WEEKEND HAPZ: Memorial Day Weekend ... And There's Plenty To Do!!! :-)

As promised, this weekend is filled with events to tickle your fancy. Though I'd personally love to be in Dallas-Fort Worth with my Blue & White Family, I'll be here (gladly) reuniting with old classmates at the C. E. Byrd Decade Reunion.

For the rest of you who know not what to do ... you have some great offerings this holiday weekend. From movies to mudbugs to live music and nightlife ... there's a little something for the family as well as for the party animal ...


[Sorry promoter friends but there was WAY too much to cover to get specific LOL ... but I hope you enjoy your free plug! :) ]




IF YOU WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH FAMILY (OR YOUR MATE) ... You can:


- Enjoy some tasty critters at the MUDBUG MADNESS festival (it's one of my favorite festivals!!)


- Go check out the great GOLDEN AGE OF JAZZ Photo Exhibit at Norton Art Gallery ... or the POP! Bubble Wrap exhibit at artspace ....


- Enjoy America's favorite pasttime as SWAC teams battle it out in the Baseball Championships. or see the CAPTAINS play later in the weekend ...


- Take the little ones to go see LITTLE MERMAID the play at Marjorie Lyons Playhouse ... or to see the TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES movie at the RFC.


- Enjoy some amazing performances at the STARS OF TOMORROW 2010 Dance show at the Strand ... See 12-year-old guitarist/singer MATTHEW DAVIDSON at the Naked Bean Cafe or enjoy the best musicians in the city (young and old) at the SIDE-BY-SIDE CONCERT at Byrd High.




WANNA GET YOUR PARTY ON OR HIT A MORE GROWN-UP EVENT???? Then you can ...


- Go get your laugh on with comedian/actor EDDIE GRIFFIN at the Funny Bone (Friday & Saturday) ...


- Enjoy an upscale evening, including live entertainment by Melodic Bridge at the The Marche' Group's PRE-MEMORIAL DAY BASH (Sunday @ Orleone's Bistro)


- Take in the sounds of Windstorm on Friday ... or Sex And The City Happy Hour (and Military discount night) on Saturday -- Both held at Bijou this weekend ...


- Show off your status at the STOPLIGHT PARTY (Sunday) ... OR


- Spend the holiday at the SPRINGFEST 2010 CONCERT with national recording artists like Bobby Valentino, K. Michelle, Hurricane Chris and MORE!!! (Monday)




WHEW!!! So much to do ... so little time!!! Hope you can get SOME of it in ... I may see you out and about ... if so give me a shout ... and check back after the holiday for PICS and more!!! :)


HAVE A SAFE WEEKEND/HOLIDAY EVERYONE!!!

SBC 411: Items Needed for Soldier Care Packages

A group of supporters will be sening some 300 care packages to an Army Battalion in Iraq and they need help filling the boxes!


Troops are in need of dozens of items including:

Baby Wipes (travel size)
Shampoo/conditioner (travel size)
Combs and Brushes
Deodorant (travel size)
Cotton Balls
Nail Clippers
Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
Band-aids
Tylenol/Motrin/Advil packets
DVDs
Portable CD Players
Headphones
Stationery and envelopes
Pens and pencils
Game books
.. .and much more!!!



To see a COMPLETE list of items needed for these soldiers, go HERE.


All items should be brought to one of these UHAUL Cubby Storage Facilities locations: 1102 Bert Kouns or 6120 Greenwood Road


If you would like to volunteer or have any questions, please call: 318-344-8914 or 318-505-2020.

WEEKEND HAPZ: Slim Pickin's on the Event Scene

I'll be honest .... because there's so much going on NEXT weekend (with the holiday and all), there's not much going on THIS weekend in events ....


Weather permitting, you can spend tonight:


Checking out the OPENING RECEPTION of POP! (an art exhibit featuring Bubble wrap art and a fashion show of bubble-wrap clothes by T-Shemise) ....


Take the family to MOVIE AND MOONBEAMS's presentation of G-FORCE ....


Go see BILLY D. WASHINGTON at the Funny Bone ... or


Mix it up with the KREWE of SOBEK at Orleone's Bistro ...




ON SATURDAY ...


There are lots of community events to enjoy, including a Yard Sale in West Shreveport, the Summer Fashion Workshop in downtown Shreveport and the Fit For Life events city-wide.


Later that night -- you can check out the Roots, Rock & Reggae Spring Splash at the Naked Bean .... or catch the Shreveport Captains playing at Fairgrounds Field.




Next weekend's events are PLENTIFUL, so be on the lookout ... Parties, Mudbug Madness, it's going to be a PACKED weekend .. so check back next week for more Hapz!!!

EVENT PICS: Summer Extravaganza 2010

It's almost deja vu. Last weekend there was a threat of rain and this weekend -- pretty much the same. But somehow between clouds and rain, a party DID take place last Saturday.

BJ Adams held another one of his highly-anticipated soirees at the Bijou Ultra Lounge. The rain kept many away, but those that DID show made it a night to remember. Check out some pics from the event:











See more photos from the party (courtesy of Bijou) HERE. And stay tuned for the NEXT event ... I'll keep you posted :)



OTHER PICS YOU MAY WANT TO CHECK OUT:

John Legend Concert, 2010 BTW Graduation, and Horseshoe Rooftop Party (J. Brown Photography)

WEEKEND HAPZ: John Legend, Nephew Tommy & Other Events of Interest

There aren't many events to indulge in this weekend in the SBC, but the few there are, could be consider QUALITY entertainment. From live music and comedy to sports and pre-summer parties, Here's what's happenin' this weekend:

TONIGHT:


If you're not going the JOHN LEGEND concert at Horseshoe's Riverdome, you're not alone ... LOL. I'm so sad :-( but there's another event you can attend:

NEPHEW TOMMY (known from The Steve Harvey Morning Show) will be crackin' people's sides during his two-night stand at The Funny Bone. He'll do two shows tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 and 10 pm. Go HERE to get ticket information.


(See more events for tonight HERE.)




TOMORROW (Saturday)


Before we get to the nightlife, there are some daytime events of interest on Saturday ... like the MUSIC IN THE PARK event at Southern Hills Metro Park ... the WOMEN'S HEALTH EVENT at Curves ... or The SPACE DAY CELEBRATION at Sci-Port ...



AT NIGHT:

You can attend the BLACK TIE AFFAIR at Morning Star Baptist Church .... see the BATTLEWINGS play at the CenturyTel .... Or ....

Go out and celebrate the 1st offical Party of the Summer -- The Summer 2010 Extravaganza. The party will be held at the Bijou, with doors opening at 9 pm. Admission is only $10 before midnight. The doors will close at 300 people. So don't be left outside looking IN! Dress to impress (as always).



HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND PEOPLE!!!

EVENT ALERT: John Legend @ The Horseshoe Riverdome

It's rare to have a six-Time GRAMMY winning producer/composer/musician/singer come to the SBC ...

But this Friday, JOHN LEGEND will be in the city! He's performing at the Horseshoe Riverdome -- One Night Only -- this Friday, May 14th.


I'd known about it for a while but was just reminded when people wondered why it hadn't been publicized that much. So here I am, letting the public know ... JL will be in the SBC this Friday.


This late in the game, seating is pretty limited for the event, with the front section already sold out at $70 a seat. But the back section still has seats available at $60 per ticket.



Go HERE to get your tickets. For the latest on JL, and his upcoming album (a collab with The Roots), go to http://www.johnlegend.com/.

WEEKEND HAPZ: Something For Everyone!

From the cultural and classy to the downright ADULT ;) ... there's an array of offerings in SBC entertainment this weekend ...

Check out what's happening in the SBC over the next two days:



ON FRIDAY (Tonight) ....



You Can: Check out BOBCAT GOLDTHWAIT at the Funny Bone ... See HIGH SCHOOL MUSICIAL 3 with the family at MOVIES AND MOONBEAMS ... or go kick of the weekend-long CINQO DE MAYO FIESTA Celebration in Festival Plaza!



ON SATURDAY ....


You Can: Take the kids to see RINGLING BROS. AND BARNUM & BAILEY: ILLUCINATION at the CenturyTel Center ... or Go see A RAISIN IN THE SUN at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum/Theater ...



For The Party People ...

The FULL MOON is back in business and Blac Starr Ent. will be hosting "A Taste of Sophistication" there on Saturday night -- complete with food, drink and sophistication. Admission is $10. There will be $2 drink specials all night. Dress to impress! (Ladies must be 23, Fellas must be 25)




OTHER EVENTS OF INTEREST on SATURDAY NIGHT:


-- The BLACK AND WHITE AFFAIR at the Bijou - Go HERE for more information.

-- The BLACK CHIPPENDALES at the Clarion Hotel ... (Click the name for information)

And of course SUNDAY is MOTHER's DAY ... (I'll be back Saturday with a few events for Mother's to enjoy) ... Til then -- HAVE A SAFE, HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!

EVENT ALERT: Search For The "Hot 100" Is On

SBC EVENTS and MAHOGANI MEDIA are searching for the BEST of the BEST for a HISTORIC media event!!!!

They are compiling the HOT 100 List to be a feature story right here on "Around The SBC" in the months of June and July and they need YOUR help getting names on the list!!!




WHAT'S THE HOT 100?


Penned in honor of the HOT 100 in Billboard, we're seeking nominations for our HOT 100, who will represent the BEST in arts and entertainment in our area.

The chosen 100 will receive a brief article (20 will have featured articles), a free photo shoot, and stake public claim as being the best in your business.

The articles will be featured during BLACK MUSIC MONTH ... as an homage to all those who influence the music industry and contribute to music culture.




WHO CAN BE NOMINATED?

This search is open to anyone over the age of 21 who is in the industry that lives in Soiuthern Arkansas, Louisiana, or Texas. Must be willing to travel for photo shoot and feature if you are chosen.




WHAT ARE THEY LOOKING FOR?


- The Top 20 in Fashion and Beauty (Barbers, Stylists, Designers, Models, etc)

- The Top 20 in Media (Radio, TV, Print, Advertising, Web, Graphic Design, etc.)

- The Top 20 in Events & Entertainment (Promotions, DJs, PR, Event Planners, etc.)

and

- The Top 40 ARTISTS in the area ... which includes dancers, singers, rappers, poets, etc.


(FIVE of those artists will showcase their talents at a special event linked to this HUGE tribute to Black Music)

HOW DO YOU NOMINATE SOMEONE? (OR YOURSELF)

SIMPLE!!! --

Just send a bio or resume, and your contact information to MAHOGANIMEDIA@GMAIL.COM with the Subject: HOT 100. Tell us why you should be on the list!!!



Deadline for submissions/nominations is FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2010



Get it in!!!!!

EVENT ALERT: MET & AFP Present "A Raisin In The Sun"

Mahogany Ensemble Theatre will culminate its 5th Anniversary season with a production of A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry.

This production, presented in partnership with Amply Figured Productions, will run May 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 pm, and May 8 at 3:30 pm at the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum Theater.

'A Raisin in the Sun' is an award-winning drama which tells the story of the Younger family living on Chicago's south side in the 1950s. The story centers on the dreams of owning one’s own home, as the Younger family searches for a way to grab their piece of the dream, even in the face of prejudice and discrimination.

The play debuted on Broadway in 1959, and was brought to the big screen in 1961 (starring Sidney Poitier), and was brought to TV in 2008 with a stellar cast, including Sean "Diddy" Combs as "Walter".

For this local production, Director Angelique Feaster has assembled a double ensemble cast featuring: Wilma Young, Neverlyn Townsel, Charles Montgomery, Jori Jackson, Ariane Perideaux, Damonica Jenkins, Lexton Feaster, Trey Jones, Zhailon Levingston, Dorothea Townsel, Capel Rhone, Adam Scott and Angelique Feaster.

Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 seniors and students, $5 youth (12 and under), group rates are available. For reservations, call the box office at 318-745-ARTS.

EVENT ALERT: Michael Colyar @ Bijou

COMEDY comes back to the Red River District tonight as the Bijou Ultra Lounge presents "A Night with Michael Colyar".

Colyar is no stranget to the SBC, having performed at the Funny Bone, and of course you have seen him in movies like "House Party 3", Norbit" and as the host of "BET Live from LA", among other TV appearances.

How's YOUR chance to see him live at the BIJOU. Colyar will do TWO shows tonight, at 8 pm and 10 pm, as well as tomorrow (Wednesday) night at the same times. Doors open at 7:30 pm.


You can get tickets ata the club, Lil J's Music & More, Lakeshore All Around Sound or Faze's Beauty Salon. The Bijou is offering a 2-for-1 Mother's Day Special for BOTH days!!!



ENJOY THE SHOW!!!

EVENT PICS/WRAP: "Fade 2 Black/Welcome To the Madhouse" Fashion Show

For once, an SBC event delivered just what it promised.

The Fade 2 Black: Welcome to the Madhouse Fashion Show promoted that it would bring the city to the SBC and show us amazing new designs by talented up & coming designers and would give us a chance to mix and mingle with the fashionably fabulous.

And that's exactly what event-goers got.

The SUSLA Gymnasium was transformed into a house of fashion, complete with a projector screen, runway and rows of chairs for fashioin-lovers to admire the goods (models and clothes included lol).

At the end of the runway (where I was posted for most of the night) were people working the spotlights, videographers capturing the goings on and photographers (like moi) flashing away. And someone who's USUALLY flashing away, J.Brown, was on the 1's and 2's:

Backstage, was the "Madhouse" lol. Throughout the night, when I peeked into the dressing room, there were half-naked models (of both sexes ... Oh my at those brothaz!), hair being teashed and primped, makeup being touched-up, clothes flying off and being pulled on ...

But somewhere in the madness, they pulled off a great show ... featuring designs by DiverseCity/VonRay (shoutout to Latasha Henderson), Hermosa Lynn, Muse Fashion Group and House of D'LaQuor.

I'll be honest, some of the designs I wouldn't wear and some I'd die to have ... but they were all worth being on that runway because the show gave us everything from street wear/urban casual to after five/red carpet (and there were even some bikinis fellaz! lol) ...

Hosted by someone local fashionistas know and love, Justin Jones (who is now making his home in L.A. and has a reality show coming out soon), this was definitely a night to remember!


Here are some shots from the show:

Aside from the spotlight getting in my eyes, and a certain photog getting in my shots (lol) ... it was a hit of an event and I hope to see it again in the Fall.

Congrats to all who put the show together (shout out to Kendra and Jaleesa, Valencia and Justin and ALL the designers) ...

-- See the rest of MY photos HERE and Check out MORE shots from my photog colleauges HERE and HERE (shout out C4iDesign and Pretty Boi Photography)