Entertainment News

DETROIT – Kid Rock donated a total of $50,000 Monday to five Detroit area charities, fulfilling a promise the musician made to support his hometown.

Rock announced the donation earlier this month during the Detroit NAACP branch's annual fundraising dinner. Some had criticized Rock, who received the group's Great Expectations Award, for displaying the Confederate flag during on-stage performances.

During his acceptance speech to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Rock said his use of the flag had nothing to do with how he feels about blacks, and he pulled out the checks and said he would give them to the five groups. He officially handed over the money during an afternoon ceremony at Detroit Mayor Dave Bing's office.

After Bing praised Rock's generosity and turned the proceedings over to him, the musician stepped to the podium, looked around and asked: "What am I supposed to do?"

Bing laughed and quickly said: "You can write some more checks if you want to."

"I can do that!" Rock said.

The money donated Monday will support city recreation centers, a conservancy on Belle Isle, a youth theater group, a youth training agency and Habitat for Humanity.

Rock, who was born Robert Ritchie and grew up in Macomb County, Mich., is known for dabbling in a variety of musical styles, from hip-hop and hard rock to country and Southern rock. He counts as his biggest hits, "Picture," "All Summer Long," "Bawitdaba" and "Born Free."

The 40-year-old also is known for his philanthropy and love of the Detroit area. At Monday's event, he sported a baseball cap featuring the logo of his "Made in Detroit" apparel line.

"I'm just happy I could do it. I've been blessed and very successful," Rock said. "This city and its surrounding areas have given me a lot."

Asked how the kids at the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit reacted when they heard about Rock's gift, founder and chief executive Rick Sperling, said "they were over the moon."

Judith Jackson, president and chief executive of YouthVille Detroit, was equally pleased with her group's gift and thankful for its benefactor.

"It means an awful lot," she said. "It's tough for all nonprofits right now."

Bing used the occasion to point out that Detroiters of all different socio-economic backgrounds, not just well-off rock stars, have the ability to give back to their community.

"We need more people like this who just care about people," Bing said. "All of us aren't blessed with the kind of resources he has, but we have to respect and appreciate people who have the resources and are willing to share it."

Rock hinted that more donations could be on the way.

"This is just the start," he said.

Gospel recording artist and seasoned stage actress VirLinda Stanton receives the key to the city and February 3, 2011 was proclaimed VirLinda Stanton Day in Tyler, Texas.

Tyler, Texas (PRWEB) May 16, 2011

World renowned Gospel recording artist and actress VirLinda Stanton was recently bestowed with one of the highest honors in her hometown of Tyler, Texas. VirLinda, who is currently on tour with the Tony nominated musical The Color Purple as the feisty character, Shug Avery, was presented with the key to the city by Mayor Barbara Bass. In addition to receiving her home towns highest honor, February 3, 2011 was declared as VirLinda Stanton day to commemorate her outstanding achievements in the arts and commitment to the community.

VirLinda honed her extraordinary Gospel soul vocal talent at a young age and is no stranger to the stage having performed in countless theater productions and live performances including The Lion King, Toy Story, as well as a National Anthem vocalist. The US tour of The Color Purple runs through the end of June where VirLinda will continue to amaze audiences with her captivating voice. The talent of Ms. Stanton does not end with The Color Purple, fans can continue to be soothed by the sweet sounds of VirLinda’s voice when her self titled debut Gospel album is released this Fall.

# # #

Brandon WalkerRoger & Hayes PR917-940-9788 Roger.HayesPR@yahoo.comEmail Information

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Los Angeles rapper M-Bone, a member of the group Cali Swag District, was killed in what appeared to be a drive-by shooting, police and celebrity news sites said on Monday.

Police said a man was shot while outside a liquor store in the Inglewood area on Los Angeles on Sunday night and pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. Website TMZ.com identified him as rapper M-Bone, whose real name is Montae Talbert.

M-Bone was a member of hip-hop group Cali Swag District who found success with the 2010 single dance hit "Teach Me How to Dougie".

TMZ.com quoted police sources as saying that M-Bone was shot twice in the head and appeared to have been a random victim in a drive-by shooting by an unknown assailant.

M-Bone's age was given variously by authorities as 19 and 22.

(Reporting by Jill Serjeant, Editing by Christine Kearney)

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – M-Bone of the rap group Cali Swag District, which scored a hit last year with the song "Teach Me the Dougie," was killed in a weekend drive-by shooting as he sat in a car outside a liquor store, police said Monday.

The motive for Sunday night's shooting was under investigation, Lt. James Madia said.

The 22-year-old Inglewood man, whose real name is Mante Ray Talbert, was sitting alone in his car shortly after 10:30 p.m.

"Another car pulled alongside, gunshots were fired, and the victim was struck twice in the head," Madia said.

Talbert died at a hospital.

Witnesses gave varying descriptions of the fleeing car, Madia said.

Talbert was "the victim of a random act of violence," said a statement from Cali Swag District's publicist, Greg Miller.

"He was a hardworking, passionate artist and dancer that will be deeply missed," Miller said.

Bandmate C-Smoove tweeted Monday that his life changed drastically in the blink of an eye, and added "rip mbone."

Cali Swag District's hit "Teach Me How to Dougie" is based on the "Dougie" dance, which first appeared in Texas and is noted for its leaning stances, shoulder and arm movements.

The dance was not only performed in dance clubs and the streets but by celebrities as well, from Wolf Blitzer to Washington Wizards star John Wall; even first lady Michelle Obama recently performed the dance as part of her "Let's Move" initiative.

"Teach Me How to Dougie" spent several months in the top 10 of Billboard's hot rap songs. The group also performed the dance on several television shows.

INGLEWOOD, Calif. – Police say M-Bone of the Southern California rap group Cali Swag District has been killed in a drive-by shooting while sitting in a car outside an Inglewood liquor store.

Lt. James Madia (MAH-dee-uh) says the 22-year-old Inglewood resident, whose real name is Mante Ray Talbert, was sitting in the car shortly after 10:30 p.m. Sunday when another car pulled alongside, and shots rang out.

The rapper was struck twice in the head. He slumped over the wheel and died at a hospital.

The other car fled.

Madia says investigators are trying to determine a motive for the shooting.

Cali Swag Group had a hit last year with the single "Teach Me How to Dougie," and the rappers made the rounds of TV shows demonstrating the dance.

(Reuters) – Flamboyant pop star Lady Gaga ditched the music and switched to the media on Monday with a stint as a guest editor at the London headquarters of the global free newspaper network Metro.

Here are some facts about the meat dress-wearing Lady Gaga

* LIFE DETAILS:

-- Her real name is Stefani Germanotta and she was born on March 28, 1986 in New York.

-- Gaga learned to play the piano by the age of four. She attended a private Catholic school, studying music and performing. She held her first public performance at the age of 14 in a New York nightclub.

-- The inspiration for her name, she has attributed to the Queen song, "Radio Ga Ga."

-- She was granted early admission to New York University's Tisch School of the Arts at the age of 17. She studied music and worked on her songwriting skills but later withdrew to find creative inspiration.

* ROAD TO FAME:

-- In 2007, Lady Gaga began work at Interscope Records as a songwriter for other groups on the label, including Britney Spears, New Kids on the Block, and The Pussycat Dolls.

-- R&B singer Akon discovered Gaga while she was performing a burlesque show she called, "Lady Gaga and the Starlight Revue," which she had created to make a name for herself.

-- In 2007 and 2008, Lady Gaga wrote and recorded her debut album, "The Fame." The record received positive reviews and had popular success in the United States. With the help of her own creative team, "Haus of Gaga," the performer also began to make a name for herself internationally.

-- Lady Gaga dominated the 30th BRITs in February 2010 becoming the first international act to do so for five years.

-- She won a trio of awards at the British pop music industry's flagship ceremony picking up awards for international female solo artist, international breakthrough act and best international album for "The Fame," winning every category in which she was nominated.

* RECENT HAPPENINGS:

-- In the 2011 Grammy Awards in February Lady Gaga stole the limelight by arriving encased in a giant egg, and crawling out of it to perform her new single "Born This Way." Away from the ceremony in Los Angeles, the singer made headlines by saying in a pre-recorded TV interview that she used marijuana and whiskey to help write her songs. Gaga won three of the six awards she was nominated for -- one for her album "The Fame Monster" and two for her song "Bad Romance."

-- Last month the singer who likes to court controversy, released "Judas," the latest track off of the new album "Born This Way." "The Red One-produced 'Judas' carried echoes of her biggest hits, 'Bad Romance' and 'Poker Face,' and found her pushing religious boundaries over a pummeling breakdown," said Billboard.

-- "Born This Way" became the fastest-selling single ever on Apple's iTunes store worldwide, racking up more than one million downloads in five days, Apple said in February. -- Gaga last month revealed in her latest YouTube video, called Gagavision no. 42, that she has continued to be hands on with her material.

"I graphic-designed the 'Judas' single cover myself," she said. "I photographed the image with my cell phone for texture."

Sources: Reuters/biography.com

(Writing by David Cutler; London Editorial Reference Unit

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) (http://www.usjaycees.org) has selected The Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) of 2011, and among this list is Orlando resident, Lucas Daniel Boyce, author of the recent book release, Living Proof: From Foster Care to the White House and the NBA (http://amzn.to/mOUDCH).

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) May 16, 2011

The United States Junior Chamber (Jaycees) (http://www.usjaycees.org) has selected The Ten Outstanding Young Americans (TOYA) of 2011, and among this list is Orlando resident, Lucas Daniel Boyce, author of the recent book release, Living Proof: From Foster Care to the White House and the NBA (http://amzn.to/mOUDCH).

The TOYA project exists to recognize and to honor ten leading Americans each year, ages 18 to 40, who exemplify the highest attributes of the nation. Winners are selected on their achievement or contribution in at least three of the following categories: personal improvement or accomplishment; financial success or economic innovation; social improvement to major contemporary problems; philanthropic contribution or voluntary service; politics or government service; scientific or technological contributions; legal reform; cultural achievement (literature, history, education, arts); academic leadership or accomplishment; moral and religious leadership; athletic accomplishment; success in the influence of public opinion; and any additional significant contribution to the community, state, or nation.

"Lucas’ story is inspirational, and leaves little doubt why we are recognizing him as one of our Ten Outstanding Young Americans this year,” said National Vice President of the United States Jaycees, Arwen Pritchett. “As the world’s premier young professional’s organization, we are proud to recognize this shining young leader who knows no boundaries and who gives his whole heart to making a difference in the lives of others. He is the true embodiment of our core belief in active citizenship."

Boyce, 31, serves as the Director of Community Relations, Multicultural Insights, Cause Marketing and Government Affairs for the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and is currently developing his national book and speaking tour. Of the more than 600 young Americans who have been honored throughout the years, many have been named prior to their highest levels of achievement including: John F. Kennedy, Gerald R. Ford, Ann Bancroft, Elvis Presley, Bill Clinton, Kurt Warner, and more. This year, Boyce is named alongside honorees including: Drew Brees, Quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, and Major Giuseppe Stavale, Major/Provost Marshal of the United States Marine Corp.

“It is such a tremendous honor to be blessed with this award,” said Boyce. “To be among such an esteemed list this year and to be in the company of some of America’s greatest trailblazers from those previously selected, is humbling. I am deeply thankful and congratulate my fellow winners this year for the work that they have done, and for the work that we will each continue to do.”

To learn more about this award or the Jaycees, please visit: http://www.usjaycees.org.

About Lucas Daniel Boyce:

Lucas Boyce, 31, is in his third season with the Orlando Magic, joining the organization in July 2008. His responsibilities include strategic business planning and directing the organization’s multicultural and community initiatives and diverse outreach. He also oversees the company’s efforts in corporate citizenship, supplier diversity and government affairs.

Prior to joining the Magic, Lucas served at the White House in the Office of Political Affairs where he monitored political activit

Savoy Magazine (http://www.savoynetwork.com) announces the agenda and speakers for the first annual Savoy Women’s Leadership Conference in Atlanta on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at the W-Midtown Hotel featuring Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price and style expert Lloyd Boston.

Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) May 16, 2011

Savoy Magazine announced a content rich agenda with celebrity experts speaking at their upcoming Savoy Women’s Leadership Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia on Thursday, June16, 2011 at the W-Midtown Hotel. Sponsored by ING, The Savoy Women’s Leadership Conference is packed with national speakers and seminars impacting a range of topics relevant to African American women and diverse communities.

“The Savoy Women’s Leadership Conference is an extension of our commitment as a magazine to showcase the influencers and achievers within African American culture,” said L.P. Green, II publisher of Savoy Magazine from the Atlanta based headquarters for the publication. “The Savoy Women's Leadership Conference is a day designed to celebrate the power, substance and style of Black Women. We’re honored to have the caliber of presenters like Dr. Iyanla Vanzant, Lisa Price and Lloyd Boston joining us to share their expertise and experiences with conference attendees.”

New York Times best selling author and inspirational speaker Dr. Iyanla Vanzant will kick off the conference presenting on the topic “Mind, Body and Soul” and sharing excerpts from her latest book, Peace from Broken Pieces (Smiley Books). The keynote for the conference luncheon is beauty product mogul Lisa Price, Carol’s Daughter founder and CEO. Style expert, television personality and author of The Style Checklist: The Ultimate Wardrobe Essentials for You (Atria), Lloyd Boston will conduct the Savoy Fashion and Style review. During an interactive session Lloyd will share style perspectives and trends in fashion impacting the work place and showcase selected audience members exhibiting superior style.

“In addition to our featured speakers we have some of the most accomplished and respected thought leaders in the country contributing toward this value added day of empowerment and enrichment,” said Green.

The conference features seminars like “Shattering the Glass Ceiling” including a panel of Black Women executives from Fortune 500 companies like Aetna, Starbucks, UPS and Wells Fargo sharing their stories of ascension up the corporate ladder. The “Doing Business with Corporate America” seminar includes a panel discussion with leading brands like Macy’s, Home Depot, Delta Air Lines and Wells Fargo. The “Love & Relationships” seminar with Dr. Joyce Morley, Ed.D delivers techniques to find and build successful relationships.

Vice President of Production for Columbia Pictures and author Devon Franklin will present a seminar at the Savoy Women’s Leadership Conference based on his book Produced by Faith: Enjoying Real Success without Compromising Your True Self (Howard Books). Franklin has been behind a series of Hollywood blockbusters including; Jumping the Broom, the remake of The Karate Kid, The Pursuit of Happyness, and Hancock.

Registration for the conference is discounted at $149 during early registration through June 9th. After June 9th registration online and on-site will be $199. Visit http://www.savoynetwork.com to register today.

Sponsors for the Savoy Women’s Leadership Conference include ING, Wells Fargo, UPS, HP, Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead, Coca-Cola, Colgate Palmolive, Ernst & Young, Georgia Power, Jones Lang LaSalle, Turner Broadcast

It's a late Friday night in a Little Havana restaurant when Luther "Luke" Campbell's campaign volunteer suggests announcing to the handful of other diners that a candidate for Miami-Dade County mayor is in their midst.

The former rapper nods in agreement, then jokingly reconsiders as the curly-haired volunteer walks away. Her short-shorts are demure by Miami standards, even practical on a humid night, but maybe the older couple she's approaching will get the idea that his campaign is about booty shaking.

"I'm a changed man!" Campbell says, laughing with three other male volunteers at his table.

The former 2 Live Crew frontman is best known for raunchy rap albums, mostly in the 1980s and 1990s, that were among the first to boast parental advisory stickers, as well as R- and X-rated videos. His legal battles defended freedom of speech, including a U.S. Supreme Court victory that secured an artist's right to parody others' material.

But it's not his "Uncle Luke" rap persona that's running for mayor in Florida's most-populous county: Campbell's campaign is built on decades of community involvement in his hometown. He insists it isn't a publicity stunt or vanity campaign. He wants voters to see him as a fellow angry taxpayer fed up with local politics — money disappearing from the county agencies; poor community policing; mismanagement at the publicly funded hospital; taxpayer money spent on a new Florida Marlins baseball stadium; and a lack of jobs in impoverished neighborhoods.

He touts his business experience as a record company executive to back up his plans to boost the county's economy. The most headline-grabbing plan involves strippers, but not in a "Me So Horny" sort of way — Campbell wants to impose a license fee to dance in strip clubs to raise revenue.

"I'm dead serious. Are you?" reads Campbell's campaign flyers.

Campbell is one of 11 candidates running in the May 24 special election to replace Carlos Alvarez, who was recently ousted in a recall led by billionaire car dealer and former Philadelphia Eagles owner Norman Braman. Voters outraged over a property tax rate increase and a salary raise for county employees in a struggling economy made Miami-Dade the most populous area, with more than 2.5 million people, ever to recall a local official.

If no one gets a majority, the top two candidates will have a June runoff.

If elected, Campbell promises a model of government transparency. His foibles, after all, are out there for the world to see, including a 2008 VH1 reality show that featured some of his six children, preparations for his wedding and the lewd videos he was selling at the time.

Despite building his legacy in what some would call smut — producing sexually explicit songs, R-rated music videos that set the benchmark for rap and gyrating women, and even porn production — there has been little discussion made of Campbell's past in the campaign. (He makes occasional appearances at clubs, but he's not regularly performing any more, and says he will have someone else run his record label if he becomes mayor. The porn videos are still for sale on the website, but he's not making any new ones).

Some voters who were among dozen or so audience members at a town hall in a predominantly black neighborhood seemed willing to see Campbell for the 50-year-old man he is, instead of the mouthy young rapper he was, especially when he complains about the same issues that concern them —

LOS ANGELES (AFP) – "Thor" fought off all comers to stay perched atop the north American box office for a second week, although wedding-themed "Bridesmaids" made a strong entrance, estimates showed Sunday.

Starring Chris Hemsworth as the epic hero banished to Earth from the mystical world of Asgard, where he meets human love interest Natalie Portman, the big budget film took $34.5 million since opening Friday.

The fantastical adventure, which knocked "Fast Five" off the top spot last week, made nearly $120 million in its first two weekends, according to tracker company Exhibitor Relations.

Sweeping straight up the aisle into second place was new entry "Bridesmaids," a comedy about an oddball group of women preparing for their Big Day supporting roles, which earned $24.4 million.

"Fast Five," the fifth volume in the high-speed car chase series, dropped back into third spot after accelerating to the biggest premiere this year, taking $19.5 million on its third week in theaters.

In fourth place was another newcomer, horror flick "Priest" starring Paul Bettany on the hunt for vampires who kidnapped his niece, which made $14.5 million in its opening weekend.

Hovering in fifth spot for the second week was family-friendly tropical bird comedy "Rio," which took $8 million for a total of $125 million over its five-week run.

"Jumping the Broom," about two African-American families meeting for a wedding, dropped from its opening third place last week to sixth spot this weekend, earning $7.3 million.

Romantic comedy "Something Borrowed" came seventh with $7 million, followed by depression-era romance "Water for Elephants," with British heartthrob Robert Pattinson and Reese Witherspoon, in eighth with $4.1 million.

Rounding out the top 10 were critically-panned "Madea's Big Happy Family," which took in $2.2 million for ninth place, while "Soul Surfer" stayed upright to make $1.8 million on its sixth week in theaters, in 10th spot.