Maxwell's Summer Soulstice Tour rocks Columbia, SC, leaves them begging for more

Maxwell ignites the stage during his live performances

(photo credit:  Juan Ocampo/Bernstein Associates)

A force of nature slammed into Columbia, SC, Wednesday July 30, but in a very good way.  Gerald Maxwell Rivera, better known as soul singer Maxwell, brought his Summer Soulstice Tour 2014 to the Township Auditorium, leaving the audience stunned and delighted.

This is Maxwell’s first major tour since 2010 and his music just gets better with time.  The opening act was Kevin Ross, a young singer out of Washington, DC.  He is making strides in the music industry and seems to be the whole package.

It has to be intimidating to open for a talent like Maxwell, but Ross held his own.  He sang a selection of songs that showed his vocal range nicely.  He covered “Before I Let Go” by Frankie Beverly and Maze, as well as some of his own music.  He did some ballads and then ramped it up with some hip hop.  All in all Ross was a pleasant surprise as opening acts go, and he is definitely one to watch.

The only downside of the whole evening was the overly long intermission.  At first people milled around in the lobby softly grumbling.  Then the crowd gave in to its impatient anticipation by stomping the floor, clapping their hands and yelling “Maxwell” to the top of their lungs.  There’s a saying that music soothes the savage beast and  (Continue reading full story here.)

It's his prerogative; Arlen Escarpeta cast as Bobby Brown in Lifetime's biopic

Introducing the actor that snagged the Bobby Brown role.

(photo credit:  Valerie Macon/Getty Images)

Essence magazine reported yesterday that Lifetime network has chosen Arlen Escarpeta, 33, to play the role of Bobby Brown in its upcoming biopic about Whitney Houston’s climb to fame and the over-the-top crazy love of the couple.  They had already cast actress YaYa DaCosta in the role of the legendary Houston.

Director Angela Bassett has chosen not to rehash the painful memories and questions surrounding the drowning of Whitney Houston in a hotel bathtub on February 11, 2012.  Bassett said, “We’re not interested in dragging her life again through, you know, the muck. She had to play out her choices, and the consequences of them, in a very hot, glaring spotlight, but we’re not interested in dragging that through again.”  (Continue reading full story here.)

Bruno Mars makes recovering fan feel like a true 'Treasure'

Bruno Mars sings to cheer up young girl recovering from a horrific tragedy

(YouTube)

Not many people know Peter Gene Hernandez.  But almost everyone knows Bruno Mars.  Even the stage name is almost other worldly.  Bruno Mars is a star.  His singing has been compared with the likes of Marvin Gaye; and his dance-filled, high-energy live performances have been compared with those of the late great Michael Jackson.  Well onstage theatrics aside, Bruno Mars proved he is one of the nicest guys in show business Saturday when he singled out and performed for a very special fan.

The Plain Dealer is reporting today that the show was in Cleveland, OH, and was a part of Mars’ Moonshine Jungle Tour.  This is Mars’ second tour and he is getting rave reviews and sold out shows all over the country. Mars was already a hot up and coming artist, but his name recognition, bankability and star power shot through the roof after he gave what many called the best half-time show in years at the 2014 Super Bowl.

Mars made one young lady in Cleveland super happy with some up close and personal attention.  The brave Zumyah Thorpe, 11, is another victim of the horrible epidemic of drunk driving that is plaguing the nation.  These drunk drivers seldom realize how drastically a split-second foolish decision can alter someone else’s whole existence.  (Continue reading full story here.)

Yaya DaCosta to portray icon Whitney Houston in Lifetime's biopic

Yaya DaCosta has been tapped to portray the legendary Whitney Houston.

(Photo Credit:  Rommel Demano/Getty Images)

The wait is finally over.  The Huffington Post reports today that model and actress YaYa DaCosta, 31, has been selected to play the role of the late singer Whitney Houston on Lifetime Network’s upcoming biopic.  The movie, as yet untitled, is scheduled to air sometime in 2015 and will be actress Angela Bassett’s first turn at directing.

The choice of DaCosta to star as the beloved Houston is already causing negative backlash and critical questions.  Many on social media are fearful that she won’t be able to do the role justice because she is known more for modeling, rather than acting.  (Continue reading full story here.)

From 'Say My Name' to 'Say Yes'; Destiny's Child reunites on gospel song

Destiny's Child, seen here performing for the 2013 Super Bowl

halftime show, released a gospel song Wednesday.

(Photo Credit:  Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Well Hallelujah, some good news for the ladies of former power group Destiny’s Child.  When Michelle Williams and Kelly Rowland joined Beyoncé Knowles onstage for an electric set during the 2013 Super Bowl halftime show, fans were hyped that the group was finally getting back together.  It wasn’t to be at that time; however the divas dropped another tease Wednesday with the release of “Say Yes”.

Don’t grab your miniskirts in glee and dash out to the clubs just yet.  The masters of reinvention have surprised us again.  “Say Yes” is actually a gospel song.  It is a remake of a Nigerian hymn.  This version is a high-energy, drum-filled song that promises to have the church ushers dancing in the aisles. (Continue reading full story here.)

Channeling Elvis; Chris Brown and James DeBarge making jailhouse pop

Chris Brown (left) and James DeBarge (right) are locking down the beats while in jail.

(Photo Credit:  Chris Brown via his Facebook page/ 

James DeBarge via his Twitter Page)

The old saying goes that politics makes strange bedfellows.  Well now it can also be said that prison makes strange bedfellows.  The Los Angeles County jail is currently playing host to two of the smoothest voices in R&B music.  Chris Brown and James DeBarge are prisoners in adjacent cells and making the most of their time.

Brown was on probation stemming from his altercation with pop star Rhianna.  He allegedly assaulted someone who was trying to photobomb his picture with a fan and was thrown in jail for violating parole. He was originally scheduled to be released July 6^th, but may be set free as soon as sometime in June.  Brown has been charting since the early 2000’s and is known for such songs as ‘Kiss, Kiss’, ‘Run It’, ‘Fine China’, and ‘Wall To Wall’.

DeBarge, once married to Janet Jackson, (Continue reading full story here.)

'Real Housewives of Atlanta' reunion part 3, episode 25; recap and review

The ladies of RHOA, minus Porsha on the far right, had a 

fiery reunion part III last night.

(photo credit:  Craig Barritt/Getty Images)

Last night was the explosive reunion part three of BravoTV’s hit show ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’ (RHOA).  Fortunately, this time no actual physical violence erupted.  Here are some of the highlights.  Andy Cohen spent a huge chunk of time going back and forth between NeNe and Kenya regarding the tainted three-way friendship that went left when Margo entered the pictured.  At one point Cohen had both of his fingers in his ears (a la toddlers) when NeNe and Kenya were screeching over his head. 

About the only thing these two women have in common is, as Andy said, (Read full story)

Move over NCAA; Steve Harvey just made the Hall of Fame

Steve Harvey, pictured with wife Marjorie, was inducted today into the NAB Hall of Fame

(photo credit:  Mark Davis/Getty Images)

Next to the late, great James Brown, Steve Harvey may be the hardest working man in show business.  Harvey, who started as a stand-up comedian in the late 1980’s, has gone from playing small-town juke joints where there were more hecklers than audience, to obtaining one of the most coveted honors a broadcaster can achieve.  Congratulations are in order because just a few hours ago today Steve Harvey was inducted into the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Hall of Fame.

Harvey proved he had that special something when he served as one of the longest running hosts of “Show Time at the Apollo”.  Currently, he is host of one of the most-loved game shows “The Family Feud," has a popular daytime talk show “The Steve Harvey Show," and eases the morning commute for millions with “The Steve Harvey Morning Show”.  In May 2013 Harvey was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Harvey joins some illustrious company with his induction into the NAB Hall of Fame.  Past inductees include Jack Benny, Paul Harvey, Orson Welles, Ronald Regan, Wolfman Jack, Tom Joyner, and Betty White, among many others.  A complete list of past inductees can be found on the NAB website.

And Harvey has no plans to slow down.  Be on the lookout for part II of his hilarious book-turned-move “Think Like a Man II”, scheduled for release June 20, 2014.  You can get a sneak peek at the trailer here.

"Scandal" recap: Mellie said knock you out!

Mellie and Fitz come to blows

(photo credit:  abc.go.com)

Aired Thursday, April 3^rd, on ABC, Episode - “The Fluffer”

Well to get the medical miracle out of the way, Harrison seems to have recovered rather quickly from his sleep-inducing injection last week and is back in tip-top Gladiator suit form.

Liv, still hurt from President Fitz’s harsh “I’m talking to my wife,” rebuttal last week, tries to play the icy dead-eyed stare game and calmly asks Fitz “what service am I billing you for today?’’  Wow!

Fitz shows his hypocritical side with a fierceness when he orders Liv to “make it stop!”  He brazenly asks his own mistress to make sure the vice presidential candidate stops sleeping with Fitz’s wife, Mellie.  The nerve.

Of course Liv, the strongest woman in D.C., but weak for Fitz, goes straight to Andrew and tells him he has 24 hours to decide whether he wants to be vice president for the next four years, or does he want to pleasure Mellie for the next three months which, according to Liv, is about how long it will be before Mellie gets bored with him.

Andrew protests that this is about love, not politics.  However as he watches Liv and Fitz interact for the cameras and how smoothly she lays on the role of the loving, touchy-feely wife, he begins to doubt if what Mellie feels for him is any realer than the act she puts on for the press.

Later that evening, Mellie sidles up to Andrew and gives him the come hither smile.  Andrew says he doesn’t think it’s a good idea for them to continue sleeping with each other.  Without another word Mellie spins on her heel, marches into Fitz’s office and reaches back from Louisiana to the Gulf of Mexico with a roundhouse slap heard around the world!

Fitz almost goes down, the people he was meeting with are speechless, and the secret service agents (Fitz’s supposed protectors) don’t make a move.  She accuses Fitz of not letting her have anything.  Taking Andrew was apparently the last straw.

Then there was the Hallmark family dinner moment…not.  For the first time ever viewers were treated to Momma and Daddy Pope at dinner with their beloved Livvie.  Momma Pope wasn’t invited, but that’s never stopped her before.  Where most families reach for each other’s hands to grace the food, these folk were grabbing for knives and making threats.  Momma Pope stayed just long enough for Liv to get the phone call that Claire (one of Momma Pope’s operatives that was sneaking info to Liv) was dead, and then sashayed off.   Notice how everyone ends up dead in the streets on this show?  Poor Claire sprawled in the street with her throat sliced open.  Always outside.

Just when we thought Liv was going to give in once again, she grew a backbone and stood up to Jake’s begging, refusing to let him into her apartment.  Then she showed up at his apartment and went way above and beyond the call of duty.  Let’s just say she worked him out, put him to sleep and snuck the data off of his phone.  What that woman won’t do for her country.

Super Quinn and Charlie and Team Gladiators all find out around the same time that Momma Pope has a bomb.  Liv tells Huck to shut down the communication system, and he does, but in the process Momma Pope gets away and no one knows where she is going.

Out of the blue Jake bursts into the office and (horror of horrors) grabs Liv around the throat and slams her against the glass-paned door…hard!  Before crazy Huck and the other Gladiators can make a move, Jake whips a gun in their faces and waves it back and forth, keeping them at bay.  Believe it or not, that’s the kind of stress Shonda Rhimes (creator of Scandal) left us under.  She’s a great writer, but her episodes are not at all blood-pressure friendly.  But we love it.

Oh and the previews next week left us with a glimpse of President Fitz speaking and a bomb underneath the stage.  Not necessarily saying that the bomb was ticking under the same stage Fitz was on, but that’s all we were given.

Be sure to catch the next episode, Thursday, April 10^th at 10:00pm on ABC.

Grammys, Weddings and Sippy cups

Photo Credit:  Parade.com

The 2014 Grammys had some magical moments. In case there was a category you missed, CNN has compiled the list of winners in a very tidy format. Now that we have properly handled the business part, let’s enjoy some Grammy observations. Here are just a few random moments that seemed to particularly shine. Can we start with repeat host L. L. Cool J.? So suave, so tough, so rugged, so engaging and friendly that he is the perfect host to usher us into the Grammy festivities. He is the ultimate bridge between our real world and the other worldliness of celebrity life, because he relates so well to both. And he’s aging magnificently.

Photo credit:  PerezHilton.com

Beyonce’s duet with her husband Jay-Z was definitely a highlight. It seems that behind the dazzle and glitz of their multimillion dollar blending of brands is a jolt of pure fun. That’s why it’s hard to find someone who can watch them perform together and not smile. Theirs seems to be a coupling that makes the audience eager to come along for the ride. In every group of married friends there is that one couple that everyone always makes sure to invite because they are going to ensure that all of the rest of the couples have a good time. Their performance thrilled the crowd because, as usual, during the song they were laughing, flirting and genuinely seemed to enjoy each other’s company onstage and off. (Although according to many viewers on social media, some of the more risque moves are better left behind closed doors.) And this is not just some act put on for the Grammy cameras; like Coke, it’s the real thing. See my past article to reminisce on how their love has long been lyrical and magnetic.

Photo Credit:  celeb2014.blogspot.com

Queen Latifah was the image of pure royalty last night. She rocked a black form-fitting sequined gown that was simply stunning. It was an off-the-shoulder concoction that was just perfect as her golden locks brushed against her shoulder. She is another celebrity that just instantly seems to bond with the audience the moment she walks onto the stage. She officiated 30 plus marriages in what was meant to be a heartwarming statement of the equality of all love. However, awesome as she was, it was just a bit too much. The Grammys is a night about performances and for the organizers to use this moment for a mass wedding was not the best idea.

Two performances practically brought down the house. One was Macklemore and Ryan Lewis featuring Mary Lambert. Even listeners who totally disagree with the lyrics of “Same Love” were sitting at attention when Macklemore spoke. Watch the video here as he spits the words out with an intensity and passion that made his performance one of the best.

The other house burner performance was Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragons’ combustible combination of “Radioactive” and “Good Kid, M.a.a.d. City”. Whether one likes rap or rock or neither, this performance had people talking. See the performance that almost blew the speakers.

Biggest robbery of the night: Kendrick Lamar didn't win any awards despite multiple nominations.

Best quote of the night: Rapper, mogul, businessman, performer Jay Z turned pure daddy as he held his Grammy upside down and said, “Look Blue Ivy, daddy got you a gold sippy cup.” When it all boils down to it, that’s what it’s all about. That’s real.

Eddie Murphy Finally Comes Home To The Arsenio Hall Show

Photo Credit:  Arsenio Hall Facebook Page

Last night, 11/19/2013, was one of the better nights in the annals of late night talk show history.  Two of the funniest men alive, Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall were reunited on the Arsenio Hall Show.  Arsenio Hall frequently had Eddie Murphy on as a guest during the first incarnation of the Arsenio Hall Show more than 20 years ago.  They were flying high at the time, riding the waves of success.  Murphy, clad in a fitted red leather creation, was steaming up big screens around the country in the stand-up comedy movie “Raw”.  Together the men had audiences rolling in the aisles with movies like “Coming to America” and “Harlem Nights”. 

Flash forward and there they were last night, discussing the 25^th anniversary of “Coming to America”, and teasing about a possible sequel.  I saw many comments on Facebook saying how remarkably well and fit both of them looked after all of these years.  The show opened up with a video of Eddie Murphy in a video performance of “Red Light”.  Murphy was singing lead and strumming guitar in the Reggae-styled tune, with Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg) lending some smooth raps.

The whole interview was good, but two segments were downright hilarious.  In the first one Hall recounted the story of how years ago he got Murphy to drink some screwdrivers at a house party.  The problem was that Murphy did not (and still does not) drink alcoholic beverages.  Hall said that with a houseful of guests, Murphy was so drunk that he was on the kitchen floor talking to a dog named Val and saying, “Val you’re the only one I can trust”.

The second crazy story involved Murphy telling about how he had actually been sued by an African prince after the movie “Coming to America” came out.  Apparently the African prince said that he had come to America in search of meeting and pursuing the actress Ola Ray, star of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” video.  He accused Murphy of stealing his life.  Murphy had the audience in stitches imitating (with flailing arms and high-pitched African dialect) the guy screaming “You stole my life.  I want it back!”.  You can see the hilarious video clip here.

The only criticism I have been reading about was that the segments were too short and the commercials were too long.  Judging from the crowd’s reaction last night, 25 years has been long enough and we were ready to see these two do more movies, more television, more anything as long as it is together.  In an age where show business friendships are often discarded as quickly as yesterday’s shoes, there’s something that warms the heart when you see long-lasting friendships.  And in this harsh economic climate during which many people are looking for reasons to smiles, Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall gave us just that last night.

"The Butler" Hurts So Good

Photo Credit:  Collider.com

“The Butler” is a wonderful movie in that it is a lot like real life.  Life is quite often good and fulfilling, but not always pretty.  Such is this movie.  Kudos to the actors for being willing to forego the glamour, and let the characters be the main focus.  For instance, after leaving the theater I remarked to a friend that I was under the impression that Mariah Carey had a role in the movie.  When my friend pointed out the character that Mariah had played, I was surprised because I hadn’t even been aware that it was her.  She played her role in such a way that the audience only saw her character’s plight.

As expected, Oprah Winfrey, Forrest Whitaker, and Terrance Howard turned in exceptional performances.  The makeup artists worked magic in showing the effects of life in the faces of these characters as they aged.  Oprah and Forrest were amazing in their portrayals of the subtle nuances of aging; from the slowing of their steps to the slightest turn of the head and tremor of the fingers.   Actors David Oyelowo and Elijah Kelly as their sons were outstanding.  They so accurately portrayed the deep love underlying the sibling spats and differences, that you felt like you were home at the kitchen table with your own family.  And Cuba Gooding, Jr. is an incredible comedic actor.  His timing is pitch perfect.

The movie was good, but the subject matter definitely hurt.  It took you on a rollercoaster of emotions from pride at the tremendous courage of the characters, to dismay at knowing that people really faced such atrocities.  The hurt hit home all the more due to director Lee Daniel’s use of actual news footage from the volatile civil rights struggle of the 1960’s.  Courage is a good thing, but no human being should be called upon to prove it while staring down the dripping fangs of German shepherds; nor whilst being slammed into walls by torrents of water gushing from fire hoses.  But survive they did and, amazingly, with their dignity intact.

“The Butler” is bittersweet, but I would definitely recommend seeing this movie.  Though long forgiven, these instances of man’s inhumanity to man must never be forgotten in order to not be repeated.   This movie is also delightfully entertaining.  It has an almost Forrest Gump type of charm where we, the viewers, feel like we are being inserted, right along with the characters, into fascinating slices of history.  The movie has numerous laugh-out-loud moments and occasions of downright joy.  So bite the bullet and take the pain because like momma always told you, this medicine may not taste so good, but you will feel so much better afterwards.  

Kim Kardashian...Heartbreak Or Scam?

By now we’ve all heard about the demise of the marriage of Chris Humphries and Kim Kardashian.  But what is a little surprising to me is that some media outlets are implying that the whole thing might have been a scam.  Many are saying that Kim orchestrated the whole thing in order to have a huge wedding celebration as a ploy to continue garnering hefty ratings for her family’s reality show.    She has been accused of using her wedding to attract sponsors to pay for every flower, napkin and decoration in return for their names being featured on the wedding show.  They say she got married for any reason you can think of, with the exception of true love.  Well I believe there’s a possibility that Kim may be getting a bad rap.

Just think about it. If Kim were as coldly calculating as she is being portrayed, none of this would have played out to be the public relations disaster it has become. A shrewd businesswoman, such as Kim has proven herself to be, would have considered all angles of the situation and played it in her favor.
If Kim had considered her marriage a “project” there are many ways she could have handled it. She could have had a $10 million engagement party extravaganza. She could have stretched the engagement over two or three seasons of her show. She could have exploited family relationships on both sides. She could have engineered adventurous plots featuring the besotted couple gallivanting across the globe and encountering all kinds of sticky situations. Then, when the novelty of that wore off, cap it off with a wedding that would have put Cinderella and her prince to shame.

Instead she has almost become a laughingstock, trying to dodge the same answer-hungry paparazzi she’d brilliantly courted for years. I submit to you that I think Kim was in love. She’d been exposed to whirlwind courtships that turned out beautifully. Her own mother Chris Jenner married Bruce Jenner after an admittedly short period of time and their marriage has lasted over twenty years so far. Against strong opposition from many, including Kim, her sister Khloe and Lamar Odom met and were married in a matter of weeks. And even I must admit, they seem to be one of the most loving couples you can find on television right about now.

That being her experience, and we are all shaped to an extent by our environment, Kim had no reason to doubt that true love can happen hard and fast. Now it takes work to sustain a marriage, but no social scientists have come up with concrete proof that it takes “X” amount of time for the feeling of love to be deemed real.

Another of my favorite couples, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey, fell in love almost immediately and are now reveling in the joy of their beautiful twins. By all accounts, their love is growing stronger each day. I think Kim fell in love, but unfortunately, it just didn’t work out. So, dear readers, what are your thoughts on this issue? Can true love happen in an instant? Or are whirlwind courtships products of lust and doomed to fail?  What say you?

The Economy Stole My Ferris Wheel!

This is the week of the South Carolina State Fair.  As a matter of fact, tomorrow, October 23, 2011, will be the last day.  I’ve been scrimping, and saving and seeing which bills I might be able to delay, but all to no avail.  For the first time in years, it seems that I will have to miss the fair, and the caramel crunch of a glazed candy apple, due to the more powerful economic crunch.

You see, like many others, I was laid off of my job this year.   And while it has had a somewhat negative effect on the necessities of life (rent, car payments, electric, groceries, etc.), it struck me full force this week that the economy has also affected one of the events that I have enjoyed since childhood…the state fair.

The South Carolina State Fair has been around since 1869.  You can read about its vibrant history here.  I’m sure many of you remember the chilly fall nights, your parents holding your hand, as you made your way through the masses, enthralled by the lights, noises and smells of the state fair.  And the food, oh my.  It took all of your mother’s persuation to convince you to wait until after you rode the topsy turvy spinning rides to scarf down that humongous hot dog with everything.  Many of us learned the hard way that she was right.

As we got older, we relished the first thrills of independence when we could go to the fair with a group of teen-aged friends.  No longer holding mommy and daddy’s hand, we ran willy nilly through the fair grounds, ready to brave the rollercoasters now, fingers still sticky from cotton candy, gripping the safety bar in delighted terror.

Then came the dating stage of the fair.  After all of your fretting, that special someone finally asked you to the fair.  At this stage, you usually went to the fair twice.  Once with your friends where you relished the juicy sausage dogs smothered with onions.  And once with your beau.  Of course on date night you stuck to cotton candy, elephant ears and candy apples.  Only sweet smelling foods on this night just in case they decided to steal a quick kiss when you were on top of the world.

The top of the world as seen from the piece de resistance…the ferris wheel.  The ferris wheel was best saved for last.  After riding all the fast and crazy rides that blew your hair from hither to yon, the ferris wheel was a slow and easy ride that signaled the end of a wonderful date.    When your particular car stopped at the very top, you could see for miles around.  Amidst the gentle sway of the car, you could see city lights afar and all the tents, rides, and crowds below you  that made up the 12-day fantasy land of the fair.

The fair is fantasy-like, but what is real is the expense.  Not only do you pay the gate admission, but then you purchase tickets for the rides (the good ones charging four to five tickets) and quite naturally, all that walking around makes you hungry.  The tempting hawkers are calling you from every side to try your hand at winning a stuffed teddy bear.  So the fair comes with a cost that, in my estimation, is well worth it.

Well worth it, because it has been a part of every stage of my life.  This year however, there will be no magic moment atop the ferris wheel for me.  I just can’t afford it.  What I do have is those beautiful memories.  So as I continue to fill out mountains of job applications, these memories spur me on.  I’m hoping and praying that I find a job soon because I need to earn a living.  I’m on a first name basis with most of my creditors, having called so often to plea for just a little more time.  But in the back of my mind is also the thrilling image of next year, gently rocking in the car at the top of the ferris wheel, bills paid, mind at ease, tripping the lights fantastic.