Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Hosts Star-Studded Theatre Awards

By Darlene Donloe

A celebration of black theater in Los Angeles was held last Monday evening at the 21st Annual Beverly Hills/Hollywood NAACP Theatre Awards.

The star-studded event, held at the Directors Guild of America, was attended by a number of celebrities who were there, they said, to pay tribute to black theater and to their thespian colleagues who hone their craft in the theatre.

The night was the culmination of a weekend of theater that began at the Los Angeles Theatre Center.  The 4th Annual Theatre Festival featured 10-minute plays, one-woman shows, panel discussions and a performance by Obba Babatunde.

Hosted by actress/comedienne Niecy Nash, the awards show paid tribute to Diahann Carroll with the Lifetime Achievement Award, Obba Babatunde with the Trailblazers Award, Raven Symone with the Spirit Award and Pamela Browner White with the President’s Award, in addition to recognizing local and Equity productions.

Diahann Carroll
(photo by Miki Turner)

Nash reminded the winners not to waste time at the microphone thanking God and their mothers.

“Don’t take all day, we all know you want to thank the Lord and your mama,” said Nash, who was recently married. “Get on with it.”

Upon presenting Carroll with her Lifetime Achievement Award Billy Dee Williams took so long introducing her he said, “you can tell I love this woman.”

Billy Dee Williams

Upon receiving her award from Williams, Carroll jokingly said he took so long talking about her accomplishments, even she got “bored.”

However, Carroll was humble about the NAACP’s acknowledgment.

“It means a great deal more than I can tell you,” she said. “The NAACP has been a part of my life all of my life.”

Regarding Williams, Carroll said, “Billy and I go back so far it’s ridiculous. I don’t think I have a better male friend. Ain’t he fine?”

Singer Freda Payne sang a tribute to Carroll.

Freda Payne

Obba Babatunde, who also won for his performance in A Soldier’s Play, told the audience he appreciated receiving the Trailblazer Award because it wasn’t for a single performance, but for his body of work.

Obba Babatunde

“This speaks to my career,” said Babatunde. “I can’t tell you how happy I am or how wonderful this is to receive this award. This means so much to me.”

Actress Raven Symone said she only wanted to thank one person – Phylicia Rashad, for encouraging her to find a good script and get involved in the theater.

Raven Symone
(Photo by Miki Turner)

“I’m not an actor and I don’t have any talent,” said Pamela Browner White, who received the President’s Award for her various civic and community activities. “But, I have an incredible appreciation for artists. We at the MAA (Marian Anderson Award) believe artists can change the world.”

Browner-White is the vice president, public affairs for the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and also chairs the Marian Anderson Award.

Willis Edwards, 1st vice president of the branch and co-chair of the festival praised everyone involved for their hard work.

“First, I want the black theater community to know how much we appreciate them,” said Edwards. “Black people have always expressed themselves and given voice to who we are as a people - through theater. These awards are not just for show. This is to honor our legacy as well as those that keep that legacy alive.”

Willis Edwards

Other celebrities on hand included Keith Robinson, Art Evans, Glynn Turman, Freda Payne, Tatyana Ali, Dorien Wilson, Iona Morris, Karen Malina White, Michael Colyar, Quinton Aaron, Loretta Devine, Harry Lennix, Romeo Miller, Jill Marie Jones, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Wren T. Brown, Bernard and Shirley Kinsey, Isaiah Washington, Jurnee Smollett, Brandon T. Jackson, Stacey Dash, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, George Wallace, Margaret Avery, Orlando Jones, Brian White and more.

Keith Robinson

Loretta Devine
(Photo by Miki Turner)

“The theater is where all good acting starts, said Brian White (Men of A Certain Age). “All the real actors from Denzel [Washington] to Meryl Streep come from the theater.”

Brian White

“Theater is the backbone of all intent,” said Chad Coleman (The Wire/Fox’s ‘I Hate My Teenage Daughter). “Any actor worth their salt has to be up on the stage. The theater is like a proving ground for actors. There’s a relationship that happens between an actor and an audience that is unlike anything else.”

Ben Guillory, who heads the Robey Theatre Company (RTC), won an award for Best Producer – Local.  Several productions done under the RTC banner also won awards, including Kellie Roberts’ “Transitions,” which won Best Ensemble Cast (local) and Best Playwright (local) for Roberts.

“The work being done in Los Angeles is a testament to the tenacity of playwrights,” said Guillory. “It’s tough, tough work. Robey is cultivating many of these playwrights in our playwright program. This whole thing about Los Angeles not being a theater town…Let me say there are more productions being done here than anywhere else in the country and that includes New York and Chicago.”

Following is a listing of the winners:

 Best Supporting Female (Local) – Tiffany Snow – For  Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf

Tiffany Snow

Best Supporting  Male (Local) – Robert Clements – The Emperor’s Last Performance

Best Supporting Female (Equity) – Baadja-Lyne – Steel Magnolias

Best Supporting Male (Equity) – Chester Gregory – Dreamgirls

TRAILBLAZER AWARD – OBBA BABATUNDE

Best Playwright (Local) – Kellie Roberts – Transitions

Best Playwright (Equity) – Lynn Nottage – Ruined

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD – Diahann Carroll

Best One Person Show (local) – Billie! Backstage with Lady Day - Synthia L. Hardy

Best One Person Show (Equity) – Through The Night – Daniel Beaty

Best Lead Female (local) – Sonya Evans – For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow Is Enuf

Best Lead Female (Equity) – Moya Angela – Dreamgirls

Best Lead Male (local) – Obba Babatunde – A Soldier’s Play

Best Lead Male (Equity) – Charlie Robinson – The Whipping Man

SPIRIT AWARD – Raven Symone

In her acceptance speech, Symone said she wanted to thank only one person, actress/director Phylicia Rashad, who encouraged her to pursue theater.

Best Ensemble Cast (local) – Transitions

Best Ensemble Cast (Equity) – Ruined

PRESIDENT’S AWARD – Pamela Browner White

“I’m not an actor and don’t have any talent,” said White. “But, I have an incredible appreciation for artists. We at the Marion Anderson Association believe artists can change the world.”

Best Director (local) – Shirley Jo Finney – The Ballad of Emmett Till

Cast of The Ballad of Emmett Till - Director Shirley Jo Finney (center)

Best Director (Equity) – Michael Matthews - Take Me Out

Best Producer (local) – Ben Guillory and the Robey Theatre Company in Assn. with Latino Theatre Company – The Reckoning

“There are more productions done here in Los Angeles than anywhere else in the country, including New York and Chicago,” said Guillory upon receiving his award. “The work being done in Los Angeles  is a testament to the tenacity of playwrights who must put words on a page. It’s tough, tough work.”

Best Producer (Equity) – Kevin McCollum, Jeffrey Seller,  Jill Furman Willis, Sander Jacobs, Goodman/Grossman, Peter Fine and Everett /Skipper – In The Heights

Earlier in the day, technical awards were handed out.

Their names aren’t readily known and many of their faces aren’t recognizable, yet the contributions made by artists on the technical side of the theater world are no less important than those of the actors and actresses who appear on stage.

They include musical directors, choreographers, lighting, sound and costumers, all of whom help bring a production to life.

Although many of the recipients were not present to receive their awards, those that were on hand expressed gratitude to the NAACP for recognizing their contributions.

Actors Sammie Wayne and Sherrima Queen co-hosted the event. Although the program had a few glitches, Wayne kept the show moving with his quick wit and spontaneity.

The production In the Heights was the big winner, taking home six of the seven technical awards in the Equity category. Unfortunately, no one from the production was on hand to receive the awards.

Following is a list of winners for local and Equity productions:

Best Lighting (local) – Sammie Wayne - Pieces of Me

Sammie Wayne

Best Lighting (Equity) Howell Binkley – In The Heights

Best Director of a Musical (local) – Michael Matthews – The Women of Brewster Place

Michael Matthews

Best Director of a Musical (Equity) -Thomas Kail – In The Heights

Best Choreography (local) – Ameenah Kaplan – The Women of Brewster Place, The Musical

Best Choreography (Equity) – Andy Blankenbuehler – In the Heights

Best Costumes (local) – Nancy Renee – Langston and Nicolas

Nancy Renee

Best Costumes (Equity) – William Ivey Long – Dreamgirls

Best Set Design (local) – Shaun Motley - Three Sisters After Chekhov

Best Set Design (Equity) – Anna Louizos – In the Heights

Best Sound (local) – Eric Butler – The Emperor’s Last Performance

Best Sound (Equity) – Acme Sound Partners – In the Heights

Best Music Director (local) – Lanny Hartley - Billie! Backstage with Lady Day

Best Music Director (Equity) – Alex Lacamoire – In The Heights

The five-member Urban Arts Theater West dance troupe, under the direction of Founder and Artistic Director Stephen Semien, opened the awards show.

All photos taken by Darlene Donloe, except where noted photo taken by Miki Turner

“I Will Follow” Now on DVD, Salli Richardson-Whitfield Stars

By Darlene Donloe

Salli Richardson Whitfield & Omari Hardwick

    

The independent film, “I Will Follow,” the brainchild of writer/director/producer Ava DuVernay, is set for release on DVD Aug. 23, 2011.
    The drama, which found success and won several awards during its heavy film festival circuit, was released in theaters nationwide last March.
    The movie, which takes place during one day in a Topanga Canyon home, focuses on a woman named Maye, played by Salli Richardson-Whitfield, who is sorting through her life while dealing with the death of Amanda, her recently deceased aunt (Beverly Todd). Amanda, who had breast cancer, decided she wanted to die at home and skip chemotherapy.
    The movie, which is loosely based on what director DuVernay actually experienced with her own aunt, also stars Omari Hardwick (For Colored Girls), Blair Underwood (The Event), Michole White and Beverly Todd (Crash).
    DuVernay, a publicist (The DuVernay Agency) and founder of AFFRM, (African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement) has several other projects under her directorial belt including, My Mic Sounds Nice, This Is The Life and Live From Essence Music Festival.
    However, “I Will Follow” is her first feature film. The movie is an Official Selection of AFI Fest and Chicago International Film Festival and winner of Pan-African International and Urbanworld Film Festivals.
    I recently caught up with Richardson-Whitfield (Syfy’s Eureka, I Am Legend, Antwone Fisher), who is married to actor Dondre Whitfield, to talk about her role in I Will Follow and the release of the DVD.
    DD:  What was it about I Will Follow that attracted you?
SRW: Well, it’s one of those things. My manager was instrumental in getting the script to me. I had no idea who Ava [DuVernay] was. I had to make a decision in a week. I read it. It was beautiful.  My manager said, ‘you have to do this.’ Once I met Ava and we sat down and talked, I realized she was a powerhouse. I said, ok, I’m going to put my trust in you. As an African American, this piece is rare. I made the right decision. I’m so happy to know Ava.
DD: How did you decide to play her  - what did you want to make sure you got across?
SRW:  I don’t know if I look at things like that. I look at the situation. What am I going through as an actress? I just get there and I do it.  I learn my words and know my situation. I do a little improv work with actors to get a relationship. I go where my feelings take me. I go along with the character. Now that I’ve been doing this TV show for so long, it’s helped me as an actress not to plan too much.
DD: Did you approach the role differently once you found out if was the director’s story?
SRW: It makes it a little more precious. She didn’t try to make me be her or act like her or get me to be a particularway in a scene because she would have been that director. She really helped me connect. She showed me a pic of her aunt one day. Seeing the picture helped me find the sadness and the depth of how hard this was for her.
DD: Could you relate to your character in any way?
SRW: Definitely. I’m not a big crier. I’m the one who keeps everything happy and strong. I don’t show a lot of emotion all of the time unless really needed. I think that’s what she felt that Maye was. It was a journey to find those feelings.

 SALLI RICHARDSON WHITFIELD & OMARI HARDWICK

DD: What goes into your decision to play a role?
SRW: Right now the things I do on the side, I look for thing that scare me. I sit there for a moment and say I don’t know if I can do this. If it doesn’t scare me I may not want to do it. There are some things I can do with my eyes close. I have to put in some hard work, but I’m always striving to get better.
DD: Are you happy with the success of the film?
SRW: You do this tiny little film and most films like this would have done well at film festivals, but no one else would have every seen it. That’s why Ava is brilliant as a director. She knows how to market her film. I’m very surprised and happy about the film.
DD: What’s up next for you?
SRW: I started directing my show (Eureka) th last two years, last season and this season. I find I love it. Now that my show is over, I’m looking to do a short film during my break. I’m also interested in finding a new TV show to do.
DD: What does TV do for you and what does film do for you?
SRW: What’s great about film is - a character has a beginning, middle and end. You get four months to explore a character. With TV, I’ve gotten to an unbelievable comfort zone. I used to be an over preparer. It’s good when you do that but sometimes you’re not letting yourself be. It gave me a comfort in my acting. I like the consistency of a show. With my show [Eureka], because it’s cable, you only shoot 13 a season. I like to do a show, have fun and on break find an artistic piece to do.
DD: Your show, Eureka is about to end.
SRW: Yes, we’ll be done on Aug. 30. It’s done. It’s been five years. I’m excited about being home. While doing the show I’ve had to fly home every weekend. It’s hard when you have young children. My daughter is seven and my son is two.

"I Will Follow" will be available at Amazon.com and Walmart on Aug. 23, 2011.  MSRP: $14.99

http://www.amazon.com/I-Will-Follow-Salli-Richardson-Whitfield/dp/B004Z1HYBS

THE HELP, A REVIEW

Emma Stone, Octavia Spencer & Viola Davis

Kathryn Stockett’s novel about African American maids and the white families they work for, is heavy, but worth the weight.
It opened today (Aug. 10) and is on course to gross $5 million on its first day in theaters.
The beloved novel, set in early-1960s Jackson, Mississippi, focuses on the relationship of ‘The Help’ and the white families they work for.
While ‘The Help’ can clean their homes, their clothes, raise their babies and cook their food, the movie highlights how maids in the south in the 60s were still mistreated, disrespected and looked upon as the underclass.  Although this movie doesn’t reveal anything new from that era, it points out how whites really felt about the black women who spent more time in their homes raising their children - than in their own homes.
And, although they were involved in almost every aspect of a white families home  - they were forbidden to touch white people (except for their children) or to use the family’s bathrooms.
    The movie is poignant and funny as the maids tell how they really feel about white people and specifically the families they work for. Some of it is harsh, but it’s a chance for the women to speak their truth. Speaking the truth, during that time could have gotten the women jailed, beaten or worse yet, killed because racial tensions were high during the civil rights movement.
    ‘The Help’ is an easy look at the issues that surrounded the volatile climate of the civil rights movement.  The south was relentless in its disdain for ‘coloreds’ at the time. The movie, however, plays it safe in its presentation.
To its credit, The Help boasts an exceptional cast.
Viola Davis plays Aibileen, an impassive maid. A sturdy actress, Davis, already an Academy Award nominee, could possibly get yet another nod. She has already mastered diving in head first to present three-dimensional characters. Davis is always effective as she infuses her characters with a spirit and a soul.

Viola Davis & Bryce Dallas Howard

Octavia Spencer, nearly steals the film as Minny, the take-no-stuff maid.  She clearly provides comic relief and a feistiness that also proves to be a form of bravery.  She actually has the best storyline in the film.
She too, could quite possibly get an Academy nod in the supporting actress category with her expressive face and impeccable comedic timing.
Davis and Spencer play maids who agree to tell their stories to a young white journalist, “Skeeter” Phelan (Emma Stone), who wants to write a book from the maids points of view.
Cicely Tyson is spectacular as a maid named Constantine.  Bryce Dallas Howard rocks as Hilly, an uptight society girl, while Sissy Spacek brings on the funny as her mother. Howard is a delicious villain and Spacek and Allison Janney give fabulous supporting turns.
Stone’s Skeeter is a ballsy college student turned writer, who wanted to write a firsthand account of the maid/family relationship as seen through the eyes of the maid. Not to draw attention to herself or the maids, who would surely lose their jobs if they are found out, Skeeter starts secretly interviewing the two brave maids about their experiences. After a racial incident in the town more maids come forward to share their stories.
This is one of the best movies of the year!!!
The Help (Walt Disney Pictures), directed by Tate Taylor, is rated PG-13. Running time: 146 min.
On the DONLOE Scale, The Help gets an E (excellent).
The Donloe Scale, D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (OK) and E (excellent).

MOVIE REVIEWS

Following are reviews of recently released or soon to be released films.  Films include: Crazy Stupid Love, The Guard, Higher Ground, Horrible Bosses and Captain America. 
All of the films will receive a DONLOE Scale rating. On the Donloe Scale, D (don’t bother), O (oh, no), N (needs work), L (likable), O (OK-Outstanding) and E (excellent-exquisite).

CRAZY, STUPID, LOVE

This ensemble comedy with several stories interwoven, focuses on the split-up of straight-laced Cal (Steve Carell) and Emily (Julianne Moore), who have been married more than 20 years. Emily, who is having an affair, has become bored with the marriage and wants to move on. Cal takes the split hard.
Jonah Bobo, who plays the couple’s 13-year-old son, Robbie nearly steals this movie. He has a crush on the family babysitter (Analeigh Tipton), who has a secret crush of her own.
The fun begins when Cal meets a womanizer named Jacob (Ryan Gosling) at a club.  Jacob not only helps Cal with a complete makeover, he teaches him how to pick up women.  Jacob meets his match when he begins a relationship with Hannah (Emma Stone), a law student who tries to get him to be monogamous.
The movie comes together quite nicely at the end with a few surprises.
Marisa Tomei and Kevin Bacon also star.
Crazy, Stupid, Love, (Warner Bros.), written by Dan Fogelman, is rated PG-13 and is currently in theaters nationwide.  Length: 117 minutes.
On the DONLOE Scale, Crazy, Stupid, Love gets an O (OK).

DON CHEADLE and BRENDAN GLEESON

in THE GUARD

THE GUARD

    This is a smart, funny and dramatic film. It’s a tale of murder, police corruption, blackmail and drug trafficking.   Two cops, Wendell Everett, an FBI agent from America (Don Cheadle) and a salty Irish small town policeman named Sergeant Gerry Boyle (Brendan Gleeson) join forces to bring down a drug-smuggling ring. Everett and Boyle are initially at odds, especially with Boyle’s constant racially insensitive rants. Boyle resents Everett’s arrogance and Everett dislikes Boyle’s small town thinking.
    Both Cheadle and Gleeson are impressive in their roles.
The Guard was the official selection of the 2011 Sundance, Tribeca and Los Angeles Film Festivals.
The Guard (Sony Pictures Classics), written and directed by John Michael McDonagh, stars Don Cheadle, Brendan Gleeson and Fionnula Flanagan.
The Guard, rated R, is currently in theaters. Running time: 96 min.
On the DONLOE Scale, The Guard gets an E (excellent).

VERA FARMIGA in HIGHER GROUND

HIGHER GROUND

This is actress Vera Farmiga’s directorial debut.   The film depicts the landscape of a tight-knit spiritual community thrown for a loop when one of their own begins to question her faith.  The Film tells the story of a thoughtful woman’s struggles with belief, love and trust – in human relationships as well as in God.
Faith, love and honesty are the cornerstone of this story about a woman who learns that no matter how many time she loses her footing, she has within herself all that’s necessary to get to a higher place.
Higher Ground, stars Farmiga (also directs), Joshua Leonard, John Hawkes, Donna Murphy, Dagmara Dominczyk, Norbert Leo Butz, Bill Irwin, Ebon Moss-Bachrach
Higher Ground (Sony Pictures Classics), with a running time of 109 min., is set for an August 26, New York and Los Angeles release.
On the DONLOE Scale, Higher Ground gets at O (OK).

CHRIS EVANS is CAPTAIN AMERICA

CAPTAIN AMERICA: The First Avenger

This is a great popcorn movie that, of course, doesn’t take itself seriously. It’s the latest in the comic book turned movie offerings. The blockbuster film, directed by Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer), doesn’t deliver anything new, but it is a lot of fun. Set in 1942, during World War II, the movie stars Chris Evans in the title role. He plays a U.S. Army soldier-turned-superhero (a character first introduced by Marvel Comics 70 years ago).  Captain America is a one-man army, who kicks butt and takes names.
Evans plays Steve Rogers, who, once a scrawny asthmatic, through a science experiment becomes Captain America, who is determined to serve his country.
The film, directed by Joe Johnston, also stars Stanley Tucci, Tommy Lee Jones and Derek Luke.
Captain America (Paramount Pictures), written by Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely, is rated PG-13, running time: 2 hr. 1 min.
On the DONLOE Scale, Captain America: The First Avenger gets an O (OK).

JAMIE FOXX in HORRIBLE BOSSES

HORRIBLE BOSSES

This is a funny movie. It stars Jason Bateman and Jason Sudeikis.
Horrible Bosses (Warner Bros.), currently in theaters, has a running time of 97 minutes.
    The story is simple. Three friends, who all work at three separate jobs, conspire to kill each other’s bosses. Of course, none of the three friends is a criminal, but when they try to hire Motherf---ker Jones, played by Jamie Foxx, to do the dirty deeds for them, all kinds of funny is let loose.
    This movie goes to show you, that even good folks can go bad. Revenge rules in this wacky comedy.
Kevin Spacey is a smarmy, sadistic boss to Bateman’s character; incredibly corrupt Colin Farrell gives Sudeikis a case of the flux and Jennifer Aniston sexually harasses Dale, played by Charlie Day.
Horrible Bosses (Warner Bros. Pictures), directed by Seth Gordon, is rated R; running time 1 hr. 37 min.
On the DONLOE Scale, Horrible Bosses gets at O (OK).

Jonathan Butler Talks About His ‘Soul Of Summer’ Concert

 

 JONATHAN BUTLER

 

 

 

By Darlene Donloe

For the first time in his long and storied career, jazz guitarist and vocalist, Jonathan Butler (So Strong) has put together his own ‘Soul of Summer’ concert tour, featuring singer Maysa and saxophonist Eric Darius.
Butler, who is originally from South Africa, recently said he, Maysa (A Woman in Love) and Darius (On A Mission) are doing the tour to pay tribute to some of the most unforgettable soul music of all time. 
The trio, who have been touring various venues around the country this summer, are set to bring their act to the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach Summer Jazz Festival on Aug. 5. 
Other cities set to get the tour include Temecula, San Diego, Richmond, VA, Detroit and the Bay area in Northern California. Previous stops included Memphis, Phoenix, Cincinnati, Hampton, VA and San Francisco.
Some of Butler’s hits include Falling In Love With Jesus, Sarah, Sarah; "Lies" and "Holding On." 
I caught up with Butler, who vacillates between gospel, smooth jazz and R&B, to talk about the tour.
DD: Why did you want to do this tour?
JB: I wanted to do something on my own. It was a great way to present a package tour of music I love and artists I love. Fans can hear our current things.   I have 15 CDs.  I have a lot of music. I chose this music. It fits well with Maysa. She’s working with Angela Bofill. She sings her music in the show.  There is a good flow. I want to do this kind of tour year end and year out.

DD: Why did you choose Maysa and Eric Darius for your first tour?
JB: I like her music. I love her voice. We’ve been friends for awhile. Maysa sang with me awhile back on my Do You Love Me CD and I recently worked with Eric on a jazz cruise. I’d worked with them both and had wonderful experiences. With both of them as part of the tour, I don’t need to sweat. It’s a great mixture.
DD: So chemistry was important?
JB: It was important that we all vibed well together because my concept for ‘The Summer of Soul’ is unlike other all-star shows. Instead of just playing our hits, we are going to take the audience on a journey through the very best of the soul music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and right on up to the present. We’re going to be digging up some gems that people love but haven’t heard in years! I have my daughter Jodie also on background. We have some fresh energy.
DD: So, who else will we hear?
JB: This is a tribute to music by people like Curtis Mayfield, Angela Bofill, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, plus our own original thing. It’s an urban thing we’re doing. We’re doing a mixture of instrumental and R&B. We’re paying tribute.  People will get the great experience of a great live concert. We have an unplug set where we talk about the early influences. We show our age in the middle of the show.
DD: You’ve worked with a lot of artists.
JB: I’ve worked with Dave Koz, Rick Braun, Jazz Attack, George Duke, Will Downing and more. I decided it’s time for me to do something on my own and now is as good a time as ever.
DD: I read where you said this was a return to your R&B roots. So, where have you been?
JB: If you know me, people following me over the years have experienced me going from R&B to gospel to something like the Story of Life.  I’m always turning the soil in search of myself. It’s just what artists do.

DD: At one point you were singing a little bit of everything.
JB: For a while what I was singing is not what I was feeling or where I was going. It’s about spiritually and knowing what’s right. It’s about not letting labels tell you to write songs about things that don’t’ gel with your beliefs. The one thing close to my heart was turning my heart to South Africa where I was from. It was a departure from R&B and about really reaching my roots.
I didn’t want to right another ‘Sarah, Sarah’. I was maturing in the industry. That’s why I departed from R&B.
    DD: Tell me about your gospel music.
JB: Gospel is my true calling. It took me a long time to accept my calling. God has called me to share gospel through music. I’m in a unique position. I’m walking a parallel universe of being in church on Sunday and at the Hyatt on Saturday blessing people who did not to go to church on Sunday. I have to do Falling In Love With Jesus or people will get mad.
    DD: Why did you name your current CD, So Strong?
JB: I wanted it to be playful and strong, nothing deep. I’m an optimistic type of guy. I have a lot to be positive about.
DD: What are you trying to say with So Strong?
JB: We all go through ups and downs and tough times. A couple of years ago my wife, Barenese, was diagnosed with cancer, I lost my mother, lost my good friend, Wayman Tisdale. I had no idea I had a record inside of me. I had no music inside of me at the time. I was consumed with my wife. We’ve been married 29 years. We were facing a challenge. Our faith was tried. Losing my mother – I did not know how I was going to deal with that. This album emerged. I didn’t want to do an instrumental. I wanted to sing. This album came together. This was the right title. Barenese is healed and is back to normal. Music is therapeutic.
DD: How do you write a song? Do you keep a tape recorder with you? 
JB: While I’m driving I may have an idea. I sing the idea into the phone. Often times they disappear. They are either good or bad. Sometimes I’ll wake up with an idea.
DD: Tell me about the Jonathan Butler Safari you’re doing in South Africa, Nov. 5-12.
JB: I’ve been doing jazz cruises. They approached me and said, ‘We would love for you to host a safari to South Africa.’ I’m a proud South African. I couldn’t believe it. I jumped onboard. It’s going to be 40 people who are going to travel with me on South African Airways. I will take you to where I grew up, show you my country, taste my food and wine. We’ll visit Cape Town, wineries, Cape Point, townships and Port Elizabeth.

    DD: Give us a website where we can get more info.
 JB: We have a few spaces left. People can go to
    www.Jonathanbutler.com.  Going to Africa is going to be a spiritual experience.
        For information on the Hyatt Newport Jazz Festival:
www.hyattnewportjazzfestival.com

Jackson Family, Global Live Events, Announce ‘Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert’

BEVERLY HILLS – A press conference announcing “Michael Forever: The Tribute Concert,” in honor of the late King of Pop who died two years ago, was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel today.

Members of Michael Jackson’s family, including his mother, Katherine Jackson and siblings, LaToya, Jackie, Tito and Marlon, were on hand for the announcement, which began with a video introduction with the words, “Just when you thought that was it,” which alluded to the name of the concert series, ‘This Is It” that Michael Jackson was planning at the time of his death in 2009.

KATHERINE, LATOYA, TITO, JACKIE & MARLON JACKSON

According to representatives of concert promoter Global Live Events, the concert will be held Oct. 8, in Cardiff, Wales, at the Millennium Centre, which is Europe’s largest indoor arena holding 75,000 seats.  The date marks 40 years since Jackson released his first solo single, “Got To Be There” and will feature a number of music stars.

More details about the concert, including the complete lineup will be rolled out over the next 10 days through Aug. 3 in order to build suspense and excitement, according to organizers.  The concert will be broadcast around the world to 30 countries in both 2D and 3D.

 LATOYA JACKSON, TITO JACKSON

It’s not known whether any members of the Jackson family will perform. Neither the Jackson family members nor the Global Live Events executives on hand said who would be performing.

Organizers did say the concert, a one night only event, would last four hours.

“I have been approached by many people with a variety of ventures such as this, Global Live Events LLP is the first company to present me with a vision that will produce an authentic and memorable tribute that my son would love,” said Katherine Jackson. “This is going to be a world-class event. If my son was here today, he would feel the same way. Thank you so much for helping to keep my son’s legacy alive.”

“Michael loved doing things on a large, major scale,” said Tito, who added the concert would feature all the artists Michael admired and respected so much. “This is definitely one that he would approve.”

“He was about making the world a better place,” said Jackie Jackson. “It will be a great show.”

MARLON JACKSON

“It’s overdue,” said LaToya Jackson. ““He is an entertainer that I feel, that no one could stand up to or hold a candle to as far as talent is concerned. With that being said, I know this tribute will be something spectacular.”

“Just the warmth and exuberance in this room is a tribute to our brother,” said Marlon Jackson.

Father Joe Jackson, Janet, Jermaine and Randy Jackson were not in attendance.  Neither the Jackson family nor promoters took questions from the press.

Chris Hunt, president of Global Live Events, said this was the first global tribute for Michael Jackson and that it “will never be repeated.”

“We’re sparing no effort to do something Michael would be proud of,” said Hunt, who met Michael Jackson in 2003 when they jointly produced a television special. “This is what should become a most memorable event.”

Hunt also announced that Global Live Events has started a trust fund for the three Jackson children for when they each turn 21. He handed a surprised and emotional Katherine Jackson a check for $100,000.

GLOBAL LIVE EVENTS REPS & JACKSON FAMILY

Proceeds from ticket sales will benefit three of Michael Jackson’s favorite charities, including AIDS Project Los Angeles and The Prince's Trust.

LaToya Jackson said Michael donated more than $100 million of his own money to various charities.

The line-up and ticketing procedure will be announced at a London press conference on Aug. 3. Tickets will go on sale exclusively through www.michaelforevertribute.com beginning Aug. 4.

What's On Tee Vee

LAZ IS KING

Laz Alonso's series, Breakout Kings on A&E, will be back for a second season. Alonso, who co-starred this sumer in Salim Akil’s 'Jumping the Broom,' plays a U.S. marshal in pursuit of fugitives.

LAZ ALONSO & PAULA PATTON IN "JUMPING THE BROOM"

UNCF GOTTA BET

The United Negro College Fund and BET will team up to produce this year's UNCF  annual fundraising show, An Evening of Stars.

“Our students and their need for a good education deserve the large and passionate audience that watches BET,” said UNCF president and CEO, Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D. “They deserve the best entertainers performing on stage and speaking out for the right to go to and through college, and they deserve to have their stories told in a way that everyone can connect to. Together, UNCF and BET can create a show that entertains at the same time it delivers on the opportunity to inform and activate new viewers around the UNCF mission of education for all Americans.”

Proceeds from An Evening of Stars benefit students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

"We’re excited to partner with UNCF for UNCF An Evening of Stars amplifying their message and assisting in their goal to better support African-American students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said Stephen Hill, President of Music and Specials Programming, BET Networks. “We have a phalanx of passionate Spike LeeBET folks (many of them HBCU grads) who look forward to producing and airing a great show celebrating the power of education and the need for everyone to engage with UNCF. We must ensure that we can educate our future.”

The show will be taped before a live audience on Aug. 14 and air on BET later this fall.