EVENT UPDATES: A-Ham/Silk Concert = Shady Business 101 + Essence 2008's Final Line-Up

I'm hardly a gossiping person (not in public anyway), but I had to share this after the guys at VIP got caught up in a promoter's worst nightmare -- dealing with a shady "business man."

Having promoted events here and in Baton Rouge before, I know what it's like to think you're dealing with a reputable business or individual, only to find things going horribly wrong ... and you watch all your hard work (and your rep) go down the drain.

So last week when I got this text, e-mail and MySpace bulletin, I already knew what was going down.

DUE TO IRREGULAR PRACTICES OF THE COMPANY THAT HIRED US TO PROMOTE THE ANTHONY HAMILTON CONCERT WE HAVE REMOVED OURSELF FROM THE EVENT. WE HAVE A GOOD NAME IN THE CITY AND WANT TO KEEP IT THAT WAY. ALSO WE HAVE NO CLUE IF THE CONCERT IS STILL GOING TO HAPPEN. THE MONIES THAT WERE PAID FOR TICKETS WILL BE REFUNDED PERSONALLY. WE ARE SINCERELY APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED.

VIP made it clear (through another mass message) that Legacy International (the NYC company sponsoring the event) had nothing to do with their decision and was not the shady business in question.

I'd heard who they were working with locally (who shall remain nameless but owns a long-time music-selling business in Shreveport .. and no it's not Jab) ... so I figured something would go wrong because every time this person is involved with a concert here in Shreveport, it gets cancelled or postponed. EVERY TIME.

I sent VIP an e-mail expressing my regret that they had to deal with that mess, because despite the fact that I secretly hate them for coming up with great events while I'm on hiatus from event planning (LOL), they've built up a reputation for being professionals and hosting classy events.

I hated they were put in that situation where they had to withdraw promotion efforts, but they did the right thing.

And true to form, they turned lemons into lemonade and came up with a solution. Another event, "This is For The Kool" at the Full Moon.

Same date - this Sunday, June 8th. And you don't even have to dress up (casual attire suggested).

The party will be in conjunction with the birthday bash of D'Angelo (pictured in the flyers) of VIP ...

There will be $2 apple martinis for the ladies (whoo hoo!), drink specials all night and get this -- GAS CARD giveaways ... Y'all might have to beat me to the club!!! LOL.

As for the concert. If you bought tickets from someone with VIP, contact them to get your refund, otherwise you'll have to call the ticket outlet for information.

On MySpace, the event is listed as cancelled but someone (not with VIP) posted that the concert has been moved to Thursday, June 12th.

I have no way to confirm that, but like I said, ask the people you bought your ticket from.

Kudos to VIP for doing the right thing (unlike most promoters in this city who just take their money and let patrons fend for themselves).

{Insert applause here}

IN OTHER NEWS ...

The Essence Music Festival is just about a month away now. If you don't have a hotel room by now, expect to be staying in Kenner for way more than the hotel room is worth. (LOL) ...

The huge summer event has posted what should be their final schedule for the holiday weekend (new additions are in bold):

• Friday, July 4th: Rihanna, Chris Brown, Kanye West
• Saturday, July 5th: Musiq, LL Cool J, Jill Scott, and a star-studded tribute to Patti Labelle featuring singers like Chrisette Michele and Angie Stone
• Sunday, July 6th: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Morris Day, Mary J. Blige and Keyshia Cole

For more on the lineup, including the amazing acts featured in the Superlounges, CLICK HERE ... to purchase tickets ... go to www.ticketmaster.com or check the Essence Festival Website

- mahogani media 2008

Black Music Month: New Releases and Concert Updates

As you can see from the June issues of two of the top Black magazines in the world, it's Black Music Month! (Chris B. is on the cover of Ebony looking very grown and sexy ... we must remember he's like 19; and Jilly from Philly is on the cover of Essence looking very regal!!!)

Anyway -- It's time to celebrate Black Music!!! (and that doesn't mean downloading more freebies to put on MySpace or making more visits to the bootleg man!). From Motown to Neo-Soul, from old school to dance hall, from rap to crunk ... let's honor it ALL!!!

On Friday, May 30th, President Bush made the official declaration ... (Hooray!), and now the whole world can celebrate! (Yay!).

Speaking of Declarations -- Ashanti releases her new album (The Declaration). Today (June 3rd) ...

Also in stores today are releases from coverboy Chris Brown (the Exclusive ... Deluxe Edition ... who does he think he is Beyonce'? but it features that HOT "Take You Down" video :) ...

As well as releases from Bun B, Lil' KeKe, Lil' Will, Little Brother, Snoop (Best of the Street), Amy Winehouse, Lalah Hathaway and Pimp C's Greatest Hits.

Here are some upcoming releases for this special month's Phat Tuesdayz:

June 10th - Lil Wayne, N.E.R.D., Patti Labelle (Live album), Hil St. Soul, Plies, Cash Money's 10 Years of Bling and the questionable Afroman's Greatest Hits (what other hit did he have???).

June 17th - Rihanna (Live DVD), Chante & Mariah (another questionable one ... guess they had nothing better to do), Craig G. & Marley Marl, and a DVD from Pimp C.

June 24th - DVDs from Lil' Wayne and The Game, Three 6 Mafia, Lil' Flip, Trillville, Dwele and Best of D'Angelo CD/DVD.

CLICK HERE for ALL new releases in the month of June (and beyond)

And If you're looking for LIVE entertainment this month ... Check out the Upcoming Concerts list on the sidebar of this blog.

Featured LIVE events happening right here in the SBC include:

• Total Choice @ The Barnwell Garden and Art Center (Thursday, June 5th at 6 pm)



• Let The Good Times Roll Festival (June 19th - June 21st at Festival Plaza)



• Raven Symone (Monday, June 23rd at Century Tel Center)

{The Anthony Hamilton concert, scheduled for June 8th, may or may not be happening .. details in a later blog ...}

Coming in July ....

• Gladys Knight & Al Green (July 3rd @ Horseshoe Riverdome)



• Essence Music Festival (July 4-6, New Orleans)

Stay Tuned for performance updates on the Let The Good Times Roll Festival (aka Juneteenth) and ESSENCE ... and SUPPORT good BLACK MUSIC!!!!

- m