Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Choir Set For 'The Christians' At Mark Taper Forum


The Choir of Approximately Two Dozens Singers Per Performance
Will Be Drawn From a Pool of 50 Local Performers

Center Theatre Group has selected singers from across the greater Los Angeles area to perform as members of the church choir in the West Coast premiere of “The Christians,” written by Lucas Hnath and directed by Les Waters. “The Christians” is presented by CTG and Playwrights Horizons at the Mark Taper Forum, December 2, 2015, through January 10, 2016. The opening is set for December 13.
“The Christians” is staged as a church service with the live accompaniment of a choir of approximately two dozen singers per night. The singers will come from a pool of 50 local vocalists.  The singers range from established performers with Broadway credits to USC students and range in age from their 20s to 60s. 
Led by music director Scott Anthony (who is also portraying the role of Choir Director), the choir features Allison Aoun, Dedrick Bonner, Lisa Bode, Adrienne Brown, Gabriela Carrillo, Adante Carter, Kirstin Charney, Molly Chiffer, Isaac Clay, April Colon-Haywood, Maxwel Corpuz, Erin Leigh Crites, Gina D’Acciaro, Celina Dean, Andrew Diego, Zoran Duke, Melinda Ehrlich, Tal Fox, Turner Frankosky, Gabriela Garcia, Simone Longoria Garcia, Randy Guiaya, David Hadinger, Rae Dawn Hadinger, Nancy  Hale, Jennifer Haydn-Jones, Jesimiel Jenkins, Jinwoo Jung, Maura M. Knowles, Karen Lew, Kenneth Lopez, Cynthia Marty, D.T. Matias, Shane McGhie, Philip McNiven, Tiffany Moon, Gregory North, Kila Packett, Pjay Phillips, Andrea Press, Christena Rich, Krystle Simmons, Adrian Smith, Chris Spicer, Kimberly Ann Steele, JC Tompkins, Lisa Webb, Jennifer Weiss, Grace Yoo and Justin Yu. 

'Shark Tank's' O'Leary To Headline AAHOA

ATLANTA, November 24, 2015 – NFL legend Peyton Manning and TV reality star Kevin O'Leary of "Shark Tank" fame will headline the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) 2016 National Convention in Nashville.

O’Leary – or Mr. Wonderful, as he is known on “Shark Tank” – is a financial guru, venture capitalist, and co-founder and chairman of O’Leary Funds. Though best known for his work on “Shark Tank,” O’Leary has also served as a business journalist, host, and investor on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation’s “The Lang and O’Leary Exchange,” “Redemption, Inc.,” and “Dragons’ Den.”

Manning, a 14-season Indianapolis Colts veteran and current Denver Broncos quarterback, is a Papa John’s franchisee with 25 stores in the Denver, Colo., area. Dubbed “the NFL’s most marketable player” by Forbes, Manning has partnership deals with endorsement giants Buick, DirecTV, Nationwide, Gatorade, and Nike, and is a five-time NFL MVP.

“AAHOA is extremely fortunate to have secured two such respected and successful business leaders to headline our 2016 event,” said AAHOA President and CEO Chip Rogers. “Over five thousand convention attendees are expected next year thanks in large part to our association’s commitment to bringing the best and brightest to the AAHOA stage.”

The AAHOA convention is one of the world’s largest gatherings of hotel owners. Members enjoy four days of entertainment, networking, education, and access to hundreds of top industry vendors offering exclusive discounts.


Founded in 1989, AAHOA is the largest hotel owners association in the world, with more than 13,500 small business owner-members. AAHOA members own more than 20,000 properties, amounting to more than 40 percent of all hotels in the United States, and employ nearly 600,000 workers, accounting for over $9.4 billion in payroll annually.

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Tuesday, November 24, 2015

'The Wiz Live! Soundtrack Available December 18


(New York, N.Y.) Sony Music Masterworks and Broadway Records will release the original soundtrack of the NBC Television event “The Wiz LIVE!” Available now for preorder at Amazon, “The Wiz LIVE!” soundtrack features the well-known hits “Ease on Down the Road,” “A Brand New Day” and “Home,” plus the new song “We Got It.” Written by Grammy Award winners, NE-YO, Harvey Mason Jr. and Stephen Oremus with Elijah Kelley, “We Got It” will be performed in the broadcast by cast members NE-YO and Kelley, along with Shanice Williams, David Alan Grier and The Wiz ensemble. The single “Home” performed by Williams will be available digitally on November 27. “The Wiz LIVE!” soundtrack will be released via all digital service providers (download and streaming) December 11, followed by the CD on December 18.

NBC’s highly anticipated production of “The Wiz LIVE!” will broadcast December 3.  Rising star Shanice Williams (Dorothy) leads an all-star cast featuring Queen Latifah (The Wiz), Mary J. Blige (Evillene), David Alan Grier (Cowardly Lion), NE-YO (Tin Man), Elijah Kelley (Scarecrow), Uzo Aduba (Glinda), Amber Riley (Addaperle), Common (Bouncer), Stephanie Mills (Aunt Em) and Cirque du Soleil. 

“The Wiz LIVE!” is adapted from “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” by L. Frank Baum, with a book by William F. Brown, and music and lyrics by Charlie Smalls. The production opened on Broadway in 1975 at the Majestic Theatre and won seven Tonys, including Best Musical.

Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (“The Sound of Music Live!,” “Peter Pan Live!” and Oscar-winning “Chicago”) will executive produce. Director Kenny Leon (Tony winner, “A Raisin in the Sun”) collaborates with live television director, Matthew Diamond, and Harvey Fierstein (three-time Tony winner, “Torch Song Trilogy,” “Hairspray” and “La Cage aux Folles”), who provides new written material. 
 
Esteemed choreographer Fatima Robinson (“Dreamgirls,” “Ali”) is also on board, along with music producer Harvey Mason Jr. (“Dreamgirls, “Pitch Perfect 2”) and Stephen Oremus (“The Book of Mormon,” “Kinky Boots”) as music director, orchestrator and co-producer of the music.
 
“The Wiz LIVE!” is produced by Universal Television in association with Cirque Du Soleil Theatrical.
 
Sony Music Masterworks comprises Masterworks, Sony Classical, OKeh, Portrait, Masterworks Broadway and Flying Buddha imprints. For email updates and information please visit www.SonyMusicMasterworks.com
 
Broadway Records has produced cast albums for many major Broadway shows (including the Grammy® nominated Matilda The Musical as well as The VisitSide Show (2014), Doctor ZhivagoBonnie & Clyde, Big Fish and more) and NBC’s television event, Peter Pan Live!. Broadway Records also created the critically acclaimed "Live at 54 BELOW" album series featuring top Broadway stars including Patti LuPone, Aaron Tveit, Norbert Leo Butz, Micky Dolenz, Sierra Boggess, Laura Benanti, Marin Mazzie, Annaleigh Ashford and many others. www.broadwayrecords.com
 
TRACKLISTING:
  1. Prologue (Orchestra)
  2. The Feeling We Once Had (Stephanie Mills, Ensemble)
  3. Tornado (Orchestra, Ensemble)
  4. He’s the Wizard (Amber Riley, Shanice Williams, Ensemble)
  5. Soon As I Get Home (Shanice Williams)
  6. You Can’t Win (Elijah Kelley, Male Ensemble)
  7. Ease On Down the Road (Shanice Williams, Elijah Kelley, David Alan Grier, NE-YO)
  8. Slide Some Oil to Me (NE-YO)
  9. I’m a Mean Ole Lion (David Alan Grier)
  10. Be a Lion (Shanice Williams, David Alan Grier, Ensemble)
  11. So You Wanted to See the Wizard (Queen Latifah)
  12. What Would I Do If I Could Feel (NE-YO, Shanice Williams, Elijah Kelley, David Alan Grier, Ensemble)
  13. We Got It (Shanice Williams, NE-YO, Elijah Kelley, David Alan Grier, Ensemble)
  14. Don’t Nobody Bring Me No Bad News (Mary J. Blige, Ensemble)
  15. A Brand New Day (Shanice Williams, NE-YO, Elijah Kelley, David Alan Grier, Ensemble)
  16. Y’All Got It (Queen Latifah)
  17. Believe in Yourself (Uzo Aduba)
  18. Home (Shanice Williams)

NBC To Air 'The Making of The Wiz Live!'


Primetime Special Gives a Behind-the-Curtain Pass 
to NBC’s Highly Anticipated Television Event, 
“The Wiz Live!”

NEW YORK – November 23, 2015 — Go behind the curtain in The Land of Oz with NBC’s “The Making of The Wiz Live!” The hour-long primetime special produced by NBC News’ Peacock Productions will give an exclusive backstage look at this holiday’s highly anticipated television event, “The Wiz Live!”  “The Making of The Wiz Live!” airs Wednesday, Nov. 25 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. central on NBC. 

Watch a preview of "The Making of The Wiz Live!" herehttp://www.peacockproductions.tv/specials/the-making-of-the-wiz-live/ 

If used, mandatory credit to NBC News’ Peacock Productions with air date.

“The Making of The Wiz Live!” is an all-access pass to the celebrities, music, costumes and design featured in “The Wiz Live!” The beloved Broadway musical, featuring songs such as “Ease on Down the Road,” “Home,” and “Be A Lion,” is re-imagined with newcomer Shanice Williams playing the title role of Dorothy.  The cast includes Tony Award nominee David Alan Grier as the Cowardly Lion, singer-songwriter-actor NE-YO as the Tin Man, and Elijah Kelley as the Scarecrow. Mary J. Blige plays Evillene, the Wicked Witch of the West, and Queen Latifah stars as the Wiz, the mysterious and powerful wizard who holds the keys to the Emerald City. Stephanie Mills, best known for playing Dorothy in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz,” will portray Aunt Em.  “The Wiz Live!” airs Thursday, Dec. 3 at 8 p.m./7 p.m. central on NBC. 

Also co-starring in “The Wiz Live!” is Emmy Award winner Uzo Aduba (“Orange Is the New Black”), who will play Glinda, The Good Witch of the South, and Screen Actors Guild Award winner Amber Riley (“Glee”) as Addaperle, The Good Witch of the North. Oscar winner Common will act as the Bouncer, the gatekeeper of the entrance to Emerald City.

“The Making of The Wiz Live!” is executive produced by Colleen Halpin and Mary Murphy serves as director. Sharon Scott is the president and general manager of NBC News’ Peacock Productions.

“The Wiz Live!” is executive produced by Craig Zadan and Neil Meron. Kenny Leon and Matthew Diamond serve as directors with new written material provided by Harvey Fierstein, music by Stephen Oremus and Harvey Mason Jr., and Fatima Robinson serves as choreographer. “The Wiz Live!” is produced by Universal Television in association with Cirque Du Soleil Theatrical.
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Sunday, November 22, 2015

American Music Awards Winners Announced

 
AMERICAN MUSIC AWARDS
2015 Winners

Artist of the Year
One Direction

Song of the Year
Taylor Swift “Blank Space”

Collaboration of the Year Un-leashed by T-Mobile
Skrillex & Diplo Featuring Justin Bieber “Where Are Ü Now”

New Artist of the Year Presented by Kohl’s 
Sam Hunt

Favorite Male Artist – Pop/Rock
Ed Sheeran

Favorite Female Artist – Pop/Rock
Ariana Grande

Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Pop/Rock 
One Direction

Favorite Album – Pop/Rock
Taylor Swift “1989”

Favorite Male Artist – Country
Luke Bryan

Favorite Female Artist – Country
Carrie Underwood

Favorite Band, Duo or Group – Country 
Florida Georgia Line

Favorite Album – Country
Florida Georgia Line “Anything Goes”

NICKI MINAJ

Favorite Artist – Rap/Hip-Hop
Nicki Minaj

Favorite Album – Rap/Hip-Hop
Nicki Minaj “The Pinkprint”

Favorite Male Artist – Soul/R&B
The Weeknd

Favorite Female Artist – Soul/R&B
Rihanna

Favorite Album – Soul/R&B
The Weeknd “Beauty Behind The Madness”

Favorite Artist – Alternative Rock
Fall Out Boy

Favorite Artist – Adult Contemporary 
Taylor Swift

Favorite Artist – Latin
Enrique Iglesias

Favorite Artist – Contemporary Inspirational 
Casting Crowns

Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM) 
Calvin Harris

Top Soundtrack
Pitch Perfect 2

Friday, November 20, 2015

Drama, 'The Man In 3B,' Currently In Theaters


Lamman Rucker (Tyler Perry's Why Did I Get Married), DB Woodside (Fox's 24, Centric's Single Ladies) and iconic actor Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars) will star in The Man in 3B, the first film from 18-time New York Times bestselling author Carl Weber, in theaters Friday, November 6th.  The Man in 3B, is adapted from the New York Times and USA Today bestselling novel by the same name from Weber, and will also star Christian Keyes (BET's Let's Stay Together, ABC's Mistresses), television actress Kellita Smith (The Bernie Mac Show, SyFy's Z Nation), up and coming leading lady Brely Evans and veteran actresses Jackee Harry and Marla Gibbs.  The feature is directed by Trey Haley and produced by ND Brown and Carl Weber.

Queen Latifah and Shakim Compere's One Unit/Flavor Unit have partner with Freestyle Releasing to distribute "The Man In 3b".

Carl Weber is one of a handful of African American authors who consistently appear on the New York Times bestseller list year after year. With 18 New York Times bestsellers to his credit, Weber moves from novels to films with his adaption of the sexy mystery The Man in 3B.  Weber's screenplay brings to life the secrets and surprises surrounding Daryl Graham (Lamman Rucker) and the cast of colorful neighbors who reside in his Queens, New York apartment building.  In this tale of mystery and murder, we watch as the lives of Weber's carefully crafted characters are turned upside down, each for different reasons, but all of them having something to do with Daryl Graham. From his extremely good looks to his undeniable swag, Daryl is the man every woman wants and every man wants to be. The Man in 3B is an expertly woven New York Times and USA Today bestselling urban tale.

The Man in 3B was also honored earlier this year by the Pan African Film and Arts Festival in Los Angeles with the "Capri Partners Award."

In Los Angeles, the film is only playing at the AMC South Bay Galleria 16. The Man IN 3B will be in the other following cities .... Jacksonville, Tampa, New York City, Harlem, Buffalo, Philadelphia, Hanover, MD  Midlothian, VA  Norfolk, VA   Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee, Atlanta,  Hoover,AL  Nashville, Memphis, Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, AR  Jackson,MS  New Orleans, San Francisco  check  www.themanin3b.com and your local listings for more information.

"I am excited to see The Man in 3B come to life as a film," says Weber. "We have put together a great team of creative experts who have welcomed my input. Being a part of the script writing and production process has been a phenomenal experience, and moving from writing novels to writing and visualizing stories for the screen has proven to be a natural progression. I look forward to the success of The Man in 3B and to the future of Urban Books Media."

"Carl Weber has written an incredible mystery with dynamic characters, plot twists and vibrant storytelling," says ND Brown, CEO, Tri Destined Studios.  "We are excited to be part of this dream team collaboration."  The super team recently wrapped production on three more projects, No More Mr. Nice Guy, and two more adaptations from Carl Weber, The Preacher's Son and The Choir Director.

Other Tri Destined Studios releases include, Black Coffee, a romantic comedy (select AMC theaters, 2014),  Note To Self, He's Mine Not Yours, Four Seasons, Perfect Combination, UP TV's Where's The Love, the Art House film Why Am I Doing This?, and She's Still Not My Sister, which broke network ratings and became GMC's premiere Television Mini Series. Studio executives include ND Brown (CEO), Trey Haley (President), Gregory Anderson (President of Film) and Veronica Nichols (VP of Production and Development).

Watch The Trailer

Thursday, November 19, 2015

'Now You See Me 2' In Theaters June 10 2016



The first act was just the setup, for an even bigger reveal.

After outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, the Four Horseman [Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan] return in NOW YOU SEE ME 2. 

Together they resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate [Daniel Radcliffe].Morgan Freeman, Mark Ruffalo, and Michael Caine, also return for the second act.  

Check out the newly released Teaser Trailer for a sneak peek at NOW YOU SEE ME 2, coming to theaters June 10, 2016!
  
THE FOUR HORSEMEN [Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Lizzy Caplan] return for a second mind-bending adventure, elevating the limits of stage illusion to new heights and taking them around the globe. One year after outwitting the FBI and winning the public’s adulation with their Robin Hood-style magic spectacles, the illusionists resurface for a comeback performance in hopes of exposing the unethical practices of a tech magnate. The man behind their vanishing act is none other than WALTER MABRY [Daniel Radcliffe], a tech prodigy who threatens the Horsemen into pulling off their most impossible heist yet. Their only hope is to perform one last unprecedented stunt to clear their names and reveal the mastermind behind it all.

Summit Entertainment presents a K/O Paper Products production a Jon M. Chu film.

'Dirty Grandpa' Hits Theaters January 2016


Dirty Grandpa
January 2016

From the comedy minds that brought you Borat and Ali G [director Dan Mazer] and Bad Santa 2 [writer John Phillips], comes DIRTY GRANDPA. When the straight-laced Jason [Zac Efron] is tricked into driving his foul-mouthed grandfather, Dick [Robert De Niro], to Daytona for spring break, all bets are off in this hilarious new comedy.

Julianne Hough, Aubrey Plaza, Dermot Mulroney and Adam Pally also co-star. Check out the new Red Band Trailer for even more antics fromDIRTY GRANDPA, coming to theaters January 2016!

Jason Kelly [Zac Efron] is one week away from marrying his boss’s uber-controlling daughter, putting him on the fast track for a partnership at the law firm. However, when the straight-laced Jason is tricked into driving his foul-mouthed grandfather, Dick [Robert De Niro], to Daytona for spring break, his pending nuptials are suddenly in jeopardy. Between riotous frat parties, bar fights, and an epic night of karaoke, Dick is on a quest to live his life to the fullest and bring Jason along for the ride. Ultimately, on the wildest journey of their lives, “dirty” Grandpa and his uptight grandson discover they can learn from one another and form the bond they never had.

This outlandish comedy also stars Julianne Hough, Aubrey Plaza, Dermot Mulroney and Adam Pally.

Cast: Robert De Niro, Zac Efron, Aubrey Plaza, Zoey Deutch, Julianne Hough, Jason Mantzoukas, Danny Glover, Adam Pally, and Dermot Mulroney
Directed by: Dan Mazer        
Written by: John Phillips                              
Produced by: Barry Josephson, Bill Block, Michael Simkin, Jason Barrett

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

'Straight Outta Compton' Available Soon On DVD




Check out some never-before-seen footage from the STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON Director’s cut DVD available January 19th! Watch F. Gary Gray and Dr. Dre talk the making of STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON and shaping Corey Hawkins into the next great Dr. Dre. 


SYNOPSIS
Straight Outta Compton tells the true story of how five young cultural rebels - armed only with their lyrics, swagger, bravado and raw talent - stood up to the authorities that meant to keep them down and formed the world's most dangerous group, N.W.A. And as they spoke the truth that no one had before and exposed life in the hood, their voice ignited a social revolution that is still reverberating today.



'Zoolander 2' In Theaters February 12 2016



Check out the trailer below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09nTwccQTUA

Lopez Hosts 2015 American Music Awards



Jennifer Lopez

Los Angeles, CA (November 18, 2015) – dick clark productions announces the return of the “Coca-Cola Red Carpet LIVE! @ The 2015 AMAs” preshow, which will stream LIVE online for fans worldwide on Yahoo (www.yahoo.com/music), this year’s official digital distributor of the American Music Awards Experience. The red carpet preshow will take place SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22nd starting at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT. The red carpet live-streaming preshow precedes the LIVE broadcast of the “2015 American Music Awards” on Sunday, Nov. 22 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. 

The “Coca-Cola Red Carpet LIVE@ @ The 2015 AMAs” preshow will feature performances by platinum artist Shawn Mendes, rising star Alessia Cara and today’s hottest emerging artists Gabi Wilson and Francesco Yates. The preshow will be hosted by Bow Wow, Chelsea Cannell, Frankie Grande, Adam Havener, Poppy Jamie, Kira Kazantsev, King Bach, Bailee Madison, Jenni Pulos, Yamaneika Saunders, Carly Steel and Ted Stryker. The star-studded red carpet will include nominees, performers, presenters and VIP attendees.  

At the “2015 American Music Awards,” Coke will be bringing fans some amazing new music, or what we like to call a First Taste of New Music. Throughout the preshow, Coke is showcasing some of the fans’ favorite new music artists – and you get an inside peak into the action. This year, Coca-Cola is giving fans the opportunity to get up close and personal with their favorite celebrities on the red carpet by being Coca-Cola’s First Taste fans. 30 lucky fans will be able to watch the Coca-Cola Red Carpet Live! from a prime red carpet location. Select AMAs talent will also be signing the Coca-Cola First Taste Guitar to show their friends at St. Jude their appreciation and support. The “2015 American Music Awards” have provided the “Coca-Cola Red Carpet LIVE! @ The 2015 AMAs” red carpet live-streaming preshow for the kids at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to watch and have their own red carpet party.

In addition to Yahoo.com and the Yahoo App, the “Coca-Cola Red Carpet LIVE! @ The 2015 AMAs” live stream will also be available on TheAMAs.comABC.com and Time Warner Cable’s Facebook Page

Dubbed by ELLE Magazine as "Music's Next Big Thing," Alessia Cara has taken the industry by storm with her breakthrough single "Here." The 19 year old singer/songwriter from Brampton, Ontario went viral within the first week of release, reaching #1 on the global viral charts, gaining the attention of global superstars Taylor Swift, Lorde and Drake. After a stellar performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, Alessia went on to win the Streamy Award for Best Original Song. The budding superstar's debut EP Four Pink Walls received a wellspring of favorable reviews which launched performances on The Today Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The Late Show with Seth Meyers. Her debut album KNOW-IT-ALL is out in stores on 11/13.

Singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes has emerged from teen viral sensation to major best-selling status almost overnight. Soon after artist manager Andrew Gertler discovered & introduced Mendes to now-label Island Records in early 2014, Shawn’s debut single "Life Of The Party" broke records, topping the iTunes Charts and selling over 150,000 copies in its first week due to his legions of fans. The success of the song made Shawn the youngest ever artist to break into the Billboard Hot 100's Top 25 with a debut single. Then, just a month later, Mendes released his self-titled debut EP, which also hit the #1 spot on iTunes once again, and entered at #5 on the Billboard album charts, showing the staying power of the young artist.   In April 2015, Shawn released his debut album Handwritten, which debuted #1 on the Billboard 200 charts, which includes platinum single “Stitches” which recently hit #1 at Top 40, “Life of the Party,” and certified gold “Something Big.” In addition to joining Taylor Swift on her The 1989 World Tour, Mendes has been on his own sold out headlining tour including a sold out show at LA’s Greek Theatre.

At 18 years old, Gabi Wilson has already been deemed a child prodigy....she has been playing five instruments since the age of 3. Gabi has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, The View, BET Music Matters Showcase. Wilson is also an actress having appeared in two movies, "School Gyrls," produced and directed by Nick Cannon. Wilson inked a deal with MBK/RCA records in 2010 and is currently in the studio writing for artists like Alicia Keys and Brandy while simultaneously working on her own EP scheduled for release in early 2016. 

Toronto-based singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Francesco Yates, joined Atlantic Records when he was just 16-years-old. Four years later, Francesco is upon his latest release, a self-titled EP that houses fan favorites – “Honey I’m Home,” “Call” and “Change The Channel.” Having worked with producers like Robin Hannibal (Kendrick Lamar, B.o.B) and Pharrell Williams in various studios around Los Angeles, the singer has hit upon a deft combination of pop, R&B and soul, bolstered by emotionally poignant lyrics and a strikingly passionate vocal delivery.  

With nearly 20 years in the film, television and music industry, Bow Wow, continues his career in television as an actor starring in CBS’s “CSI: Cyber” and was the co-host for "106 & Park."  Bow Wow made his lead role feature film debut in "Like Mike" in 2002.  His additional film credits include "Lottery Ticket," "Johnson Family Vacation," "Roll Bounce," "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" and "Hurricane Season." For three seasons, Bow Wow starred as Charlie in "Entourage."  His additional television credits include guest-starring roles in "Moesha," "The Steve Harvey Show," "Brothers Garcia," "Smallville" and "Ugly Betty." At age 5, Bow Wow was discovered by hip-hop star Snoop Dogg and featured on the icon’s groundbreaking album "Doggystyle."  He later teamed up with Jermaine Dupri for his solo debut release “Beware of Dog” in 2000, the kickoff to a string of platinum and gold albums that spawned six No. 1 singles as the youngest solo rapper to ever hit No. 1.  He has sold more than 10 million albums to date and as a young star helped brand the groundbreaking “Scream Tour,” selling out Madison Square Garden three times. Bow Wow has released five albums, including "Beware of Dog," "Doggy Bag," "Unleashed," "Wanted," "The Price of Fame" and "New Jack City II."  His new album, "Underrated," is due out 2016.

Chelsea Cannell currently anchors and is a sideline reporter for the Samsung Galaxy World Surf League Championship Tour where she follows the world’s best surfers around the globe including Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Tyler Wright and Mick Fanning.  The WSL experienced its’ highest ratings in 2015 and expanded syndication to ABC and CBS featuring Chelsea as a lead anchor in its network packages and broadcast expansion.  Chelsea also launched a YouTube channel, More Than Mrs., with her two best friends, sharing their perspectives with young women on how to navigate the “me” within their “we” as both wives and mothers.  In her third year with dick clark productions, Chelsea has covered red carpets for the American Music AwardsBillboard AwardsNew Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest and the American Country Countdown Awards.  Additionally, she has anchored the London Olympics for Fox, the World University Games for ESPN, was the face and first host of Alloy digital’s YouTube Channel Clevver Movies, helped create, launch and anchor Penske Media’s online video channel ENTV for Ion Television and YouTube and anchored a nationally syndicated morning show on E!.

Frankie Grande is a Broadway performer/producer, TV personality (CBS’ “Big Brother 16,” MTV’s “America’s Best Dance Crew: Road to the VMAS,” Oxygen’s “Worst.Post.Ever: With Frankie Grande”), social media powerhouse and overall entertainer and host.  When not focused on any of the aforementioned Frankie dedicates his time and voice to speak out on behalf of the LGBTQ community, volunteers for the group BuildOn that builds schools in South Africa and cheers on his younger half-sister Ariana Grande.

Adam Havener (Daily 10, Culture Pop, WONDERWALL) is known for his charismatic and effortless red carpet interviews, making him a favorite among Hollywood's biggest names. His credits include E!, MSN, VEVO, AXS & Ovation.

19 years of age, Poppy Jamie, became the youngest ever entertainment correspondent at the UK’s largest news organization, ITN. She was still studying Politics at the London School of Economics during this time and since graduating, Poppy has gone on to build her reputation as a TV presenter and personality on a global scale. Best known for her signature interviewing style, charisma, positivity, and personal flair she has hosted shows for ITV2, MTV international, Extra USA, Yahoo, TEDx and Snapchat.

Comfortable in golf shoes and evening gowns alike, Kira Kazantsev is a host, exuberant keynote speaker, spokesperson and tireless advocate on a number of social issues.  Miss Kazantsev served as Miss America 2015. Throughout her year, she toured the country as an Ambassador for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, an advocate on her personal platform: domestic violence awareness, and on behalf of military families. Her travels also took her overseas to visit and entertain troops with the USO in Afghanistan, Bahrain, and South Korea. Kira currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.

Andrew Bachelor aka (King Bach) is a Canadian-born American actor, comedian, director, producer, writer and TV personality (FOX’s “Mindy Project,” “MTV2,” “Wild ‘N Out,” Showtime’s “House of Lies,” Adult Swim’s “Black Jesus,” BET’s “Punk’d.”)  He is a social media powerhouse, entertainer, host and DJ. Andrew’s ambitious desires led him to establish his own production company, Bach Enterprises where he produced, directed, and performed in several projects including a short film Agent Steele which was featured in NBC’s Dateline in September 2011. Andrew Bachelor began his online career creating and producing sketches on YouTube called Bachelors Pad TV. He is the CEO of the RuJohn Foundation, which he and his sister started at age 14.  The Foundation gives financial scholarships to students in Jamaica and provides assistance to families in selected States in America.

Bailee Madison currently stars on Good Witch (opposite Catherine Bell and James Denton), based on Hallmark Channel's longest-running and highest-rated original movie franchises of all time. The show returns for a second season February 2016. She’s also been seen in a recurring role, bringing lots of drama on the hit ABC Family series The Fosters, where she plays Sofia Quinn- Maia Mitchel’s (Teen Beach Movie) newly discovered half-sister. Past roles also include: ABC’s Trophy Wife (opposite Marcia Gay Harden, Bradley Whitford and Malin Ackerman), ABC’s Once Upon a Time (playing Young Snow White), Adam Sandler’s Just Go With It, Guillermo del Toro’s Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark, and much more.  Bailee is passionate about various philanthropic and social causes and lends her time to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Creative Coalition. In April 2015, Bailee traveled with the Creative Coalition to Washington DC to fight for Arts Education awareness. She was one of the youngest guests invited to join a select group to represent the issue at the White House Correspondents Dinner.

Jenni Pulos is an actress, author, rapper and co-executive producer of Bravo's Emmy nominated reality series Flipping Out and it's spin off Interior Therapy. Her first book, Grin and Bear It was released in the spring of 2014. She performs and co-wrote the theme song for Bravo's hit show Watch What Happens Live. A win on Showtime At The Apollo encouraged her to write and produce a rap album: Old School Kids Beats. For the past four years she has hosted the Miss You Can Do It pageant celebrating girls with special needs. Jenni is the wife of Dr. Jonathan Nassos an orthopedic surgeon. They have a two year old daughter Alianna Marika who has furry sisters Lulu and Janet. She is thrilled to return as a red carpet host at the AMA's.

Yamaneika Saunders is currently a co-panelist on The Meredith Vieira Show (along with Lance Bass, Megan Colarossi, and Lilliana Vasquez). Last year Yamaneika co-starred in Oxygen’s Funny Girls, a docu-series following around six female comedians through their everyday lives. Previously seen on The Jim Gaffigan Show and Comedy Central’s In Security. Her stand-up has been featured on NBC’s Last Comic Standing and AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live.

Carly Steel is a television host, actress and producer, known for hosting for Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, TV Guide Network and EPIX. She also hosted and executive produced a movie-travel show, Jet to the Set for POP. Carly has also appeared in many feature films and TV shows including Mortdecai, Unstoppable and Romantically Speaking. This is her 5th years hosting the American Music Awards live Pre Show.

Ted Stryker is the host of the "Strykers Tales Podcast" and syndicated radio countdown show "Out Of Order", he also hosts a daily radio show on KROQ Los Angeles.  Most recently in front of the camera, Stryker is the host of the live broadcast of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo and Austin City Limits on Red Bull TV. He is an AMAs host favorite and is back for his 6th year as a red carpet host.

For the latest American Music Awards news, exclusive content and more, be sure to follow the AMAs on social and join the conversation by using the official hashtag for the show, #AMAs.

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Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Ian Foxx's 'The Club' Web Series Set To Launch


Celebrity Photographer Ian Foxx and Actor Tommy Ford Team Up for a Hilarious Look at Sexual Addiction
LOS ANGELES -- FOXX Media Group LLC in conjunction with Foxx Follies Films is happy to announce that its award-winning web series, “The Club,” starring actor Tommy Ford, is set to launch on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 on YouTube. 
“The Club” racked up various awards on the web series/film festival circuit. The web series picked up Best Faith-Based Web Series for director Ian Foxx and Best Comedic Actor for Ford, respectively at the Miami Web Fest. In July, the web series screened internationally in South Korea as a special selection in the Korean Web Fest (KWEBFEST), the only web series festival held in Asia. This spring, “The Club” made its debut at the LA Web Fest, the oldest and largest web series in the world. It nabbed several awards, including Best Ensemble in a Comedy SeriesBest Writing in a Comedy Series and Best Premise in a Comedy Series. It was also nominated for Best Director, Outstanding Writing and Best Comedy Series.
Helmed by Foxx, a celebrity photographer-turned-director, “The Club” is a faith-based, comedy series, inspire by past scandals of ministers, helming mega churches. The 5-minute episodes follow the trials and tribulations of Rev. Lamont Holmes Jr. (Tommy Ford, “Martin”), accused of illicit behavior and extra-marital affairs that’s certainly unbecoming for a man of the cloth. To gain forgiveness and reconciliation from his flock, he enters a sex addiction treatment program, only to discover “The Club.” And let’s just say that this clandestine fraternity of sex addicts may or may not help Rev. Holmes kick the habit. Like a secret handshake, tune in to find out why the men chant “Boom Shaka Laka Boom!” Ford, best known for his role as Tommy on the FOX hit tv show, “Martin,” serves as a co-executive producer on the project.

Along with Ford, the cast includes Bill Lee Brown (“Scrubs,” “Criminal Minds” and “Baggage Claim”), Mark Christopher Lawrence (“Chuck,” “Glee,” “My Name Is Earl”), Dan Thiel (“Deep Blue Sea,” “Tuesdays With Morrie”), Tanjareen Martin (“The Rev,” “Love for Sale,” “Miss March”), Miguel A. Gaetan (“Drumline,” “Material Girls”) and Stacy Francis (“R&B Divas LA,” finalist of “The X Factor USA”). “The Club” is written by Ilunga Adell, a veteran TV writer and producer whose credits include “Sanford & Son,” “227,” “Roc,” “A Different World,” “Married With Children,” and “Moesha” – just to name a few. Foxx also serves as co-executive producer and co-creator of “The Club.” The music score is composed by Eric Butler. 

To view a trailer of “The Club,” visit YouTube at http://youtu.be/D5xbIQ0_jyE 

SPECIAL SCREENING | Sunday, November 22, 2015 | Atlanta area
The Marietta-Roswell chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incwill host a special screening of “The Club” on Sunday, November 22, 2015 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Switzer Marietta Library, located at 266 Roswell Street  in Marietta, Ga.

ABOUT DIRECTOR IAN FOXX + FOXX MEDIA GROUP LLC
A native of Detroit, Ian Foxx is the CEO of Foxx Media Group and its production company Foxx Follies Media. For more than 40 years, he’s worked in the entertainment industry -- both in front of and behind the camera as an actor, photographer, director and producer. He began his career in New York City as a performer before moving to the production side of show business, serving as a business manger and eventually the company manager for the Family Repertory Company. He re-located to Los Angeles and founded the Foxx Follies Theater Workshop, a non-profit (501) c3 organization, which trains youth in all facets of theatre arts. 

Foxx has many credits in television, film and commercials. He teamed up with novelist Herbert A. Simmons to develop the pilot, “Corner Boy,” based on the author’s book of the same name, which won the prestigious 1957 Houghton Mifflen Literary Fellowship. He has produced and developed three short films, including “Sunset Red, “Corner Boy” and “The Club,” which is now a web series. 

A celebrity photographer, he’s worked as the staff photographer for L.A Watts Times for more than a decade.  To see some of his work, visit www.ifoxxmediagroup.com.
 
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