Uptown Music Theatre Summer Season Begins

NEW ORLEANS -- Uptown Music Theatre (UMT) founded by Delfeayo Marsalis is holding its 2015 summer theatre camp between June 8th and July 24th, 2015 with performances set for July 25th and 26th, 2015.  

A theatrical training program, which prepares aspiring young actors and actresses for the professional world of theatre.  Attendees receive vocal, acting and dance training by top-notch industry veterans, emerging as seasoned performers with discipline, confidence and production skills. 

Great training and lots of fun --  it's not too late! Enrollment is still open; see below for more information:

New Orleans Cultural Icon: Big Chief "Bo" Dies at 71

Hundreds gather to pay tribute and honor the legend.

New Orleans Mardi Gras Indian nations assemble outside Xavier University's Convocation Center, the site of
Wild Magnolias Big Chief Theodore "Bo" Dollis' funeral on Saturday,  February 31, 2015.

_______________________________________________________________________________

By Rhodesia J. Douglas,

Writer

---

Voice as smooth as Sam Cooke, but rough and streetwise with a signature edge that came from the depths of his soul. 

---

XAVIER UNIVERSITY, NEW ORLEANS -- That's what was said in the program obituary of Big Chief Theodore "Bo" Dollis who led the Wild Magnolias Mardi Gras Indian Tribe for 50 years.

His tribe produced such classic carnival hits as "Handa Wanda," "Hey Pocky Way," "Fire Water" and "New Suit." 

By the mammoth size of his funeral, anyone present could tell that he was a great man: the mayor, U.S. congressman, council and jazz & heritage festival producer attesting to his importance.  

Three white doves were released at start of the second-line procession.  

Experiencing the feathers is a moving experience.  

Indians, all nations, all colors, mourned.

A pink spy boy clearing openings through the crowd, made way for Big Chief's soul to go forth.  

Karen Celestan, fellow writer, journalist, communications practitioner, teacher, described it best:

 "This is spiritual."

Razzle and dazzle. 

The observer is just smitten by the craftsmanship --and then, moved by the chants, tambourine and drums.  

Indians are undeniably the most beautiful sight to behold. Long live the tradition; and so, too, the spirit of Big Chief "Bo" Dollis.

Below is a link to some of the great music:

http://youtu.be/CHCKAKoA4Ys

Kickin' back at the 2014 LA Cajun-Zydeco Festival

The Lost Bayou Ramblers perform onstage Sunday, June 15, 2014, during the 8th Annual LA Cajun-Zydeco Festival in Louis Armstrong Park.

By Rhodesia J. Douglas,
Writer

LOUIS ARMSTRONG PARK, NEW ORLEANS --- What else would it be at a Zydeco fest, but a good time?

Father's Day

A crowd of several hundred revelers were out and about at the 8th Annual LA Cajun-Zydeco Festival, a free, two-day event hosted by the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival.

At 3 p.m., the weather, for this time of year, couldn't have been more perfect:  A clear, cloud-covered sky that kept the sun and humidity at bay. 

The crowd was comfortable and laid back with people scattered throughout the park. 

Some people sat watching from the hilly banks of the park's winding bayou-like pond and one even dosed in his hammock setup between the trees.  

Others gathered at the music stage to two-step to the zydeco grooves. Still, others grabbed a bite from the food stands or checked out the artisans lined along each side of the Hollywood palm-arched  entrance. 

So stunning. And glamorous. Who would have known posing for a picture would invite photo bombing. 

But I want you to know that this article is biased: I love Zydeco. 

It has a special place in my heart because Acadiana, the heart of Cajun Country, became my place of exile.

Flashback

Wondering why the storm had blown me deeper into this swampy region, I was glad to still be close to home. 

The warmth and love of these French-speaking people with their good cooking, zydeco music and amusing jokes, it got me through. 

Keith Frank, who by the way was not in the stellar lineup, even had a song for the likes of us, we can weather the storm. 

Hearing that, while I traveled back and forth into New Orleans to prepare my family's return, brought me great comfort just as much as corn and crab bisque soup from Prejeans. 

Arts & Craft Vendor featuring iconic
New Orleans  food, architecture
and musicians. 

Cajuns were different enough yet vaguely similar enough for me to feel at home.  They were distant relatives and we had come home to visit our roots; I had a great grand mother who had traveled from this place. 

The origins of so much of our culture were based there - the language and the strange enunciation of words like sink (zink) and corner (cornder).

I am forever grateful to this culture for taking us in until we could finally come back home. 

Theatre Fun for Kids!

By Rhodesia J. Douglas,

Writer

NEW ORLEANS -- Summer's here and if you haven't decided what to do with the kids, then Uptown Music Theatre (UMT) is a program that's worth your consideration. 

UMT welcomes kids 8 to 14 years old to its 2014 Theatre Camp on June 9th until July 25th at Andrew H. Wilson Charter School with culminating performances of the Broadway hit Annie on July 25th, 26th and 27th.   

Take to the Stage  

Who hasn't entertained the notion of acting and performing on stage or starring in a movie or commercial? Most folks have, particularly children who have great imaginations and less inhibitions.

"What makes UMT special is that we accept all kids interested in any aspect of musical theatre --singing, dancing, acting or visual arts -- and train them on a professional level," stated Mr. Delfeayo Marsalis, UMT Founder/Executive Director. "Kids have a great time living the dream, and being on stage gives them a great boost in confidence." 

Stars are Made

It's important for parents to develop their child's talents, continued Mr. Marsalis.  "If they did not know that their child could sing," he added, "then they will find out what vocal training and coaching do."  

For this precise reason, Mr. Marsalis founded UMT in 2000, to bring to provide New Orleans youth with professional theatrical training in first-class productions. Moreover, this offers kids a wonderful entrée into show business. 

According to Mr. Marsalis, "Our students have performed in motion pictures, attended the Julliard School of Drama and most continue their studies on the college level." 

Corporations can sign on

For socially responsible corporations, this summer season offers a wonderful opportunity to sponsor a scholarship for disadvantaged families.  

By exposing youth to the arts, this fosters discipline, confidence, team work, and sharpens thinking, verbal communication and listening skills that will help them to be successful.

Contact Today!

Enrollment is open now!  For more information about registration, tuition or underwriting a scholarship, email Dianne Ricks at info@umtno.org.

100 Media Spokesman Aaron Jackson Talks About RIVERJAM

To purchase tickets, clink link to riverjam.eventbrite.com:  riverjam.eventbrite.com

100 Black Men and Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman Unveil Thanksgiving Day Giveaway Today!

 

Media Contact:

Gregory Douglas

gkdoug@oecommunications.com

C: 504.258.8987

MEDIA ADVISORY

100 BLACK MEN PLAYS PIVOTAL ROLE IN THANKSGIVING DAY GIVEAWAY WITH SHERIFF MARLIN N. GUSMAN

WHO:             100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. is holding a press conference in
                      conjunction with New Orleans Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman to make a special
                      announce regarding participation in this year's Thanksgiving Day Feast.

What:           Press Conference

When:           Tuesday, November 26th, 2013

                       1:30 PM

Where:         3000 Perdido Street - New Orleans

                       2nd Floor

Photo/

Interview

Opps:               100 Black Men Media Spokesman Aaron Jackson,                           

                       Sheriff Marlin N. Gusman, Congressman Cedric Richmond.  

                       Give-a-way Unveiling.

About the 100

100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. (100) is a coalition of influential men organized to empower the City's challenged community. 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. channels educational and economic resources toward students and future leaders as well as operates community-based programs that inspire its students and their families to achieve academic and professional excellence.

For more information, contact Gregory at 504.258.8987.

-###-

RIVERJAM Tickets Are Hot!

The boat's filling up fast!  Don't miss out on a jammin' good time: 

Music, Food, Drink | Silent Auction & Door Prizes.  

Music Headliner: Tank and the Bangas.

Proceeds to benefit 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc.'s Scholarship Fund. 

To purchase tickets, click below to riverjam.eventbrite.com:

 http://riverjam.eventbrite.com/

sponsored by 

Tank and the Bangas headlines RIVERJAM Saturday, November 30th

The Countdown is on!  

100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc.'s COOL, HIP live music reception and Mississippi River Cruise turns up Saturday, November 30, 2013, 6-10 p.m. at Toulouse Street and the River near JAX Brewery.  Reception kicks off at 6 p.m. and boarding at 7 p.m.

Mix & Mingle and get your fill of the hottest local act Tank and the Bangas. Enjoy great music, food & drink from all three levels of the Natchez Riverboat - live entertainment, contests, prizes and a silent auction. 

This is more than a fabulous party --it's a scholarship match off between Grambling and Southern universities: the college with the most participants* will receive a portion of the proceeds to benefit the alumni scholarship fund.

The rest of the proceeds will be used to support the 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc.'s initiatives to assist and support youth in Metro New Orleans. Special thanks to Macys Lakeside Shopping Center for supporting this effort.

Tickets on Sale Now!  Click below to riverjam.eventbrite.com: 
http://riverjam.eventbrite.com/

*minimum attendance required.

100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. Partners With 40th Anniversary Bayou Classic

12 Outstanding high school seniors will be awarded scholarships.

 New Orleans –- 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. joins forces with the 40th Anniversary Bayou Classic, earmarking a historic new era in higher education for the State of Louisiana.

            During the Bayou Classic, 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. will award a dozen scholarships to students exemplifying outstanding self-discipline, moral character development and academic achievement both inside and outside the classroom.

            "Bayou Classic is a historic occasion which will have an indelible impact on this community," says Aaron Jackson, spokesman for 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. “It gives us great honor to present the next generation of leaders at the 40th Anniversary Bayou Classic.

            "It's the perfect platform in which to hold up these remarkable young people who have overcome extreme adversities and to let them know, job well done," he continues.

            Championing the values of education and excellence, 100 Black Men of Metro New Orleans Inc. will participate in the full lineup of Bayou Classic events as follows:

• Kickoff Press Conference

      Tuesday, November 26th - 10 am

      Mercedes-Benz Superdome

• Thanksgiving Day Parade

      Thursday, November 28th - 3:30 pm to 6 pm

      Mercedes-Benz Superdome to French Market

• Golf Tournament

      Friday, November 29th, 9 am

       Joe Bartholomew Golf Course (Pontchartrain Park)                                                    

• Coaches Luncheon

Friday, November 29th, 12:00 Noon – 2:00 pm

The 100s will spotlight the scholarship award challenge to Grambling State University and Southern University with RIVERJAM for a scholarship donation to the alumni association.

• Fan Festival

Friday November 29th - Noon to 6 pm

Saturday - November 30 - Noon to 5 pm

Champion Square

Joined by corporate partners, the 100s will distribute programming information and prize giveaways to attendees.

• Youth Day - Kicking Off The Future

      Saturday - November 30 - 8 am

Joined by corporate partners, the 100s will distribute educational packages to youth.

• After-Game Event RIVERJAM

Saturday, November 30, 6 pm

Natchez Steamboat - Toulouse Street

The 100s presents its signature scholarship fundraising river cruise to benefit programming initiatives.  The evening features great local entertainment, dance, music and food. Tickets are on sale now! 

Go to riverjam.eventbrite.com: 
http://riverjam.eventbrite.com/
http://www.mybayouclassic.com/

Save the Date

Click the link below to riverjam.eventbrite.com:
http://riverjam.eventbrite.com/

oecommunications.buzzup: Talking Design

oecommunications.buzzup: Talking Design: a conversation with New Orleans Interior Designer Denise St. Etienne Designs With Finesse  Owner Denise St. Etienne invites buzzup re...

Talking Design

a conversation with New Orleans Interior Designer Denise St. Etienne

Designs With Finesse Owner Denise St. Etienne invites buzzup readers inside stylish digs. 

Rhodesia Jackson

Writer

NEW ORLEANS--Who doesn't think that s|he can do her|his own interior design, especially after watching years of  diy network programming? Some may even feel that it's earned them an honorary degree of sorts.

Why it's easy: 1, 2, 3 and a room is transformed from drab to fab.  After all, they do tell you which stores to shop and share all the tricks of the trade; there's no reason to pay a professional.

DIYs mislead
Don't be so mistaken, warned Interior Design-extraordinaire Denise Felton St. Etienne. Often times, these programs act as consumer traps for advertisers.

"I think these shows give people an unrealistic idea about interior design," stated St. Etienne, proprietor of the New Orleans-based Designs With Finesse.  "Where are they going to find fabric at $2 a yard…contractors to provide the labor? And what about the rest of the house?

"It's a way to get people locked up into trends -- spending money and frustrated."

St. Etienne, whose lush, warm, exquisite, visionary work graces the interiors of financial institutions, governmental lobbies and the homes of A-list clients, knows what she's talking about.

The dining room reflects impeccable neoclassical design.

achieving good design

"It's easy to be swept away thinking that you can do it yourself," conceded St. Etienne.  "What I do isn't rocket science; but when you take into account time and money for a person who's working, it might take me 2 hours, whereas s|he might spend two or three years."

That is hardly a stretch of the imagination.  St. Etienne cited one client who spent an entire year trying to figure out a style for the space and who finally got sick of visitors complaining about how empty and awful the place looked before calling Designs With Finesse to the rescue.

contracting a professional

"If you not getting a cohesive result for a particular space and you've already put in a lot of time and money, it's one sign that you need a professional," explained St. Etienne. "I am going to come in and do it all -- assess, develop a budget and game plan, shop, set up and you will be happy."

Taking a timeless, highly personal approach, St. Etienne likes to pick up on a person's "vibe" and then push that client to go beyond the usual. "My skill infused with their personality gives edge and style to the space," she stated. 

The second-story entertainment room affords
comfort, leisure and sophistication. 

the benefits
"Good design and aesthetics are important in so many ways," added St. Etienne.  "It's important to one's environment, productivity, function and health."

Studies have proven that cluttered environments breed harmful mold, dander and dust contributing to allergies, asthma and bodily injuries.

"Interior design is not a luxury -- it's a needed benefit that's more affordable than you think," assured St. Etienne.

great tips
But if you must, St. Etienne shared several tips:

• Don't live by trends; they are too unpredictable.
• Look for color: orange, grayish/blueish green neutrals.
• Less is best.
• Think green and re-purpose (chair, rugs, etc.).

For more information about consultation and services, contact Designs With Fitness at 504.913.2686 or dsaint1@cox.net. To visit DWF website, click the following link: designswithfinesse.com

oecommunications.buzzup: Meet the Akinlanas

oecommunications.buzzup: Meet the Akinlanas: Father and Daughter run self-defense school Pictured (l-r) Sola Akinlana and Baba Marcus Akinlana, an international artist/muralist a...

Meet the Akinlanas

Father and Daughter run self-defense school

Pictured (l-r) Sola Akinlana and Baba Marcus Akinlana, an international artist/muralist and martial arts artist.

Rhodesia Jackson
Writer

NEW ORLEANS -- What if someone grabbed your hand, your wrist, your arm forcefully? Would you know what to do?  Would you know how to react? Supposed they pulled a weapon on you like the fatal case for Trayvon Martin? Would you know how to take away the weapon?

The Avalanche JA Self Defense & Combat School celebrates its one-year anniversary this month with a valorous showcase demonstration.  

Like warriors.
The day began for performers with body painting, warm ups and stretching exercises. Together, teachers and students demonstrated the results of superb levels of training and discipline -- engaging in judo combat battles, falls, sparring, flips and O-soto heel kicks. 

Founded and operated by a father and daughter duo, Marcus Akinlana and Sola Akinlana, Avalanche JA teaches a holistic self-defense philosophy that focuses on intense conditioning of mind, body and spirit.

"These are violent times, which have people feeling fearful and tense," explained Sola.  "This training helps people to feel nice and safe and confident.  To a would-be attacker, they are a surprise."

Fear attracts fear.

Concerned about the great proliferation of violent crime in the City of New Orleans, Stacy Andrews, a grandmother, enrolled without hesitation after seeing a presentation last year.

"That was the number one factor for me, because you never know if you will be in a situation," she stated.  "The awareness that I have now along with the technique and skills, I can protect myself and my grandchildren -- it's priceless."

"The first thing Baba teaches is that there is no need to be extra aggressive," explained Sola, (baba is an Asian, African, Eastern term for father). "So, lesson number one is to run and avoid confrontation. Only when you are left with no other choice....life and death...do you defend yourself."

"This is my philosophy: It is a basic human right to protect and defend yourself," added Baba Marcus.  "It's an absolute necessity of life and is the foundation to peace and tranquility."

Rooted in the Asian Martial Arts Culture, Avalanche JA combines the traditions of Taekwondo, Hapkido, Judo and boxing to develop good character, code of conduct, deep meditation and mental and physical strength.

These are no ordinary push ups: Apex push ups require students to use every muscle in their bodies while lifting from the fingers and toes.

Body is weapon.

"I do not like or believe in victimization," stated Baba Marcus.  "This school is about empowerment of young people, women, families and is an extension of the protection I provide for my own family."

Avalanche JA especially hopes to reach "ruffins," the low-income, young urban males in the New Orleans area who have gone astray and compose a disproportionate high percentile of alarming crime stats and incarceration rates.  

On all fronts -- socially, economically, environmentally and educationally, particularly the school system which now acts as a feeder to the industrial prison system, society is failing these young men.

This is the group Baba Marcus wants to encompass in his vision for Avalanche JA. "There would be a visible and concrete difference in what is happening to these young men if they were exposed to this way of life," he stated.

A way of life.
In response to some proponents's fear that this might make them more dangerous, he answered:

"If you look at the mixed martial arts scene here in the West, one might think so.  But we adhere to the traditional Eastern culture where there is a spiritual basis for character, meditation and code of conduct.   

"There's a difference between skilled and belligerence.  Weakness is a choice," he continued. "With these principles and techniques, we can show them how to channel positive energy and how to become a light for goodness."

Enrollment is open now for weekly, monthly and one-on-one training for ages 9 years old and up.  The Akinlanas also offer self-defense seminars to groups, organizations and businesses.  For more information on costs and fees, contact Baba Marcus Akinlana at 905.6347 or join the Avalanche JA facebook page. 

oecommunications.buzzup: Hometown favorite

oecommunications.buzzup: Hometown favorite: The fans still love him. NEW ORLEANS --Never know who you might run into at the grocery store.  Former N.O. Saints wide receiver Joe H...

Hometown favorite

The fans still love him.

NEW ORLEANS --Never know who you might run into at the grocery store.  Former N.O. Saints wide receiver Joe Horn recently signed autographs during an in-store promotion of his bbq sauce.  A memorable moment in Horn's stellar career is the infamous "cellphone celebration."

After scoring a second touchdown during a 2003 ESPN Sunday Night Football game, he retrieved a cellphone from the goalpost and made a call from the endzone. The commission later charged him a hefty fine for unsportsmenlike conduct, but the antic forever cemented him into the hearts of fans and the annals of football legends.

Spotlighting new Saints Fans Documentary "Who Dats" Director Patrick Marrero

NEW ORLEANS -- As the 2013 football season revs up in New Orleans, the traditional media sources have primarily focused on the Saints Football Franchise.  But this will not remain the case for long.

Emmy Award-winning director Patrick Marrero will soon premier and release his documentary film project, Who Dats, which shines the spotlight on the spirit behind of the Saints Football Team: The Fans-- The Who Dats!

With the tv premiere and dvd set for release in October, Who Dats captures the untold heart and spirit of these patron fans whose personal wrenching accounts resemble the same suffering of real-life Saints -- some of whom have turned themselves into human talisman and walking altars in reflection of this faith. 

In all accounts, viewers will be moved by these fans's unwavering belief, faith and resilience -- the spiritual components leading to the Saints 2010 Championship Victory. Their story is the Saints story and is the story of New Orleans.

Who Dats is the ultimate tribute film. Marrero pays dire heart fans the great honor of all in canonizing them. 

To view the trailer, click on to the link below:
frompartsunknownfilms.com

oecommunications.buzzup: Essence Fest Vendors Step Forward & SpeakOut!

oecommunications.buzzup: Essence Fest Vendors Step Forward & SpeakOut!: Taking a stand against the Forces of  Disenfranchisement Owner/Partner Ed Robinson of L&R Security, a 34-year-old  local, award-w...

Essence Fest Vendors Step Forward & SpeakOut!

Taking a stand against the Forces of Disenfranchisement

Owner/Partner Ed Robinson of L&R Security, a 34-year-old local, award-winning business provider.

By Rhodesia Jackson

Writer

NEW ORLEANS -- buzzup continues the probe into the issue surrounding Essence Festival pushing out local African-American vendors.

           

A growing number of former vendors are stepping forward and speaking out about the matter.  Mr. Edward J. Robinson of L&R Security explained his case.

In business since 1979, Robinson's DBE-certified company had been with Essence Fest at its very inception.

"I was right at the table, helping them to formulate the anniversary celebration into an annual event," he recalled.  

For over a span of 15 years, L&R provided services to Essence Fest without incident and through the turnover of Essence ownership from African American to "non" with Time Inc. and of producers from Festival Productions Inc. to Rehage Entertainment Inc.  

Five years, he suspected that he was being "pushed out" when he provided partial services under Rehage.  "The big company they brought in couldn't meet the need," he said. "So they called us back in to provide a multiple layer of security."

That did not happen this year with the new producer, The Solomon Group, which local African-American media hosts criticized for employing one "token" African American. The company's website pictures only one African American on its team.

"It didn't matter that I had the proper insurance coverage, employee background checks, the criteria kept changing," stated Robinson.  "They told me some exorbitant figure and ambitious clause that my insurance company wouldn't cover.  And when I inquired in writing about that, I was told they didn't have to respond to those questions. 

"It was obvious that they wanted us out," he added, throwing up his hands.

Another former vendor, Burnell Scales of Scales Strawberry Lemonade and Caribbean Fruit, experienced a similar fate. He was told that his product would violate the exclusive drink sponsor's agreement.

"I was out just like that," he said.

What Robinson and Scales described bears the unmistakable resemblance of economic disenfranchisement which works by denying "biased groups" access. 

Siddhartha Kara, a Harvard lecturer and human rights expert, explained during an engagement: "There are deliberate, malicious forces working around the clock to keep biased groups (particularly ethnic minorities) in a particular lot in life," he stated.  "It's not by accident; it's modern-day slavery."

"People need to know what's going on. They need to know that Essence is no longer the Essence we believe it to be, so that they can make an informed decision, said Wardell Bourgeois. "It started off being this party with a purpose, celebrating culture, empowerment seminars by day and concerts by night that included African-American-owned businesses. 

"It just doesn't seem right that a corporation that strives on dollars from the African-American community should turn its back on African-American-owned businesses."