Auntyland Film Festival Calls For Submissions

Auntyland Film Festival (AFF) invites filmmakers of every age to submit their creative work to its inaugural online film festival devoted to short films. The regular deadline for the festival, which launches during Women’s History Month (March 2022) and is headquartered in New York City’s Tribeca, is January 30.

The festival, a community, and volunteer-based event operates at the intersection of identity, gender, and age. AFF is especially reaching out to Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), aunties, baby boomers, and other underrepresented artists of all ages. Short films about any topic, not just aunties, are welcome including family, politics, sports, food, cooking, gardens, home, pets/animals, climate change, sustainability, LGBTQ themes,

‘Only in New York’ and more.

Sylvia Wong Lewis

“Aunties are unsung heroes who add a secret sauce that holds communities together and filmmakers are encouraged to bring a bold realness that is a trademark of aunties,” said Sylvia Wong Lewis, founder, and director of the Auntyland Film Festival, which is part of a multidisciplinary arts platform that celebrates the important role of aunts in People of the Global Majority (PGM) communities. “The 'early-bird campaign that ended on October 15 generated some high-quality entries, so let's keep the momentum going. Send your film entry today!”

Known as Aunt Cookie, Lewis is a storyteller through the lens of film, food, and gardening. Her short film From Shanghai to Harlem won two Telly Award. Lewis became a filmmaker at age 60.

Other important dates include the extended deadline on February 17, 2022, and the notification date on February 24, 2022. The festival kicks off on International Women’s Day and runs through Women’s History Month: March 8 to March 31, 2022. The entry fee is $25.

Auntyland Film Festival (AFF) is proudly sponsored by FilmFreeway, the world's #1 way to enter film festivals and creative contests. To submit a film, visit: https://filmfreeway.com/AuntylandFilmFest.

'The Freak Brothers' Debuts November 14

Tiffany Haddish

Tubi announced its first-ever star-studded original animated series, THE FREAK BROTHERS, based on the cult classic underground comic series, and will debut the first two episodes on Sunday, Nov. 14. The animated series is produced by WTG Enterprises and distributed by global content leader Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF.A, LGF.B).

THE FREAK BROTHERS will headline Tubi’s first foray into adult animation, as it expands its adult humor collection in the coming months. The additional episodes from Season One will drop on Sundays, one every week, through the finale, Sunday, Dec. 26. The eight-episode series chronicles the escapades of a trio of stoner anti-establishment characters and their cat who wake up from a 50-year nap after smoking a magical strain of weed in 1969 and must adjust to life with a new family in present-day San Francisco. 

LaLa Anthony

Featuring an all-star voice cast that includes Woody Harrelson (“The Hunger Games” franchise, “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri”), Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner John Goodman (“The Big Lebowski,” “Monsters, Inc.”), Emmy Award and Grammy Award winner Tiffany Haddish (“Girls Trip,” “The Lego Movie 2”) and Pete Davidson (“Saturday Night Live,” “The King of Staten Island”), the series follows laid-back Freewheelin’ Franklin Freek (Harrelson), man-child Fat Freddy Freekowtski (Goodman), paranoid Phineas T. Phreakers (Davidson) and their sardonic cat, Kitty (Haddish). 

Pete Davidson

On Sunday, Nov. 14, TV viewers will get a sneak peek at THE FREAK BROTHERS during a special 90-second trailer airing during FOX’s “Animation Domination” block in FAMILY GUY (9:30-10 p.m. ET/PT). 

In addition, THE FREAK BROTHERS stars Adam Devine and Blake Anderson, who are also executive producers, as well as Andrea Savage, La La Anthony, and Rapper ScHoolboy Q. Devine and Anderson voice Chuck and Charlie, a couple of weed savants always looking for the next side hustle, with hearts of gold hidden beneath their unwashed exteriors. Savage voices Harper, a no-nonsense techie who undoubtedly wears the pants in her household. Anthony voices Gretchen, a social-advocate lawyer who is the more idealistic and compassionate younger sister of Harper. ScHoolboy Q voices an animated version of himself who finds himself surrounded by “The Freaks.”

“We can’t wait for Tubi viewers to freak out to THE FREAK BROTHERS, with its unforgettably irreverent comedy infused with heart, alongside an iconic ensemble voice cast and a stellar team of elite producers and writers,” said Adam Lewinson, Chief Content Officer, Tubi. “This comedy is 50 years in the making and we are thrilled to have it debut on Tubi as our first original animated comedy, marking a new step for Tubi as we expand our adult humor offerings.”

“As we continue our expansion into original animation, a cornerstone of the FOX brand, we’re thrilled Tubi is joining the party with its first original animated series,” said Michael Thorn, President of Entertainment, FOX Entertainment. “With its counterculture roots, anti-establishment comedic POV and, as Adam said, an all-star team of cast and producers, THE FREAK BROTHERS is the perfect complement to Animation Domination and provides the ideal opportunity to not only grow Tubi’s audience but take the animation genre to the next level in AVOD. Stay tuned for more original Tubi animated content soon.”

“We’re pleased to partner with FOX and Tubi on a new paradigm for distributing original animation to our consumers,” said Lionsgate President of Worldwide Television Distribution Jim Packer.  “The timeless humor of ‘The Freak Brothers’ has resonated with audiences for years, and this edgy comedy gives it a fresh and inventive spin for a whole new generation of fans.”

THE FREAK BROTHERS is based on comic book legend Gilbert Shelton’s “The Fabulous Furry Freak Brothers.” Critiquing the Establishment, while satirizing counterculture at the same time, the comic sold more than 45 million copies in 16 languages and was hailed by The Comics Journal as “One of the 100 Greatest Comics of the Century.” Starburns Industries and Pure Imagination Studios, the studios behind “Rick & Morty” and “The Simpsons: Brick Like Me,” handled the animation.

THE FREAK BROTHERS is executive-produced by Courtney Solomon (“AFTER,” “Mr. Church,” Cake”) and Mark Canton (STARZ’s “POWER UNIVERSE,” “300,” “Den of Thieves”), along with award-winning producers Alan Cohen and Alan Freedland (“King of the Hill,” “American Dad”). Woody Harrelson, Tiffany Haddish, Pete Davidson, Adam Devine, Blake Anderson, Gilbert Shelton, and Manfred Mroczkowski also serve as executive producers on the series. 

THE FREAK BROTHERS’ theme song was created and performed by TDE recording artist Ray Vaughn. Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, the Grammy Award-winning producer and founder of TDE, one of the most notable music labels, produced the music for THE FREAK BROTHERS and is an executive producer on the series, along with Mike Concepcion.  

THE FREAK BROTHERS will anchor Tubi’s expansion into adult animation on FOX Entertainment’s free streaming platform, joining nearly 7,000 comedy movies and TV series on the platform, ranging from stand-up specials featuring classics like “Def Comedy Jam” and Jim Gaffigan to live-action and edgy comedy including “Let's Be Real" and classics like "Weekend at Bernie's" and "Grosse Pointe Blank" and adult animation like “The PJs" and Australian sensation “Regular Old Bogan,” which is exclusively on Tubi, and additional titles to be announced for November. 

For more information on THE FREAK BROTHERS, please visit www.thefreakbrothers.com.

 

'Respect,' Starring Jennifer Hudson, On Blu-ray and DVD November 9

 

Universal City, California, October 19, 2021 – Experience the cinematic music event of the year featuring Oscar® and Grammy® Award winner and vocal powerhouse Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls) as legendary singer Aretha Franklin in the inspiring true story RESPECT, available to own for the first time on Digital now and on Blu-ray™ and DVD November 9, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. Hailed by critics as “electrifying” (David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter) and “extraordinary” (Pete Hammond, Deadline), MGM’s musical biopic gives an authentic inside look at the life and legacy of one of the greatest, most influential recording artists of all time.

Following the rise of Aretha Franklin’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to her international superstardom, RESPECT is the remarkable journey of the music icon’s path to find her voice. The film on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital comes packed with all-new exclusive bonus content including behind-the-scenes featurettes about Jennifer Hudson’s transformation into the Queen of Soul, director Liesl Tommy’s filmmaking process, the creation of the beautiful sets and custom wardrobes, Aretha’s experience at Muscle Shoals, and more taking audiences deeper into the empowering story and world-renowned chart-topping music that has become a global anthem for strength, independence and positivity. 

Directed by Tony Award® nominee Liesl Tommy (“Insecure”, “The Walking Dead”) from a screenplay written by Emmy Award® nominee Tracey Scott Wilson (“Fosse/Verdon”, “The Americans”) and story by Academy Award® winner Callie Khouri (“Thelma & Louise”), RESPECT is the biggest female-led musical drama in recent history and a must own film with extraordinary showstopping performances to watch over and over in spectacular Dolby Atmos quality sound, available exclusively on Blu-ray™.

Hand selected by Aretha herself, Hudson leads an all-star ensemble cast including Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker (Black Panther, The Butler), Marlon Wayans (Sextuplets, Fifty Shades of Black), six-time Tony Award® winner Audra McDonald (Beauty and The Beast, “Private Practice”), Marc Maron (Joker, “Glow”), five-time Emmy Award® nominee Tituss Burgess (Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”, The Addams Family), and Grammy® Award winner and Academy Award® nominee Mary J. Blige (Mudbound, Rock of Ages) along with Tony Award® nominees Saycon Sengbloh (“The Wonder Years”, “Delilah”) and Haley Kilgore (“Amazing Stories”).  

The RESPECT Original Motion Picture Soundtrack features Jennifer Hudson’s uplifting vocal performances of 17 Aretha Franklin classic songs along with the original song “Here I Am (Singing My Way Home)” – which Hudson wrote alongside four-time Grammy® Award winner, Kennedy Center Honoree, and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame Inductee Carole King and Jamie Hartman [Lewis Capaldi, Christina Aguilera]. The soundtrack is now available to own on digital/streaming services, CD and vinyl from Epic Records.

 

BLU-RAYTM & DVD EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES:

• The Making of Respect – Explore the unique telling of this Aretha Franklin story, what the project meant to all involved and how music played a pivotal role in crafting this film.

• Becoming Aretha – Take a behind the scenes look at Jennifer Hudson’s incredible transformation into the Queen of Soul including her commitment to the character, her connection with the late singer, and why inhabiting the legendary artist felt more like destiny than anything else.

• Capturing a Legacy – A celebration of director Liesl Tommy’s artistry and professionalism as the cast and crew express their appreciation and admiration for her and her process.

• From Muscle Shoals – Sit-down with the cast, crew and some of the original musicians that recorded with Aretha at Muscle Shoals to learn about this crucial time period in Aretha’s life and how it helped propel her evolution.

• Exploring the Design of Respect – Production designer Ina Mayhew and costume designer Clint Ramos discuss the research they conducted in order to create the beautiful sets in the film as well as the various custom-made wardrobes that span three decades of style.

 

RESPECT will be available on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital.

• Blu-ray™ unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.

• Digital lets fans watch movies anywhere on their favorite devices. Users can instantly buy or rent.

 

For artwork, please log onto our website at www.uphepublicity.com  

  

Film Website: https://www.unitedartistsreleasing.com/respect

UPHE Website: https://www.uphe.com/movies/respect

UPHE Trailer: https://uni.pictures/RespectAnnounce

Facebook: @RespectFilm

Twitter: @RespectMovie

Instagram: @RespectMovie

#RespectMovie

 

FILMMAKERS:

Cast: Jennifer Hudson, Forest Whitaker, Marlon Wayans, Audra McDonald, Marc Maron, Tituss Burgess and Mary J. Blige

Executive Music Producers: Harvey Mason Jr., Stephen Bray, Jason Michael Webb

Music By: Kris Bowers

Costume Designer: Clint Ramos

Edited By: Avril Beukes, ACE

Production Designer: Ina Mayhew

Director of Photography: Kramer Morgenthau, ASC

Executive Producers: Jennifer Hudson, Liesl Tommy, Sue Baden-Powell, Aaron L. Gilbert, Jason Cloth

Produced By: Harvey Mason Jr., Scott Bernstein, p.g.a., Jonathan Glickman, Stacey Sher

Story By: Callie Khouri and Tracey Scott Wilson

Screenplay By: Tracey Scott Wilson

Directed By: Liesl Tommy

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION BLU-RAY™:

Street Date: November 9, 2021

Selection Number: 61213899 (US)/ 1000806581 (CDN)

Layers: BD-50

Aspect Ratio: Widescreen 16:9 2.39:1

Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic content, strong language including racial epithets, violence, suggestive material, and smoking

Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, French-Canadian and Latin American Spanish

Sound: English Dolby Atmos, French Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0 (bonus features)

Run Time: 2 Hours and 25 Minutes

 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION DVD:

Street Date: November 9, 2021

Selection Number: 61210155 (US) / 1000806581 (CDN)

Layers: DVD 9

Aspect Ratio: Anamorphic Widescreen 16:9 2.39:1

Rating: PG-13 for mature thematic content, strong language including racial epithets, violence, suggestive material, and smoking

Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, French Canadian and Latin American Spanish

Sound: English and French Dolby Digital 5.1, English Dolby Digital 2.0 (bonus features)

Run Time: 2 Hours and 25 Minutes

 

ABOUT METRO GOLDWYN MAYER:

Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) is a leading entertainment company focused on the production and global distribution of film and television content across all platforms. The company owns one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content as well as the premium pay television network EPIX, which is available throughout the U.S. via cable, satellite, telco and digital distributors. In addition, MGM has investments in numerous other television channels and digital platforms. For more information, visit www.mgm.com.

 

ABOUT UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT:

Universal Pictures Home Entertainment (UPHE – www.uphe.com) is a unit of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG). UFEG produces, acquires, markets and distributes filmed entertainment worldwide in various media formats for theatrical, home entertainment, television and other distribution platforms, as well as consumer products, interactive gaming and live entertainment. The global division includes Universal Pictures, Focus Features, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, Universal Brand Development, Fandango, DreamWorks Animation Film and Television. UFEG is part of NBCUniversal, one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

 

 

Paul Jackson Jr.'s Music Is In The 'City of Refuge'

Paul Jackson Jr.

By Darlene Donloe 

Chances are if you’re a music enthusiast, you are a fan of Paul Jackson Jr. 

That’s because he has played with the greats, produced and released his own music, and appeared on a host of high-profile projects throughout his remarkable career.

Whether you turn on the radio, watch videos, listen to his CDs, or that of any other significant musician, you’re sure to hear that Paul Jackson Jr. sound. 

He has recorded with everyone from Whitney Houston, to Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, Celine, Daft Punk, and everyone in between. According to AllMusic.com, Jackson is one of the most recorded musicians in the history of music. 

Jackson has been that ‘go-to’ guy in the music industry for decades. His smooth and effective guitar strumming has made him indispensable and highly sought-after. He has that ‘thing’ that makes music all the more memorable.

During a recent interview, Jackson was upbeat while talking about his latest project. It’s clear that the man with the quick wit and easy laugh can’t wait for his fans to hear his newest offering. 

Up next for the guitarist/producer, arranger, and composer is the single, City of Refuge, birthed during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CD is called ‘More Stories’ and is  – expected to drop early next year.

He promises there is something for everyone and that fans will find his new CD, is worth a listen.

A showbiz vet, Jackson’s television appearances include television shows and specials as musical director and lead guitarist for the Kennedy Honors, The White House (President Obama) The GRAMMY after-party, Don’t Forget The Lyrics, NBC’s Jay Leno Show, and Fox’s American Idol. 

A married, father of two grown children, Jackson has been making music magic for 44 years.  He started out in high school at the age of 18, alongside Patrice Rushen. 

I recently caught up with the venerable, 61-year-old musician to discuss his latest project and his impressive career. 

DD: Do you remember your first professional music gig? 

PJJ: My first professional gig was subbing for my guitar teacher. I was 16. I did one song well and the other one not so well. Two years later, I was called to play on Lenny Williams’ record, ‘Spark of Love.’ 

DD: Did you always want to play the guitar?

PJJ: I actually wanted to play the drums. My mother took me to a store and told me to pick out something. I wanted the drums but they were $316. She told me to pick out something else. There was a $20 guitar, so I chose the guitar. 

DD: What does music do for you? 

PJJ: It allows me to speak in a language that everybody understands. I get to express my feelings. It brings me happiness and keeps me striving for excellence and striving for knowledge. There is always something to learn. 

DD: You’ve been doing this for a long time. How do you get your creative juices going after all this time? 

PJJ: It’s because there is always something to learn. I will go looking for new music. 

DD: Do you still have a lot to say with your music?

PJJ: Yeah, there is plenty to say. 

DD: How has your own music changed over the years?

PJJ: It changed because the industry and technology have changed.  It used to take a room full of musicians and equipment. Now you can have a music studio on your laptop computer.  When I was a kid, you had record stores. No more record stores and very little radio and so now everything is streamed or downloaded. What remains the same is you have to be skilled and come up with something that people like and you have to keep striving to get better.

 

DD: Talk about your latest single – “City of Refuge.”

PJJ: One of the first ones I finished. I haven't finished the album yet. I chose it. The title comes from the Old Testament. During that time, if you committed a terrible crime, they had these cities of refuge. You couldn’t be prosecuted for your crime. It was as if you had never committed a crime at all. 

In the New Testament –the Bible says because of Jesus Christ we are justified by faith. Which means just as if I never sinned. So parenthetically speaking being in Christ is being in the city of refuge because the things we have done - He forgives us and throws them in the sea and it's just like we never did anything wrong. That's why I called it ‘City of Refuge.’ 

DD: Tell me about the project. What were you trying to say with it?

PJJ: The album is called 'More Stories'. It will be released in January or February. My last CD was ‘Stories From Stompin’ Willie’ This is a kind of continuation. It was a name given to me by the late, great George Duke. A lot of the record was dedicated to him. I thought this was a good way to continue.  You tell a story behind a song kind of gives people an inside view and lets them know what you were thinking about when you did this.

DD: How many songs on ‘More Stories’ and what do you want fans to feel?

PJJ: There are nine songs. I want them to ride the wave of emotions. Sometimes people have bad days and need to mellow out. Sometimes they need to get angry. My hope is that there is something to inspire them where they are or where they’d like to be. 

DD: How long did it take to make?  Any obstacles?

PJJ: The biggest obstacle has been COVID. I had to work by myself.  Now, with the vaccine, we can get together a little better. The CD isn’t totally finished. By the time it’s finished, it will have taken four months. 

DD: What goes into presenting a new CD? Walk us through it. 

PJJ: Funding, finances. I saved my money. I start by writing songs and having different concepts. I come up with a lot of ideas. When I have enough ideas, I start to call other musicians, engineers, and singers. I do the songs, mix them, and put them in an order.

DD: Who are/were your influencers? Who did you listen to growing up?  

PJJ: Wes Montgomery, George Benson, Earl Klugh, Ray Parker Jr., Lee Ritenour, and Al McKay from Earth, Wind & Fire.

DD: What did you do during the pandemic to stay creative? 

PJJ: Did a lot of teaching online, songwriting, worked on projects for other people. Worked on things from home. Finished my studio two weeks before COVID. COVID didn't’ stop me from going anywhere.

DD: How are you keeping yourself busy?

PJJ: I’m touring on weekends. I have a band called Jazz Funk Soul. I play with Jeff Lorber and Everett Harp, plus I’m a full-time professor at USC. I give private instruction guitar and keyboard. My boss is Patrice Rushen. I’ve been doing that for six years. It allows me to take the knowledge I gained and keep it going. 

DD: You feel comfortable touring right now?

PJJ: I feel comfortable. Look, I wore the mask on the plane even before COVID. I’ve been doing that for years. 

DD: What are you most proud of?

PJJ: I’m blessed to have been able to do a lot of things. Too many to talk about. I recorded with Ella Fitzgerald. I toured with Whitney, played on Michael Jackson’s Thriller and played and composed on a Daft Punk project. I’ve worked with a lot of great people. I got a chance to work with all my guitar heroes. 

DD: Who are you listening to right now?

PJJ: I’m listening to a lot of new pop and old jazz. I love listening to Boogie Chillen by John Lee Hooker. 

DD: Why should someone buy this CD?

PJJ: The main reason is that I know you will enjoy the music.

BIG BONUS QUESTIONS:

DD: Favorite Avenger?

PJJ: Black Panther and I’m getting into Falcon.

DD: Touring or a residency?

PJJ: I think I enjoy touring. You get to see the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leimert Park Village Book Fair Set To Celebrate Its 14th Anniversary

Areva Martin

LOS ANGELES – The Leimert Park Village Book Fair (LPVBF) is excited to announce civil rights attorney and media personality Areva Martin as its 2021 book fair ambassador. Martin is the author of AWAKENING: LADIES, LEADERSHIP AND LIES WE’VE BEEN TOLD.  In her book, Martin continues to explore societal norms for gender roles within America’s average working environment. She intends for this book to be the average working woman’s manual to breaking outdated generational gender roles.  

With a new weekend show on Tavis Smiley’s KBLA Talk 1580, called “Areva Martin Out Loud,”  Martin continues to be one of the nation's leading voices in media, covering topics such as law, race, politics, pop culture, celebrity, and breaking news! She has a unique way of blending her outstanding legal expertise with her passion for promoting inclusion, diversity, and equality within ALL environments!  

“We are thrilled to have Areva as this year’s Leimert Park Village Book Fair ambassador,” said Cynthia Exum, founder and executive producer of the LPVBF. “Areva’s work in the community is commendable, and she is a wonderful role model who leads by example! Exum added, “We also consider Areva one of our very own because she participated in the inaugural Leimert Park Village Book Fair as a first-time, self-published author. She is an amazing and gifted individual, and we are beyond delighted to welcome her back as our 2021 Book Fair Ambassador!"

For the month of October, the 14th anniversary of Leimert Park Village Book Fair (LPVBF) will celebrate National Book Month with a special virtual event, featuring one of America’s most acclaimed poets Nikki Giovanni on Saturday, October 16, 2021, in Los Angeles. Hosted by Jasmine Sanders, co-host of the nationally syndicated “DL Hughley Radio Show,” the virtual book fair will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The family-oriented event is based in the heart of Leimert Park, which is considered the center of the African American arts/intellectual scene in LA. For the virtual broadcast, book lovers will need to register for the online experience. For more information, visit www.leimertparkbookfair.com.  

Voted One of LA’s Five Best Annual Book Festivals,” the LPVBF has become a much-anticipated cultural tradition in the African American community.  It provides authors an opportunity to promote their newest work as well as meet some of their fans up close and personal.  

BEST SELLERS, CROWD PLEASERS & FAN FAVORITES

The virtual event includes a lineup of New York Times best-selling authors, “Good Morning America” book club picks, crowd-pleasers, and fan favorites. With a virtual event, the Leimert Park Village Book Fair is creating a literary broadcast experience, where through technology, fans can engage with their favorite authors with a touch of a button. 

Along with Martin, Jason Mott, a finalist for the National Book Awards, will talk about his buzz-worthy, New York Times Best Seller, HELL OF A BOOK, which has made many lists and book club picks, including “Good Morning,” USA Today and Entertainment Weekly – just to name a few. Another crowd-pleaser includes Victoria Christopher Murray, author of the novel THE PERSONAL LIBRARIAN, co-written by Marie Benedict, an instant New York Times bestseller and “Good Morning America” Book Club Pick. It’s a remarkable novel about J. P. Morgan’s personal librarian, Belle da Costa Greene, the Black American woman who was forced to hide her true identity and pass as white in order to leave a lasting legacy that enriched our nation. Plus, Rob Kenner reflects on his work, THE MARATHON DON’T STOP: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF NIPSEY HUSSLE, the first in-depth biography of Nipsey Hussle, the hip-hop self-made mogul, artist, and activist whose transformative legacy inspired a generation with his motivational lyrics and visionary business savvy. For the love of Nipsey, THE MARATHON DON’T STOP also hit the New York Times Best Sellers List.

As for fan favorites, celebrity author Yvonne Orji, a stand-up comic and actress, best known as Issa Rae's BFF on the HBO series, “Insecure” shares the secret to living the life of your dreams in her new book, BAMBOOZLED BY JESUS.

And Tyler Merritt shares his experiences as a 6'2" dreadlocked Black man just trying to live his best life, some of those experiences are painful, some hysterical but all are real and relatable in his book, I TAKE MY COFFEE BLACK. Interestingly, Merritt’s viral video "Before You Call the Cops" has been viewed by 59 million people worldwide. Trisha R. Thomas gives viewers a reading from her latest offering, WHAT PASSES AS LOVE, a story about a young woman paying a devastating price for freedom in this heartrending and breathtaking novel of the nineteenth-century South.  Thomas is also the bestselling author of NAPPILY EVER AFTER, which has been adapted into a popular Netflix film.

Finally, talk radio host Dominique Baraka DiPrima of KBLA Talk 1580 offers a special reading from the work of her parents – that is, the late Beat poet/icon Diane di Prima; and acclaimed poet Amiri Baraka, considered the Father of the Black Arts Movement. DiPrima’s mother was the Poet Laureate of San Francisco, and her father was the Poet Laureate of New Jersey. 

In the “Kids Corner, “LPVBF takes its show on the global road! This year’s children’s program, hosted by Chudney Ross, will showcase two authors from Lantana Publishing, a London-based publishing company, dedicated to publishing children's books by authors and illustrators from diverse cultural backgrounds. Ross is the creator of Books and Cookies, a popular children’s bookstore and mobile literacy enrichment program. A fun-filled and engaging lineup is in store, featuring readings by Krina Patel-Sage, author of MY MINDFUL A TO ZEN and Michael Catchpool, author of SUPER JOE DOES NOT DO CUDDLES, as well as storytelling by librarian Binnie Tate Wilkin and a musical performance of “Ice Cream Songs” by Lionel Jean Baptiste!

Our children’s virtual program will end with special children’s author presentation with Don Tate, the award-winning illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children who brings the reading of PIGSKINS TO PAINTBRUSHED: THE STORY OF FOOTBALL-PLAYING ARTIST ERNIE BARNES to life with illustrations from his computer. Barnes is so well-known as an artist that one of his paintings was featured in the opening credits of the TV show “Good Times,” and he was commissioned to create official posters for the Los Angeles 1984 Summer Olympics.  

THE LEIMERT PARK VILLAGE BOOK FAIR PARTNERS WITH THE BOOK FAIRES

And finally, unleashing the magic of fairies, LPVBF is excited to announce a partnership with The Book Fairies, an organization, based in London, that enlists its  “fairies” of volunteers to hide 100 books for a treasure hunt of the book fair’s participating authors throughout Los Angeles City and London.  For more information about The Book Fairies, visit www.IBelieveInBookFairies.com

For more about the Leimert Park Village Book Fair and to register to attend the virtual event, please visit www.leimertparkbookfair.com.

      

Dianne Reeves Set To Join Billy Childs At The Ford

 

Dianne Reeves

By Darlene Donloe 

Dianne Reeves.

That name says it all. It has long been associated with excellence and classic, good music. 

Reeves, who has a rich, smoldering tone coupled with daring, melodic improvisations, is set to take the stage at The Ford on October 14, as the guest of pianist extraordinaire Billy Childs.  

Reeves said when she performs with Childs, she’s performing with “family.” 

I recently caught up with the Grammy Award-winning Reeves to talk about her career and her upcoming performance. 

DD: You have a date coming up at The Ford with Billy Childs.  Talk about what it’s like to work with him and what the audience will hear.

DR:  I’m his guest. This is his show. We have been working together since the early 20s. He’s my brother.  I love performing with him. I will be performing his music and his arrangement. He wrote a wonderful piece that is soul-stirring. It’s powerful. We will surely do something from his brilliant ‘Enlightened Souls.’ 

I will do a couple of things that I’ve recorded with him. He is always so colorful with his approach to music. When we're together, we are family. It’s magic. 

DD: Is this work or is this fun?

DR: It shouldn’t be work. You put in the work to make sure fun can happen.  

DD: You’ve been in the business for a while now, what gets you excited now to perform live or record a new CD?

DR: The fact that I can. The fact that I want to, and the fact that I’m able. I love all of that. Every recording is different. Different people, different experiences. I love collaborating. 

DD: Describe the dream you had for yourself in the beginning. What was the dream and did it manifest or are you still working toward it?

DR: All I knew was I wanted to sing. Didn’t know what to sing. I knew what I didn’t want to do. I started doing the things I wanted to do - that I didn't even know was out there for me. There were things I didn’t imagine could be there for me. They were greater than my imagination.

DD: What didn’t you want to do?

DR: I didn’t want to be a singer in front of a band. I wanted to be part of the band. I wanted to be a co-creator. I wanted to change up. I did not want to do everything the same every night. 

DD: How has the business of music changed since you started? 

DR: I don't even recognize it. I don't know what this is. Young people are doing what record companies used to charge you for. They do it with their fingers, thumbs, and a phone. They can do many things. These are interesting times.  Record companies are no longer the power brokers they used to be.

DD:  Do you ever feel pressure to change your style to fit today’s music?

DR: I can only be me. I try not to chase after anything. I like to work with young people. It inspires me. I’m not changing my style.  

DD:  Talk about today’s music.  What do you think about the music you’re hearing?   

DR: There is so much out there. You can see how many slices of the pie exist. There are just so many people doing so many things. It’s very broad. It reminds me of when I came up and you just had jazz musicians being experimental. Motown was breaking barriers. Music was coming out of Philly. It was extraordinary. I sound like my mother asking, ‘What are you guys listening to?’ 

DD: Who do you listen to?  Who do you think has staying power?

DR:  In terms of staying power – Cecile McLorin Salvant, Jazzmeia Horne, and Jean Bailey, The Bailey Project are all making an impact.  

Dianne Reeves

DD: For anyone going into the music business today, what’s the best advice you would give them?

DR: It is a business. Learn as much as you possibly can. Be thoughtful in terms of the decision you make for yourself and what line you sign your name on. Make a well-informed decision. 

DD:  Where do you go mentally when you’re on stage? 

DR: I’ve been doing it a long time. I feel butterflies. I find the best thing is that two hours before the show when we break bread together and laugh and talk. It's the perfect recipe to set up the show. We have to trust each other. That connection is important to me. We find a place we can relax and then we take it on the stage.  

DD: When you’re not doing your music, what can we find you doing?  What else brings you joy? 

DR: During the pandemic, I sewed a lot. I used to make all my clothes when I first started singing. I love to cook. My skills got better. I saw ‘High On The Hog,’ and invited friends over and cooked for them. I live in Colorado. It’s beautiful. I love the quiet of the mountains.  I love things that give you balance. 

DD:  What do you want people to know about the upcoming show? 

DR: I want the audience to know that this is my opportunity to be a part of “dearest dear of dears,” Billy Childs, and lend my heart to what he’s doing. That’s what we say to each other when we see each other. We say, ‘hello, my dearest dear of dears.’ I believe in his music. I’m always excited to be in the position where he’s the driver. 

**Billy Childs Jazz Chamber Ensemble with special guest Dianne Reeves, 8 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 14, The Ford, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. E, Los Angeles, CA; 323 850-2000.

**Dianne Reeves, Friday, October 22, at 8 p.m., Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Renée, and Henry Segerstrom Hall. Tickets are on sale at scfta.org.

**The Broad Stage presents Duets with Dianne Reeves, Chucho Valdés, and Joe Lovano, 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 23, at The Broad Stage, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica CA 90401. For tickets: thebroadstage.org or call 310-434-3200. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic Draws Celebs From The World of Sports and Entertainment

By Darlene Donloe

It was a who’s who in sports and entertainment as a host of George Lopez’s celebrity friends came out to support the comedian’s Fourteenth Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic, held recently at an exclusive golf club in Toluca Lake, CA.

The proceeds from the ‘sold out’ tournament benefit the George Lopez Foundation, which raises awareness about kidney disease and organ donation. 

George Lopez and Doris Bergman

After a day on the links in support of the nonprofit, the celebrity golfers attended Doris Bergman’s ‘Gratitude Lounge.’

Bergman, a gifting lounge diva who also hosts an annual Style Lounge & Party during the Emmy Award season and an annual Oscar Style Party, presented her fourth annual “Gratitude Lounge,” a lavish and intimate suite co-hosted by Casa De Campo® Hotel Resort & Villas, Precious Vodka and Caribbean Living Magazine. 

Bergman’s lounge included an array of luxury gifts featuring fashion for him and her, including men’s and women’s California casual wear, fashion-forward footwear, beauty, skin & hair care, cannabis topical & edible products, exotic Mexican chocolate, jewelry collections, soy candles, a spectacular golfing get-a-way to the Dominican Republic, Bulgarian vodka, organic Tequila, gourmet sweets and more. 

Omarosa Newman with Naztech

Dennis Haysbert with Mperial Sportswear

George Lopez and Joe Pesci with Mperial Sportswear

Kim Estes with Chokolatta

Dondre Whitfield with Casa de Campo

Chris Spencer with Casa de Campo

Celebs who converged on the grounds of the luscious, green private golf course and teed up included Lopez, Lu Parker, Adrian Gonzalez, Andy Vargas, Brian Krause, Cedric The Entertainer, Celine Pelofi, Christopher Judge, Derrex Brady, D.L. Hughley, Debbe Dunning, Dennis Haysbert, Dondre Whitfield, Dr. Jason Diamond, Galen Gering, Joe Mantegna, Joe Pesci, Kelly Sheehan, Kim Estes, Lizza Monet Morales, Lizzy Small, Mark Rolston, Michael Irby, Momo Rodriguez, Norman Nixon, Omarosa Newman, Oscar De La Hoya, Pat Monahan, Patrika Darbo, Peter Mackenzie, Richard Karn, Robby Krieger, Roland Martin, Steven Michael Quezada, Sugar Ray Leonard, Tim Allen, Tom Ellis, William Wilson, Yancey Arias, Alysha DeValle, Jonathan Antin, Chris Spencer, and more. 

D. L. Hughley with Chokolatta

Roland Martin with The Syndicate

Norm Nixon

George Lopez with Beauty Kitchen

George Lopez and Roland Martin

Hypo Footwear

Participants were feted with gifts from Hypercel Corporation, Naztech, Chokolatta, Dulce Vida Organic Tequila, Twisted Silver, Hypofootwear, Raw Gear, Caribbean Living Magazine, Casa De Campo Resort & Villas, Mperial Sportswear, Beauty Kitchen Skin Care, Hint Water, Milena LA, The RDC Collective, The  Syndicate, Zirconmania, Diamond Veneer, Popcornopolis, Actual Veggies, Simply Gum; Liquid Death, Essentia Water, La Flore Skincare, Kamshield, Doll Babee Cheesecakes, Chipz Happen, C20 Coconut Water, Earth Bands, Peatos Healthy Snacks,  Swipz Wipes, and Zevia. VIP gift bags were provided by Twisted Silver.

Raw Gear

Dulce Vida Organic Tequila

Oscar Maldonado and Jonathan Maldonado of Chokolatta

Diamond Veneer

Twisted Silver

Twisted Silver

DJ Craig Scime

DJ Craig Scime kept the atmosphere lively, kicking off the jams and classic hits.

The mission of The George Lopez Foundation is to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children, adults, and military families confronting challenges in education ad health, as well as increasing community awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.

The George Lopez Foundation.  http://www.georgelopezfoundation.org