Wednesday, May 9, 2012

OUT 1134--ILLI MO BITZ (MAY 10-16)


HEY OUTTOWNERS!

ITS THAT TIME AGAIN!!

TIME TO GET TOWNED!!









Last Friday, Grammy Award winning singer Mya was in St Louis for a listening party for her  CD,  K.I.S.S. during promotion group The Social's weekly networking event, THE SOCIAL held at Exo. Here, Mya is pictured with WHHL radio personality, Jenee.





St Louis based recording artist Playboy Ro just released his music video for his single, "IM A DOG" directed by Self Made Films. Go to  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yoFHSU0LDQ&sns=fb 


AND

St Louis based Rap/R&;B superduo Mickey and Mallory (Playboy Ro and Ms, Kriss)  just wrapped their music video for their single, "Gangsta Lovin". Here is a pic from the video directed by Self Made Films. Video air date and  channel TBA.
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NOTE: After July 5,  OUTTOWN will spinoff to a new blog called OUTSTAGIN, giving a stage (or platform) to mover and shakers in the arts and entertainment in the STL area (and “out of town”) by ways of interviews and features. It also will focus on recaps and reviews of fashion and style as seen at red carpeted, regular club events, and fashion shows. Lastly, in our theme of stages, we will review live theater, and concerts.

Also noted,  we will still post weekly =, but the frequency will be determined. 



THE BIG A&E NEWZ STORY THIS WEEK IS: 


AS REPORTED, media mogul Oprah Winfrey’s network debt OWN, which the queen of talk shows launched last year but has been in the making since 2008, continues to struggle with ratings, which hinders its ability to attract advertisers and make money. Bloomberg Businessweek reports the network may have lost up to $330 million since its inception.
The red ink was reflected in the quarterly results reported by Discovery Communications, which is Oprah Winfrey’s 50-50 partner in the network. Discovery’s first-quarter profits fell by $84 million, a 28 percent drop from the same period a year earlier. The results were below Wall Street analysts’ expectations.
In a conference call, Discovery President and Chief Executive David Zaslav conceded, “We have a long way to go.” But Zaslav was also optimistic about OWN’s ability to break even in 2013.
While not specifically addressing the struggle with ratings and red ink, Winfrey tweeted the following Tuesday: “I’d like to thank David Zaslav, my partner at Discovery who keeps speaking up for me with his unwavering support of @OWNtv.”
Discovery, which also owns Animal Planet and TLC networks, reportedly has pumped $600 million into OWN since its startup and continues to underwrite its expenses. Zaslav first approached Winfrey about the idea for a network in 2007.
Discovery also recently contributed its Discovery Health channel to OWN, allowing it to record a one-time gain during the quarter.
OWN, which has shed lackluster shows such as Rosie O’Donnell’s and cut 30 employees, has seen an uptick in ratings recently. Winfrey herself returned in January to interview newsmakers on her new Oprah’s Next Chapter. show. Among the first guests was singer Whitney Houston’s daughter, who talked about her mother’s death in February.
While one Wall Street analyst called OWN “the most successful failure in television today,” another one told Bloomberg “the Oprah issue” shouldn’t come as a surprise. “It takes time for a network like that to grow,” Morningstar analyst Michael Corty said.
Winfrey’s net worth is at the $2.7 billion mark as of March, according to Forbes.

We are pulling for Oprah on this potential TV dinosaur. Let’s hope this doesn’t become another “Beloved” for her, but as you see, even when you become as galactic as Oprah, your failures can be just as big!








Sources close to TMZ report that Chicago native and Grammy Award winning singer Chaka Khan is throwing her hat in the ring to snag one of two vacant spots on Simon Cowell's hit talent show, “The Z Factor.”
Khan -- who has 10 Grammy awards -- is dying to be considered for the lucrative gig and instructed her people to reach out to producers of the show, claiming to be perfect for the part ... toting her 40 plus years of experience in the biz.
There's no word on whether she's actually been called back

This would be a great choice if Simon Cowell chooses her. She’s a vet in the business,  a respected singer and—dare we say it—can actually sing! LOL



In other Chaka newz, she is scheduled to give the feature address at a symposium on gun violence at City Hall, Port-of-Spain, Thursday morning. The symposium is being held to mark the launch of the company's corporate social responsibility initiative.

Khan is expected to give a motivational and inspirational speech, as she has personally felt the effects of gun violence first-hand. The two-hour symposium will examine the effects of gun violence on the families and friends of victims.

In 2004, Khan’s son, Damien Patrick Holland, shot to death his 18-year-old friend. The incident took place at Holland’s apartment where the two men struggled for control over a gun, which discharged a bullet and struck the victim. Holland was acquitted of the killing in 2006. She said Khan has also spoken out on the highly-publicized Trayvon Martin case, in which 17-year-old Martin was fatally shot by neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman in Florida on February 26. “

The multi-platinum recording artist, also will headline the Every Woman Mother’s Day Concert on Saturday at the Queen's Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.

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And in last Chaka newz, at a recent concert in Atlanta in celebration of the 38th anniversary of Jazz 91.9 WCLK. she was snapped in a pic backstage and she has lost over 60 pounds.

Wow she is looking very sexy and youthful (she turned 59 earlier thus year) in the “after” pic. She looks even better than in her heyday with Rufus in the 1970s when she was famous not just for her voice but her sleek body. 












A Utah judge has to decide whether the late   Zion, Ill native child star Gary Coleman's ex-wife or an ex-girlfriend is entitled to his estate.
A judge heard closing arguments Tuesday in Provo, Utah but didn't specify when he'll issue a ruling.

His ex wife, Shannon Price (PICTURED ON RIGHT)testified Monday that even though she and Coleman divorced in 2008, they continued to live together and present themselves in public as husband and wife.

Another woman, Anna Gray, says Coleman named her a beneficiary and executor of his estate in 2005. Gray managed Coleman's affairs for a number of years and was his ex-girlfriend.

It's not clear how much Coleman's estate is worth, but court papers mention a $324,000 house and a pension, among other possible assets.

Coleman's ashes and the intellectual rights to some of his work also are at stake.
The "Diff'rent Strokes" actor died of a brain hemorrhage in 2010.

This is a no brainer here. If Anna Gray is the executor of his estate, then she gets his estate. Just because the ex wife lived with Coleman doesn’t mean anything if there wasn’t anything in Coleman’s will that she gets anything.






And speaking of trials, jurors began deliberating Wednesday in the trial of William Balfour, the man accused of killing the mother, brother and 7-year-old nephew of Chicago native entertainer Jennifer Hudson.

From reports, heated closing arguments set a tense tone in the courtroom before the judge sent the 12-person jury into deliberations.

Husdon kept her head down during much of Cook County prosecutor Jennifer Bagby's dramatic closing argument. Showing autopsy photos of the victims, Bagby pointed toward William Balfour, Hudson's former brother-in-law.

Hudson dabbed her eyes with a tissue as the prosecutor listed the charges: first-degree murder, home invasion, residential burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle.

Balfour has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and his lawyer has argued that there is no forensic evidence linking him to the killings and who also questioned police work in the case, describing a set of keys that she said surfaced on an evidence list a month after the slayings.

His lawyer also argued that police homed in on Balfour rather than conducting a full investigation.

But prosecutors argued that physical and circumstantial evidence clearly links Balfour to the killings and said defense claims that police may have planted evidence or been part of a conspiracy to frame Balfour were "absurd."

Balfour is accused of fatally shooting Hudson's mother, Darnell Donerson, 57, and the singer's brother, Jason Hudson, 29, in their Chicago home in October 2008. The body of Hudson's 7-year-old nephew, Julian King, was found three days later in an abandoned vehicle.

Prosecutors have portrayed Balfour as a jealous man who murdered three people in a rage at the thought that his wife had a boyfriend.

In her closing argument, Bagby said Balfour shot Hudson's mother as she tried to defend herself with a broom.

Deliberations of the jurors -- six men and six women -- were scheduled to last until 9 p.m. before breaking for the day Wednesday.
There have been 83 witnesses and 11 days of testimony in the trial.

Hudson, who was on hand through the trial, was called as the prosecution's first witness. She broke down in tears several times on the stand as she recalled her family.
"None of us wanted her to marry him," Hudson said of her sister's decision to marry Balfour. "We did not like how he treated her.
"Where he was, I tried not to be," she said.
The deaths took place a year after Hudson, who rose to fame as a contestant on "American Idol," won an Oscar for her role in the movie "Dreamgirls."

We think that Balfour will be found not guilty because there was no DNA evidence or a gun that was put in as evidence to link Balfour to the murders. Our thing is, police couldn’t find any finger or footprints in the house or the van that was used to transport the nephew to his dying spot? Strange. If anything, we think the Hudson family will sue in a civil suit for wrongful death and win. So the fact is someone murdered Hudson's family members and the question is who? Balfour looks guilty, but that doesn't mean he is guilty.

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St Louis reared and Grammy Award winning rap star Nelly, along with Justin Bieber and Triple H,accompanied boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. into the ring before Saturday’s boxing match in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand. that also aired on HBO. After the party, Nelly and Chicgao native and Grammy Award winning rap star  Common performed and had after parties after boxing superstar Floyd  Mayweather.’s  last Saturday nite in Las Vegas  at MGM Grand.  
Common reportedly headed to the Bank in the Bellagio to host his post-fight party. Arriving at nearly 1 a.m. Sunday, Common and his group of 10 friends reportedly  enjoyed cocktails at a VIP table overlooking the dance floor before he got on the mic for a performance at 2 a.m. The group reportedly  partied until the early hours of the morning, and Common reportedly departed 30 minutes before the lights came on for his hotel suite. Down the Strip at Haze in Aria, Nelly reportedly performed a set of new and older hits at the CityCenter hotspot.
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ADD: Chicago native and Grammy Award winning singer/producer R. Kelly was inspired  after The Voice champ Jermaine Paul performed his song, “I Believe I Can Fly”  this week on the NBC reality show  talent competition.  He tweeted: "Congratulations on winning the Voice @JermainePaul! If you can see it, then you can be it...Kells."


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Grammy Award winning and Chicago reared rap star Kanye West recently took a drive through New York City and was disgusted by the clothes he saw its inhabitants wearing, leading to a twitter rant in which he blasted his pet hates an went on Twitter
He wrote: "Just driving through the city and I see a few thing I hate... I hate button up shits with hoodies, I hate hoodies with sport coats, I hate sport coats with button up shirts, jeans and dress shoes, I hate khaki trench coats with jeans and off brand work out sneakers , I Hate big ass striped scarves, I hate long ass sideburns with the line up RnB beard (sic)"
He added: "...all this is 5 blocks. Detest (sic)"

No surprise on what Ye says and does but this is a bit over the top especially goin off on folk who aren’t trying to be on a runway. LOL

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In other Ye newz, he dropped  the video for "Lost in the World" off his fifth LP the Grammy Award winning My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, but there was a little bit of confusion for sure. But the question that pop pundits are wondering was , Why  did Ye decide to film a video from his 2010 album now, on the heels of the G.O.O.D. Music project? Well, the video's director Ruth Hogben tells MTV News that the clip was shot almost a year ago .
Hogben, a fashion filmmaker, explained that she was introduced to Kanye through her SHOWStudio  colleague Nick Knight, who thought that she would be a good fit to work with the eccentric rapper/producer.
The pair first began discussing their plans for the video around May 2011, and they captured all of the visuals in a two-day shoot later that summer.
On first look, the black-and-white clip seems to play up the desperation of the Grammy Award winning Bon Iver-featured "Lost in the World," with West and his dancers set against the dark, ominous backdrop, but Hogben describes the final product as "energetic."
She maintains that fans are supposed to come up with their individual interpretations of the clip. Even the dancers in the video were given the creative freedom to let loose. "It was actually their interpretation of the song," Hogben explained. "Kanye didn't say to them, 'Dance this way.' We wanted an interpretation of how they felt about the song."




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Kennett, Mo  native and Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow  had a brain fart forgetting the lyrics to one of her biggest hits during a concert. 
Sheryl's flub went down during her Saturday night gig in St. Petersburg, FL. Crow was reportedly bringing down the house with "Soak Up the Sun" ... when she suddenly forgot the lyrics. 

In a recorded video,  Crow trips over the lyrics, but like a pro, she kept going and asked the crowd ... "Oh, what's the words?" Then added, "It's live! Nothing on tape here!"

Crow smiled and gave the awesome excuse, "I'm 50 what can I say! My brain has gone to s**t!"

Hilarious. She threw much shade on today’s lip sync queens (and they are too many t mention) who needed Auto Tune or vocal enhanced tracks to maintain the vocals. Wonder who she was referring to?




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Oak Park, Ill native actress Betty White will receive the  PromaxBDA Lifetime Achievement Award at The Conference 2012, June 12-14 in Los Angeles. With a career that has spanned more than 60 years, the seven-time Emmy Award winner has created unforgettable roles in television and film, authored seven books and won numerous awards, including those for her lifelong work for animal welfare.
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In other Betty newz, she appears in a new campaign ad for California Rep. Howard Berman, alongside "Hot in Cleveland" co-star Wendie Malick.
The 90-year-old touts Berman's record for supporting "humane treatment of all animals," while Malick adds that he's "unbelievably effective" and has added police officers on his district's streets.
White, ever the comedian, then looks at the camera and adds, "And he has very nice blue eyes."
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Chicago native and Oscar nominated actor  Terrence Howard is currently in Philadelphia filming a film with Colin Farrell called,Dead Man Down” Howard plays a crime lord in the action thriller. A sniper is after him. The movie also stars Colin Farrell. The movie is scheduled to come out some time next year

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In other Terrence newz, he gave the commencement address to  South Carolina State University last Friday. Howard congratulated the graduates on making it through to this point. “You got here because you trusted the little piece of God inside you that reminds you you are worth something,” he said. He also warned the graduates against wasting valuable time. A big challenge in life is avoiding “spending time trying to put petals back on a flower,” he said.
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In last Terrence newz, he just settled a lawsuit with a former manager while in the middle of a nasty divorce from his wife. Victoria Fredrick filed the suit last year that claimed she was owed $137,500 in unpaid commission for various movie projects he worked on, but Howard told the judge she was his "personal manager".

He argued that she had no part in shaping or maintaining his career and was simply a glorified assistant. (OUCH!!!!) Ultimately, we're not sure who was telling the truth because they settled out of court last week and the case has been dismissed.

Guess Terrence say just pay the assistant because he has bigger money to to distribute with his wife!

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Oscar nominated and Kansas City, Mo native actor Don Cheadle is part of Funny or Die’s original web series called  Don Cheadle Is. It is slated to be a three-part series featuring the Academy Award nominee in which he re-envisions a popular character from our collective memories in each installment. That character could be Johnny Appleseed, Scrooge McDuck, Alf, John Henry, or any other individual, anthropomorphic animal, or superhero prominent in American folklore or pop culture.

Cheadle first appeared in a Funny or Die Exclusive back in 2010. He played the role of Frederick Douglass alongside Will Ferrell and Zooey Deschanel in an episode of Derek Water’s Drunk History(which is now making its way to TV).

There’s no word yet on when Don Cheadle Is… is scheduled to debut or which brands may be attached, though it should be of interest to any advertiser who would like to get involved with a program that’s sure to do well. Don Cheadle Is Captain Planet has already racked up nearly 3.7 million views so far on Funny or Die alone.

 

 

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In other Cheadle newz, he participated in The 5th Annual George Lopez Golf Classic & Mercedes-Benz Dealer Championship was held Monday at Lakeside Golf Club in Toluca Lake.


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Chicago native and Chicago Bulls star Derrick rose is on cover of the May issue  GQ  Magazine.
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Three STL natives are gettin it in on a national level:


ADD: First, actor Sean Blakemore was recently nominated for a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Daytime Drama for his role on the ABC soap opera,  "General Hospital." 
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Next, Miss USA hopeful and St Louis native Katie Kearney appeared  with several other hopefuls on Live with Kelly recently. Kearney is a junior at Saint Louis University where she is studying communications.
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And lastly, St Louis native actor/writer/director David Conley’s film, 

“Raising Izzie” directed by former Tyler Perry Studios exec veep Roger M. Bobb will have a TV premiere on GMC in July. Conley’s script that recently won the GMC Faith and Family screenplay award is story of two orphaned sisters and a teacher who takes them under wing. The film, which stars Soul Food TV series alum s Vanessa Williams and Rockmond Dunbar,  will  also compete at the 2012 American Black Film Festival in Miami Beach in June before its small screen premiere.








The reality competition show “America Got talent” returns to NBC for its seventh season Monday night, with the addition of Howard Stern as a judge - and the St Louis auditions are set to air as well.
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The new reality competition  show 'Around the World in 80 Plates'
aired Wednesday on Bravo, a cooking competition where  12chefs travel around the world -- 40 days, 10 countries, 60,000 miles -- working in teams and taking over restaurants in foreign cities to cook local cuisine. Cat Cora and Curtis Stone are hosts.

Among the chefs heading for London in the premiere was Clara Moore of Local Harvest in St. Louis.
NOTE: Moore was the first to be sent home.
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On the St Louis filmed  OWN aired docudrama, ”Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s” , St Louis native comedian Jovan Bibbs appeared on the second season’s  fifth episode applying for the nanny job to look after Janae Wallick and Tim Norman’s newborn TJ and on the sixth episode the St Louis based rap/sung group BiPolar  (which consist of “Sweetie Pies” cast members Tim Norman and Jr Dot) made its debut performing recently  for rapper T.I. at the Ambassador. 





THE BIG STL  A&E NEWZ STORY IS: 
The St. Louis Blues  threw everything they had at the Kings in the final two periods of Game 4, desperate and determined to avoid a series sweep but the Kings swept the Blues out of the postseason with a 3-1 victory Sunday, advancing to the conference finals for just the second time in club history.
In other Blues newz,  the investor group led by beer distributor Tom Stillman is buying the St. Louis Blues for $120 million. The deal will be announced today, Thursday in a press conference. Stillman, currently a minority investor in the National Hockey League team, is putting in $60 million of equity and $60 million of debt.

The purchase price means that former majority owner Towerbrook Capital Partners , which bought  the Blues and the lease to Scottrade Center in 2006 for $150 million, had its equity wiped out, as did minority owner Dave Checketts, who ran the team. 

 There is the possibility the $120 million purchase price could increase if the team hits certain profit levels, although my source did not know exactly how much the price could go up or what profit targets were required to trigger the higher price.

The Blues have been on the block for several months and earlier this year Checketts took a job  running Legends Hospitality Management, the food service and premium ticketing marketing company formed in 2008 by the Yankees, the Dallas Cowboys and Goldman Sachs.

Along with the Blues and arena lease, Stillman’s group will get an American Hockey League team and a share of the Peabody Opera House for the $120 million.

A bid by Chicago-area businessman Michael Hulsizer, who also tried to buy the Phoenix Coyotes, collapsed in December.

Now that the Blues have been sold we wonder if the Scott Trade Center will be renamed to say...Stillman Center?



According to reports, the public will get a chance to see the St. Louis Rams' counter proposal for the Edward Jones Dome much sooner than anticipated. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster said, in a sent a letter to St. Louis Circuit Judge Bryan Hettenbach, that the AG's office would release the Rams' counter proposal and other related documents by Monday, May 14.


The CVC and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch filed dueling lawsuits last week over the issue of the Rams' proposal. The CVC started the legal motioning by filing a suit to ask a judge, Hettenbach, whether or not the proposal is subject to the state's open records laws. They maintain that the sensitive nature of real estate transactions exempts the matter.


The Post-Dispatch countered with an argument that the public shouldn't be kept in the dark about a multimillion dollar project involving a public building and public money.under the "Sunshine Law." which states that " require public governmental bodies to open their meetings and records to the public."
 The CVC has until June 1 to accept or reject the plan. If they reject it and cannot agree to a plan by June 15, the matter goes to arbitration, a non-binding process, that has until the end of the calendar year to be resolved. If it is not resolved by the end of the year, the Rams would be free to leave their lease on the Dome after the 2014 season.

Also, acccording to an exclusive report from STL Fox 2 reporter Charles Jaco and fox2now.com, the main issue that the Rams has with CVC's proposal was the roof on top of the Edward Jones Domes. It is speculated that the Rams wanted a retractable roof (with no unspecified dollar amount) rather than  the standard roof.

Like we said before, we think it will go into arbitration because we think Rams owner Stan Kroenke wants the city to flip some of the @120 million bill for upper tier renovation of the Edward Jones Dome as well as the retractable roof it wants as opposed to the CVC’s proposal of splitting the bill 50-50. We think in the end, The Rams will leave St Louis after the 2014 season.  It had gotten its way already with breaking the original lease with CVC to have all games played in the Dome when they buckled and allowed Kroenke to have a “home game” in London, so what makes one think Kroenke is obligated to comprise with the CVC now? Besides, he didn’t want the newest counterproposal disclosed to the public so go figure.






According to Deb Peterson of stltodaycom, St. Louis based radio personality John Carney (PICTURED)will slide in over at KTRS (550 AM) after he was fired from KEZK (102.5 FM) last month.

Carney will host a show from 9 p.m. to midnight, starting June 4. Carney, son of the late, legendary radio personality, Jack Carney, left KMOX (1120 AM) in January 2011 after 12 years on the air there to work for the CBS affiliate's sister station, KEZK, where he mixed being a DJ with his traditional patter.
Carney said last month that his departure from KEZK was not rancorous; he just wasn't a good fit there.

The Carney signing is part of a raft of changes at KTRS.

Last week, the station announced it was showing J.C. Corcoran the door and bringing in Martin Kilcoyne for the noon-to-3 p.m. slot. Kilcoyne will take over on May 14. John Hadley’s sports show will move to the 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. slot, which leaves the 9 p.m. to midnight slot open for Carney.

Meanwhile, Steve Cochran, who has been doing shows in two time slots at KTRS – from 10 a.m. to noon and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. – and one from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on WIND (564 AM) in Chicago, will get a much needed break with the changes. Dorsey said Cochran will only do the 10 a.m. to noon show starting May 14.






Ousted KTRS radio personality JC Corchoran went on his Facebook Page recently to set the record straight about his recent firing from his job at the radio station.


He wrote: Though I had no intention of issuing any statements tonight, the erroneous report issued by the Post Dispatch requires that I do so.

I'm sorry to have to tell you I received a call on my way home from work today informing me our show on KTRS has been discontinued. Though they cited only "a direction change," I believe the recent availability of certain, more affordable broadcasters in our area will prove to have played a role in the decision.

I'll have more to say down the road (a LOT more), but for now, please know how much fun I had working with my co-host, Trish Gazall, and our contributors, Al Hrabosky, Eric Mink, Scott Sherman, Joe Marlotti, Smash, Ed Smaron and Craig Hogard. I know that your involvement in our show was out of friendship, and I'll always remember that regardless of what the future may bring.

I am disappointed, but not surprised, that the Post Dispatch would print anonymous accounts of the reasons for the discontinuation of our show. Those accounts are false and potentially libelous. Even with the deplorable working conditions, broken equipment and hostile work environment, we managed to turn out a consistently entertaining show in an effort to lift KTRS out of its 19th-place ranking. In fact, our daypart was responsible for some of the best ratings on the station, and I wish them well in whatever that "direction change" is.

As my dad used to say, whenever you're working for someone other than the guy who hired you, you're not in a good place. And, as another broadcast veteran once said, whenever you're doing your job well and they still let you go, you're in the wrong place. In the workplace, any workplace, a spirit of respect, admiration and camaraderie has to exist. At least that spirit existed for part of each day with all of you.

Upon hearing the news, my friend and partner for the past eighteen months, Trish Gazall, resigned her position. We cleaned out our office together this evening. (Wrong again, Deb.) There's only so much disappointment, frustration and deceptive practices two people can take.

I invite everybody to join me on Sunday from nine-to-noon as I fill in for Dean Richards on WGN...720 AM in Chicago, one of the country's most-listened-to and respected radio stations.

I'll continue with my daily video blog at jcontheline.com.


Well, we are not surprised that JC is back on air but it is interesting of his perspective of what went down at KTRS (we are shocked that he was tame in his comments), but he went into JC mode when he commented about his replacement, Martin Kilcoyne he saidMartin Kilcoyne to replace me at KTRS. Marty's a good guy....but HUH?!?!?


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The Missouri Legislature passed and sent to the governor Monday night a bill that could lead to a regional vote on a tax increase for the Gateway Arch grounds and other regional parks.

Under the bill, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the St. Louis County and St. Charles County councils could ask voters to approve a sales tax of 3/16 of a cent.

The money would help fund the $553 million CityArchRiver2015 Foundation plan, as well as local parks and trails under the Great Rivers Greenway district.
The House passed the bill with no debate Monday on a vote of 112-29. The Senate passed it last month, 20-8.

The goal of the Arch plan is to improve pedestrian connections between downtown and the Arch grounds and to encourage more public use of the area.


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The Missouri Legislature passed and sent to the governor Monday night a bill that could lead to a regional vote on a tax increase for the Gateway Arch grounds and other regional parks.

Under the bill, the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the St. Louis County and St. Charles County councils could ask voters to approve a sales tax of 3/16 of a cent.

The money would help fund the $553 million CityArchRiver2015 Foundation plan, as well as local parks and trails under the Great Rivers Greenway district.
The House passed the bill with no debate Monday on a vote of 112-29. The Senate passed it last month, 20-8.

The goal of the Arch plan is to improve pedestrian connections between downtown and the Arch grounds and to encourage more public use of the area.


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According to stltoday.com, Harrahs Penn National Gaming on Monday announced a deal to buy Harrah’s Maryland Heights Casino from Caesars Entertainment for $610 million. The purchase, expected to close by the end of the year, will give the fast-growing Pennsylvania gaming company a deeper foothold in the $1.1 billion St. Louis casino market, eight years after it bought locally based Argosy Gaming.

The casino, which opened on the Missouri River in 1997, is the region’s second-busiest by revenue. Gamblers spent $268.4 million there last year, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission, down 1.2 percent from 2010.

It has a 500-room hotel, 4,600-car parking garage and 2,600 slot machines. But the property has seen relatively little investment in recent years, even as new rivals around the region have opened up and old ones have expanded.
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Last Wednesday, Grammy Award-winning recording artist Nelly presented present Black and White Ball Scholarships to local high school students Jordan Powell and Leticia Goss at Lindenwood University.

Following a thorough review of all submitted applications, Powell and Goss were selected as 2012-13 award recipients by the Black and White Ball Scholarship Evaluation Committee.
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From an stltoday.com article, with fewer than five weeks to go before a statue of Dred and Harriet Scott is to be unveiled at the Old Courthouse in Downtown St. Louis, the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation said today that it is still $140,000 shy of its fundraising goal.

The bronze sculpture by renowned St. Louis artist Harry Weber will be the first in the nation to honor the couple who petitioned for their freedom from slavery in 1846. The Scotts submitted their petitions at the Old Courthouse. The statue is to be installed there on June 8. Contributions can be sent to The Dred Scott Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 2009, Florissant, Mo., 63032-2009.

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St Louis native and Bravo executive and host Andy Cohen will read from his memoir, "Most Talkative: Stories From the Front Lines of Pop Culture," and answer questions May 11 at St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 South Lindbergh Boulevard. The event is Free. For More info • go to www.slcl.org


CELEB SITE


Actor Zacharius Knight Galifianakis from the Hangover was spotted at Molly’s in Soulard recently.

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Allan Cohen, president and general manager of KMOV-TV (Channel 4), will retire at the end of the month after 32 years at the helm of the station.
A press release issued by Belo Corp.,  the parent company for the CBS affiliate here, said Cohen will retire effective May 31.
Cohen  came to St. Louis in 1980, as the station's general manager.

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In more KMOV newz, the latest person to be exiting the news operation is Marc Cox, a regional Emmy award-winning veteran reporter and anchor.
Cox is leaving television news after a 25-year career to become a financial advisor at Edward Jones.
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Merle Haggard &;Marty Stuart team up for a tour coming to the Family Arena June 24.

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St Louis based rapper Murphy Lee and singer Seviin Li will head up the St Louis stop  of Vaterott College's Voice Tour at a venue in Berkeley, Mo this Thursday afternoon (SEE EVENTZ BELOW)
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St Louis native rapper  and current ATLer Huey just released his mixtape called Work. To purchase it go to www.livemixtapes.com

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Real Housewives of Atlanta star Cynthia Bailey is on the cover of the May issue of Delux Magazine.
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St. Louis native and 2011 Project Runway finalist Laura Kathleen  will be one of several designers featured at  Delux Magazine's Fashion Walk May 11 at the Four Seasons. (SEE EVENTZ BELOW)
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This Thursday, Fox 2 (KTVI Channel 2) at 9:30 p.m. it will air a half-hour look at the St. Louis beer scene called "Beer in St. Louis: What's on Tap?" hosted by Elliot Weiler, the station's consumer reporter. Panelists who conducted taped interviews will includereps from  Anheuser-Busch InBev,  Schlafly Beer;  and William K. Busch Brewing Co.
In-studio live guests are Brian Owens, head brewer of O'Fallon Brewery; Kevin Lemp, president of 4 Hands Brewing Co.; and William Finnie, former A-B marketing executive who now is a consultant and adjunct business professor at Washington University.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++

BIG HEFF MIDWEST INDUSTRY TOUR  is touching down in St. Louis on May 17th. Performance slots available. Email info@stlhiphop.com for details.

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STL based radio personality Kiki the 1st lady has joined Foxy 95 weekdays starting at 2 p.m.

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STL based poet Fofeet hosts the new Spoken Word on the Mic online show every Mon & Tue 8-10pm central time onwww.stlouisflo.com. We still need a name, send you poetic pieces to afternoonblackout@yahoo.com. Send only materials you have copyright ownership. Several tracks with a short bio will be helpful. I reserve the right NOT to play everything we receive. We are a new and growing establishment, watch and be a part of our growth. 
++++++++++++++++++++++++

STL based trio Mo Tre will have a release party for its mixtape MARRIED 2 the MUZIK! Monday May 14th at MVP Bar & Grill 8021 W. Florissant...doors open at 7pm. There will be performances by MoTre, Kiwanee, Nikko Smith, Saint Orleans, and many more. Hosted by Scrub and on the tables Durrty Boyz (DJ Raydar, Rail Durrty, DJ Charlie B, and DJ Krisstyle).
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"LooseCannon S.L.I.M. has two new songs online one  feat. Waka Flocka - Back On Deck http://www.reverbnation.com/c./poni/108889774
 and "Goin' Crazy featuring Gucci Mane"http://www.reverbnation.com/c./poni/109091682
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STL based comedians  Darius Bradford and Arvin Mitchell will be featured in Dr.Dwayne Buckingham's documentary movie Qualified yet Single :Why good men remain single this Thursday at the Tivoli (SEE EVENTZ BELOW)
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ADD:The promoters of the monthly music showcase Cafe Soul will be moving from Fridays to Saturdays starting  May 26 at the same spot, Plush. 
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STL promoters Theodore Simpson  and Darryl Frierson, and comedian Jovan Bibbs,  co host a podcast called “Straight Out of Lo Cash “For more info and casts go to straight out if  http://straightolc.podbean.com

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Starting May 10th Smoothie King in the Delmar Loop will be featuring the "I'M A SURVIVOR SMOOTHIE'S". Proceeds go to the I'm A Survivor benefit party. Please show your support by making a purchase!

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Lastly, congratulations to STL promoter/socialite Otto Nichols and his fiancé Shauntay Binion who got married recently. 








Grammy award winning Bonnie Raitt and Marc Cohn at Pageant May 18
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Rapper 2 Chainz will perform at The Ambassador May 18
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Pointfest 30 will take place May 19 and 20 at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.

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R&B group Dru Hil will perform May 19 at the Ambassador
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Snoop Dogg is heading to Pop’s with a concert at 7 p.m. May 25.

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Sting performs June 5 at the Fox Theatre.
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Superjam June9 at Verizon Wireless Ampitheatre
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R&B singer  "CARL THOMAS" will be performing @ the "I'M A SURVIVOR" ALL WHITE CANCER BENEFIT PARTY on June 10TH, at the Planetarium at Forest Park 
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 COMING TO LUMIERE THEATRE is Kansas CityMo native COMEDIAN EDDIE GRIFFIN JUNE 16 for 2 SHOWS.

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Shock rocker Alice Cooper will perform at the Pageant June 16.
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 Tony and Emmy Award winning actress Leslie Uggams will reprise her role as Muzzy in this summer's production of "Thoroughly Modern Millie" at the Muny. In its premiere Muny production, the show will run June 18-24
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The Dukes of September Rhythm Revue 2012 will perform June 20 at the Fox Theatre featuring Donald Fagen, Michael McDonald and Boz Scaggs.
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REO Speedwagon, Styx and Ted Nugent headline the Midwest Rock N’ Roll Express Tour, coming to Verizon Wireless Amphitheater June 22.
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Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat co-headline a tour coming to Peabody Opera House June 24.
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Afrojack will perform June 24 at the Pageant.

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Comedian Margaret Cho is at Lumiere Place Casino’s Lumiere Theater for two shows,. June 23.

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Lady Antebellum, Darius Rucker and Thompson Square’s will perform June 29 show at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater.
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FAIR ST LOUIS The 32nd annual Fair Saint Louis will will feature three days of free entertainment on the grounds of the Gateway Arch.  Featured headliners include Heart on Wednesday, July 4, Third Eye Blind on Friday, July 6 and Dierks Bentley on Saturday, July 7. Activities will also include two Independence Day runs in collaboration with the St. Louis Sports Commission, the 135th annual VP Parade themed “Parade Around the World,” air shows and more!
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Rock singer Fiona Apple heads to the Peabody Opera House July 14.



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Ledisi will perform July 13 at the Pageant.
Eric Benet is also on the bill.
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Rock group O.A.R. will perform at the Fox Theatre. July 19.


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Grammy Award winning rock group Train performs at the Peabody Opera House July 29.
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Seal is playing the Fox Theatre July 31.Macy Gray opens. 
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ADD: STL musician Joshua Webb, died Wednesday in a car accident on an Atlanta highway. He was 27.  He played piano on Ledisi's Grammy-nominated "Pieces of Me" album, 



A former St. Louis radio personality Craig Cornett, 46,  died last Tuesday. He was found in a chair at his home in Jonesboro, Ark.  with an  empty sleeping pill bottle found in the sink of the downstairs of his main bathroom. The cause of death has not yet been determined. Mr. Cornett was an afternoon host at Y98 FM and morning emcee at the country station KSD "The Bull" in the 1990s and 2000s.



AND

The wife of St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer Stan Musial has died at the age of 91. The team said Lillian Musial passed away last Thursday. Lillian Labash was one of eight children whose parents owned a grocery store in Donora, Pa. Lillian and Stan Musial were high school sweethearts who married in 1940. Cardinals chairman Bill DeWitt Jr. said in a statement that the organization has lost a member of its family and that Lil Musial was the love of Stan Musial's life.






BLIND PICZ. Who was the lady in the blue short sleeve blouse at a recent taping at STL TV with her back turned in front of the OUTCAM?


BLIND DISHZ. Which popular  STL venue is about to close shop to move in order to open longer hours?

HINT 1. The venue is located in the U City Loop

HINT 2. The venue serves "ethnic" styled cuisine

HINT 3. The venue consists of "three numbered characters."






PRO-MO-CIAL-ITES (May  6-12)Which STL mover and shakers/socialites made a significance promoting their events and were spotted the most on the scene this week?





Staci Static. This popular radio personality that can be heard middays at WHHL FM. She also began hosting a Gong Show that takes place at Herbie's on Euclid in teh Central West End  every Tuesday (SEE NEW ONGOING BITZ BELOW) and this Saturday, she will co-host with BET 106 and Park co host Terrence J at a Youth Forum at the Community Expo (May 12) at the America's Center (SEE EVENTZ BELOW).


Mocha Latte. The Queen of All Promotions is up and at em this week coming off of working behind the scenes at rapper Yung Ro's Youth Rally held at UMSL,  she will host and moderate a panel  "called Qualified yet Single :Why Good Men Remain Single" this Thursday  (May 10)at the Tivoli Theatre after the film of the same name is screened. She will also attend the adjoining singles mixer this Friday (May 11) at Legacy Books and Cafe and on Saturday mix it up with her popular weekly hype on the mic at The Loft.



Keith  Griffin. This editor in chief and founder of the poplar monthly arts and entertainment magazine Delux (whose May  issue has "Real Housewives of Atlanta" star  Cynthia Bailey on the cover)  is about to have a lavish fashion show at the Four Seasons called Fashion Walk near Lumiere Place this Friday (May 11)  bringing in fashion designers from St Louis and Atlanta. It will be followed by an after party at the newly opened Soho in the Grove(SEE EVENTZ BELOW)





Jermaine Andre. This mixed martial arts champion  and instructor has been making the media rounds most recently on KSDK Channel 5 on First at Four  promoting his book ,  "The Fighters Bible" and his  fight competition at  Saturday nite during the Community Expo  at America's Center  (SEE EVENTZ BELOW) 


ADD: HONORABLE MENTION:



Kevin Bryant, founder of Inkosi Advertising, is one of the vets  in the STL and this weekend is an indication of his talents as he puts on his very first Communty Needs Expo is presented this weekend at the Americas Center.  (SEE EVENTZ BELOW)



WORDZ

TO

THE
Z
Why are Christian folk up in arms about President Obama in support of same sex marriage? And why arent they up in arms about same sex affairs in their own churches? Why was Justin Bieber walking up in the ring with Floyd Mayweather prior to his fight?  Why is the Suntan Mom getting an action figure and reality show? And why isnt she accused of child endangerment fr  putting her child in a suntan booth? Why are these masseurs coming out now with the allegations that John Travolta tried to force sex on them during his sessions with them? Why was someone trying to rob a horse and carriage driver in St Louis recently? Why is Tamar Braxton making a big deal over Jill Scott's tweet about folk watching Mary Mary's show on the same network? Why has BET ghettofied "The Game" ? Why was that Laker stalker even allowed to get on the court? Why does it seem like these singing competition shows try and get judges who either cant sing or has a talent beside singing? Why is American Idol contestant Phillip Phillips still in the competition? Why is their a group threatening to kill Missouri Senator Clair McKaskill?  Why is Michael Jackson's former bodyguard makin allegations that MJ put a hit out on his brother Randy? And why did the Kardashians land a  $40 million deal for more episodes of their reality show?











HAPPY STL TAURIAns BDAZEs. Writer/actor/director David Conley (PICTURED), rapper Penelope Jones, promoter Blu Bolden, magazine owner/promoterTom Hannegan, poet/percussionist David A.N,. Jackson,  poet Chill Da Palya, former radio executive Baqi Cherry,  model./socialite Jerrese Patrick, poet Shae Brown, writer Toriano Porter, dancer Aretha Richardson,  radio host/poet Carl Sevvy Sev, socialite/promoter Will Ross,  promoter will woods and fashion show producer Felicia Moseley 


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Black Rep presents Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom plays until May 13 at Grandel Square Theater. For more info go to www.blackrep.org

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Make sure you check out Dr.Dwayne Buckingham's documentary movie Qualified yet Single :Why Good Men Remain Single" this Thursday at the Tivoli Theatre in the loop7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Panel hosted and moderated by promoter Mocha Latte !. The screening will be followed by a singles mixer on Friday, May 11, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Legacy Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd.  Dr. Buckingham will also release his newest book of the same title on May 10. The book will be available at both events.  Dr. Buckingham will be signing books at the Tivoli Theatre prior to the screening from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  There is a $10 admission fee to the screening; however admission is free for all book purchasers.


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Vatterott College will host the Voice Tour this Thursday located at 8580 Evans Av, Berkeley Mo  at 4pm for more info go to  http://www.vatterott.edu/voice/
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Delux Magazine presents Delux Fashion Walk @ The Four Seasons
8p.m. May 11

DELUX Magazine and Bakers Shoes have come together to create Delux Magazine's 2nd Annual Fashion Walk: Live. Love. Fashion.
 
St. Louis and Atlanta trendsetters will  mingle and watch a phenomenal fashion show with a cohesive, yet diverse
line up of designers, including international designer MaggieJeans.com,
Ann Taylor, and national brands Mark Ecko and Apple Bottom. We also
have St. Louis's own from Project Runway - Laura Kathleen and a select
few boutiques which feature couture pieces from timeless designers such
as Anna Sui, Dior, Dolce & Gabbana, Burberry, Versace, and more: top St. Louis boutiques including Byrd Style Lounge, Epiphany Boutique, and Oval Channel. Our designers will showcase this year’s Spring/Summer/Swimwear collections on
St. Louis’ hottest runway at the elegant FOUR SEASONS Hotel. 

 TEQUILA AVION SIGNATURE SIP LOUNGE beginning at
7pm, followed by the Spring/Summer Fashion shows at 8pm with discreet private after parties at the ever-electric Lumiere!

The event will followed  by an after party at Soho Lounge in the Grove


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++++++++++++++++
Actor-comedian Aziz Ansari comes to the Pageant May 11.

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Comedian and actor Tim meadows will be at The Funny Bone at West port Plaza May 11-12
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Community Needs Expo Americas Center May  11 an12.
. FREE! FREE! FREE! to the community. Workshops, Job Fair with hiring opportunities on the spot, Youth Rally hosted by Terrence J and Staci Static, Health and Fitness Rally, VETERANS VILLAGE for veterans and more. View more details www.communityexpo.org

May 11 , 9am-to 9:pm,  and Saturday 9- 9 p.m. at downtown America Center, 701 Convention Plaza .
On Saturday, community youth can make some noise at a Youth Resources Awareness Rally , hosted by  Terrence J from BET’s  106 & Park, and  comedian, actor Kevin Hart of the hit movie “Think Like A Man”.  Special entertainment will be provided by local artists, Teen Swag.

Saturday, May 12, 2012
MMA Cagefight for Anti-Bullying Charity
8pm - 11pm

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TIM CUNNINGHAM, THEO PEOPLES & ANITA JACKSON will perform a concert “Give the Ladies a Standing Ovation” this Mothers's Day at JAZZ ON BROADWAY, Sat. May 12th Dinner 8-9pm, Concert 9 - 11pm, 554 East Broadway, Alton, IL 62002 | 618.465.5299 for tickets and more info.



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The Mother's Day Show starring Enchantment at 6 p.m. Sunday night  May 13 at the Ambassador
NOTE: Bloodstone is off of the bill.
+++++++++++++++++++

Denise Thimes &Friends' annual Mother's Day concert will be. May 13 at the Sheldon Concert Hall. Saxophonist Tom Braxton will be featured.
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Fred Hammond and Mary Mary headline Gospel Fest, taking place May 13 at the Chaifetz Arena.Also performing are Broderick Rice and Jessica Reedy.
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Steve Winwood is at Peabody Opera House, in concert on May 14.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Simplified @ Old Rock House STL
May 15 


Rocker Daughtry comes to Peabody Opera House with a concert on May 16.
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NEW ONGOING BITZ


CLUB/NIGHTLIFE BITZ


STREETBEAT STL WILL BE AT THE JUNKYARD BAR AND GRILL  on 1120 N. Florissant Rd.,  on Sundays COME ENJOY SOME GREAT R&B AND SOUL .......DOOR OPEN AT 6PM
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

There will be a Gong Show that takes place at Herbie's on Euclid in teh Central West End  everey Tuesday  starting at 9 p.m. Hosted by Staci Static.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++


 We going BACK..@ Junkyard BarandGrill  on 1120 N. Florissant Rd., for BACKSPIN WEDNESDAYS at 7 p.m. ...Dj Boogie "Puts it DOWWWNN" On the tables!!! #str8LIKEdat!!!
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Release Thursdays / Junkyard BarandGrill on 1120 N. Florissant Rd., Home Team StL. at 8 p.m. ....With The AllStar Djs Deejay D-Lani Dee J Masterd DeeJay SirThurl II and BLAZE 1 YEP ALL OF EM'' We Go so Hard we need FO DJs....#ComeThru.. I

AUDITION BITZ

BIG HEFF MIDWEST INDUSTRY TOUR --'- is touching down in St. Louis on May 17th. Performance slots available. Email info@stlhiphop.com for details.
Meet me at Herbies Restaurant (405 N. Euclid) for their 1st GONG SHOW TOMORROW 9:30-11pm!! They have a lobster special EVERY TUE too.
++++++++++++++++

STL based poet Fofeet hosts the new Spoken Word on the Mic online show every Mon & Tue 8-10pm central time onwww.stlouisflo.com. We still need a name, send you poetic pieces to afternoonblackout@yahoo.com. Send only materials you have copyright ownership. Several tracks with a short bio will be helpful. I reserve the right NOT to play everything we receive. We are a new and growing establishment, watch and be a part of our growth. 



HELP BITZ

THE "I'M A SURVIVOR" SMOOTHIE! THIS CAMPAIGN LAUNCHES THURS. MAY 12TH & RUNS THROUGH SUN. JUNE 10TH

LOCATION: SMOOTHIE KING IN THE DELMAR LOOP.
6600 Delmar Blvd.

TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT ALL U HAVE TO DO IS BUY A SMOOTHIE!

ALL PROCEEDS GO TO
ORLANDO WATSON'S I'M A SURVIVOR ALL WHITE CANCER BENEFIT PARTY: WHICH BENEFITS THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY.

FOR MORE INFO CALL SMOOTHIE KING @ 314-862-9700 or email: survivorstl@gmail.com



MUSIC BITZ





GOODZ/SERVICEZ

For all your soul food needs and catering check out The Rib Shack, located at 8642 Natural Bridge daioly 10 am to 10 p.m. Info at 314.427.1777




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