Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, Kyle Eastwood, & Armand Sabal-Lecco Take Center Stage for an Unforgettable Night of Bass!

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert

On January 19, 2024, legendary bassist Bunny Brunel headlined at the Catalina Jazz Club for his “Bass Ball 2” CD release concert. The packed event featured iconic bassists Stanley Clarke, Kyle Eastwood, and Armand Sabal-Lecco, with performances by Larry Dunn and Kaylene Peoples. The night showcased bass virtuosity, surprise collaborations, and a captivating mix of jazz, blues, and Bossa-nova. Hosted by Kevin Foster and opened by Pat Prescott, the event received high praise and an unforgettable evening for all.

HOLLYWOOD, Calif. – Jan. 27, 2024 – First Take PR

(All Photos by Sheryl Aronson)

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert at Catal
Host Kevin Foster

Bunny Brunel & Friends “Bass Ball 2” made its way to the Catalina Jazz Club on Sunset Blvd. for a once-in-a-lifetime night of music.  Never have these four players (Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, & Kyle Eastwood) graced the same stage during a performance . . . and the audience was thrilled to be there to witness it.  This night was filled with great collaborations with a variety of styles and techniques. Bunny Brunel and Stanley Clarke who are both known for their tenure with Chick Corea were pivotal in bringing the bass upfront.  Pioneers of the jazz-fusion bass movement, Brunel & Clarke helped pave the way for future bass players to carve their own niche in the industry.  The performances that evening was epic.  Several attendees remarked how distinctive each bass player’s sound was.  One guest remarked, “You could close your eyes and know who was playing.”

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert
Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, and Monette Marino

Larry Dunn, the original keyboardist for Earth, Wind & Fire, added to the musical feast with his playing, bringing his sound filled with nostalgia, and adding something extra to the show.  Dunn’s performance was nothing short of brilliant.

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert
Keyboardist Larry Dunn

And Kaylene Peoples, a vocalist and flutist, charmed the audience with her command of the stage, bringing another flavor entirely.  As Peoples jokingly expressed before she performed, “I’m the treble amongst all this bass!”

The engaged audience was mesmerized by each performer.  There was something very unique about this unexpected lineup.  The personnel, featuring Mahesh Balasooriya on keys, Monette Marino on percussion, and DeCarlos “Hulk” Davis on drums, showcased a fusion of talent.

Drummer DeCarlos Hulk Davis

To kick off the show, TV Writer/Comedian (Monogamy) Kevin Foster warmed up the audience as anticipation brewed. He brought to the stage Pat Prescott, a popular radio host, expressed how important jazz and supporting live music is today.

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert at Catal
Radio Host & Guest Pat Prescott (L) gives a speech; Kyle Eastwood (R)

Then bassists Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, and Kyle Eastwood set the tone with the infectious grooves of “G-Blues,” setting the crowd’s anticipation for a night of musical grandeur. The spotlight remained firmly on the bass instrument, providing an innovative palette for musical expression.  Larry Dunn joined Bunny Brunel and Stanley Clarke for a captivating performance of “Changing,” which is slated as the first single from “Bass Ball 2” and showcased Dunn’s keyboard virtuosity. The dynamic duo of Stanley Clarke and Armand Sabal-Lecco then captivated the audience with a masterful interpretation of “La Caucion.”

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert at Catal
Stanley Clarke and Armand Sabal-Lecco

Kaylene Peoples brought a touch of Romantic Bossa-Nova to the mix with her rendition of “Girl from Ipanema,” accompanied by Bunny Brunel on bass.

Kaylene Peoples performs “Spain” with Kyle Eastwood and Bunny Brunel

The climax of the night was the “Bass Jam,” where the four legendary bass players exhibited their technical prowess, melodic sensibility, and dynamic camaraderie on the electric bass.

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert at Catal
All Four Bass Players: (L-R) Kyle Easrwood, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Bunny Brunel, & Stanley Clarke; (Far Right) Percussionist Monette Marino

Honoring the iconic Chick Corea, Kaylene Peoples returned to perform a flute solo on Corea’s “Spain.” The grand finale featured Larry Dunn rejoining Stanley Clarke, Bunny Brunel, Kyle Eastwood, and Kaylene Peoples for a jazzy rendition of “That’s the Way of the World.”

-by-Sheryl-Aronson
(L-R) Larry Dunn, Kaylene Peoples, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Monette Marino, DeCarlos Hulk Davis

Attendees praised “Bass Ball 2” and its legendary cast, with one remarking, “Tonight was the most beautiful jazz concert I have ever attended. Congratulations. True beauty is holy,” said Terran Steinhart, an Attorney at Law. Journalist A. Scott Galloway added, “Truly an unforgettable evening of heartfelt joy, camaraderie, and low-end love.” The enthusiastic crowd on January 19th included notables like fashion designer Kevan Hall, “Monogamy” Actress Chrystee Pharris, bass player Talmadge Hawkins, and Howard Johnson of “So Fine” fame. The event drew in a diverse audience, including Grammy-winning Phillip Aphillyated Guillory and the Executive Board of the Tuskegee Airman Scholarship Foundation.

Bunny Brunel & Friends "Bass Ball 2" CD Release Concert at Catal
Pianist Mahesh Balasooriya

Bass Ball 2, the brainchild of Bunny Brunel, follows the groundbreaking release of BASS BALL in 2017, the first-ever CD exclusively showcasing bass players. Co-produced by Stanley Clarke, the collaboration marked a historic moment for bass enthusiasts, thrusting the instrument into the forefront of musical expression. BASS BALL 2, released in 2023, features a stellar lineup, including Kyle Eastwood, Federico Malaman, Stanley Clarke, Armand Sabal-Lecco, Sekou Bunch, Josquin des Pres, Dominique di Piazza, and special guests Patrice Rushen, Larry Dunn, Kaylene Peoples, Virgil Donati, John Wackerman, Steve Ferrone, and countless other notable musicians. For more information about “Bass Ball 2” and the complete lineup, visit bunnybrunel.com/music.

The concert was proudly supported by the promotional teams at First Take PR, Concerts.cafe, and Music Magique Promotions, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Wounded Warriors Project.

(All Photos by Sheryl Aronson)

Levy Lee Simon Launches His Memoir “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1”: A Literary, Conversational, and Musical Event.

The actor/director/playwright Levy Lee Simon, a prominent figure in the theatre world, known for his huge body of work including The Bow Wow Club, (winner of the Kennedy Center Lorraine Hansberry Award for Best Full-Length Play) and for performing on Broadway with the Pulitzer Prize-winning play, The Kentucky Cycle, adds author to his list of roles unveiling his memoir, Odyssey Towards the Light. The event had top-tier entertainment, engaging dialog, big reveals, and an elite, attentive audience that was presented an unforgettable evening. Most guests were very familiar with the multi-award winner and activist, but that night, discovered a few new things about the now published memoirist.  

Held at Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles on December 8th, 2023, Levy Lee Simon’s book launch officially ushered in his role as author. The respected playwright is no stranger to accolades, honors, and awards for his acclaimed works. Highly respected as a thespian, activist, director, screenwriter, and playwright, Levy Lee never thought he’d become an author until his sister urged him to tell his life story. Simon reflects on that conversation recalling, “My sister told me years ago that I should stop what I was doing and write my autobiography because I’ve had such a wild and crazy life. At the time, I was a long way from writing it or thinking I could write it.”

Immersed in the memoir writing workshop conducted by Los Angeles–based novelist, essayist, and teacher Jill Schary Robinson, Levy Lee Simon found structure and discipline attending Jill’s sessions every Sunday for about seven years. Recognizing the necessity of producing pages weekly, he embraced the timeline representing his life. On the evening of December 8th, 2023, Simon opened the portal, inviting readers to join him on a poignant journey—an “odyssey” tracing his life as a Black man/child in America. From the streets of Harlem in the 70s to HBCUs during his college days, his ascent to professional theatre and Broadway, and traversing the roaring 80s filled with parties and drugs, a fall from grace and a descent into darkness with NYC’s landscape, only to rediscover his path back to the light makes his story an enthralling tale—a memoir encapsulated in “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1.”

Actress Cindy Mariangel hosts Levy Lee Simon’s “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” book launch at Greenway Court Theatre on December 8, 2023

The Evening’s Events:

Simon’s much-anticipated book launch had an intriguing cast of characters just like his plays. Starting with Actress/Filmmaker/Dancer/Producer Cindy Marinangel who hosted and engaged the audience that evening. At the start of the festivities, she introduced and brought to the stage Michael Camacho, a prominent NYC entertainer and former club owner as the opening act. Camacho, formerly with the Billboard charting group Sly Fox beautifully serenaded an Al Jarreau cover, engaging with his broad melodious vocal range, singing a Capella to a mesmerized audience.

"Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1" Book Launch
Singer Michael Camacho performs at Levy Lee Simon’s “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” book launch at Greenway Court Theatre on December 8, 2023

Up next was jazz and Bossa-nova recording artist Kaylene Peoples (also KL Publishing Group founder) who performed her highly touted show “Romantic Bossa-Nova.” Kaylene engaged the appreciative audience with her recorded versions of “Berimbau,” “Spain,” and her signature version of “One Note Samba.” Performing with her was Bunny Brunel, Grammy-nominated bassist and founder of CAB who is known for his tenure with Chick Corea; percussionist Christian Moraga (Arturo Sandoval); and guitarist Joe Calderon (Dianne Reeves).

"Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1" Book Launch
Kaylene Peoples performs her show “Romantic Bossa-Nova” during Levy Lee Simon’s “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” book launch on December 8th, 2023 at Greenway Court Theatre.
"Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1" Book Launch
Author Levy Lee Simon and moderator/author Laura Cathcart Robbins discuss “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” during the book launch at Greenway Court Theatre on December 8, 2023

Marinangel then introduce Levy Lee Simon who took command of the stage and orated excerpts from two chapters of “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1,” which was just a teaser from his 354-page memoir. Levy Lee held the audience in the palm of his hand with his highly seasoned, theatrical flair. The captivated crowd requested he continue reading excerpts from the book. One audience member remarked about Simon’s imposing command of the stage. Following his recitation was Laura Cathcart Robbins, a NY Times Best-Selling author for her memoir, “Stash: My Life in Hiding” and podcast host for “The Only One in the Room.”

Author Levy Lee Simon reads excerpts from his memoir at his book launch for “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” at Greenway Court Theatre on December 8, 2023

Robbins interviewed Levy Lee Simon on stage in an engaging, deeply researched probe. Having read his book already, she came equipped with poignancy—queries directly related to Simon’s new book release. Author-to-author, she interviewed him about his approach to memoir-writing and opened dialog about some of the sensitive topics in the book. One thing that stood out the most was her compassionate inquiry about exposing oneself in the memoir writing process to which Simon informed that it was a lot easier than he thought it would be and had no issue with recounting his past; he put it out there for the world to see and is at peace with that decision. “Why write a memoir if you’re changing the facts,” said Levy Lee Simon about “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1.”  Simon revealed during his interview that there is a “Book 2” coming, that he is almost done with the first draft.

Just before the close of the event, Levy surprised Kaylene Peoples by asking her to talk about the publishing/editing process of “Odyssey.” The two of them talked about how they came to retain her company to publish his book. Six degrees of separation—Sheryl Aronson, an award-winning journalist who contributes to several magazines, in 2018 at her book launch for her memoir which was also published by KL Publishing Group, connected Simon and Peoples. During that discussion, there was a surprise guest in the audience, an owner of the famous Kate Mantilini’s in Beverly Hills. The LA audience knowing about the renowned but long since closed restaurant that catered to the entertainment industry and deemed “Oscars Haven,” sat up and took notice as he asked Levy his question about Blacks in America as one of the topics inside of Simon’s memoir. The activist that Simon is, graciously responded with no spoilers about the content of his memoir and light-heartedly told him he’d just have to read the book to find out.

Author Levy Lee Simon’s “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” book launch at Greenway Court Theatre on December 8, 2023. Levy hugs his friend, R&B singer Roberta Freeman.

After the final event at the launch, Levy greeted his guests and signed books.  Sheryl Aronson & Sasa Photos photographed the event. Overall, the evening was a huge success.

Here’s what people are saying about “Odyssey Towards the Light.”

Actress Tanna Frederick praises Levy Lee Simon’s “Odyssey” as an inspiring journey, highlighting its resilience and wisdom.

AGENDA magazine describes Levy Lee Simon’s memoir, “Odyssey Towards the Light,” as a compelling and unputdownable page-turner, offering readers a rare opportunity to walk in his shoes and find inspiration in the face of adversity.

Actor Keith Randolph Smith commends Levy Lee Simon as a life champion, describing his journey as audacious and courageous—a portrait of an artist living authentically and boldly.

In attendance that evening were the following guests: Actor Lawrence Hilton Jacobs (“Cooley High: The Jacksons”); Producer and Real Estate Mogul Patricia Gillum known for the movie “Angel”; Rico Anderson, TV Actor; R&B vocalist Roberta Freeman who is best known for her work with Guns N’ Roses, Pink Floyd, and Mary Wilson’s Supremes; Actor Ty Granderson Jones (“Con Air”); and TV writer Kevin Foster (“Monogamy”).

Author Levy Lee Simon (M) poses with (L) Laura Cathcart Robbins (“Stash”), (R) Kaylene Peoples, & Kevin Foster (“Monogamy”) at his “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1” book launch at Greenway Court Theatre on December 8, 2023.

Levy Lee Simon’s “Odyssey Towards the Light: Book I” is available for purchase wherever books are sold. Visit KL Publishing Group’s website and find out more about Levy’s memoir, email at info@klpublishinggroup.com.

ABOUT LEVY LEE SIMON:

Levy Lee Simon, an award-winning writer, actor, director, and producer, is an MFA graduate of the University of Iowa Playwright’s Workshop. Notable achievements include a Best Supporting Actor Nomination by the Colorado Theatre Guild for “In the Upper Room” and two NAACP Best Playwright nominations. His acclaimed For the Love of Freedom trilogy, including “The Bow Wow Club,” winner of the Kennedy Center Lorraine Hansberry Award, showcases his commitment to transformative storytelling. A former cast member in the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Tony-nominated “The Kentucky Cycle” on Broadway, Simon also made his mark in over sixty plays Off-Broadway, Off-Off Broadway, and regional theaters across the country.

“The Last Revolutionary,” his feature film, premiered at the Pan African Film Festival, and is now available on Amazon Prime. An artist-activist, Simon collaborates with renowned theaters such as The Robey Theatre Company, Greenway Arts Alliance, National Black Theatre Festival, The Workshop Theatre, New Federal Theatre, Algonquin Productions, The Black Spectrum Theatre, NJoy Productions, St. Croix – Center Stage, The Freedom Theatre – Philadelphia, Karamu Theatre – Cleveland, Circle Repertory, and the Marietta Theatre, GA, among others, shaping the cultural landscape. A member of the Actor’s Studio – Playwright/Directors Division and the Tent Playwright’s Collective, he continues to contribute to the entertainment industry’s evolving narrative. Levy Lee’s dedication to inspiring and catalyzing change is evident in his extensive body of work, including his insightful and impactful storytelling in a leading role on Broadway, such as “The Kentucky Cycle,” and his based-on-a-true-story play, “God, the Crackhouse and the Devil.”

Editor at Large Bunny Brunel Features the Legendary Ron Carter on the Cover of VIRTUOSO BASS, Issue 2.

VIRTUOSO-BASS-Issue-2-Cover

Inside this long-awaited second issue includes the following: “Bunny Brunel Moments” and his time with the late Chick Corea; interviews with Ron Carter, Buster Williams, Forbassplayersonly.com founder Jon Liebman and his new book FUNK/JAZZ/BASS, and Roger Linn of LinnStrument; a spotlight on Tal Wilkenfeld and a retrospective on Chick Corea that includes Corea’s last interviews; CD reviews with Bakithi Kumalo, Buster Williams, and reviews of “Unconventional Releases” by Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, and Ron Carter (including Carter’s documentary FINDING THE RIGHT NOTES)!

By Sean McKenzie

Since the official launch of Virtuoso Bass back in the fall of 2020, a lot has happened. The pandemic held up plenty of editorial calendars and the legendary Bunny Brunel waited for just the right time to put out the second issue of the much-anticipated lifestyle magazine for iconic jazz bassists. Virtuoso Bass seized the moment to retain Ty-Ron Mayes (America’s Next Top Model, Daymond John, Agenda) and NY photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth (Catherine Zeta-Jones, John Legend) to create the fashion/lifestyle editorial of Ron Carter titled, “Ode to the Upright.”

“A lot has happened since the launch of the first issue back in 2020. I was all geared up to feature some amazing bass talent. Sadly, when covid came, it destroyed a lot of people’s plans and Virtuoso Bass was not immune. But we’re glad to be back with a brand new issue, featuring phenomenal bass players. Being a bassist is not just about supporting the band, even though that is definitely the main purpose, but there is a level a player reaches when suddenly people sit up and take notice. My vision is still to put a spotlight on bass players who’ve made a real impact, are at the top of their game, and even created their own sound and style. Ron Carter is one of those bassists. Buster Williams, another great bassist who plays the upright is such a great musician and another player with an impressive number of performances. And we will always include women bass players just like in our first issue when we profiled female bassist Carol Kaye. This issue we chose another talented woman, Australian-born bassist Tal Wilkenfeld.” —Bunny Brunel

Ron Carter is highly featured throughout the issue with his recent release of the PBS documentary, Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes. The timing couldn’t have been better. Virtuoso Bass was able to feature a review.

“The most recorded bassist in history tells his story in this intensely moving documentary. This detailed biography gives us an insight into the life of the revered jazz icon.”—Virtuoso Bass

Carter is also included in the reviews of unconventional album releases: Ray Brown Jazz Cello; Ron Carter Dear Miles; and Paul Chambers Bass On Top.

“Working with Bunny Brunel to help him realize his vision for Virtuoso Bass is not only exciting, but it’s a real education. To be able to co-curate such a beautiful periodical and learn about jazz bass on such a deep level is compelling. I met Ron Carter after seeing him perform at the Catalina Jazz Club in Los Angeles back in 2015. Virtuoso Bass has given me the opportunity to experience this legend again. After exploring Carter’s music, watching his documentary, and poring over the images to make the final selection for his lifestyle editorial, I am unbelievably honored to be a part of this incredible history in the making! —Kaylene Peoples, Executive Editor

“What an honor it was to add a little extra sparkle to double bassist Ron Carter’s star. The maestro of jazz has got swag all day long and I wanted to show that he is still ‘mad fly.’ The moment I saw that woven, wool military-style suit with black iridescent flecks intricately peppered through the ensemble by Cillian Atelier, paired with that classic beret, I knew our cover would not only capture the look of the moment, but would also successfully define the tone of Virtuoso Bass, exemplifying the strength of this multi-Grammy Award-winning musical soldier. Carter’s editorial also highlights his “ageless” spirit that has experienced a life that still has so much to offer.” –Ty-Ron Mayes

Included in this issue is Bakithi Kumalo’s review of his CD “What You Hear Is What You See” and Buster Williams’s (& Something More) review of “Audacity. Journalist Sheryl Aronson interviews the revered bassist, Buster Williams, who has performed with a range of musicians including Thelonious Monk, Sonny Stitt, and Sarah Vaughan.

“You create something that is unconstrained; it doesn’t come from talking about this is what we’re going to create. You just start playing, you’re enjoying each other. Another thing is repertoire doesn’t necessarily change so drastically. You’re playing the same tunes, night after night, and because of your creative being, you strive to do something different. And you’re developing, you’re growing. So, the music develops and grows. What happened with Herbie [Hancock] The Sextet, is we were willing to let the music grow to the point where the music was the defining determinant of our actions. Rather than going on the bandstand and saying, ‘okay, this is what we’re going to play tonight.’ No, the music told us what we were going to play, and how it’s going to happen. This can’t happen without trust. And trust like that can’t really happen unless you’ve built a body that the collective reality of each one of you surrenders to. This collective body is what is determining things. This collective body belongs to the music. It wasn’t about any one of us, it was about the trust that we had.” –Buster Williams, Virtuoso Bass

Jon Liebman is the founder of the popular website Forbassplayersonly.com and has interviewed 800 bass players including Sting, Paul McCartney, etc. After publishing nine very successful instructional books for bass players, he recently put out Funk/Jazz/Bass endorsed by Bunny Brunel, Alain Caron, Carlitos Del Puerto, Bakithi Kumalo, and Chuck Rainey with the Foreword by Nathan East. Funk/Jazz/Bass is Liebman’s first non-instructional book that “illustrates the numerous possibilities of playing funk/jazz bass by analyzing how the bass greats have done it.” In Liebman’s interview, he talks about his background as a bassist, and what inspired his website and his latest book. “Funk/Jazz/Bass is ‘a play in the style of’ book. And I tried to get a good cross-section of some of my bass heroes. [There is] Richard Bona, Bryan Bromberg, Meshell Ndegeocello, there are 30 altogether.” –Jon Liebman, Virtuoso Bass

“Remembering Chick Corea” is a retrospective on the legendary keyboardist’s life. Anybody who knows anything about Bunny Brunel, knows his career was launched as a result of his nine years playing with Corea. It was Bunny’s desire to pay tribute to the brilliant fusion pianist who changed his life. Inside issue 2, Virtuoso Bass delves deep, profiling the 23-time Grammy-winning pianist and featuring highlights from Corea’s most recent interviews, his important releases, and his wildly prolific career. And in “Bunny Brunel Moments,” Bunny talks candidly about his time with the keyboard giant whose music will always live on.

Virtuoso Bass investigates two fast-growing Facebook Groups, For Bassists and Jazz Rock Fusion. And if you ever wanted to know who invented the drum machine, interviewed this issue is Roger Linn who tells the backstory that leads up to his latest technology, the LinnStrument.

Virtuoso Bass features contributions from Bunny Brunel (Editor at Large), Kaylene Peoples (Executive Editor), Florentino Buenaventura (Tech Editor), Sean McKenzie (Managing Editor), Sheryl Aronson (Buster Williams Interview); Udo Spreitzenbarth (Cover & Editorial Photographer), Ty-Ron Mayes (Stylist for Cover & Editorial), and Quintell-Williams Carter (Fashion Assistant for Cover & Editorial)

Advertisers: LaBella Strings, SIR Studios, and The Gibson Bass Book

Published by KL Publishing Group, a Verum Company

About Virtuoso Bass:

Bunny Brunel is the Editor at Large of the premier lifestyle magazine for bass players. Launched in 2020, the very first issue featured Bunny Brunel on the cover, Kyle Eastwood (back cover), Eddie Gomez, Carol Kaye, Larry Dunn, Stanley Clarke, and AMPEG SVT. Bunny Brunel talks about his mission for the magazine. “I want to talk about great players, and some of these guys, nobody ever mentions. If the media is going to publicize bass players, they should focus their attention on those great players who are responsible for what followed after,”—Bunny Brunel.

To purchase the print version of Virtuoso Bass Issue 2, visit Amazon.com. To get the digital copy, visit virtusosbass.com. For an exclusive autographed copy of Virtuoso Bass magazine by Bunny Brunel, please visit bunnybrunel.com/bunnys-store

Release Written by Sean McKenzie for First Take PR

SAXOPHONIST DAVE KOZ GRACES THE COVER OF THE INAUGURAL ISSUE OF SCHMOOZE JAZZ MAGAZINE

Dave-Koz-Schmooze-jazz-magazine-cover-web

Gerald Albright, Jeanette Harris, Lin Roundtree, Adelaide Pilar, Lori Jenaire are also featured; and Nick Colionne is remembered. Plus, concert/festival recaps and countless CD/single reviews are in the first print issue.

April 18, 2022, Los Angeles, CA

KL Publishing Group is excited to launch the first issue of SCHMOOZE JAZZ magazine, featuring the cover and exclusive interview with Dave Koz (94.7 The Wave). The cover was part of a lifestyle photo shoot by photographer Ash Gupta (Ben Affleck, AGENDA Magazine). SCHMOOZE JAZZ interviews Billboard charting musicians Lin Roundtree, Gerald Albright, Jeanette Harris.  Also inside the issue are Latin singer/trumpeter Adelaide Pilar and Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/composer Lori Jenaire who is also an advocate for AARDA, an association dedicated to finding a cure for autoimmune diseases.  Also featured is the late Nick Colionne – an intense biography of his life and a complete breakdown with reviews of Colionne’s entire catalogue of recorded music.

“As an artist, I’ve been around for a long time, making music, releasing music, and traveling for over 31 years. I feel in many ways, the foundational work of my career is already complete. The pandemic has opened my eyes to the world around me to music, and to the way our culture is now with regards to the discovery of many different things in the music world, which are right at our fingertips. Whether on social media, or someone telling you about something, we have so many more music makers out there making and releasing music than ever before.” –Dave Koz, SCHMOOZE JAZZ

This first issue of SCHMOOZE JAZZ does an intense recap of festivals and concerts with performances by Norman Brown, Mindi Abair, Herbie Hancock, Peter White, Patrice Rushen, Bunny Brunel, Smokey Robinson, Eric Benet, Kenny Lattimore, Mariea Antoinette, and more.

94.7 The Wave’s Pat Prescott:
“I think the music has survived all the bumps in the road, and that it will continue to thrive.  Festivals like these bring the artists and their artistry to an adoring fan base.  It’s a grown folk’s party, and we’re in a stage in our lives where we’re still able to enjoy these festivals . . . and party!  The music is alive and well!” –SCHMOOZE JAZZ Magazine

SCHMOOZE JAZZ was created by jazz recording artist/magazine editor and journalist Kaylene Peoples of the luxury lifestyle magazine Agenda. And the look of SCHMOOZE JAZZ mirrors that high quality, featuring in-depth interviews, boundless CD/single reviews, biographies, concert reviews, great photography, and great stories.

“In this first issue alone, there are over 30 CD and single reviews with genres from smooth to straight-ahead, fusion, and even Latin jazz.  We wanted to create a hub for standout musicians in the contemporary jazz world, but not keep it exclusively smooth jazz.”

–Kaylene Peoples, Executive Editor of SCHMOOZE JAZZ Magazine

Featured CDs include HIGHER by Michael Bublé, FOREVER by Mindi Abair, SONGS FROM MY FATHER (featuring Chick Corea) by Gerry Gibbs, IVORY FLOW by Bobby Lyle, MIDNIGHT RENDEZOUS by David Benoit, MORE MUSIC by Joey De Francesco, and AT HIRAHARA by Stacy Kent. “Single Reviews for Your Playlist” include Carla Bley’s “Life Goes On,” Kim Scott’s “Shine,” Bunny Brunel CAB’s “Fusion Holidays,” Chris Standring’s “Change the World,” Olie Silk’s “Out to Lunch,” and many more.

A huge highlight is discovering the music of guitarist Nick Colionne who had five consecutive #1 hits on Billboard. The multi-award-winning musician/educator really left a legacy. His catalogue is extensively reviewed and includes his latest CD, FINGER PAINTING. Colionne’s biography details his life, successes, and influences, with one of the biggest influences being Wes Montgomery.  And one can clearly hear it when he solos.

From an Interview Back in 2016:

“When my stepdad started teaching me to play, he taught me main stream straight ahead jazz.  I was a young kid, and he mostly kept feeding me Wes Montgomery and Kenny Burrell, then George Benson.” –Nick Colionne

Nick-Colionne-Memorandum
Smooth Jazz Guitarist Nick Colionne

“Nick was really a joyous man, whether we were playing together (which we did frequently), or whether we were just hanging out or me interviewing him for my radio show.  This man just brought a smile to my face – I think he did that for everybody.” –Dave Koz, SCHMOOZE JAZZ Magazine

Advertisers this issue:  Oxnard Jazz Festival, Lompoc Music Festival, Rainbow Promotions, Woodward Avenue Records

To get the inaugural issue of SCHMOOZE JAZZ, visit: https://www.klpublishinggroup.com/2022/04/16/schmooze-jazz-magazine-inaugural-issue-1/

For Advertising information: https://www.schmoozejazz.com/advertise and to subscribe, visit https://www.schmoozejazz.com/subscribe

Featured Staff: Kaylene Peoples (Executive Editor/Journalist/Layout), Daphne King (Managing Editor); Sheryl Aronson (Editor/Journalist/Event Photographer); Florentino Buenaventura (Journalist/EnterTalk/Concerts Café); Sherman Alford (Sasa Photos) and Ash Gupta (Photographer/838 Media Group)

WRITTEN BY SEAN MCKENZIE, PUBLICIST

Kaylene Peoples Romantic Bossa-Nova Is Breathtaking and a Must See Musical Feast!

Romantic Bossa-Nova-Full Band

During these uncertain times and the unpredictability of opening and closing of concert venues, in between a bit of calm was a concert to be remembered with heartfelt romantic music, equipped with LA’s top musicians. Leading the way was the dynamic Kaylene Peoples with her show titled “Romantic Bossa-Nova” – a breathtaking concert that has found its way into the hearts of serious Bossa-nova enthusiasts on July 17, 2021. For starters, guest performer Larry Dunn, a 7-time Grammy-winning artist and original member/songwriter/keyboardist (formerly) of Earth Wind & Fire opened with a gripping performance of his composition “Runnin’.”

(Gallery Photos by Alex Kluft Photography)

Bunny Brunel (who became famous from his nine-year stint with Chick Corea), the 2-time Grammy-nominated bassist performed on fretless and (his BBEUB) upright bass; and probably wore the most hats that evening (at the Catalina Jazz Club) as musical director. The French-born American sang in Brazilian Portuguese and soloed on his fretless bass on Kaylene Peoples’s intriguing arrangement of “Aguas de Março” (Waters of March) from her Romantic Bossa-Nova 2020 release. With Chad Wackerman (Frank Zappa) on drums and Grammy-nominated Dennis Hamm (Thundercat) on the 9-foot grand piano at the revered Catalina Jazz Club, the musical score was beyond dynamic. Joined by Guitarist Joe Calderon (Dianne Reeves) and percussionist Jon Brooks (Macy Gray), the performers laid the foundation for an evening of “soulful” Bossa-nova, as described by Levy Lee Simon, who was in attendance that night.

Kaylene Peoples Singing (Photo: Sheryl Aronson, SasaPhotos.com)

I am a big fan of Bossa-nova, and it was my first time seeing Kaylene Peoples perform her show; I was blown away by it. Her voice magically elevated and took me on a ride to another place and time. I don’t know many artists—male or female—that can sing and play the flute equally well. And to top it off, the show is so damn s**y. Peoples exudes sensuality with every move, with every sound, with every note. Kaylene’s band with Bunny Brunel and guest artist Larry Dunn is exceptional. I had a great time—I believe a great time was had by all.” –Levy Lee Simon, Multi-Award Winning Writer/Actor/Director/Producer

Photo: Alex Kluft (Dennis Hamm & Larry Dunn
Dennis Hamm & Larry Dunn (Photo: Alex Kluft )

There have been many incarnations of Bossa-nova since the style took off in America with “Desafinado” from Stan Getz and Charlie Byrd’s Jazz Samba in 1962; Dave Brubeck Quartet in January 1962, recording “Vento Fresco” from Bossa Nova USA; and Herbie Mann’s “One Note Samba” from his Brazil, Bossa Nova & Blues in late 1961 or early ’62. (Referenced from Jazz.FM 91 “How Brazil’s Bossa-nova Became All the Rage in ‘60s America,” by Marc Myers.) What Kaylene Peoples brings to the genre is a mix of American soulful tradition, jazz improvisation, and instrumental virtuosity, making “Romantic Bossa-nova” an original embodiment of the style. Kaylene’s love for music started as a child as she learned to solo on the flute while her father, who was a self-taught musician, would play the blues on the piano.

Kaylene Peoples on Flute (Photo: Alex Kluft)
Kaylene Peoples on Flute (Photo: Alex Kluft)

 

I always love to talk about how I got started improvising. Sometimes my dad and I would be up at 3am just jamming, playing my flute until my mom would cut it off! I was just a kid. I had to get up in the morning and go to school! Those are fond memories for me. I thank my dad for pushing meI loved it! And to this day, I incorporate my flute in my compositions and my performances.”—Kaylene Peoples

These early musical experiences inspired Kaylene to compose and arrange music. She went on to study composition with Academy Award-winners Walter Scharf, David Raksin, and Henry Mancini. She’s written symphonies, a ballet, and countless string arrangements throughout her career. This education comes through as a recording artist and can be heard in her jazz albums off of her Boogsey Music label: All Jazzed Up! (2005), The Meaning of Christmas (2013), My Man (2015), Carol of the Bells (2017), and Romantic Bossa-Nova (2020).

Chad Wackerman (Drums), Jon Brooks (Percussion), Nina Harris (BG Vocals), Joe Calderon (Guitar), Larry Dunn (Guest Artist) (Photo: Sheryl Aronson, SasaPhotos.com)

Music speaks to our souls. I can change a scene or change a MOOD. Creating something from nothing, and watching how it affects others is what moves me. Whether it is a standalone composition or a new arrangement on a well-loved song, I love to watch people’s faces when they hear my compositions and arrangements. And countless people have told me that they were blessed by my music. Those testimonies are what moves me the most!” Formidable Women’s Magazine, “Kaylene Peoples – The Renaissance Woman” Interview by Jules Lavallee

Joe Calderon (Photo: Alex Kluft)
Joe Calderon (Photo: Alex Kluft)

 

Kaylene Peoples Romantic Bossa-Nova was inspired by a private concert that featured singer/actress Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space 9, Leeta) with guest performer Dave Pell (Saxophonist & Founder of West Coast Jazz). Sadly only a few months after that first “Romantic Bossa-Nova” show, Dave Pell passed away. Kaylene Peoples in collaboration with Chase Masterson, and co-composer Bunny Brunel wrote “Dave Pell-Just for Fun.” The song is featured on the Romantic Bossa-Nova CD. So what can one expect from Peoples’s show: “So Nice” and “Spain” off of My Man CD; “Once I Loved,” “How Insensitive,” “One Note Samba,” and “Girl from Ipanema” from All Jazzed Up! Then from Romantic Bossa-Nova, “Berimbau,” “Telephone Song,” “Agua de Beber,” “Corcovado,” “Waters of March,” “Bésame Mucho,” and “Dindi.” Every Kaylene Peoples concert comes with an element of mystique. Whether it’s a surprise giveaway, or a heart-to-heart with an audience member during a set, or maybe even a surprise celebrity guest performer.

Designer Kevan Hall, Luisa Dunn, and Larry Dunn (Photo: Sheryl Aronson, SasaPhotos.com)

 

I was so very blessed to sit in on a couple of songs during this beautiful concert with the extremely talented and beautiful Kaylene whose vocals and flute performance was off the chain, which also featured my buddy, world-renowned bassist Bunny Brunel, along with the other unbelievably top notch musicians! It was truly an honor playing with these extremely talented “peoples”, no pun intended! And I am such a lover of Brazilian music, at any rate, all I can say is I had a ball and y’all should’ve been there!” – Larry Dunn

 

I enjoyed this concert immensely. The ambiance and atmosphere was so relaxing, and seeing happy faces, it was so nice to get out and hear some real live music. The performance was wonderful and dreamy, and being of Latin decent, it was so refreshing to hear the hypnotic Brazilian rhythms. Kaylene’s vocals AND flute interpretations were awesome. Both original compositions and classics are so beautiful. I have the CD, and I love it; it was so wonderful to hear it live. And Bunny Brunel—everybody knows him as a bass giant; so many were surprised to hear him sing. What a treat. And Larry Dunn always brings some fire by playing those beautiful melodic solos. All the band members were on point and beyond! Great concert. So glad I was there.” Luisa Dunn, Vocalist/Producer/Composer, and Award-Winning Recording Artist

Kaylene Peoples Romantic Bossa-Nova
Kaylene Peoples Romantic-Bossa Nova

Kaylene Peoples will be performing “Romantic Bossa-Nova” with opening performer Gary Stockdale on Sunday, September 26, 2021, at 8:00 pm at Feinstein’s at Vitello’s, located at 4349 Tujunga Ave., Studio City, CA, 91604.

For Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/kaylene-peoples-romantic-bossa-nova-tickets-166528171243

I like to keep people guessing. I’ll change up my material and even introduce a new flavor to the set. I just love observing the reactions of the audience. And as long as those beautiful souls are smiling and dancing in their seats, I’m happy. With my next Romantic Bossa-Nova concert, there just might be a surprise guest performance. You’ll just have to buy a ticket to find out!” –Kaylene Peoples, Multi-Award Winning Recording Artist & Producer

About Kaylene Peoples: L.A. Music Awards-winning Producer Kaylene’s first jazz CD All Jazzed Up! (2005) made a splash across the nation when her single “Do You Remember” was played across the country. The single climbed to the top of the independent charts (AC40/NMW! Top 100 Chart/FMQB & ACQB! and Indie 100 chart). Her 2015 release, My Man, blew up the airwaves and impressed concertgoers. Her song “Giant Steps” is an (Akademia) award-winner, featuring Hubert Laws, Bunny Brunel, and Bobby Lyle. And her CD Romantic Bossa-Nova (2020) is a smash hit amongst Bossa-nova fans. This former model and two-time State Beauty Pageant winner boast a rare 5-octave vocal range, is a multi-instrumentalist, and is a composer/arranger/conductor. Kaylene’s soloing instrument of choice is the flute. In honor of her father, she incorporates it heavily into her music. Peoples has performed/recorded with Bunny Brunel, Bobby Lyle, Hubert Laws, Stanley Clarke, Patrice Rushen, Jeff Goldblum, Larry Dunn, and others. Kaylene Peoples continues to blow her audiences away with her incredible vocal performances and equally impressive instrumental virtuosity! Visit: https://www.kaylenepeoples.com

The Romantic Bossa-Nova CDRomantic Bossa-Nova is a breathtaking musical performance with a uniquely heart-warming interpretation of Bossa-nova at its best. Antonio Carlos Jobim, Cole Porter, Norman Gimbel, Vinicius de Moraes, and others with the songs “Night & Day,” “Corcovado,” “Waters of March,” “Dindi,” “Berimbau,” “Besame Mucho,” and more sung in Portuguese, English, and French by award-winning recording artist/producer/musician Kaylene Peoples. The CD features internationally acclaimed and 2-time Grammy-nominated bassist Bunny Brunel with a special treat on “Waters of March” (Aguas de Marços), where Bunny sings a duet in Brazilian Portuguese with Kaylene, and Bunny plays a “mean” Brazilian rhythm guitar the entire album while soloing and grooving on fretless and upright bass in the traditional Latin style! Since the first Romantic Bossa-Nova concert in 2016, Kaylene Peoples has been performing this show and touching the hearts of romantics, leading up to the release of the album in 2020.  Romantic Bossa-Nova is touted as the most romantic show in town, and growing in popularity with every performance!

AGENDA Midsummer 2021 Issue Is Dynamic, Featuring Cover Model Lindy Flowers in “A Midsummer’s Daydream.”

165 pages of killer content features BDC’s Rodney Epperson & Aaron Potts, Verified’s Monica Dogra & BlacKkKlansman’s Kevin Willmott. We talk corsets, health, beauty, models & movies from best-selling books! Agenda Issue #15 packs a powerful punch!

Lindy Flowers, model, wife, and mother of two, is Agenda’s stunning cover model for the Midsummer 2021, Issue #15. She has graced Agenda’s cover once online, was featured in several fashion spreads, and was even Agenda’s spokes model before the magazine expanded to print. Flowers has walked in shows for Oscar de La Renta and Bill Blass, appeared in countless fashion editorials, as well as several magazine covers. This issue, she stars in “A Midsummer’s Daydream”—a swimsuit editorial that celebrates women. The all-female team for the shoot includes photographer Cathy Cunningham, wardrobe stylist Sabrina Feldman, makeup and hair by Alma Mahmood, and produced by Kaylene Peoples. The editorial was shot on location with swimwear ranging from La Blanca to Solid Striped. And Hailey Flowers, a dancer and Miss Junior Teen Nevada United States 2019 & 1st Runner Up Miss California’s Outstanding Teen 2021, is featured in the editorial “Sun-Kissed,” making this a mother-daughter “fun-in-the-sun” collaboration.

“The great thing about the industry is it’s ever changing. When I started at 19, it was supposed to be a short shelf life, over by 25. There’s a whole group of fantastic models that has steered a path in terms of growing older. I think people can relate to models of all different ages and sizes now, whereas before, everybody was trying to fit into a size 0.” –Lindy Flowers, Agenda Cover Model

Photographer Ash Gupta debuts Verified, featuring Indian music sensation and podcast host Monica Dogra; and Manasvi is featured in Gupta’s “Out of the Woods” editorial.

Monica Dogra and Manasvi

In “Romanticism Redefined,” designer Rebecca Taylor previews of her Fall 2021 looks, “ . . . with resolved gestures, newfound romance manifests in eyelet, pleats, and embroidery in robust interactions.” –Rebecca Taylor

Agenda Issue 15 Contents

Beauty by Shahada Karim reviews May Lindstrom, SMD Cosmetics, and Bynacht in “Seasonal Skin Saviors”; Introducing a new line of incredible body creams and candles by Bond No. 9 in “Reintroducing Bond No. 9; and Agenda’s beauty editor explores the Rose Hermès collection in the article “Hermès and the Summer Flush.”

Melanie Wise sheds light on the importance of maintaining liver function in her article “Fight or Flight Mode Is Your Body’s Way of Saying CHANGE YOUR DIET!”

“Our largest expenditure of energy on a daily basis is our food. The more chemicals that we eat, the more processed the food is, and the more energy it takes to break it down. One of the easiest ways to get the body to right itself is to decrease the energetic load of digestion. Once you do that, suddenly and magically it goes “ooh . . . let me fix this and let me fix that!” And you’ll find that the whole system tends to work better.” –Melanie Wise, Wise Remedies

Zac Baldwin reviews a series of movies made from best-selling books—authors include Stephen King, David Baldacci, and Elmore Leonard.

“I waited with trepidation for the movie The Princess Bride to finally be made. It took a long time, but wow was it worth it! It captured the essence of the book, the humor, the unusual and riveting characters, and of course true love.” –Zac Baldwin, Book Reviews

AGENDA Issue 15 Masthead

Sheryl Aronson (Arting Around) interviews BlacKkKlansman’s Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott.

“Growing up watching award shows with my mother and having the fantasy that one day I was going to win an Oscar, was my dream. When it actually happened, I felt the privilege of it, because there are many great artists who have never won. It also opens up opportunities but gives you newfound responsibilities. You have to be willing to take things to the next level. That’s the most important thing it has meant for me. I felt it was a great privilege to have won an Oscar for a movie that I believed in. That’s something a lot of people don’t have an opportunity to do.” – Kevin Willmott, Academy Award-Winning Screenwriter

The Black Design Collective features designers Aaron Potts (APOTTS) and former Project Runway contestant Rodney Epperson (EPPERSON). In their interviews, they talk about their inspirations, as well as their creations in the interviews “APOTTS: Designed to Make Us Take Pause” and “The REBIRTH of Epperson.”

APOTTS and EPPERSON

Celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes talks about athleisure wear and new ways to style sweatshirts in “The Sweatshirt Goes Next Level Fierce!”

“From Balenciaga to Givenchy, sweatshirts have leveled up. Once upon a time these sweatshirts used to be just super comfy tops for college kids and sports enthusiasts, but today’s sweatshirts are more glamorous then ever.” – Ty-Ron Mayes, Fashion Whisperer

The Midsummer 2021 issue has a frenzy of fashion with runway from Milan, Berlin, and Jakarta (British Council), featuring designers Hugo Boss, ThreeOnes, Xevi Fernandez, Outsiders Division, and Intoart x and John Smedley’s capsule collection. Fashion Archives opens Agenda’s time capsule with runway from the past (2013) by Sally La Pointe and (2012) Made in Africa by Arise, featuring top African designers, including images from pop vocalist Leona Lewis, photographed by Arun Nevader.

AGENDA Issue 15 Back Cover

Fashion Talk by editor-in-chief Kaylene Peoples authors a historical retrospective that delves into the practice of waist training in “Corsetry & Morality: The History of Tightlacing”:

“When I watch shows like Bridgerton where corseting is its own character, or the film Moulin Rouge with Nicole Kidman who suffered a broken rib from tightlacing, why aren’t I phased? Because I, like so many women, see the value in corsetry—after all, they do shape the body. Of all the snake oil being peddled today, it is the one accessory that follows through on its claims—wear it and look amazing! As far as waist trainers, the modified corset, they are body drill sergeants that train our waists to behave. They smooth our bulges and boost our self-esteem. So, the big question is whether to corset or not to corset . . . the choice is yours. Either let it all hang out or tuck that tummy in and leave to everyone else’s imagination what’s underneath! –Kaylene Peoples, Fashion Talk

About AGENDA:

The fashion and lifestyle magazine that has been telling the story behind the story since 2004, is a print and online magazine with a diverse readership, consisting mostly of women from various backgrounds, ranging from college age to 65 years old and beyond. Touted as ‘the intelligent read,’ Agenda is credited for being the first online magazine to stream video and documentary-style interviews. In print since 2014 (including the Special Editions and Collector’s Issues), the magazine has consistently put out breathtaking coffee table keepsakes with content, including fashion, beauty, photography, interviews, entertainment, and more. Agenda magazine is available in print worldwide! Visit https://www.agendamag.com (Social Media @agendamag)

The multicultural fashion and lifestyle magazine crosses continents, bringing a new perspective to the world of fashion and journalism. Agenda’s Midsummer 2021, Issue #15 has a 165-page count, and is a full-color glossy periodical. Listen to Podcasts for extended interviews of Rodney Epperson and Lindy Flowers at https://www.agendamag.com/category/podcast. Agenda is published by KL Publishing Group.

Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021: “Changemakers” Shines A Floodlight On Women And People Of Color

Mar 15, 2021 (AB Digital via COMTEX) — The multicultural fashion and lifestyle magazine makes a statement as its editorial team incorporates Women’s History Month and Black History Month together in Agenda magazine’s “Changemakers,” featuring WITH HER FIST RAISED (the biography of Dorothy Pitman Hughes) as the lead story. Other features include the first Black male supermodel Renauld White, the first Black supermodel with albinism Diandra Forrest, playwright/actor Levy Lee Simon, women’s suffrage activist Susan B. Anthony; the work of celebrity photographer Michael Benabib, and the Black Design Collective’s Kevan Hall, Byron Lars, and Octavius Terry-Sims.

This is a world that has created holidays for every month and nearly every one of the 365 days in the Gregorian calendar. And based on each individual’s preferences, choosing which holidays are the most meaningful, and keeping them all “straight” can be daunting. However, two very significant months are very near and dear to Agenda magazine’s heart — February for African Americans and March for Women. In “A Letter from Your Editor,” Kaylene Peoples gives us insight on what sparked the idea for “Changemakers.”

“We’ve come a long way … or have we?  That is a question that is always up for debate.  As a woman in a man’s world, this saying is useful. Women have made strides over time, and particularly in the early 20th century. We won the right to vote. Then we won seats in Congress, and now we are the Vice President of the United States. A victory is a victory, right? However, as a nation, America is coming to the equal rights game a little late. Other countries have had women as chief executives for a while. Then there is another little problem:  Race, and why do we still have the divide

I started working on this collector’s issue with the thought of focusing on Black History Month. Then, I thought again. Oddly the two “minority” celebrations in our Jim Crow nation just happen to be adjacent: February (the short month) reserved for African Americans and March (on its tail) for women. Aren’t we fortunate to have our own month! All sarcasm aside, focusing on race and focusing on gender should be a moot point by now, yet it isn’t. The decision to combine the two months made more sense to me. And instead of calling it “Black this” and “Women that,” the title, ‘Changemakers,’ made the cut. Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021: ‘Changemakers’ is here to celebrate the achievements and ongoing pioneering of trailblazers, who just happen to be women and people of color!” – Kaylene Peoples, Editor-in-Chief of Agenda Magazine

“Changemakers” is filled with great stories and interviews, beautiful fashion editorials, and some surprises. From two “firsts” in the world of supermodels to activists, playwrights, book reviews, photography; beauty, health, and humanitarianism, the 2021 collector’s issue is not only exciting but interesting and informative.

Here’s what’s in the issue:

With Her Fist Raised: Dorothy Pitman Hughes and the Transformative Power of Black Community Activism

This biography was written by Professor Laura LeeAnn Lovett, a historian and author of other relevant books on women and race issues. Lovett talks about the process of completing her book about the life of Dorothy Pitman Hughes who is the co-founder of Ms. Magazine with Gloria Steinem, an effective civil and women’s rights activist, the first to start a child daycare center, and a former Miss America Franchise owner. Here’s what Laura had to say in this interview.

“I’m really hoping that we go back and rethink what we know about history and reassess our assumptions about African American women and feminism. Dorothy is somebody who is self-made, who figures out what she needs to do, and figures out community needs and does it; she created the childcare office and program for the whole city. I think that understanding that the importance of that message of ‘you can do it, that what is possible comes from the community’ is really the most important part of this book, about her life, and what I take away from learning about her. — Laura L. Lovett, Author

An Unexpected Advocate: Susan B. Anthony Is Still Relevant Today

Susan B. Anthony is a well-known historical figure that fought her entire life for the suffrage movement, as well as being an abolitionist who played her own part in the civil rights movement. This article is a historical retrospective on this Quaker-turned-activist.

We might question why a woman who was born in 1820, and a Quaker nonetheless, would champion such a dangerous cause, bound to deliver reverberating backlashes.  We might even consider the fact that she had no real resources other than the support of her parents; exampled by them removing her from the school that wouldn’t teach girls math and placing her in an educational program that offered her equal learning.

In 1863, together Susan B. Anthony, Matilda Joslyn Gage, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton founded the Women’s Loyal National League, which orchestrated the largest petition drive in United States history up to that time; they collected close to 400,000 signatures in support of abolishing slavery. In 1866, they initiated the American Equal Rights Association, which campaigned for equal rights for both women and African Americans. This is what led to them publishing [the newspaper] The Revolution.” – Kaylene Peoples, Agenda

The Black Design Collective’s new president Kevan Hall, and new BDC members Byron Lars and Octavius Terry-Sims inspire us to consider buying Black. The Nielson Ratings reported that Blacks spend annually upwards of 1.7 trillion dollars, buying clothes and accessories. This piece of information has spurred a community of designers that promote, market, educate, mentor, and raise money for this nonprofit and fashion collective.

 

 

 

Agenda interviews the three designers:

Kevan Hall – Changing the Face of Fashion Retail with the Black Design Collective

Who knew that when 2020 came around, a pandemic would hit like it did? We immediately shifted into gear as to what we could do to help our designers sustain their businesses, so we started doing a series of workshops. And these workshops were to help our folks figure out how to get a PPP Loan, Unemployment Insurance as an independent designer or contractor eligible for unemployment, where usually self-employed people couldn’t get it. They needed to know how they could get grants.” – Kevan Hall, President & Celebrity Designer

Getting to Know Byron Lars as he talks Barbie and Celebrities

Byron Lars prior to designing Black Barbie collectibles for Mattel,“I was on a very shallow level with Barbie and not on a soapbox about inclusion, but I learned it was really meaningful.  All those white dolls all those years, and the ones they just copied on a Black doll with none of the colors and sensibilities really had nothing to do with us.”

On designing for celebrities,“I don’t really put the celebrity moment ahead of my average customer, because it really does come back to the experience that you’re having. It just so happens that it’s their job to be public luminaries. And other peoples’ jobs are more about putting this dress on and crushing that meeting, because mama’s looking good! You know what I mean?  It really is pretty much the same charge, whether in the public eye or not.” — Byron Lars, Fashion Designer & Barbie Collectibles

There’s more than meets the eye with designer and CEO of GROOM.

“I am currently writing an autobiographical self-help memoir, detailing all my different lives from Olympic hopeful; getting married on the 2014 Grammy Awards; being a singer songwriter with two albums; and now a celebrity fashion designer.” – Octavius Terry-Sims, Designer

Levy Lee Simon:  Odyssey of a Harlem Artist

Award-winning playwright, actor, and director Levy Lee Simon talks about his three pandemic-related projects in his ‘Arting Around’ interview with Sheryl Aronson.

I would like for people to support live theater during these difficult times, and have a different kind of experience in addition to watching Netflix and Amazon Prime. It is very interesting watching plays on Zoom and seeing the actors in these little boxes. And very soon the audience is caught up in the drama of the play. The solo performance was my debut, and I promise … I hoped I didn’t bore the audience.  The response overwhelmingly has been that I didn’t.” – Levy Lee Simon

Book Reviews

Milk Run is a novel by Zac Baldwin that is thrilling, has fast-paced fiction with not one, but two female leads; and Passing Myself Down to the Grave: A Woman’s Rise from Darkness is a memoir by Sheryl Aronson — an exposing personal journey through breast cancer, surviving, and coming out on the other side.

Looking at Music Royalty Through the Lens of Michael Benabib

Michael Benabib is a celebrity photographer who has photographed the most iconic musical artists in the world, including Michael Jackson, The Fugees, Miles Davis, and more. Agenda highlights some of those rare, captured moments.

I set up my lights, and I tried to take a picture that told a story by showing the board in the studio. Miles [Davis] was great, and was really interested in what I was doing. He asked about my technique, the camera I was using, and he wanted to see all the Polaroids. He was just totally involved. It was a great experience for me.” – Michael Benabib, Re-quoted from Thelastmiles.com

Beauty by Shahada Karim

It’s all about self-care with reviews of products by African American female business owners in the following reviews. “Danessa Myricks and the Beauty of Color,” “Gavin Luxe and the Sensual Sense,” and “EPARA: The Science of Beautiful Skin.”

Getting Back to Basics with Regards to Women’s Health

When it comes to health, Agenda has a discussion about women’s wellness with Melanie Wise of Wise Remedies in this candid conversation …

“When I train people for injury rehab or other reasons, I’m not looking for lifetime clients. I want to teach them what they need to know and get them out the door.  I want people to be in the driver’s seat of their own health. I don’t want to be their cheerleader, and they don’t need a cheerleader, what they need is good health.” — Melanie Wise, Wise Remedies

Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron Mayes produces three timeless editorials

“Celebrating Renauld White, a Living Legend and Stylish Trailblazer”; “The Nomadian,” featuring model Jean-Mary Aubourg; and Diandra Forrest’s “Blonde Noir, the First Black Supermodel with Albinism.”  Included in Forrest’s editorial is an eye-opening and consciousness-raising interview.

“I think it’s been long overdue for us to be looked at as the unique beauties that we are. A lot of the times in the entertainment business, people with albinism have been portrayed as something supernatural or odd or freakish-looking, and I love that we are being seen in a different light.” — Diandra Forrest

Agenda pays tribute to those who’ve been the first to achieve or those who’ve changed history. Throughout the entire magazine, Agenda magazine spotlights Kamala Harris, Angela Davis, Jimi Hendrix, Martin Luther King, Malcolm X, Halle Barry, Sidney Poitier, Tuskegee Airmen, Toni Morrison; Donyale Luna, Harriet Quimby, Shirley Chisolm, Ruby Bridges, Lauryn Hill, Marguerite Higgins, Sandra Day O’Conner, Barack Obama, Kathryn Bigelow, The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, nicknamed the “Six Triple Eight, Angela Davis, and honoring those anonymous activists who did their part to help bring forth equality!” A changemaker, simply put, is anyone who is taking creative action to solve a social problem—first, by actively tackling that social problem demonstrates they are motivated to act!

“There is no going back, there is only moving forward.” – Melinda May, S.H.I.E.L.D.

Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021Changemakers is available in print and digital.

Featured on Talk Agenda Podcast are interviews with Black Design Collective president Kevan Hall, Byron Lars, and author of With Her Fist Raised Laura L. Lovett.

To Listen to Talk Agenda

Agenda Collector’s Issue 2021: “Changemakers” is sponsored by Bella Composers.

ABOUT AGENDA:

Agenda is the fashion and lifestyle magazine that has been telling the story behind the story since 2004. Agenda has a diverse readership, consisting mostly of women from various backgrounds, ranging from college age to 65 years old and beyond. Touted as ‘the intelligent read,’ Agenda is credited for being the first online magazine to stream video and documentary-style interviews. Since the very first Special Edition “Fall Is Fascinating,” in 2014, the magazine has consistently put out breathtaking coffee table keepsakes with content, including fashion, beauty, articles, photography, interviews, reviews, historical retrospectives, commentary, entertainment, and more. Agenda magazine is published by KL Publishing Group and is available worldwide!

AGENDA Magazine Blogger Sheryl Aronson Honored in WRITER’S DIGEST

sheryl-aronson

On behalf of Agenda magazine, we would like to extend a huge congratulations to contributing  journalist (Arting Around) Sheryl Aronson for her honorable mention in Writer’s Digest.

“The depth of Sheryl’s interviews made it clear that she was deeply invested in each her journalistic subjects; her content is uniquely probing and always full of revelations.”-Kaylene Peoples, Publisher/EIC of Agenda Magazine

About the Honorable Mentions:

Both of Sheryl Aronson’s entries in the Feature Articles categories: Melissa Manchester…”STILL HAS THE HUNGER IN HER HEART AFTER FORTY-FIVE YEARS,” and “A LAND SO FOREIGN, YET FAMILIAR (MY TRAVELS TO NIGERIA)”

From Writer’s Digest . . .

Hello Sheryl!

sheryl aronsonCongratulations! Your entry, Melissa Manchester, Still Has the Hunger in Her Heart After Forty-Five Years, was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Magazine Feature Article category of the 86th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Among the ten competition categories, there were over 5,100 entries in total* this year-you should be extremely proud of your accomplishment!

Again, many congratulations from all of us on the Writer’s Digest team!

Hello Sheryl!

Congratulations! Your entry, A Land So Foreign, Yet Familiar, was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Magazine Feature Article category of the 86th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competition. Among the ten competition categories, there were over 5,100 entries in total* this year-you should be extremely proud of your accomplishment!

The top 10 in each category will be listed in the November/December 2017 issue. The 86th Annual Writer’s Digest Competition Collection contains the Grand Prize manuscript as well as the First Place manuscripts in each category; it also lists the names and titles of works for the top 10 in each category, and lists the names of Honorable Mention winners.

Again, many congratulations from all of us on the Writer’s Digest team!


Agenda magazine’s entertainment Blogger Sheryl Aronson  has been writing for “Arting Around,” an entertainment Blog in a relatively new blogging section called Agenda Bloggers.  Aronson had first contributed to Agenda‘s Special Edition print issue in 2016 with her ground-breaking interview with multi-Grammy-winner Teri Lynn Carrington, (a compilation of interviews and reviews as she followed Carrington’s career).

Bobby Lyle and Band Reviewed in Hollywood 360: Long beach Jazz Fest 2017

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August 17, 2017 | Sheryl Aronson | The Hollywood 360

on the Main Stage were the veteran musicians of Ndugu Chancler, drummer, Bobby Lyle, keys, Alphonso Johnson, bass and Craig T. Copper, guitar.  They were joined later by the vocalists, Bridgette Bryant, Will Wheaton and Sangindiva Shannon plus other backup singers. 

This hour of music energized the audience with the strong, heavy chops of Chancler, Lyle, Johnson and Cooper.  Each one of these musicians have been at their craft for over 30 years.  Ndugu Chancler has played with Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, Herbie Hancock, and Weather Report.  He has Gold and Platinum albums as well as Grammy Awards.  On the drums that afternoon, he roared with superlative rhythm. Alphonso Johnson has played with Weather Report, Sergio Mendes, the Grateful Dead and now teaches at Cal Arts and USC.  His bass playing flowed and bounced with graceful plucking.  Craig T. Cooper on guitar has played with Barry Manilow, The O’Jays and the Crusaders.  He brandished the guitar strings with flavorful soulful chops.  

Read Original Source: http://thehollywood360.com/day-ii-of-the-30th-annual-long-beach-jazz-festival/

(Featured Photo of Bobby Lyle at the 30th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival by Sheryl Aronson)

Interview with Bobby Lyle at the 30th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival

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(Featured Photo of Bobby Lyle by Sheryl Aronson)

By Sheryl Aronson | August 15, 2017 | Arting Around – Agenda Magazine

Bobby Lyle presented a powerful presence on the keys during his set with Ndugu Chancler, Alphonso Johnson, and Craig T. Cooper at the 30th Annual Long Beach Jazz Festival on Saturday, August 12, 2017.  One could see the joy and passion on Lyle’s face during performance.  He tickled the ivory of the electric keyboard, then switched over to the acoustic piano and maintaining a masterful technique on both.

A veteran of the music industry for 40 years, Bobby Lyle has amassed a prolific discography of jazz music.  He has traveled all over the world performing musical directing for legends Bette Midler, Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, and more.  He now heads his own ensembles and plans to head up his own jazz series in Houston titled Bobby Lyle Presents.

I caught up with Bobby Lyle backstage of the Long Beach Jazz Festival just after his performance.

Read more at the Original Source: http://www.agendamag.com/blog-post/arting-around-interview-bobby-lyle-30th-annual-long-beach-jazz-festival/