Wednesday, January 19, 2011

OUT 955--ILLI MO ARTS AND ENT. BITZ (JAN 20-26)



HEY OUTTOWNERS!!!


ITS THAT TIME AGAIN.




TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!




THE BIG A&E STORY THIS WEEK IN THE ILLIMO IS: Chicago based talk show mogul Oprah Winfrey method of operation has always been being frank and honest about her life and last Monday was no exception. She was the first guest on Piers Morgan’s new talk show on CNN, that replaced Veteran journalist Larry King’s eponymous titled show. On the show, Winfrey disclosed that she contemplated suicide when she became pregnant at the age of 14 and even tried to drink laundry detergent in attempt to terminate the pregnancy.

"Getting pregnant was a result of bad choices, not having boundaries, sexual abuse from the time I was 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13," she said.

Shortly after the pregnancy, she said her mother sent the young teen to live with her father in Nashville who said to her, "I would rather see a daughter of mine floating down the Cumberland River than to bring shame on this family and the indecency of an illegitimate child."

Then she said, "Before the baby was born, I’m going to have to kill myself," adding she did "stupid things like drinking detergent and all that kind of crazy stuff that you do when you’re trying to get attention, when you’re really just trying to cry for help."

Winfrey said losing the baby who she "had no connection to whatsoever" was a blessing in disguise.

"When the baby died, I knew that it was my second chance," she said.

Winfrey also confessed she has no plans to tie the knot with her longtime partner, Stedman Graham.

"The reason this relationship has worked as well as it has is because we each got to define ourselves in it and not in a traditional form," she said. "... I am a different kind of woman in that I am pretty assured that had I married I wouldn't have remained married. I'm just not the marrying kind."

Well when you become a billionaire, you can pretty much make your own rules. And you think Stedman is complaining? Not at all. LOL.









Two 50 year olds in the Hollywood biz with ILLIMO ties won big at the 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards ceremony held Sunday in the land of LA LA--Jane Lynch and Colin Firth..






Lynch, who's from Doloth, Ill. took home the Best Supporting actress in a Comedy, Musical or Drama Series (this is also her third straight major award win following her Emmy and People's Choice Award) . She won for her soon-to-be cult character, Sue Sylvester, the deadpan humored cheerleading coach on the hit show "Glee."

She was equally enjoyable in making her acceptance speech.

“I am nothing if not falsely humble,” she told the crowd." “The great thing about Glee, the greatest thrill is I have 14-year-old kids coming up to me vibrating out of their bodies saying how happy Glee makes them. When I have the time and I'm not eating and don't want to be bothered, you know, I'll give them a moment of my time.”

“Thank you, [Glee creator] Ryan Murphy for this big fat present. My family in Chicago, I love you so much. I know you're watching. My wife Lara and our kids Chase and Hayden, love you,” Lynch added.

Lynch is openly gay and married Dr. Lara Embry last year on Memorial Day in Massachusetts.


The other ILLIMOiann, Firth, who went to junior high school in St. Louis, won the Best Actor award in a Motion Picture for his role as his portrayal of stammering British monarch King George VI in ‘The King’s Speech’ and had the audience at Los Angeles’ Beverly Hilton Hotel in fits of laughter as he accepted the award as well.

He said, "To get to this stage of your life with your dignity and judgment intact can be somewhat precarious.

“Sometimes all you need is a bit of gentle reassurance to keep you on track but right now this (the award) is all that stands between me and a Harley Davidson.”

In unrelated Firth newz, he was honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame recently.

++++

In related Lynch newz, believes there are many similarities between the teacher and the straight-talking talent show judge.

She said: "If ever there was a guy who tells it like it is, then it's Simon Cowell. You could definitely look at Sue and say there's a lot of Simon in her. He's a great inspiration for the character of Sue - there is a lot that I can take from him and put into her."

Jane also admitted she is "amazed" by the public's reaction to Sue and believes people admire her in the same way they respect music mogul Simon.

She explained in an interview with The Sun newspaper: "Simon and Sue say the things people wish they could in their jobs or at their school, but can't because it's not the done thing.

"Just like him, she says what she wants because she can - there is nobody there to tell either of them to stop."

We cant agree more!


Chicago reared rap star Kanye West is back in the hot seat with his tweets. Last Friday, he got into a twit regarding pop diva Britney Spears who’s latest single, “Hodl it Against Me” just debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 charts. He tweeted, “ Yo Britney I’m really happy for you and I’mma let you be #1, but me and Jay-Z single is one of the best songs of all time! LOL.” Get it?

Spears new single had just beaten his and Jay-Z’s “H.A.M.” for the No. 1 spot on iTunes’ download chart, so West referred back to the words he bluerted duringhsi alcohol induced rage when he grabebd the mic from country superstar Taylor Swift during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards.

This context, plus the “LOL” at the end of the since deleted tweet, made it pretty obvious that he was just kidding around. But some people somehow convinced themselves that he meant to launch actual verbal hostilities against Spears. West had no choice but to return to Twitter this week to clarify his intentions.

“Just saw that MSNBC said I tried to start a twitter war with Brittany,” West wrote in the first of a long series of tweets. “This s— takes the air out my lungs sometimes from blogs to news reports… enough already!!! All I do is focus on my work. There’s a new lie everyday… a new media spin… I never got a watch with my face on it!!! A company tried to give that to me 9 yrs ago! I’m one of the most considerate people in real life. Maybe over considerate. Over caring. Overly real.

There is no astronaut training for celebrity… even though this whole life is so outer space! I was actually surprised that a record as raw as H*A*M could make it to #2 on Itunes. How can u ‘let’ someone be number one??!! That was the whole joke!!! I know intelligent people know this so bear with me. When I said the comment about Brittney I was giving her props for being #1 not dissing her at all! But stop making it seem that my aim is to hurt or down people! That’s just not my style! As pop stars we’re all in this s— together! We on the inside of the TV! If the media wants to make a story … just say I have atrocious spelling and terrible grammar… If you don’t give em a story they just make one up. I’m just trying to focus & stay creative! Keep bringing dope s— to the world!”

Uh, Ye. Yeeeeee. Why tweet the tweet on Twitter when you know the media is waiting with bated breath each time you tweet something. Come on. You know how the media works and you used it yet again to get some publicity….and whats really up with the Kanye watch? LOL

+++++++++++++++

In unrelated Ye newz, it was rumored on Mediatatkeout that he has signed on to do some acting, in a movie about a jazz band with homosexuals in the 1930s. In it, he supposedly will be playing a band member and the movie is supposed to have sex scenes involving the members. The report said this as yet titled film will be funded by Will Smith, Jay Z and Oprah with a budget of 20 million. The script supposedly won none awards, and the Academy has a screenplay program called The Nicholl, and the script for the movie won there twice.

This is all speculation, and from most media players they can’t find such a script. Hmmm.

++++++++++++++++++++

Getting back to his music, West is one of many artists who’s performing at the 2011 Cochella Festival April 15, in Indio, CA. Ye will headline during the finale on April 17. The three day festival kicks off Friday, April 15th, with the Kings of Leon headlining. Also playing opening day are the Black Keys, Interpol, Cee Lo, and Robert Smith collaborators, among dozens of others scheduled to fire everyone up for the weekend.

Also, Ye’s CD, “My Beautiful Twisted Dark Fantasy” has just shipped one million copies earning a platinum disk (which means his label, Rocafella, sent more copies for it to sell a million SEE CHART BITZ for mo einfo on this CD)















Chicago native and First Lady Michelle Obama celebrated her 47th b-day on Martin Luther King b-day Jan 17. To celebrate, her and her husband, President Barack Obama with a quiet dinner on Monday. The two reportedly went to Wolfgang Puck's The Source restaurant in Washington DC , located in the same building as the Newseum, according to a pool report.

"They were seen briefly on their way in to the restaurant, and Barack waved to a person who said hello to him from a balcony a few floors up in the Newseum Residences," the Politico quoted the report as saying.

"The first couple dined upstairs with the blinds closed. At about 9:20, staff from the restaurant began putting salt down on the very icy sidewalk. At 9:37 pm, after a two-hour dinner, the first couple descended the stairs.

"Your pool could see Michelle come down first in what looked like a dark sleeveless dress. Barack followed in a jacket and open collar white shirt. He held her coat for her as she put it on and then walked out with his left arm around Michelle. She got in on the left side of an SUV and he on the right.

As the first couple left, the Motorcade, which stopped for traffic lights on the short trip back up Pennsylvania Ave, arrived back at the White House at 9:45 p.m," it said.

And yawl know what happened after 9:45 p.m….LOL








The Chicago Bears won over Seattle last Sunday 35-24 in the NFC Division Title. The Bears now advance to play North Divison champs Green Bay Packers this Sunday at Solder Field in Chitown. Either the Bears or Packers will be packing their bags for Dallas and a chance to compete for a World Championship. The winner advances to the Feb. 6 Super Bowl against the winner of the AFC title game Sunday between the New York Jets and Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Both teams have a history in their rivalry, The Bears and Packers have played each other 182 times dating back to 1921, the most in NFL history. The two teams have won a combined 21 NFL Championships.

We think it will be Chicago and The New York Jets in the Super Bowl..

In related newz, If his beloved Chicago Bears advance to Super Bowl XLV, President Barack Obama plans to attend the game in Dallas.

"If the Bears win, I'm going no doubt," Obama said via CNN’s Ed Henry, after an Oval Office media availability with Chinese President Hu Jintao.

Can you imagine the Prez at the Super Bowl??? Yes. So come on Bears! LOL








Is Chicago native award winning rapper/actor Common, who was recently nominated for an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor for his role in "Just Wright," about to jump the broom with girlfriend tennis superstar Serena Williams? Gossipmongers have been working overtime these past few months, insisting that the two are currently wedding planning. In addition, Selita Ebanks, former Victoria's Secret model and Williams' BFF (and star of Kanye Wests’s art film, “Runaway”), made an appearance on the Wendy Williams show this week, and a certain coy comment she made is now adding fuel to the fire.

When asked by Wendy if her athlete buddy is indeed aisle-bound, Selita smiled shyly and stumbled through her answer.

"I'm the best friend, and I wouldn't be the best friend if I told you, so I don't know," she told the talk show host.

Hmm.We think Ebanks has told on the couple.





THE BIG STL NEWZ STORY IS:

Time is ticking on whether the baseball contract negotiations between St. Louis Cardinals first baseman and slugger Albert Pujols and the organization will be set in time before the team goes to Jupiter, Fla. for training next month. During a press conference at the annual Winter Warm Up (where he was signing autographs for fans at we\ll over $100 a signage) held at Hyatt on the Riverfront last weekend, Pujols said he wants to spend his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals but he declined to provide any kind of update on negotiations. His agent has said he will cut off talks at the start of spring training if an agreement is not in place, and general manager John Mozeliak confirmed the deadline on this Saturday.

If the Cardinals fail to meet it, its adios Cardinals after this upcoming season and hola to free agency.

A representative of Pujols' agent stood next to Pujols during the press conference before Pujols signed autographs at the Warmup.

"Do you want to bring all that into the clubhouse all year, like you guys have been doing the last couple of years?" Pujols said. "No. I respect my teammates more than this contract."That's why you have to set some deadline on this, and that's it."

Chairman Bill DeWitt said the Cardinals' payroll for next season projects to "well above $100 million," which is the highest ever for the franchise and includes $16 million for Pujols' option year. DeWitt said Pujols was irreplaceable, both as a talent and as the face of the franchise.

DeWitt said the best word to characterize the Cardinals' stance was hopeful.

Manager Tony La Russa said he'd stay out of the talks.

The reports also say just because the Cardinals don’t meet the deadline (which is now apparent that it was given by Pujols) Pujols will leave. It’s a possibly that perhaps The Cardinals could sign him after next season.

Pitchers and catchers report to Jupiter, Fla., on Feb. 13 with the first workout the following day. The full squad is due into camp by Feb. 18.

We are sure that Dewitt will sign up Pujols before Feb 13--no doubt on that. we are sure the contract has been ironed out and ironed out again. The Cards organization aint no fool. They know Pujols will step if he doesn’t get his way. We are willing to bet the deal will be signed by this weekend.




+++
In St. Louis Rams Newz, former Denver Broncos coach Josh McDaniels has been hired to oversee the St. Louis Rams' offense and the further development of quarterback Sam Bradford. The Rams hired McDaniels Tuesday as the replacement for offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, who was hired as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns last week.

Read more: http://www.bnd.com/2011/01/19/1556467/former-denver-coach-hired-as-coordinator.html#ixzz1BZ25MeJ5

In related newz, Before St. Louis Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo talked about the hire of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, he announced Wednesday that assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach Dick Curl, is retiring. Curl, who worked with Spangnulo with the Frankfurt Glaxy in NFL Europe in 1998, joined Spagnuolo's staff in St. Louis in 2008. Spagnuolo and McDaniels have not yet discussed replacing Curl. McDaniels' brother, Ben, was Josh's quarterbacks coach in Denver. Spagnuolo did not rule out Josh McDaniels pulling double duty as the coordinator and QBs coach.
+++++

In unrelated rams newz, Rams safety Oshiomogho Atogwe in is a tragedy of sorts with winning results. He can decide on the day after the Super Bowl, or Feb. 7, whether to void the final four years of a five-year contract he signed with the Rams last June 25. If Atogwe voids the contract, he becomes a free agent. However, there doesn't seem to be much incentive for Atogwe to void the contract, because the second milepost arrives just two weeks later, or on Feb. 21. That's when Atogwe is due an $8 million roster bonus by the Rams.

Talk about a dilemma. Which one do you think he will take? we think the bonus.




There are reports coming out that singer Ray J had a scuffle with Chitown native singer Jerimih during his b-day party in Vegas last week according to mediatakeout.

Here's a report, from a local site:

According to a reliable source, there was an altercation between Ray J and Jeremih. Its reported that Jeremih was a little touch feely, walking through the party trying to put his jawn on a few ladies. Well one of those ladies happened to be Ray J's girl! Its reported that Ray J checked Jeremih for disrespecting him and his girl. The details aren't available as the scuffle took place real quick.

Hmm, what is really goin on here? Who knows what actually happened, but is it easy to assume that alcohol was involved? Its likely.

















Three ILLIMOians are starring in the indy film, “The Heart Specialist: that is in limited release in theaters which began last weekend. They are Kansas City Mo. native Ed AsnerABOVE), Chicago native Marla Gibbs and Kinloch Mo native Jenifer Lewis.







The film, which was filmed in part in 2006, was not well received and did not do well at the Box Office. (No 19 at the Box Office and making over $500,000 in ticket sales). According to one critic, "The Heart Specialist" () never rises above mediocrity. Adding to the overall television vibe is the presence of such familiar small-screen faces as Ed Asner, Jasmine Guy and Marla Gibbs in ineffective cameos. Filmed in 2006 (some parts were filmed in 2010) but only now receiving a limited theater release no doubt thanks to the presence of rising star Zoe Saldana ("Avatar"), the African-American, medical-themed "The Heart Specialist" plays like a poorly written episode of Gray's Anatomy. This awkward, amateurish blend of comedy and melodrama will need life support stat to prevent it from immediately disappearing from theaters.

Ouch. Maybe it woulda played better if it was a straight to DVD flick. But we do hear that Marla Gibbs and Jenifer Lewis are scene stealers and we are definitely not surprised at that!


IN ILLI MO REALTY:


Calvin Tran Urbana, Ill native and Chitown resident and ultra bitch diva Calvin Tran survived WEEK 9 on the reality competition show FASHION SHOW. He is one of three left. Next week is the finale. It will air next Tuesdays on Bravo TV.








ILLI MO CHART BITZ


Speaking of Kanye West and Jay Z's single, "HAM," it debuts at No. 23 on Billboard's Hot 100 this week and moves up from No. 94 to No. 48 on the Hip Hop /R&B charts in its second week. The fourth single, "All of the Lights" off Ye's platinum CD, "My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy" moves up from No. 88 to No 74 in its 3rd week on the Hot 100 and moves up 20 spots to No. 41 on the R&B/Hip Hop chart.... Speaking of Ye's CD., it is still in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200 (No 10)R&B Album chart (No. 3) and Rap Album chart (No. 2)........St. Louis native singer/producer Akon is featured on rapper Flo Rida's hit, "Who's dat Girl" that moves up ten spots to No 29........Chicago native singer/musician Jerimih lands his second Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 as his single, "Down on Me" featuring rapper 50 Cent moves up seven spots to No 38. the song also move sup six spots to No 22 on the Hip-Hop /R&B chart.......Lastly, Chitown native singer/producer R Kelly moves up seven spots to No. 29 with his single, "Love Letter" on the R&B/Hip Hop chart and his single "When A Woman Loves" still remains in the Top 30 on the same chart falling three spots to No 24 peaking at No. 16. His CD, "Love Letter" is still n the Top 20 on the Billboard 200 ( No. 17) and the Top 5 on the R&B-Hip Hop Album chart (No. 5).
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

As St. Louis aldermen and state officials debate in the coming months on approval of tax-financed incentives key to the long-stalled Ball park Village project next to Busch Stadium, Cardinals president Bill DeWitt III and the team's development partner, Baltimore-based Cordish Co., gave their first public airing of the new Ballpark Village plan Wednesday. It came at a meeting of the city's Missouri Downtown Economic Stimulus Authority, one of three groups that must approve tax revenue bonds, and which voted to do so. The latest version of the long-awaited development was revealed this week. Phase one: 225,000 square feet of office space, 100,000 square feet of retail and entertainment. Cost: $146.1 million Construction on phase 1 could be done by mid-2013. All phases: 750,000 square feet of office space, 360,000 square feet of retail and entertainment, 250 condominiums. Cost: $555 million

St. Louis aldermen will consider a development agreement and bonds backed with tax revenue from the project. That should be submitted within "weeks, not months," city officials said.

If bonds are approved, the plan will go to the Missouri Department of Economic Development and then the Missouri Development Finance Board, which must also approve the bonds. Then bonds are sold, raising money for construction, which the Cardinals hope can begin this summer.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Denver Broncos running back and St. Louis native Laurence Maroney was arrested late Monday night in St. Louis, his publicist said. Maroney, was released Tuesday morning from a holding cell without being charged, according to publicist Jane Higgins.

Police refused to identify anyone arrested but said five men were arrested about 10:30 p.m. after police spotted three vehicles disrupting traffic outside the Chaifetz Arena. Police arrested the men on suspicion of marijuana possession and unlawful use of a weapon.

According to police, officers spotted three vehicles circling the arena and causing a slowdown in traffic as they stopped to talk to passersby. Police said those inside the vehicles were seen smoking what was thought to be marijuana. Police stopped two of the vehicles but a third drove off and was not found.

One of the stopped vehicles was an Infiniti Q56 they pulled over at Grand Boulevard and Cass Avenue. Six people were in the vehicle, and police seized what appeared to be marijuana, a .45-caliber handgun, a 9mm pistol and a .223-caliber rifle.

Higgins said Maroney, 25, owns a late-model Infiniti and was riding in his car on his way to a concert (The State of Emergency Concert at Chaifetz) when police stopped it. She did not know what concert and would not identify the others in the vehicle.

"Mr. Maroney was unlawfully arrested for possession of weapons," Higgins said in a statement. "He holds a permit to carry a concealed weapon. He was not arrested for any drugs nor was he involved in a high-speed chase. He was released without being charged with any offense and we do not anticipate he will be charged with any criminal offense."

Police confirmed that a 25-year-old passenger from the Infiniti has a valid conceal-and-carry permit but was arrested for possessing a firearm while under the influence of drugs.

OUCH.

Police are applying for warrants, and are waiting on lab tests of the substance they believe to be marijuana. The test results could take up to a month.

We gather Maroney will get a suspended sentence but luckilly he had a gun permit!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

THREE MAJOR CONCERTS came through the STL last weekend.


On Sunday night (more like Monday morning), Ms Lauryn Hill came through The Pageant. From our reports, many had mixed feelings on the concert itself (which began close to midnite Sunday) not on the time she arrived on stage (which was part of of her tour's mystique) but how she performed her songs.


According to The Posts's Kevin Johnson's review: Hill, in her trademark Afro hair style and simple slacks ensemble, seemed in good spirits when she hit the stage just before midnight...Right off the top, after nicely greeting the crowd, Hill told or perhaps warned her fans she would be doing old music in new ways "to keep it interesting.....Instead, she twisted and turned songs such as "Lost Ones," "When It Hurts So Bad," "How Many Mics" and "Final Hour" into new compositions, often sped up and boasting fierce new rock backings.Hill's execution was great, and there is obviously plenty going on in her head musically these days. Her voice is still there, a little raspy but workably so, and her band clearly has mighty chops to tackle the night's remixes and reinventions."

A reviewer from the Riverfront Times wrote:"Anyone expecting a trainwreck last night at the Pageant would come away mighty disappointed, however. Hill's concert was incredible...Ms. Lauryn Hill, her hair arranged in a close-cropped, helmet-like afro, emerged from backstage.

The crowd went absolutely berserk at the sight of the 35-year-old, who was sporting a smart cream-colored tailored pantsuit over a dark brown shirt. Notably, Hill also wore a shrug that had a gigantic fur collar; it kept slipping off her shoulders, but she kept it on all night. Immediately, she announced her intentions for the concert: "We're going to do old music in new ways.Those who stuck around, however, witnessed some remarkable music.The encore's highlight, of course, was "Doo Wop (That Thing)." As the song's familiar plinking piano chords began, the crowd embraced it with joyous abandon.

Throughout the night, Hill herself was lucid and gracious. She thanked the audience multiple times for coming to the show and any ribbing she gave her band mates was good-natured and meaningful"

The concert ended at 1: 30 am Monday, during the venues closing time. Opening up were various local deejays setting the party mood before she arrived on stage. We also heard that Hill surprisingly greeted fans in the back of the venue while in a car with the winodw down as fans snapped her picture and yelling out how much they loved her.



ON MLK Day was Loosecannon's uber hood concert State of Emergency that was held at The Chaifetz arena starring Rock Ross (PICTURED), Wocka Flocka, Trina, Lloyd and opener Travis Porter.

According to The Posts's Kevin Johnson, Wocka Flocka upstaged the show from Ross.


He wrote in his review: Though Ross was the night's headliner and closing act, it was Flame who stole the show. Flame is a big mess of a rapper, from his recent legal woes to his rapping about nothing. But he's huge on the streets with songs performed at this show such as "Hard in Da Paint" and "(Expletive) This Industry." Rapper Wale joined in during their "No Hands" remix.

Ross, the best rapper on the bill, actually lost the crowd as his set wore on to the point where his songs ended with no applause. Clearly, this was Flame's crowd, and Ross had problems keeping their attention on songs such as "Everyday I'm Hustlin," "The Boss," "All I Do I Win," "Aston Martin Music" and "Play Your Part" featuring Wale.


Johnson also commented about Trina saying, "she's still worthy of the game during her set that included a bit too much fiddling with her tight and apparently uncomfortable spiked corset. She finally hit the stage after a long delay for songs such as "Pull Over," "That's My Attitude," "Nann," "Here We Go Again" and the "5 Star Chick" remix."

Lloyd and Travis Porter were OK, but not memorable.



AND






For the heavy metal fans, the Prince of Darkness Ozzy Osbourne performed a satisfying near three hour set last Friday at the Scott Trade Center.

According to one review on stltoday.com, At the show's outset, Osbourne offered the sizeable crowd a deal: "The crazier you get, the longer we will play."

For once, that wasn't just empty showbiz talk. The audience did its part, and Osbourne, backed by a mostly new band led by flashy guitar slinger Gus G., expanded his set list and played for two-and-a-quarter hours. He mixed essential solo material like "Crazy Train," "Mr. Crowley" and "Mama, I'm Coming Home" with Black Sabbath classics including "Iron Man," "Paranoid" and an especially vigorous take on "War Pigs."

Osbourne is 62 now, and while his rock and roll spirit is still more than willing, the flesh is sometimes weak. His voice wavers off key, he shuffles about and his constant imprecations for the audience to wave their arms or clap along make him seem like a particularly persistent aerobics teacher at the rest home.

Somehow, though, it's impossible not to be on his side. He repeatedly nailed the front rows with a foam-spewing fire hose, dropped the F-bomb in every sentence he spoke and, for the short film that opened the show, comically inserted himself into scenes from "Avatar," "Jersey Shore," "The Hangover" "Twilight" and a Lady Gaga video. Osbourne is one of a kind, and it's fun to simply be in his presence for a couple of hours.

+++++
We heard that Yung Joc performed on MLK night over on the East Side we think at Club Flava. But the question is, how many came through espcially during the State of mergency concert? \





Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, annually one of the most popular autographs at the Winter Warm-Up, was a last-minute cancellation Monday at the Hyatt Regency.

Fans were notified that the award winning catcher would not attend five minutes before he was supposed to take the stage.

Cardinals officials said that Molina opted not to attend the Warm-Up so that he could attend to a family matter. Molina texted an official to alert the team his daughter was ill.

Fans paid $90 for a ticket to get Molina's autograph -- one of the highest-priced and in-demand tickets of this year's Warm-Up. A Cardinals official said that the team was giving refunds, and there won't be a chance to reschedule.








Grammy Award winning jazz singer Al Jarreau will perform at the Touhill Performmng Arts Center Feb 11.









Island escape artist Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band is performing May 3 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.






Chuck Berry is performing Feb. 16 at his regular monthly haunt, Blueberry Hill's Duck Room


++++

St. Lunatic members and blood brothers MURPHY LEE & KYJUAN will be at SCHNUCKS IN University City JANUARY 29TH FROM 4PM-6PM! FOR THEIR FREAKY MUSCATO WINE TASTING. THEY ALSO WILL BE TAKING PICTURES AND SIGNING AUTOGRAPHS.






Grammy-nominated vocalist Carla Cook will perform at the 20th Annual St. Louis Arts Awards, an annual celebration of St. Louis' top artist, arts educators and arts supporters. Cook will sing a medley of jazz standards in tribute to Lifetime Achievement in the Arts honoree, "Lady Jazz" Mae Wheeler.

Sponsored by the Arts and Education Council, the awards are 6 p.m. Monday at the Khorassan Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza. Other performers include the Community Music School of Webster University and the St. Louis Children's Choirs who will perform ""We Have a Dream" by Arts Innovator honoree, Paul K. Reuter of the Sheldon and Debra Walton who will perform "River Deep, Mountain High" from the Repertory Theatre's upcoming production of "Beehive: The 60s Musical." The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis is being honored for Excellence in the Arts.

Other honorees include literary arts champion Karen Duffy of Duff's restaurant, educator Wayne Salomon, philanthropist Christian B. Peper and corporate sponsor Wells Fargo. For more information, visit keeparthappening.org.



Southeast Missouri University is sponsoring two journalists in their lecture series.




On Wednesday, Roland Martin, award-winning journalist, author and CNN and Tom Joyner Morning Show contributor, presented the keynote address at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Dinner, “Living the Spirit of the Dream.”




AND



Lisa Ling, correspondent for the Oprah Winfrey Show and former contributor to ABC News’ Nightline and National Geographic’s Explorer, will speak Feb. 23 at the Universoty's Show Me Center












50's-60's SUPER DOO-WOP / R&B GROUP, THE DRIFTERS, WILL BE PERFORMING at the New Ground Floor in Belleville, ILL, Jan 22.





KMOX personality John Carney broadcast his last show Wedneday night on the radio station after 12 years with the station. He sites his departure for the station’s move to make itslef a larger sports market with the return of Cardinals baseball radio casts and the constant preemptingof his show for hockey. But not to fret, Carney, who’s father, the late Jack Carey also was a braodcaster on KMOX, will be the new morning drive guy on CBS affiliate KEZK FM starting Monday starting at 5 am and is in talks to continue his Carney Sundays Show on KMOX on occasion.

Wow thats a major blow. He was quite good on his show and very diverse in his choices of guests and contributors. He will be missed!

++++

ADD: The new season of the Best of the STL is back which began this Wedensday. It can be seen on STL TV(check your local listings) and Saturdays at ABC 30 at 6p.m.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The 2nd annual Clayton Restaurant Week kicks off Monday, Jan. 24 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 30. Nineteen restaurants are participating this year with 3-courses-for-$25 menus (or, in some cases, 4 courses, not including tax and tip). http://www.claytonrestaurantweek.net/2011/index.html





Adult film star Kapri Styles hosted a party titled, “The Hangover: X rated Edition” that was promoted by Close To Famous and Delux Magazine last Saturday.








After a shorthanded city committee one week ago denied permission for a mixed martial arts sports contest at the DuPage Expo Center next month, council members Tuesday evening approved a permit for a similar event to be held in March. After agreeing on two amendments, the St. Charles City Council voted 6-4 to allow the MMA Sport Federation to stage an evening of bouts at the hall on March 12.

Officials said the March 12 evening event will feature mixed martial arts competitors from Dublin, Ireland, and will coincide with the city's St. Patrick's Day parade earlier that day.

The
DuPage Expo Center, a 23,000-square-foot multi-use building, lies on the eastern edge of the city near the DuPage Regional Airport
and has hosted several previous mixed martial arts events.

In approving the event, aldermen voted unanimously to specify that only age 21 and older may attend and that alcohol sales at the venue must be suspended before the start of the penultimate bout or
10:30 P.M.
, whichever occurs first.

Because of the age restriction, competitors under age 21 will not be able to participate.

On Jan. 10, a proposal for a Feb. 19 event came before the Planning and Development Committee, which voted 4-3 against the idea. Also, the city's Government Operations Committee on Jan. 3 denied a permit for a series of four mixed martial arts contests proposed for the historic Arcada Theatre, with members indicating such events were not an appropriate use in downtown St. Charles.


++++

ST. LOUIS CREAM OF THE CROP HIP HOP CONCERT will take place January 28 at 9:00p at The Gramophone 4243 Manchester Ave. Promoted by MC J-Biggs, Anthony Roberts, Dee Win, FamilyAffair J Jones. Performing live are Rockwell Knuckles, Hakeem tha Dream, Family Affair, International Tone, MC J-Biggs, D Win, and Space de Cashtronaut.

+++++

ADD:Juanita Place will be performing Friday morning at 9 am Jan 21 on the Tim Ezell show at 9am. http://www.fox2now.com/They will be performing two hit singles from there newly released album "Her Hero". Tune in to see JP's live performance Friday morning OR catch them live Friday night at the Koken Art Factory 2500 Ohio Ave. http://www.kokenartfactory.com/
+++++

SAVAGELIFE IS CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR OPENING TALENT TO OPEN UP FOR THE MEET THE CONNECT TOUR STARING SHAWTY LO TO SAT FEB 19TH @ CLUB ROLEX IN EAST ST LOUIS IL (SEE OUTGOING BITZ)


+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++





STL AQUARIANians BDAZE (JAN 20-26)Radio veteran Chaz Saunders, actor Herman Gordon, and rappers Young Rhome, and Legion Lucciano.







YOURS TRULY is working on two projects this year:


The first is SNAP HONEY, a stageplay about an aging female impersonator who returns home to perform one last time her one woman play and finds out her abusive father is dying and contemplates whether to visit him. The settings will be at a talk show and at the one woman play. The play will take place March 18-20 at The Space, 3016 Locust. It will star Jaron Hicks as Vageena Honey and L.A. Williams as Dr. Welfarus Jones who will reprise their roles from the 2007 stagepoem “Monologues and PENISillin.” For ticket and to get on the list for a discount ticket email snaphoney2011@gmail.com

AND MISTA COUTURE NY ’11. We are seeking sponsors as well as models who would like to audition for the New York auditions. The STL auditions will be March 26 at OLA STYLES, 18173 Eduson Suite C in Chesterfield . One STL model will be chosen to audition in The NYC auditions that will be in April. If you are a gent with style, you can email manfashionshow@yahoo.com with a recent head and body shot in your best style of fashion and a brief mp3 video bio of yourself and why you think you are Mr Couture. The show is set for Father’s Day Weekend in NYC. Further details are upcoming




BLIND DISH. which radio personality was seen recently leanin up in a easy chair reading a book at St. Louis Bread Company on Delmar in the U City Loop?

HINT 1. It is a female

HINT 2. They work with a Clear Channel St. Louis station

HINT 3. She shares the same last name with another radio personality who had a morning show on Clear Channel's rival radio network in the early 2000s.


WHO'S PRO-MO-CIAL-ICIOUS THIS WEEK? Mocha Latte and Phil Assets of Liquid Assets

Mocha Latte. Continuing her promocialiciousness, Latte started off the week spotted at Lauryn Hill's concert at The Pageant on late Sunday/early Monday (and we are sure passing out fliers to State of Emergency concert and afterparty at Label) ) , hosting State of Emergency afterparty for Lloyd party at The Label Monday nite (instead of hosting her usual MPAC's Martini Mondays gig at Envy) which also doubled as a bday party for the singer , then on Wednesday she hosted her monthly Got Lyrics poetry showcase at Exo (it was postponed at the last minute due to the weather) and on Saturday she will host the weekly Open Bar Saturdays at The Label.






Phil Assets The CEO of Liquid Assets is continuing his No, 1 Promoter status this week starting the week off with a Pre-State of Emeregnecy b-day bash for himself and several other noted STL Capricorns held Sunday at Club Amnesia that over 700 folk attended, then, on Monday , he helped co-promote the massively packed State of Emergency afterparty for concert performer Rick Ross (along with Loose cannon) and he and his group will continue its weekly event troika at Club Amnesia with Relaxed Thursdays, Fierce Fridays and Successful Saturdays.


WORDZ TO THE WHYZ??????????????????????????????????????????




Why did the Republicans repeal Obama’s Health care bill knowing it wont pass in the Senate? Why is Aretha Franklin so adamant to have Halle Berry play her in her biopic? And why wont Aretha speak on medically what she actually has? Why didn’t that doctor tell the older guy he was going to chop off his schlong during his circumcision after discovering he had cancer during his induced sleep surgery? Why is STL comedian Maurice G put a half nekkid pic of himself on his Facebook page? Why is Haiti still in shambles after the earthquake? Why are people trippin off Lauryn Hills being late to concert when she does it everywhere? Why didnt the STL not feel Rick Ross's set during the State of Emergency concert? Why did Kanye West think the media weren’t going to rip him for his joke tweet about Britney Spears beating him to No. 1 on I Tunes? Why was Diddy caught carrying a Louis Vuitton purse and Air Jordan flip flops in an airport? Why is Luther Uncle Luke’ Campbell running for Mayor of Miami? Whycant radio and TV stations who report school closings can save tume by just reportung the shcools hat are OPEN? LOL And why is gas in the STL are $3.00 and higher?

AT THE GOLDEN GLOBES: Why are folk raggin on comic actor host Ricky Gervais for his jabs at Hollywood stars at Golden Globe Awards when he was lauded for it the past couple of years? Why was teen stars Justin Bieber and Hailee Steinfield looking blank faced after Toy Story 3 director Lee Unkrich asked him after winning, "Were you two even born when the first Toy Story came out?" Why did Robert Downey Jr go into a bit about having had sexual relations with all five women nonimated for Best Actress in a Motion Picture? Why did it seem the stars were laughing and talking thoughout the speeches? And why was Robert Deniro and Al Pacino rambling duringtehri speeches? And why did DeNiro say most of the members of eh Hollywood Foreign Press got deported along with most of the waiters?



EVENTZ THIS WEEK (JAN 20-26)




The Rep's production of "The Fall of Heaven" runs through Jan. 30. Box office: 314-968-4925.

+++

MOTRE JUST SHOT THE VIDEO FOR THERE HIT SINGLE...CRUSH and to celebrate they will perform at CERTIFIED THURSDAYS at The Venue this Thursday EVERYBODY FREE TILL 12 LADIES DRINK FREE TILL 11PM.....AND YES DJ KRISSTYLE ON THE 1'S AND 2'S HOSTED BY OOOPS...DOORS OPEN AT 10PM.. DRESS CODE LAXED NO BALL CAPS OR PLAIN T'S THATS IT...YOU DONT WANNA MISS THIS


Join Stress Free Fridays this Friday, January 21, 2011 as we visit the West End Grill & Pub, located at 345 N. Boyle Avenue in the Central West End...this is a very unique venue that offers great food/drinks/music...tell a friend and bring plenty of business cards as you never know who you might meet...5pm start time!

+++++

The Giver Friday, Jan 21 7:30p

at Edison Theatre at Wash U

Presented by Metro Theater Company and Edison Theatre
By Eric Coble
Based on the book The Giver by Lois Lowry
Directed by Carol North
Twelve-year-old Jonas lives in a perfect world - no pain, no poverty, no prejudice, no choices. Everyone has an assigned role. Very, very rarely, someone special is selected to serve as "Receiver of Memory.
read more

Price: ADULT $16.00 SENIOR $12.00 CHILD $12.00 STUDENT $12.00

Phone: (314) 621-3182

Presented by Metro Theater Company and Edison Theatre

By Eric Coble
Based on the book The Giver by Lois Lowry
Directed by Carol North


More Info First show of 2011! Cafe Soul is BACK with the hottest performances & tribute to Teena Marie! Friday, Jan. 21st @ The Loft Capricorn/Aquarius celebrate your bday with us - call 314-504-7405!





1st Fridays St Louis present Singer Solange Knowles, will be at Exo Bar and Nightclub Jan. 21 for an event titled Pink Friday, where she will DJ.Singing duties will be relegated to STL singer Teresa Jenee.



++++++++

The 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis will be holding their after party at Exo after their president induction ceremony It will be Jan 22 starting at 10 p.m.

They would like to ask you to RSVP to each event by clicking on the link below.

https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg?llr=mhud4beab&oeidk=a07e38n0hn93f51da5a&oseq




Emmy Award winning comedian Jerry Seinfield will perform at The Fabulous Fox Jan 22




++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
MOCHAs CORNER





Check out Mocha Mondays at Mo spoons Martini Mondays at Envys

Check out Mocha at Open Bar Saturdays at The Label



Her poetry showcase Got Lyrics ' schedule will be monthly at Club Exo. (CLICK ON PIC FOR INFO)

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY LITTLE GIRL OR LITTLE BOYS WINTER CLOTHING..SIZE 2T-5T THAT THEY WANT TO DONATE? i KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE IN NEED OF CLOTHING FOR THEIR FAMILIES ON FB. ALOT OF PEOPLE HAVE FALLEN ON HARDTIMES AND THIS THE TIME TO HELP ONE ANOTHER. EVERY DAY IS A GOOD DAY TO LEND A HELPING HAND.

++

LOOKING FOR JOB READINESS AND TRAINING/GED MUST BE 19-21 BETTER FAMILY LIFE CAN HELP!! CALL KIP WILLIAMS 314-679-3376. THEY ARE ENROLLING NOW!! THEY HAVE SO MANY SUPPORT SERVICES:LEGAL ASSISTANCE, CRISIS INTERVENTION/COMMUNITY SERVICES OPPORTUNITIES,DAY CARE,SCHOLARSHIPS AND MORE.

+++

Mocha's column COFFEE TALK can be seen in the weekly The Evening Whirl newspaper published on Mondays.

For more info on these items, contact Miss Latte at 314.646.9917 or sgalvin26@yahoo.com

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

AD's SPOT




Rhythm & Words Wednesdays 2nd & 4th Wed every month Meshon's Bar & Grill 410 N Tucker Blvd

ThundaGrownd Thursday Variety Showcase Final Thu. of every month 8:30pm - 10:30pm $5 cover Big Moe's1072 Tower Grove St across from Sweetie Pie's on Manchester

Word Therapy @ Club Paradise :Open Mic Final Friday of the month $5 cover first 10 on the sign-up list free 812 Martin Luther King Dr,East St. Louis

New CD "ThundaGrowndPresentsA.D. Fire & Adrenaline"

Aireez DaRychuss music available online now

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-music&field-keywords=aireez&x=11&y=21

Join the Mailing List get 9 exclusive free downloads

http://www.reverbnation.com/c/fr5/artist_375108?eid=A375108_6973994_

MORE INFO on AireezDarychuss

http://www.facebook.com/rychuss

http://www.sonicbids.com/rychuss


http://music.blackplanet.com/rychuss

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
BLACK REP BITZ





Pericles by William Shakespeare

THRU January 30, 2011

Directed by Andrea Frye

Bordellos & abduction, pirates & fisherman, tournaments & hurricanes, politics & intrigue, laughter & tears, loss & reunion, lies & treachery, death & miracles, exhilaration & sex, royalty & commoners, magic & mystery. Across oceans of time and distance, a royal family is torn apart and reunited in this sweeping epic of love, faith, and perseverance. Pericles moves in time through the Diaspora from the shores of pre-colonial Africa to the Caribbean, to New Orleans and twentieth-century Atlanta among others. With lively original music and dance, some of Shakespeare’s most beautiful language transports us from palaces to shipwrecks and storms at sea, to temples and bawdy houses in a panorama of breathtaking visual imagery creating a stunning metaphor for the African American experience.

The show will take place at Grandel Square Theatre in Grandel Square in St. Louis

For times and ticket info go to

http://ev6.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventList?groupCode=BLA05JAN11&linkID=metro

UPCOMING BLACK REP productions:

Ruined By Lynn Nottage February 9 - March 6, 2011

+++

The Real McCoy By Lynn Nottage March 16 – April 10, 2011

++++

Black Pearl Sings! By Frank Higgins April 20 – May 15, 2011

+++++++++++++

The Montford Point Marine By Samm-Art Williams May 25 – June 26, 2011

++++++++++++

For OUTGOING BITZ GO TO

http://maatology.blogspot.com/2010/03/ongoing-bitz-april-week-one.html

FIN.

























































No comments:

Post a Comment