Langfield Entertainment
424 Yonge Street, Suite 301, Toronto,
ON M5B 2H3
(416) 677-5883
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NEWSLETTER
Updated: March 5, 2003
March signifies new
beginnings and a fresh start – let’s turn the page and move
forward! Coming at you one day early this week so you won't miss
out on a special Kayte Burgess showcase TONIGHT (Wednesday) - catch her
while you can! This week’s highlights include the long-awaited arrival of
the third edition of the Funk ‘n Soul showcase and ReelWorld’s
Free Pre-Festival Screenings. Lots of music news including advice on the components of writing
a hit song, IRS signs
with Universal, the continued
dialogue on the hip hop battlefield, as well as updates on Amerie, Shaggy, Chris
Rock, Karl Kani and Richard
Pryor - - and much, much more! And check out the winners
of this year's Soul Train Awards, including pics!
For those of you who have already or are considering to book events and/or
features in my newsletter, I have a fee structure which is in full effect. For more information, CLICK HERE!
This newsletter is designed to welcome all the new members, give
you some updated entertainment-related news and provide you with our upcoming
event listings. To be removed from this email distribution,
please CLICK HERE! Welcome to those who are
new members. Want your events listed by date? Check out EVENTS.
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Canadian Music Week 20th Anniversary
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
- by
Tamara Smith / [simplymagic@rogers.com]
Canadian
Music Week (CMW), celebrating its 20th anniversary, touched down in Toronto
from February 26 to March 1. CMW is Canada's premier music industry event,
featuring a conference and festival showcasing 150 performers over its
four-night span. The growth in the Canadian urban music scene was evident this
year through the numerous artists participating at various venues. Many of the
artists featured return to CMW this year sporting major label recording
contracts or on the heels of successful album releases. The 3rd annual
Canadian Independent Music Awards ("The Indies") kicked off the CMW
festivities on Wednesday. The awards show featured a performance by Carlito,
among others, and saw Brassmunk beat out IRS, Eternia, Nasri and Carlito to win
the Urban Indie award. Thursday saw a
performance by former Dream Warriors front man Spek, followed by performances
by Choclair and Graph Nobel on Friday. The festival culminated on Saturday,
beginning with the Canadian Radio Music Awards, featuring performances by Shawn
Desman and Glenn Lewis. Following the awards, Glenn Lewis performed at Future
Shop's "Fan Fest," afterwards signing autographs alongside Shawn
Desman and The Rascalz.
The Flow 93.5FM Urban Music Showcase closed out CMW, featuring
performances by The Rascalz, Brassmunk, IRS, Belinda Brady, Carl Henri, Nasri
and Jully Black with special guest Saukrates. All of the night's performances
were top notch, especially those by Brassmunk, IRS and The Rascalz. It was also
a treat to see Jully Black perform alongside Saukrates, who despite signing to
Def Jam under Redman's new imprint what seems like ages ago, has been
conspicuously absent from the scene.
This year's installment of CMW was noteworthy for more than its
20th anniversary. CMW 2003 featured a viable urban music presence as none to
date has. It evidenced the mutual benefit and purpose of such festivals with
former performers returning to perform with major record deals and the ability
to pack large venues. This year urban music had a strong and definite presence
featuring internationally acclaimed artists. Canadian urban music finally
appears to be receiving its due recognition, no longer being forced into the
confines of the smallest, dingiest venues. With the pace Canadian urban music
is finally setting, fans can look to the future with excitement as the genre
finally establishes itself as a force to be reckoned with.
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Kayte
Burgess Showcase – TONIGHT! Wednesday,
March 5 and 19
If you were unable to catch Kayte Burgess during CMW, she hits the stage again
at Holy Joe’s for an intimate showcase
with her newest material from her soon to be released CD! The talented Syreeta
Neal will be opening for Kayte so you get two sweet talents in one night! Kayte is just
about to release the first single entitled “Wanna” featuring Michie Mee off
her debut album. This is a hot track
and you’ll want to call your favourite radio station to request it! Come and
check Kayte out – you won’t be disappointed!!
She is a true Canadian talent!
Wednesday, March 5th and March 19
Kayte Burgess Showcase
Holy Joes (above Reverb)
651 Queen Street W.
10:30 pm
$5.00
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Funk
N Soul Showcase – Friday, March 7
IT’S FINALLY HERE! Launch Path
is thrilled to present ‘Funk ‘n’ Soul
Revival 3’ - a sensational live show that’s revving up for a big night at
Revival Bar on March 7, 2003. The show
will take you back to the roots of soul music starring ‘Soular’ with special guests Dione Taylor, Alana Bridgewater,
Julie Crochetiere, Neil Donell, Jason Jackson and Kaybe. The
awesome 15 piece ensemble that is ‘Funk n’ Soul Revival 3’ promises a high
energy trip through the musical progression of the last four decades,
delivering a fusion of funky retro beats and the smooth, slick sounds of cool
new Canadian talent, straight from the urban retro scene. Drawing inspiration from figureheads such as
The Meters, Ray Charles, Sly and the Family Stone, Aretha Franklin and James
Brown, to name but a few, the eclectic mix of artists in the Funk ‘n’ Soul
line-up create a big sound of pure, untainted independent artistry and
creativity. Join the Funk ‘n’ Soul crew
at Revival for the ultimate Soul, Funk, Fusion experience as the artists gel
60’s & 70’s classic soul, rhythm & blues and a big band sound to
deliver a show that has everyone up dancing and getting down! Joining the band spinning deep soul and
classic funk will be DJ Paul E. Lopes
and DJ KC - Loungin 88.1 CKLN.
FRIDAY, MARCH 7
FUNK ‘N’ SOUL REVIVAL 3
Revival Bar
783 College St.
8:00 p.m. doors
Tickets:
$15 advance, $20 at the door.
Tickets are available from CD Replay, 523 Bloor St. West, 416.516.0606; Soundscapes, 572 College St., 416.537.1620; Play De Record,
357A Yonge St., 416.586.0380; Rotate This, 620 Queen St. West, 416.504.8447; www.funkandsoulrevival.com
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ReelWorld
Reaches Out To Community Youth With Free Pre-Festival Screenings - March 12, 13 and 14, 2003
During March Break,
ReelWorld Film Festival brings festival flavour right to local screens with
DIVERSITY AT OUR DOORSTEP, a series of free screenings on March 12, 13 and 14,
2003, at select Rainbow cinemas.
Diversity at Our Doorstep is a special pre-launch to ReelWorld Film Festival, which hits the
screens April 2 to 6, 2003. Aimed at high school students, the series is meant
to build recognition and awareness about the stories that connect our lives,
and the power of the human spirit.
Thanks to the generous support of Rainbow Cinemas and Alliance Atlantis, Diversity
at Our Doorstep will showcase Phillip Noyce’s award-winning feature, Rabbit Proof Fence, the true
story of three aboriginal girls taken from their mother and forced to adapt to
a strange new world. By the sheer force of their will, they escape and struggle
to return home across 1500 miles of treacherous terrain. Their only hope: a
rabbit-proof fence that guides them. The film has screened to rave reviews at
festival around the world and won the Audience Choice Award at Edinburgh
International Film Festival and Aspen Film Festival. It was also nominated for
a Golden Globe. Following each
screening an interactive Q&A session is planned to encourage youth
participation and increase awareness of the opportunities that exist in
Hollywood North for the filmmakers of tomorrow.
ReelWorld is a non-profit organization
founded three years ago by Tonya Lee Williams, star of The Young & The Restless, dedicated to nurturing, celebrating
and showcasing the works of Canadian and International artistic talent from
culturally and racially diverse backgrounds in the film industry.
Diversity at Our Doorstep screenings will take place as follows:
March 12 Rainbow Cinemas,
Woodbine ShoppingCentre 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
March 13 Rainbow Cinemas,
Promenade Mall 12:00
p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
March 14 Rainbow Cinemas,
Fairview Mall 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
For locations of cinemas please call 416-494-9371
Tickets are available on a first come, first-served basis.
For ticket information, email info@reelworld.ca
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Tuesday, March 11, 2003
BUJU BANTON Friends For Life (VP)
DES'REE Dream Soldier (Epic)
ERYKAH BADU Worldwide Underground (EP)
ICE CUBE Predator (Remastered) (Capitol)
KILLER MIKE Monster (Sony)
VARIOUS ARTISTS Master T's Urban Vibes (Virgin)
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
FOO FIGHTERS Times Like These
(CD Single) (RCA)
GRAND FUNK RAILROAD Classic Masters
(Capitol)
ICE CUBE The
Predator (Remastered) (Capitol)
ICE CUBE Lethal
Injection (Remastered) (Capitol)
KELLY PRICE Priceless (Def
Jam)
PAT BENATAR Classic Masters
(Capitol)
WAYNE WONDER No Letting Go (CD
Single) (Capitol)
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Hip-Hop
Trio IRS arrive on ‘Planet’ Universal
Toronto-based trio IRS (Korry Deez, Black Cat and T.R.A.C.K.S) have ‘landed’ with
Universal Music Canada. After winning
last year’s Future Stars Award during Canadian Music Week 2002, IRS (Instinctive Reaction to Struggle)
had their debut CD, Welcome to Planet
IRS, distributed in Future Shop locations nationwide. Universal Music Canada has now signed the
trio to a recording contract and will now re-release Welcome to Planet IRS on April 1, 2003. The new version will feature three new bonus
tracks with various guest performances including Planet Asia and Attic.
Watch out for IRS as they embark on
a cross-Canada tour with DMX and The Rascalz, starting on March 22 in
Vancouver. They will also be hitting
Winnipeg, Kamloops, Lethbridge, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, and Sault Ste. Marie. “We are excited to play a role in the
development of this talented group” said Allan Reid, Senior Vice President,
A&R. “After their win last year
during Canadian Music Week, and their strong ties within the urban community,
we look forward to a new adventure with IRS
as they move on to the next level in Canada.”
IRS will be performing in
Toronto during Canadian Music Week 2003 on Saturday, March 1 at the Opera
House.
For more information, please contact:
Daphne Gray
Universal Music Canada
(416) 718-4107 or daphne.gray@umusic.com
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“Urban Groove” Music And Culture
Show Launches
“Much of what passes for urban culture in the mainstream media makes me want to
upchuck violently,” says Urban Groove TV show host/writer Dalton
Higgins, who’s better known for penning ex-Much Music VJ Master T’s
autobiography and ranting all over the pages of Now Magazine and The
Source among others. “Sadly, our culture has been
broken down into jewellery, SUV’s and absurd lyrics…we're much deeper than
that.” Urban Groove
offers a smart alternative to the “bling, bling”, airing segments that focus on
the overlooked parts of the wider culture: dancehall/reggae, turntablism, break
dancing and music industry politics.
Plus, Dalton vows to never, ever play a Benzino video…and that must
count for something. “I took a personal oath to my urban music loving
constituency in Canada to basically not do anything to support this guy. It’s
not because I’m hating on anything. It’s more because I love the music too much
to support a man who gives himself Hip Hop Quotables and high mic ratings in
his own magazine. “Besides,” he adds, “any student of rap music will tell he’s
just plain wack.” bpm:tv (Beats
Per Minute) is a new Canadian specialty
television channel totally dedicated to dance.
Check them out on digital cable or satellite.
In recent shows Dalton has had all female dance crew Blaze correct his
two left feet, rapper K-OS pick away at the banality of it all, Canadian
DMC champ DJ Dopey school us on how to manipulate vinyl platters, EGR
Art discuss her graffiti techniques and Bishop—Canada’s answer to
Eminem—spit some fiery freestyle rhymes.
And then there’s Urban Groove’s intense
dancehall/reggae music coverage. “Canada hosts the largest Caribbean festival
in North America (Caribana) right here in Toronto and none of those music forms
are represented sufficiently on the airwaves. Who says they shouldn’t be?” On an upcoming show, 2002 Dancehall
World Clash Champion Newby of Rebel Tone sound crew burns down
the studio with some exclusive dub plates, while the Mad Skillz/Skillz Gone
Mad dancers teach us some hot new dancehall moves before they head out on
tour with Sean Paul.
In addition to sitting down with buzz artiste du jour Graph Nobel,
one-man entertainment conglomerate Funkmaster Flex and eclectic
producers/rappers and singers like MC Collizhun (Nefarius, Tough
Dumplin’) True Daley (“Comin’ In”) Urban Groove spins hot underground videos that are crying out for rotation.
Gangstarr, IRS, Mos Def, Elephant Man, Ylook, Cody Chesnutt, Sizzla and
Abstract Rude can now have a home. Having
been a participant in “urban” culture since the late 80’s, tagging, dancing, organizing
battles and working for seven years as a journalist, Dalton takes the practice
of urban culture’s elements seriously. “We often
wonder what’s wrong with hip hop today, but if hip hop were a person it would
be wondering what’s wrong with us…if we play Benzino all day, disrespecting
women will inevitably become the ‘in’ thing. And that’s not cool. Or ‘urban’.” It’s
time to bring hip hope back onto the airwaves.” bpm:tv offers viewers unique lifestyle programming
surrounding the worldwide explosion of dance, urban dance and club dance
culture. Stornoway
Productions was founded in 1983 and has established a world-class
reputation for producing in-depth documentaries on subjects before they become
"news". Over the years, Stornoway has expanded its program focus to
include drama and entertainment with Stornoway Enterprises. Visit
the website at www.bpmtv.com.
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Kindred
Is No Longer Hidden In Philly: Former Black Lily regulars make their
soulfulness a family affair
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by Ricardo Hazell
How many times can you say that there was a soulful, moving and
soothing sound that has emanated from the beautifully rugged city lying on the
banks of the Delaware River, Philadelphia, PA?
Yes, the city that has blessed us all with the incomparable works of
soulsters like few other places in the world, word up! Patti LaBelle, the late,
great Phyllis Hyman, the Intruders, Delfonics, O'Jays, McFadden and White Head,
Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes the immortal sounds of Gamble and Huff's
Philadelphia International Records. Who dares dispute where the soul axis of
the soul universe teeters and dissects? Yes, Philadelphia! Picking up on that rich history in the new
millennium is Musiq, Jaguar Wright, the oh-so-slepted on Jazzyfatnastees and
our favourite soul sister, former Roots protégé and Hidden Beach Recording
artist Jill Scott.
Dare we say Hidden Beach has tapped into yet another soul element there? Yes,
we do. But, do you see how much love we're giving this heretofore unmentioned
group? We feel they're so silky, silky smooth together they're like
Philadelphia and the cheese steaks, like New York City rush hour subway
passengers bum-rushing the bus stop or like you and your beloved spouse. Well,
at least we hope y'all are tight like that.
In fact, new Kindred soulsters are family as well. This husband and wife
duo, Fatin and Aja Dantzler, are singer/songwriters who's sound and lyrical
content invokes thoughtful enjoyment and bumps with that smooth ish you know
Philadelphia is good for. And guess what? We haven't even heard the whole
album! Just three songs at the Hidden Beach website; the rising soul starts out
with an ill organ groove that helps Fatin get warm as he kicks it off with
lyrics like "I'm tired broken street glass, tired of paying taxes, sick of
sending e-mails and faxes, tired of crooked cops, tired of black people saying
the crime don't stop..." Just
those bars right there had us replaying that part over and over again. But did
we tell you we really didn't have a choice? The snippet containing those lyrics
was "Far Away" ... did we mention it and the other dope joints
"Feel So Free" and "Rhythm of Love" were each around a
minute long?
Fatin had carved out his territory as a songwriter at a young age, co-penning
tunes for Pebbles and Bell Biv DeVoe while still a teenager. We had the chance
to catch up with the duo so we could find out what's going on with this
project. "We got together close
to five years ago under the pretences of doing some music," said Fatin,
the husband half of the duo. "We were brought together by mutual friends
who were helping Aja out with a solo project at the time. We wanted to do this
music, and sort of paired up to try and do that. A friendship developed, we
found ourselves working on songs together more and more, and we enjoyed each
other's company very much and eventually decided to get married. Now we got
married and had a baby, but soon we wanted to get back into the
music." They reconnected with
their friends in the industry, and began to play regular gigs in Philadelphia
like the popular Jazzyfatnastees-founded Black Lily performance series, where
Jill Scott and the Roots frequently performed. "We started getting songs together, performing and
developed a following here in Philadelphia and up and down the East coast. We
got a chance to go out to Los Angeles on the Tanqueray Soul Suite tour. We
stepped into the arena as a team opposed to going at it like we were when we
met each other."
True, it does do our hearts well to see that a young black couple is doing
their thing on the career and matrimonial sides of things. But when we say we
never want you to break up it's because of the music ... no offence, but to us
it already sounds like y'all got a stone-cold winner. "I was a solo artist -- I was signed to a deal when I was
about 15 and I was working on a record, and I was seeking out The Roots as the
producers and I was introduced to Fatin as a songwriter and a producer,"
says Aja, "and we began writing songs together for my project." Though their initial overtures to record
labels were rebuffed, Hidden Beach Records signed the group to a record deal.
It's smoothed out and live. The CD is slated for delivery to record stores
on March 18. We see y'all out there saying "EUR don'
bumped their heads by giving such a rousing review after only listening to a
few minutes worth of snippets." But hey, we're telling you, it's genuine
to the core and straight to the point-style soul with mixtures of Curtis
Mayfield, Ashford and Simpson, with a sprinkle of mid-80s style Isley-ish-ness.
Tasty! Their snippets were like Ritz crackers for the ears: "Please,
please gimme some mo'!" Check 'em out for yourself at www.HiddenBeach.com.
We bet your next move is to call your favourite radio station to request some
Kindred.
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Against
All Odds Report: Hip-Hop is a Battlefield
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
The lines are being drawn and hip-hop fans are beginning to take
sides. In many instances they're choosing between Benzino and Eminem in a
battle of Black and White hip-hop supremacy. In other cases they're pledging
allegiance to 50 Cent or Ja Rule in a battle of street credibility. Or they may
simply express their loyalty at magazine racks by purchasing either The Source
or XXL to fuel the ongoing battle of journalistic integrity. For many of these fans, hip-hop's
juxtapositions offer distinct choices. It's either Nas or Jay-Z for some. Or
it's Nelly or KRS-One for others. But for a less prominent group of fans, the
road to hip-hop fidelity is much more convoluted. For instance, there are many who once saw hip-hop as a
threatening nemesis to oppressive forces but now view it as one of the greatest
rebels against traditional values. From their perspective, hip-hop has
flipped-the-script from its "Fight the Power" glory days and
consequently created a growing number of fans who stand in opposition of its
contemporary ideologies. The petty
fighting among hip-hop icons invokes little concern from this group. Instead,
the precarious positions these fans face is similar to the hardships families
confront when a loved one is overrun with drug addiction. In which case, a
family must decide if their love is strong enough to ignore the erratic
behaviour of a drug-addicted family member or if they should wash their hands
with what appears to be a worsening situation. That's a tough decision for many
families because the addict may have provided them with fond memories, hours of
comfort or even put money in their pockets once upon a time.
This is the dilemma of many mature hip-hop fans. But instead of focusing on
beloved drug addicts, they're grappling with how to deal with a beloved culture
gone astray. They love hip-hop. They have fond memories of hip-hop. But the
culture is spiralling downhill and they must decide if they want to hang on for
the ride or watch from afar. With such
vexing issues looming in their consciousness it seems comical that the hip-hop
powers-that-be considered asking fans to join in a boycott of Pepsi for its
decision to disassociate itself from the lewd rapper Ludacris and subsequently
join forces with the foul-mouthed Osbourne family. Granted, the soft drink giant did exercise a blatant case of
biasness when it acted on Bill O'Reilly's suggestion to discontinue its
marketing affiliation with Ludacris because of his x-rated lyrics but yet
paraded Ozzy as its new marketing icon during this year's Super Bowl. But
Pepsi's decision to choose one bad boy over another doesn't warrant enough
concern for the mature hip-hop fan to raise a picket sign.
There's a more intricate plot at work here that even a blind economist could
see. For anyone with money vested in the future of hip-hop, the decision to
challenge Pepsi on its questionable behaviour is a no-brainer. After all, they
have trust funds, college tuitions, mortgages and businesses riding on their
ability to make corporate America yield to hip-hop. But for fans yearning for more respectable hip-hop music it
would have been counterproductive to boycott Pepsi on behalf of Ludacris when
he, in fact, embodies many of the traits that they find repugnant. Fortunately for Ludacris and the purveyors
of hip-hop unity, Pepsi decided to settle the dispute behind closed doors with
a checkbook. For Ludacris, Pepsi's cave-in means he's better equipped to
subsidize his causes. For hip-hop evangelists, Pepsi's private buyout means
they can continue to present the illusion of hip-hop unity. But the increasing divisions taking place
within the culture suggest that companies like Pepsi won't always have to be so
quick to pull out their checkbooks to appease hip-hop. Threats by demanding
fans might soon allow corporate America to hold on to their hush-money long
enough to learn the outcome of the imminent battle between lucrative profits
and loving people.
The lines are being drawn and the hip-hop community is taking sides. Where will
you stand?
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A
Talk With Screenwriter Camile Tucker Pens a modern-day “My Fair Lady”
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
In conversation, Camille Tucker sounds like someone comfortable in
Hollywood. She’s quick and personable with lots of stories to share. Tucker is the founder of Pneuma
Entertainment (pneuma means breath of life), a company that offers screenplay
and short film consulting services.
And Tucker is a screenwriter who sold her screenplay “M’Lady” to New
Line Cinema and is patiently waiting for the project to hit the screen. “It is a black ‘My Fair Lady,’” she says
about the script. “It’s about a black Stanford professor who takes on a young
girl from East Palo Alto as part of his experiment to prove that blacks are
just as intelligent as anyone else and that with the right education can come
up to standard.” In the end Tucker
says, the Negro teacher, Clyde, and the ‘round the way girl, Nay Nay, fall in
love. You know, like “My Fair Lady” or “Pretty Woman.” “It falls...in the vein of ‘Pretty Woman,’
two people from opposite sides of the track who find out they have more in
common than they think,” she explains.
Tucker co-wrote the script with Kim Greene, a friend and business associate
that Tucker met while the two attended UCLA’s graduate program for creative writing.
The women showed “M’Lady” to Robert De Niro after spotting him at an
after-Oscars party. DeNiro helped the duo sell the script to Sony but like many
Hollywood scripts, it sat, never reaching the production stage. “M’Lady” has gotten its second breath of
life at New Line. Eriq LaSalle will direct the movie and Tucker says they are
just waiting for casting and budget. If
the writer has any say, two of her favourite actors will be cast in the movie.
“I saw fine Laurence Fishburne [as the professor] as I sat there typing on the
computer. “[And] my dream Nay Nay
would be Sanaa Lathan. Sanaa is so phenomenal. When it was sold the first time
she came in to read. She was terrific. She had twisties in her hair. She had it
down.”
Tucker set out to remake the classic fairytale romance but she also wants to
examine intra-class racism. “Sometimes
we have intra-racial classism. It’s not always black and white, there are
misunderstandings within our own community,” she says. Clyde and Nay Nay end up learning a lot
from each other by the film’s end and Tucker hopes the audience will learn a
little about black-on-black classism, as well.
“The best films educate us and entertain us at the same time,” she told
us. We’ll be waiting to laugh and
learn from this black-take-on- a-classic.
“Right now is a really exciting time for me,” Tucker says. “I’ve found
that people are looking for good writing.”
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Showtime
Gives Directorial Time To Three Stars: Vanessa Williams, Rockmond Dunbar and
Darrin DeWitt Henson
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Showtime has given the green light to three directorial debuts by
cast members of the hit series "Soul Food." The go-ahead were given
to Vanessa Williams, Rockmond Dunbar and Darrin DeWitt Henson. The actors will each have the creative
freedom to direct a 30-minute film of his or her choice. Showtime hopes to air
the trilogy as a lead-in for the fifth season premiere of "Soul Food"
in 2004. Carol Shine will serve as executive producer. Showtime Networks is
fully financing these short films.
Here's the breakdown:
"Dense" -- Vanessa Williams directs a film about a woman who
discovers that her long-term lover has been involved with another woman since
the inception of their relationship; "The Great Commission" --
Directed by Rockmond Dunbar, this film is about a prostitute who believes she
is doing the work of God; "Violation" -- Darrin DeWitt Henson directs
a film which tells the story of two Gulf War veterans whose relationship may be
jeopardized by their opposing views on war.
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Amerie Makes Her Big Screen Debut
Excerpt from www.thepubreport.com
Amerie possesses beauty, brains, and packs a lot of talent in a
petite package. This new ingénue recently told The PUB Report her views on the
constant comparisons with the new breed of vocalists on the scene …
Ashanti, Tweet, & Truth Hurts. “When people get to know you first they categorize you.
After awhile when they see videos they are able to make a clear distinction
between you and other artists.” she explains.
Plus, she mentions her upcoming project on the Billie Woodruff directed,
and Rodney Jerkins produced soundtrack Honey. Honey is due to hit
screens later this year. “I have a single on the upcoming soundtrack of Honey
that Billie Woodruff directed and Rodney Jerkins produced the soundtrack for. I
am going to be appearing in the movie as well.” she reveals.
Amerie just got nominated for three Soul Train Awards - Best
R&B/soul single, female - "Why Don't We Fall In Love," Best
R&B/soul album, female - "All I Have," and Best
R&B/soul or rap new artist for her stirring performance - "Why Don't
We Fall In Love," Amerie. For more details on Amerie check out her
official website www.amerieonline.com.
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Shaggy
Blasts Off With Eddie Griffin
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com - by
Kevin Jackson / k.jackson@cwjamaica.com
Shaggy has a recurring role in the new action drama "Blast." The film
which stars Vivica A. Fox and Eddie Griffin, tells the tale of an oil rig on
the coast of California, which was hijacked by terrorists. Shot
on location in South Africa, the film is due for release later this year. According to Shaggy, the experience was a
good one for him. The shoot took place over two weeks. "It was my first acting experience,
although it was a small role. I did give it my best shot," Shaggy told
this writer recently. It's not the
first time that Shaggy has had an association with the big screen. In 1998 his
hit "Luv Me Luv Me" with Janet Jackson, was featured in the movie
"How Stella Got Her Groove Back," while a year later "Hope"
was featured in the Kevin Costner flick "For the Love of the Game."
WHAT'S TOPPING REGGAE CHARTS
The #1 song the reggae charts in South Florida is "The Greatest" by
Bounty Killer. Over on the New York Reggae chart, "Much Clearer" by
Beres Hammond is #1. Here in Jamaica, the #1 song for the past 4 weeks has been
"Raging Storm" by Bounty Killer.
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Rock
Solid For New Film: Chris Rock preps for new release
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Chris Rock is set to release his latest flick, “Head of State” on
March 28. The film, which is Rock’s directorial debut, is about a Washington,
DC alderman who is thrown into the limelight as a nominee for President of the
United States. "This film is
about the little man running for President. He's the lowest guy you could
imagine getting a shot at the biggest title in the world. He's a "Rocky"
of politics. When the nominee for President dies, the party is behind and they
know they are going to lose the election. None of the good candidates will run,
so they choose me, an alderman from DC. I'm the scapegoat, the patsy,"
Rock told BlackTalentNews.com. Along
for the ride on the campaign trail are fellow funnyman Bernie Mac, Lynn
Whitfield, Tamala Clark, and Robin Givens.
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Karl
Kani Wants This Baby For Life: New urban streetwear hawked by Cash Money star
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Urban fashion designer Karl Kani has a new line, “Life,” that will
hit stores this month. The clothing
line will be represented by Mr. Bling-bling himself, Cash Money’s Baby. “There’s no one better than Baby,” Kani
says. “Baby’s about success, focus and having the best things in life, and
that’s what the Life clothing line is all about.” The line will combine fabrics like mink and denim with 14k gold
thread. “Karl Kani’s clothes speak
like our music does,” the rapper said.
“[H]e combines street with bling in the same way we do.”
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Pryor
Priority For TV Sitcom: Richard Pryor teams to write new show
Excerpt from www.eurweb.com
Legendary comedian Richard Pryor is back in the limelight. The
ailing funnyman will be joking around again for a new sitcom. Pryor won’t actually star in the TV series,
but has teamed with “Mad About You” writer Bill Grundfest to create “Pryor
Offenses.” The sitcom will be based on
Pryor’s standup routines, built around a young comedian trying to make it in
the funny business.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH
5 AND MARCH 19
Kayte Burgess Showcase
Holy Joes (above Reverb)
651 Queen Street W.
10:30 pm
$5.00
EVENT PROFILE: If you were unable to catch Kayte Burgess during CMW, she hits the
stage again at Holy Joe’s for an intimate showcase
with her newest material from her soon to be released CD! The talented Syreeta Neal will be
opening for Kayte so you get two sweet talents in one night! Kayte is just
about to release the first single entitled “Wanna” featuring Michie Mee off
her debut album. This is a hot track
and you’ll want to call your favourite radio station to request it! Come and
check Kayte out – you won’t be disappointed!!
She is a true Canadian talent!
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THURSDAY,
MARCH 6
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Joel Joseph, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck Roche
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FRIDAY, MARCH 7
FUNK ‘N’ SOUL REVIVAL 3
Revival Bar
783 College St.
8:00 p.m. doors
Tickets: $15 advance, $20 at the door.
Tickets are available from CD Replay, 523 Bloor St. West, 416.516.0606; Soundscapes, 572 College St., 416.537.1620; Play De Record, 357A Yonge St., 416.586.0380; Rotate This, 620 Queen St. West, 416.504.8447
www.funkandsoulrevival.com
Information: Chris Bennett @ (416) 835-4068 or email chris@launchpathprojects.com.
EVENT PROFILE: Launch Path is thrilled to present ‘Funk ‘n’ Soul Revival 3’ - a sensational live show that’s revving up for a big night at Revival Bar on March 7, 2003. The show will take you back to the roots of soul music starring ‘Soular’ with special guests Dione Taylor, Alana Bridgewater, Julie Crochetiere, Neil Donell, Jason Jackson and Kaybe. The awesome 15 piece ensemble that is ‘Funk n’ Soul Revival 3’ promises a high energy trip through the musical progression of the last four decades, delivering a fusion of funky retro beats and the smooth, slick sounds of cool new Canadian talent, straight from the urban retro scene. Joining the band spinning deep soul and classic funk will be DJ Paul E. Lopes and DJ KC - Loungin 88.1 CKLN.
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SUNDAY,
MARCH 9
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.
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MONDAY,
MARCH 10
VIP JAM WITH SPECIAL GUESTS
Revival Bar
783 College Street (at Shaw)
10:00 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring Rich
Brown, David Williams and Shamakah Ali with various local artists.
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TUESDAY,
MARCH 11
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.
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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12
Diversity at Our Doorstep screenings
Rainbow Cinemas, Woodbine Shopping Centre
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are available on a first come, first-served basis.
For ticket information, email info@reelworld.ca
THURSDAY, MARCH 13
Diversity at Our Doorstep screenings
Rainbow Cinemas, Fairview Mall
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are available on a first come, first-served basis.
For ticket information, email info@reelworld.ca
FRIDAY, MARCH 14
Diversity at Our Doorstep screenings
Rainbow Cinemas, Fairview Mall
12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are available on a first come, first-served basis.
For ticket information, email info@reelworld.ca
EVENT PROFILE: Diversity
at Our Doorstep is a special pre-launch to ReelWorld Film Festival, which hits the
screens April 2 to 6, 2003. Aimed at high school students, the series is meant
to build recognition and awareness about the stories that connect our lives,
and the power of the human spirit. Thanks to the generous support of Rainbow Cinemas and Alliance Atlantis, Diversity
at Our Doorstep will showcase Phillip Noyce’s award-winning feature, Rabbit Proof Fence, the true
story of three aboriginal girls taken from their mother and forced to adapt to
a strange new world. By the sheer force of their will, they escape and struggle
to return home across 1500 miles of treacherous terrain. Their only hope: a
rabbit-proof fence that guides them. The film has screened to rave reviews at
festival around the world and won the Audience Choice Award at Edinburgh International
Film Festival and Aspen Film Festival. It was also nominated for a Golden
Globe. Following
each screening an interactive Q&A session is planned to encourage youth
participation and increase awareness of the opportunities that exist in
Hollywood North for the filmmakers of tomorrow.
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THURSDAY,
MARCH 13
PEPPA SEED MOTOWN REVIVAL
Indian Motorcycle
355 King Street
10:30 pm
NO COVER
EVENT PROFILE: Featuring
Divine Earth Essence, Kenny Moran, Rohan Staton, Roger Williams, Deryck Roche
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SUNDAY,
MARCH 16
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.
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