Saturday, October 24, 2015

Trouble Don't Last


Trouble Don’t Last is a poetic stage play featuring 16 Detroit based poets whose pens have been pushed to poetically deliver what’s troubling the world. Travel with Mama Rose through this outstanding poetic work of art which tackles issues that are frequently swept under the rug. Trouble Don’t Last will make you laugh and cry, hopefully sparking flames in the audience that the time to do something about anything is NOW!

TROUBLE DON’T LAST features the spoken words of:

Sheezy Bo Beezy, Shaun Moore Bey, Verlycia Douglas, Ju Hall, Intellect, Azizi Jasper, Kevlar, Knowledge, Saesha Nix, Peace, Poetic, Cassie Poe, Blk Smith, Sasha Speaks, Phoenix Swagg, Caesar Torreano, Ber-Henda Williams and One Single Rose as Mama Rose

Since the first production in 2012, so many people have asked when Trouble Don’t Last would hit the stage again. That time is now...

Saturday, October 24, 2015
2:00 p.m. matinee $15.00
7:00 p.m. evening show $20.00

At the International Institute
111 E. Kirby
Detroit, MI 48202

Tickets are available on Brown Paper Tickets
http://troubledontlast.brownpapertickets.com/
or
http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1978559


This is a Poetry House Entertainment, Ke Event Designs and One Single Rose Production
 

Check out this episode!

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Journey to Jazz with Carmen Lundy on The #DetroitJazzFest Series


“We live in a time where music and the role of the musician has a very crucial contribution to how we get through our days every day.” – Carmen Lundy 

Join Carmen Lundy at The #DetroitJazzFest on Monday, September 7th at 3:15 pm to experience her live performance on the Carhartt Amphitheater Stage. 

For More information about the Detroit Jazz Festival visit www.DetroitJazzFest.com

For More Information about Carmen Lundy visit www.CarmenLundy.com 

Carmen Lundy began her professional career in Miami, FL as a jazz vocalist and composer when there were very few young, gifted and aspiring jazz vocalists on the horizon. Over four decades later, Ms. Lundy is celebrated throughout the world for her vocal artistry and is highly regarded for her jazz innovation.

Currently on the Afrasia Productions label, Carmen released her 14th album in the Fall of 2014. Almost two years in the making, it consists of new original songs by Lundy, and a few very special collaborations. The album features legendary artists - specialists on their respective instruments - including Patrice Rushen, Geri Allen, Randy Brecker, Ada Rovatti, Warren Wolf, Bennie Maupin, harpist Carol Robbins, and Simphiwe Dana, a stunning South African vocalist and composer, among others.“Soul To Soul” is on several Top Ten Albums of 2014 lists, including Downbeat.

The highly regarded 2012 release “Changes” (Afrasia Productions) is also on several ‘Top 10 Albums of 2012’ lists, and continues to garner many accolades. Said James Nadal of All About Jazz, "With her release of Changes, veteran singer Carmen Lundy rises to that proverbial summit to enjoy the rarefied air of the chosen few."

Terri Lyne Carrington’s Mosaic Project - Grammy Winner for Best Jazz Vocal Album of 2011 - features the Carmen Lundy composition “Show Me A Sign”, with Ms. Lundy’s original performance from the album “Solamente” reinvented on the arrangement.

Carmen has had several Top Ten albums on JazzWeek (“Jazz and the New Songbook-Live at The Madrid”, “Come Home”, and “Changes”) and a #3 spot on Billboard’s Jazz Chart for 23 weeks with her debut album “Good Morning Kiss”. Among her other awards and recognitions, especially rewarding was Miami-Dade's County Office of the Mayor and Board of County Commissioners proclaiming January 25th "Carmen Lundy Day”, along with handing Ms. Lundy the keys to the City of Miami.

Having recorded more than twelve albums as a leader, Carmen’s far-reaching discography also includes performances and recordings with such musicians as brother and bassist Curtis Lundy, Ray Barretto, Kenny Barron, Bruce Hornsby, Mulgrew Miller, Terri Lyne Carrington, Kip Hanrahan, Courtney Pine, Roy Hargrove, Jimmy Cobb, Ron Carter, Marian McPartland, Regina Carter, Steve Turre, Geri Allen, Robert Glasper, Jamison Ross, Kenny Davis, Darryl Hall, Patrice Rushen and the late Kenny Kirkland. Ms. Lundy’s 2005 release, the hugely successful “Jazz and The New Songbook-Live at The Madrid”, features some of the jazz world’s best known musicians paying tribute to Ms. Lundy.

Carmen Lundy’s work as a vocalist and composer has been critically acclaimed by The New York Times, The Village Voice, The Los Angeles Times, Variety, The Washington Post, Jazz Times, Jazziz, Downbeat and Vanity Fair among many others, as well as numerous foreign publications. Christopher Loudon of Jazz Times writes "Carmen Lundy, as beautiful inside as out, has accomplished the near impossible for a jazz singer by maintaining a solid, successful, three-decade career while focusing largely on original, self-penned material." And Don Heckman of The Los Angeles Times – “Lundy’s performance was the product of talent that has ripened fully. Her far-ranging, fluidly mobile voice roved through and around the melodies, and her innate sense of theatricality illuminated every layer of drama in her story-driven songs.”

As a composer, Ms. Lundy’s catalogue numbers over 100 published songs, one of the few jazz vocalists in history to accomplish such a distinction, and has led to the first publication of the Carmen Lundy Songbook (2007). Her songs have been recorded by such artists as Kenny Barron ("Quiet Times"), Ernie Watts ("At The End Of My Rope"), and Straight Ahead ("Never Gonna Let You Go"). Officially endorsed by Neumann microphones, Carmen Lundy continues to compose and expand her vast catalogue.

Her own recordings consist of 1985’s “Good Morning Kiss” (CLR/Afrasia Productions), “Moment To Moment” (Arabesque/Afrasia Productions), “Night And Day” (CBS/SONY and re-issued by Afrasia in 2011), “Old Devil Moon” (JVC), “Self Portrait” (JVC), “Something To Believe In” and “This Is Carmen Lundy” (both for Justin Time), “Jazz and The New Songbook – Live at The Madrid” (2-disc set and DVD, Afrasia Productions), “Come Home” (Afrasia), “Solamente” and the 2012 release “Changes” (Afrasia Productions). Her newest recording “Soul To Soul” was almost 2 years in the making, and was released in the Fall of 2014 on Afrasia Productions.

A native of Miami, Florida, Carmen Lundy's path to being one of today's most talented, respected and sophisticated jazz singers began at age six, with her first piano lessons. She was deeply inspired by her mother who was then lead singer in the gospel group, The Apostolic Singers. Ms. Lundy attended The University of Miami as an Opera major, but soon discovered that jazz was where her talent really shone. While working steadily in the Miami Jazz scene, she graduated with a degree in Studio Music and Jazz - one of the first singers to do so. Lundy then moved to New York City in the spring of '78 and immediately began working in jazz circles throughout the Tri-State area, and from Harlem to Greenwich Village, quickly impressing the notoriously critical jazz cognoscenti and audiences alike. Esteemed critic Gary Giddins stated (in 1983), "Jazz singing stopped regenerating itself about 20 years ago, and it's not hard to see why, so it's with some trepidation that I call your attention to an authentic young jazz singer named Carmen Lundy - she's got it all." Armed with a devoted following and critical kudos, the uncompromising Ms. Lundy continued to make waves, not just in North America, but in Asia and throughout the UK and Europe.

Teaching, too, is an important activity for Ms Lundy; she's given Master Classes in Australia, Denmark, Russia, Japan, Switzerland, New York, Washington, D.C., Northern California, Los Angeles and other cities around the world. Since its inception in 1998, Lundy has and continues to participate in Betty Carter's Jazz Ahead Program at The Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., as Resident Clinician and guest artist. She has also worked with the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz as guest artist and clinician.

Ms. Lundy is also a gifted actress active in theater. "Acting," as she told Dr. Billy Taylor in 2006, "helps me to get more comfortable and acquainted with the art of performance." She performed the lead role as Billie Holiday in the Off-Off Broadway play "They Were All Gardenias" by Lawrence Holder, as well as the lead role in the Broadway show, Duke Ellington's "Sophisticated Ladies," and she made her television debut as the star of the CBS Pilot-Special "Shangri-La Plaza" in the role of Geneva, after which she relocated to Los Angeles, where she currently resides.

In addition to her recordings, Carmen Lundy has also composed and arranged for the Sonoton Music Library, the largest independent production music library in the world. Her music has been featured on such TV shows as “Mad Men”, “The L Word”, “Boardwalk Empire”, “So You Think You Can Dance”, “Baby Story”, and many others; as well as Feature Films and Documentaries including “9/11 – A Remembrance”.

Carmen Lundy is also a celebrated mixed media artist and painter, and her works have been exhibited in New York at The Jazz Gallery in Soho, at The Jazz Bakery in Los Angeles, and at a month-long exhibition at the Madrid Theatre in Los Angeles, CA.

Lundy resides in Los Angeles, CA.


Check out this episode!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Will Calhoun of Jungle Funk on The #DetroitJazzFest Series


"Jazz was my first love." - Will Calhoun

 

September 6, 2015 - Jungle Funk at 36th Annual Detroit Jazz Festival

Jungle Funk, the groundbreaking power trio you have to see/experience to believe, combines Drum & Bass, Funk, R&B, Electronic, World and Jazz music styles as only they can. The band consists of Vinx de Jon Parette on Vocals, percussion, loops & samples, Will Calhoun Drums, percussion, electronics & loops, and Doug Wimbish Bass, vocals, electronics & loops.

Performance at 5 PM

 

Detroit Jazz Festival
Main Stage
Detroit, MI

 

Check out the Detroit Jazz Festival Website at www.DetroitJazzFest.com to learn more about the event, and confirm details.

 

For More Information about Will Calhoun visit his website at www.WillCalhoun.com or www.WillCalhounArt.com 

Will Calhoun, the widely acclaimed drummer from the Bronx, New York, graduated from the Berklee School of Music in Boston, where he received a Bachelors degree in Music Production and engineering. He was also the recipient of the prestigious Buddy Rich Jazz Masters Award for outstanding performance by a drummer.

Special Kudos for Will's drumming virtuosity include:

  • Best New Drummer by Modern Drummer Magazine's Readers Poll
  • Number One Progressive Drummer by Modern Drummer Magazine's Readers Poll three times
  • Best Drummer by Rolling Stone Magazine's Critics Poll


Will Calhoun's unique blend of improvisational and hard rock drumming can be found on each of Living Colour's four Epic releases: the ground breaking multi-platinum debut, Vivid, the critically acclaimed sophomore LP, Time's Up, the Biscuits EP, and Stain, as well as their latest release on Sanctuary Records, CollideØscope. A prolific song writer, Will has co-written many Living Colour compositions and wrote the critically acclaimed song, Pride, on the Time's Up album and Nothingness on the Stain album. As a member of Living Colour, Will received a Grammy Award for Best Hard Rock Performance by a group and another Grammy for Best Hard Rock Performance. Living Colour also won an International Rock Award for Best Rock Band.

In addition to his work with Living Colour, Will has recorded and/or toured with diverse artists including B.B. King, Mick Jagger, Jaco Pastorious, Harry Belafonte, Pharoah Sanders, Jack Dejohnette, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, The Allman Brothers, Lauryn Hill, Marcus Miller, Dr.John, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Rolling Stones guitarist Ron Wood, Wayne Shorter (on the Grammy-winning CD "High Life"), Lauryn Hill, and recorded with rappers Run-DMC and Public Enemy. As a producer, player, and songwriter, Will has worked on Herb Alpert's Grammy-nominated CD, Colors

During Will's down time he has managed to record two solo projects Housework and Drum Wave. These discs provide an alternate canvas for his acoustic drumset artistry as well as his push for electronic tonal expressions.

Will, Doug Wimbish, and Vinx joined forces to form the groundbreaking Ambient World Music band JUNGLE FUNK. Their live CD Jungle Funk is available on Zebra Records in the States. The group combines mastery of technology with musicianship. This rare and cutting edge disc was given the Album of the Year mention in Australia. 

Will's first jazz CD as a bandleader is entitled The Will Calhoun Quintet: Live at the Blue Note. The disc is an adventurous journey through Will's approach to acoustic Jazz, World and Ambient music. The line-up features Bobby Watson-sax, Terrell Stafford-trumpet, John Benitez-bass and Orrin Evans-piano. Will's song writing, arrangements and drumming on this CD are ground breaking. Although this was Will's first attempt at fronting a jazz group, Down Beat Magazine, Jazz Times, and BillBoard Magazine have given the CD top ratings. Drum Magazine's readers poll voted Will's CD 1st runner up for Drummer/Band leader. 

Will has worked with rapper Mos Def, both as a producer and performer. Will brought together an all-star lineup for this project, featuring artists like: Bernie Worrell on keys, Doug Wimbish on bass, Doc Know, the guitarist from Bad Brains, and other special guests. The Band is titled Black Jack Johnson, and several tracks from this band were featured on Mos Def's CD The New Danger. Keep your eyes and ears open for a full length Black Jack Johnson CD. It will be in the usual cutting-edge Calhoun fashion.

For all you Living Colour fans, the band is touring again and working on new material. They have performed regional U.S. tour, as well as tours in South America, Australia and Europe over the past several years. Check the Tour Schedule page often for updates. 

One of Will's latest creations is his follow-up release on the Halfnote label: Native Lands. Native Lands can be described as Jazz meets World, meets trance-inducing Urban music. This is a double package - CD/DVD in which Calhoun marries his far reaching interests in a genre-bending collection that taps key expressionists from various backgrounds. Among those contributing are Pharoah Sanders, Mos Def, Buster Williams, Stanley Jordan, Kevin Eubanks, Marcus Miller and Wallace Roney, as well as Nana Vasconcelos from Brazil and Cheick Tidiane Seck from Mali. The album includes a DVD with over ninety minutes of music videos and documentary materials that chronicle the last ten years of Will's life and travels. Will is presently touring in support of this project with his group, variously called "AZA" or "Native Lands", which features various artists from the album and other outstanding musicians. 

Not many artists have the vision and artistic energy to be Grammy winners and contribute to so many genres: jazz, rock, hip-hop, ambient, et al, while concurrently producing, touring, creating new projects, working on films, and continually pushing the envelope. Will Calhoun has this creative vision, and he is doing an extraordinary job keeping music a spiritual and motivating force in his life. 


Check out this episode!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Bert Johnson Unchained - Where Politics and Real Life Intersect


"People have forgotten that there’s no position in the country like citizen activism. I don’t have the power, you do. " - Senator Bert Johnson 

Senator Bert Johnson shares his story about how he went from being convicted of a crime and doing time, to being convicted to contribute to his community.

Additional topics that Senator Johnson addresses include: the school to prison pipeline, how to support young men of color, his journey to manhood and how he found his purpose. 

Bert Johnson is a progressive State Senator from Michigan’s 2nd District which includes Detroit, Highland Park, Hamtramck, Harper Woods and the five Grosse Pointe communities.

This is the recording of the live and candid conversation with Senator Johnson that took place on Wednesday, August 19, 2015 at The Jungle Juice Bar in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. 

For More information about Senator Bert Johnson visit www.Facebook.com/SenBertJohnson 


Check out this episode!

Monday, August 17, 2015

Numbers Never Lie


Feelings and emotions might be fuzzy, but numbers are cut and dry. We often let our feelings and emotions lead us. We react to life even when times are great. But what if we took a moment to measure our true well-being by the numbers in our lives? 


Last week, I took my own advice and practiced self-care by slowing down and making space. While there, I finally had the room, time and clarity to make a shocking discovery. My weight was at an all-time high and my credit score was at an all-time low. Based on that data, I realized that it was due time to get back to ME. 

What do your numbers look like? For you, it might not be weight or credit score, but it might be your blood pressure, cholesterol level, blood sugar, hours reading, hours watching television, hours of work versus hours of play, hours of sleep, or time spent with family and your loved ones that matter to you most. One thing that I’ve learned in the business world is that when in doubt, check the numbers, because numbers never lie. Now I’ve come to learn that numbers also matter in your personal life as well, particularly when it comes to health, personal finances and even your relationships. 

This week I challenge you to identify which numbers in your life are out of balance. Once you do that, make the necessary adjustments to get back on track and back to you. Here are a few of the things that I did to give you some ideas… 

  • Joined Curves for Women (again) with my Mom as my workout buddy for fitness and quality family time. 
  • Today I’m going to buy a bicycle so I can go riding regularly with my best friend.
  • I unsubscribed from several of the email lists that were filling up my inbox that I never had time to read. 
  • I paid off some small debts that I had no other reason not to pay off other than just being too darn busy to sit down and do it. 
  • I went on a grocery shopping spree and purchased enough fresh and healthy items to last me all week.
  • I could go on and on, but those are just a few ideas to get you started. 


What will you do? 

Even when you are lying to yourself about the quality of your life, your numbers will tell you the truth.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Cornell Batie on The Detroit Jazz Festival


"For anything that you're going after, anything that you want to be part of your circle, take a look at yourself and say, 'Have I deposited these things into who I am?', because if you have not, then how can you expect for it to come back to you?" - Cornell Batie

In addition to being the Executive Vice President and Chief Operation Officer of the Detroit Jazz Festival Cornell Batie is also a Lifestyle Coach, Ballroom Instructor and Fitness Trainer

The Detroit Jazz Festival is a major cultural institution, providing year-round concerts and educational programming that culminates in one of the world’s premier jazz festivals on Labor Day Weekend.

Now in its 34th year, the festival takes place over several city blocks in downtown Detroit – from Hart Plaza to Campus Martius – with five stages and 100 acts over four days. It also offers educational activities for adults and children, fireworks, late-night jam sessions, rare opportunities to meet the artists and much more. And it’s all FREE.

The Detroit Jazz Fest's mission is to:

Foster the history and nurture the development of jazz

Perpetuate Detroit’s significant jazz legacy through educational and collaborative opportunities accessible to all and to present a world-class signature event that makes Detroit a tourist destination

For more information about the Detroit Jazz Festival visit www.DetroitJazzFest.com

For more information about Cornell Batie visit www.CornellBatie.com


Check out this episode!

Friday, July 24, 2015

Legendary Jazz Bassist Marion Hayden on Jazz in Paradise


"Go for your dreams. The best thing that you can do for yourself is to believe in your own ideas and support the things that you do unequivocally. Don't be the critic for yourself." - Marion Hayden

Marion Hayden is one of very few female jazz bassists, in her case deciding to stay close to home while becoming one of the more enduring instrumentalists in the Midwestern United States. Born in Detroit, MI, in 1952, she is the daughter of Marion and Herbert Hayden, her father an avid record collector and jazz pianist himself. Growing up on the industrial west side of the Motor City, she took up piano at the age of nine, followed by the upright acoustic bass at 12. In the summer Metro Arts program she met Wendell Harrison and Marcus Belgrave, who would become teachers, and in time lifelong collaborators. Hayden attended Cass Tech High School and graduated from Henry Ford High School, took classes at Michigan State University and then the University of Michigan, gaining a liberal arts degree with a minor in entomology. She took a position with the Michigan Department of Agriculture while working the nightclub circuit playing jazz with Belgrave, pianist Charles Boles, Teddy Harris, Jr., the Jimmy Wilkins Orchestra, Buddy Budson, LaMonte Hamilton, saxophonist George Benson, Marvin "Doc" Holladay, Randy Gelispie, Donald Walden, Kenn Cox, and Stan Booker.

Briefly disillusioned with the jazz scene in the early '80s, she took a two-year hiatus before her career was revived through playing again with Cox, and most notably master percussionist Roy Brooks in his combo the Artistic Truth. For a time while married to guitarist Bill Banfield, she worked on joint projects with him including symphonic and cinematic music reflecting her classical training. From there her career took off as one of the founding members of the all-female ensemble Venus, followed by the band Straight Ahead in collaboration with Regina Carter. As the band was signed to Atlantic Records, the personnel of Straight Ahead changed; as Carter began a solo career, vocalist Michelle Braden was replaced by Cynthia Dewberry and Hayden, pianist Eileen Orr, and drummer Gayelynn McKinney carried on. As the commercial landscape for jazz changed, so too did Hayden's focus, playing in both R&B and mainstream contexts.

This versatility led her to a wide variety of engagements, but also gave her the opportunity to become a high-level educator. She became a professor of bass instruction in the jazz department of Tri-C College in Cleveland, OH, and was installed in the faculty at the University of Michigan School of Music. She has performed or recorded with such jazz veterans as Kirk Lightsey, Ralph Peterson, Jr., Terry Callier, Dizzy Gillespie, Sonny Fortune, Kenny Burrell, Steve Turre, Cecil Bridgewater, fellow Detroiter James Carter, and countless other professionals passing through. Straight Ahead has maintained a local presence beyond their recordings, while Hayden is also heard with the band of saxophonist Allen Barnes, and is a member of the Modern Jazz Messengers led by drummer Sean Dobbins. Her solo CD Visions was released in 2008, and she has composed a suite based on the writings of poet Phyllis Wheatley.

Marion Hayden is currently celebrating 20 years of marriage to Artist, M. Saffell Gardner www.saffellart.com

For more information about Marion visit her website at MarionHayden.com (Coming Soon)

About Jazz in Paradise...

Saturday, July 25, 2015

30394 Glenmuer St.

Farmington Hills, MI 48334

6:30pm - 10:30pm

$30 Minimum Fundraising Donation

Entertainment, Food and Beverages

Hosted by Maxine Michaels

Featured Vocalists: Shahida Nurullah and Robert McCarther

Featuring Marion Hayden on Bass, Larry Smith on Saxophone and Sean Dobbins on Percussion

For More information visit www.facebook.com/maxine.michaels.1


Check out this episode!

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Business, Love and Jazz in Paradise with Renee Jamerson


"Live life in its moments, because it's not guaranteed. Enjoy the people that you are around and make sure you keep good company. Show the exit to the bad company really quickly because this life is short."- Renee Jamerson 

On this episode I had the pleasure of sitting down with Renee Jamerson, who along with her husband, Robert Jamerson will be opening up their home to make the Jazz in Paradise event possible. She not only shares the details of the event, but also give us a few valuable lessons in business and love. 

About Jazz in Paradise...

Saturday, July 25, 2015

30394 Glenmuer St.

Farmington Hills, MI 48334

6:30pm - 10:30pm

$30 Minimum Fundraising Donation

Entertainment, Food and Beverages

Hosted by Maxine Michaels

Featured Vocalists: Shahida Nurullah and Robert McCarther

Featuring Marion Hayden on Bass, Larry Smith on Saxophone and Sean Dobbins on Percussion

For More information visit www.facebook.com/maxine.michaels.1

 


Check out this episode!

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Music to the MAX with Maxine Michaels


"When one becomes successful, send the elevator back down for someone else." - Ramsey Lewis

About Maxine Michaels...

On Air Talent, News & Traffic Reporting, Radio Programming Consultant, Voice-Overs, Narration, Freelance - Published Entertainment Writer, Producer, Promotions, Researcher, Publicity, Public Relations and more...

Native Detroiter, Graduate Cass Technical High School,

Deeply passionate about The Art of Jazz - Made In America. Enjoyed Worldwide.

About The Mayflower Music Series...

Every first Friday at Mayflower Congregational UCC Detroit, MI, 7301 Curtis Street, Detroit

About Jazz in Paradise...

Saturday, July 25, 2015

30394 Glenmuer St.

Farmington HIlls, MI 48334

6:30pm - 10:30pm

$30 Minimum Fundraising Donation

Entertainment, Food and Beverages

 

Hosted by Maxine Michaels

Featured Vocalists: Shahida Nurullah and Robert McCarther

Featuring Marion Hayden on Bass, Larry Smith on Saxophone and Sean Dobbins on Percussion

 

For More information visit www.facebook.com/mazine.michaels.1


Check out this episode!

Friday, July 17, 2015

Break the Silence with Dr. Renee Hornbuckle


"There is no fear in love but perfect loves drives out fear because fear has to do with punishment. For the one who fears is not made perfect in love. God is love and God's love for us is unconditional." -  1 John 4:18

"If you stay in the mindset of being a victim, then you're really powerless to what you need to do to make the necessary change so that you can indeed get back to life." - Dr. Renee Hornbuckle

Dr. Renee is the founder of Women Of Influence Inc., an organization committed to the personal development of women worldwide.  As, Chief emPOWERment Officer of the LIFE EMPOWERMENT INSTITUTE, Renee is dedicated to training men, women, boys and girls by using practical and biblical principles empowering them to live a fulfilled and enriched life. She is also a Crisis Coach and Life Coach to both men and women of all ages, overcoming personal struggle of her own in 2005, when her fairy tale life turned into a nightmare. Prior to the break of the scandal, Dr. Renee and her now ex-husband had what many perceived as a perfect marriage and were living the American Dream. Now, after several years of silence, Dr. Renee Hornbuckle has penned this ordeal in her new book, “Suffering In Silence:  Break The Silence – Let the Suffering End – Let Healing Begin.” She also has now stepped forward and broken the silence on her own personal experience with domestic violence.  

For more information visit her website at http://www.reneehornbucklemin.com


Check out this episode!

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Entrepreneurship and Relationships with Theresa Johnson, Owner of Tim Hortons


Theresa Johnson is the owner of two Tim Horton's store locations in Michigan (Highland Park and Warren). On this episode she shares her journey to entrepreneurship with us including the story of how she started as an employee and single Mom worked her way up to being as store owner. She shares the lessons that she learned and the challenges that she overcame such as having her store survive through the 5 years of the recession. After talking business we get into a little girl talk about our favorite subject, relationships. 


Check out this episode!

Friday, July 10, 2015

The Idlewild Music Festival with Samaritan's Feet, Sip and Dab and Katena Abraham


This episode is a triple header where we will hear from Katena Abraham who is the Chairperson of the Idlewild Music Festival Committee and a resident of Idlewild. Then we will hear from Samaritan's Feet about the Back To School Shoe drive that will be taking place for youth at the festival where volunteers will wash the children's feet and give them a brand new pair of socks and shoes. Finally we will hear from the owner of Sip and Dab who will be bringing her business to the festival so that we can paint while we sip wine and the proceeds will benefit the T.Rose Foundation which supports young women and girls. 

For more information about the Idlewild Music Festival or any of the guests on this episode visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org 

 


Check out this episode!

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Mason, The Music and The Microphone


"I'm in love with music and the microphone." - Mason 

I have grown up listening to Mason's distinct voice on Detroit Radio and during Detroit Pistons basketball games. So I was beyond excited to sit down and chat with him about the story behind his name, his loyalty and love for Detroit, as well as his thoughts on the Idlewild Music Festival where he will be one of the hosts. 

John Mason (real name Earnest Wooten) is the public address announcer for the Detroit Pistons games at The Palace of Auburn Hills who is best known for his 18-year career as the host of Mason in the Morning show on WJLB, and for his colorful introductions, and is credited with coining the popular chant "Deeeeee-troit basketball!" Mason's flamboyant voice has been requested at many sporting events, and he was chosen to serve as the PA announcer at the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas. In addition, he also served as the announcer for the international ALL-STAR game in Cyprus & Turkey in 2005. Mason is very popular with his announcing during nationally televised games. When the NBA on ESPN or the NBA on ABC features a Detroit Pistons home game, both networks put him on TV when he introduces the starting lineups.

Mason is also a radio personality in Detroit, Michigan. He was the host of the extremely Popular "Mason in The Morning" on WJLB for 18 years. He was also host of his own radio show on 102.7/105.9 KISS-FM. Mason left WDMK in July 2006 as his contract had expired. Mason was offered an intriguing contract from the Cleveland Cavaliers, his former hometown. He declined the offer, saying the Pistons gave him the raw shot to craft his art in their gym. The Pistons have also given Mason the opportunity to serve as PA announcer for an NBA title contender. When Mason replaced longtime Pistons PA announcer Ken Calvert before the start of the 2001-02 NBA season, Detroit soon became a perennial contender for the NBA Championship. Mason saw the Pistons win back-to-back NBA Eastern Conference titles in 2004 & 2005, and most notably saw them win the NBA title in 2004, upsetting the Los Angeles Lakers in 5 games. From 2003 to 2008, Mason saw his Detroit Pistons make an impressive 6 consecutive appearances in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

Mason also won a television Emmy for an entertainment video show (Urban Chartbusters) on the local NBC station WDIV Detroit. Mason has also been an aclimed motivational speaker in prisons throughout Mich and Schools and universities in Ohio and Mich Mason leaves WGPR to roll out an afternoon drive Talk Show on WCHB DET.

Mason is currently the host of The "Mason and Coco in The Morning"  show on 105.9 KISS FM. Listen LIVE every weekday from 6am to 10am.

For more information about the Idlewild Music Festival Visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org


Check out this episode!

Wednesday, July 8, 2015

A Living Legacy - John Meeks The Unofficial Mayor of Idlewild


 

Ever since I started my quest to learn more about Idlewild, Michigan many years ago, one name kept coming up over and over again...John Meeks. 

"Idlewild is the largest black summer resort in the world. It has survived 100 years." - John Meeks Sr.

Mr. Meeks is a former Detroit Public School Teacher and Business Owner. Back in the day he enjoyed all of the amazing entertainment and culture first hand that we only hear about and read about today. He was so amazed by the town that he moved there when he retired, investing in several businesses and properties. He also made the commitment to play a major role in the town's revitalization when things changed after the Civil Rights Movement. At the age of 92 he continues to work tirelessly to preserve and promote this historic gem.

I think the most intriguing part of my interview with him is where he shares a solid plan outlining how we can help to bring Idlewild back to the way that it was when entertainers like Louis Armstrong and professionals like Heart Surgeon, Dr. Daniel Hale Williams spent their days there. 

Mr. Meeks does an excellent job of capturing all of the happenings and connecting people to resources through the organization that he founded called the Idlewild African-American Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the website at www.iaacc.com

For more information about the Idlewild Music Festival visit www.idlewildmusicfest.com 

 


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Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Images of Idlewild Past and Present with Ronald Griffin Yates Township Supervisor


"There's nothing greater than to be able to talk to the ancestors to get some information...they're knowledgeable because they were here before we were here." - Ronald Griffin, Yates Township Supervisor

My mission to inform you about the history of Idlewild, Michigan took me on journey to experience this town first hand. I wanted to meet the people who live, work and make decisions there every day. I wanted to experience the essence of the spirit of the past first hand by placing my feet on the land. I wanted to hear the stories of those who had experienced all of the excitement from "back in the day" that we can only read and wonder about now. My adventure began at the Yates Township Offices where I sat down with Ronald Griffin, the Township Supervisor. Not only did he give me an insightful interview, but he also took me on a tour of Idlewild and introduced me to the colorful cast of characters that make Idlewild the powerful production that it is. I had so much fun that day. This interview is the First of three that I did to capture the "Images of Idlewild Past and Present."

- #MMJ

A Call to Action for The Younger Generations: "I would like them to come and enjoy some of the people that we still have here that are still living...like Mr. Meeks, he's full of knowledge and wisdom, and once he's gone, it's gone."- Ronald Griffin, Yates Township Supervisor

For more information about Idlewild visit www.iaacc.com

For more information about the Idlewild Music Fest visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org


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Friday, July 3, 2015

Philly Weeden on Giving Back and Supporting Our Boys


"The best is yet to come...be inspired, be ready..." - Philly Weeden

Philipé Winston Weeden is a Designer, Model, Semi-Professional Football Player, Public Speaker, Author, Playwright and now Screen Writer. He has two published books titled REALationship Breakdown Philly Style: Based on Real Life Experiences and The Black Man's Guide: If You Knew Better You'd Do Better, under his belt and is currently working on his third book.

At a young age Philipé loved to write fictional stories. As he aged and matured his writings were about his own life situations. Throughout Philipe's life he has experienced good times and bad times. From being married, divorced, and father at a young age. But it doesn’t end there, he was also a member of a famous dance/rap group, the creator of his own clothing line, an off & on football career, a life threatening car accident and even being homeless. Throughout this, Philipé always remained humbled. How he survived? He lifted himself above all his hardships through his walk with God.

Philipé is an avid believer that with God all things are possible! He took a leap of faith and pursued writing. With the encouragement of his Facebook friends, Philipé set out to release all he had pinned up inside of him. He realized that by helping others through words he was in turn helping himself to heal.

His first book REALationship Breakdown Philly Style: Based on Real Life Experiences released October 30, 2011 and pre-sold over 1,500 copies. The focus of this book was to breakdown relationships and help people to retain or gain one. The success of this book, along with the rave reviews from readers, gave Philipé the motivation to release his second book The Black Man's Guide: If You Knew Better You'd Do Better on January 1, 2012. This book focused on breaking down the male partner of the relationship.

After releasing his second book, Philipé decided to take his writing to another level, birthing the hit stage play If You Knew Better You'd Do Better. The first showing on April 22, 2012 at Cleveland State University was a sold out show. Many of Philipe's supporters and fans demanded a second show that he delivered on June 3, 2012 which was filmed by TV 20 and aired June 2012. His cast, which he hand-picked himself, consisted of all local Clevelanders with no acting experience.

With all the suspense from the first play many people were left to wonder what happened to the characters and their situations. Since Philipé loves challenges, he embarked on the sequel immediately after the plays sold out show. The sequel titled "If I Knew Then, What I Know" played September 22, 2012 with another sold out performance. Part 3 "If Only You Knew... The TRUTH!" played May 4, 2013 and was the biggest production he has done thus far adding 4 sold out performances. Philipé went back in the lab to bring forth another 3 Part series from a Romantic- Dramedy perspective. First up was "BRUTHA's... We All We Got!" being performed in front of a sold out audience. He is now looking forward to "God's Gift to Women!" April 26, 2014. And soon after Philipé will start filming his first movie "If You Knew Better; You'd Do Better!" which premiered November 8, 2014 at Solon Cinemas selling o 4 theaters and over 1,000 people in attendance. Showing a second time at Cedar- Lee Theaters selling out with over 175 people in attendance.

For More information about Philly Weeden visit his website at www.phillyweeden.com

For More information about the Idlewild Music Festival visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org


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Saturday, June 27, 2015

Holistic Healing with Christy Lynn Abram


"Ignite conversation. We need to talk about it so we can heal it." - Christy Lynn Abram 

After enduring years of childhood abuse and struggling with depression and PTSD for fifteen years, Christy Lynn Abram embarked on a journey to self-healing using holistic wellness as her guide. Now, as a Wholistic Muse, she is an established author and founder of Love Yourself Healthy. Christy has studied as a Reiki master, EFT practitioner, reflexologist, massage therapist, and a crystal healer, all of which aided in her discovery of how to heal herself naturally.

These life-changing skills also served as the foundation to enhancing her gift as an intuitive healer. She has been recognized by Patricia Mercier, bestselling author of the Chakra Bible, for her knowledge of the chakra system, gemstone healing, and energy medicine. She also contributes to several online publications on the subject of holistic healing and offers individual coaching, e-courses, and workshops all designed to assist and encourage others on their journey toward a better, fuller life.

Christy also loves to use her gift of writing to help others. In her book Chakra Wellness: 7 Ways to Renew the Total she dives into the seven chakra centers from a mind-body-soul perspective. Readers learn how to discern key issues, heal imbalances, and maintain energetic barriers to eliminate stress and increase their overall well-being.

In her novel, Little Miss Somebody, Christy wears her heart on her sleeve and delivers an emotional tale of love and sacrifice. Based on a true story, Little Miss Somebody was released this week. To learn more about Christy, her mission, and her books, please visit www.christylynnabram.com


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Friday, June 26, 2015

Love, Wine and Empowerment with Jana Brockwell, Owner of Love Wines


“Don’t be a victim, be a survivor.” – Jana Brockwell

Jana Brockwell is the owner and wine maker at Love Wines. She is a second generation vintner who has a passion for lively and exciting  wines.  

She is very attracted to the simplicity of wine as a beverage. You don't have to follow a recipe to make wine. You take the fruit of the earth (any fruit at all will really do) and figure out the qualities of the fruit. You add a few ingredients, make sure the fruit is clean and stored away from the air, and voila, you have wine.

She has always liked to mix her art with a little science and wine making is just that. There are few rules to making wine. She feels that she can take what the Earth has given her and go with it.

You will find interesting flavors at Love Wines like Razzelberry, Cranberry, and Strawberry Peach Lemonade which comes right from local fruit.

The inspiration for Love Wines came from her parents who built a small vineyard and winery at the site of her childhood home with the help of their family. They put a lot of hard work into the construction and invested all of their retirement.

For more information about love wines visit www.ludingtonwine.com

For more information about The Idlewild Music Fest visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org 


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Wednesday, June 17, 2015

A Neo-Jazz Experience with NuEra at The Idlewild Music Fest


NuEra is a Neo-Jazz Band that will be one of the headlining acts at the Idlewild Music Festival July 10th - 12th on Williams Island in Idlewild, Michigan. 

3 AWESOME DAYS

Historic African American Resort

Live music  *  Historic awareness presentations  *  Golf

Empowerment luncheon  *  Youth shoe distribution

Sib and Dab  *  Praisercize  *  Girl Talk  *  Boys to Men

Nightly jam sessions and lots of family fun!

The Fest is held to commemorate and celebrate the history of well known African-American entertainers and professionals who owned property and performed at the

Historic Resort prior to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  Known as the "Black Eden", this location was one of the few resorts in the United States where African-Americans could vacation and purchase property.  The National Resource Team applauds the Idlewild community for holding on to the land; approximately 3,000 acres.  It is historically, the largest land based African American resort ever assembled in the USA. Idlewild is a rare and valuable national resource with physical and cultural significance. 

For more information on NuEra follow them on Twitter at www.twitter.com/nuerainfo

For more information about The Idlewild Music Fest visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org

 


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Friday, June 12, 2015

Grow Your Money with Gail Perry-Mason


"The world is your oyster, and sometimes we are wounded, but that is how an oyster becomes a pearl." - Gail Perry-Mason

Detroiter Gail Perry-Mason has come a long way, from foster care to caring for others. Gail is a respected authority in the financial industry. And now she can add bestselling author to her list of accomplishments. And it’s her years of experience, coupled with her down to earth but also down to business style that has made her a sought after speaker and presenter. 

Gail maintains a packed schedule of media and speaking engagements. She regularly addresses capacity crowds educating people on financial literacy and has conducted financial training sessions and workshops for companies such as DaimlerChrysler, IBM and Wells Fargo. Gail’s wisdom also hits the airwaves and she co-hosted an award-winning talk show entitled “Building Wealth,” via radio broadcast on MIX 92.3 and a television broadcast on Comcast Cable and currently has MIX Money Minute on Clear Channel every Sunday. She has appeared on all the local Detroit television networks, and on national outlets such as BET, Fox News, PBS, CNN, MSNBC, and NPR Radio. 

Gail is a prolific published writer and has written articles for local and national print media. She has been featured in many publications including: Ebony, Black Enterprise, On Wall Street, Research Magazine, Quick and Simple-Good Housekeeping Magazine, Essence, Jet, Free Press and Detroit News, Signature Magazine, Corp!, Washington Post and Associated Press. 

While juggling her demanding career in the financial industry and public appearances, Gail found the time to write and publish her first book Money Matters for Families, which served as a manual for the employees at DaimlerChrysler to teach them how to get their financial household in order. The book is geared towards families and focuses on the critical elements for building a strong financial foundation. It sold out of it’s original printing in the first year and is currently out of print. Gail’s second book, Girl, Make Your Money Grow, written with co-author Glinda Bridgforth was a national best seller. Glinda and the book were featured on Oprah’s Debt Diet.

Gail recognizes the necessity of teaching youth the importance of money management and she founded and directed the original Money Camp for Teens and the first youth investment club. Each year Gail hosts a Money Camp for Youth, which has instructed over 6,000 young people in the Detroit-Metro area and mentored over 25 young women who are now professionals in the financial industry. Currently she is conducting a program in the Detroit Public Schools that teaches financial literacy and outlines the steps to entrepreneurship. 

Gail is extremely visible and active in her community. She served as Chairperson for the Tavis Smiley Youth to Leaders Program since its inception and was honored for her work with Mr. Smiley at a benefit held at the home of Arianna Huffington. Gail was Honorary Chairperson for COTS Homeless Shelter Annual Fundraiser, Mariners Inn River Rhythm Annual Fundraiser, and Celebrity Chef for Spaulding for Children. She is also an honorary member of Elliottorian Business and Professional Women’s Club, and a proud member of Jack & Jill of America. In 2010, Gail was honored by the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity for Economic Empowerment and Education.

In addition, Gail has received numerous awards. Ford Motor Company, Michigan Women’s Foundation, and New Detroit Inc., and AKA National Sorority recently honored Gail because of her investment in our youth.

Gail was honored as Michigan’s Local Hero Award by Bank of America and Community Role Model Award from Alternatives for Girls, and the Economic Empowerment Award from 100 Black Men for her work in the community in 2009. 

She was also named as one of Michigan’s Top 10 Business Women by the National Association of Business Women Owner’s in 2007 and received the Community Service Award from the Michigan Women’s Foundation. 

She was named Phenomenal Business Woman of the Year, and was given an award from the Governor of Michigan for fundraising for Non-Profit Organizations, where she is now a Community Ambassador for the Governor of Michigan.

Dynamo Gail is also a mother of three terrific sons. Her mottos are “Success Benefits Others First” and “Opportunity Doesn’t Happen Without Sharing.” 

For more information you can reach Gail at speakingofgpm@gmail.com


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Thursday, June 11, 2015

T. Rose on Keeping The Idlewild Michigan Legacy Alive


"Idlewild is not just a movie. It's a nationally, historically registered landmark and it is the largest African-American owned lot of property in the US. We need to help the legacy move forward." - T. Rose 

Since its inception in 1999, through the vision of Founder and CEO, Theresa Randleman; T. ROSE Entertainments' growth has soared to become an internationally known entertainment firm. Our clients include some of the most entertaining artists on the Jazz scene; highly sought after playwrights and producers; as well as the utmost premiere entertainment venues across the Country.

The beginning years of business involved contracts with national touring plays, productions and the UniverSoul Circus.  Securing groups sales, travels and promotions per each event.  Also, assisting with touring stage plays providing tour management and routing, artist and venue contracting, public relation/media promotions.

Early in 2008, T. ROSE secured her first jazz artist for management, after producing and promoting numerous jazz shows.  February 2010, and invitation was received to attend an Entertainment Summit in Washington, D.C.  The Army's Entertainment Division sought industry Pros to come together for a brainstorming session. This Summit embarked international success for T. ROSE; with the production of her first international jazz tour.... Europe!

October 2012, T. ROSE brought forth years of experience with live stage plays and became the Producer of "ColorBlind"; securing cast members: Wess Morgan (Gospel Artist), Andrea Helms (BET Sunday's Best), Tasha Lockhart (BETs Sunday Best winner 2013) Hope Flood (Comedian) and Pastor Brian Hurst.

The start of 2013 brought more recognition for T. ROSE!  She was nominated for a Slantress Inspire Award in the Business Woman category by Slantress Magazine. The award ceremony was held in Maryland.  April 2013, T. ROSE booked over 20 musicians for the Seabreeze Jazz Festival - ranked one of the top 10 jazz festivals in the nation. Also the birth of Motown Jazz Xperience, a musicial vision of T. ROSE.  June 2013, T. ROSE co-produced Detroit Riverwalk Jazz Series; hosting national and international artists and capturing the attention of jazz media around the globe. 

Ms. Randleman, Founder and CEO of T. ROSE Foundation - Daughters of Divine Purpose (nonprofit) and serves other youth non profit organizations; she's also Producing the 2015 Idlewild Music Fest. 

T. ROSE Entertainment has surely made its mark on the entertainment industry as a Premier Entertainment Firm and is uniquely positioned to collaborate in numerous areas of entertainment business.

For More information about T Rose visit www.t-rose.com

For More Information about The Idlewild Music Festival visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org 


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Wednesday, June 10, 2015

#GetHealthy with Dr. Farid Zarif


"We have to do things that are revolutionary because we are evolutionary." - Dr. Farid Zarif

Human nutrition can be easily negated in a society over-flowing with non-functional comfort foods. Your awareness to become healthier is the first step to do something about it. I can help you plan the healthiest personal regimen possible that will reflect your personal daily life experiences and goals. Empowering yourself with the latest knowledge will change your life forever. All people live according to a specific rhythm that correlates with heart, brain, elimination, and respiratory rhythms, learn yours.

Specializing in Bariatric Medicine, which means my focus is on over-weight and obese individual children and adults. My approach to treatment is extraordinary and unique to any human nutrition approach. Seek new knowledge and treatment for an effective and favorable outcome.

Initially, discovering what works and does not work serves for the basis of a custom designed eating, physical activity, and rest plan. We determine the rhythm of your natural body clock called the circadian rhythm, then construct a regimen that compliments your style of living for everyday of your life.

Book: Slaves of The Toungue by Dr. Farid Zarif

A clarification on sustained ignorance about the science of the food we eat, and retaining self-control to lower the risks of illness and disease. It is not that we do not know any better, as much as we just will not do any better. We have become slaves to taste, texture, tradition, and masterful deceit. 

Harriet Tubman was noted as saying, “I could have save many more of my people, if only they knew they were slaves.” You have the privilege and opportunity to save your life and set the example to all that you come in contact. 

For more information visit www.drzarif.com


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Saturday, June 6, 2015

Deekah Wyatt The Rock Goddess on The Power of Girlhood


 

“We’re a rainbow…we’re freaking snowflakes, we’re meant to be different." - Deekah Wyatt

Deekah Wyatt is a Detroit Rock City born singer/songwriter/guitarist . Her voice has been compared to Tracy Chapman, Betty Davis & Janis Joplin. Her guitar stylings have been known to envoke the spirit of Hendrix, Hazel & Page. Mastermind behind the 3rd Annual Cosmic Slop Music Festival Annual Cosmic Slop Music Festival; a celebration of rock music and culture in full color, she has worked with some of the area’s most talented artists including RenCen CoolBeanz, Blackmail and Jessica Care Moore’s Black Women Rock Orchestra.

Deekah’s follow up to the Insidious Pleasures EP(2009), Eve of Revolution will be released in September 2013. For more music & info about Deekah Wyatt visit deekahwyatt.bandcamp.com or www.cosmicslopfest.com.

For more information about The Power of Girlhood visit www.ThePowerOfGirlhood.org


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Poet Dimonique Boyd on The Power of Girlhood


"You've got to choose you every day." - Dimonique Boyd

A daughter of the Café Mahogany days, Dimonique experienced a rebirth in poetry when she became a regular at EchoVerse Poetry and Slam Series in 2007.  She has had featured appearances at the Blushing Sky Honors Series, The Beat Café, Sweet Epiphany,and the Detroit Public Library, among many other venues and shows.
By popular demand, she self-published and released her first volume of poetry, “This is How I Feel: My Life in Verse.”  Her book chronicles her life’s journey from ages fourteen to thirty. Though best known for her love and erotic poems, her writing delves into the socio-political, religious, and Hip-Hop realms.  An admitted Confessional Poet, most of her poems are short glimpses into pieces of her life.  She sees her poetry as both an outlet and an outreach.  She is unafraid to give the most personal parts of herself to her audience because she feels that it’s important to be a voice for who fear that they’re alone or don’t have the words to express how they feel.  No matter the subject of her prose, the focus is always humanity.  We love, we hurt, we cry, we lust, we sin, and she pours it all on the page and the stage to achieve oneness with her audience.
Her second volume of poetry, “Queen of Heart” follows the design of a deck of cards and is written in two parts-Court and Suites. From Ace to “Dimons,” or God to Self, Dimonique offers the full range of her versatility as a writer. (- From The Motown Writer's Network Blog. www.motownwriters.com)

For More Information about The Power of Girlhood Visit www.ThePowerOfGirlhood.org

 


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Thursday, June 4, 2015

Coco The Laff Therapist on The Power of Girlhood


"I don’t care how tight you close those blinds, the sun is still shining. So It’s the same thing with being a girl, you can’t block out what is naturally there. Open the blinds and let that sun shine in." - Coco "The Laff Therapist"

Coco is a comedian, actress, radio personality and motivational speaker. 

The Power of Girlhood 5.0 is being hosted at S.O.U.L and presents its 5th Annual forum for girls ages 8 to 80, entitled The Power of Girlhood: Watch My Girl Power. This fun filled afternoon of poetry, music, exhibits, demonstrations and more will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. at SOUL Center located at: 23023 Orchard lake road, Farmington, MI 48336

We are inviting the community to not only bring their girls but also have them come with questions and engage in dialogue about what is important to them and what it’s like to be a girl.

We will have dialogues with metro area luminaries such as: One Single Rose, Deekah Wyatt, Michelle Held, Shinda, and Dimonique Boyd. 

Plus a surprise performances, swag bags and more! All for FREE

For more information visit www.ThePowerOfGirlhood.org

 #GoGirlhood


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Ginger Wiechers on The Power of Girlhood


“I believe that what we think is possible will occur for us.” – Ginger Wiechers 

Ginger Bridget Wiechers is the Owner and Chef at Ginger’s Café & Gourmet Shoppe as well as the Executive Director at Source of Universal Love (S.O.U.L).

S.O.U.L. helps to transform the lives of individuals and families in adverse situations by providing support and help. Their goal is to respond with love, respect and to provide the resources they have available as needed. They support everyone who comes to them. Some of the ways that they assist include; food, clothing, education, resource research, household goods, furniture, care counseling, transportation, comfort and compassion. They help the homeless, abused, those in medical crisis, and people transitioning from divorce and other hardships such as a loss of employment. They strive to provide solutions which enable people to return to a self-sustaining status.

For more information visit their website at www.sourceofuniversallove.com

For more information about The Power of Girlhood visit www.ThePowerOfGirlhood.org

#GoGirlhood 


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What Will You DeCIDE?

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Girl Talk with Bria Camp on The Power of Girlhood


"Be yourself." - Bria Camp

Bria Camp is an intern for The Power of Girlhood, and a 16 year old student at Henry Ford Academy School for Creative Studies in Detroit. 

The Power of Girlhood 5.0 Event is being hosted at S.O.U.L Center and presents its 5th Annual forum for girls ages 8 to 80, entitled The Power of Girlhood: Watch My Girl Power. This fun filled afternoon of poetry, music, exhibits, demonstrations and more will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. at SOUL Center located at: 23023 Orchard lake road, Bld C, Farmington, MI 48336

We are inviting the community to not only bring their girls but also have them come with questions and engage in dialogue about what is important to them and what it’s like to be a girl.

We will have dialogues with metro area luminaries such as: One Single Rose. Deekah Wyatt. Michelle Held, Shinda, Dimonique Boyd, and Coco.

Plus a surprise performances, swag bags and more! All for FREE

For more information visit www.thepowerofgirlhood.org


Check out this episode!

Monday, June 1, 2015

One Single Rose on The Power of Girlhood


"I am my sisters keeper, and if we would learn to be that and actually do that, we would get that much further as a community." – Rosemarie Wilson a.k.a One Single Rose 

Rosemarie Wilson a.k.a. One Single Rose is an award winning poet, writer, playwright, singer, actress, and a staunch advocate of integrity and fidelity. Her insistence that every day presents an opportunity to live, learn and love positively allows her to motivate others when living throws curves at our existence. Since March 2009, the official release of her first self-published collection of poetry “One Single Rose . . . Poetry Blossomed from a Rose Core,” she has been dubbed an inspirational poet. Her second collection of poetry entitled “One Single Rose…Out of Darkness Into Light,” and her first erotic chapbook “Pearl’s Plays” were released for her birthday in March 2012. One section of Out of Darkness Into Light collection focuses solely on poems requested by her readers.

Rosemarie Wilson was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised on its east side. The youngest child with four brothers, she became involved in the community at a young age. As a Girl Scout from kindergarten through high school, Wilson learned valuable lessons by helping others. Raised in the Baptist church and educated in the Detroit Public School system, she graduated from Cass Technical High School and spent two years at West Virginia State College. Upon returning to Detroit, Wilson obtained her bachelor’s degree from Davenport University (formerly Detroit College of Business).

In 2005, Wilson’s conscience was awakened with her induction into the literary world as editor of “Saved, Single and Satisfied.” Since that time, she has been active as a guest on various radio shows and television programs. The 2010 Fourth Edition of Who’s Who in Black Detroit lists Wilson as an author and poet, she is listed in the 2011 Fifth Edition as an author, poet and spoken word artist, the 2013 Edition lists her as a poet and she appears in the 2015 Seventh Edition as a poet, singer and actress. She has been featured as a poet in various magazines and anthologies available worldwide. In the “Battle of the Sexes: Poetry Edition” anthology, her rhyme on domestic violence entitled “Courageous Goodbye” won the battle on abuse. Rosemarie is also a philanthropist and she has penned poems as an advocate against domestic violence for which she has received honors.

The emotional struggle of Wilson’s transition from singing and writing with the addition of spoken word performances into her repertoire was difficult. After shedding fears of delivering the spoken word, Wilson’s spoken word journey officially took flight during her second performance in June 2010. Two months later, on August 21, 2010 she was named 2010 Poetry Author of the Year and New & Upcoming Poet of the Year at the 1st Annual National Poetry Award ceremony in Raleigh, North Carolina. In 2011 and 2014, Wilson was again nominated as Poetry Author of the Year with the National Poetry Awards. Her love poem “As One” won a 2011 online Valentine’s Poetry Contest, “Eyes Back to Basics” won 1st place in the Detroit Writers’ Guild 2010 Paul Laurence Dunbar Poetry Contest, “I’m Down To:” received honorable mention in the 2012 Paul Laurence Dunbar Poetry Contest and “Goliath Brown” received honorable mention in the 2013 Paul Laurence Dunbar Poetry Contest.

In 2012, One Single Rose was named SVMixMedia.com’s Performance Artist of the Year and the Detroit Metro Times reader’s choice 2014 and 2015 “Best Of” named her Best Local Poet. After shedding fears of performing as a slam poet, One Single Rose was named Motown Museum’s Motown Mic-The Spoken Word 2014 Artist of the Year. Her piece P.H.A.T. Girl was also a 2014 Spokenword Billboard Lyrical Influence Spokenword Community Song/Artist of the Year nominee. Her first spoken word CDs “Poetic Truth” (available on iTunes) and “Straight Up, No Chaser” were released in March 2014. She also hosts open mic poetry every 1st and 3rd Friday in the Spotlight at Manila Bay Café, the NPA’s 2014 Open Mic of the Year and Metro Times’ Best Open Mic, located at 4731 Grand River in Detroit, Michigan. She receives frequent requests to pen poems for individuals and groups on various subject matters while sharing her love for the word on stage, in the streets, in schools, colleges and universities—basically wherever her words are welcomed.

In August 2011 Wilson made her acting debut in a Detroit production and she has since performed as an actor both nationally and internationally. The following year she toured with Wunderbaum, one of The Netherland’s largest theater groups in Amsterdam, Belgium and the United States. She has filmed scenes for My Step Kid’z, a comedic DVD movie, My Step Kid’z the Sitcom airing on WADL, in Detroit and Canada and A Clear View scheduled for release in the summer of 2015. Three of her most challenging roles on stage were “The Little Coochie Snorcher That Could” in the 2012/2013/2014 productions of Eve Ensler’s Vagina Monologues, “Knowledge” in the 2012 production of Mahogany Dreams and “Grandma Joyce” in the 2013/2014 productions of Why Am I Black. Bitten by the acting bug, on October 19, 2014, Wilson’s first full-length comedic stage play ADDICTION sold out in its debut at the Boll Family Theater, on Broadway in Detroit, MI. ADDICTION is now available on DVD here under “Purchase.” Stay tuned for updates on the release of ADDICTION 2.

For over 20 years, Wilson has been employed at top law firms in Michigan and she freelances in her spare time. She is the proud parent of a miniature daschund Remy Black. For more information on One Single Rose, please visit www.onesinglerose.com.

For More Information about The Power of Girlhood visit www.thepowerofgirlhood.org 

#GoGirlhood


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Sunday, May 31, 2015

Singer Shinda Ewell on The Power of Girlhood


 

"Don’t hide you light. Let your light shine and be the best YOU that you can be." – Shinda Ewell

Born and raised in Detroit, Shinda, has been performing professionally for 11 years, and has developed a style that ranges from R & B to jazz.

The Power of Girlhood 5.0 is being hosted at S.O.U.L and presents its 5th Annual forum for girls ages 8 to 80, entitled The Power of Girlhood: Watch My Girl Power. This fun filled afternoon of poetry, music, exhibits, demonstrations and more will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. at SOUL Center located at: 23023 Orchard lake road, Bld C, Farmington, MI 48336

We are inviting the community to not only bring their girls but also have them come with questions and engage in dialogue about what is important to them and what it’s like to be a girl.

We will have dialogues with metro area luminaries such as: Coco, One Single Rose, Deekah Wyatt, Michelle Held, Shinda, Dimonique Boyd

Plus surprise performances, swag bags and more! All for FREE

For more information visit www.thepowerofgirlhood.org


Check out this episode!

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Phil Raney of Urban Jazz Coalition


"I've had a beautiful life...full of tremendous experiences...I'm just a firm believer that if you have faith in God, live your life the right way, and work hard, the Lord will make good things happen for you." - Phil Raney

Urban Jazz Coalition has been one of the hottest live performance ensembles on the Contemporary jazz scene for some time now, and they have created a major buzz on the national smooth jazz festival circuit over the past several years.

UJC has electrified audiences across North America while performing their energetic blend of R&B/Jazz Fusion at many of the nation’s most prominent festivals and concert venues including The Seabreeze Jazz Festival, Jazz Fest West, The Capital Jazz Fest, The Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival, and numerous other prestigious concert venues. JazzTimes Magazine’s award winning columnist, Brian Soergel, described the band’s sound as “flush with rhythmic grooves, funky bass lines, and beautiful melodies.”

Urban Jazz Coalition has made a strong impression at terrestrial, satellite, and internet radio, propelling their last five CD releases to “Top 50” status on international airplay charts, and generating worldwide distribution of the group’s music catalogue.  UJC’s most recent project, “One Step Closer” (released July 2013) was also named one of the “Top 100 Records Of 2013” by the prestigious Groove Jazz Music Airplay Chart.     The band’s music has been featured in network television programming, international film soundtracks, advertising campaigns, and as part of an eclectic group of artists included on a Gospel/Jazz compilation project released by Capitol/EMI Records.

In addition to the acclaim UJC has earned as a self contained group, they have also become one of the most in-demand back-up groups in smooth jazz, having performed as sidemen for many top artists including Nick Colionne, Marion Meadows, Jeff Lorber, Peter White, Paul Taylor, Althea Rene’, Brian Simpson, Jackiem Joyner, Tom Braxton, Mike Phillips, Jazz In Pink, Lin Rountree, Four 80 East, Jessy J, Ken Navarro, Nils, Oli Silk, Elizabeth Mis, U-Nam, Paula Atherton, Matt Marshak & Marcus Anderson. 

When asked why this group has generated so much excitement in smooth jazz circles, former Radio & Records chart columnist Carol Archer was quoted as follows…

“A lot of artists aspire to sound as tight and as funky as The Urban Jazz Coalition, But these gentlemen really do pull it off…”

With the radio success of the band’s CD projects, and the positive buzz generated by their consistently energetic live performances, UJC continues to have the momentum rolling as they embark on another busy touring season.  

You won’t want to miss an opportunity to hear the group that everyone has been talking about…Urban Jazz Coalition!  

Booking Agency: Steve Butler @ Mighty Music, LLC…718-815-9447

UJC Contact: Phil Raney @ Continuum Music Group…614-202-8400

www.urbanjazzcoalition.net

For more information about The Idlewild Music Festival Visit www.idlewildmusicfest.org


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Monday, May 25, 2015

Life Without Risk is Risky


“If you’re not risking nothing, neither will they.” – Ma Rainey 

I was watching the new HBO movie called Bessie the other night and one scene in particular really stood out to me. Bessie Smith was a popular blues singer. Before her career took off, she was being mentored by another singer named Ma Rainey. In this scene, they were in an empty auditorium. Ma Rainey had Bessie walk out onto the stage. When Bessie stopped just short of the curtain, Ma Rainey urged her to keep going. When Bessie reached the edge of the stage Ma Rainey said, “That’s about right. How does that feel?”

Bessie said, “Like I’m about to fall off!”

Ma Rainey said, “That’s how it should feel. If you’re not risking nothing, neither will they.”

That statement struck me powerfully because it reminded me how important it is to be transparent to truly connect with people. Think about it…

If you are a speaker, singer, teacher, coach, parent or any other person who has an audience, no matter how big or small, you want to connect with them authentically, otherwise, your message will not be received.

Why should a customer or client spend their money with you? Why should your significant other do what you expect them to do? Why should your child or your student listen to you?

Things resonate more deeply with people when they are real. Risk is real.

Are you wearing a mask? Are you holding back? Are you merely presenting your representative to the world, hiding what you've been through, what you’re going through, or all of the talent, knowledge or wisdom that you have yet to unleash?

Not only will taking these risks heal, strengthen and liberate you…but telling your true story, showing the world who you really are, and what you are really capable of will free them too. If you are willing put it all on the table, so will they. If you are willing to invest, so will they. If you are willing to take a risk, so will they.

People need to know that they are not alone. 

When I took three years to focus on studying financial literacy, all of the wealthy people had something in common…they weren't afraid to take risks. 

The word risk often has a negative connotation, but it doesn't have to be a bad thing at all. Think of it as a catalyst for growth, change, liberation and as opening a door for those who are watching to give back to you. 

What risk can you take to catapult your life to the next level?

This week I challenge you to take a risk in your career, relationship, family or community. No matter how big or small, take that action and watch how those who are in your audience will follow your lead. 

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For More information about The Monica Marie Jones Show visit www.mmjshow.com

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Sunday, May 24, 2015

Get More Wisdom with Salandra Fleming


“Notice what’s going on inside of you and notice the reaction that you are getting from your surroundings. That is one thing that clues you in to being self-aware.” – Salandra Fleming 

As the founder of Get More Wisdom Christian Services, Salandra Fleming has spent the last ten years inspiring others to make meaningful and lasting changes in their lives. She specializes in helping her clients to increase overall emotional intelligence by being aware of and practicing healthy Godly behaviors in order to discover what best life that God has designed for them. After years of helping people find and identify their best selves, Salandra decided to share her wisdom and tools with the masses and authored her first book, 10 Questions Every Christian Must Ask.

 

 10 Questions Every Christian Must Ask is a quick, creative, step-by-step guide to helping women seek God’s wisdom as they uncover their best possible lives.

 

For more information visit Salandra's website at www.GetMoreWisdom.com


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