The First Annual Balboa Music Festival Is HOT!!!!!

New Edition, Robin Thicke, Gladys Knight, Kelly Price, Keyshia Cole, SWV, and Cameo all Take the Stage for a Legendary Lineup for the First Annual Balboa Music Festival Today at San Fernando Valley’s Premiere Outdoor Venue

Today, under a blazing sun and 100+ heat, the first annual Balboa Music Festival is taking place at the historic Anthony C. Beilenson Park (aka: “Lake Balboa Park”) until 7 p.m..  Lake Balboa is located at 6300 Balboa Blvd in Encino, California. The parks serene environment presents the perfect setting where music fans, throughout the South Land, can assemble to relax and enjoy live entertainment, eclectic culinary fare, and shop in the “Vendor Village”.

Balboa Music Festival LLC partners Steve Gable, Leslie Small, and Sean Collinson have collaborated with Willie McGinist, and Marques Colston to provide the community with a spectacular day of entertainment that will be indelibly etched into their souls. The partners of Balboa Music Festival held a summer contest through online video submissions and voting, to discover the hottest new artists in Southern California.

On September 5^th, the top ten online finalists competed in front of a panel of celebrity judges for the ultimate prize of landing one of two performance slots for the festival. Celebrity judges included: El DeBarge (El DeBarge, 3x Grammy Nominee), Michael McCary (Boyz ll Men, 9^th Street Music and Film), Mike City (CEO Unsung Entertainment, Singer/Songwriter/Producer), Shanice (Grammy Nominated, A&M Records), and disc jockey host Andre Russell (KJLH/102.3 FM). Rocky Sandoval, Gifted Nations, Derek Rusel, Autumn, Victor Orlando & Funjala, Audra Bryant, Andrea Jones, Alphy Nics, and Pozzie Mazerati all entertained RnB LIVE’S guests. Winning the chance of a lifetime, Andrea Jones and Alphy Nics were voted as the top two artists of the competition. Sharing the stage with R&B legends, their upcoming festival performance will serve as an unforgettable, music milestones in their young careers.

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to the Los Angeles Parks Foundation, The Boys and Girls Club of San Fernando Valley, Operation Life, and the Los Angeles Stentorian Firefighters. Online ticket purchases and same day ticket sales from branded booths onsite will also support these organizations.

Admission Fees: General Admission $55, Bronze Reserved $70, Silver Reserved $85, Gold Reserved $100, Platinum Reserved $150, and Diamond Box Seating $300. Seating charts and parking pass information can be found online at www.BalboaMusicFestival.com. Children tickets $15.

Balboa Music Festival would like to thank the following sponsors for their support: 94.7 The Wave, 102.3 KJLH, City of Los Angeles Parks and Recreation, Councilman Tony Cardena, Councilman Dennis Zine, Siringo-Ringo Law Firm, WSS, Front Gate Tickets, Status Vodka, Cascal, Zuri Wine Tasting, Courvoisier, Chambord Vodka, Stacked Wine, Lux Lounge EFR, MGM Grand, Pop Chips, Oogies Popcorn, HINT water, O.N.E. Coconut Water, Dream Water, Sierra Club, Queen of Kale Chips by Foodist Monk, Aromaology, and Motives for LaLa.

Karen Clark Sheard's Tribute To Mariah Carey

 

Sheard Receives Rave Reviews for One of the Evening’s

Most Memorable Performances

(Detroit, MI – September 10, 2012) – Karew (pronounced: Kuh-rue) Records and four-time GRAMMY^® Award-winning recording artist Karen Clark Sheard gave one of the evening’s most memorable performances in a tribute to music legend Mariah Carey at the BMI Urban Music Awards at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles.

Carey was the 2012 recipient of BMI's Icon Music Award. A personal favorite, Carey requested Clark Sheard to be a part of the tribute, which also included performances by Fantasia, Joe, Eric Benet and a special DJ medley mix by longtime super producer Jermaine Dupri. Clark Sheard performed Carey’s gospel-influenced “Anytime You Need a Friend,” written and co-produced by Carey, which was featured on the Music Box album (1993). “It was an honor to be a part of Mariah’s tribute,” says Clark Sheard. “From the beginning, I’ve always loved her and her music. She is an inspiration and blessing to the world.  She is an incredible artist and friend.  She has always been a constant supporter and cheerleader for my music and ministry.”  

                                                           KAREN CLARK SHEARD

Clark Sheard’s outstanding performance resonated throughout the theatre, which primarily consisted of hip-hop and R&B producers, songwriters and executives causing a shift in the atmosphere for the audience who responded with a standing ovation. Carey cried tears of joy as Clark Sheard performed one of her favorite and classic hit songs. During the celebration, Carey personally thanked her for making her tribute special, and said, “Your voice must be heard by the world.” Carey's manager and American Idol alumnus Randy Jackson marveled at Clark Sheard's remarkable and unique talent and could not stop raving about her performance to Carey and others throughout the evening.  Dupri tweeted, “[Karen Clark Sheard] is incredible!  She gave us all sangin’ lessons.”  Praise for her performance was expressed throughout the theatre by artists, producers, songwriters and industry executives. Clark Sheard’s children, Kierra Sheard and JDrew Sheard II, her biggest supporters, were also on hand and echoed the enthusiasm for their mother’s awesome and brilliant rendition.

This fall, Clark Sheard will continue her extensive concert dates, as well as select appearances with the legendary Clark Sisters.  Clark Sheard is preparing for a new recording and her inaugural First Lady conference in 2013. Details about the conference will be announced in the coming weeks.

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ABOUT KAREW RECORDS

Karew Records was founded in 2009 by multiple award-winning gospel legend Karen Clark Sheard and her husband, Bishop J. Drew Sheard. Karew Records, distributed by EMI Gospel, is a faith-based label focusing on various forms of gospel, Christian and inspirational music for all nations and generations. Based in Detroit, MI, Karew Records was initially established as a label home for the family's various recording projects. The label roster includes Karen Clark Sheard, Kierra Sheard, The Clark Sisters and the production works of producer, JDrew Sheard II (JDS). In 2012, Karew Records signed renowned worship leader and recording artist Jonathan Nelson. This signing marks the label's first acquisition outside of the family.

www.karewrecords.com

THE SEAGULL OPENS September 20-23

'Note To Self' Set For October 2 Release

 

Los Angeles, California (September 10, 2012) As the Summer has come to a close, the Fall season returns, and with it brings the College Sports Season, Back to School, and all the trappings that come with Autumn, from weather to romance.  This Fall, Tri Destined Studios welcomes the Season of Love with the romantic sports film “Note to Self”, presented along with Image Entertainment, One Village Ent., and Swirl Films on October 2, 2012.

In the vein of “Love and Basketball” meets “Good Will Hunting”, “Note to Self” follows a handsome and popular student athlete coming of age during his senior year of college, as his world begins to fall apart due to his mom’s failing health and the reappearance of his father after 16 years. Curtis confides in a therapist whom he interns for, about the things he is going through, who recommends that Curtis start writing it all down in his journal so he can explore his thoughts and feelings ala a note to self. While struggling with his issues, Curtis is caught in a love triangle between his “friend with benefits” and a student nurse who happens to be a full time pessimist on the subject of love and men. Curtis inevitably learns in this journey of self-realization that he must release his mother, regain his father, find true love, graduate, and finally understand his note to self.

CHRISTIAN KEYES and LETOYA LUCKETT

 

“Note to Self” is written by and stars Christian Keyes (Tyler Perry's Madea Goes to Jail, BET’s Let’s Stay Together), alongside LeToya Luckett (Grammy Recording Artist, Preacher’s Kid), Richard T. Jones (Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married), Brian McKnight (Platinum Recording Artist) Eva Marcille (America’s Top Model), Clifton Powell (Ray), Valarie Pettiford (Jumping the Broom), Jason Weaver (Drumline, The Lion King) Brely Evans (Sparkle). 

RICHARD T. JONES

 

The “Note to Self” production team includes Director: Trey Haley; Producers: ND Brown, Eric Tomosunas, Veronica Nichols, Keith Neal; Executive Producers: Christian Keyes, Brett Dismuke; Co-Producers: Jeff Lam; Associate Producers: Gregory Anderson, Reginald Jones; Production Companies: Tri Destined Studios, Swirl Films; Distributor: Image Entertainment, One Village Entertainment. “Note To Self” Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6j5N0sMdKI “Note to Self” will be available in stores on October 2, 2012 on DVD.

It’s been a banner year for Tri Destined Studios (www.tridestined.com) and its executives with a bevy of projects including “He’s Mine Not Yours” and “Lord All Men Can’t Be Dogs” which both premiered on BET; “She’s Still Not Our Sister”, GMC’s hit four-part gospel play series Executive Produced by Tri Destined CEO, ND Brown and Eric Tomosunas; and the upcoming faith based comedy “We are Family”. Further expanding the Studio’s capabilities, Tri Destined made a foray into casting four filmed plays of critically acclaimed playwright and director, David E. Talbert (First Sunday) for Image Entertainment.

BET Celebrates 25th Anniversary of Michael Jackson's "BAD" Album With Two-Hour Tribute

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 AT 8 P.M. ET

New York, NY – September 6, 2012 – On Tuesday, September 18, 2012 at 8:00 p.m. ET*, BET Networks will premiere BET PRESENTS: BAD25 – THE SHORT FILMS OF MICHAEL JACKSON,  a two-hour tribute to the industry-redefining short films emanating from the landmark Michael Jackson album, BAD, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.  The TV special airs the same day as the release of BAD25, available in multiple formats, which will include CDs of the original album plus rare and previously unreleased audio as well as the first ever authorized DVD and CD release of a concert from the record breaking BAD World Tour.  
Partnering with Sony Music and The Estate of Michael Jackson, BET has created a unique and spectacular televised tribute to the short films from Michael Jackson’s BAD.  Through photos, visuals and interviews with celebrity fans, cultural critics and contemporary artists who have been influenced by Michael, the special will take viewers on a fascinating journey celebrating the everlasting influence on the music video artform by one of the most historically significant works of modern music, BAD.  The special will include interviews with Ne-Yo, Ashanti, Michael Eric Dyson, A$AP Rocky, Beverly Johnson, Affion Crockett, Al Sharpton, MC Lyte and others. 
BAD is not only a multi-platinum album; it is a cultural phenomenon.  The album was #1 around the world, made history with five consecutive #1 singles on the Billboard chart, and produced nine chart-topping singles, and nine groundbreaking and iconic short films, including Smooth Criminal, The Way You Make Me Feel and Bad.  To date, the BAD album has generated over 45 million units in sales.  The BAD World Tour was Michael’s first concert tour as a solo artist, and his only North American tour, and included 123 concerts attended by more than 4.4 million fans over sixteen months. When it concluded, the tour had shattered all previous touring records for attendance and total gross revenue. 
BET PRESENTS:  BAD25 – THE SHORT FILMS OF MICHAEL JACKSON reminds us, once again, that Jackson was, indeed, BAD. 
BET PRESENTS:  BAD25 – THE SHORT FILMS OF MICHAEL JACKSON is produced by Ducret Media for BET Networks with executive producer Tony Ducret and producer Amita Patel. 
Join the BET PRESENTS: BAD25 – THE SHORT FILMS OF MICHAEL JACKSON conversation on Twitter by using hashtag: #MJBAD25; and following us @BET.  

About BET Networks
BET Networks, a subsidiary of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the nation’s leading provider of quality entertainment, music, news and public affairs television programming for the African-American audience. The primary BET channel reaches more than 90 million households and can be seen in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom and sub-Saharan Africa. BET is the dominant African-American consumer brand with a diverse group of business extensions: BET.com, a leading Internet destination for Black entertainment, music, culture, and news; CENTRIC, a 24-hour entertainment network targeting the 25- to 54-year-old African-American audience; BET Digital Networks - BET Gospel and BET Hip Hop, attractive alternatives for cutting-edge entertainment tastes; BET Home Entertainment, a collection of BET-branded offerings for the home environment including DVDs and video-on-demand; BET Event Productions, a full-scale event management and production company with festivals and live events spanning the globe; BET operates in the United Kingdom and oversees the extension of BET network programming for global distribution.

About BAD25
Twenty-five years after the phrase “Who’s Bad” became a generation’s cultural catchphrase, Epic/Legacy Recordings, in collaboration with The Estate of Michael Jackson, will celebrate the legendary album and record breaking BAD tour on September 18, 2012 with the release of a deluxe package, BAD25, which includes three CDs, two collectible booklets, and features the first ever authorized DVD release of a concert from the record breaking BAD tour.  This magnificent 3 CD/1 DVD box set will also include two extensive booklets with yet unseen photos form the recording sessions, video sets and the concert tour, the original BAD cover art, a two-sided poster and more.  A BAD25 two CD standard edition featuring the original album plus the CD of demos and new remixes will also be made available as will a standalone edition of the DVD and a picture disc of the original album.

Emmy® Award-Winning Casting Director and Talent Executive Robi Reed Hosts 10th Annual Labor Day Weekend Benefit

"ROBI REED'S 10TH ANNUAL SUNSHINE BEYOND SUMMER CELEBRATION"

THE DAY PARTY WITH A PURPOSE

Annual end-of-summer celebration marked its 10th year with the launch of the

Reed For Hope Foundation

  

Robi Reed arrives in a beautiful red gown to the Sunshine Beyond Summer Celebration

LOS ANGELES (September 5, 2012) - Emmy®Award-winning casting director and talent executive Robi Reed held her legendary Labor Day weekend end-of-summer event,  "Robi Reed's 10th annual Sunshine Beyond Summer Celebration" - The Day Party With A Purpose, on Saturday, September 1, 2012 in the gardens of The Getty House, the official residence of the Mayor of Los Angeles.  As one of the most highly-coveted invites in the entertainment industry, Reed brought together a select, diverse group of about 400 influencers, ranging from Hollywood insiders and business executives to community leaders, close friends and associates, for a fundraiser unlike any other.

The event was co-hosted by model Selita Ebanks, actor/host Terrence J ("Think Like A Man") and actress/comedienne Kym Whitley (NBC's "Animal Practice").  There were musical performances by Grammy® Award-nominated singer Ledisi, NBC's "The Voice" contestant, Jamar Rogers, and the band, The Phat Cat Players.  Guests danced to the sounds of DJ Vince Adams. Celebrities and notables in attendance included Sherri Shepherd, Kimberly Elise, Affion Crockett, Niecy Nash, Yvette Nicole Brown, Vanessa Bell Calloway, John Singleton, Keisha Whitaker, Rahsaan Patterson, Thomas Jones, Datari Turner, Vanessa Williams, Wesley Jonathan, Keith Robinson, Rochelle Aytes, Eva Marcille, Sheldon Candis, Tanya Wright, Christian Keyes, Kita Williams, Rolonda Watts, Freda Payne, Jennifer Williams, Aaron D. Spears, Quinton Aaron, Bresha Webb, Norwood Young, Tanya Young Williams, and Destinee Hooker, among others.

This year, Reed launched her non-profit organization, the Reed For Hope Foundation (RFHF), which aims to raise awareness, gather resources, and build alliances with other charities and organizations in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.  Actress/singer Keke Palmer and singer Sean Kingston were announced as the 2012-2013 RFHF Teen Awareness Initiative Ambassadors.  Steve Pemberton, Chief Diversity Officer and Divisional Vice President for Walgreens and author of "A Chance In the World," shared his new book with guests and announced a commitment to future support of RFHF and its programs.  In keeping with RFHF's mission, Debra Fraser-Howze, Senior Vice President of Government and External Affairs at OraSure Technologies, introduced their new product, OraQuick, the first FDA-approved, in-home rapid HIV test, to an enthusiastic response from the attendees.  Ms. Fraser-Howze also presented Reed with a limited-edition commemorative crystal as a special gift to acknowledge her ten years of raising funds and awareness for the HIV/AIDS cause with her annual event.

The charitable beneficiary of the 2012 Sunshine Beyond Summer (SBS) Celebration was the Black AIDS Institute (BAI), which was presented with a special donation check at the event.  BAI has partnered with the South African Coin Exchange, the Nelson Mandela Foundation, and the Nobel Prize Foundation to raise funds to fight HIV/AIDS in the United States.  Robi Reed was presented with a rare silver-plated Mandela coin and guests at the event were gifted with souvenir Mandela coins.

Ms. Reed honored the following individuals with the first-ever Sunshine Award for Being a Beacon of Light in the Community:  Phill Wilson (Black AIDS Institute), Debra Fraser-Howze (OraSure Technologies), Sonya Lockett (BET's Rap-It-Up campaign), Jennifer Hopson (American Heart Association), Cynthia Carey-Grant (Women Organized to Respond to Life-Threatening Disease), and the Honorable Judge Greg Mathis, an ardent supporter of Reed's annual event.

"The Black AIDS Institute has been the charitable beneficiary of my annual end-of-summer event since the very beginning.  Through the Reed For Hope Foundation, we are extending our fundraising campaign through September 15th and asking everyone to partner with us in charity, by donating at least one dollar to the campaign for the Black AIDS Institute.  Together, we can make a difference," said Reed.

The 2012 SBS Celebration was sponsored in part by The Kess Agency, OraSure Technologies (Donor of Distinction), and Nike.  Honorary Host Committee members included Queen Latifah, Shakim Compere, Hosea Chanchez, Rushion McDonald, Chris Rock, Mara and Salim Akil, James DuBose, Tony and Vanessa Calloway, Pastor Toure Roberts, Bishop Noel Jones, Ben Crump, Dr. Jasper Brewster, and Bernard Bronner.  Event ground transportation was provided by Wings Limousine Service.

For more information about the SBS Celebration, visit www.sunshinebeyondsummer.com.

About Robi Reed

Robi Reed is an Emmy Award-winning casting director and producer, and has been a leader amongst casting directors in the motion picture and television industry for over twenty years.  With more than 50 films to her credit, her rise to success as a casting director began with the film, School Daze, written and directed by Spike Lee.  She went on to work with the writer-director on subsequent projects, including Do the Right Thing, Mo' Better Blues, Jungle Fever, Malcolm X, and Clockers.  She cast Denzel Washington's directorial debut, Antwone Fisher, and Oprah Winfrey's acclaimed ABC television movie, Their Eyes Were Watching God.  Her most recent successes in film include Tyler Perry's For Colored Girls and I Can Do Bad All By Myself.  She is currently Vice President of Talent and Casting for Original Programming at BET Networks, where she oversees all scripted and reality shows for the network.

About The Reed For Hope Foundation

The Reed For Hope Foundation (RFHF) aims to raise awareness, gather resources, and build alliances with other charities and organizations in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.  RFHF will also support women's and children's health initiatives.  Through education, we HOPE to make our world a healthier place to live.  For more information, to get involved or make a donation to RFHF, visit www.reedforhope.org.

For more information about the SBS Celebration, visit www.sunshinebeyondsummer.comor contact Joseph Babineaux of Perspective Public Relations, (323) 389-6130 or joseph@perspective-pr.com.

To request interviews or more information regarding Robi Reed and RFHF, contact Tammy Warren, (424) 258-4467 or tammy@warrenprandconsulting.com.

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(L-R): Kym Whitley, Selita Ebanks, Kimberly Steward of The Kess Agency, Robi Reed, and Terrence J

 

Selita Ebanks and Terrence J   (L-R): Phill Wilson, Robi Reed,

                                                                             Affion Crockett and Vanessa Bell Calloway

  

Ledisi performing onstage                             (L-R): Robi Reed, Ledisi, 

                                                                           Vanessa Williams, and Norwood Young

 

(L-R): Robi Reed, Kym Whitley, Debra Fraser-Howze of OraSure Technologies,

Donald Lancaster, Esq. (RFHF Board Member), and Phill Wilson

Ms. Fraser-Howze presented Robi Reed with a limited-edition commemorative crystal

 

(L-R): Jennifer Williams, Olympic volleyball                 (L-R): Datari Turner, Robi Reed,

player Destinee Hooker, Niecy Nash, and                                and Wesley Jonathan 

Kita Williams                     

 

(L-R): John Singleton, Kimberly Elise,           Jamar Rogers performing

                      Destinee Hooker, and C.O. Brown (RFHF Board Member)

                              

(L-R): Tanya Young Williams, Rolonda Watts, Robi Reed, and Vanessa Bell Calloway

Photo Credit for All Images:

Arnold Turner / The Reed For Hope Foundation

 

Healdsburg International Short Film Festival Set

The Healdsburg International Short Film Festival kicks off Friday night September 21, 2012 at 7:00 PM with an exclusive screening for filmmakers, sponsors and limited seating for the general public, at the Raven Film Center located at 415 Centre Street in Healdsburg, Ca.

This exciting event will welcome the festival’s numerous filmmakers, many of who are traveling great distances and a few from our own backyard. The evening’s program will also acknowledge and thank the festival's prominent local sponsors, who have helped bring life to this celebration of film. The public in attendance will be treated to a showcase of shorts that represent the tone of films to be shown in the body of the festival. 

 TOM WAITS

For those seeking a night on the town, Healdsburg’s ultra -chic “h2hotel” is offering up the “Spoonbar” as the setting for filmmakers and the public to mingle.  There will be a 45-minute film screening at 10:00 PM and ticket holders of this event will also receive a free drink. This is a great opportunity to hang out with filmmakers and festival attendees after a long day of experiencing the magic of independent film!

 JACK McGEE

The festival is proud to add two family screenings to the weekend lineup, Saturday Sept. 22 and Sunday Sept. 23, both at 2PM. We encourage the public to bring children over the age of 7 for an engaging, rich cultural experience of independent film designed for the younger crowd and those young at heart! The family screening tickets are discounted in the amount of $12.00

Tickets for the festival kick off and all festival events and screenings are on sale now at:

http://healdsburginternationalshortfilmfestival.com/

The festival founders are deeply grateful to the esteemed jury for their support and participation. Each judge has a strong commitment to the craft of film and each are unique and prolific artists in their fields. The judges currently on board to judge the films that audiences will first vote on are:

KATHLEEN BRENNAN an American songwriter, record producer, artist, writer and longtime collaborator with her husband Tom Waits.

ED BEGLEY JR has been as a successful actor, director, producer and devout environmental activist for over three decades.

JACK McGEE is a veteran actor of dozens of critically acclaimed motion pictures and enumerable TV roles.

JON SHAPIRO is a renowned Digital 3D Pioneer, as well as a two time Emmy-winning Motion Picture, Television, and Music Producer.

TOM WAITS is a two-time Grammy® Award-winner and Academy Award®-nominated singer/songwriter/musician/actor and in 2010 was inducted into the Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame.