Entertainment News

The single titled "Don't Call Me" is an anthem for anyone who has ever had to move on from a failing relationship. The single's infectious beat, timeless lyrics and confident attitude make's it a must have for R&B lovers of any age.

Chicago, IL (PRWEB) March 7, 2011

Sherri Sandifer, a multi-talented singer/songwriter and Yale-educated medical doctor who hails from Houston, Texas, has released the much anticipated debut single from her album, loverevolution. The single titled "Don't Call Me" is an anthem for anyone who has ever had to move on from a failing relationship. The single's infectious beat, timeless lyrics and confident attitude make's it a must have for R&B lovers of any age. "Don't Call Me", co-written by Sherri Sandifer, Dru Castro, James Smith, and Nicole Kelly (BMI)(ASCAP), was produced by Grammy award winner Dru Castro and remixed by Vance Vexed of the Roundtable Kings.

Sherri's top ten debut on the Billboard Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop singles Chart with her hit single anthem "Don't Call Me", marks the beginning of NMAP's promotional tour for Sherri that will include TV, Radio, and Retail appearances. With her music video and single already in heavy rotation across the country, Sherri is looking forward to performing live at some of the top music festivals this summer, where her listening audience will witness the infectious performances that have become her musical signature. It is no wonder Sherri's R&B star is on the rise. Even at an early age, Sherri's musical talent was apparent as she became an accomplished pianist and flutist. Sherri's vocal and songwriting influences include Stevie Wonder, Chaka Khan, Michael McDonald, and Donny Hathaway. Sherri expanded her musical interests as a student at Yale when she sang with Shades, an acapella singing group known for its R&B, pop, and gospel repertoire and its memorable choreography. During her years with Shades as a performer, musical director, and songwriter, the group's following expanded widely.

The loverevolution project began when Sherri's longtime friend and manager Nicole Kelly (Nia Entertainment Group) introduced her to Atlanta Grammy Award-winning producer Dru Castro, who has recorded hits with such artists as India.Arie, Usher, Mary J, Blige, and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas. Courtney Benson, manager for multi-platinum rapper and recording artist Nelly and Karvin Johnson, entertainment consultant, joined Sherri's team, helping to launch the successful CD release campaign.

"Don't Call Me" is currently available online via iTunes and available at your favorite retail store through KES Music &Video Distribution.

Go to: http://www.sherrisandifer.com or http://www.kesdistribution.com for more info. Watch the video for "Don't Call Me" on YouTube and Vimeo. Media Contact: Taylor Johnson 312-321-6256

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Taylor JohnsonNMAP / KES Music & Video Distribution312-321-6256Email Information

Director and writer Tyler Perry was the big winner at the NAACP's Image Awards on Friday, winning top awards for his movie "For Colored Girls" and best TV comedy series trophy for "Tyler Perry's House of Payne."

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the oldest U.S. civil rights organization and has given out Image awards for 42 years to honor people of color in film, television, music and literature.

Perry, 41, one of the most prolific African-Americans in the U.S. entertainment industry, was the man behind wins for comedy actor David Mann in the TV show "Tyler Perry's Meet the Browns," and Kimberly Elise for her supporting role in "For Colored Girls."

"For Colored Girls" brought a best movie and best director statue for Perry, who is also a producer, actor and playwright. The movie, based on the play by Ntozake Shange "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When The Rainbow is Enuf" is based on poems about the lives of women.

"I wanted to take this iconic work and introduce it to people who had never heard of it. ... There is nothing like having nine strong black women holding you up," Perry said, referring to a cast that included Whoopi Goldberg and Janet Jackson.

Oscar-winner Halle Berry added another trophy to her collection, this time for her best actress performance as a woman with a multiple personalities in "Frankie & Alice."

"If it were not for the NAACP, a little girl like me would not have had wind beneath her wings in a small town in Ohio," she said. "I have never been more proud to be a black woman."

Denzel Washington won the best actor Image Award for the action movie "The Book of Eli."

Willow Smith, the 10 year-old daughter of actors Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, won the best new music artist award, beating out popular rivals Bruno Mars and rapper Nicki Minaj.

Smith's first single, "Whip My Hair," reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in late 2010.

Former Secretary of State Colin Powell received the NAACP President's Award for special achievement in public service, earning a standing ovation.

Powell, the first African-American chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, paid tribute to the work of the NAACP in advancing civil rights since its foundation in 1909, but said there was more to be done.

"We still have youngsters who are in desperate straits, who need education, who need health care. ... (They) have to be given a sense of expectation," he said.

"Even though we have come so far, we will need the NAACP for another 100 years, or until the work is done."

The TV category saw honors for medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," while Vanessa Williams won the best act

Honors nominees and Gives Skin Care Tips to Women of Color

Beverly Hills, CA (PRWEB) March 4, 2011

After her whirlwind appearances at the Golden Globe Gifting Suite, The Grammy's, and the 19th Annual Academy Awards Viewing Party hosted by Sir Elton John; Christine Heathman, Master Aesthetician, CEO and Founder of GlyMed Plus and the GlyMed Plus Institute of Skin Science™ is pleased to congratulate her friends Cee-Lo Green (Grammy winning performer of the smash hit single, "Forget You") and legendary singer, song writer and Motown Icon, Smokey Robinson.

"The NAACP Awards was established to honor the outstanding achievements of people of color and I would like to congratulate Cee-Lo Green and Smokey Robinson on their nominations!" States Christine Heathman. "Halle Berry, Mary J. Blige, Loretta Devine, Vanessa Williams, Alfre Woodard, Jill Scott and Beyonce Knowles are some of the finest performers of Hollywood. These fine entertainers are not only skilled at their craft, but they are also known for their beauty and glowing complexions."

Do you desire flawless complexions like the Hollywood stars? Christine has advice for the everyday woman to achieve healthy, glowing skin.

African American skin is more sensitive than Caucasian skin and finding a product to perform synergistically to address acne, PFB (ingrown hairs), pigmentation, dry skin and other skin challenges has created disappointment in many people of color. Not all products that are commercially available work with African American skin, despite the marketing hype. GlyMed Plus is a highly respected professional only product developed by Ms. Heathman, CME, LMT and licensed Master Esthetician and available only through the finer spa’s and skin care clinics in the USA and other countries. Christine Heathman has over 20 years of clinical success for skin of color.

Acne is always a challenge for African American skin because oil glands are larger and more plentiful than in Caucasian skin. Purchasing a product from television advertisements for this condition is not advisable because people of color have unique skin conditions that need a professional product. Having the correct product, and treatment is critical. Skin of color is more susceptible to dark spots because it reacts to ultra violet rays by producing color instead of burning. Sunscreen is a must to help prevent hyperpigmentation. Loss of hydration (water in the skin) is far greater than in fairer skin causing dryness. Selecting the correct moisturizing formula to balance the skin’s ecosystem for skin of color is fundamental. Important advise for skin of color is to use a professional only product such as GlyMed Plus if you want results and balanced skin for a lifetime.

Christine will be sharing her expertise on how to transition skin from winter to spring Friday morning, March 4, 2011 on KTVU channel 2 – Utah’s #1 News Station, CBS affiliate in Salt Lake City. Christine Heathman will appear and present expert skin care tips on having the most healthy, younger looking skin possible and advise the Utah audience how aging skin can be effectively managed to look youthful and healthier.

About Christine Heathman

Christine Heathman, CEO and Founder of GlyMed Plus/Advanced Aesthetics is the innovator behind GlyMed Plus Purely Professional products which are used in spas & medical clinics all over the world. Christine is skin care advisor to many Hollywood celebrities who use her fantastic, high end, professional only products. Christine has appeared as a guest expert on The Doctors and on Lifetime TV Channel’s The Balancing Act. GlyMed Plus/Advanced Aesthetics offers a complete range of professional only products, combi

NEW YORK – The chairman of the Recording Academy and the music industry veteran who wrote a scathing critique of this year's Grammy results have agreed to start a dialogue.

Neil Portnow, chairman and CEO of the academy, and Steve Stoute, a former top music executive who now works in marketing, released a joint statement Thursday saying they planned discussions on how each side could better understand each other.

"This is a beginning, because Steve put his hand up and wanted to express his opinion, and I think the place to start is a few of us at the Academy," Portnow said in an interview Thursday night. "We'll see where that goes and that makes sense. I'm a collaborative person, the academy is always changing."

Stoute said in an interview that he wanted to see more diversity in the membership, culturally and artistically, and perhaps rule changes that would make certain genres eligible for more awards.

Stoute took out a full-page ad in The New York Times on Feb. 20 to take the Grammys to task. During the Feb. 13 broadcast, Eminem, who was nominated for a leading 10 awards, took home just two in the rap field and lost in the prestigious record, song and album of the year categories, despite having 2010's best-selling album with "Recovery" and one of the most popular songs with "I Love the Way You Lie" featuring Rihanna.

Another upset was the win of jazz singer and bassist Esperanza Spalding, who beat out more recognizable acts, including teen pop phenomenon Justin Bieber.

"I have come to the conclusion that the Grammy Awards have clearly lost touch with contemporary popular culture. My being a music fan has left me with an even greater and deeper sense of dismay, so much so that I feel compelled to write this letter," he said at the time.

On Thursday night, he said he was hopeful his conversations with Portnow and the Academy would provide real change.

"We're planning on working hard and really making a difference," he said.

Stoute, a former top music executive at Interscope who now runs his own branding and marketing firm, Translation, said he wrote the letter after years of artists' frustrations he had been hearing came to a head this year.

"They were concerned about the process in voting and how they were coming up with the nominations and the winners, and they wanted some clarity and some level of understanding," he said. "Their reaction was, `Thank you for doing that for us, Steve,'" said Stoute. "I know the pain that they were going through."

Portnow said he hoped their dialogue would create better awareness and understanding.

"The place to start is that everybody understands what we do, how we do it, why we do it," he said.

Portnow defended this year's results, which included indie-rockers Arcade Fire's win for best album. He said their victory reflected how the Grammys have evolved over the years.

"Frankly, I'm not so sure 10 years ago where an Arcade Fire could have received a best album (award)," he said.

"This is not about popularity or about sales or even about notoriety, it's about excellence in music," he said. "That's why a Grammy means so much to an artist when they get one, because it's a peer recognition."

But Stoute said the voting Academy, which he said numbered 12,000, needed to be younger and more culturally diverse. He said he hoped that he and the Academy could push to get those demographics involved in the process.

He said some of those segments aren't an active part of the Academy because of years of frustrations.

"There's

NEW YORK – It began as a competition between sixth-grader Jailen Swinney and a friend: Who could read a book faster?

But after finishing Walter Dean Myers' "Monster," a classic young adult novel about a teen on trial for being an accomplice to murder, Swinney had done more than win a race. She had discovered a book whose characters had similar experiences to people she knew.

"It opened my eyes," Swinney says. "It relates to many people and their families, friends who go through that with their family members."

Some fellow sixth-graders at The Harlem Children's Zone Promise Academy, a charter school in Manhattan, are also Myers fans. Devon Johnson likes "Slam," calling it "a real world situation" about a basketball guard living in a harsh neighborhood. Elijah Blades has read "Game," the story of a high schooler conflicted between sports and academics.

"It talked about stuff I wanted to know, like basketball, what's going on in the streets these days and how hard it is to get into college," says Blades, seated with his schoolmates at a small table in the school's library.

Among the kids at the Promise Academy and around the country, Walter Dean Myers is a must-read whose books have sold millions of copies and have a special appeal for the toughest of people to reach, boys. He is able, like few writers, to relate to his readers as they live today.

And he is old enough to be their grandfather.

Myers, 73, has written dozens of novels, plays and biographies. He has received three National Book Award nominations and won many prizes, including a lifetime achievement honor from the American Library Association and five Coretta Scott King awards for African-American fiction. He is also the most engaged of writers, spending hours with young people at schools, libraries and prisons, giving talks and advice on life and work, his own rise from high-school dropout to best-selling author, a story that translates across generations.

"I had an advantage in that I lived through all this stuff and have been able to think about it and to consider it. Why did I go in one direction, while these kids may or may not go in that direction," the tall, soft-spoken Myers, a resident of Jersey City, N.J., said during an earlier interview at a nearby Harlem library he visited often as a child, where the biggest change apparently is that the stairs seem steeper.

Myers' books are usually narrated by teenagers trying to make right choices when the wrong ones are so much more available. They're the 17-year-old hiding from the police in "Dope Sick," or the boarding school student in "The Beast" who learns his girlfriend is hooked on drugs. He is careful not to make judgments, and in "Monster," even leaves doubt over whether the narrator committed the crime.

"He does a great job of engaging teens because he writes about things they want to read about, whether it's going off to war or surviving the streets," says Kimberly Patton, president of the Young Adult Library Services Association and a librarian for teens at the Kansas City Public Library in Kansas City, Mo. "He doesn't talk down to teens. He always reaches teens on their level."

Kids love to check his work out from libraries, but libraries don't always carry his books. "Fallen Angels," a million-selling novel about a Vietnam soldier, appears occasionally on the American Library Association's annual list of books most criticized by parents and other members of the community. School districts in Indiana, Kansas and Mississippi have banned "Fallen Angels" for everything from violence to explicit language.

"I think it's silly. People don't understand that by withholding infor

NEW YORK – "American Idol" is down to a lucky 13 finalists.

In a two-hour episode Thursday, the nation's most popular show pared down the competition from 24. Ten contestants made it to the next round by phone-in votes. In a new twist, judges Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler chose three more after a sing-off.

The three to benefit from the extra chance were Ashthon Jones, of Nashville, Tenn.; Naima Adedapo, of Milwaukee; and Stefano Langone, of Kent, Wash.

Before that final round, the Fox reality show unveiled five male and five female contestants who will be moving on.

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Online:

http://www.fox.com

On India.Arie's last album, she blended a world music sound with her signature style of soul. She's planning to take things to the next level on an upcoming CD with Israeli singer Idan Raichel.

"I always go different (and) I went even farther," India.Arie said in a recent interview.

The album, "Open Door," will be released this summer. It will feature songs in Hebrew and English, though India.Arie doesn't know Hebrew, explaining that Raichel "teaches me the translation."

While vacationing in Israel, the 34-year-old singer asked locals who the most influential political singer-songwriter was in town.

"Everybody said, 'Idan Raichel, Idan Raichel — same name all the time,'" she recalled. "So I just went to his little apartment, I heard his music and was like, 'That's my music!'"

Raichel, the dreadlocked composer who uniquely blends Israeli, Ethiopian, Yemenite and Latin sounds, is mainly known for his role in the group The Idan Raichel Project. The Project has some 90 revolving members from Sudan, Uruguay, Colombia and Rwanda. They sing primarily in Hebrew, Spanish, Arabic and Swahili, and bandmates range in age from 16 to people in their 80s.

The Project burst onto the Israeli scene in 2002 and has released three successful albums.

India.Arie and Raichel, 33, can been seen in a YouTube video for their song, "Gift of Acceptance." The two performed the tune in December at the Nobel Peace concert in honor of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Liu Xiaobo in Oslo, Norway. They also held special concerts in Los Angeles and Atlanta to promote the upcoming CD.

"People were crying and (there was) a lot of good feedback," said India.Arie, who is also planning an international tour with Raichel.

"Open Door" will be the soul singer's fifth CD. Her first three albums were multiplatinum, platinum and gold successes. But 2009's "Testimony: Vol. 2, Love & Politics" didn't match her previous efforts, only selling 320,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Though the disc may — or may not — be a hit for the multiple Grammy winner, India.Arie says she's not concerned with album sales, thanks to the encouraging support from family, friends and fans.

"My family especially, they're like, 'Oh my god India, why are you doing this? We don't know who's going to buy it,'" she recalled.

"My mom cries every time she hears the songs," she continued. "...They kept saying stuff like, 'This is you, but different. It's almost like you can do anything, but it's still you.'"

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Online:

http://www.soulbirdmusic.com/

http://www.www.indiaarie.com/

http://www.idanraichelproject.com/e

Grammy-winning singer Beyonce donated money received for a New Year's Eve concert reportedly for Moamer Kadhafi's son to help Haiti relief over a year ago, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Beyonce gave the money away as soon as she learned of the Kadhafi connection to the concert at a private party on the Caribbean island of St. Barts on December 31, 2009.

"All monies paid to Beyonce for her performance at a private party at Nikki Beach St. Barts on New Year's Eve 2009 ...were donated to the earthquake relief efforts in Haiti, over a year ago," said spokesperson Yvette Noel-Schure.

"Once it became known that the third party promoter was linked to the (Kadhafi) family, the decision was made to put that payment to a good cause," she added, saying the donated money included payments to her booking agency.

The New York Post reported in early January 2010 that Beyonce had sung five songs, dressed in a sexy black leotard, at the Caribbean island party thrown by Kadhafi's son Hannibal.

The newspaper could not confirm how much was paid for the gig, but said that her husband Jay Z was also at the party, along with singer Usher and troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan.

The Beyonce announcement came after Canadian singer Nelly Furtado said Monday she would give away $1 million she received from for a performance "for the Kadhafi clan" four years ago in Italy.

Beyonce has been cited in media reports along with Usher, Mariah Carey and Lionel Ritchie as having been paid up to $1 million dollars each to perform for members of Khadafi's family in recent years

A judge on Wednesday delayed opening statements in the involuntary manslaughter trial of Michael Jackson's doctor until May 9, giving attorneys for both sides more time to share information.

The trial of Dr. Conrad Murray had been slated to begin on March 24, which remains the date prospective jurors will be called upon to fill out questionnaires, according to the ruling by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor.

Murray is accused of illegally giving Jackson the powerful anesthetic propofol and other drugs as sleep aids, leading to the pop star's June 2009 death.

The doctor had been hired to aid the "Thriller" singer as he prepare for a series of comeback concerts.

The Houston-based doctor has pleaded not guilty to the charge and faces up to four years in prison if convicted.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis: Editing by Bob Tourtellotte

The web site http://www.universeoffaith.com is being established as an all-inclusive portal for things that pertain to the Christian faith.

Pasadena, CA (PRWEB) March 2, 2011

The Internet, the long arm of information; found in almost every home in the world is a vital tool for maximizing communication and outreach awareness for countless millions of products, services and causes, to varied and numerous demographics. With the multitude of Internet-established brands and businesses, one would think that there would be at least one solid, viable and established Christian web presence that is universally known for its unique services and/or products. Well, that is all about to change! The web site http://www.universeoffaith.com is being established as an all-inclusive portal for things that pertain to the Christian faith. The Founder and CEO of the Universe of Faith (UOF), Jonathan Eubanks, a 17-year veteran in video game industry and a Christian has decided to put his “evil powers to use for good,” and is challenging ALL believers everywhere to do the same. Mr. Eubanks feels that most, if not, all products made for the Christian community suffer in qualitative production values, especially, when it comes to entertainment mediums such as film, TV, video games, Internet sites, and even music. He further assesses that over 75% of the U.S. population claims to be Christian of one denomination or another; and this means that no business can survive without their support or patronage. Everyone certainly knows how important the Christian vote is to politicians who are running for office. So, imagine what would happen if the day came and a site was established to provide access to high quality products, services, and entertainment that caters specifically to the largest demographic in the U.S. and on earth. That day has come and the site is http://www.universeoffaith.com. UOF has landed and is determined to make its unique platform your choice source for quality Christian content minus the “cheese.” Here is a short list of what UOF is launching by the end of March 2011.

1-Universe of Faith Music allows you to sample and download music from all of your favorite Christian/Gospel/Classical artists, from all of the major music labels and covering all genres. The web address for the Christian Music download site is located at http://music.universeoffaith.com.

2-Universe of Faith Bartering is a unique, one-of-a-kind feature that combines community building with the bartering of one’s skills and talents in exchange for the benefit of the skills and talents of another. For example, a church visiting the website at http://bartering.universeoffaith.com might be looking for a choir director and the choir director might be looking for a location to tutor music students. In these economic times you might not only find this UOF feature useful, but also you just might make a new friend or two and/or discover new uses for the bartering platform. Universe of Faith Bartering is licensed/powered by Teachbug.

3-The Universe of Faith Indie Music feature allows new and upcoming artists to put their musical talents on display and get exposure and be heard and all the while, earning royalties on the sales of their music.

4-Universe of Faith Streaming Truth is the centerpiece of the Universe of Faith just as preaching is the centerpiece of Christian ministry. Here you can listen to or download your favorite sermons, watch live or pre-recorded streams of pastoral messages, debates, news, events, etc. UOF Streaming Truth will serve as a central repository, archiving the complete sermon catalogs of many church and ministry partners and new material will be uploaded weekly.

The Universe of Faith’s motto is “Entertaining