Entertainment
Celebrity Speakers Announced for Chicago Ultimate Women’s Expo 2019
The Chicago Ultimate Women’s Expo presents a star-studded, empowering and entertaining weekend on October 5-6, 2019 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.
Oprah Winfrey to Serve as Keynote Speaker at the 17th Annual UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon
UNCF (United Negro College Fund) recently announced that global media leader, producer, actress and philanthropist Oprah Winfrey will headline the 17th annual Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon as keynote speaker on Saturday, Sept. 28. This signature fundraising event presented by Wells Fargo is named after loyal UNCF supporter, the late Dr. Maya Angelou and honors local women whose footprints positively impact the Charlotte regional community. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit students in North Carolina and the historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) that support them.
Viola Davis To Star As Michelle Obama In ‘First Ladies’ Drama Series In Works At Showtime
Viola Davis is set to portray Michelle Obama in First Ladies, a one-hour White House drama that has been put on fast-track development at Showtime with a three-script commitment. Davis will executive produce the project, which hails from writer Aaron Cooley (novels Four Seats: A Thriller of the Supreme Court, The Guns of Ridgewood), Davis and Julius Tennon’s JuVee Productions, Cathy Schulman’s Welle Entertainment (Otherhood), Jeff Gaspin’s Gaspin Media (LA’s Finest) and Brad Kaplan (The Intruder). Showtime and Lionsgate TV co-produce.
Multi-Grammy® Nominated R&B Crooner Johnny Gill To Release Highly-Anticipated Game Changer II Album Set For September 6
J Skillz Records/Kalvary recording artist, multi-GRAMMY ® nominated and Multi-Platinum R&B producer, writer and singer Johnny Gill, has unveiled details of his highly-anticipated eighth studio album, GAME CHANGER II.
NBA Experience Grand Opening Is A Slam Dunk At Walt Disney World Resort
It was a championship-worthy celebration recently at Disney Springs for the grand opening of NBA Experience. Amid cheering fans and celebrity guests, Disney Chairman and CEO Bob Iger unveiled the first-of-its-kind destination, joined onstage by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and several current and former NBA and WNBA players.
“I Believe Tour” Comes To Chicago
Captain Sandy Yawn, star of Bravo’s hit series Below Deck Mediterranean, will headline an evening of inspiration, entertainment and live music when she brings her “I Believe Tour” to Chicago on Saturday, August 17.
Documentary Series Drives Change for Global Issues Impacting Humanity
National Geographic has announced that ACTIVATE: THE GLOBAL CITIZEN MOVEMENT, the six-part documentary series from National Geographic and Procter & Gamble, co-produced by Global Citizen and RadicalMedia, will premiere Sept. 5 at 9/8c in the U.S. and will air globally on National Geographic in 172 countries and 43 languages.
Hanna Lee Communications Takes Books from Concept to Publishing, with Built-In Promotion Throughout
Hanna Lee Communications, Inc., an award-winning PR and marketing agency specializing in food, drinks and travel, recently announced Book Incubator Media, a new initiative that identifies authors and compelling subjects to bring new hospitality-focused books to life.
CHICAGO NATIVE SYLEENA JOHNSON HEADLINES 5th ANNUAL BANTU FEST IN CHICAGO
Bantu Incorporated is excited to announce that Syleena Johnson will be the headline act for the 5th Annual ‘Bantu Fest’ taking place July 27th & July 28th, 2019; 10am-10pm; Venue: Midway Plaisance. Bantu Fest is the most anticipated multi-cultural Family Event of the Summer!
eta Creative Arts Foundation announces new Executive Director
eta Creative Arts Foundation, Inc. recently announced Kai EL’ Zabar as the new CEO/Executive Director. EL’ Zabar officially started her tenure at the 48-year old institution on July 15, 2019
The Roots’ ‘The Tipping Point’ To Be Reissued For 15th Anniversary
In honor of its 15th anniversary, The Roots’ legendary sixth album The Tipping Point is available once again via Geffen/Urban Legends. The amalgam of hip-hop, soul and funk, originally released on Geffen Records in 2004, has been reissued as standard black double vinyl as well as on translucent gold limited-edition colored double vinyl, to be released July 12. Order The Tipping Point now at https://urbanlegends.lnk.to/TheTippingPoint
Longest Running Live National July 4th TV Tradition Hosted By John Stamos
This July 4th, A CAPITOL FOURTH continues its 39-year tradition of celebrating our nation’s independence on the West Lawn of the United States Capitol building. Two-time Emmy Award-nominated actor and producer John Stamos (Netflix’s YOU, FULLER HOUSE, ER) returns to host the country’s longest-running live national July 4th TV tradition. A CAPITOL FOURTH’s family-friendly Independence Day celebration will commemorate our country’s 243rd birthday with all-star musical performances, and remains unaffiliated with any other July 4th events around the country, and in other locations in Washington, D.C.
Chicago House Music Lovers Kick-Off Holiday With Annual South Side Pub Crawl
Chicago is a popular destination for summer music events. On Wednesday, July 3rd, thousands of House music lovers will “Get on the Bus” as the organizers House Club Tour, LLC continues the House Club Tour (HCT) Pub Crawl for the fi ft h year. Every year the HCT kicks off the House Music holiday weekend celebrated by music lovers all across the world. Chicago widely recognized as the birthplace of House Music now plays a major role in the current rise of the genre.
Santana’s Thrilling New Album ‘Africa Speaks’ Debuts At #3 On Billboard Top 200
Music legend Carlos Santana’s new album Africa Speaks, out now via Concord Records, has debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart. Santana surpassed the Rolling Stones and, along with Barbara Streisand, is one of only two music acts in Billboard history to score at least one Top Ten album for six consecutive decades from the 1960s on. This is Santana’s third Top Ten release this decade and his highest charting debut since 2005’s All That I Am. Additionally, Africa Speaks debuted #1 on both the Billboard Rock Albums and Billboard Latin Albums charts.
