NFL Draft Week: Art of Luxury Series Presented By Tene Nicole and Partners in NY

NEW YORK, NY – APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands at the podium during a moment of silence for the victims and those others affected by the Bombing at the Boston Marathon in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

This is another time of year when football fans all over the United States get excited. No, it is not the Super Bowl, although many of the new players chosen would welcome the opportunity to have that honor one day. It is time for coaches and owners to announce the new players fortunate enough to join the game. It is time for NFL Draft Week.

Tene Nicole Marketing and Partners presented NFL Draft Week: Art of Luxury Series, a one day three-part series of NFL Draft Week related lifestyle and entertainment events. The Art of Luxury Series has become the ultimate Draft Week one-stop destination among athletes, celebrities and media partners. This exclusive event catered to special invited guests away from the commotion of NFL Draft Week taking place at Radio City Music Hall for networking.

WHO: Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations, Fuzion Magazine, The Jade Effect, High Flyers Club and Alerte Carter & Associates brought guests a full day of exciting NFL Draft-related events creating a one-of-a-kind interactive sporting enthusiast experience.

WHY: In celebration of NFL Draft Week guested joined Tene Nicole Marketing and Public Relations for an exclusive, invitation only marketing platform while networking. It was an opportunity for media to come out and showcase top athletes, celebrity hosts and exclusively invited guests in addition to experiencing New York City’s highly anticipated event: The National Football League (NFL) Draft!

WHO: Hosts: Bryant McKinnie (Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens), Antrel Rolle (New York Giants), Actress Paula Garces and International Model Carissa Rosario; Confirmed VIP Guests: Brett Scott (New York Jets), Jarvis Green (New England Patriots), Brad Smith (Buffalo Bills), Justin Durant (Dallas Cowboys), Visanthe Shiancoe (Minnesota Vikings), Steven Jackson (Atlanta Falcons), William Beatty (New York Giants), Andre Brown (New York Giants) along with a host of additional invited top draft picks, athletes, celebrities, media, bloggers and sports enthusiast.

WHEN: The Art of Luxury Series took place Wednesday, April 24, 2013, presented three (3) stellar events from 12:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m including the following:

Art of Luxury Grooming and Gifting Suite 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Fusion Magazine Presents Passing of the Torch Dinner 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Fusion Magazine Red Carpet Cover Party 9:00 pm to 12:00 am

WHERE: Hosted at an upscale sports restaurant and lounge. where architecture, sports, food and fashion blend on the West Side of Manhattan. A unique space that includes a beautiful stretch bar, main dining area and private lounge. This year’s events took place at: Clyde Fraziers Wine and DineNew American Restaurant located at 485 10th Avenue in New York City, NY.

2013 Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival Calendar

Renewing their partnership for the third year, the Apollo Theater, Harlem Stage and Jazzmobile, Inc., in collaboration with Columbia University, have joined forces to present the Harlem Jazz Shrines Festival from May 6 – 11, 2013. These cultural organizations will present a series of concerts and events to celebrate the rich legacy of jazz in the uptown community while bringing both established and emerging artists to famed Harlem venues. This year, the festival will pay tribute to The Alhambra Ballroom, the Apollo Theater, The Baby Grand, Minton’s Playhouse, Clark Monroe’s Uptown House, Showman’s Jazz Club, the Sugar Cane Club and the Cotton Club. In addition to concerts at jazz shrines throughout Harlem, festival events will take place at Harlem Stage Gatehouse, Cowin Auditorium at Teacher’s College and Ginny’s Supper Club.

Monday, May 6, 2013

5:00 pm – Columbia University presents Harlem Jazz Shrine Dialogues: Cotton Club
in Black & White and Ann Petry: The Street – Harlem in the 1940s. Cowin Theater
at Teachers College. Free.

10:30 pm -Jazzmobile presents Minton’s Playhouse: Legends on the Bandstand featuring Late Night with Jimmy Heath and Antonio Hart. One drink/appetizer minimum. Doors open at 10:00 pm. Ginny’s Supper Club at Red Rooster Harlem.

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

8:30 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Lakecia Benjamin & Soul Squad. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

10:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Lakecia Benjamin & Soul Squad. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

11:30 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Lakecia Benjamin & Soul Squad. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

7:30 pm – Jazzmobile presents Minton’s Playhouse: Legends on the Bandstand featuring Junior Mance Trio and Christian Sands Trio. One drink/appetizer minimum. Ginny’s Supper Club at Red Rooster Harlem.

7:30 pm – Harlem Stage presents Celebrating the Sugar Cane Club of Yesteryear featuring ERIMAJ and Fabian Almazan. Harlem Stage Gatehouse.

8:30 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Bill Easley.Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

10:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Bill Easley.Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

11:30 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Bill Easley. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

Thursday, May 9, 2013

10:00 am – Jazzmobile presents Jazz in the First Person: Fun with “The Duke” – Lecture, Lunch, Swing. Jazz historian/author/musician Loren Schoenberg hosts this performance, talk and interactive session for youth. Free. For Middle School students by invitation. The Alhambra Ballroom.

12:00 pm – Jazzmobile presents Swingin’ Seniors. Lunch and performance hosted by Loren Schoenberg. Free. For Senior Citizens by invitation. The Alhambra Ballroom.

6:30 pm – Apollo Theater presents Live Wire: Harlem’s Music Legacy, a discussion hosted by John Reddick. Free with registration. Apollo Theater.

7:00 pm – Serenade by Jazzmobile Vocal Competition Winner. Doors open at 6:00 pm. The Alhambra Ballroom.

7:30 pm – Harlem Stage, paying tribute to Clark Monroe’s Uptown House, presents Marc Cary Celebrates Abbey Lincoln with “Moseka House: The House That Abbey Built.” Abbey Lincoln’s former pianist Marc Cary interprets Lincoln’s compositions in solo and with his Focus Trio. Harlem Stage Gatehouse.

8:00 pm – Jazzmobile presents A Night of Swinging with the Cab Calloway Orchestra, a Big Band Dance Party. Cash Bar/ Food Available for purchase. The Alhambra Ballroom.

8:30 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Patience Higgins & Sugar Hill Quartet. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

10:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Patience Higgins & Sugar Hill Quartet. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

11:30 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Patience Higgins & Sugar Hill Quartet. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

Friday, May 10, 2013

7:30 pm – Harlem Stage, paying tribute to Clark Monroe’s Uptown House, presents Marc Cary Celebrates Abbey Lincoln with “Moseka House: The House That Abbey Built.” Abbey Lincoln’s former pianist Marc Cary accompanies vocalists Keith Ailer, Maggie Brown, Pyeng Threadgill, and Imani Uzuri as they pay homage to Ms. Lincoln. Harlem Stage Gatehouse.

9:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Doris Spears. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

10:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Tribute to The Baby Grand with vocalist Lezlie Harrison. Apollo Music Café.

11:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Doris Spears. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

11:00 am – Apollo Theater presents Family Showtime: The Sounds of Sarah Vaughan
featuring Rosena Hill Jackson, Jason Jackson and the Jack & Hill Trio. Apollo
Theater.

3:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Geri Allen & Friends Celebrate the Great Jazz Women of the Apollo featuring Geri Allen & Timeline Tap Quartet, Dianne Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington, Lizz Wright, Tia Fuller, Karen Malina White, Marvin Sewell, Dormeshia and Afro Blue. Staged by S. Epatha Merkerson, narrative by Farah Jasmin Griffin with Deejay Val Jeanty. Apollo Theater.

8:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Geri Allen & Friends Celebrate the Great Jazz Women of the Apollo featuring Geri Allen & Timeline Tap Quartet, Dianne Reeves, Terri Lyne Carrington, Lizz Wright, Tia Fuller, Karen Malina White, Marvin Sewell, Dormeshia and Afro Blue. Staged by S. Epatha Merkerson, narrative by Farah Jasmin Griffin with Deejay Val Jeanty. Apollo Theater.

9:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Mel Davis. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

11:00 pm – Apollo Theater presents Showman’s Late Night Jazz with Mel Davis. Limited seating. Standing room available. Two drink minimum per set/per person. Free soul food appetizers are available. Showman’s Jazz Club.

*Schedule and Artists Subject to Change

For more information visit the website at Harlem Jazz Shrines.

Riverside Theatre to Honor Grammy Winning Soul and Gospel Singer Cissy Houston

In celebration and recognition of women who have made a difference in the world through their chosen art form, The Riverside Theatre announced it has selected Dr. Cissy Houston as the recipient of the 4th Annual Women of Excellence in the Arts Award. This year’s event will take place at the Theatre (91 Claremont Ave., bet. 120th & 122nd St.), on Friday, April 26, starting at 7:00 p.m. (preceded by a special reception at 6:00 p.m.), where Houston will discuss her book, “Remembering Whitney.” Co-Chairs for this very special evening are R&B singers Chuck Jackson and Smokey Robinson!

 “Cissy Houston is a celebrated and incredible talent whose experiences and contributions to the arts are immeasurable,” said Robin Bell-Stevens, Executive Director of The Riverside Theatre. “TheRiverside Theatre is honored to have her participation in this year’s event and we look forward to her sharing her wealth of knowledge and experience with us on April 26.”

Dr. Cissy Houston is a Grammy-winning soul and gospel singer, and mother of late superstar Whitney Houston. She gained fame as part of the Drinkards, a family gospel group, and revolutionized the “Background Industry” as the founder and leader of Sweet Inspirations, a well-respected vocal group who provided background vocals for such artists as Luther Vandross, Wishbone Ash, Aretha Franklin, Dusty Springfield, and Elvis Presley. She later enjoyed a successful career as a solo artist. Dr. Houston grew up in Newark, New Jersey, where she raised her family and still lives in the area.

The evening’s discussion will be hosted and moderated by WABC-TV news anchor Lori Stokes, who has received numerous awards for her reporting on social issues, in particular stories affecting women and children. Stokes has received many honors throughout her career including a total of 9 Emmys; the George P. Foster Peabody Award for her September 11, 2001 coverage of the World Trade Center attack; and she has been named a “Woman of Influence” by Commerce magazine.

The Riverside Theatre was founded on the belief that the arts can be a transforming power in peoples’ lives. The Theatre has presented a diverse range of programming including original music, dance productions, film premieres, musicals and plays. Since its founding in 1960, the Theatre has become well known for exposing audiences to arts from many cultures, and to supporting emerging artists of all disciplines.

Tickets to attend The Women of Excellence in the Arts event honoring Dr. Cissy Houston are $45, with limited availability. The ticket price includes a copy of Cissy Houston’s book, “Remembering Whitney.” For more information and tickets, please visit www.TheRiversideTheatre.org or call (212) 870-6784.

The Riverside Church is an interracial, interdenominational and international church built by John D. Rockefeller Jr. in 1927. The 1,200-member Riverside Church in Morningside Heights has a rich tradition of providing a forum for important civic and spiritual leaders. Past speakers include: The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., President William J. Clinton, the Dalai Lama, Fidel Castro, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela.

SékouWrites Launches New Automotive Website in NYC

Author, journalist, former Uptown Magazine editor and founder of SimplyRides.com, SékouWrites, has expanded his automotive-lifestyle business with the launch of BumperCandy.com, a multicultural women’s-interest website featuring beautiful cars and the lifestyle that comes with owning them. BumperCandy.com joins SimplyRides.com under the banner of Sékou’s newly created Dubbnet Networks, an assortment of automotive lifestyle websites tailored to audiences with unique interests.

“Ironically, my childhood career goal was to be a car designer,” says Sékou about his new-found path. “Later, when I was the Managing Editor of Uptown Magazine, I edited the car section to reach an audience of folks who are interested in cars but aren’t very interested in what’s under the hood. Once I started writing the car section myself, several women told me that they liked the way I covered automotive and I realized there was a niche for readers who care about the aesthetics and lifestyle associated with automobiles but don’t like to get bogged down by car jargon.”

Sékou left Uptown in late 2011 to create SimplyRides.com, which provides automotive videos, celebrity interviews, and test drive reviews in layman’s terms, providing car lovers with exciting content without the confusing technical jargon and “industry speak.” The newly unveiled BumperCandy.com offers similar lifestyle and automotive coverage specifically for multicultural women. For example, the site has a #Girlcrush Drive column, which features notable women test-driving cars that resonate with their personality.

With Dubbnet’s two marquee sites now fully active, and twenty additional websites in Beta testing, the network already receives more than 9 million page views and 2.6 million unique visitors per month. Other Dubbnet websites include CelebrityTransit.com, which focuses on celebrities and their cars, and BucketlistWheels.com, which profiles luxury cars that every driver should have on his or her bucket list.

The creation of Dubbnet Networks and its newest site (BumperCandy.com) were announced on April 8 at the 2nd Annual SimplyRides.com New York Auto Show Mixer at Raw Space Gallery in Harlem. This year, the event was co-sponsored by Cadillac and featured the 2013 Cadillac XTS, which attendees had the opportunity to experience on site. TV personality and best-selling author Harriette Cole hosted the event, which was attended by such noteworthy influencers as interior designer Sheila Bridges, ConcreteLoop founder Angel Laws, theHotness founder Nicole Moore, actress Napiera Groves, singer Rachel Walker, Haute Giving founder Latoya Henry, and artist/designer Scott Tucker.

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L’Oreal Paris Women of Worth Program and Forum

This popular women’s brand is known by women all over the world and although known mostly for many of the beauty products, the company also is a apart of exciting initiatives to honor women.

Each year, the L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth program honors women that are making an extraordinary impact on their communities. On the heels of new research indicating that helping others is the #1 driver of self-worth, L’Oréal Paris will convene thousands of women – including celebrities Maria Shriver and Lea Michele – for the first-ever Women of Worth (WOW) Forum onWednesday, April 16.

The day-long Twitter discussion will focus on the power of self-worth and its ability to propel women forward, building upon the findings from the new L’Oréal Paris study on self-worth, conducted in partnership with IPSOS. The WOW Twitter Forum serve as catalyst for the call for nominations for the 2014 Women of Worth program, an initiative inspired by the iconic brand philosophy – “Because I’m Worth It” – that recognizes, celebrates and supports the achievements of real women who are making a beautiful difference in the world. Both are also new components to the WOW program –now in its 9th year – designed to reach and inspire more women by fueling a positive cycle of self-worth.

Along with Lea Michele and Maria Shriver, many others from the worlds of film,television, philanthropy and media are set to participate in the forum on Wednesday, April 16.

To celebrate the call for nominations and to ignite a discussion on the dynamic role of self-worth among women today, L’Oreal Paris is inviting all women to join the Women of Worth Twitter Forum onWednesday, April 16. Join the conversation by following @LOrealParisUSA and tweeting during one of the five scheduled chats (#WomenofWorth):

9 a.m. ET: Women of Worth: Celebrating Extraordinary Women
1 p.m. ET: The Worth Effect: The Power of Giving Back
4 p.m. ET: Passion and Positivity: How Feeling Your Best Fuels Success
8 p.m. ET: The Beauty of Worth: Achieving Happiness in Life, Work and Love
9 p.m. ET: What’s Worth It: Charting Your Course & Realizing Your Dreams

This is a groundbreaking event using social media as a partner to engage women in such an important conversation. L’Oréal Paris Women of Worth is definitely using their influence to make a difference in the lives of women which is turn can impact the entire world.

Apollo Theater to Induct Chaka Kahn Into Legends Hall of Fame

The Apollo Theater does it again by announcing that its 8th Annual Spring Gala Concert will induct Chaka Khan into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame on Monday, June 10, 2013 in celebration of Ms. Khan’s 40th anniversary in the music business. This year’s program will include special tribute performances to the legendary singer by Apollo Legend Patti LaBelle and the incomparable Mary J. Blige.

Proceeds from the Spring Gala support the Apollo’s year-round world-class performing arts events, innovative education initiatives, and meaningful community programs, which honor the influence and advance the contributions of African-American artists and emerging creative voices.

Chaka Khan joins past Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductees—all legendary musicians, artists, and entertainers whose paths to fame included the Apollo—Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Patti LaBelle, Smokey Robinson, James Brown, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Little Richard, and Ella Fitzgerald. Each Apollo Legends Hall of Fame inductee is honored with a plaque in the Apollo Walk of Fame, installed under the Theater’s iconic marquee on 125th Street.

“I am honored that the Apollo is inducting me into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame,” says Khan. “The Apollo Theater is an American institution and is world-renowned for developing, nurturing, and creating talent for decades. The Apollo Theater has supported my career and now they are a part of honoring my legacy. I am looking forward to the celebration.”

Additionally, each year at the Spring Gala, the Apollo recognizes a corporation whose support enables the Theater to grow and expand its artistic, community, and education programs. The Apollo will present Time Warner Inc. with its 2013 Corporate Award, in recognition of the company’s outstanding philanthropy and community leadership. Time Warner Inc. Chairman & CEO Jeff Bewkes will accept on behalf of Time Warner Inc. with actress Sarah Jessica Parker presenting the award.

Jeff Bewkes, Chairman & CEO Time Warner Inc. remarks, “The Apollo shares Time Warner Inc.’s commitment to championing diverse voices, engaging new audiences, and nurturing emerging talent. Time Warner Inc. is proud to have supported the Apollo for more than a decade and we are delighted to be recognized with the 2013 Corporate Award.”

Carol’s Daughter Founder & President Lisa Price will receive The Percy E. Sutton Civic Leadership Award, named in honor of one of New York City’s legendary leaders and a champion of Harlem and its cultural institutions. This award is given to an individual or group who has demonstrated extraordinary support for and understanding of the value of the arts. In August of 1994, Price established Carol’s Daughter and almost overnight, celebrities from Jada Pinkett-Smith to Halle Berry became loyal customers. Today, Carol’s Daughter sells millions of dollars worth of products and boasts nine stores across the country, with a flagship store in Harlem. Price is an active philanthropist and is dedicated to giving back to the community through both her business and her personal life.

“Carol’s Daughter and the Apollo Theater are both part of the unique fabric of Harlem and New York City,” says Price. “Our commitment to diversity and beauty mirrors the Apollo’s commitment to amplifying diverse voices and celebrating the creativity in each of us. I am honored to be recognized with this award.”

2013 Apollo Spring Gala co-chairs include: Debra L. Lee, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of BET; Tamara Mellon, OBE; Anna Chapman and Ronald O. Perelman;
Richard Plepler, CEO of Home Box Office, Inc., and Marcus Samuelsson, celebrity chef and Apollo board member. Gala Vice Chairs include: Marcella and Terry Jones, Sonia and Paul T. Jones, and Dick and Laura Parsons,

The evening includes the gala concert and awards ceremony, produced by Ron Weisner for Ron Weisner Entertainment, and a post performance party featuring a stylish lounge created by celebrityevent planner Bronson van Wyck.

Tickets for the 2013 Spring Gala are now on sale. To purchase Gala tickets or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater, call 212-531-5347. For more information, visit www.apollotheater.org.

Anthony Hamilton with special guests Eric Benet & Marcus Canty ay DPAC

The spring is here and the summer is just around the corner. It’s time to enjoy the lovely weather and attend a few summer concerts. Soul fans are in for a treat when the Soulful Summer Tour featuring Anthony Hamilton with special guests Eric Benét and Marcus Canty come June 8 as part of Cool Summer Nights at DPAC.

Fans began paying attention to Anthony Hamilton in 2002, when he sang the infectious hook on the Nappy Roots’ “Po’ Folks.” That performance netted the singer the first of 10 Grammy® nominations for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration. More recently, his arresting voice provided the perfect accompaniment to Jill Scott’s earthy vocals on the captivating duet “So in Love.” Their dynamic pairing also set a record: 18 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Urban AC chart. His fourth studio album, Back to Love, debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling over 63,000 copies in its first week. This was his follow-up to the 2008 gold-certified, No. 1-debuting album, The Point of It All.

The Charlotte, N.C. native’s resume also includes performing a virtual duet of “Buon Natale” alongside Nat King Cole for The Nat King Cole Holiday Collection and a cameo appearance in the 2007 Oscar®-nominated film American Gangster starring Denzel Washington. Hamilton also performed that soundtrack’s lead song, the Diane Warren-penned “Do You Feel Me,” while his songs “Struggle No More” and “Can’t Let Go” appeared on the Daddy’s Little Girls soundtrack.

R&B crooner, songwriter and actor Eric Benét has successfully released six albums and was also nominated for a 2012 Grammy® Award for “Best Traditional R&B Performance” for his single “Sometimes I Cry.” He has also been active as an actor and most recently starred in his first lead role in the feature film Trinity Goodheart. Additionally, Eric had a recurring role on the television program For Your Love (1998–2002) and made his film debut alongside Mariah Carey in Glitter (2001).

Marcus Canty is the 21-year-old who won the hearts of America on Fox’s XFactor talent show. In 2009, Canty was chosen over hundreds of high school seniors across the nation by the National Foundation for Advancement In The Arts – YoungArt (which recognizes and supports America’s most talented 15 to 18-year-olds in the visual, literary and performing arts), and was inducted into the organization.

All guests require a ticket, regardless of age. No one under the age of 5 admitted into the theater, and children must be able to sit quietly in their own seat without disturbing other guests.

To better serve DPAC Concert Fans in our primary market area, online sales to this event will be restricted to residents of North Carolina. Online orders by residents outside of this approved sales area will be canceled without notice and refunds given. If you live outside of the approved sales area or are using a credit card with a billing address outside of the approved sales area, you can still purchase tickets by calling the DPAC Ticket Center at 919.680.2787.