Director Lee Daniels set to direct Apollo Theater documentary film

The history of the Apollo Theater, located in Harlem New York is known all around the country and even in the world. Now, there will be more of an opportunity for people to learn about this legendary theater that has launched the careers of many great entertainers.

Oscar nominated director Lee Daniels, who is know for films such as (Lee Daniels’ The Butler, Precious, Monster’s Ball, Shadowboxer, and creator and producer of the Fox hit series Empire) will direct the documentary feature film entitled THE APOLLO THEATER FILM PROJECT – the authorized history of New York’s famed Apollo Theater. The project was recently announced by The Apollo Theater and White Horse Pictures’ Nigel Sinclair and Jeanne Elfant Festa.

In the spirit of the Apollo Theater’s tradition of active audience participation and in support of this documentary, Lee Daniels and Jonelle Procope, President and CEO the Apollo Theater, are jointly making an appeal to members of the public, audience-goers, and fans for film footage, home movies, photographs or other memorabilia that may have been accumulated by members of the community in the course of its more than 80 years of live performances. Just like with the well-known Apollo Theater amateur night, the audience has the opportunity to actively participate.

According to Daniels and Procope, “We are asking members of the community who have been to the Apollo, who may have parents or grandparents or other family members or friends who have done so, to help us find any material – audience footage, photographs, or other memories that we can use in our documentary film. In addition, an Apollo Theater Documentary website has been established. for anyone who wants to submit. We will, of course, respect everybody’s ownership of their property.”

This exciting project is produced by Nigel Sinclair who has been responsible for projects such as:(GEORGE HARRISON: LIVING IN THE MATERIAL WORLD, END OF WATCH) and Jeanne Elfant Festa (FOO FIGHTERS: BACK AND FORTH), White Horse Pictures’ Director of Features and Head of Documentaries,under her Piper Cub Productions banner. For additional information, and other events, visit the Apollo theater website.

Maison Kayser opens their first store in Brooklyn, New York January 2016

Photo used with permission from Maison Kayser.

Good cuisine and New York City go hand in hand. Within this metropolis there are many specialty restaurants and small bistros to dine, have lunch or simply grab quick bite. Whatever the choice, there are normally several great places available to enjoy delicious food.

Founded by Eric Kayser in Paris in 1996, Maison Kayser is an authentic artisanal French Boulangerie which simply means that the bread and other baked goods are mixed and baked on-site all day long. This allows guests to have access to fresh made products at anytime.

Throughout his career, Eric Kayser has built his reputation on his passion for bread. With the patience he has during the baking process, patrons are able to smell over 200 different flavors once the bread is sliced and ready to eat. He actually compares the process of making bread to creating a good wine. In a recent interview, he stated that, “Even as a child I knew I wanted to be a baker,” and with the quality of his products and his incredible skills, it is evidence of the authenticity and innovation in the world of French artisanal bakeries.

Eric was born into a family of French bakers, dating back four generations. In fact, he started his baker apprenticeship at age 14 and was exposed very early to the art of baking by perfecting his techniques for five years with the “Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France.”

In 1996, he opened his first bakery, Rue Monge, in the heart of the Quartier Latin in Paris, France. It was an immediate success and as of today, Maison Kayser has over 100 shops in over 20 different countries! Some stores are located in some of the largest cities in the world, while others reside in smaller cities where customers equally enjoy fresh baked bread.

Each Maison Kayser location around the world is organized in the pure tradition of the French Bakery. The most ancestral techniques are combined to produce bread, including the use of liquid leaven, and innovation with the most high performance, modern, state-of-the-art bakery equipment.

In August 2012, the first Maison Kayser opened in the United States, on the Upper East Side in Manhattan. Since then, several other locations have opened in New York City to a wide reception and now in January 2016, Maison Kayser is opening their first restaurant in Brooklyn, New York. Like Manhattan, Brooklyn is becoming another exciting and growing neighborhood so this was definitely a perfect location to open a new store. One thing for sure, each guest can expect to have the same delightful experience and service that is given in any of the other stores currently in operation.

Current and future New York City customers in should know, that in addition to having an artisanal French bakery retail shop, most Maison Kayser locations feature a French style sit-down café, that offer a wide selection of Eric’s favorite savory prepared dishes.

The Real Housewives of Potomac, Maryland debuts on Bravo Network in January 2016

Looks like there is another city with interesting and intriguing housewives coming to you television screen. This time the ladies are located just outside of the nation’s capital. From Maryland‘s fabulous best-kept secret to the truly over-the-top Lone Star State, Bravo Media expands “The Real Housewives” franchise with two new lavish and picturesque locales. Revealing one of the most affluent towns in America, “The Real Housewives of Potomac“premiered on Sunday, January 17, 2016.

“‘The Real Housewives’ has become a global phenomenon that drives cultural conversation while consistently breaking ratings records,” said Shari Levine, Executive Vice President, Current Production, Bravo Media. “We’re happy to extend the franchise with Potomac and Dallas giving Bravo fans more of what they desire: stories of dynamic women who make us laugh, cry, cheer and experience unforgettable moments we can’t stop talking about.”

According to Executive Producer, Andy Cohen who is responsible for “The Real Housewives” franchise, recently stated that “‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’ is the show you never saw coming, and it’s going to take everyone by surprise! From the recent premiere, it looks like there is bound to be another hit for Bravo.

Potomac, Maryland is located just outside of Washington, DC. Its rolling hills, gated mansions, sophisticated prep schools, and exclusive country clubs all serve to keep the area invitation-only. Sprinkled throughout this community are a handful of old-line, wealthy African-American families who have historically broken racial barriers to provide the best life possible for their children.

“The Real Housewives of Potomac” follows the upscale lives of six intriguing, well-to-do women:Gizelle Bryant, Katie Rost, Karen Huger, Charrisse Jackson-Jordan, Robyn Dixon, and Ashley Darby, all of whom have fought for their places in this society by way of legacy or marriage. In a town where entry is granted only through class, pedigree, and lineage, how far will these ladies go to secure their spot at the top of this prestigious circle?

For a sneak peek, visit: Bravo TV: Real Housewives of Potomac. With this franchise still going strong, it looks like there might be another city showcasing attractive women will continue to work.

OWN Press Luncheon in NYC with Tyler Perry January 8, 2016

Photo used with permission from OWN TV

On Friday, January 8, 2016 in New York City, members of the press had the awesome pleasure of being invited to a catered lunch, show previews, a Q&A and photo opportunities for the cast of two of the hottest shows on cable television. The event was sponsored by OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network and it was to celebrated the new season for the shows: Love Thy Neighbor and The Haves and the Have Nots.

As part of the program, guests listened intently to show creator Tyler Perry talk about his creative process during the before and during each episode of the show. Since he does not have a writer’s room like many other shows, his set is very fast paced and executed a very differently when filming. It is amazing, because if this was not something he revealed, the audience would never know this was the case. Each show presents and reveals quality programming for the television audience each week and keeps fans coming back in droves.

As part of the program, guests listened intently to show creator Tyler Perry talk about his creative process during the before and during each episode of the show. Since he does not have a writer’s room like many other shows, his set is very fast paced and executed a very differently when filming. It is amazing, because if this was not something he revealed, the audience would never know this was the case. Each show presents and reveals quality programming for the television audience each week and keeps fans coming back in droves.

 Also available for questions, during the event were cast members from each of the two shows. From the OWN Tuesday night drama, The Haves and the Have Nots, stars John Schneider and Angela Robinson were on hand to discuss the show. Most viewers know Schneider as the ruthless Jim Cryer and know Robinson, as the conniving and cunning, Veronica Harrington. From Love Thy Neighbor, actor Palmer Williams and Patrice Lovely shared their thoughts on playing the funny Floyd and Miss Hattie.

Before ending the discussion, each actor shared their unique experience into becoming part of the OWN family and how they each approach playing their specific characters each week. John Schneider, being the veteran of the group discussed how excited he was about seeing the landscape of television change. He even mentioned what a dramatic difference there was in the the late 1970’s compared to now and how delighted he was to see to growth and changes.

It is clear that Tyler Perry as a writer and director, has truly brought into existence such memorable and hated characters. Whether this intentional or just an example of a vivid imagination, the hope is that he continues to create great story lines, and to be honest it truly does seem that Perry would not have it any other way which it seems to suit his fans and audience just fine.