by Kam Williams

For movies opening May 25, 2012
 

BIG BUDGET FILMS

Chernobyl Diaries (R for violence, bloody images and pervasive profanity) Grisly horror flick about a half-dozen tourists who venture to the ghost town created by the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant meltdown where they end-up on the run from a race of radioactive mutants. Starring Ingrid Bolso Berdal, Dimitri Diatchenko, Olivia Dudley and Jesse McCarthy.  

Men in Black III (PG-13 for violence and suggestive content) Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones reprise their roles as Agents J and K in a sci-fi sequel which finds the former traveling through a time portal back to 1969 where he has just 24 hours to save both his partner and the planet from an alien assassin (Jemaine Clement) bent on world domination. Support cast includes Josh Brolin, Tim Burton, and Alice Eve, Emma Thompson and Bill Hader, with cameos by Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber.

INDEPENDENT & FOREIGN FILMS

Cowgirls N’ Angles (PG for mature themes and mild epithets) Uplifting road flick about a rebellious tomboy (Bailee Madison) looking for her long-lost father who finds herself instead adopted by a team of female rodeo trick riders. Cast includes James Cromwell, Alicia Witt and Frankie Faison.

The Intouchables (Unrated) Inspirational buddy dramedy about the improbable bond which blossoms between a wealthy quadriplegic (Francois Cluzet) and the Senegalese street criminal (Omar Sy) he hires as his live-in caretaker. With Anne Le Ny, Audrey Fleurot and Clotilde Mollet. (In French with subtitles)

Mighty Fine (R for profanity and brief nudity) Diminished dreams dramedy, set in the Seventies, about a Brooklyn businessman’s (Chazz Palminteri) bitter disappointment after moving his family (Andie MacDowell, Jodelle Ferland and Rainey Qualley) and factory to New Orleans. With Paul Ben-Victor, Richard Kohnke, Arthur J. Nascarella and Kent Jude Bernard.

Moonrise Kingdom (PG-13 for smoking and sexuality) Wes Anderson directed this romance drama, set in the Sixties on an island off the coast of New England, revolving around a sheriff’s (Bruce Willis) search party for a pair of runaway young lovers (Kara Hayward and Jared Gilman). A-list ensemble cast includes Bill Murray, Frances McDormand, Edward Norton, Tilda Swinton and Harvey Keitel.

OC87 (Unrated) Autobiographical documentary, written by, directed by and starring Bud Clayman, chronicling his lifelong battle with depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome. 

Oslo, August 31^st (Unrated) Day-in-the-life drama about a recovering drug addict (Anders Danielsen Lie) who checks out of residential rehab only to roam the rough streets of the city again after being discouraged by a disastrous job interview. With Hans Olav Brenner and Ingrid Olava. (In Norwegian with subtitles)

I really appreciate the intelligent humor of her show, although there is some language so Parental Advisory! This is an interview discussing how she launched her online TV show. We must be media! Power to the People!

The Apollo Theater, one of the nation’s greatest cultural treasures, announced the lineup for its seventh annual Spring Gala Benefit Concert, at which they will induct Lionel Richie and the late Etta James into the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame. Proceeds from the gala, to be held on Monday, June 4, 2012, will go toward the non-profit Theater’s arts, education and community engagement programs.

As part of the induction festivities, Apollo Legend Gladys Knight will celebrate the memory of Etta James with a special performance, and Apollo board member and Revlon chairman Ronald Perelman will present Lionel Richie with the Apollo’s highest honor. In addition, the program will include tributes to several great musical icons who have passed this year. Ten-time GRAMMY^® Winner Chaka Khan will perform a tribute to the late superstar Whitney Houston, Eddie Levert, will honor Soul Train creator Don Cornelius, and Valerie Simpson will remember her husband and legendary songwriting partner Nick Ashford. The evening will be hosted by celebrated comedian and former host of Showtime at the Apollo, Sinbad, with American Idol’s Ray Chew serving as musical director.

Lionel Richie and Etta James join 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 125^th Street.

Lionel Richie’s first Apollo appearance was in the early 1970s, with The Commodores, who were opening  for Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. “The Apollo is such an important part of music history in this country, and my own personal history,” Mr. Richie said. “When they called and said they were putting me on that list of names, I was thrilled. It’s an honor to be a part of the Apollo Legends Hall of Fame.”

Additionally, each year at the Spring Gala benefit, the Apollo recognizes a corporation whose support enables the Theater to grow and expand its artistic, community, and education programs. The Apollo will present Citi with its 2012 Corporate Award, in recognition of its outstanding philanthropy and community leadership.

“Citi is proud to be a long-time supporter of the Apollo Theater,” said Citi CEO Vikram Pandit.  “The Apollo is world-renowned for discovering great talent and its education programs are second to none.”

The evening includes the gala benefit concert and awards ceremony, produced by Ron Weisner for Ron Weisner Entertainment, and a glamorous after-party featuring a stylish lounge transformed and created by celebrity event planner Marc Wilson of Marc Wilson Design. 

Tickets for the 2012 Spring Gala and after-party are now on sale. To purchase benefit tickets to the event or to make a donation to the Apollo Theater, call 212-531-5347. To purchase show-only tickets, visit www.apollotheater.org.

Proceeds from the Apollo Spring Gala benefit the Apollo Theater, a not-for-profit organization.  The Apollo’s world-class performances and education programs honor the influence and advance the contributions of African American artists and emerging creative voices across cultural and artistic media.

Giwayen Mata to bring their ‘contagious’ high energy drum and dance to the Southwest Arts Center

(Atlanta, GA) -  This Father’s Day, Atlanta’s Best World Music Act, GIWAYEN MATA, gives tribute to fathers, sons, brothers, husbands and male friends in their stage production of “A SALUTE TO OUR MEN”. 

On Sunday, June 17, 2012 at 3o’clock in the afternoon at the Southwest Arts Center located 915 New Hope Road Atlanta, GA 30331, the ‘SALUTE’ program will encompass a shared stage joining ladies of GIWAYEN MATA with special male guests.

Choreographed in part by Ayo Love, Founder and Artistic Director of Ayodele Drum and Dance based in Chicago, IL, family-friendly audiences can expect the ‘roaring’ sounds of GIWAYEN MATA’s djembe orchestra of Afrikan djembe,  sangba,  dununba and  kenkeni drums, the learning of Afrikan traditions and rituals within the dance choreography, prose and vocal performance, ‘contagious’ audience  participation, and high energy and excitement in every moment!

Tickets for ‘SALUTE’ are $25 in advance by purchasing through PayPal online, or $28 at the door. Special rates are also available for students, children and senior citizens.

For more information contact GIWAYEN MATA Artistic Director and Co-Founder, Omelika Kuumba, at 404-604-9364, by text at 504-610-2237 or PayPal: giwashop@giwayenmata.org

Cheryl Pepsii Riley, who first burst on the music scene in the late '80's with her torching classic "Thanks for My Child," has been able to steadily build her fan base via several ventures, including an independent CD release "Let Me Be Me." But her inclusion in over ten Tyler Perry productions, including stage plays, DVD releases, film cameos and soundtrack credits, has served to solidify her as one of soul and gospel music's legendary voices. 

The native New Yorker from Brooklyn holds down a solid base on her home front as well. She is also celebrating five successful years at New York's legendary Village Underground with her own homegrown vehicle, the "Back in the Day, Black Velvet Painting, Blue Lights in da Basement, Musicians and Singers Jam" night.

Better Than Alright: Finding Peace, Love & Power

by Ledisi  

Essence Books

Hardcover, $16.95

176 pages, Illustrated

ISBN: 978-1-60320-182-7

Book Review by Kam Williams

“I can’t believe someone found my journey interesting enough to want to put it in a book…Being on display as an artist is never comfortable for me. 

Behind my songs and my words lies a very shy little girl who has become a strong woman. Luckily, there are people around me who push and lift me to be open and transparent…

So here I am, and in every chapter of this book are fragments of my life between the lines and spaces of music. Pivotal moments that are filled with ups and downs, challenges and triumphs. Experiences that shaped the woman and singer you have come to know as Ledisi…

I hope you will be inspired by my journey.”

-- Excerpted from Chapter One – The Journey (pg. 7)

In recent years, hip-hop icons from Eminem (The Way I Am) to Jay-Z (“Decoded) have written memoirs in which they ruminate about their private lives while deconstructing the deeper meaning of their poetry and song lyrics. R&B diva Ledisi is the latest star to take just such an approach in terms of an autobiography.

Ledisi Anibade Young was born in New Orleans on July 9, 1978 to Nyra Dynese and Larry Sanders, a musician who abandoned the family when his daughter was still an infant. The name Ledisi, which means “to bring forth” in Yoruba, was picked because of the spunk she exhibited during her valiant struggle to survive a host of life-threatening ailments as a premature baby.

In the book, Ledisi lets us know that she admires First Lady Michelle Obama (“I love her!”), Nina Simone (“Reminded me to be proud of my skin”), Malcolm X (“A class act”) and Miles Davis (“My muse”). However, she credits another role model, her beloved Aunt Gussie, a choir member who only performed for the Lord, with helping her cultivate that soulful singing voice, a blessing she had to learn the hard way not to take for granted

Overall, Ledisi paints a stylish self-portrait, here, via a vibrant mix of artistically-illustrated rhymes, proverbs, photographs, personal anecdotes and introspective journal entries. Wearing her heart on her sleeve, the unguarded author tackles such subjects as love, forgiveness and faith with an enviable vulnerability.

For example, in the chapter on Beauty, she suggests that “When you don’t know how beautiful you are, you will always be in search of happiness.” By opus’ end, expect to feel oh so nurtured by the practical pearls of wisdom reflecting the essence of the insightful and likable lady who goes by Ledisi.

And that’s better than alright.

To order a copy of Better Than Alright, visit Amazon.com:

A new exciting music and reality show comes to Atlanta produced by HLG Enterprises, LLC and Retro Nites ENT. on June 2, 2012. This new series is entitled “Making of Legends” (MOL) hosted by former America’s Next Top Model finalist Dominique Reighard, “First Lady of Alternative Soul”, Yewande of Phoenix Records and acclaimed actor Tommy Ford from the hit TV series “Martin.”

This show is the first of its’ kind. MOL is a show that features a worldwide music & comedy competition that allows entertainers to upload original material to www.makingoflegends.com.

A panel of judges will review this material then select the top talent to travel to Atlanta to perform in front of a live audience. Our online judges include classic R&B legends Full Force and producer, song writer, R&B artist Jeff Redd. Full Force has produced for artists such as Britney Spears, James Brown, Back Street Boys, Rihanna and many more. Jeff Redd discovered the Queen of Hip Hop, R&B/Soul Mary J. Blige and has produced for artists such as Jodeci, Bobby Brown and more.

A random list of judges will be present each week for the live show. Some of these judges include executives from RCA Records, Wayne Overstreet of Wolf Bros Post and more. Artists will have an opportunity to have their work reviewed by top professionals. The winners of the MOL reality show will win a recording contract, a management deal and more.

The live taping of MOL will take place each Saturday 8-10 p.m. beginning on June 2nd at Taboo 2 Bistro & Bar at 6075 Roswell Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30328. Artists can begin submitting material online at www.makingoflegends.com today or audition in person at Taboo 2 Bistro & Bar every Sat. between 8pm - 10pm.

-- Yusuf Tura's "Green Energy Without Borders" Is Eco-Friendly and Create Jobs --

Ethiopian entrepreneur Yusuf Tura couldn't stand to see his African brothers and sisters battle hunger, choke on smoke from indoor fires that were polluting villages and causing severe burns.

The former taxi driver took the little money he had to spend months researching how he could manufacture a stove that would provide residents in Africa - and communities around the world - a more durable, safe, low cost and efficient solution to cooking their food while saving their environment at the same time.

"My dream is to save life, trees and create green jobs for people that are living on less than one dollar per day," Tura said. "I have already done so. This project has created hundred of jobs. It's a solution to prevent death, deforestation, protect wildlife, and fight poverty by creating jobs for locals. And, the stove costs less than two cups of Starbucks coffee."

With the help of friends at Lake Forest Rotary Club of Seattle, Tura founded his nonprofit company Green Energy Without Borders to create the "Ten Dollar Stove", which is made of sheet metal that currently is handcrafted by residents of his homeland. Instead of using charcoal briquettes or wood, Tura uses agricultural waste such as stalks, leaves and cobs from corn as well as of sugar canes and rice husks that can burn up to four hours. In many parts of Ethiopia, Tura says, residents have stripped the forests of trees used to burn in their stoves or build houses.

With the huge success of popular book series and movie, Hunger Games, Tura is setting out to spread the word about his development in hopes of raising money to expand the manufacturing of these sorely needed devices. "With right help there's no reason why millions of families couldn't benefit from these simple stove," he said.

Tura's like journey is fascinating. As a young boy, he was separated from his family and ended up at a Kenya refugee camp, like many Ethiopians, who found themselves in a war-torn nation. With help from the U.S. State Department, he traveled to the United States where he worked in a cafeteria in Baltimore and drove cabs in Olympia, Washington. He befriended many local Ethiopians who inspired him to pursue his dream of inventing the stove, which he is hoping will make a difference in millions of lives.

Film Review by Kam Williams

Admiral General Aladeen (Sacha Baron Cohen) is a Middle Eastern megalomaniac who rules the mythical Republic of Wadiya with an iron fist. The ruthless tyrant has been in power since the age of 7, much to the chagrin of his envious, Uncle Tamir (Ben Kingsley), who secretly covets seizing control of the oil-rich kingdom. 

However, Aladeen is well aware that he has any number of enemies who might want him dead, given his anti-Semitic, anti-Western and anti-democratic attitudes. Therefore, he often employs a look-a-like to pose as a militaristic Muslim monarch in public, while he hypocritically pursues the decadent private life of a materialistic playboy, dating pop icons like Megan Fox, Katy Perry and Halle Berry.

But a rude awakening awaits Aladeen in New York City where he is kidnapped by a hit man (John C. Reilly) hired by his uncle and replaced by an impersonator before he has a chance to deliver an address to the United Nations. After escaping, he soon discovers that no one in Manhattan believes that he’s really the Mad Dog of Wadiya.

So, he ironically, he ends up dependent on the charity of Zoey (Anna Faris), a human rights activist who was part of a demonstration protesting his arrival in the Big Apple. The plot thickens when Aladeen is forced to see how the other half lives. The question then arises whether he will finally develop empathy for the common people he so despises.

That is the deliberately-preposterous premise of The Dictator, the latest mockumentary starring the terminally-irreverent Sacha Baron Cohen. To give you an idea of how this flick stacks up against the naughty bad boy’s earlier offerings, it is far funnier than the abysmal Bruno (2009), yet fails to match the incessant hilarity of the brilliant Borat (2006).

Nonetheless, the movie has no shortage of memorable moments, from the opening credits dedication ”In loving memory of Kim Jong-il” clear through the closing credits scene where the patrilineal protagonist asks his pregnant wife whether she’s “having a boy or an abortion.” The picture’s politically-incorrect brand of tomfoolery is typified by the skit in the trailer, where Aladeen shoots his competitors to prevent them from passing him on the track while running a 100 yard-dash.

As long as you’re open-minded enough to stomach shocking displays of ethnic intolerance and ethnic stereotyping like Asians being teased about confusing the letter ‘l’ with the letter ‘r’, Arabs being referred to as sand monkeys, and Jews having urine poured on their heads, you’re apt to get a kick out of this equal-opportunity offender. 

Very Good (3 stars)

Rated R for profanity, violent images, crude humor, ethnic slurs, graphic sexuality and full-frontal male nudity.

Running time: 83 minutes

Distributor: Paramount Pictures

Fans can now order their DVD copy of "Entertainer Jay Lamont Live Back Down Memory Lane" online at www.JamminJayLamont.net

What do you get when you mix clean Comedy, Impersonation and Old School Music into one package? You get the Ultimate Entertainer Jammin Jay Lamont. Jay was born in Oklahoma City OK., whereas child he would make all kinds of sounds and singing to make people laugh and cheer. When he left Oklahoma he moved to Houston TX., where he worked as a Radio Personality for several years until one day he realized his calling was to perform live on stage.

Prime Time Promotions LLC has released Entertainer Jammin Jay Lamont's new DVD project entitled "Entertainer Jay Lamont Live Back Down Memory Lane" - a parody DVD that is an amazing ride from start to finish. Not only is it hilarious, but it takes viewers back to the days when music had meaning and comedy was truly funny.

Originally released on Feb 15, 2012, the DVD sold out within just 30 days. The demand left hundreds of fans requesting copies that were no longer available, but the great news is that more DVDs have just arrived for all of those fans who tried to order their copy earlier and are now back in stock for distribution while they last.

On the DVD, Jay performs parody music from such artists such as Ronald Isley, Patti LaBelle, Marvin Gaye, Al Green, Anita Baker, Al Green and many more. As a master impressionist, he impersonates some of the greatest entertainers of yesterday and today such as Prince, Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross and even President Barack Obama just to mention a few.

Jay has performed on Disney Cruise Lines, BET's "Comic View", Comedy Central, Showtime At The Apollo, Tom Joyner Family Reunion, Blue World Travel "Festival At Sea", "Capital Jazz Super Cruise", Russell Simmon's "Def Comedy Jam", Byron Allens "Comic "Unleashed", Jamie Foxx presents "Laffapalooza" and Martin Lawrence's "1st Amendment" and, casino stages all around the country.

Jay Lamont is a multi-talented entertainer who has performed with such greats recording artist as the late Luther Vandross and Roger Troutman. Jay has also performed with The Gap Band, Midnight Star, The O'Jays, Anita Baker, Ledisi, Baby Face, Boyz II Men, After 7, MAZE featuring Frankie Beverly, D.L. Hughley, Tommy Davidson, Cedric the Entertainer, Mike Epps, Jamie Foxx, Charlie Wilson, The New Edition Reunion Tour, and many more.