Wednesday, January 25, 2012

OUT 1096--ILLI MO BITZ (Jan 26-FEB 1)

HEY OUTTOWNERS!

ITS THAT TIME AGAIN!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!!

BLACK HISTORY MONTH A&E BITZ






This week we feature baseball great James Thomas Nichols aka Cool Papa Bell. Born May 17, 1903, in or near Starkville, Mississippi joined the St. Louis Stars of the Negro National League as a pitcher in 1922. By 1924, he had become their starting center fielder, and was known as an adept batter and fielder, and the "fastest man in the league". After leading the Stars to league titles in 1928, 1930, and 1931, he also played with the Kansas City Monarchs. "Cool Papa" Bell died in 1990 his home on Dickson Street in St. Louis, Missouri at age 87. In his honor, the city renamed Dickson Street as "James 'Cool Papa' Bell Avenue". He has also been inducted into the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

Also named for him is Cool Papa Bell Drive, the road leading into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum in Jackson, of which he is a member. The Hall and Drive are adjacent to Smith-Wills Stadium, longtime home of the Jackson Generals of the Texas League, now home to the Jackson Senators of the independent Texas-Louisiana League.

In 1999, Cool Papa Bell was ranked 66th on The Sporting News list of Baseball's Greatest Players, one of five players so honored who played all or most of his career in the Negro leagues, and was nominated as a finalist for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. John Holway in his book says that James finished in the Top 5 in stolen bases 9 times.



THE BIG A&E STORY THIS WEEK IS:

President Barack Obama delivered his State of the Union Speech 2012 on Tuesday night. He initiated proposals to further boost the economy, jobs creation and advocated for policies that would create a level playing field, benefitting American companies. Here is the web-enhanced video of Obama's State of the Union 2012 speech.

It would have been cool if Obama would had sang a few bars of, “Ain’t No Stoppin Us Now.” LOL

To see the speech go to http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/287237/20120125/obama-s-state-union-speech-2012-watch.htm

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

In unrelated Obama newz, he shocked the world when he showed his silly side during a fundraiser at The Apollo Theatre in Harlem when he sang in falsetto a few bars of Rev. Al Green’s hit, “Lets; Stay Together” on a dare. He has made such an impression, that on his website, they are selling an official ringtone of it.

Its BaROCK in action. We wouldn’t be surprised someone tried to Auto tune it or sample it under an electro beat. LOL

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





















Three ILLI MOians received Oscar nominations for the 84th Annual Academy awards that were announced this week . They were Springfield, Mo raised Brad Pitt for Best Actor his role in , “Moneyball” and Plainfield, Ill native Melissa McCarthy for Supporting Actress in “Bridesmaids.”Ottawa, Ill director Terrence Malik got an Oscar nod for Best Director for the film, “The Tree of Life.” The awards will be televised on ABC Feb. 26.

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


Network owner Oprah Winfrey is currently in India for a literary festival Sunday in the northwestern Indian town of Jaipur. She was among the biggest crowd pullers at the annual Jaipur Literary Festival, which brings together top writers, poets and critics and around 50,000 literary fans from around the world.

Winfrey has been in India for a week filming programs for her new TV network., OWN.





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

On Feb 13, BET will air The 5th Annual BET Honors. Of the honorees will be St Louis born poet.educator Dr. Maya Angelou who will receive her award from FLOTUS Michele Obama. One of the special musical guests will be Chitown rapper/actor, Common.

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

The 43rd Annual NAACP Image Awards were announced recently and several ILLI MO ians were nominated. They were Chicago native Jennifer Hudson for Female Artist , Video (“Where You At”) , and Album (“I Remember Me”) former Chicagoan Oprah Winfrey for Talk Show (“Life Class”) and Variety series, (“Master Class,”) Chicago native Andre Braugher for Outstanding Actor in a Drama ( “Men of a Certain Age,” ) Kinloch, Mo. for Outstanding Actress in a Movie or Miniseries (“Five),” Chicagoan rapper Common for Outstanding Male Artist ; Chicagoan rapper Lupe, for Album (“Lasers”), Kansas City, Mo native Don Cheadle, for Supporting Actor in a Movie (“The Guard”); Robbins, Ill native Keke Palmer for Youth Performer (“True Jackson, VP), and BET got a bod for TV Special for the UNCF An Evening of Stars Tribute to (Chitown native) Chaka Khan.

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

Chicagoan and talk show host Sherri Shepherd and her hubby Lamar Sally is one of six celebrity couples featured as one of the Hottest Couples of 2012 in the February issue of Ebony Magazine.

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

Chicagoan Terrence Howard is on the cover of January’s issue “Ebony Magazine with the rest of the cast of the film, “Red Tails”

ILLI MO REALITY

The St Louis filmed reality show, “Welcome to Sweetie Pies” will air Season 2 of the hit show in March on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN cable channel. The new season will focus on their new restaurant, Upper Crust.

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

The MJ Morning Show, that can be heard on Q 107.7 FM in St Louis, will be going off the Feb 17 after 18 years on the air. The creator and host, Todd Schnitt announced it on his show last week. The reason being is he wants to focus on his other radio show, The Schnitt Show, than on both shows. Both shows are based out of Tampa, Fla.


THE BIG STL A&E NEWZ STORY IS:




























The St. Louis Rams organization announced this week that the team will play a “home” game away from home in London. According to reports, for at least the next three years, The Rams have agreed to "host" a "home" game in London next season (Fall 2012)against the Patriots , and they'll play London home games in 2013 and 2014, too.

Via the Rams' official website, here's a statement from team owner Stan Kroenke, who also happens to own English football club, Arsenal

"This is a tremendous honor for our franchise, the city of St. Louis and our fans throughout the world. We are excited about the opportunity to reach new audiences globally. This is a great platform to showcase the city of St. Louis to London and the UK.

"We've seen first-hand the increased popularity of the NFL not only in London but throughout Europe. To play a role in that growth over the next three years will be incredible and is a testament to the many good things happening not only in the NFL but also in the St. Louis Rams organization."

We see the connection here with Kroenke wanting to cross the waters with the team but what about those in St Louis who may not can attend the London game if they purchased season tickets? Will there be a free plane trip to London at least? How come the London team cant come to St Louis? That would make better sense we think.

+++++++++



In related Kroenke newz, it was reported that he may have an interest in buying the Los Angeles Dodgers, The Los Angeles Times reports the Dodgers have received more than 10 opening bids to buy the Major League Baseball club, and that Kroenke has explored whether to bid for the team.

A baseball official told the Post-Dispatch on Tuesday that he heard Kroenke had expressed interest, and that Kroenke had inquired about the process. But the official said he was unaware if Kroenke had followed through and actually made a bid.

NFL sources said any interest Kroenke may or may not have in purchasing the Dodgers is mutually exclusive from anything going on with the St. Louis Rams.

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

New Rams coach Jeff Fischer has hired new assistants to his team. He hired defensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and Gregg Williams to be his offensive and defensive coordinators Williams was Fisher's defensive coordinator with the Tennessee Titans from 1997-2000.

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




Former St Louis Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa was named by the NL to manage the National League All-Star team for this year's All-Star Game, to be played in Kansas City on July 10. La Russa will reportedly lead the NL All-Stars for the third time and it will mark his sixth All-Star managing role overall.







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

According to KSDK, police have officially cleared STL promoter Robert Kirk as a person of interest in the disappearance of Atlanta woman, Stacey English who was reported missing Dec 26 in Atlanta. Investigators say Kirk may have been the last person to see Stacey English before she went missing. According to several reports Kirks says he was visiting English at the time, but she asked him to leave following an argument. He spoke to investigators and gave them a detailed timeline of his whereabouts soon after

."To be cleared is great. It's a fantastic, phenomenal feeling, but she's still not found," Kirk told KSDK. "And if she is and its negative, I'm sure there's still going to be some things I am going to have to deal with on my end.".

UPDATE: According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, a body was found under a fallen tree in Atlanta this week and the Medical Examiner identified the body Wednesday and concluded that it was English.

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

Several national entertainers will be coming to the St Louis area to perform:

Pop music diva Diana Ross is set to headline this year's Dinner with the Stars during Variety Week in April where it will be celebrating 80 years of helping St. Louis kids with disabilities when Variety Week kicks off with a Runway Lights Fashion Show on April 21, and continues with a week of activities, concluding with the Young Variety Night of the Rising Stars and the Dinner with the Stars black tie gala on April 28 with Ross at the Peabody Opera House.

.AND

Emmy Award winning Actor William Shatner will perform his one-man show "Shatner's World: We Just Live in It" at The Peabody Opera House April 12.


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

AND

R&B group Kool and the Gang will open for rock group Van Halen at the April 29 at Scottrade Center.

AND

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

Emmy nominated comedian/TV host Bill Maher will perform at The Family Arena April 15.

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

AND

Emmy winning comedian Dana Carvey will headline at the 24th Annual Bob Costas Benefit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center beginning April 21 at The Fox Theatre.

+++++++++

AND


Kinloch, Mo native Jennifer Lewis is coming home and will perform with The St Louis Symphony in celebration of Black History Month at Powell Symphony Hall on Feb. 10.

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

St Louis native actor/director David Conley was featured on an episode recently of the sitcom Tyler Perry’s House of Payne that aired on TBS. The episode was titled “Rest In Payne: where he played a doctor.

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

There was a public session this week on the reshaping of the Gateway Arch grounds at the Concnetion Center. Varuous out of town landscapers who are vying for the job. The project is sponsired by CityArchRiver who has led the effort since 2009 to better link the Arch grounds to downtown, make more use of the 91 riverfront acres and expand the park across the Mississippi River to include the East St. Louis riverfront. It also proposed to reshape Kiener Plaza downtown, demolish the Arch garage, eliminate Washington Avenue east of Memorial Drive, raise Leonor K. Sullivan Boulevard to get it above flood stage and improve the East St. Louis riverfront park.



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

Lead singer Layzie Bone, and his traveling rap group “Bone, Thugs-n-Harmony” are being sued by a Columbia Missouri woman. Attorney Ely Hadowsky, with the law firm Brown and Brown, says his client was standing near the front row at the Blue Note in Columbia when Layzie Bone began flinging the microphone, hitting her in the head. He says the woman suffered permanent scars from the incident two years ago. The exact amount of damages being sought against Layzie Bone and the rap group was not disclosed.

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

KSDK meteorologist Anthony Slaughter will be leaving the St Louis market for a job in San Francisco on Feb 1. This is his last week at KSDK.

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

St Louis fitness trainer Charles D'Angelo, who has written a book about his weight loss success with "Think and Grow Thin" will talk about his success on KMOX, Thursday on Charlie Brennas Show (9am-11am) and then at Kemoll's Restaurant as part of Brennan’s Fontbonne Book Club Series (Reservations to attend the book club event are closed.)

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

Chesterfield author Patricia C. McKissack has won a Coretta Scott King author honor award for her 2011 picture book "Never Forgotten," McKissack has written more than 100 books, many with her husband, Fredrick. They often focus on African Americans or African American history.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There is a new business that is housed on 3037 Olive where former clubs Lush and Karma used to reside. It is called Hamburger Mary's Bar & Grille. It opened last weekend with a performance by singer Kim Massie.

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

Rapper/producer Laudie will open for Jeezy at The ambassador Jan 27. He is also part of the Moscato Music mixtape that he produced under Quit Playin Ent that will be set for release Feb 9. A listenig party of the mixtape was Monday at The City (SEE recap at http://www.maatology.blogspot.com/2012/01/out-1095-quit-playing-ent-presents.html )

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

STL rapper Gena released a single called “N Luv Wit Myself” that you can peep at http://limelinx.com/files/b62b857df5e4f4d15ce3dce6ba694e40

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

The St. Louis Black Film Festival will have a screening every Thursday in February at the Tivoli of classic black films from the 50s, 60s and 70s during Black History Month . For more info, visit facebook.com/stlouisblackfilmfestival





DJ Spinderella will be dejaying at S.Y.G.U. and LEISURE STUDIES (LOLA) monthly Dj series "SPEAKERBOXX" Jan 27 at Lola/

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

The second annual "Jazz Under the Stars" event Jan. 26. at Science Center's James S. McDonnell Planetarium The event will feature Marty Morrison & Friends, featuring Jason Swagler, Adam Maness and Bob DeBoo. Erin Bode will be a special guest.

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

JB PRESENTS YOUNG JEEZY LIVE AT THE AMBASSADOR!! JANUARY 27TH!!

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

Rapper Bone Crusher will perform at Posh Jan 27

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

Diggy Jan. 29 • The Pageant •

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

Ryan Adams and Jason Isbell

Jan. 31 • Peabody Opera House •

+++++++++

Kim Massie at Plush Feb 3

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

Michael Jackson the Immortal World Tour by Cirque du Soleil Feb. 7-8 • Scottrade Center

+++++++++++

Love & Laughter Tour with Kem, Babyface and Rickey Smiley

Feb. 11 • Chaifetz Arena

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

Rapper ad reality show star Jim Jones, is at the Imperial Palace Feb. 11

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

Kim Massie, Cheryl Brown and LeAndra will perform Feb 12 at the Loft

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

Trey Songz "Anticipation 2our" comes to the Fox Theatre Feb. 12. Big Sean is also on the bill.

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

George Strait and Martina McBride Feb. 17 • Scottrade Center

+++++++++++++++i

Gabriel Iglesias Feb 17 at Peabody Opera House

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

Air Supply two shows Feb. 17 • Lumière Place

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

Jane's Addiction will perform Feb. 22 at the Pageant.

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

Eric Roberson at Plush Feb 25

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

Drake LIVE March 1st at Sprint Center in Kansas City

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

Barry Manilow March 1-2 • Fox Theatre

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

Comedian Wanda Sykes is at the Peabody Opera House with a concert on March 8.

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

Radiohead will perform March 9 at Scottrade Center and March 11 at Sprint Center in Kansas City.

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

Everlast is at Lumiere Place Casino's Lumiere Theater with a show on March 16.

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

Kelly Clarkson March 16 • Fox Theatre

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

Peter Frampton March 30 • Peabody Opera House

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




PRO-MO-CIAL-ITES (JAN 22-28) Which STL movers and shakers got it in this week?



Lesley Hunter (FAR LEFT). This beauty queen strutted her stuff recently at Rooks Gameday’s Calendar Search competition (SEE recap at http://www.maatology.blogspot.com/2012/01/out-1094-rooks-calendar-model.html) and on a weekly basis, hosts her own webcast show Lesley On The Town that is aired every Thursday on iwatchradio. ,Also she is also having contract signing party for a modeling contract at The Drunken Fish in the Central West End Thursday night.

Mocha Latte(LEFT). The Queen of Promotions was seen at the Moscato Music mixtape listening party held Monday at The City and she will be one of six women honored during Panache Art Lounge "Black Girls Rock" Celebration at Exo Lounge. Soon after, she will get the crowd hyped at The Loft.





The Men of Hella Fly Promotions (King Kerry and Dano Johnson) (RIGHT). This past Sunday, they brought back Sexy as You Wanan Be Sundays with Rockhouse Entertainment, on Tuesday, they got it in with $2 Tuesdays at BSV Lounge; then this Friday, they continue with their weekly $5 Fridays at The Braodway, and this on Saturday, Dano will host the All Red Everthang Part 2 at BSV Lounge.

Jonathan Burns (FAR RIGHT). He is the club owner of Lavish that has several nites of entertainment throughout the week and this Friday is his promoted Jeezy concert that will be held Friday at the Ambassador.


BLIND DISHZ. Which STL personality got his eat on BIG TIME at a recent event and shouted, “I got two plates. This is how the big men do.”?

HINT. This personality is popular dee-jay in St Louis.

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

Why did the Governor of Arizona waggle her finger in President Obama;s face when he got off Air Force One? Why did the media make a big deal about President Obama hugging tightly Gabby Gifford before his State of the Union speech? Why did Roseanne Barr go in on Beyonce and Jay Z on Twitter just because Etta James died? Why this years Oscars? Why did that sista try and trade sex for some Chikcen McNuggets at the McDonalds Drive thru? Why did Beyonce and Jay Z name Oprah Winfrey as the godmother to their child? Why did someone snap a pic of Rihanna smoking weed? Why wont Republican Presidential candidate Mitt Romney disclose his tax returns? Why was actress Emma Stone nominated for an Image Award? Why does WQQX-AM shock talk show host Grim Reaper constantly says the B-word on his show? Why did it take two simultaneous court battles during Halle Berry’s child support case? Why is the city of East St Louis up in arms about dismantling the Board of Elections? And why is there so much corruption of the East St Louis police board?





STL AQUARIANians B-DAZEs. Former football player Aeneas Williams(PICTURED), radio perosonality Chaz Saunders, rapper Hakeem the Dream, playwright Marty K Casey, film director Thomas Craig, public relations manager Jane Higgins, musician Stan The Man, architect/promoter Charles Brown, promoter Sarah Bryant , graphic artist Melvin Moore,and model Whitney Sade




(JAN 26-FEB 1)

"A Steady Rain"

Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

Where • Emerson Studio Theatre, Loretto-Hilton Center, 130 Edgar Road

When • Through Feb. 5

How much • $45-$58

More info • 314-968-4925; repstl.org


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

Join us for ALIVE Magazine's premier bridal event and fashion show, featuring the top wedding vendors in town and showcasing the most beautiful bridal gown styles of 2012. This evening will feature cocktails, appetizers, a fashion show featuring gowns from Fleur De Lis and chic fun! Don't miss the Savvy Surroundings Style loft for all your home registry needs. This glamorous evening starts at 6pm and ends at 9pm at LUMEN General Admission Tickets are $10 online pre-sale or $15 at the door.

Purchase your tickets at http://alivebride.eventbrite.com/

+++++++++++++++++++++++
The good folks from S.Y.G.U. and LEISURE STUDIES (LOLA) have teamed up to bring you "SPEAKERBOXX" where music is the message!

We continue to pay homage to the TRUE SKOOL with a certified HIP-HOP ICON: DJ SPINDERELLA!!!
Friday, January 27th (and rocking every last Friday of the Month).
LOLA. 500 North 14th Street. Saint Louis, Mo. 63103
9PM - Close

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

Bone Crusher at Posh Jan 27 11pm

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

JD Souther, Friday, January 27, 7:00pm until 10:00pm

At The Old Rockhouse http://oldrockhouse.com/jd-souther/

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

This Friday at The Loft Night Club is the Bikes & Babes Eye Candy Party.

LADIES DRINK & ENTER FREE TIL 11!

ALL MOTOR BIKE CLUB FREE TIL 11 WEARING VEST!

CELEBRATING MIKA SHA'S BDAY & CALENDAR RELEASE

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

YOUNG DIP BIG AQUARIUS BASH LADIES NIGHT AT CLUB AMNESIA LADIES FREE TILL 11 AND DRINK FREE TILL 12 AQUARIUS LETS BRING YOUR BIRTHDAYS IN RIGHT Aquarius ARE FREE ALL NIGHT LONG DJ RAYDAR ON THE BOARDS AND TEE WHITE ON THE MIC BOOK YOUR BOOTHS NOW (314)680-2775

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

2012 Black History Kick –Off Gospel Celebration, its a time to reflect and remember.

Sat. Jan 28, from 3pm-5pm

Featuring Gospel Recording Artist Min. Tony Metcalf

Gospel Rap Mike Dyson

Recording Artist Carmen Bonner

Min. John E. Fortson

John Leggett

Yolanda Metcalf

Carol Walker

Percussionist/Poetic David A.N. Jackson

Min. Lloyd Edwards MC & much more

Special recognition to community leaders

All are welcome, this is a FREE community event. Bring can good for local food pantry.

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

Panache Art Lounge will hold "Black Girls Rock" Celebration honoring 6 notable women of St.Louis | Jan 28th at Exo Lounge. 10 p.m. Some of the women that will be featured are Mocha Latte, Socialite Sande, Sineta Roker and Tobi Collis

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

Andy Grammer

Wednesday, February 1

Time6:30pm until 11:30pm

Description

w/ Ryan Star & Rachel Platten

Doors 6:30pm • Show 7:30pm • $12 Advance • $14 Day of Show • All Ages

http://oldrockhouse.com/andy-grammer/

Buy Tickets @

http://metrotix.com/r.php?action=event&eventId=5012



NEW ONGOING BITZ IN THE STL AREA



MEDIA

February 17th BLOCK DVD is having an ALL FEMALE BLOCK DVD SHOWOFF VALENTINES EDITION. WE welcome R@B, HIP HOP, AND SPOKEN WORD ARTIST to SHOW UP and SHOW OFF! For more details GET AS US 314-771-5634 or 1-855-2STL-RAP if u OUTTA town! ITS THE BLOCK! www.blockdvd.com

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

Former St Louis businessman Cedric Mixon is promoting his newest film, “The Sweetest Cherry” with a trailer and the trailer is now online. Here is the trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=boXhZDgfaNE&feature=player_embedded

FOR MORE ONGOING BITZ

GO TO

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

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