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Friday, August 29, 2014
For immediate Press Release 5th Annual BuzzZinOFF AWARDS September 7,2014
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEChicago-based Media Network Announces Ticket Sale for 5th Annual Black & White Extravaganza and BuzzZin OFF Awards
IndustryBuzzZ aims to inspire the youth by honoring successful African Americans within their society and beyond. Their platform is also an ideal place for effective advertising strategies for small to corporate enterprises.
Chicago, IL-August 2014. www.IndustryBuzzZ.com media network proudly presents the 5th Annual Black & White Extravaganza and BuzzZin OFF Awards to be held at the Dusable Museum of African American History 740 E. 56th Place, Chicago, IL this September 6, 2014.
This yearly event seeks to honor outstanding young men and women who excelled in their own passion and interests. Spearheaded by CEO and Founder Lutonya M. Russell, her media group [consisting of local television network, radio show, and online media network] aims to inspire the youth to excel in their abilities with the annual honorees as models to be followed. The honorees include Pastor Corey Brooks, Richard Gallion, Diane Latiker, Michael & Lana Manson, Tamika Price, John Ruffin, Rev. Tim White, and Jameelah Hirsch. Industry BuzzZ is still looking for able sponsors to become part of this life-changing event.
Honorees in Profile
This year's awards night will honor 8 exceptional honorees [one couple] and here are some excerpts on why their lives are exceptional.
-Tamika Price: founder of a Chicago-based wardrobe styling and personal consultancy company A-Style Services, she has appeared numerous times in different local and national programs such as The Rachael Ray Show, NBC 5 News, and You & Me This Morning, among others. Her foundation Dangerous Curves Ahead also helps provide mothers in homeless shelters a chance at a livelihood through workshops, mentoring, and makeovers.
-Rev. Tim White: is a Christian contemporary singer with tracks such as I'm Trusting and I'll Praise His Name Good God. He also serves as a Minister and local radio host. He's been nominated for prestigious awards including Rhythm of Gospel Awards and Chicago Gospel Awards. He's been a Minister of Music in various churches notably, the New Holy Temple.
-Richard Gallion: Richard developed as a actor, writer, producer and director. After just 6 years his career catapulted. National hit play “Ideal Husband,” in which Richard starred opposite of Darrin Henson, Ginuwine, Jackée Harry, and more helped put him on the map. Richard is definitely know for Mark Harris movie’ "Black Butterfly,” "Black Coffee" which is now airing on B.E.T, "The Good Life", "Transformers 4", and "Chicago PD". He now has his own production company R&J Productions which is taking the industry by storm.
-Jameelah Hirsch: a successful entrepreneur at the young age of 18. She will receive this year's Youth Business Spotlight Award. She is the Chief Operating Officer of The Figure Factory, LLC. Her leadership skills has been evident since her high school years with which she graduated and immediately been tapped by the SBAC (Small Business Advocacy Council).
-Michael and Lana Manson, founders of the Musical Arts Institute in 2010 are both instrumental in the development of jazz within the community. Lana taught Music in public and private institution for 17 years while her husband had been a known jazz player for 35 years.
-John Ruffin: a known playwright and native Chicagoan. He showcased his god-given writing skills in Broadway hits such as “Dreamgirls” and gospel hit stage plays like “The Other Woman” and “Mr. Right Now or Mr. Wrong Later.”
-Diane Latiker: her project Kids Off the Block has been featured on CNN. This program helps street children in her hometown in Roseland and elsewhere in Chicago with medical, legal, and even musical aid all pro bono.
-Pastor Corey Brooks: received funding from Tyler Perry amounting to $100,000 for his project hood and was also just honored by Steve Harvey. He has once lived on the roof of an abandoned motel for 94 days and walked across America from New York to Los Angeles in over 4 months. He is a pastor of the New Beginnings Church of Chicago.
The awards night will be held from 7:00 pm to 9:00 PM and hosted by comedian Bryant “BLT” Turner and Jamelia Amor. The Red Carpet event will be hosted by Nikki Washington, all the way from Atlanta an hour before the awards proper.
Tickets are obtainable at www.IndustryBuzzZ.Ticketleap.com and are available at the following denominations:
• $10 – for children 4-12 years old
• $15 – Teens from 13 to 17 years old
• $30 – BuzzZin Off program and after party children are welcome
• $50 – VIP reception party, children are welcome
About IndustryBuzzZ
Founded in 2008, first as a magazine at Lutonya M. Russell's mentor basement, other media outlets soon followed suit. They aim to bring integrity back to media and inspire the youth to become their own successful story. Their media network is also accepting businesses wishing to take advantage of their platform's public relations, branding, and other marketing strategies. Their focus is to develop innovative and personalized strategies to help promote faith-based organizations, entertainment, corporate, and small businesses throughout Chicago and beyond USA's borders.
Contact:
Lutonya M. Russell
(678) 792-8999
430 E. 162nd Street #348
South Holland, IL 60473
www.IndustryBuzzZ.com
Monday, June 10, 2013
New Gospel Songstress Josilyn Drake Pleads "Keep Us Lord" In Debut Of Inspirational Lead Single
New Gospel Songstress Josilyn Drake Pleads "Keep Us Lord" In Debut Of Inspirational Lead Single
Artist Schedules CD Release For Fall 2013
"Keep Us Lord" was penned by the worship leader herself and is a prayer for the Lord's protection. Pleading for the Lord's guidance, the song is perfect for those intimate times of worship with God. The soft, reverent track has a simple, yet poignant melody and is certain to move the heart of God. As principal songwriter of the CD, I Will Worship You, Josilyn pens songs from the heart. The project's title tune, "Worship You", is another heartfelt worship ballad. The full CD will be available for purchase digitally this fall. Both songs, "Keep Us Lord" and "Worship You", are currently available on iTunes and CDBaby.
Born and raised in Birmingham, AL, Josilyn grew up in a home filled with music. Her brothers and sisters even formed a singing group. Although she always knew she loved music, it wasn't until she took on the role of Praise & Worship Leader that she realized she had been given something special. "I would minister through song and the power of God would fall; people would be on their faces," recalls Josilyn. "It was at that time that I began to understand the anointing that God had placed on my life." As she saw the move of God change people's lives, the shyness left and she understood that it wasn't about her, but what God could do through her.
While serving in the choir at her former church home in Lithonia, Georgia, Josilyn had the opportunity to sit under the leadership of Gospel notable, producer and songwriter extraordinaire Kevin Bond. As a choir member, she often sang behind other popular artists such as William Murphy, Darwin Hobbs, Dottie Peoples, Gary Oliver and Darlene McCoy. Josilyn felt honored to glean from a distance from these anointed men and women of God.
She says, "I pray that these songs leave a positive influence in the earth. It's truly an honor to be able to place something in the atmosphere that I believe will bring forth change in people's lives." For more information on Josilyn Drake, log on to www.JosilynDrake.com or connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/JosilynDrake and on Twitter at @JosilynDrake.
from: Andrea Williams
FROM THE PULPIT TO THE STUDIO: BET NETWORKS LAUNCHES 'THE SHEARDS'
Black Entertainment Television
(BET Networks)
Announces
Washington, DC: The new docu-drama profiling the mega-popular Detroit based gospel super star family THE SHEARDS will debut at 10:00 P.M. ET/PT after the premiere of CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL. Gospel icon Karen Clark Sheard, part of the legendary Clark Sisters, her husband Bishop J. Drew, a mega church pastor in the Motor City and their children, Stellar Award winner and Grammy-nominated gospel songstress Kierra Sheard and producer J. Drew Sheard, star in the hour long series. Told through the eyes of Kierra and J. Drew, we will follow them as they navigate family, friends, and faith in a secular world.
The explosive first season takes us on a drama filled ride as Kierra Sheard begins to break out of her family's shadow and looks to find more mainstream success with her own unique voice. Facing the difficulty of choosing between working with her brother, who she's collaborated with on all her previous albums, and experimenting with new producers to achieve a new sound, Kierra also struggles with juggling her new found independence with family, losing weight and love.
J. Drew is focused on being the next big hit-making secular producer which goes directly against his family's wishes. Growing up in the church, his great grandfather, grandfather and father all became bishops. Bishop J. Drew wants his son to be the next in line to take the pulpit and won't hear otherwise. J. Drew also has baby mama drama with Shantel, the mother of his two year old son. She wants to have a relationship with him beyond their son, but J. Drew wants to enjoy single life and focus solely on co-parenting.
Karen Clark Sheard is balancing being a preacher's wife, gospel superstar and doting mother, while Bishop J. Drew is preparing to run for a higher office within his International Church of God in Christ denomination. However the Bishop's new position could bring even more restrictions on the family unit, especially as Kierra and J. Drew extend their social circles and look to branch out beyond the gospel world career wise. Will the children find secular mainstream success or will the church prevail?
Meet the family
Kierra Sheard
At only 24, Kierra has experienced amazing commercial success in the gospel world - releasing her own albums and appearing on tracks with her mother and other gospel music superstars. After recently being recognized with a Stellar Award for female vocalist of the year and releasing her fifth album, Free, Kierra is ready to find her own, unique voice. As part of the transformation, Kierra is dropping her widely used nickname "KiKi" so she can be taken more seriously in the music world.
J. Drew
J. Drew (22) is on a mission all his own as he wades through his own transition period. Growing up in the church, his great grandfather, grandfather and father all became bishops. Now, Bishop Sheard is pushing his son towards the direction of the church, but J. Drew wants to focus on being the next big secular hit-making producer. J. Drew is also trying to maintain a civil relationship with Shantel, the mother of his two year old son, who wants to have a relationship with him beyond their son.
Karen Clark-Sheard
For Karen, it can be difficult being a first lady (a preacher's wife), gospel superstar and doting mother. Faced with having an empty nest as daughter Kierra (the last to leave home) searches for her own independence, Karen looks at her own life and the choices she has made, especially in contrast to her daughter. Karen is continuing to help guide her children in the right direction as they branch off into adulthood while reinventing her own career and keeping the family together.
Bishop J. Drew Sheard
After rising through the church and becoming a Bishop, J. Drew Sr. feels the weight of the congregation on his shoulders as well as that of his family as he prepares to run for a higher office within his international Church of God In Christ denomination. Bishop is unsure of how his family will be received - J. Drew II has a two year old son out of wedlock, which is considered a big no-no in the church world, especially for the son of a Bishop.
THE SHEARDS is the newest addition to BET Networks long running list of successful gospel programing including the hit gospel music competition show SUNDAY BEST; BOBBY JONES GOSPEL, the longest-running gospel program on cable; the annual CELEBRATION OF GOSPEL and LIFT EVERY VOICE which feature insightful testimonies from some of mainstream and gospel's biggest and brightest stars.
Tara Long, John Morayniss and Eric Hoberman from Entertainment One, Holly Carter, Donny Johnson and J. Drew Sheard all serve as executive producers for THE SHEARDS.
* All show times are ET.
Check out video sneak peeks and first looks online at www.vimeo.com/laprgroup/
Saturday, June 1, 2013
From Tragedy To Triumph: The Story Of Gospel Artist Gary Samuels
From Tragedy To Triumph: The Story Of Gospel Artist Gary Samuels
By Andrea R. Williams
Raised in Harlem, New York City, Gary was one of fifteen children. Surrounded by music, his mother was a pianist and singer; his stepfather, who did not live in the home with Gary, was a Jazz pianist. In addition to his parents, his Grand Aunt Madam was a strong influence as well teaching Gary his first song entitled "Wooden Church on A Hill". He loved music; it was a personal escape, especially after his life took a bad turn.
"Being raised in a home where neither my birth father nor stepfather was present, I was left without the male leadership that was needed," explains Gary. "A male teacher decided to take me under his wing. The summer that I was to turn nine, two major changes happened. In July, I watched as my mother was shot by my stepfather and then in August, the teacher, who we will call Mr. O, was given permission by my mother to keep me for the remainder of the summer. He did everything that a father would do for his child - except I was molested by him and his friends."
When Gary mentioned the molestation to his aunt, she accused him of lying. It wasn't until his mother saw evidence that she and his aunt believed him. But by that time, years had passed and the damage had been done. Mr. O had also introduced Gary to drugs and his life started spiraling out of control. Promiscuity followed and he fell deeper into drugs. Other traumatic events followed including a face-first fall at a skating rink causing partial paralysis and then while in college the diagnosis of a malignant tumor.
Going back to the one place where he knew he could find answers, he went back to church. Gary found himself at Progressive Baptist Church and heard the message, "There Is Room at the Cross". He says, "Rev. Walter Martin prayed for me and asked me if I believed God would heal me. Out of obedience, I said 'yes!'" Gary's surrender opened the door to complete healing from drugs and alcohol; shortly thereafter, the cancerous tumor disappeared - while he was listening to Donald Vails' recording of "Jesus, I Love You".
In spite of it all, Gary Samuels has always had a song on his lips and a love for Gospel music. As a youngster, he was a member of his family's singing group called "The Samuels Singers" and the ensemble toured the country. As an adult, he broadened his musical horizons by singing for countless choirs including the Martin Luther King, Jr. Choir, The United Negro College Fund Choir, The Orangeburg Gospel Choral Union, The Serenity Singers, The Eternal Light Community Singers, Just By Faith Gospel Choir, United In Christ Fellowship Choir and United Eternal Voice In Christ Choir.
As he continued to sing, his love for the musical art form grew, but it always seemed like he was the loudest in the bunch. "I was always referred to as 'big mouth,'" recalls Gary. "I just couldn't sing soft - although I tried. People would tell me that in a group of dozens of singers, they could hear me!" Not only was the vocalist a stand-out, but because of his unique gifting of a multi-octave range, he could easily float between tenor, alto and soprano, making it a challenge for choir directors to determine what part he should sing. "When you ask me what's in my natural vocal range, it depends of the day of the week," Gary quips. It wasn't until he heard vocalist Linda Hopkins sing that he knew he wasn't alone. At the performance, he heard Hopkins glide between soprano and tenor effortlessly and realized that he truly had something special.
His gift has truly made room for him with opportunities to sing in front of Presidents and the Pope; he's experienced what some only imagine. Living a dream, he's been able to act out his life on stage with his play called, "Gospel Of The Blues". With original music and riveting performances, the play merges two of his musical loves: Gospel Music and Blues. The play is a testament to the power of faith and is a theatrical display of Gary's testimony.
God's favor has followed Gary and he's been blessed to sing for President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, President George Bush, Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. He's performed at The Apollo and Radio City Music Hall. He's sung with Opera Diva Grace Bumbry and Jazz Great Wynton Marsalis and opened up for Kelly Price, Donnie McClurkin, and Mary Mary. Although he's thrilled at the many opportunities he's had to sing for notable people, he receives the most joy from singing at nursing homes, senior centers and prisons.
He's tackled the role of Minister of Music at Bethel AME Church in Connecticut and his home church, Progressive Baptist Church, as well as Baptist House of Prayer, both in Harlem. It was at the Little Mt. Calvary Baptist Church with Rev. James Peoples that he began to write music; ultimately his musical catalog would encompass close to 200 songs. In November 2006 just before his mentor Rev. Leroy Ricksy of Church of the Resurrection passed away, he summoned Gary to his bedside and prayed a prophetic prayer that his music would take him around the world, and millions would be blessed by hearing it. Since that time, he's shared his musical talent overseas singing in Africa, Spain and other countries.
Gary added the titles "Recording Artist" and "Co-Producer" to his burgeoning list of roles when he recorded two CDs, I Believe in 2009 and I Can in 2010. The ground-breaking video for the single, "I Believe", was entered in the 2010 BET Awards for Best Gospel Video. The first two projects were followed by Grace of God, an EP featuring the title tune, "Grace of God", and other moving tunes, released in 2012.
But success hasn't come without a price. The verse, "to whom much is given, much is required", could have easily been written for the psalmist who has experienced tragedy after tragedy. But through it all, Gary has allowed the Lord to take the lead. Seeing his life as a set of songs, the title of the new Versatile Entertainment CD is called Soundtrack of My Soul. All of his experiences have been poured into his music as God has written songs through him. "When I sing about God's healing power and his saving power, it's not from a movie screen or something someone told me," says Samuels. It's what I know. I know it for myself."
Gary's testimonies have been the impetus for the upcoming project scheduled to drop in the summer of 2013. His label head and producer, Jaeson Marks, has been in the studio putting the finishing touches on the CD. Fans of the artist's unique vocal and musical style won't have to wait much longer for the forthcoming release. For Gary, it's been worth the wait. Scripture says that the ending of a thing is better than its beginning. That verse certainly could have been written with Gary Samuels in mind.
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