HEY OUTTOWNERS!

IT’S THAT TIME!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

The BIG A &E STORY THIS WEEK IS:

The 63 rd Annual Primetime Emmy Awards were announced Thursday morning and ILLI MO actors were represented fully again this year. STL native Jon Hamm, picked up yet another nomination for Lead Actor for his role in ‘Mad Men” while his series had the second most nods with 19. Oak Park, Ill native and Emmy Award winner Betty White copped a nomination for Best Supporting Actress in her role in “Hot in Cleveland,” Chicago native and Emmy Award winning actor Andre Braugher scored another Emmy nod for Best Supporting Actor in a Drama for a second year for his role on :Men of a Certain Age.” Last year winner’s Doloth, Ill native Jane Lynch (who will be hosting the awards this year) and Kansas City, Ks native Eric Stonestreet got nominated again for Best Supporting Actress and Actor for their roles on “Glee” and “Modern Family: respectively. Newbie Emmy nominee Melissa McCarthy of Plainfield, Illinois, was the only cast member on the new hit show, “Mike and Molly;’ to get a nomination for Best Lead Actress in a Comedy. She also helped announce the awards on Thursday.

Chicago resident and talk show maven Oprah Winfrey has decided that if you want to get the job done, you better do it yourself. The former daytime talkshow queen has named herself chief executive and chief creative officer of OWN, the cable network she launched in partnership with Discovery Communications. The announcement was made early Wednesday morning.

The move comes just over two months after Christina Norman was forced out as CEO of OWN in a management shake-up. Norman, who exited only four months after the channel made its debut, was OWN's third head since its formation was announced in 2008.

“I am ready to dedicate my full creative energy and focus as the full-time CEO of OWN," Winfrey said in a statement.

Since Norman left, Peter Liguori, the chief operating officer of Discovery Communications and a former top executive at Fox Broadcasting, had been serving as interim CEO.

Also taking top positions at OWN are two of Winfrey's trusted lieutenants. Erik Logan and Sheri Salata, currently presidents of Harpo Studios, Winfrey's production company, will now serve as presidents of OWN.

Looks like The O is about to change things around. We are sure it was difficult for her to manage both the daytime show and delegate duties to her network. Now the question is, will Ms. Norman come out with a tell-all. We doubt it. We are sure Oprah made sure their were clauses in the contracts for that never to happen.

Chicago reared and Grammy Award winning rap star Kanye West and GrammY Award winning rap mogul Jay-Z are done selecting new songs for their joint album "Watch the Throne". In the newly-announced tracklisting, it's revealed that twelve tracks are listed for the standard edition, and four more songs including buzz track "H*A*M" are added to the deluxe package.

Odd Future Wolf Gang Kill Them All member Frank Ocean, Jigga's wife Beyonce Knowles, soul singer Otis Redding, Kanye's protege Mr. Hudson, and R&B/funk artist Curtis Mayfield are lined up as featured guests. Each of them lends their vocals in one song, except for Frank who is featured in two songs, "No Church in the Wild" and "Sweet Baby Jesus".

A listening party for the effort has been held by Jigga last Thursday, July 7. To a handful of selected music journalists and two lucky fans, the rapper played the new songs from his laptop at the Mercer Hotel in New York. He reportedly banned any live tweeting during the event to prevent lyrics being leaked.

Reviews from the media are mostly positive. AllHipHop called the album "one of the most interesting pieces of Hip-Hop." The publication furthermore wrote that people "need to shed expectations and erase what they know" if they want to properly enjoy it.

"But, that is the beauty of Watch The Throne. Everybody won't love it and others will swear by it. It will be the topic of debates and hate. Through it all, it's very cool to see Hip-Hop artist evolving creatively. Fearlessly," it concluded.

The album has been made available for pre-order since July 4, and will be shipped to the customers across the United States a month later on August 2. The front page of the CD features a royal metallic gold artworkwith ornately-carved graphics which was designed by Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci.

"Watch the Throne" Tracklisting:

"No Church in the Wild" Ft. Frank Ocean

"Lift Off" Ft. Beyonce Knowles

"Niggas in Paris"

"Otis" Ft. Otis Redding
"Gotta Have It"
;"New Day"
"Prime Time"
;"Who Gon Stop Me"
"Murder to Excellence"
;"Welcome to the Jungle"
"Sweet Baby Jesus" Ft. Frank Ocean
"Why I Love You" Ft. Mr. Hudson

Bonus:

"Illest Motherf**ker Alive"

"H*A*M"
"That's My B**ch"
"The Joy" Ft. Curtis Mayfield

Grammy Award winning Chicago native R&B star R. Kelly is reportedly being hit with a $2.9 million foreclosure lawsuit on his house in the Chicago suburb of Olympia Fields. Crain’s Chicago Real Estate Daily reported Tuesday that Kelly has not made a monthly mortgage payment since June of last year on the mansion, located on Maros Lane. Thus, J.P. Morgan Chase Bank N.A. filed a foreclosure complaint in the Chancery Division of Cook County Circuit Court last month, Crain’s reported.

The house and its gated estate were constructed for Kelly 11 years ago. The house is 11,140 square feet, and features six full bathrooms, seven half-baths, and a four-car garage.

Now this is bizarre. First off, we would think the R could pay for the mansion in cash with all of the millions in royalties he has collected since 1991. We are going to assume that his business managers or whoever handles his business affairs slacked up on the mortgage payments. We can’t see The R actually going to a bank and writing out monthly checks or going online to take care of them. That’s what we’re assuming because June 2010 is a long time to not make a payment and still be in the house!

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

ADD: Afton, Mo native actorJohn Goodman has joined the cast of Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close based off the novel by Jonathan Safran Foer. The story centers around a ten year old boy named Oskar whose father dies in the September 11th attacks in New York. Struck with grief, Oskar finds a key to a lock box his father had and searches all through the city to find its location and any information pertaining to it. While on this quest, he runs into a bevy of characters who are all still dealing with post-9/11 trauma.

Goodman, who recentlyThe Hollywood Reporter wrapped up Kevin Smith‘s Sundance-bound Red State, will be inhabiting the role of a doorman at the apartment complex Oskar lives in, which sounds minor but according to the article, he is involved in a key part (exhuming Oskar’s dad’s coffin).

Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close also stars Tom Hanks as Oskar’s father. Sandra Bullock is also signed on.

Emmy Award winning Doloth, Ill native actress Jane Lynch will host The 2011 Do Something Awards which honor favorite celebrities who do great work and who inspire young people to do great work too. It will take place at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles and will air on Thursday, August 18 VH1 where the winners will be announced.

In unrelated newz, Lynch celebrated her 51st bday this week.

Chicago native rapper Da Brat was recently interviewed on the Mo’ Nique Show talking her release from a two year prison sentence and her life changing experience from it. She also performed. In unrelated Brat newz, she just released a mixtape titled, “ Life After Death” , akin to the title of Notorius B.I.G;s 2007 CD. Assisting with the Brat is fellow Chicagoan Twista, Jadakiss, Brandon Hines and , DJ Greg Street

St. Louis native singer Amber Bullock was one of 20 finalists on BET’s Sunday Best during auditions in Dallas, Tx that aired Sunday. Next Sunday, it will be revealed if she advances to the Top 10 when the Top 20 performs in Atlanta where the actual contest will take place.

THE BIG STL STORY IS:

St. Louis Cardinals Yadier Molina, Matt Holliday and Lance Berkman were the STLians who were chosen to play in Tuesday;s All Star Game for the National League art Chase Field in Arizona. The NL ended up winning 5-1 victory over the American League in Tuesday’s Major League Baseball All-Star Game that aired on Fox (that was seen by an average of 10.9 million viewers — the fewest ever recorded by Nielsen ). StL slugger Albert Pujols did not receive enough votes to participate in this year’s festivities. (photo by upi.com)

AND

Former St Louis Rams receiver and next month Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk (PICTURED --personal photo) was roasted and toasted last Saturday at a star studded gala that took place at Lumiere Theater inside Lumiere Place.

Titled "Countdown to Canton,” referencing to his NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Canton Ohio, Aug 6, it was part of a celebration weekend that also included a RSVP invite celebration at Mandarin last Friday. Those celebrities who attended and participated in the roast were Hall of Famer and NFL commentator colleague Michael Irvin, former Rams teammates Aeneas Williams and Roland Williams his replacement Steven Jackson, former Rams coach Dick Vermeil, East St Louis native and Olympic champ Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Donald Penn from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers; KMOX sports broadcaster Mike Claiborne Faulk's attorney Scott Rosenblum, Faulk's agent, Rocky Arceneaux. Martin Kilcoyne, sports director at KTVI (Channel 2), was the evening's emcee

ST Louis native Becky Sauerbrunn, 26, is one of the women that is on the USA Women’s World Cup Soccer team and competed in the semifinals Wednesday beating France 3-1 and advanced to the finals playing against Japan this Sunday. Her professional career started in 2008.

Workers have been working around the clock this week to create a massive makeshift stage for the upcoming sold out U2 360 Tour that will take place at Busch Stadium. As soon as the Cards’ win over Arizona Sunday at the stadium, and the team’s All Star game break crews began digging up the grounds to prep for the staging. It is expected to be one of the largest concerts in St. Louis since the Beatles played at the old Busch Stadium in the mid-1960s. It will be the third concert held there since the new stadium was built. The other two were Dave Matthews Band and the Dixie Chicks. (photo by Bill Greenblatt)

There was a STL star studded tribute to late STL jazz singer Mae Wheeler Monday at Sheldon Concert Hall. Those who performed there were Denise Thimes, pianist Carolbeth True, Marsha Evans, The Tony Simmons Group featuring Cheryl Brown, Elvis impersonator Steve Davis, Bill Tucker, Jeanne Trevor, event organizers The Bosman Twins and Raplh Butler to name a few. Other performers who paid tribute included Gene Lynn, Wendy Gordon, Renee Smith Tre Bien. U.S. Rep. William Lacy Clay and St. Louis City License Collector Michael McMillan made Monday Mae Wheeler Day. It was hosted by Fox 2's Bonita Cornute and jazz radio personality Don Wolff. Wheeler died in June at the age of 77 after a lengthy battles with cancer and leukemia. In related newz, the event can be watched at hectv.org.

HEC-TV is also available on Charter 989, U-verse 99 and is free on iTunes U.

From reports, firefighters say an electrical problem sparked a 1-alarm fire at the Fox Theatre Wednesday morning. It is unknown if the fire was inside or outside. No damage was reported.The theatre was heavily damaged a few months ago from a 3-alarm fire.

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

STL native and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Chuck Berry will perform at Aug. 17 at his mainstay venue, Blueberry Hill's Duck Room. There, outside, in two weeks will be the dedication ceremony of the 8 foot statue made in his likeness that will be held July 29 and where Berry is scheduled to attend. Berry’s statue has garnered controversy by petitioners who are protesting the University city council’;s decision to approve the statue due to their objection of Berry’s criminal regarding including his violation of the Mann Act in 1962.

 ADD: "GEORGE CLINTON & PARLIAMENT/FUNKADELIC" Sun July 17, show time 7pm (doors open 6pm)

  @ The Ambassador 9800 Halls Ferry Rd. St Louis Mo 63136

Clinton is also celebrating his 70th Birthday!

CELEB SITE:

Deb Peterson of St Louis Post Dispatch reported that Emmy Award nominated actor and STL native Jon Hamm was spotted at Bar Louis in the Central West End Sunday to chill out a bit wile he was in town. There, he sat at the bar, in a full beard, unrecognized and asked the manager to turn on the Cardianls game and he sat there without anyone recognizing him. . Hamm was in town for a niece's wedding and was headed to Mizzou to participate in a golf tournament on Monday being hosted by John Anderson of ESPN.

Fans of St. Louis native actor Sean Blakemore who can be seen on the soap opera :General Hospital on ABC will have the opportunity to call the actor when he will hold a conference call July 23 at 11 AM PST (9 am CST). For more info, fans must RSVP at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=107242676038473&ref=ts

STL singer Kim Massie, who was scheduled to performed at Mae Wheeler;s tribute at The Sheldon on Monday, was involved in a car accident last weekend. From reports, she was not severely injured.

One of two grizzly bear brothers rescued in Alaska 20 years ago died last week at the Saint Louis Zoo. A Saint Louis Zoo spokesperson said "Ernie" had last stage gastrointestinal disease ad was euthanized on July 7. He was 21.

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

Blues descendent John Lee Hooker Jr., and hip hop drummer DJ Questlove (of the Roots) is coming to the Gramophone , Aug. 11 and August 27 respectively.

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

Steve Arrington, the former lead singer of the 70’s/80’s R&B band Slave will perform at Lola’’s July 30.

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

The St Louis Chapter of Slutwalk will have its walk July 16 starting at noon at the 4200 block of Manchester Grove. SlutWalk started in Toronto in response to a police officer's statement that, in order to avoid being raped, women should "not dress like sluts." In short time, a couple thousand scantily clad women and supporters took to the street with the message that a person's body is their own and an individual's sexual behavior-- real or perceived-- is NOT grounds to treat them as a second-class citizen.

In St. Louis, the chapter will be marching for this cause and so much more. Workshops also will take palce. For more info go to

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=116170475138558

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

Better Family Life presents its annual PEACEFEST that will take place August 14 at St Vincent Park in St Charles Rock Road.

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

Two St Louis based film festival will take place four days apart from each other starting today, Thursday:

The first is Webster University’s festival of classic French films, starting Thursday July 14 (Bastille Day) and continuing Thursdays through Sundays until the end of July.

Co-presented by Cinema St. Louis, the Classic French Film Festival includes six movies featuring luminous star Catherine Deneuve(PICTURED), three directed by Jacques Demy and two by Francois Truffaut. The festival will take place at the Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University's Webster Hall, 470 E. Lockwood Ave. More info: www.cinemastlouis.org, 314-289-4150. The other is the first Sgt Louis Black Film Festival in 20 years that will take place at the Landmark Tivoli Theater July 18-19 . Some of the features include Soul Power with James Brown, Age of Dragons with Danny Glover and Rejoice and Shout a documentary on Gospel music . For more info call (314) 995-6270.

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

PNC Bank DELUX Magazine will host DELUX Cares: Block Party for Cancer Awareness July 16 .located at 15^th and Washington The non for profit DELUX Cares: Block Party is a 4 hour event filled with live music, food and drinks, celebrity appearances and a family friendly environment. It will be hosted by FOX2 News April Simpson!!!! The free event starts at 1 p.m.

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

StreetScape Magazine and Xanadu Public Relations will debut The StreetScape Show on August 21. The 30 minute program will spotlight St. Charles/St. Charles County; people, places and things. Each episode will air multiple times on St. Louis’ STL TV and the City of St. Charles’ government access station, City Channel.

STL based singer Silky Sol is gearing back on the weekly showcase arena as she debuts her "Grown Ass" shows starting July 17 at the LION'S DEN BAR AND GRILL (formerly The 50th YARD LINE)12104 BELLEFONTAINE ROAD (AT PARKER ROAD) . Doors will open at noon and show starts at 5p.,. No cover charge

Neo SOUL ARTIST TERESA JENEE will perform THIS FRIDAY @ EXO!

Freetime co-promoter/founder and blog editor of Ashy to Classy Daryl Freirson won an award for Best Culture Blog at the 2011 Black Weblog Awards that had taken place in Los Angeles last Friday. He was also nominated for Best Lifestyle Blog.

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

Vanita Applebum Enterprises will host Tavis Smiley’s I Am Exhibit
Tuesday, July 19 · 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Missouri History Museum at Forest Park. The exhibit runs til September,

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

The owners/managers of I AM Boutique(Walt Johnson, Brooklyn, and Kim Trigg) are prepping for its grand opening o fits newest store RSVRD on Delmar near The Pageant. Details TBA

A Spoonful of Honey Theater Company presents PEARL BAILEY...BY REQUEST STARRING ROZ AND GARY VINCENT Aug 26 starting at 8p.m. at the Lee Auditorium located at Missouri History Museum at Forest Park Call 314.598.6075

HENNESSY BLACK AND LIQUID ASSETS PRESENT INDUSTRY NIGHTS, an eight –week bartending competition where the weely winner wins $100 and advances to the next round to win the final round and $1,000. Each week industry night will also showcase an STL promoters, 2 models and waitress. It will begin Monday July 25 at Envy Nightclub For more info call (314)680-2775

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

Rapper Tony Maranzano will perform live at Fubar on Locust July 14.

STL CANCERians BDAZEs—Rapper/music exec Ali Jones (PICTURED), comedians Will C and Matt Collins, makeup artist Cynarra Rodriguez, loctician Erica Bennett, boutique co-manager Kim Trigg, business couple Danielle Kevin Mccoy and promoter Cris Creath

MAAT BITZ

Lookin For Mr Couture

HEY GENTS, if you got style in how you dress we are looking for you! Ma'atology Productions and Makeover for A Cause is presenting its 3rd Annual Mista Couture Charity Style Contest that will take place in August in St Louis (Venue and time TBA). The winner will walk in New York Fall Fashion Week in September! We are seeking all ages for our contest. Interested gents please submit a recent photo in your best dressed along with your stats and contact info to manfashionshow@yahoo.com or inbox Marcus Ma'at Atkins or Ola Hawatmeh! OR you can bring it to the auditions. The event is also a celebration of the grand food debut of Ola's new Ola Rolls at San Sai with sales going to local charities

Location

San Sai Japanese Grill

208 N 9th Street

Saint Louis, MO

For more info call 618.719.3160.

LOOK LIXE

Former beauty queen/talk show host Lesley Hunter and singer/actress Natalie Cole

BLIND PICZ. Who were these people who attended Friday Alternative at Lola’s last Friday?

BLIND DISHZ. Which STL mover and shaker had a recent falling out with the owner of a popular venue and stopped having ongoing events there?

Mover and Shaker

HINT #1--This person is a male

HINT #2--This person is also a performer

HINT #3--This person shares the same "initialed" name as a popular national recording jazz artist

Venue Owner

HINT #1 The venue is in North County

HINT #2 The owner also owns a venue that carries their namesake.

PRO=MO=CIAL=I=CIOUS—Which STL movers and shakers are getting it in this week? Promoter Mocha Latte and promoter/model/Tv show producer GBassa D’Acosta (TIE) and Phil Assets and Lamar Harris aka DJ Nune (TIE)

Mocha Latte. (RIGHT) The lovely Queen of Promotions continues her reign this week as she hosted her created networking event the weekly Sistah Girl Tuesdays at The Loft and this Saturday, her Best Damned Ladies Night Period at Club Amnesia (SEE OUTGOING BITZ LINK BELOW).

G’ bassa D’ Ascosta. (FAR RIGHT) This lovely sista is also gaining momentum in this section as her TV show Sexy N the STL hosted and filmed the debut Sunday Night affair at Europe Nightclub entitled “Hawaiian Nites” and on Wednesday with Winning Wednesdays at the same club. Her show itself airs Wednesdays and repeat on Fridays on Charter Cable (SEE OUTGOING BITZ LINK BELOW) and she is currently featured in the July issue of Delux Magazine.

Lamar Harris aka DJ Nune (RIGHT) Coming off of spinning and playing horns at his weekly gig at the Absinthe Bar at Lola’;s last Friday at Freetime/SYGU/Soul Stylz weekly Frdiay Alternative , stalwart multi instrumentalist Lamar Harris, who’s dj moniker is DJ Nune, is about to debut his new nite there, Thursdays, with the music showcase Groove Theory starting this Thursday where vocalist and instrumentalist are featured. This week featured singer Cheri Evans. And of course, he spins again at Lola’s during the Alternative.

Phil Assets (Far RIGHT). Not a stranger to this section, this handsome brotha continues to get it in at Club Amnesia with his various nites including International Sundays. Look at Me Now Thursdays, and Red Light Special Saturdays. This past Monday, he debuted a his new nite, Monday with the Gentleman;s Happy Hour at Club Envy (SEE ONGOING BITZ link BELOW)

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

Why is Casey Anthony shocked about the haters who think she got away with murder? Why do people say, "It's hot outside" when it is summer? Why did that lady cut her husband's penis off then ground it in the garbage disposal? Why did Dallas Cowboys player Roy Williams mail his fiance a very expensive engagement ring? And why did the fiance lie and said she lost it wen he wanted it back after he turned him down (Her father actually had it)? Why are they gonna have a Charlie Sheen roast on televised on the same nite Ashton Kutcher is supposed to debut in Sheens spot on Two and a Half Men?Why did Tom Joyner on his radio show call senior citizen's checks "old folks checks?" Why did DMX have drugs on him when he was set to get out of prison? Why wasnt Albert Pujols voted to be in the All Star Game? And why did Derek Jeter back out of being part of the All Star game week? And why didnt that guy ask for money after catching Jeter's historic home run ball?

OTHER EVENTZ THIS WEEK

STRESS FREE FRIDAYS visits (Friday, July 15th) one of the newest venues in Downtown St. Louis, Shula's 347 Grill, one of the newest venues in Downtown St. Louis, Shula's 347 Grill, located at 411 North 8th Street (at Locust) on the plaza level of the Roberts Tower, next door to The Mayfair Hotel...5pm start time.

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

Celebrate St. Louis featuring Bell Biv DeVoe

Friday, July 15 8:00p

at Soldiers Memorial Park, 1315, Market,

6:00 pm Gates Open

6:30 pm Earthworms

7:45 pm Nato Caliph

and on July 16

Gavin McGraw at 8 p.m.

For more info go to www.celebratestlouis.org

Veteran pop singer B.J. Thomas will perform July 15 and16 at the Argosy Casino

Men of Soul Tour with singers Lenny Williams and Glenn Jones. The event will take place July 15 at the Ambassador.

Dream Lover: A Salute to the Music of Bobby Darin," will be July 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Foundry Art Center, 520 North Main Center in St. Charles. The salute will feature Robert Shaw & the Stardusters Jazz Orchestra.

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

I Am Art where the body is the canvas

Saturday, July 16 · 7:00pm – 11:00pm
Aisle 1 Gallery

2627 Cherokee Street, St. Louis

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

Kid Rock with Sheryl Crow

Saturday, July 16 7:00p

at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO

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

T Pro Duction presents

Independent Artist 2

July17 at 10 p.m at Blackmon's Plaza in downtown E St Louis

$10 fee to perform.

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

MORE BELOW

WELCOME TO HELL'S KITCHEN ARRIS BIG CANCER B-DAY BASH

Å-List Louis

Saturday at 9:00pm - July 17 at 2:00am

Twisted Olive

5916 DELMAR--

U2's July 17 concert, the first for the new Busch Stadium will be the third musical act to perfom there . The first two were Dave Matthews Band with the Black Crowes and the Eagles with the Dixie Chicks.

ADD: New Kids on the Block and The Backstreet Boys July 19 at Scott Trade Center.

FOR MORE ONGOINGBITZ GO TO

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

FIN