EntertainmentReporters.com
Welcome to the ER
Entertainment Reporters
ABYSS TAKES APACHE CAFE TO ANOTHER PLANET WITH KELSY DAVIS AS CO-PILOT - ACID GOSPEL/RADICAL SOUL - APACHE CAFE - 08/16/08
On Saturday Night (08/16/08), Abyss hit the stage with a force that is unexplainable. He is a Spoken Word Artist, plays Guitar, Trumpet, and a Comedian (LOL). Anyway, he hit the stage for his rendition of Acid Gospel/Radical Soul to a packed house. The crowd was soon to see why he is a mainstay in the world of Talent, Artistry and Innovation. No joke - he is a legend in his own right. The rest of the world will catch on pretty soon. Yo, Abyss - you know it takes them a minute!!! We Already Know!!! Oh, and it was his Birthday too.
As the house lights were dimmed, Kelsy Davis (headliner) hit the stage to get the show started by introducing the other headlining act: Abyss. As he did a couple of his spoken word pieces, the crowd immediately responded in a roar of claps and yells. Oh yeah, the boy is bad... Then Abyss hit the crowd with his Guitar riffs while performing. If that wasn't enough, he joined in with his live band by crooning on the Trumpet. Yes, dude made that instrument sing. Y'all seriously need to watch out for Abyss. Consistent from beginning to end, the crowd never wanted the talent to stop. You can tell by his body language that he was feeling great. So what happened?! Abyss continued on the stage; backing up Kelsy Davis as he performed.
ABYSS KELSY DAVIS
Just to run it down for y'all, my boy Abyss has appeared on: BET J's Lyric Cafe, HBO Def Poetry Jam - Seasons 1 and 5, he was a Performer at the Gospel Choice Awards, he has a recurring role on BET's show - The Somebody's (coming soon), a guest performer on Rhonda Smith's Album (Prince's Bass Player), and he's also an Author (Bandana Republic Anthology). Ya boy does it all... Abyss is Acid Gospel...
Following in perfect sync; equivalent in talent, but with a different flavor - Kelsy Davis took the stage behind his keyboard. He set the mood with his own brand of Soul Music. Kelsy sings hard; straight from the heart. You can look into his soul when he sings. This dude goes back to the days of Blues and heartfelt crooning. He has a: Ray Charles, Bo Diddley, B.B. King vibe to his music. And the way he flipped Prince's, "Darling Nicky" was close to amazing. He played the keyboard, he sang, he kicked his legs around, and he did his thang!!! Kelsy recently performed on tour in the UK and Amsterdam. Kelsy is Radical Soul...
Together, Kelsy and Abyss make up - ACID GOSPEL/RADICAL SOUL. They are not a group, but it's a movement y'all... I truly enjoyed the show. And I can tell that everybody in the crowd did too... It was cool kicking it with my boy again too. Abyss, you a fool yo... You know I gotcha back mane. Holla atcha'boy.
Shout out to: Abyss, Kelsy Davis, my homegirl - Jurena Glass and hubby, Charlie, the Band, Simon Illa (producer), Ken J. Martin, and my boy G. Butler for doin' da damned thang on the pics.
Support True Music and Real Talent,
150!!!
CS
DIRECTOR, JASMINE GUY - FOR COLORED GIRLS WHO HAVE CONSIDERED SUICIDE WHEN THE RAINBOW IS ENUFF
Cast of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" with Director, Jasmine Guy (top right)
"For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" is a legendary stage play written by Ntozake Shange in 1975. The play was an adaptation of life as an African-American woman in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement Era. The production is a collection of 20 poems (choreopoems), performed by women represented by colors: Lady in Red, Lady in Green, Lady in Yellow, Lady In Purple, etc. The poems all dealt with Love, Abortion, Abandonment, and Rape. This powerful production's bottom-line is to have 'Self-Respect'.
Now; in 2008 the play is being directed by Jasmine Guy, making her Directorial Debut in Theatre, as gives her vision of what this legendary play means to her.
When I first talked to Jasmine Guy via telephone on August 1, 2008, her voice showed confidence, peace and pure excitement. It was actually like we were friends catching up from not talking for a while. Our interview was set for 15-minutes. We started talking about the world, our children, giving back, Whitley Gilbert, Bill Cosby, and Debbie Allen. And y'all, I got a chance to laugh with her about my favorite episode of "A Different World". Before we knew it, our 15-minutes turned into 20, then 25 minutes. We hadn't gotten to the interview yet, so we had to reschedule; it was great!!!
Fast forward to Monday, August 4th when Jasmine and I were to meet at the private dinner for the cast, crew and friends. Ok, I was late and missed her by 10 minutes, so I had to wait until the next day to meet her at rehearsal. Yep, we finally got together on August 5, 2008 after her rehearsal in the Theatre room at Spelman College. And just like on the telephone, she was one of the coolest people in the world. Check out the interview below:
ER: Tell me a little about your job as Director.
Jasmine: Well, because this has become such a classic piece for Theatre; "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf" has gone through many different incarnations since 1975. So this is just my take on the story; my vision in how the women came together as far as casting, the set & the look of the piece; the pace of the piece. But after that, I'm really gonna let these talented women do their thing. Cause everyday in rehearsal, there is an exchange of information from me to them and them to me. It's a great working environment. We're having a good time.
ER: Is this your first time directing?
Jasmine: Yes, this my first time as director. I've directed television, but not theatre.
ER: How does it feel?
Jasmine: You know when these silences are at the table, I realize it's because I haven't said anything (laugh). You know because I'm used to being told what to do. And, I realize 'You have to tell them what to do.' But I like it. I like thinking about all the different parts as a whole. I like thinking about everyone and taking care of everyone in the piece, and not just my own little part.
ER: What's the difference between you sitting in the Actor's seat than in the Director's seat?
Jasmine: The Actor (in a way) is directing themselves as far as how they vision their monologue or poem to be. The Director is there just to give insight; maybe change a perspective, clarify some things, give them some staging & blocking. So that's something I've always done, I envision how I'm gonna do a scene; how I'm gonna do a monologue, and then remaining flexible for the director's input. And a lot of times, as an Actor - once I understand the piece and what's my role in it, I can pretty much come close. But sometimes as an Actor I'm like, "Oh, I thought she was sad here." The Director might say, "No she is more angry, because such and such did this." Then I have to make those emotional adjustments. As the Director, I'm thinking more of the whole instead of just one person.
ER: How does it feel to have so many people to Love and adore you for a talent that you do because you love to do it? For example, people telling you that they attended College because of you and your role as 'Whitley Gilbert' on A Different World?
Jasmine: I think it's a wonderful gift that my work is appreciated and that I'm a part of a whole impactful movement that happened on Television with Bill Cosby and Debbie Allen.
ER: Who is Jasmine Guy?
Jasmine: Pretty much; "What you see is what you get" (with attitude and laughter). In the words of the great, Flip Wilson (smile).
ER: What are some of the hats that you wear in the Industry?
Jasmine: I started as a dancer, and fortunately I was able to sing and act, and that just opened up other avenues for me. And, I've recently written a book. Now, I'm Directing.
ER: Philantropist?
Jasmine: Well, I try. I try to give back to the Community. I receive a lot of love, so giving back is easy.
Jasmine Guy
Note from Jasmine:
"We open August 22, 2008 at the 14th Street Playhouse in Atlanta, Georgia, and we run until August 31, 2008. So don't wait until the last minute to get your tickets".
According to her biography, Jasmine Guy was born on March 10th in Boston, Massachusetts, but as a child moved to Atlanta, Georgia. She studied dance at Spelman College Dance School until the age of 12. She continued her studies with Atlanta Ballet and danced for the Atlanta Ballet Company. At 17, she received a scholarship to Alvin Alley Dance Center. In 1982, she left the dance company to perform in the television series, Fame. Jasmine joined the cast of "A Different World" as Whitley Gilbert in 1987 and won six consecutive NAACP Awards. She appeared in Queen and performed a dance solo at the 62nd Annual Academy Awards Show. Her television credits include: Fresh Prince, NYPD Blue, Melrose Place, Living Single, Touched by an Angel, and That's So Raven. Jasmine's been on and off Broadway and on the big screen. Most memorable for her roles in Eddie Murphy's "Harlem Nights", and Spike Lee's "School Daze". And she's an accomplished Musician (she had her own self-titled album in 1992). You know you remember the song, "Try Me"... Yes, you do...!!!
This was a great interview, so I'm gonna say Peace to my peeps and A Special Shout to Jasmine Guy... You are great and we love you Ma... Keep doing you... Thanks for the compliment also...
150!!!
CS
Actor, Musician Extraordinaire Isaac Hayes Dead at 65
Legendary Musical Talent, Singer, Isaac Hayes, Breathed Life Into Black Super Hero Shaft
By Dey Lockett
Y'know family, my posts usually center around the those things more political in nature, but I had to change up a bit this weekend in light of the untimely demise of Comedian Bernie Mac, and earlier today the death of former actor and musician, Isaac Hayes, the original Black Moses. Yes, family, Isaac Hayes was found collapsed by his treadmill in his basement, by his wife, according to HipHopDX.com. This is truly unbelieveable because Isaac Hayes was not only the original Black Moses, but he was also one of the Original Gangstas of the 70's Blaxploitation genre. I remember first seeing Isaac Hayes star in the movie "Truck Turner," but his status as a musical icon will always be remembered in my opinion for his seminal score of the theme music for the movie "Shaft," for which he won a Grammy!
And while I am a huge Richard Roundtree fan, and a fan of the entire "Shaft" franchise, I do not think that the franchise would have been nearly as successful, or as memorable as it has been over years without Isaac Hayes lending his musical skill, and soulful and distinctive voice to score the theme music for the movie "Shaft." Isaac Hayes was one cool cat, and like Shaft, he was a bad--shut your mouth! Well, yall can dig it! RIP Isaac Hayes. Condolences to the Hayes' family from the EntertainmentReporter family.
Check this ultra-cool vintage Isaac Hayes' concert video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L2cHkMwzOiM.
Also, I would be remiss if I didn't include clips from the movie, SHAFT, one of my favorite movies of all time!!!!! Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiCB2isZcRM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDyRdhSIqlo
More on Isaac Hayes as reported via YouTube.com:
|
Isaac Lee Hayes, Jr. (August 20, 1942 -- August 10, 2008)[1] was an American soul and funk singer-songwriter, musician, record producer, arranger, composer and actor. Hayes was one of the main creative forces behind southern soul music label Stax Records, where he served as both an in-house songwriter and producer with partner David Porter during the mid-1960s. In the late 1960s, Hayes became a recording artist, and recorded successful soul albums such as Hot Buttered Soul (1969) and Black Moses (1971) as the Stax label's premier artist.
Alongside his work in popular music, Hayes was a film score composer for motion pictures. His best known work, for the 1971 blaxploitation film Shaft, earned Hayes an Academy Award for Best Original Song (the first Academy Award received by an African-American in a non-acting category) and two Grammy Awards. He received a third Grammy for the album Black Moses. In 1992, in recognition of his humanitarian work, he was crowned an honorary king of Ghana's Ada district. From 1997 to 2006, he provided the voice for the character "Chef" on the Comedy Central animated TV series South Park. Hayes was found dead in his Memphis home on August 10, 2008 as reported by the Shelby County sheriff's department. His death came 10 days before his 66th birthday.[1] [2]Here is a complete slo-mo video clip of Isaac Hayes conducting the Theme from Shaft, which won an Oscar for best song. After viewing, visit this lost mash-up classic from 1985 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UTpVWKPxHA | |
Black America Mourns The Death of Comedic Icon, Bernie Mac
Comedy Icon Bernie Mac Loses Bout With Pneumonia
By Dey Lockett
Yesterday morning, I was shocked like most of you to learn of the passing of Chicago Native Son, Bernie Mac. Bernie Mac represented, and stayed true to his very blue collar, and Chicago Roots it seems in every facet of his life. Bernie Mac was a hustler, and a hardworker. Although I did not know him personally, his life was a true testament to hardwork and perseverance for anyone that was remotely familiar with his life's story. From his humble beginnings growing up on Chicago's southside to his ascension to fame, and notoriety performing on the Chicago Comedy Club circuit, to his first time doing stand-up on the legenday HBO Def Comedy Jam, in which Bernie Mac rocked the house to the approval of the New York crowd. Bernie Mac was a resilient wave maker who was driven for success.
Bernie Mac probably achieved more than he ever dreamed in his short life of 50 years--going from local comedian, to actor to movie star. While I loved quite of few of his acting roles in the many movies that he either starred or co-starred in, I loved to watch the Bernie Mac Show even more because I remember how strongly Bernie Mac wanted his own television show. I remember him saying in various media interviews that the networks were afraid of him because of his pull no punches style of comedy. And yet, the Fox Network eventually provided Bernie Mac the platform to launch the Bernie Mac Show into millions of American homes, a breakthrough move that led to mainstream if not worldwide exposure, commerical success and stardom for Bernie Mac.
My favorite espisode of the Bernie Mac Show? Well, there were quite a few, however, if I had to pick one--I would have to pick the episode in which Bernie Mac took the kids to church, and ended up getting saved in his attempt to get out of long church service. I still chuckle at Bernie's antics even now. Bernie Mac was one of the funniest cats in the game--a true Original King of Comedy--Oh, Lord!
To all those Bernie Mac fans out there, enjoy the following link to video of Bernie Mac ripping it up during the taping of his Original Kings of Comedy segment. What was your favorite or most memorable Bernie Mac role or show? Let me us hear from family.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGATCtDLDBY
The ER family would like to express our most sincere condolences to the McCullough Family. May God be a solemn place of refuge and peace during this difficult time.
JERMAINE DUPRI/NELLY DO IT BIG AT 2008 SOSO DEF ALL-WHITE PARTY 08/02/08 - WOODRUFF ARTS CENTER - ATLANTA, GA
The soiree of the entire Jermaine Dupri - SoSo Def Weekend took place on the Eve of 08/02/08 at the Woodruff Arts Center. The All-White Affair brought out the Stars, Wanna-Be-Stars, Almost Stars and About To Be Stars alike... Just imagine a sea of extremely fashionable white outfits. It was fantastic...
The media were in a special area directly in front of the Red Carpet behind the velvet rope (reminds me of Janet J. - Velvet Rope). Photographers, as well as Reporters caught all celebrities as they walked the red carpet. Questions were answered, photos were snapped; they smiled, then they partied the night away with Jermaine Dupri & Nelly. Everybody seemed so happy to be present at the event.
Partygoers included (but not limited to): Jermaine Dupri, Nelly, Bow Wow, Larenz Tate and his brothers, Sanaa Lathan, Nia Long, Gabrielle Union, Lil Jon, Trey Songz, Regina King, Comedian Kevin Hart, Avery Storm, Songwriter, Sean Garrett, Chingy, Chris Tucker, and many more...
The only disappointing part of the evening was that: this year, Media was not allowed inside the party unless you had a special escort to get in. As the clock struck 1am; then 1:30, some of us were still not in the party. As some of the media people started to leave, I finally got my special escort to allow me into the scene. The place was drenched in all white. It was definitely a sight to see, as Lil Jon spinned on the Wheels of Steel and Jermaine Dupri & Nelly stood on the main stage on the mic addressing the crowd. Close to the end of the event, Nelly performed his hit single with Avery Storm, 'Here I Am'.
I just got one thing to say to George - "Sanaa Lathan Bruh!!!" LOL
*All pics shot by G.Butler for ImagesNMyEye/Entertainment Reporters
RUNWAY RED CELEBRITY KIDS CHARITY FASHION SHOW - "KIDS ARE SO AMAZING!!!"
This was a very special day for those who love Charity and Children. Chili (TLC) and her son, Tron hosted the Charity Gala: Runway Red Celebrity Kids Fashion Show on July 26, 2008 to a star-studded crowd, media, Charity Organizations, designers and patrons. The show was sponsored by the "Show Me The Way Foundation, proceeds from the show went to children infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. What a great cause; Kids helping Kids. It was a wonderful occasion.
The show began with a spectacular vocal performance by the Bailey sisters, who are so young but extremely talented. It didn't stop there! The show continued in stride with a hip-hop dance performance and a heart-warming slide show of people living with the HIV/AIDS virus. It simply made the point that AIDS has no name, it could strike anyone. Although no one wishes for such a disease, you can still live a happy life if you are unfortunate enough to be struck with it. Lesson: Get in the know; Get TESTED!!!
Some of the Models were children of: Q of 112, Jermaine Dupri, Big Boi & Sherlita Patton, Chili (TLC), and a lot more public service people, people who stand behind the scenes in the music industry and all other professions in Atlanta, GA. It was just so refreshing to see kids doing something positive for a great cause. It is not just cliche' when we here: "I believe the Children our the Future". They definitely are!!! And the great part is that, it seems like they realize it too...
Host, Chili with son, Tron Jermaine Dupri with my son, Joshwa
Once again, see you on the Runway.
I'm 150!!!
CS
All photos taken by G. Butler for ImagesNMyEye/Entertainment Reporters
