01
Nov
17
Oct
REV. JOSEPH E. LOWERY celebrates 90 Years of Life
Posted by: Cutty Shark / Category: EntertainmentReporters
On Sunday, October 9, 2011 – Civil Rights Activist and Leader in the Civil Rights Movement, Rev. Joseph E. Lowery celebrated 90 years of life. From Huntsville, Alabama Lowery is a minister in the United Methodist Church. He became the 3rd President of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. He also participated in the most important activities of the African-American Civil Rights Movement in the 1960’s with the likes of: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ambassador Andrew Young, and Rev. Dr. Ralph David Abernathy.
In 2004, Dr. Lowery was honored at the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. On January 20, 2009, Dr. Lowery delivered the benediction at the inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America. Also in 2009, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
This was a special Birthday for Rev. Lowery. To celebrate 90 years of life, he was joined by many great friends: Stevie Wonder, Peabo Bryson, Jennifer Holliday, Rev. Al Sharpton, Bernice King, Martin Luther King, III, Cicely Tyson and Tramaine Hawkins, just to name a few. To wish him a special happy 90th birthday; President Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Maya Angelou and 39th President Jimmy Carter wished him a happy birthday live via video.
Check out the live video of Rev. Joseph E. Lowry’s 90th Birthday Celebration:
11
Oct
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges receives 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award
Posted by: Cutty Shark / Category: EntertainmentReporters
In the spirit of Extraordinary Philanthropy, The Community Voices of the Morehouse School of Medicine presented the 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award to GRAMMY® award winning artist and actor, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges on October 6, 2011 at the swanky St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead (Atlanta), GA. The award compliments special individuals who go above and beyond their civic call of duty to improving health care to the underprivileged globally.
Most people know him as the “Rapper” Ludacris, but to those who depend on a better way of life and building their future he is Chris Bridges. Through his ‘The Ludacris Foundation’, he inspires youth to give their all and he builds confidence in communities all over the world. The Ludacris Foundation was founded by Bridges in 2001; in it’s 10th year, the foundation (spearheaded by his mother, Roberta Shields) aims to strengthen the youth by the importance of Education and following one’s dreams. The foundation’s primary focus is on three key areas (3L’s): Leadership and Education; Living Healthy Lifestyles; and LudaCares. For more information, visit www.theludacrisfoundation.org.
“Being a local celebrity and going to halfway houses & visiting children in hospitals is probably the best thing that could have ever happened in my life, because I noticed how I affected these young people and how I made a difference in their lives. And; that, is why you know about the Ludacris Foundation today.”
Chris “Ludacris” Bridges
The Gala began with a pre-reception where both Soledad O’Brien, as well as Chris “Ludacris” Bridges spoke to the students of the Morehouse School of Medicine to further inspire them on this great night. They also awarded University of Southern California Graduate and President of the Correctional Medicine Interest Group at Morehouse School of Medicine, Sinmi Bamgbose with the first annual Soledad O’Brien Master in Public Health honor scholar Award. What a great night to celebrate Extraordinary Philanthropy.
In closing, Chris thanked his mother for her tireless efforts not only to raise him to be an upstanding member of society, but also in running The Ludacris Foundation.
Previous winners of the Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award are: 2009: Malaak Compton-Rock; 2010: Hill Harper; 2010: Kevin Liles.
Take a look at the Live Video Footage of The 2011 Soledad O’Brien Freedom’s Voice Award Gala below:
*video shot/edited by: Timothy “Cutty Shark” Sanders
03
Oct
GLAAD 25: Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence
Posted by: Cutty Shark / Category: EntertainmentReporters
On Saturday, October 1, 2011 the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) – Atlanta celebrated 25 years of service. The red carpet event took place at the posh Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery, where a number of power players filled the room in great fashion. “For 25 years, GLAAD has worked with news, entertainment and social media to bring culture-changing stories of LGBT people into millions of homes and workplaces every day.”
Special Celebrity Guests included: Melissa Carter, Don Lemon, Kat Graham, Itay Hod, Brannon Purvis and Lady Chamblis, with guest DJ: DJ Jay McCracken. Throughout the evening, many other activists/power players filled the room, such as: Bille Woodruff, Sally Ringo, and Amanda Bearse, just to name a few. This was a great event, for a great cause. So many activists came out to lend their time to show how much they care. Great speeches by: Amanda Bearse, Sally Ringo, Itay Hod and Don Lemon.
The Atlanta LGBT Community and Guests enjoyed signature ROKK Vodka cocktails and artisan hors d’oeuvres while honoring community heroes and advocates.
Honorees included: Marcus Jackson, Sally Ringo, Allen Jones, Don Lemon, Ben Hadsock, Bubba D. Licious, Charlie Brown, Chris Coleman, Darian Aaron, David Stark, Don George, Duncan Teague, Jeff Cleghorn, Jeff Graham, Jodi Duncan, Justin Ziegler, Linda Ellis, Lynn Barfield, Mariela Romero, Matt Hennie, Mitchel Anderson, Richie Arpino, Pat Hussain, Paul Horning, Paul Plate, Phillip Rafshoon, Rodney White, Steven Scarborough, Tyler Caukins & William Duffie-Braun. Congratulations to all recipients.
Special thanks to: Joanie Ferguson, MiMi McCain, Melissa Carter, Don Lemon, Elsa Hamilton, Bille Woodruff and Marcus Jackson.
Very Special thanks to: Dean (Dino) Thompson-Sarmiento. Great job Dino!!!
Check out Live Video footage of Ceremony:
12
Sep
The O’Jays – 2011 Legends Award Recipients
Posted by: Cutty Shark / Category: EntertainmentReporters
The Mighty O’Jays stormed through Atlanta, Georgia to receive their 2011 Legends Award in great fashion. As one of the; if not THE longest performing group in music history at 53 years and counting, Eddie Levert; Walter Williams; and Eric Grant hit the Woodruff Arts Center: Atlanta Symphony Hall stage and set it afire!
Sponsored by the National Black Arts Festival, the group celebrated over 50 years of great music with their fans, their peers, and their loved ones. Hailing from Canton, Ohio; the O’Jays were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. Although they’ve had 5 past members, Eddie and Walter have known each other since early childhood and are still going strong.
The O’Jays are responsible for hits such as: Back Stabbers, Love Train, Family Reunion, Used to be my Girl, For the Love of Money, Give the People What they Want, I Love Music, Living For the Weekend, Message in Our Music; Stairway to Heaven, Forever Mine, and my all-time favorite: Darlin Darlin Baby (Sweet Tender Love). Oh, and this is just a few.
Check out the Natural Born Legends in action on this special night in history. Live Video Below:
Special Congratulations to The O’Jays: Eddie Levert, Walter Williams, and Eric Grant. Continued success. And keep outshining these youngsters with your choreography… The Greatest!!!
06
Sep
ISLEY BROTHERS TAKE OVER CHASTAIN PARK f/El Debarge
Posted by: Cutty Shark / Category: EntertainmentReporters
Something like a time capsule; we went back in time!!!
Saturday, September 3, 2011 was a date to remember in Atlanta, GA. High Level Media’s “The Reunion Concert” sponsored by Sould Headphones by Ludacris invaded Chastain Park. The Concert featuring the Legendary Isley Brothers, El Debarge and a few friends was hosted by Idris Elba. Chastain Park Amphitheatre was packed out with celebrities, fans, comedians, media and everybody in between for this very special night. Some of the people that came out to enjoy a night of classic soul and R&B from a few of the greats in the business was: Mayor Kasim Reed, Kandi Burruss, Jasmine Guy, Ludacris, Phaedra Parks and Choreographer, Andrea Kelly; just to name a few.
photo credits: James Pray, Jazmyne Simmons
***Check out Live Footage of the Legendary Show (below):
This past Friday night was all about getting The Last Laugh…
James Young Entertainment hosted the Comedy Show for the movie THE LAST LAUGH at Josephine Hookah Lounge & Bar in Atlanta, Georgia. The stage was set ablaze by host K. Dubb. The night was full of comedy, food & fun. Other comedians that hit the stage was: Rodney Perry, Tony Rock, Antoine Scott, Kiana Dancie, Earthquake, Corey “Zooman” Miller, just to name a few.
James Young Entertainment is Kenny Young & Phil James straight out of Los Angeles, California. Kenny Young is Writer/Director of the movie The Last Laugh, and Phil James is the Executive Producer.
Check out the live video of a night of Comedy… THE LAST LAUGH… (Below):
***S/O to Jonell Whitt of Jonell Media PR, Kenny Young and Phil James
Super Producer Drumma Boy celebrated his birthday at Opera Nightclub in Atlanta. We partied the night away with Drumma; listening to good music, drinking Moet Rose’ and cranking it up with all his celebrity friends. DJ Drama was on the wheels of steel. Some of notables that were in the building were: Trey Songz, Kevin Liles, Two Chainz (Tity Boi), Big Sean, just to name a few. The building was packed out and we really had a great time.
Shout out to Drumma Boy for putting it down hard all the time… ATL/Memphis/Chicago to the World…
All I gotta say is: “I’m ridin’ round and I’m gettin’ it…” Two Chainz
Check out the video highlights of the night:
Last night, John Boyega was great… I mean, Moses was great in the… Ok; the character Moses, played by Young British Actor, John Boyega in the London based movie ATTACK THE BLOCK was great on the big screen. In his first major acting role, Boyega put his all into the 15-year-old “British thug” Moses whom assumed the position of leader to his friends in a tough neighborhood in London. One in which they labeled “The Block“.
The movie opened with a magnificent sky full of stars. One falling star slowly caught the attention of the camera. This is really where the saga began! The movie was a classic case where the Villain becomes the Hero. ATTACK THE BLOCK is a suspense thriller about a group of friends in a rough London neighborhood that somehow encounter, and must defend their block from aliens from another planet. The film was raw; it was edgy; it was born and raised in South London. Without giving too much away, I can say the cast was hilarious and real… When you go see it, Pest will be one of your favorites. And, of course John Boyega.
ATTACK THE BLOCK was written & directed by: Joe Cornish, and starred: John Boyega (Moses), Jodie Whittaker (Sam) and Alex Esmail (Pest). It was a great film and you are encouraged to go out and see the movie.
Notable quotes
Sam: What’s Ron’s weed room?
Pest: It’s a room, filled with weed, that belongs to Ron…
ATTACK THE BLOCK opens on August 19. Visit www.facebook.com/attacktheblockmovie
A few days prior, ATL encountered lead actor, John Boyega when he attacked Straits Atlanta!
Ludacris’ Atlanta restaurant played host to special invited media to partake in breaking bread with Rising Star, John Boyega. Boyega starred in the cult-film, Attack The Block. Based out of London, England, he is ready to take on the world. Check out the live video of our talk (below):
Special thanks to: Saptosa Foster, John Boyega and Femi Oguns…
27
Jul
BILL BELLAMY hosts ‘Stand Up For Family’ Comedy Special
Posted by: Cutty Shark / Category: EntertainmentReporters
The 2nd Annual “Stand Up For Family” Comedy Special returned to Atlanta, Georgia with host, Bill Bellamy. The show, brought to you by American Family Insurance is a showcase featuring five of the funniest comedians in the business of making people laugh. “Inspired by real life family situations, each of the comedic performances involves humor familiar to us all.”
We all know Bill Bellamy from shows such as: Def Comedy Jam, How to be a player, and Any Given Sunday. Most recently, he was host of TVOne’s Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes? and NBC’s Last Comic Standing. This year, Bellamy returns as host of ‘SUFF’ with special guest comedians: Ronnie Jordan, Rodney Perry, Donnell Rawlings and Mark Viera.
If you didn’t get a chance to make it out to see the show; don’t fret, American Family Insurance and broadcast online will be producing a series of webisodes, behind the scenes looks, and celebrity interviews of the show on September 26, 2011 at www.StandUpForFamily.com. Stay tuned for that.
In the meantime, check out live footage of the red carpet and a sneak peak of the show:
