Category Archives: NYC

Fashion, NYC

Hit Me with Your Best Shot

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If a picture is worth 1000 words, then the right shot can create a media frenzy.  Calvin Klein proved this with provocative photos of Kate Moss, Brooke Shields and Scott King.  The photographers who shot those photos created magic and now American Apothecary has provided a group of shutterbugs the opportunity to capture lightning with their lens. 

On December 14, the avant-garde T-shirt brand held the first part of the American Apothecary Photographer Challenge.  Four photographers stepped up to the plate to showcase what they could do with a little bit of heroin and cocaine.  The photographers shot their muses in various locations inside and outside the Levi’s Photo Workspace, located on 18 Wooster Street.  PR Director John Thompson II stated he chose the location “because the artistic energy in the space was contagious, and inspiring.”  The photographers certainly seemed to be affected by the creative force flowing throughout this wonderful public space producing shot after shot of the T-shirt line.  The photographers also conducted a freestyle shoot to further showcase their originality and artistic vision.

The winner will be announced and displayed at American Apothecary’s “Got Snow?” charity event on December 22.  Their work will also appear on American Apothecary’s website and January 2011 newsletter.  F.A.M.E NYC wishes each paparazzo the best of luck.

Take a look at some behind-the-scenes photos shot by F.A.M.E NYC’s Editor

Literature, NYC

The Truth of Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook

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“Ain’t I a woman?” the famous 1851 speech delivered by Sojourner Truth at the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio served to be a rallying call for all women seeking to fulfill the destiny of equal citizenship for women in the U.S.  Born into bondage in New York State in 1797, Isabella Baumfree took her fate and future into her hands when on June 1, 1843 she changed her name to Sojourner Truth and told her friends, “The Spirit calls me, and I must go.”   On that day she became a woman of destiny traveling the country and preaching about abolition and women’s rights.

Over 150 years after Sojourner Truth gave her acclaimed address, another anointed woman from New York has created a beacon all women can use to harness their power and begin claiming their future.  In September, Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook published Becoming a Woman of Destiny Turning Life’s Trials into Triumphs! through Tarcher/Penguin.  Dr.  Cook, better known as Dr. Sujay, has led a life of blazing trails.  In 1996, she founded and served as the Senior Pastor of the Bronx Christian Fellowship until her retirement in 2009.  She was the first black woman to become the Senior Pastor of the American Baptist Churches of the USA and was the first female President of the Hampton University Ministers’ Conference.   But her list of firsts does not end there, Dr. Sujay was the first woman appointed Chaplain of the New York City Police Department and the first female Baptist minister to receive a White House Fellowship serving with President Clinton.  She is also empress of the lunchtime worship service, initiating the “Lunch Hour of Power” service for city, civic and court workers and the “Wonderful Wall Street Wednesday” service.

Dr. Sujay has provided mentorship and spiritual guidance to many, including Presidents Clinton and Obama, and authored nine previous books.  With her 10th book, Becoming a Woman of Destiny Turning Life’s Trials into Triumphs!, she now applies her extensive knowledge and experience to create a masterful template for women in transition.    As women we were are gifted with the task of bringing forth generations – becoming the first teachers of our children, as well as becoming life partners to our husbands.   But Dr. Sujay knows that God has placed us here to be more than wives, mothers or even professionals, and is cognizant that during the myriad seasons life holds, one might have issues moving from one season to the next.  For women facing the uncertainty of change, Becoming a Woman of Destiny holds the key to unlocking their fate.

Dr. Sujay uses the biblical figure Deborah as a model.  Deborah was a highly respected prophetess, judge, wife and warrior – accompanying the army of Israel into battle.   Deborah is also an ancient example for what women refer to today as a superwoman – a woman that finds strength, balance and harmony in performing the various roles she is allotted in her life’s journey.  Dr. Sujay applies Deborah’s life in the development of four pillars (intelligence, spirituality, action and community) which a woman can utilize as she discovers her path to a greater self.  The pillars are divided by chapters, with two chapters dedicated to each pillar.  Women learn that during a transitional period, we are sometimes beckoned to walk a path we did not know existed and can use times of adversity to generate fresh possibilities.   Women grasp the understanding of the importance of prayer, quiet moments with self and following intuiton as well as how to conduct themselves with honor.  Lastly, they ascertain the significance of relying on other women by initiating destiny circles – building a sisterhood that can support one another in achieving goals.  Each pillar begins with a prayer and a series of prayers and meditations await the reader at the end of the book.  Also each chapter ends with questions and a checklist to be used in destiny circle meetings.

With Becoming a Woman of Destiny Dr. Sujay shows you how through faith and belief in God you can bring out the best in yourself and find the true purpose of your life by employing the talents the most high has blessed each of us with.   It is the gospel for the new millennium woman.  As a woman, I find the stories Dr. Sujay shares and the advice she dispenses to be invaluable and have already started to apply the book’s principles to my life.  The holidays are always a time of transition as an old cycle ends and a new one begins.  New promises are made and I encourage everyone to purchase this book as a gift to themselves or for a cherished woman in their life.  The benefits that come from Dr. Sujay’s expertise can only be compared to a never ending well.

Humans are the Lord’s vessels – each of us has a specific path in life we must travel.  When Harriet Tubman was born into slavery in 1820, she did know her route would take her from master’s home to the Underground Railroad leading over 70 slaves to freedom.  Dr. Sujay has already been compared to Harriet, another iconic figure that symbolizes the embodiment of a destiny fulfilled, when The Rev. Dr. Gardner C. Taylor stated that she was the Harriet Tubman for women in the ministry.  After reviewing Becoming a Woman of Destiny and discussing it with destiny circle members other readers will come to know what I know – Dr. Sujay is not just a Moses for women in the ministry, she a Harriet Tubman for all women, assisting each of us to find our own predetermined promise lands with wit, wisdom and a whole lot of grace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Entertainment, NYC

Tis the Season to Give

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The holiday season in New York City is a sparkly, spectacular time – the tree in Rockefeller Center and 5th Avenue window displays bring wonderment to the eye and can inject any Scrooge with the Christmas spirit.  But just as the holiday season is a time of celebration, it is also a time of giving.  Brooklyn’s O.D.X-treme PRAISE SHOW, a weekly internet radio show on Everyday Radio, is giving New Yorkers the opportunity to celebrate and show a little charity.  The O.D.X-treme PRAISE SHOW is having their annual Holiday Concert with a Purpose on December 10 at the Everyday Radio Station, located on 1467 Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn.    The concert/ coat and toy drive is in its second year and will include guest performers Gary Anglin, Camille Newman, Xavier Bost and many more.  In lieu of an admission fee, the O.D.X-treme PRAISE SHOW asks for audience members to donate a toy or slightly used coat which will go to New York Cares.  Come on FAMERS show the city we love how much we care.  Support this awesome event!

Entertainment, NYC

Kim Fields Lends Expertise to Lens on Talent

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Kim Fields comes from an acting/directing /producing dynasty that rivals any in Hollywood.  After receiving the acting bug from her mom, seven-year-old Kim and Chip (her mother) ignited a path from their native Harlem to LA determined to find success in show business during a time when black faces on the big and small screen were a virtual paradox.  Kim’s luminous smile and personality secured her roles in commercials and eventually landed her the role of Tootie Ramsey on The Facts of Life.  Chip built a solid career as an director, consultant and dialogue coach and has appeared in numerous films, TV shows and theatre.  After 30 years in the entertainment industry, the course Kim and Chip paved allowed for countless black actors and actresses, including baby sister Alexis, to shadow their footprints.  Members of Gen X grew up with Kim, watching her on The Facts of Life.  As twenty-something’s, we watched her play bougie Regine Hunter on Living Single.  She became a part of our extended family and thanks to syndication, she is becoming known to Gen Y and future generations.  As Blondielocks, she has added another notch in her career as a poet and spoken word artist.   For the past year and a half, Kim has been the lead director for Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns and House of Payne.  This winter she will embark on the role of supervising producer and director for an upcoming Tyler Perry comedy.  Along with juggling a work schedule that must have her calendar bleeding with ink, she also balances the duties of being a wife and mother.

The elevator doors opened to Gary’s Loft, located on 28-30 West 36th Street, to expose a space almost deaf with silence –only the faint voices of Kim and young female documentary filmmaker could be heard from around the corner while the crew meticulously worked to get the interview completed in one take. The footage would be used in an upcoming episode of Lens on Talent:  A Johnson & Johnson Filmmaker’s Challenge, BET’s ground-breaking show featuring the best emerging black filmmakers and short films.  Besides making sure my platform sandals do not clunk against the wood, I became aware of the love permeating throughout the room.  As the crew watched the footage on monitors, whispered and tip-toed about and members of the media quietly waited to meet Kim, the emotion seeped into my pores and left me agog.  There were no divas on the set; everyone was devoted to the success of this project.  Just as quickly as I noticed the temper of the room, I also realized that Kim was the source behind the affection that had swept the penthouse.   She stood in a black blazer and skirt and camouflage heels, a tiny force of nature in a blonde natural updo.  She walked over to me and the other members of the press, introduced herself and shook our hands, her 10,000 watt smile beaming even brighter in person.  I chuckled inside saying, “Girl, I know who you are.”  Or maybe I did not.  Suddenly it struck me, Kim Fields is no ordinary mortal –she is a superwoman.  Not the facade illustrated in comics, but the kind women aspire to be, a woman in harmony with her feminine, spiritual and professional self.

Most people are familiar with the phrase, “Those who can – do. Those who can’t – teach.”  I believe a perfect host straddles that famous sentiment, so when BET went shopping for a new host for its second season of Lens on Talent, television legend Kim Fields was a logical, insightful choice.  “I actually was approached over the summer to do some social media hosting and my big brother Blair (Underwood) was supposed to be the host for season two,” Kim reveals, “and we did a panel discussion at NYU that Johnson and Johnson sponsored.  And Blair, as you know, is now the face of the president on The Event and wasn’t able to do both schedule wise, and they said, ‘Hey, what about you.’”  Kim was familiar with the show’s concept and admired Johnson & Johnson’s eagerness to shine a spotlight on urban talent and realizing that she had time in her schedule before she goes back to work at Tyler Perry Studios, she accepted. 

The first season of Lens on Talent was hosted by actress Sanaa Lathan and was a rousing success.  Two episodes from this season have aired and featured Precious executive producer Lisa Cortés and filmmaker Nelson George, and is already showing signs that it will be just as popular as its inaugural season.  Kim is no novice at hosting.  While attending Pepperdine University she co-created, produced and hosted the award-winning Campus Spotlight: Live with Kim Fields and when she agreed to host the BET filmmaker’s showcase, she approached the project with an open mind.  “I wasn’t really sure what to expect, so I don’t think I went into it with any expectations,” she admits.  “You know you go into something… and I thought I’m going to host.  I’m going to have a few conversations and introduce some films.  But I should’ve known I that was going to be inspired because I was inspired at the panel discussion at NYU this summer.  With each guest I’m speaking to, each filmmaker’s bio that I’m reading, I’m getting reinvigorated as a filmmaker. “

After decades of acting, Kim made the decision to start directing.  Kim always had an interest for the behind-the-scenes processes of filmmaking and describes herself as a “crew baby.”   Although she admitted that being an actor assisted in her transition, she was determined to become a well-rounded director, able to attend to the needs of the actors and the crew. Therefore, learning the technical and visual aspects of directing was equally important.  For the young filmmakers selected to be a part of Lens on Talent, the opportunity to meet and chat with an industry veteran who knows what it is like to be in front of and behind the camera must be thrilling experience.  But for the aspiring directors that will be watching the show, Kim has some advice, “You gotta learn the craft, whether you learn it in a film school, read about it online, get a book, intern at some production company or on film sets,” she says, “and then surround yourself with people who know what they are doing.  I’m a huge sports fan, and I liken what I do sports.  You don’t just have a great star player here or there, you’ve got great coaches and a coaching staff and then you’ve got the front office.  It’s really a team effort.”  Although Kim has been taking on more projects behind the camera, her love of acting has not diminished.  “I’ve not retired by any means as an actor just because I’ve been directing more,” she says.  The projects she chooses are determined by scheduling and the figures on the contract.

As the afternoon continued, Kim shared her thoughts about being a black actor in Hollywood and starring in a reality TV show – quick answer no.  Still convinced that her golden lasso and bracelets were tucked safely in loft somewhere, I inquired about how she became a flesh and blood superwoman.  Superman jumps skyscrapers with a single leap and catches bullets with his teeth, but Kim Fields acts, directs, produces, hosts, writes and performs poetry and publishes short stories all while maintaining the commitments of a family.  Kim dispensed a jewel for anyone looking to achieve an order of balance.  “Balance does not always mean fifty-fifty,” she quickly points out, “balance is a constant teeter-tottering of the scales.  So sometimes it’s a matter of if I know I’m work…work…work…work…work, then there’s time that Sebastian and I specifically have that’s mommy and Sebastian time.  Same thing with Chris, you can’t pour so much into your child that you forget you’re still a spouse and a partner and a helpmate. And sometimes you’re gonna get out of rhythm, but what you do about that I think is what’s equally as important.”   As our media round table wrapped, Kim thanked all the journalists, gave us one last peek of that effervescent smile and then it was off to do another set of interviews.  I may never know if she holds any special powers outside of the gifts she possessed and honed from birth, but after smelling the scent of soul food wafting through the loft, I know Kim does one thing that every mortal does – she eats. 

Photos courtesy of bet.com and D. Austin

Arts, NYC

Tut Takes Manhattan

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In June, the annual Tony Awards celebrated Broadway royalty, but the hottest ticket on the Great White Way actually belongs to one of the oldest royal figures to ever sit on a throne.  Tut-mania descended on Manhattan this spring when Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs made its debut at the Discovery Times Square Exposition, located on 266 West 44th Street.  New York City is the final stop on a world-wind tour that marks the last time the relics of King Tutankhamun will ever leave Egypt. 

This is not the first time that the boy king has captivated the Big Apple. In 1979, The Treasures of Tutankhamun (King Tut) exhibition was displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs has 50 artifacts from King Tut’s tomb, only a portion were shown during 1979 exhibit, as well as 80 additional artifacts from the tombs of his ancestors and other high-ranking notables.

 

 

Ever since the tomb of the ancient pharaoh was unearthed in November 1922 by Howard Carter, he has been shrouded in mystery.  Who was King Tutankamun?  How did he die?  Was he murdered?  Who were his parents?  Tutankhamun was one of the last kings of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.  Although, much of his life is still unknown due to the eradication his records and those of his ancestors by ancient Egyptian officials, the world knows more about Egypt’s most popular ruler than it ever has before.

 

 Tutankhamun was the son of pharaoh Akhenaten and Kiya, one of Akhenaten’s minor wives.  His birth was believed to be around 1343 B.C.  His father created upheaval during his reign by moving the country’s capital from Memphis to Akhetan, now known as Amarna, and banning polytheistic worship in favor for the new, monotheistic religion of Aten.  In 1333 B.C., Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at age 9 or 10.  At 12, Tutankhamun married his half-sister, Ankhesenamun, Akhenaten’s third daughter by his wife Nefertiti.  During his reign, King Tut moved the country’s capital back to the city of Memphis and reinstated polytheistic worship.  The boy king also changed his name from his original moniker of Tutankhaten, to Tutankhamun (meaning “the living image of the god Amun”) in recognition of the state’s rejection of Aten.  Tutankhamun died from unknown causes in 1323 B.C. while in the ninth year of his reign.  He left no successors; the mummified fetuses of two stillborn daughters were found in his tomb. 

 

An X-ray taken in 1968 exposed damage to his skull, which could have been caused by a fall, blow to the head, or during mummification and caused Egyptologists to contemplate the theory of foul play as a cause of death.  Recently, the boy king’s mummy underwent a CT-scan as part of a landmark, five-year Egyptian research and conservation project, partially funded by National Geographic, in an effort to inventory and scan all of the known mummies in Egypt. This study debunked theories of assassination as the damage to Tutankhamun’s skull occurred after his death. DNA studies conducted in Egypt further showed that he suffered from malaria and may have died from complications from a broken leg.  Although King Tut’s remains lie in a climate-controlled vitrine in his burial chamber in the Valley of the Kings, the Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition includes some of these scans as well as the first 3-D replica of the ancient pharaoh created by sculptor Gary Staab. 

 

Along with the amazing, life-like replica of King Tut’s mummified cadaver,   the exhibition displays the most splendid collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts anywhere outside of Egypt. Breathtaking…awe-inspiring… jaw-dropping…eye-popping…overwhelming, adjectives that fail to justify the majesty of what is to be discovered after stepping through the doors of the Discovery Times Square Exposition.  The antiques along with the narration of legendary actor Omar Sharif via headset intimately transport the patrons into the daily life of the boy king and those in his court.  Last month an additional item joined the exhibit, a chariot, which has been permitted to leave Egypt for the first time.  Of the six chariots that Howard Carter discovered in King Tut’s tomb, this antique from the Antechamber is exceptional because it is the only one that appeared to be used. The construction of the chariot was lighter and simpler than the other five.   There is speculation that it may have been used as a traveling chariot, on the battlefield, or on hunting expeditions. There is also a theory that King Tut may have died after a fall from this chariot.

 

The ancient Egyptian phrase “forever and for eternity” never felt as palpable to me as it did when I visited Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs. Perhaps it was the golden sarcophagus or the replica of Tut’s mummy that spurred the feeling, but as I walked through the exhibit I could feel the presence of King Tut.  Finally his story was being told like it never has before.  I also felt the spirit of Howard Carter, the archeologist that first revealed the pharaoh to us, and suddenly the exposition became otherworldly.  It was if a Stargate had been opened and we were all visiting an undisturbed dimension that has no concept of time.  A feeling of immense humility overcame me as I viewed the spectacle and glory of a culture that has influenced almost every civilization that has come after it.  I realized that with all our modern know how, we can never duplicate the wonder of these relics, which is raison d’être for our continued fascination. 

 

Considering the locale of the Discovery Times Square Exposition, the ticket price for Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs is quite affordable ($29.50 for adults, $26.50 for seniors and $19.50 for children) and part of the ticket sales is helping to fund a new Grand Museum in Cairo.  Broadway has played birthed and played host to countless stars, but none is as incandescent as Tutankhamun. This exhibit will remain in the Big Apple until January 2, 2011 when the boy king and his gilded chariot return to Egypt to rest for good.  FAMERS do not miss this exhibit.  It is an experience that you will take with your forever and beyond.

Photos:  Andreas F. Voegelin and Sammlung Ludwig

Slideshow:  F.A.M.E NYC Editor

Arts, NYC

Sita on the Roof with Cocktails

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Every Thursday, SPEAKEASY NYC hosts an “invitation-only” cocktail party at the Sky Terrace, located on the 15th floor of the Hudson Hotel.  The awe-inspiring view of Manhattan and the Hudson River coupled with the neatly manicured shrubs, open lounge spaces and hammocks, makes the summer in the city even more enjoyable.

Last Thursday, the exclusive party featured a guest appearance by cartoonist and animator Nina Paley, the writer, director and animator of the 2009, soon to be cult-classic, Sita Sings the Blues.  Sita Sings the Blues is an ingenious animated movie that explores the theme of breaking up.  Cleverly woven are two stories, the first is the Sanskrit epic the Ramayana, which tells the story of Rama and his wife Sita.  The second is Nina’s personal story which starts with her happily married in San Francisco and ends with her in Brooklyn recovering from an email from her husband stating her marriage is over.  

 I was first introduced to this short animated film last year, watching Channel 13 on a lazy Saturday night.  I was enchanted with the idea of turning a classic like the Ramayana into a cartoon and pairing it with 1920’s jazz music (Sita’s musical numbers are tracks by Annette Hanshaw).  I am pleased to say that curiosity did not kill the cat.   Sita Sings the Blues is the most entertaining animated short I have seen.    It is naughty, thought-provoking and fun and reincarnates the wonderful music of the “Jazz Age” in a way that is accessible to a modern audience.  Another aspect of the film I appreciated was parallel journeys of Nina and Sita, two women from different eras and cultures struggling to stay devoted to men that did not appreciate their worth.

After the event I watched the Sita Sings the Blues again.  FAMERS if you have not seen this animated short, I encourage you to download it.  It is definitely one to keep in your archives.

To watch or download Sita Sings the Blues click www.sitasingstheblues.com.

NYC, Shopping

Target Hits the Mark in East Harlem

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The famous red bullseye that is the retail chain Target has decided to take a shot at Manhattan.  Its landing at the East River Plaza, located on East 117th Street, signifies the opening of its first store in New York City.  Target’s inaugural Big Apple store resides by a Costco and Best Buy and plans to cater to the residents of Harlem with its merchandise.  Along with more recognizable name brands, the East Harlem location will feature a Harlem Designer Collection with apparel from Stephen Burrows and beach wear and towels from Isabel and Ruben Toledo.  Harlem resident Marcus Samuelsson, world-renowned chef and restaurateur, designed sets of pot holders and napkins, which will also be available online and in stores on the East Coast August 1.  Spanish-language greeting cards, multicultural dolls, Southern food and personal-care products traditionally marketed to blacks and Hispanics will also be available. 

The store officially opens on Sunday, but stars ventured it out on Monday to celebrate its “unofficial” grand opening.  Model Selita Eubanks, Marcus Samuelsson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kelly Rowland, Doug E. Fresh, Tyson Beckford, Russell Simmons, Reverend Run and others were on hand to pose for shutterbugs on the red carpet and welcome Bullseye (the retail chain’s mascot) and the Target family uptown.

John Griffith, executive vice president of property development for Target Corp, stated the opening of the East Harlem location is the company’s largest single investment on any single project.  More than half of the 400 people hired to work there live in the neighborhood.  Employing local residents and affordable pricing is sure to result in a formula for success in Harlem. 

Photos:  Getty Images

NYC

Georgia on My Mind

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No, not the state down yonder famous for its peaches, I am thinking about another place.  The place I am thinking of is located on 89A East Houston Street.  Georgia Beauty is a quaint, very organic beauty boutique and salon that is truly a world on to itself. 

Once passing through the threshold a visitor no longer feels as if they are stepping into a store, instead the intimate aesthetic gives off the aura of single woman’s bedroom or loft space.  The deconstructed walls, aged paint, artwork, heart-shaped washing station and large photo collage give the space a hip, artistic vibe that is still very feminine.  The products and accessories displayed on the walls and throughout the store are not in bulk so the consumer could never feel overwhelmed.  As you walk down the aisle smelling the testers of candles, lotions and creams and touching the belts, bags and other accessories you almost feel as if you are becoming a peeping Tom – touching the products of the woman who lives there, perhaps Georgia.

The concept for this half salon, half beauty store is the brainchild of Jodie Patterson and Kiara Ellozy and is truly a family affair.  Jodie Patterson has worked in the fashion and entertainment industries for 10 years.  Kiara Ellozy started working in the finance industry on Wall Street 15 years ago and holds an undergraduate degree from Harvard and an MBA from Harvard Business School.  Besides being co-owners of Georgia Beauty, they are also in-laws.  Georgia is the name of Kiara’s niece and several members of the family are also investors.  The beauty products and accessories sold at Georgia Beauty come from all over the globe, are chemical free and personally selected by Jodie and Kiara. 

I visited Georgia Beauty for the first time last Friday for an event they were hosting in conjunction with Models International.  But FAMERS I must say it will not be my last.  Georgia Beauty has personality and provides its patrons with a chic, cozy experience.  It is a departure from beauty stores and salons that seem more like pseudo glam factories than a place women would frequent to feel beautiful or collect the items that make them feel beautiful.  Georgia Beauty has everything a woman is looking for when pending their hard earned recession dollars – exclusivity, femininity and class.

To learn more about Georgia Beauty visit www.georgiany.com.

 Photos:  F.A.M.E NYC Editor and www.georgiany.com.

Music, NYC

The Second Coming of LaTonya Blige

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On a cool spring evening I made my way uptown to the Sugar Bar, located on West 72nd Street, for a listening party of a new artist.  But in reality, this was no ordinary new artist.   The listening party held in the restaurant owned by the iconic Ashford & Simpson was for LaTonya Blige, sister to Mary J. Blige the queen of hip hop /soul music. 

Most people would believe that for LaTonya the stakes are high.  She is following in the footsteps of her sister whose pioneering career paved the way for most R&B/hip hop divas in the game today.  If the project is not successful, she will be raked over the coals by the media.  But LaTonya is no stranger to the music industry. The Yonkers native has helped to co-manage, sing background vocals, co-write and co-produced songs for her sister as well as write and co-write songs for Mariah Carey and Faith Evans, all while balancing a family. 

As I watched LaTonya become humbled by the love and support she received on stage by family, friends and other guests, it became abundantly clear that the new incarnation of LaTonya Bilge in the music business is not about individual glory, it is about the love of music and the love she has for the most high.

Shortly after her listening party, I had the opportunity to ask LaTonya a few questions about her new music and singing with her sister.

1.   In the quest to get their material heard, most artists forget that music is a business.  How did the years co-managing your sister help you as you prepared to step into the spotlight?

I came from a music background. My father had his own band and my mother sang occasionally with him.  Working with my sister allowed me to take it to another level. I am a writer first, and then had my own publishing company. This showed me business perspectives as well.

2.   Has there ever been a time that you questioned pursuing singing as a career?

Yes, because it was everyone’s vision at some point, but not the [right] time for me. Now is the time I felt [like] pursuing singing.

3.   What events inspired you to want to sing gospel music?

I was asked to write a song for an artist to a track.  For some reason I couldn’t write R&B lyrics, inspirational was what flowed. My original plan was to do a compilation album. I wanted many artists to participate, such as Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, etc.  I let my sister listen to the songs and she asked me, “Why aren’t you doing this as your own album?” 

4.   You have sung background for your sister Mary and also co-written songs with her.  How did it feel working with your sister on your songs?

Nice, we always had good chemistry together.

5.   What do you say when people compare you to your sister Mary?  

There is no comparison. My sister has been in this industry [over] 20 years crafting her talent and I’m brand new.

6.   You had a listening party at the Sugar Bar.  Describe your feelings as you sang for your family, friends and Ashford and Simpson.

Wonderful, the love and support from family and friends can’t be measured.

7.   What would you like your fans and people listening to your songs for the first time to take away from your music?

To view it simply as music [and] not to categorize, listen to the words in the song and hopefully it will help my listeners.

 

 Photos: http://www.myspace.com/latonyablige

NYC

Getting Ruggy With It, the 2010 Odegard Awards

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We walk, roll, lay, play and spill things on it.  But I bet you had no idea awards were given for it.  Just like art and furniture, a rug provides a room with a distinct personality.  The innovators that help design the wool, cotton, chenille, leather and rubber coverings that we lay on our floors were acknowledged on June 7 at the Odegard Awards.

The Odegard Award for Excellence in Rug Design recognizes outstanding achievement in the area of original student rug design. The competition was created to show student designers how combining modern designs with traditional hand knotting techniques can increase awareness and respect for the legacy of textile and carpet weaving.  The ceremony was held at the Museum of Arts and Design, at 2 Columbus Circle.  The eleven winning designs will be showcased in the design galleries of various universities across the U.S. during a tour that runs from August 2010 through May 2011.

The 2010 Winners are as follows:

Gold – Alice Serres, University of Georgia

Silver – Rebeccah Hardman, Utah State University

Bronze – Lindsey Brown, Utah State University

Calvin Tsao Jury Award – Martha Rex, Utah State University

David Revere McFadden Jury Award – Tracey Darragh, Western Kentucky University

Holly Hotchner Jury Award – Abby Savage, Utah State University

Jack Lenor Larsen Award – Cassandra Carter, Utah State University

Mary McFadden Jury Award – Emily Kozik, School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Michele Oka Doner Jury Award – Nicole Martin, Florida State University

Stephanie Odegard Jury Award – Abby Savage, Utah State University

Stephen Burks Jury Award – Chelsea Bush, Syracuse University

First prize winner Alice Serres received a 6’ x 9’ hand woven carpet of her design and Odegard will include the design in their current carpet line for up to three years.  She may also be available for a two-month paid internship with Odegard in one of their showrooms.

Photos:  Katherine Kostreva