackie Kennedy in the Halston pillbox hat. Its line: "She was the queen of Camelot. He provided the crown." The third shows Elizabeth Taylor, with only her famous mole defined, wearing Halston's wrap dress.
"Halston and Andy Warhol traveled in the same circles and influenced each other's work," explained Michele Fabrizi, President/ CEO of MARC USA and Chairman of The Andy Warhol Museum board. "This campaign pays tribute to their relationship while showcasing the significant contributions Halston made to fashion. While Halston dressed these icons, Warhol painted them and was friends with all three. It's the perfect platform to introduce this exhibition."
"Silver and Suede" will be at The Andy Warhol Museum from May 18 through August 24. The name references Halston's innovative use of Ultra Suede and Andy Warhol's Silver Factory studio. The exhibition will also visit Des Moines, Iowa, Halston's birthplace, and the Mint Museum in Charlotte, North Carolina
The exhibition coincides with the restaging of the museum with Warhol's work now hung in chronological order. Visitors can experience how Warhol's work evolved by beginning at the top and journeying down, moving from early work to later.
"The celebration of Halston's influence as a fashion designer and tastemaker of timeless trends is a perfect fit for The Andy Warhol Museum," said Eric Shiner, director. "The campaign captures the whimsy and fun of Halston and Warhol and is certain to attract fashion and design fans."
The advertising will be seen throughout Pittsburgh and surrounding markets in newspapers and magazines such as Cosmo, Elle and InStyle. Ads will also wrap two-story buses, dominate Pittsburgh subway stations and digitally greet visitors to Pittsburgh airport where Liza Minelli's eyelashes wink and Liz Taylor's head tilts.
MARC USA is a full-service integrated marketing communications firm known for uncovering surprising insights that incite powerful reactions through a deeper understanding of whole-brain behavior. With offices in Chicago, Miami and Pittsburgh and 250 employees, it is one of the country's largest independent agencies. Services include advertising, strategic planning, research, PR, media planning, buying, digital/social, CRM and sales promotion.
www.marcusa.com
The Andy Warhol Museum, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the place of Andy Warhol's birth, is one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world. It is one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
www.warhol.org
Michael Jackson's XSCAPE set for global launch
XSCAPE-Long awaited new music from Michael Jackson out on Epic Records May 13.
photo: prnewsfoto/epic records
(PRN) NEW YORK, May 8, 2014 - The launch of Michael Jackson's highly anticipated May 13th album, XSCAPE, curated and produced by Epic Records Chairman and CEO L.A. Reid, is off to a thrilling start with last week's world premiere of "Love Never Felt So Good." The song rocketed into the Top 5 at iTunes in the U.S, peaking at #1 in 17 countries and landing in the Top 5 position in 67 countries around the world, within 24 hours of release.
"Love Never Felt So Good" marks Jackson's 49th Hot 100 entry and makes multiple debuts on at various radio formats charts. The standard and deluxe versions of the album are available for pre-order at all digital retailers and streaming at MusicUnlimited.com/MichaelJackson.
The track, which was released in two versions, Michael's original vocals contemporized by John McClain and a duet with Justin Timberlake. The song premiered on the iHeart Radio Music Awards on NBC, was featured on CBS Sunday Morning, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show is giving it her signature dance moves and debuting four more songs this week. The album will be featured on the Today Show, numerous entertainment outlets, in a campaign in conjunction with MTV and Twitter, and is on the cover of this week's Billboard magazine.
It's truly fitting that after a long history together and in anticipation of Michael Jackson's upcoming album, MTV will exclusively release two never before heard tracks. On May 8 at 10:00 am ET, fans can go to michaeljackson.mtv.com to listen to "Blue Gangsta," as well as view archival footage from interviews and iconic MTV performances including Bad, Black or White and more. Additionally, on May 9 at 10:00 am ET, the title track "Xscape" will also be available on michaeljackson.mtv.com.
XSCAPE features 8 songs (see track listing below), which the world will be hearing for the very first time originally recorded between 1983 and 1999.
The album showcases why Michael Jackson remains an indelible influence on contemporary artists today. XSCAPE is a long awaited collection of exciting new music that will thrill the legions of fans of one of the world's most revered and best-selling artists, as well as attract a whole new generation discovering his artistry for the first time.
For the ultimate fan experience, XSCAPE will also be available in a Deluxe Edition, which includes all of the sourced Michael Jackson recordings as they existed in his archives as well as a DVD documentary featuring the producers discussing the making of XSCAPE. The duet version of "Love Never Felt So Good", co-produced by Justin Timberlake, is also available on the Deluxe Edition.
Epic / Sony Music's XSCAPE album campaign is backed by a first-ever 'One Sony' global collaboration, with exclusive offers from Sony Group companies leveraging their respective strengths in delivering unique entertainment experiences to a wider audience, to celebrate Michael's latest album launch.
The special 'One Sony' offers include exclusive early access to five tracks from XSCAPE prior to the album launch, on the Music Unlimited streaming service, and free album download with purchase of selected new Xperia™ smartphone/tablet models (bonus track included) and audio products.
Saatchi Art announces the finalists for the world's most highly-submitted art prize
10 finalists selected in Showdown Competition from record-breaking
6,440 entries
Launched in 2010 as an opportunity for art collectors to discover emerging artists from around the world, Showdown is a competition hosted by Saatchi Art for artists to showcase their work and have the chance for it to be judged by internationally celebrated artists and curators.
The artist Jaime Gili, widely acclaimed for his vividly coloured geometric works, joins previous judges who have included Barnaby Furnas, Ged Quinn, Wangechi Mutu, Peter Coffin, Dexter Dalwood, Matthias Weischer and Chantal Joffe.
Saatchi Art is delighted to again partner with Winsor & Newton,
who have been making the finest art materials since the company was founded in
1832. The works of the 10 finalists will be shown in exhibition at Winsor &
Newton's gallery, the Griffin
Gallery, in London
from 20 March - 18 April. There will be a private view on 19 March from 6.30 - 8.30pm during which Jaime Gili will
announce the winner and runner-up. The winner and runner-up will receive Winsor
& Newton art materials.
The 10 finalists, chosen by Jaime Gili, Rebecca Pelly-Fry, Director, Griffin Gallery, and Nigel Hurst, CEO, Saatchi Gallery, are: Robert von Bangert (USA), Matt Coombs (USA), Arpad Forgo (Hungary), Jonathan Gabb (UK), Guy Matchoro (France), Cécile van Hanja (Netherlands), Dragomir Misina (UK), Alexandros Papathanasiou (Italy), Jessica Rimondi (Italy), and Vivien Zhang (UK).
For more information about Showdown and to view the
finalists, please visit www.saatchiart.com/showdown.
Echo & The Bunnymen return with new Album and tour
prnewsfoto/429 records
"METEORITES" TO BE RELEASED BY 429 RECORDS IN THE UK APRIL 28TH
European & UK Tour Kicks Off May 2nd
(PRN) SANTA MONICA, Calif., February 27, 2014 Legendary Liverpool band Echo & the Bunnymen are putting the finishing touches on their 12th studio album and first since 2009, Meteorites, which will be released April 28th in the UK on 429 Records and distributed by Caroline.
The album will also be released by 429 Records in the U.S. on June 3rd. Produced by Youth (Killing Joke, The Verve), the album contains ten hand-picked new songs written by founder Ian McCulloch and performed by Bunnymen stalwarts McCulloch and Will Sergeant along with Gordy Goudie (guitar) and Stephen Brannan (bass). In conjunction with the album's release, the band will embark on a tour of Europe and the UK beginning in May (see confirmed dates below).
Formed in 1978, the Bunnymen have been a vital force in the indie rock world for over 36 years having won over millions of obsessive music fans worldwide and indelibly influenced countless bands with their signature sound—from the Flaming Lips to Coldplay to Pavement. Meteorites is a key addition to their repertoire. It's an intimate song cycle written by Ian McCulloch performed by the band with a renewed sense of purpose showcasing all of their unmistakable musical hallmarks while taking them to a new level.
Says McCulloch: "'Meteorites', the new Bunnymen album... at long last we've made the worthy successor to 'Crocodiles,' 'Heaven Up Here,' 'Porcupine' and 'Ocean Rain.' 'Meteorites' is what Echo and the Bunnymen mean and are meant to be—up there in heaven--untouchable, celestial, beautiful and real. It has changed my life." Meteorites track listing:
1. Lovers On The Run
2. Is This A Breakdown
3. Holy Moses
4. Meteorites
5. Explosions
6. Icarus
7. I Loved The Devil
8. Constantinople
9. Market Town
10. New Horizons
429 Records is a unit of The Savoy Label Group (SLG). SLG is the North American based division of Nippon Columbia the oldest music company in Japan. The Savoy Label Group has evolved into a Grammy Award winning and chart topping independent music company consistently outperforming competitors in key music categories as monitored by Billboard Magazine. The Savoy Label Group is led by Steve Vining and is based in Los Angeles, CA.
For more information visit: www.429records.com
NSBA, New Regency, Penguin Books and the filmmakers to distribute 12 Years a Slave to Public High Schools
12 Years a Slave nominated for 9
Academy Awards, including BEST FILM.
photo: summit entertainment/regency enterprises
(PRN/USN) ALEXANDRIA, Va., February 21, 2014 - The National School Boards Association (NSBA) is partnering with New Regency, Penguin Books, and the filmmakers to distribute copies of the acclaimed film, book, and study guide 12 Years a Slave to America's public high schools.
The initiative, coordinated by Montel Williams, will start
to distribute 12 Years a Slave nationwide in September 2014 in concert with the
new school year. It is modeled against an initiative Williams launched that
ultimately led to distribution by The Montel Williams Show of copies of the
Civil War film Glory to public high schools.
"12 Years a Slave is one of the most impactful films in
recent memory, and I am honored to have been able to bring together Fox
Searchlight and National School Boards Association to maximize its educational
potential.
When Hollywood is at its best, the power of the
movies can be harnessed into a powerful educational tool. This film uniquely
highlights a shameful period in American history, and in doing so will evoke in
students a desire to not repeat the evils of the past while inspiring them to
dream big of a better and brighter future, and I'm proud to be a part of
that," said Williams.
"Since first reading 12 Years a Slave, it has been my
dream that this book be taught in schools. I am immensely grateful to Montel
Williams and the National School Boards Association for making this dream a
reality and for sharing Solomon Northup's story with today's generation,"
said Steve McQueen, director of 12 Years a Slave.
12 Years a Slave is an award-winning film that depicts the
harrowing tale of a New York State-born free black man kidnapped in Washington,
D.C. in 1841 and sold into slavery. This groundbreaking film won the 2014
Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Drama, the Critics' Choice Award
for Best Picture, the PGA Award for Best Picture, the BAFTA Award for Best Film
and is nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture of the
Year.
"The National School Boards Association is honored to
partner with Fox Searchlight Pictures and Penguin Books to ensure that every
public high school student in America
has the opportunity to stare the stark realities of slavery in the eye through
books and film," said NSBA President David A. Pickler.
"We believe that
providing America's public high school students the opportunity to bear witness
to such an unrelenting view of the evils of slavery is essential toward
ensuring that this history is never forgotten and must never be repeated."
Williams also has joined NSBA as a celebrity spokesperson in
its Stand Up 4
Public Schools campaign that showcases the great things happening in America's
public schools.
Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association
(NSBA) is a not-for-profit organization representing state associations of
school boards and their more than 90,000 local school board members throughout
the U.S.
Working with and through our state associations, NSBA advocates for equity
and excellence in public education through school board leadership. www.nsba.org
Republic Records promotes Billy Zarro to Senior Vice President of Marketing
As part of the promotion, he will continue to envision, develop, and oversee marketing initiatives and strategies for a diverse array of artists on the roster. Those projects include Grammy winner, Lorde, Of Monsters & Men, Kid Cudi, Black Sabbath, Soundgarden, Psy, Volbeat, Alex Clare and Phantogram.
About the promotion, Mr. Walk comments, "Billy remains a key player in raising awareness and branding our artists across the board. His diligence, tenacity, and energy are a cornerstone to each campaign's success."
Mr. Roppo adds, "This label is based on a willingness to push the envelope, think outside the box, smash boundaries, and consistently break new acts. Billy is emblematic of that spirit."
Mr. Zarro states, "Monte and Avery Lipman, and Charlie Walk create an atmosphere that breeds excellence. It's a privilege and inspiration to work with such prescient and passionate leaders within the industry. It's invigorating to work for a label that takes proactive steps towards the future and adapts to the ever-changing marketplace with the goal to break an artist.
I am grateful to work and learn under Jim Roppo , his vast knowledge and forward thinking continues to drive me. I am thankful to continue my journey at REPUBLIC RECORDS and can't wait to be a part of breaking the next artist."
Mr. Zarro commenced his career in the music industry splitting time between an internship at EMI Music Distribution and a gig at Tower Records in 1997. He held an NYC field marketing position at EMI until 1999 where he moved to Universal Music and Video Distribution as an Artist Development Representative in 2000.
From there, he went to Virgin Records America as Northeast Marketing Manger before joining the team at Universal Motown Republic Group in 2002 as an East Coast Sales manager. Later, he went on to become a product manager for Universal Republic Records in 2006 before transferring to Universal Motown in 2007. Eventually, he received the title of VP, Marketing in 2009 before shifting back to Universal Republic Records in the same post during 2011.
More than 50,000 Marching Band fans pack the Georgia Dome for epic 12th Annual Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational Showcase
Marching band fans at the 2014 Honda Battle of the Bands voted North Carolina A&T University the fan favorite. photo: prnewsfoto/american honda motor co., inc.
Eight of the Nation's Top HBCU Marching Bands and Grammy-nominated Big Sean wow fans at Georgia Dome
(PRN) ATLANTA, January. 25, 2014 - Marching band fans from across the country poured intoAtlanta's Georgia Dome on Saturday to celebrate the 12th annual Honda Battle of the Bands(HBOB) Invitational Showcase, and to witness firsthand the dynamic ensemble of music, choreography and showmanship displayed by eight of the nation's premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) marching bands. Fans also experienced a live performance by Grammy-nominated hip-hop artist, Big Sean.
For three hours, marching band enthusiasts were treated to eight electric performances from Alabama A&M University , Alabama State University, Bethune-Cookman University, Morehouse College, North Carolina A&T University, South Carolina State University, University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Winston-Salem State University. Big Sean wowed the crowd at half-time, with a half-hour performance of his hit singles. For the first time, fans participated in a text-to-vote selection of the "Fan Favorite" and the winner was North Carolina A&T University.
As a continuation of Honda's 2013 "Best Yourself" campaign featuring Nick Cannon, three fans and their guests were awarded an all-expense paid trip to the 2014 Honda Battle of the Bands, plus the chance to win the newly launched 2014 Honda Civic. Finalists were chosen as part of the #HBOBfame contest, which asked contestants to showcase the talent of their choice in a 15-second Instagram video that best embodied this year's Honda's Battle of the Bands theme, "Best Yourself." One lucky fan's performance rose above the rest. Singer Antenica "Nica Nashae" Smith, of Kennesaw State University, drove away in an all-new 2014 Honda Civic.
"The Honda Battle of the Bands continues to support HBCU music education programs across the nation, while producing an entertaining show that never fails to get fans to their feet," said Gina Jorge, head of Multicultural Marketing for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. "We are honored to showcase this incredible musical talent, and are dedicated to sustaining music education at these institutions, through the grants awarded to each participating university."
Widely known as "The Honda," The Honda Battle of the Bands was created to celebrate, support and recognize the excellence of Black college marching bands and the unique academic experience offered by HBCUs. The participating eight marching bands each received a $20,000 grant for their school's music education programs from Honda, along with an all-expense paid trip to Atlanta, to perform at the 2014 Invitational Showcase.
Fans can connect with the Honda Battle of the Bands by using the official hashtag, #HBOB, and via social media:
Facebook – Facebook.com/HondaBattleOfTheBands
Twitter – @The_Honda / Twitter.com
The Honda YouTube – YouTube.com
hondabotb Instagram – @the_honda
World renowned Pianist Lang Lang will perform with Metallica at the 2014 Grammy Awards telecast
Lang Lang at the World Economic Forum with former President Bill Clinton.
photo: WEF
(PRN) NEW YORK, January 8, 2014 - World renowned classical pianist Lang Lang is set to perform with heavy metal's iconic band Metallica on the 2014 Grammy Awards telecast on Sunday, January 26, 2014.
Lang Lang and Metallica will perform "One" which appears on the Metallica's Grammy- nominated album Metallica Through the Never (Music From The Motion Picture). This is Metallica's first performance on the telecast since 1991.
Lang Lang will also have the honor of performing during the In Memoriam segment of the telecast, which will include a moment featuring Van Cliburn.
This will mark the second time that Lang Lang has been a featured performer on the Grammy Awards telecast. Lang Lang's first appearance was in 2008 when he performed an arrangement of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue" with jazz legend Herbie Hancock.
Lang Lang, who began playing the piano at age three, performed at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony for President Barack Obama and the Diamond Jubilee Concert of the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 2012.
He was recently named the United Nations Messenger of Peace with a special focus on global education.
In 2008, he launched theLang Lang International Music Foundation, with a mission to inspire and motivate the next generation of classical music lovers and performers, and to encourage music performance at all levels as a means of social development for youth, building self-confidence and a drive for excellence.
Lang Lang's releases on Sony Classical include The Chopin Album , Liszt: My Piano Hero , Live in Vienna , Piano Concertos by Prokofiev and Bartók and the
soundtrack for Sony PlayStation's Gran Turismo® 5 .
Eco-friendly fashion line Bastet Noir pupports local Balkan designers and consumers with 'transparency tags'
photo: prnewsfoto/Bastet Noir
Online retailer launches Indiegogo campaign supporting designers who use recyclable factory floor materials in clothing lines
(PRN) SKOPJE, Macedonia, December 23, 2013 - In the Balkan Peninsula of Southeast Europe, designers have noticed a considerable amount of textile waste on factory floors.
Recognizing the need to support a sustainable industry, Daniela Milosheska founded Bastet Noir in 2012, which became the first online retailer dedicated to supporting young Balkan fashion designers who employ eco-friendly business practices.
Not only does the retailer support its designers, it also supports its consumers. Among its commitments to social responsibility is consumer empowerment— Bastet Noir offers a tell-all transparency tag that reveals background information behind each item of clothing.
Bastet Noir's ultimate goal is to give a helping hand to young and promising fashion talents coming from the Balkan region to showcase and sell their designs. One of the essential segments is to develop a sustainable business by offering hip and trendy clothes made from fair traded, natural and recycled materials.
"The long tradition of individual manufacturers we have around here is slowly dying out. So we are reinventing the approach of marketing these businesses use," says project founder Daniela Milosheska.
"We want to help our designers develop their ideas from a simple concept to finished product. We like to think of ourselves as making fabulous totems of the feminine world, while striving to make the world a little bit better of a place to live in."
All of Bastet Noir's clothing items will also feature a unique product design – the transparency tag. Each tag will list information related to the material, manufacturing, and price calculation of each article of clothing.
This includes everything from fabric origin, to where the item was made, to material and transportation costs. These factoids are designed to help consumers make ethical and informed decisions about their purchases.
The company is also in the process of redesigning its website to highlight these manufacturing details, making BastetNoir.com more consumer-friendly.
"What we are trying to do is to make sure our clients are informed and know where their hard earned money goes. Our aim is to make the business sustainable and 100% transparent, so that everyone can decide if their favorite piece of clothing is worth the price," says Daniela Milosheska. Bastet Noir is hoping to raise at least $7,500 in funding to help reach their manufacturing goals with the introduction of their Indiegogo campaign.
More information on the project can be found here: Indiegogo
Bastet Noir is the first online retailer for Balkan eco fashion designers. Started in 2012, BastetNoir.com's ultimate goal is to give a helping hand to young and promising fashion talents coming from the Balkan region to showcase and sell their designs.
One of the essential segments is to develop a sustainable business by offering hip and trendy clothes made from fair traded, natural and recycled materials.
Beyoncé releases her fifth solo studio album worldwide
BEYONCÉ is infused with 14 new songs and 17 visually stunning, provocative videos shot around the world from Houston to New York City to Paris, and Sydney to Rio de Janeiro, all before the album’s release. Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records
Stripped of gimmicks, teasers and marketing campaigns, this project is truly about art before hype
(PRN) New York, NY; December 13, 2013 –The fifth solo studio album from Beyoncé is now available worldwide, exclusively on the iTunes Store www.iTunes.com/beyonce. The self-titled set is the artist’s first visual album. BEYONCÉ is infused with 14 new songs and 17 visually stunning, provocative videos shot around the world from Houston to New York City to Paris, and Sydney to Rio de Janeiro, all before the album’s release.
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BLOW, photo: mason poole
“I see music,” says Beyoncé about her decision to create a visual album. “It’s more than just what I hear. When I’m connected to something, I immediately see a visual or a series of images that are tied to a feeling or an emotion, a memory from my childhood, thoughts about life, my dreams or my fantasies. And they’re all connected to the music.”
That the album is available on the day the world is learning about its release is an unprecedented strategic move by the artist to deliver music and visual content directly to her fans when she wants to and how she wants to, with no filter.
This unique approach allows music fans to be the first to listen, view, engage and form their own opinions void of any middleman. In the age of social media and an insatiable appetite for direct communication, this is the answer to the question asked over and over again, when is Beyoncé’s next album coming?
YONCE, photo: robin harper
“ I didn’t want to release my music the way I’ve done it,” she states. “I am bored with that. I feel like I am able to speak directly to my fans. There’s so much that gets between the music, the artist and the fans. I felt like I didn’t want anybody to give the message when my record is coming out. I just want this to come out when it’s ready and from me to my fans.”
Stripped of gimmicks, teasers and marketing campaigns, this project is truly about art before hype.
Starting now, BEYONCÉ is available globally and exclusively on the iTunes Store www.itunes.com/beyonce.
HAUNTED, photo: nick farrell
For an artist who has been the target of leaks, this is a fully designed preventative plan. The album will be offered as a cohesive body of work with every song and every video available all at once for one single purchase.
While not a concept album, the record is designed to be consumed as a comprehensive audio/visual piece from top to bottom. The antithesis of making singles, the visual album is a non-linear journey through the thoughts and visions of Beyoncé.
Manufacturing of physical albums begins today and the double disc CD/DVD will be available at retail in time for the holidays. Facebook exclusively premieres Part One of “Self-Titled,” a mini doc feature that gives a glimpse into the entire project. It details her mind-set and artistic vision throughout the making of BEYONCÉ. By embracing an ever-evolving digital landscape, she creates an innovative, fully immersive, multiplatform experience for the first visual album of her career, completely changing the way her fans will consume music.
ROCKET, photo: Parkwood Productions
Not one to stand on past achievements, this is an artist who thrives on evolving, challenging herself and raising the bar. This creative process gave Beyoncé power over her music and provided an opportunity to control how the music is heard. She is not playing by the rules and breaking what is expected, preferring to put music out as an entire body of work.
Beyoncé, wearing multiple hats as writer, producer and director, put together a genius team of artists, songwriters, producers and video directors for her visual album that include JAY Z, Timbaland, Justin Timberlake, Pharrell Williams, Drake, The Dream, Sia, Ryan Tedder, Miguel, Frank Ocean, Hit Boy, Ammo, Boots, Detail, Jake Nava, Hype Williams, Terry Richardson, Melina Matsoukas, Jonas Åkerlund, Ricky Saiz, Pierre Debusschere, @lilinternet, Noah “40” Shebib, Francesco Carrozzini, Caroline Polachek, Ed Burke, Bill Kirstein and Todd Tourso.
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FLAWLESS, photo: robin harper
She recorded all over the world for a year and a half but the initial recording started after the writers and producers gathered under one roof in The Hamptons, New York’s beach enclave, in the summer of 2012 to live together, work together and to immerse themselves into her world and into her head. The fans that have grown up with the performer, mature and seasoned enough to relate to the content and the shared experiences, inspire the music, with themes that explore love, loss, fear, anger, honesty, happiness, sexuality and confidence.
For the videos, some of which she co-directed, she preferred to work with a more care-free formula. Shot primarily during her successful “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour,” the videos were veiled in secrecy, even though they were filmed in open places, including a beach in Brazil, the streets of NYC, on the famed Cyclone Rollercoaster in Coney Island, New York, downtown Los Angeles, a chateau in Paris, a roller skating rink in Houston, Texas where she skated as a child, and a beautiful church in South America.
GHOST, photo, robin harper
She mixed up the creative, going for big and small and set out on shoots eager to capture the spontaneity and honesty in every moment. The videos are visually stimulating, charged with visionary cinematography and clever storytelling. They capture every side of who she is, complete with vulnerability and imperfections.
BEYONCÉ is an explosive sonic and visual communiqué to music fans from an artist who has earned the right to do things on her terms. “I just want to give my album to the people I love and respect and hope that they feel the same thing I felt when I made the music,” said Beyoncé.
Beyonce booklet cover, photo: Columbia Records
To find out most about the album BEYONCE, you can visit Beyonce's web site at:
www.beyonce.com
Racially diverse films win fans but fall behind in
USC Annenberg study finds a dearth of African Americans
in film --on screen and behind the camera
(PRN-USN) LOS ANGELES, October 30,
2013 - Fruitvale Station. 12 Years a Slave. The Butler . 42. Mandela. It may seem
in 2013 that the critical and popular success of films featuring black lead
actors signals that Hollywood is
diversifying. But a new study from USC Annenberg shows it's
business as usual when it comes to employing underrepresented races and
ethnicities in the industry.
USC Annenberg Professor Stacy L. Smith and her team analyzed 500 top-grossing
films at the U.S.
box office over five years (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012) and over 20,000
speaking characters. The evidence reveals that in 2012, black or African
Americans represented 10.8% of all speaking characters, while Hispanics
represented 4.2% and Asians 5%. In the top-grossing films analyzed from
2012, nearly 40% depict black characters in less than 5% of all speaking
roles.
"There is still a noticeable lack of diversity across
the landscape of popular films," said Professor Stacy L. Smith, the
principal investigator. "This year is the 50th anniversary of the
Civil Rights movement, and the Census shows that the population of the United States is
more diverse than ever. Our film content, however, depicts something very
different."
African Americans and blacks are not only outnumbered on
screen, but behind the camera as well. Across 565 directors and 500 films,
there are just 33 black directors between 2007 and 2012 – and only two of those
directors are female. "It is hard to believe that across all of these top
directing jobs, there are only two qualified black females. Other talented
black female directors exist. Where are they?" Smith asked.
The report analyzes the nature of diverse portrayals as
well. When they are on screen, female Hispanic characters are more likely
than female characters from any other race/ethnicity to be depicted in sexy
attire or partially naked. Black males are least likely to be shown as
parents or caregivers (26.7%), or as romantic partners (43.3%).
"When you see someone who looks like you on screen, it
makes you feel like you're being seen," said Bridgette Webb , a
senior USC Annenberg Communication student who works with the program
that conducted the study, Annenberg's Media, Diversity, & Social Change
Initiative. "Media ideals are so opposite from how I look that when I see
representations or diverse characters, it makes me feel like the media thinks
I'm OK."
Black directors may make an impact on the diversity on
screen. When films have a black director, 52.6% of speaking characters
are black, compared to just 9.9% for films with non-black directors.
"Quite simply, when we see diversity behind the camera, we see a difference
in the percentage of diverse characters on screen," said Marc
Choueiti , a co-author of the study. "The question is: are
these directors encouraged to create more diverse stories that reflect the
world? Or is the type of story they are entrusted with an exclusive story about
their own racial or ethnic group?"
Today's report is the latest in a series of studies from
Professor Smith and her team at the Media, Diversity, and Social Change
Initiative at USC Annenberg. For more information, or to read
the full report, visit annenberg.usc.edu or click here.
Located in Los
Angeles at the University of Southern California, the Annenberg School for
Communication and Journalism is a national leader in education and
scholarship in the fields of communication, journalism, public diplomacy and
public relations.
With an enrollment of more than 2,200
students, USCAnnenberg offers doctoral, graduate and undergraduate degree
programs, as well as continuing development programs for working professionals,
across a broad scope of academic inquiry.
The school's comprehensive curriculum emphasizes the core
skills of leadership, innovation, service and entrepreneurship and draws upon
the resources of a networked university in a global urban environment.
Edgar Varela fine arts: Follow the art: Becca Milwood: Collette Miller: from the commonwealth VA to a thriving downtown Los Angeles culture
Courtesy image of edgar varela
(BMLTV) October 28, 2013 - My very first experience with art
dates back to the days when I was in Chicago
attempting to convey to our clients that art was physical and could bring
energy to the mind. A long time colleague and I partnered to take over a small
sophisticated fitness studio off the north side of Chestnut Street , just a few blocks away
from the vibrant Michigan Avenue .
Our thought was, put enough art on the walls and that would boast that we had
style, passion and depth. At that time I had never met with a curator or
attended any art openings. It was when we hung our first piece of art on our
fitness studio wall, the eye contact of that very first display sent a
pulsating sensation through my body. That one piece of art hanging on the wall
radiated a sense of balance. I felt good.
It was an experiment and an experience which went well for us. As our clients and guess worked out in the studio they felt as if the art heightened their confidence and provided calm.
When you live inLos Angeles ,
you can become inundated by the many cultures which flourish in the core of the
city. One must be willing to keep an open mind in order to absorb like
“napoleon ice cream”.
It was an experiment and an experience which went well for us. As our clients and guess worked out in the studio they felt as if the art heightened their confidence and provided calm.
When you live in
I have attended many art openings from San
Francisco , Santa Barbara , Malibu , Santa Monica , Venice Beach
to downtown Los Angeles .
In my diggings I have come to appreciate, not only the simplicity of art at
Abbott Kinney in Venice
Beach
Many artists took
an interest in the Downtown Los Angeles area. Moving from Venice ,
Santa Monica , Long Beach and various other communities.
Artists realized their dreams with large affordable spaces.
I’ve had ambitious
hopes for art the culture out at Venice
Beach
Internationally renowned as the premier female street artist of her generation, Becca has come a long way from exhibiting under bridges in Downtown Los Angeles, conquering the art world long ago with an edgy combination of feminine grit and a seemingly bottomless wellspring of creative imagination.
Becca received her BFA in sculpture fromVirginia Commonwealth
University
Colette has always been creative,- visually her paintings, filmmaking and musically –her most recent band, Day-Glo Aborigines. Past bands include GWAR , Milk and Blest. Art has continued to define most of her life's purpose since graduatingArt School
at Virginia Commonwealth
University in Richmond , continuing some film studies at
UCLA, editting and filming for Econews and traveling as much as she can to get
a better grasp of this whole planet.
As Ironic as it may seem both Becca and Collette showed there life’s work through January 11, 2008, while I will be inNorfolk tagging another assignment. I’m sure
that Edgar, Becca and Collette would agree that you have to seize the moment
and go where your heart and art takes you. What a coincidence that it would
take the two Commonwealth grads to my home city Los
Angeles.
Internationally renowned as the premier female street artist of her generation, Becca has come a long way from exhibiting under bridges in Downtown Los Angeles, conquering the art world long ago with an edgy combination of feminine grit and a seemingly bottomless wellspring of creative imagination.
Becca received her BFA in sculpture from
Colette has always been creative,- visually her paintings, filmmaking and musically –her most recent band, Day-Glo Aborigines. Past bands include GWAR , Milk and Blest. Art has continued to define most of her life's purpose since graduating
As Ironic as it may seem both Becca and Collette showed there life’s work through January 11, 2008, while I will be in
by abhi ahmadadeen
Young talent shines at the Attucks Nutcracker
Young dancer moves on instruction from the Attucks Nutcracker Choreographer.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Young dancer moves on instruction from the Attucks Nutcracker Choreographer.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Young talent listens in on Attucks Nutcracker Choreographer during rehearsal.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
The Attucks Nutcracker Choreographer, Alinka Pollock working with young talent during rehearsal.
photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
(BMLTV) December 5, 2012, NORFOLK, VA - Tchaikovsky's timeless holiday classic is brought to the legendary Attucks Theatre stage featuring the swinging sounds of jazz, soul stirring gospel, pop and traditional African drumming. December 7th and 8th the Crispus Attucks Cultural Center will bring Hampton Roads a most joyous gift, Monty Ross’ exciting production of The Attucks Nutcracker.
The Attucks Nutcracker is a high energy, fun show that takes the traditional Nutcracker storyline and gives it fresh lively characters, new music, and spectacular dancing. The Crispus Attucks Cultural Center’s production of The Attucks Nutcracker showcases the depth and range of its year round arts education talent, from young preschoolers to the principal teen performers.
All the children are from the Hampton Roads area. “The CACC is excited to involve children from the Hampton Roads area, particularly children and teens who live in our immediate communities surrounding the Attucks, said Gail Easley, CACC Executive Director.
“This is one more way we can expand educational opportunities and make the arts accessible to those who have the talent and desire to learn. Performing in one of the greatest holiday traditions, The Attucks Nutcracker, is a wonderful opportunity for these young dancers. Thanks to our sponsors who make this event possible, including our Platinum Sponsor Townebank and Gold Sponsor MacArthur Center.
Talented young dancers will bring Alinka Pollock’s brilliant expansion on Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s music and Marius Petipa’s choreography for the original 19th century Nutcracker ballet. Pollock’s interpretation is a unique, soul-fulfilling mélange of Ballet, Modern, Hip-Hop, and Jazz performed to music by, among others, Duke Ellington, Ne-Yo and seasoned with a unique flare of African drums.
Pollock has trained at the Universal Dance Studio based out of Los Angeles, California. She has choreographed and performed in shows for Prince, Smokey Robinson, Alfonzo Robeiro from “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, Cameo, Hip Hop icons Turbo and Shabadoo from the movie Breakin’, The Fat Boys, LL Cool J, Run DMC and more. She has also appeared in a Soap Opera, Oprah Winfrey’s “Women of Brewster Place” and several movies. After moving to Hampton Roads area she became one of the choreographers for radio station 103 Jamz Festival and for Cox High School musicals for two years.
Working at Norfolk State University for 14 years she has had the opportunity to achieve successful events and productions on a consistent basis. “The Attucks Nutcracker is the perfect yuletide gift: the ideal means of introducing children to the power and beauty of dance, and delightful way for the entire family to ring in the holiday season.” said Gail Easley.of the Attucks
Theatre. Performance tickets range from $10-$40. A pre-show reception with cast members will take place before each performance. Proceeds benefit the Crispus Attucks Cultural Center arts education programs at the Attucks Theatre.
The Attucks Nutcracker December 7-8 8:00 p.m.
Attucks Theatre 1010 Church Street Norfolk, VA 23501
www.cacc-inc.org
Edwing D'Angelo announced as designer for 'the Reality of FASHION the Reality of AIDS' New York Fashion Week Celebrity Runway Show
Fashion Designer Edwing D'Angelo. photo: PRNFoto/beautiful planning marketing & pr
Celebrity Reality Stars Walk the Runway In Evening Wear to Raise $300,000 for AIDS United
(PRN) NEW YORK, October 26, 2012 The Reality of FASHION The Reality of AIDS, www.realityontherunway.com, announced today Edwing D'Angelo as the event's participating fashion week designer debuting his Fall/Winter 2013 evening wear collection. The charity benefit will take place on the evening of February 9th, 2013.
Celebrity Reality Stars will join forces to walk the runway for this philanthropic event all with a unified goal of raising $300,000+ in funding with proceeds raised being donated to AIDS United, a national organization dedicated to helping those affected by AIDS/HIV, and whose goal is to end the epidemic.
Tickets are on sale for the formal charity benefit with prices ranging from $450 for standing room tickets, $800 standard seating, to $1200 VIP meet and greet ticket. "We are bursting with excitement to have such a talent as Edwing D'Angelo working with us for this upcoming NYC Fashion week.
Edwing's evening wear work, his strong work ethic, and Fashion industry reputation made it an exceptionally easy choice for us," states Beautiful Planning Marketing & PR CEO, Monique Tatum. Edwing D'Angelo is a Colombian-born, NYC based fashion designer quickly emerging through mainstream America.
With his boutique currently based in the famous NYC Limelight Marketplace, the self-taught designer has previously shown at both New York Fashion Week and Couture Fashion Week. D'Angelo's pieces have been seen on such celebrities as Angela Simmons, Tyra Banks, Lil Kim, Patti Labelle, Vivica A. Fox, Sean Paul, Mo'Nique, B. Smith, Melissa Ford and many more. His work has also been highlighted in major US & Hispanic press as well as hit movies like The Devil Wears Prada.
"This is such an amazing opportunity and amazing cause to be a part of for February 2013," states fashion designer Edwing D'Angelo. "Evening wear is my favorite category to design. I'm elated to have the opportunity to work with such a range of celebrity names for this show and to attach my designs to a cause that affects so many is extremely inspiring for me."
A Landmark Sculpture is finally a reality for the D’Arts Center of Norfolk
Mayor Paul D. Fraim, Rodney Carroll, Cathy Coleman, Jeffrey G. Miller, Sandra Bernard, Tony Difilippo, Jennifer Palestrant cutting the ribbon at the dedication of d'Art's Landmark Sculpture in Norfolk. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
World famous sculptor Rodney Carroll in front of his Landmark Sculpture, 'Encore' at d'Arts in downtown Norfolk. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
The 'Encore' Sculpture created by world famous Sculptor Rodney Carroll at d'Arts, Norfolk. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, 0ctober 3, 2012 - Executive Director Jennifer Palestrant opened the Dedication Ceremony by welcoming everyone. “This day has been two years in the making”. It was the vision of our former Executive Director, Susan Bernard, Peter Decker and our Board of Directors, many of you who are here today, to bring a gift to Main Street and the people and visitors of Norfolk, a stunning Sculpture and a Landmark entrance for the d’Arts Center”.
Yesterday as we watched the crane unload and set the Sculpture we heard the oohs and the aahs of the pedestrians. We knew that the Sculpture that Rodney Carroll had created was just what we were looking for. The Mayor of the City of Norfolk Paul D. Fraim thanked everyone for gathering for a special moment. He acknowledged Anthony L. Burfoot, the Vice Mayor of the City of Norfolk, and he thanked former Executive Director of d’Arts Center, Susan Bernard for being at the Dedication.
The Mayor addressed the fact that Susan Bernard was very instrumental in bringing the Landmark Sculpture to the d’Arts Center. The Mayors gave special thanks to the Artist community and all those who contributed with numerous donations.
Mayor Fraim thanked Artist Rodney Carroll who captured the essence of the City and the Significance of the d’Arts Center with his great work of art. Rodney Carroll is a native of Norfolk whose work is recognized internationally for his large scale Sculptures awarded through public and private Arts Commissions.
Rodney Carrolls Sculptures are included in National and International Parks, in Gardens, Universities and Institutions. He has also been a recipient of a grant for the National Endowment of the Arts.
by abhi ahmadadeen
Alicia Keys and Gabby Douglas at the VMA awards 2012
Pictured here is Alicia Keys and Gabby Douglas. photo:alicia keys via intagram
(BMLTV) Two powerfully creative, innovative icons gracing the same space is Alicia Keys, an American R&B singer-songwriter, record producer and actress with Gabby Douglas, member of the U.S. Women's Gymnastics team at the 2012 Summer Olympics, she won gold medals in both the individual and team all-around competitions. Douglas is the first African-American gymnast in Olympic history to become the individual all-around champion, and the first American gymnast to win gold in both the individual all-around and team competitions at the same Olympics. She was also a member of the gold-winning U.S. team at the 2011 World Championships.
Vivica A. Fox to Host Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala Honoring Men Committed to Empowering Underserved Communities
Honorees are Michael Baisden, Gerald Hudson, Al Dotson, David Honig and Shawn Dove
(PRN-USN) WASHINGTON - April 19, 2012 Melanie L. Campbell , president and CEO of The National Coalition on Black Civic Participation (The National Coalition), on April 16, 2012 announced the recipients of the prestigious 2012 Spirit of Democracy Awards which will be presented during the 15th annual Spirit of Democracy Awards Gala hosted by actress and producer, Vivica A. Fox (Set It Off, Kill Bill, Soul Food), on Thursday May 17, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency on Capitol Hill.
Honorees are Michael Baisden, nationally syndicated radio personality, author, philanthropist, and social activist instrumental in exposing the Trayvon Martin case; Al Dotson, chairman of the board, 100 Black Men of America; Shawn Dove, campaign manager, Campaign for Black Male Achievement, Open Society Foundations; Gerald Hudson, executive vice president, Service Employees International Union (SEIU), and David Honig , founder and president, Minority Media and Telecommunications Council.
"This year we are proud to be 'Celebrating Our Brothers.' The leadership of these men in their respective fields helps to empower underserved communities across the country" said Campbell. "These strong, positive men also set an example of excellence in achievement for young brothers across the country."
There will also be a special tribute to the late Ruby Campbell Pulliam who was a servant leader in civil rights and women's rights.
The Spirit of Democracy Awards are presented to individuals and organizations who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to creating balance in the democratic process and support The Nation Coalition's mission and vision of making civic participation a cultural responsibility and tradition. Sponsors include AT&T and Verizon, among others.
Founded in 1976, the NCBCP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to increasing African American participation in civil society. The current programs and initiatives of the organization include Black Youth Vote!, Black Women's Roundtable, and a Black Men & Boys Initiative. The National Coalition has trained and engaged African American leaders and community activists in overcoming institutional barriers that have hindered the growth of Black communities politically, socially and economically.
For ticket information call (202) 659-4929
For all other inquiries please! visit: www.ncbcp.org
30 AMERICANS rates Chrysler Museum Art History
Image collection was taken by Photographer Baldwin Lee. Lee titled this collection, Portraits of Black Americans, 1987-1990. According to Lee, the headshots focused on the subjects psychological and emotional character. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
The creative artwork of Nick Cave. Nick Cave is an American fabric sculptor, dancer, and performance artist. He is best known for his Soundsuits: wearable fabric sculptures that are bright, whimsical, and other-worldly. photo: abhi ahmadadeen/BMLTV©
Artist Gary Simmons, titled Duck Duck Noose 1992. Simmons symbolic installation recalls the abuse and murder of African Americans in the U.S. According to the Tuskegee Institute nearly 3500 African Americans were lynched 1882-1968. photo: abhi ahmadad/BMLTV©
(BMLTV) NORFOLK VA, April 16, 2012 - William J. Hennessey, Director of Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk Virginia say’s that 30 American’s has been one of the great success’s of the museum’s history. It is an extraordinary show; it is physically one of the largest shows that we have put on here. The show fills not just our usual changing exhibition gallery, but it spills over on to our second floor into our contemporary galleries, and then to me the most exciting thing about the show, we’ve taken pieces by these contemporary African American Artist and we’ve placed them selectively in the context of our own permanent collection so they have a real conversation going between contemporary and the permanent collection.
“People have responded to the way we have set up the viewing of the show. We had a great opening night party for the entire community; we had close to a thousand people in the museum that night which is about double that we’ve ever gotten for any other opening night before. Mr. Hennessey goes’ on to say that he was delighted that he didn’t even know three quarters of the people who were at the opening party. We managed to get the word out that this wasn’t one of those traditional museum members only, sit around, sip white wine and appear bored type receptions. We had a real party, a celebration. We had a great DJ, so there was music, we had a lot of food, we had the whole museum open, and people of many backgrounds and all ages came, and they were everywhere in the building, looking at the art, talking about it with their friends, texting, photographing each other next to the art. Opening night ambiance of 30 Americans is exactly how a museum should feel”.
The 30 Americans show is drawn from the famed Rubell Family Collection in Miami. The show is making its rounds and it has been in Charlotte North Carolina, Washington D.C.
Mr. Hennessey say’s that “what we are learning is that there is a real audience in our community here in Hampton Roads for this kind of contemporary art and that means we will be bringing other show that is similar to 30 Americans to the Chrysler. The Chrysler is here for everybody in our community, no matter who you are or what your background, what your age, there is something at the Chrysler that is interesting and relevant to you and your life”.
by abhi ahmadadeen
