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2012 ESSENCE Musical Festival |
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Written by Robert aka 'RB'
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Wednesday, 11 January 2012 06:41 |
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 The 2012 ESSENCE Musical Festival celebrates "The Power of Our Voice" during its 18th anniversary held in New Orleans July 6, 7 and 8. This year's theme reflects the audiences' turn to powerful voices—whether through song, the political arena or community organizing—for strength and inspiration during challenging times. The annual Festival promises to deliver a stellar line-up of musical artists as well as leading thinkers, authors, innovators and influencers who will empower and motivate the audience to make a difference in each of their communities. The annual weekend of entertainment and empowerment will feature an unprecedented three days of cultural celebrations over the festive Fourth of July holiday weekend in the Crescent City. With a combination of iconic musical performances and thought-provoking dialogue, the 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival will be an unforgettable experience.
"The theme of this year's Essence Music Festival celebrates our most powerful voices. Whether it's Aretha Franklin, The Queen of Soul commanding respect or Rep. Maxine Waters demanding better conditions for our community, these powerful voices resonate with our audience like no other," said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. "As we all face a new reality in these critical times, we want to inspire our Festival-goers to leave this year's Festival even more resilient and motivated so that they can be empowered to create change in their own communities."
After another record-breaking year in 2011, this year's line-up promises to be a weekend to remember. Stellar acts leading the list of artists set to perform at the legendary Louisiana Superdome include: Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole, Ledisi, SWV, Dru Hill, Raheem DeVaughn, Estelle, Goapele, Vivian Green, Kindred the Family Soul, Luke James, Eric Roberson, The Stylistics, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Bridget Kelly, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, The Stooges Brass Band and Khris Royal & Dark Matter.
In addition, ESSENCE will honor iconic singer Aretha Franklin with "The Power Award." The Queen of Soul previously performed at the Festival in 1995 and 2005.
In addition to the colossal music line-up, the audience can look forward to the annual ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, which is free and open to the public at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Festival-goers will experience three full days of socio-political dialogue, health and wellness discussions and spiritual inspiration led by dynamic motivational speakers. The initial roster of leading authors, speakers and leaders include: Steve Harvey, Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. Maxine Waters and Dr. Steve Perry. The weekend will culminate on Sunday with a rousing All-star Gospel tribute honoring gospel mega-stars Fred Hammond and Mary Mary.
In an effort to continue to give back to the New Orleans community, ESSENCE will also partner with the City of New Orleans to benefit their initiatives focused on saving our youth.
Now in its 18th year, the ultimate destination for entertainment and inspiration hosted over 422,000 attendees last year. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine has now grown into one of the country's "Top 10 Leading Brand Events" by Advertising Age. The ESSENCE Music Festival is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture. Throughout its history, the Festival has featured an array of performers including Alicia Keys, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Destiny's Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, The O'Jays, Prince, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, among others.
For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com. |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 January 2012 11:03 |
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New Mexico Black History Month 2012 Festival |
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Written by Robert aka 'RB'
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Tuesday, 10 January 2012 07:39 |
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The New Mexico Black History Month 2012 Organizing Committee has prepared a month of creative, educational, and engaging programming for the entire month of February. The New Mexico Black History Month 2012 Festival begins Friday, February 3 and continues until Sunday, February 26, 2012. A full calendar of events is available on the New Mexico Black History Month 2012 website, www.nmblackhistorymonth.com.
Sponsored by the City of Albuquerque, the Office of African American Affairs and Bernalillo County each event in February focuses on one of five major areas: culture, cuisine, health, positive youth development and education. The Black History Month 2012 Festival events include: "Roots Revival," an original cabaret performance by A-list Albuquerque artists, a Cotton Club Gala sponsored by Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated Albuquerque Alumnae Chapter and the New Mexico Divine Nine Council featuring Bernard Purdie and Friends; an open discussion with Vertamae Grosvenor, author of Vibration Cooking, and "Masters of Motown" featuring artists performing top hits from Motown.
Cathryn McGill, founder/director of The Black History Month 2012 Organizing Committee says of the planning efforts, "The 2012 Black History Month Festival is an opportunity to build and strengthen community from the inside out. Organizations within the African American community are historically coming together to produce a slate of activities that will be universally appealing." Co-Chairs of the event are Gene Grant and Cecilia Webb.
The New Mexico Black History Month festival encourages New Mexicans to learn about the contributions that African-Americans have made to the state and to the nation throughout the years. More information about dates and times of the Black History Month Festival events are located on the New Mexico Black History Month website, www.nmblackhistorymonth.com.
The mission of the New Mexico Black History Month Organizing Committee is to preserve the rich cultural heritage that African Americans have made to the state of New Mexico and the United States. The Black History Month Organizing Committee is a collaboration among organizations in Albuquerque who serve the African-American community. |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 January 2012 07:43 |
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Written by Staff
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Tuesday, 10 January 2012 09:23 |
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 TouchTunes Interactive Networks, the largest interactive out-of-home entertainment network in North America, has released news of its network’s latest nationwide promotions which include music from Yo Gotti, Maná, Ty Stone and Breathe California. Full details on each upcoming promotion include:
Yo Gotti New Album – Live from the Kitchen
As one of the five epicenters of Southern Hip-Hop, Memphis has always had a thriving underground music scene capable of producing major hip -hop platinum superstars such as Eightball & MJG and Three 6 Mafia. Next to look out for is Yo Gotti, M-Town’s current rap kingpin. One of the hottest young rappers on the rise, Tennessee-born Yo Gotti made waves in the early 2000’s with the release of Life, which featured Lil Jon on the song “Dirty South Soldiers” and Back 2 da Basics, which included the locally popular singles “I Got ‘Em” and “Gangsta Party.” A street rapper who gets his inspiration from Memphis’ more dangerous neighborhoods, Yo Gotti has been called “The Next Jeezy.” On January 10, 2012, TouchTunes will promote Gotti’s first major label release through RCA Records, Live From The Kitchen. Featuring production by Cool & Dre, DJ Toomp and Shawty Redd, the album is expected to skyrocket Gotti from a local celebrity to a national sensation.
Maná New Single – “El Verdadero Amor Perdona (ft. Prince Royce)”
Over the course of their three plus decade career, the Latin rock band Maná has won numerous awards, including three Grammy Awards, seven Latin Grammy Awards, five MTV Latin America Video Music Awards, and nine Billboard Latin Music Awards. Formed in 1978 in Guadalajara, Mexico, super-group Maná is considered one of the most internationally successful Latin bands of all time, with 25 million albums sold worldwide. The group, originally called Sombrero Verde, released their self-titled debut in 1981 and in 1983 released A Tiempo de Rock. Under the name Maná, the band has released a total of eight albums. Their latest 2011 set, Drama y Luz, featured the hit single “Lluvia al Corazón, which debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Hot Latin Tracks chart and #5 on the Billboard 200. In support of the album’s continued success, TouchTunes will promote the Drama y Luz’s third single, “El Verdadero Amor Perdona (ft. Prince Royce),” at targeted Latin locations nationwide.
Ty Stone New Single – American Style
Detroit-native Ty Stone arrived on the country music scene with his single “American Style,” which was executive produced by Stone’s mentor, the esteemed Kid Rock. The driving force behind Stone’s industry initiation, Kid Rock not only executive produced “American Style,” but also took Stone on as the opening act on two recent Born Free arena tours. The lead track from Ty Stone’s upcoming debut album, “American Style,” is unmistakably autobiographical, focusing on Stone’s own family and the extended family he finds in all Americans. No doubt an anthem for community and national pride, the single predicts a strong musical future for the relatable and authentic Ty Stone. Starting January 10, 2012, and in anticipation of Stone’s exciting debut, TouchTunes will feature “American Style” across targeted digital jukeboxes nationwide.
Breathe California New Single – Blackout
Electronic pop/rock duo Breathe Carolina is comprised of Colorado natives David Schmitt and Kyle Even, who got their start in 2007 self-producing songs on GarageBand. The pair independently released their first EP, Gossip, which was followed-up in 2008 with a full-length album that featured select songs not included on the original EP. Soon after, Breath Carolina embarked on a tour with punk rock bands Every Avenue and The Morning Of, and later performed to positive reviews on the 2009 Warped Tour. Their second album, Hello Fascination, released that same year, peaking at number 43 on the Billboard 200 and spending approximately two weeks on the chart. This past summer, Breathe Carolina released their third studio album, Hell Is What You Make It, featuring the hit single “Blackout.” An undeniably catchy electro-pop hit, the single premiered on MTV Buzzworthy to positive reviews and starting January 10, 2012, will be featured across TouchTunes digital jukeboxes nationwide.
For more information on where to find a TouchTunes jukebox near you featuring the above promotions, log on HERE
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Beyonce and Jay-Z Had a Miscarriage Before Blue Ivy |
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Written by Staff
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Tuesday, 10 January 2012 00:38 |
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Jay-Z and Beyonce suffered at least one miscarriage before the birth of their daughter, Blue Ivy Carter.
In a new song posted on his website today, Jay-Z raps about the couple's pregnancy struggles: "False alarms and false starts, all made better by the sound of your heart." He later adds, "last time the miscarriage was so tragic."
"Glory feat. B.I.C." also reveals where the daughter of the music icons was conceived -- "You was made in Paris," Jay-Z raps -- and features the crying of a baby, presumably Blue Ivy.
Jay-Z also riffs on her name in the song, rapping "Baby I paint the sky blue, my greatest creation was you" and "The most beautifulest thing in this world, she's daddy's little girl." He posted the track along with a photo of the Empire State Building lit up in blue.
Read more: ABC News |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 10 January 2012 07:00 |
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