NEWSLETTER
Updated: August 8, 2002
Hope you all had a good and safe holiday
weekend. Can you believe it’s August? Well, there’s plenty of
summer left so check out some hot news and events below! You can click
on any of the titles of the items listed and it will give you an individual
page just with the relevant information on the story or event. This
newsletter is still designed to welcome all the new members, give you some
updated entertainment-related news and provide you with our upcoming event listings.
Welcome to those who are new members. I will also highlight events for
the next 10 days so click on EVENTS.
_________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS
_________________________________________________________________________________
JULIETTE POWELL DEPARTS CHUM/CITY TV/CP 24 FOR
ENTERPRISING NEW VENTURES
Juliette Powell recently resigned from CHUM/CITY TV/CP 24 in order to pursue
other career interests. Her decision to leave CHUM after her 10-year
anniversary was not one that came easy but seemed to be affirmed just one day
later when E! out of New York called Juliette to see if she was
available to interview the famous Tom Cruise on the red carpet of his
premiere in New York!! That trip also featured other interviews including
one with Taye Diggs and Rosie O’Donnell. Another gig Juliette secured was
to plan and execute the Toronto opening night festivities last week for Guy
Laliberte of the famed Cirque du Soleil – Varekai. Juliette, among
many other accolades, is an inductee into the Canadian Who’s Who and
also attended the United Nations World Conference Against Racism in South
Africa as a Canadian delegate, where she helped rewrite the media section in
the UN Plan of Action. Congrats and good fortune Juliette on all your new
ventures – we are all proud of you!
_________________________________________________________________________________
KIRK COOPER JOINS
TEAM AT REELWORLD FILM FESTIVAL
Kirk Cooper recently joined Tonya Lee Williams and her staff
at the ReelWorld Film Festival! Kirks says that his experience with the
Black Film and Video Network taught him invaluable things about the industry
and the film community at large and is very grateful for that. Look for
Kirk adding his special magic to the ReelWorld Film Fest 2003!
_________________________________________________________________________________
MONICA SPEAKS:
Singer tells all about recent tragedies.
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com:
Monica is exhaling. The singer, whose new CD, "All Eyez
On Me," hits the stores on Sept. 17, told Sister 2 Sister Magazine's Jamie
Brown about the emotional story about her ex-boyfriend's suicide. In the September
issue, Monica discusses having to fire a gun to get to the dying man and the
medical condition that caused her to pass out on stage in DC, resulting in
temporary paralysis. She also discusses her early career break. Monica described
the scene following her ex-boyfriend's self-inflicted gunshot, "I remember
getting in the car ... grabbing him and pulling his head to me and I just felt
something cover my left side. That was the side of his head that I realized was
open. Just by the grace of God, the bullet didn't come out the other side. One
of the officers told me, 'You don't realize where you were standing that if
this bullet would have come out the other side of his head, it would be in
you.'"
_________________________________________________________________________________
ASHANTI DISAPPOINTS
IN JAMAICA: Lady of Soul Awardee doesn't deliver on stage, but she says being
sexy is a good thing.
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com:
Our man in Jamaica, Kevin Jackson, reports that Ashanti made
her debut performance in the island nation recently, at Reggae Sumfest's
International Night. The reggae festival featured performances from Bob Marley's
son Damian "Junior Gong" Marley, (this year's Grammy award winner for
Best Reggae Album), as well as Ja Rule and other reggae acts.
Ashanti was disappointing to say the least. Not only CAN'T she dance, but
girlfriend really can't sing, Jackson said. A lot of press folks have been
bitching and asking, "What's all the hype on this sister, if she can't
deliver?" After 3 songs, she left the stage. Her labelmate Ja Rule
delivered the goods and had the crowd begging for more. The following
night, Ashanti and Ja Rule performed at the annual beach bash Fully Loaded, in
St. Catherine, where Ja Rule energized the crowd with his hits. Ashanti again
was a disappointment, however, the crowd seemed to appreciate her song
"Foolish" more than anything else. In other Ashanti
news, the singer has spoken out about her sexy photos and posters. She told
German magazine Speigel Online, "I find sexy pictures erotic. And I love
it when men find me erotic and I can boost their sex lives through my pictures...
Why not?" she said. "Sex is not a bad thing, after all."
_________________________________________________________________________________
MISS AMERICA
CHOOSES BRADY: Wayne Brady will host this year's pageant.
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com:
The Miss America Pageant will welcome its very first African
American emcee at this year's ceremony. Comedic actor Wayne
Brady, who gained fame from "Whose Line is it Anyway," will be hosing
the event, the first black emcee in the pageant's 81-year history. "My selection
as host is also a defining moment, as I will be able to proudly represent the
African-American community for the first time in this role," Brady said.
But he also added, "I wasn't cast for my color. I bring a youthful energy
to the proceedings." The pageant, featuring
contestants from the 50 states and D.C., airs at 8 p.m. ET, on Saturday, Sept.
21, on ABC.
_________________________________________________________________________________
BEENIE
MAN AND DAMIAN MARLEY FEATURED ON MOVIE SOUNDTRACK ALBUM
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com:
Beenie Man and Damian Marley are the only reggae acts, who
contribute to the forthcoming soundtrack album to the movie "Blue Crush."
The various artistes album will be released via Virgin Records on August 13.
Beenie Man contributes the track "Party Hard" while Marley
contributes a remake of his late dad, Bob Marley's "Could You Be
Loved," which has been renamed "And You Be Loved." Other major acts featured on the soundtrack
disc include rocker Lenny Kravitz, Beth Orton, Nikki Costa, and N.E.R.D.
_________________________________________________________________________________
CANADIAN CONTENT:
Rascalz' "Reloaded" Released
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com:
Rascalz'
third studio album, "Reloaded", hit stores July 30, 2002.
If the past is any indication of the future, "Reloaded" is sure to
offer a collection of musical gems from the Vancouver, BC based hip hop
crew. The group, comprised of MCs Red1,
Fit and DJ Kemo, has been recognized by critics and audiences alike in the form
of awards and sales, for almost a decade.
The group has been a long-standing fixture on Canada's urban music scene
since their 1993 debut album "Really Livin'". The album's title track
went on to win the Much Music Video Award (MMVA) for Best Rap Video. Their sophomore album, 1997's "Cash
Crop", garnered even more industry success, winning another MMVA for Best Rap
Recording as well as the Juno, the Canadian Grammy equivalent, for Best Rap
Recording. The album was also certified gold.
The following year saw another Best Rap Recording Juno win for
"Cash Crop". Rascalz shocked everyone by publicly refusing the award
to protest the Canadian awards system's lack of broadcast time for urban music.
(At this point in time, televised awards presentations and performances for hip
hop, reggae or dance artists were minimal.)
In becoming one of the best selling and most acclaimed Canadian hip hop groups,
Rascalz have provided a solid foundation of quality music, while remaining
involved in meaningful activities. "Reloaded" is sure to offer all
the lyrical skills and musical treats that Rascalz have offered in the past,
and more. This one is not to be missed.
_________________________________________________________________________________
NEW EVENTS
_________________________________________________________________________________
CIRQUE
DU SOLEIL – VAREKAI – RUNS ONLY UNTIL AUGUST 13
Varekai - the latest live creation from
Cirque du Soleil, explores an extraordinary world deep within a
forest. I think that every person breathing on this planet should
experience the magic of Varekai. Whatever it takes to go and see this
show while it’s in town, DO IT! The incredible athletic performances,
symphony of sounds and divine humour will move you. It left me speechless
– there’s no adjective to describe it anyway. An incredible, first-class,
no-stone-unturned show. Take your kids, bring a date, go solo! It
just doesn’t matter – just see it. You will be afraid to blink in fear of
missing one spectacular performance! Here are all the details that you’ll
need to know about the show while it is in Toronto.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8 – 13
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - VAREKAI
Ontario Place
955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
For Tickets (416) 861-1017
Ticket Information
Tickets are available at the Cirque du Soleil website or through the Admission
Network at (416) 861-1017 or 1-800-361-4595. For group reservations for 40
adults or more call the box office at (514) 722-2324 or 1-800-450-1480. Prices
range from $65 to $85 for adults, and $45.50 to $59.50 for children (2 to 12
years). For students (13 to 17 years) and senior citizens (65 plus), prices are
from $58.50 to $76.50, weekdays only (Tuesday to Thursday and Friday at 5
p.m.).
_________________________________________________________________________________
DWAYNE
MORGAN – WALKING ON WORDS INTERNATIONAL TOUR KICK-OFF – FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Up From The Roots invites you the kick off of the Walking on Words
International tour, and live album recording, for Spoken Word Artist Dwayne
Morgan. Dwayne Morgan has been
instrumental in the development and promotion of Toronto's Spoken Word scene.
Since emerging on the scene in 1994, Morgan has produced two chapbooks, two
full-length works, most recently, The Man Behind the Mic (Feb 2002), one
audiocassette, and the live album, The Evolution. Against the backdrop of sultry vocals and smooth jazz and
R&B, The Evolution was the recipient of the 2001 Urban Music Award for Best
Spoken Word Recording.
Morgan has also built a name for himself with the highly popular spoken word
events that he produces in the city, including the annual When Brothers Speak,
When Sisters Speak, and Talking Aloud at Harbourfront. Walking on Words will begin with Morgan
recording his new live album at Clinton's Tavern (693 Bloor St. W. @ Christie).
Doors open at 9pm. First set 10pm. Admission $15.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
DWAYNE MORGAN – WALKING ON WORDS TOUR KICK-OFF
Clinton’s Tavern
693 Bloor Street W. (at Christie)
Doors open at 9:00 pm; First set 10:00 pm
Admission $15.00
_________________________________________________________________________________
PIGEON – KIM KUHTEUBL ONE WOMAN SHOW
- AUGUST 11 - AUGUST 13
“When you’re 30, you
can be wise and horny all at the same time.” Dee-Dee
is under duress. Her hair is the conduit for electrical transmissions from
photocopiers. Birds have invaded her
balcony. She has no partner, no career
and even worse, her 30th birthday is only minutes away and she
hasn’t achieved any of her goals...except one, the one she’s keeping a
secret. “Sometimes I think. Wow this chick is nasty or very honest
depending on how you wanna spin it,” says Kim
Kuhteubl, the show’s writer/performer and Toronto producer, who wrote
PIGEON as a 30th birthday present to herself. Set, for the most
part, in the bathroom of a corporate law office, Dee Dee comes face to face
with the lies she has told to herself, her friends, her family and the
audience. “Do I really want to get this
opinionated about relationships in front of total strangers?” continues
Kuhteubl. “Maybe this is why I’m
single!”
PIGEON was first hatched at The Fringe
Festival Toronto in 2000. The play was
further developed when it was invited to and produced by NEXTFest, a 10-day
festival in Edmonton Alberta that spotlights emerging artists in 2001. That production featured an Edmonton cast
and production team, “I was really nervous watching someone else do the part
since I’d written it especially for me,” says Kuhteubl. “It was extremely beneficial as a writer
though because some of the things I thought didn’t work, actually did and
others I thought were okay were “kimism”s, I could get away with as a performer
or material that really sucked!”
Working with Toronto based director/actor Michael Chipman of Toronto’s well-known Canadia dell’Arte Troupe,
the script has been further developed and rewritten to incorporate a more
organic movement style and to make the narrative more active and simple. The score is performed live by Hamilton bass
player Mark McIntyre. Transplanted Toronto actor Lisa Baylin rounds out the production
team as the show’s New York Producer. Girl Power is best known for their Top
5, Summerwork’s Festival hits Baggage
& Suffragette Koans.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 - MONDAY, AUGUST 12 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
PIGEON starring Kim Kuhteubl
Presented by Girl Power Productions
INVITED for its AMERICAN premier at
The
New York International Fringe Festival, FringeNYC
Sunday @ 4:00 pm; Monday @ 8:00 pm;
Tuesday @ 8:00 pm
The Space
186 Munro Avenue (2 Blocks West of Broadview, 1 Block South of Gerrard)
Seating is limited.
Pay What You Can
Reservations: (416) 465-7393 or (416)
921-5977 or kim@dishpictures.com
________________________________________________________________________________
HONEY JAM: PART 10
– THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
As the weary city slowly recovers from yet another jam-packed
Caribana weekend, a not-to-be missed event emerges from the dust. After 7
years of being the pinnacle of live performances, PhemPhat Productions
promises to shake audiences to the very core with Honey Jam: Part 10,
set to hit The Phoenix Concert Theatre on Thursday August 15th, 2002. The all-female showcase has gained the
reputation of being the hottest ticket of the summer, and has also gained the
respect of industry decision-makers and the most critical party-goer. In addition to the Honey Jam, PhemPhat
Productions marks the 7th anniversary by presenting Honey Drops, a
promotional compilation CD featuring the work of some of the artists who will
be performing at the Honey Jam showcase. “It’s been a labour of love,”
says PhemPhat founder, Ebonnie Rowe. The first 500 attendees
will receive a limited edition Honey Drops CD, produced through
funding by title sponsor Universal Music Canada. Other show sponsors
include Peace, Much Vibe and CKLN.
The Phoenix Concert Theatre (410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto) plays home
to this year’s Honey Jam showcase. This year’s show promises to be worth
the wait as 25 performers representing hip hop, spoken word, reggae, rock, pop,
drum & bass, gospel, R&B, alternative and dance promise to set the
stage on fire. Toya Alexis, Renee Wynter, Eternia, and Anjulie
are just a few of the ladies who blew the judges away at the auditions. Blaze
Dancers and Graph Nobel, along with showcase veterans Natasha
Waterman, Rachael Berry, True and Tara Chase also fill out the
roster.
The Goddess of Canadian Hip Hop, Michie Mee, will host The Honey Jam
Showcase. For more information on
PhemPhat Productions or the artists in this year’s Honey Jam, please check www.phemphat.com
.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 15
HONEY JAM: PART 10
Phoenix Concert
Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street
Doors open 7pm; Showtime 8pm (SHARP)
Tickets are $15 in advance, available at Ticket Master and $20 at door.
The after party promises to bring the heat with DJ Lytes and MelBoogie
A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society
ARTISTS PERFORMING:
Toya
Alexis
Grand
Imperial
Lisa
Bell
Blaze
Dancers
B.
Brady
Black
Pearl
Eternia
Arlene
Hunter
Michie
Mee
Graph
Nobel
Rosie
Cuffy
Tamla-Mai
True
Natasha
Waterman
Tara
Chase
Crystal
Clear
L.
Blaise
Ndidi
Cascade
Rachael
Berry
Anjulie
Mystique
Blu
Renee
Wynter
Lori
Nuic
_________________________________________________________________________________
HOT
& SPICY FOOD FESTIVAL - AUGUST 23-25
Asia Pacific fare and mouth-watering
cultural fusions are served up to the rhythms of sizzling music and dance. A generous helping of Toronto's top chefs
and caterers sharing tips, mixed with spicy market shopping, scorching outdoor
concerts and movies, and a few surprise ingredients - all simmered together and served up hot! http://www.harbourfront.on.ca/rhythms/spicy.html
_________________________________________________________________________________
GOSSIP
_________________________________________________________________________________
ANGIE STONE’S NEW RELEASE
Okay, it’s finalized. Angie Stone’s third single “More Than A Woman” – which
was originally recorded with her ex-beau Calvin Richardson – has now been
re-recorded with R&B crooner Joe and will be shipped to radio shortly. At
one point, the song was going to be reworked with Angie’s labelmate Tyrese, but
the tune was redone with Joe instead. “Me and Joe have great chemistry so we just
went in and knocked it out,” said Stone. Angie is currently on the “BK Got
Music Summer Tour” with Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert, and Michelle Williams
of Destiny’s Child.
_________________________________________________________________________________
BLAQUE SIGNS DEAL
Pop trio Blaque, which were protégés of the late Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes,
are now signed to Rodney Jerkins’ Darkchild label. Blaque was originally signed
to Columbia Records who dropped the group early this year. The debut on
Darkchild will be the first release for the Jerkins label through Cash Money
Records. The deal calls for Jerkins to release four additional acts through
Darkchild/Cash Money/Universal.
_________________________________________________________________________________
WEEKEND EVENTS
AUGUST 8 - 11, 2002
_________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 8 – 13
CIRQUE DU SOLEIL - VAREKAI
Ontario Place
955 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
For Tickets (416) 861-1017
Ticket Information
Tickets are available at the Cirque du Soleil website or through the Admission
Network at (416) 861-1017 or 1-800-361-4595. For group reservations for 40
adults or more call the box office at (514) 722-2324 or 1-800-450-1480. Prices
range from $65 to $85 for adults, and $45.50 to $59.50 for children (2 to 12
years). For students (13 to 17 years) and senior citizens (65 plus), prices are
from $58.50 to $76.50, weekdays only (Tuesday to Thursday and Friday at 5
p.m.).
EVENT PROFILE: “Varekai - the latest live creation from Cirque du Soleil,
explores an extraordinary world deep within a forest. I think that every
person breathing on this planet should experience the magic of Varekai. Whatever
it takes to go and see this show while it’s in town, DO IT! The
incredible athletic performances, symphony of sounds and divine humour will
move you. It left me speechless – there’s no adjective to describe it
anyway. An incredible, first-class, no-stone-unturned show. Take
your kids, bring a date, go solo! It just doesn’t matter – just see
it. You will be afraid to blink in fear of missing one spectacular
performance! Here are all the details that you’ll need to know about the
show while it is in Toronto.
_________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 8
Hotel Boutique Bar
77 Peter St.
FREE MARTINIS - 10-11:30 pm
No cover, no line.
Guest list closes at 11:30pm sharp.
Style code in effect.
RSVP@thatPRthing.com
by 3:00 pm Thursday to avoid the lineup
www.thatPRthing.com
EVENT PROFILE: Danielle Iversen and ZRF invite you and your
guests to spend an evening at "Hotel Boutique Bar." This is the
place to go on Thursday night -- it has been fully renovated and the music is
unbelievable -- and you will want to dance! Enjoy Drinks … .Ambiance …
Music. Join us between 10-11:30pm for ultra high premium VOX martinis
along with exotic fruit hors d'ouevres.
_________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11 - MONDAY, AUGUST
12 - TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
PIGEON starring Kim Kuhteubl
Presented by Girl Power Productions
INVITED for its AMERICAN premier at
The
New York International Fringe Festival, FringeNYC
Sunday @ 4:00 pm; Monday @ 8:00 pm;
Tuesday @ 8:00 pm
The Space
186 Munro Avenue (2 Blocks West of Broadview, 1 Block South of Gerrard)
Seating is limited.
Pay What You Can
Reservations: (416) 465-7393 or (416)
921-5977 or kim@dishpictures.com
EVENT PROFILE: “When you’re 30, you can be wise and horny all at the same time.” Dee-Dee is under duress. Her hair is the conduit for electrical
transmissions from photocopiers. Birds
have invaded her balcony. She has no
partner, no career and even worse, her 30th birthday is only minutes
away and she hasn’t achieved any of her goals...except one, the one she’s
keeping a secret. “Sometimes I
think. Wow this chick is nasty or very
honest depending on how you wanna spin it,” says Kim Kuhteubl, the show’s writer/performer and Toronto producer, who
wrote PIGEON as a 30th birthday present to herself. Set, for the
most part, in the bathroom of a corporate law office, Dee Dee comes face to
face with the lies she has told to herself, her friends, her family and the
audience. “Do I really want to get this
opinionated about relationships in front of total strangers?” continues
Kuhteubl. “Maybe this is why I’m
single!”
________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and
David French.
________________________________________________________________________________
NEXT WEEK’S EVENTS
AUGUST 12-18, 2002
________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY, AUGUST 12 - TUESDAY, AUGUST
13
PIGEON starring Kim Kuhteubl
Presented by Girl Power Productions
INVITED for its AMERICAN premier at
The
New York International Fringe Festival, FringeNYC
8:00 pm
The Space
186 Munro Avenue (2 Blocks West of Broadview, 1 Block South of Gerrard)
Seating is limited.
Pay What You Can
Reservations: (416) 465-7393 or (416)
921-5977 or kim@dishpictures.com
EVENT PROFILE: “When you’re 30, you can be wise and horny all at the same time.” Dee-Dee is under duress. Her hair is the conduit for
electrical transmissions from photocopiers.
Birds have invaded her balcony.
She has no partner, no career and even worse, her 30th
birthday is only minutes away and she hasn’t achieved any of her goals...except
one, the one she’s keeping a secret.
“Sometimes I think. Wow this
chick is nasty or very honest depending on how you wanna spin it,” says Kim Kuhteubl, the show’s
writer/performer and Toronto producer, who wrote PIGEON as a 30th
birthday present to herself. Set, for the most part, in the bathroom of a
corporate law office, Dee Dee comes face to face with the lies she has told to
herself, her friends, her family and the audience. “Do I really want to get this opinionated about relationships in
front of total strangers?” continues Kuhteubl.
“Maybe this is why I’m single!”
________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Mackie Langford, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck
Roche
________________________________________________________________________________
MONDAY, AUGUST 12
VIP JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Revival Bar
783 College Street (at Shaw)
10:00 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Rich
Brown, Andrew Craig and Shamakah Ali with various local artists.
________________________________________________________________________________
TUESDAY, AUGUST 13
JAM SESSION
Lava Lounge
507 College Street (west of Bathurst)
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Calvin Beale, Michael Shand, Joe Bowden, Thomas Reynolds
and various local artists.
________________________________________________________________________________
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 15
HONEY JAM: PART 10
Phoenix
Concert Theatre
410 Sherbourne Street
Doors open 7pm; Showtime 8pm (SHARP)
Tickets are $15 in advance, available at Ticket Master and $20 at door.
The after party promises to bring the heat with DJ Lytes and
MelBoogie
A portion of the event’s proceeds will go to the Canadian Cancer Society
EVENT PROFILE: The Phoenix Concert Theatre
(410 Sherbourne Street, Toronto) plays home to this year’s Honey Jam
showcase. This year’s show promises to be worth the wait as 25 performers
representing hip hop, spoken word, reggae, rock, pop, drum & bass, gospel,
R&B, alternative and dance promise to set the stage on fire. Toya
Alexis, Renee Wynter, Eternia, and Anjulie are just a few of the
ladies who blew the judges away at the auditions. Blaze Dancers
and Graph Nobel, along with showcase veterans Natasha Waterman,
Rachael Berry, True and Tara Chase also fill out the roster.
The Goddess of Canadian Hip Hop, Michie Mee, will host The Honey Jam
Showcase. For more information on PhemPhat Productions or the artists
in this year’s Honey Jam, please check www.phemphat.com .
________________________________________________________________________________
SUNDAY, AUGUST 18
SOULAR
College Street Bar
574 College Street (at Manning)
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Dione Taylor, Sandy Mamane, Davide Direnzo, Justin Abedin, Dafydd Hughes and
David French.