Get ready for the hottest new Soul/RnB Concert Series that is sweeping Southern California by storm! Join us at the Miracle Theater in Inglewood on July 22nd for a night of pure musical bliss. Kevin Flournoy, the esteemed producer behind legendary artists like Chaka Khan, Donnie Osmond, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight, has handpicked a lineup of the most talented musicians and vocalists for an unforgettable experience.
This concert series is the ultimate gathering of the âwhoâs whoâ in the music industry, showcasing both established and upcoming artists. Prepare to be captivated by soul-stirring performances and groove to the rhythm of the finest soul and RnB melodies.
Grab your ticket now and secure your spot at the Miracle Theater on July 22nd. Get ready to immerse yourself in an extraordinary night of music and experience the magic of K-Flow!
The Lineup of Special Guests Include: Rebecca Jade, Amanda Cole, Lamont Dozier Jr., Shannon Pearson, Gene-o Cole, Anja Nissen, Cedrice, Orion Song
Presented by Concerts.Cafe &
The Miracle Theater Inglewood
226 South Market St
Inglewood, CA 90301
Join in on the fun on Sunday, 6/18/23 at 2pm-6pm on the LA LIM Show (D.A.V.I. Radio Los Angeles) to celebrate the legendary Larry Dunn who will be featured, as well as a spotlight on the iconic album âThatâs the Way of the Worldâ (heard in the 4th hour). Be prepared for surprise guests, incredible conversations, and more on LA LIM, an increasingly popular radio show. Larryâs birthday falls on Juneteenth (June 19th), but the show broadcasts on Sundays. You wonât want to miss this one! Visit Daviradiolive.com to join the fun!
Artwork created by FIRST TAKE PR
A LITTLE ABOUT LARRY DUNN:
Larry Dunn is an American musician and songwriter known for his time as a keyboardist in the iconic band Earth, Wind & Fire. Born in 1953, Dunnâs classical piano training and music theory knowledge formed the basis of his musical talent. Joining Earth, Wind & Fire in 1972, he played a pivotal role in shaping their renowned sound, blending genres like R&B, funk, soul, jazz, disco, and pop. Dunnâs keyboard skills and innovative use of synthesizers can be heard on hits like âShining Star,â âSeptember,â and âBoogie Wonderland.â He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as part of Earth, Wind & Fire in 2000. With his songwriting prowess, Dunn also gained induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Throughout Larryâs career, he has received seven Grammy Awards, solidifying his status as a highly acclaimed musician and songwriter. And folks, this brief biography doesnât even touch the surface of Larry Dunnâs many accomplishments!
Also, read the published interview that ran in AGENDA Issue 11, 2020 about Larry Dunn in honor of his milestone birthday now available on agendamag.com.
In the Minneapolis area: Donât miss this two-day extravaganza of powerful music for Cinco de Mayo Weekend! Friday, May 5th and Saturday, May 6th at Crooners Supper Club featuring multi-award-winning and #1 Billboard charting artist Bobby Lyle!
Day 1
On Friday, May 5th, 2023, at 7:30pm. Pianist/keyboardist Bobby Lyle who is is a multi-award-winning and #1 Billboard charting artist will be performing at Crooners Supper Club in Minneapolis, MN at 7:30pm! In his show âBobby Lyle Sextet: Contemporary Jazz Night,â Lyle is joined by Brian Kendrick (Drums), Tony Axtell (Bass), Jimmy Steffen (Keyboards), Ronny Loew (Saxes), and Joe Elliott (Guitar). Bobbyâs Billboard chart topping single âNujazzyâ will be featured.
Day 2
In the Minneapolis area: Donât miss this powerful music on May 6th, 2023, at Crooners Supper Club featuring multi-award-winning and #1 Billboard charting artist Bobby Lyle who presents an evening of solo piano, offering âTraditional and impressionistic Solo Pianoâ featuring special guests Kenni Holmen on sax and Ollie Lyle on bass. Show starts at 4pm.
Dinner and cocktail seating and service begins 1 hour before showtimes.
Bobby Lyle burst onto the music scene with his epic release âThe Genieâ and has since continued to shatter records and mesmerize audiences with his world-class performances as a legendary pianist and organist. His talents have earned him numerous chart-topping albums, including his record-breaking #1 Billboard successful CD âIvory Flowâ. Lyleâs music is a unique blend of soulful melodies, intricate harmonies, and infectious grooves that have earned him critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.
In addition to his successful solo career, Lyle has also collaborated with some of the biggest names in jazz and R&B, including Al Jarreau, Anita Baker, Bette Midler, and George Benson. His talents have led him to perform at some of the worldâs most prestigious venues.
On April 25th, 2023, Bobby Lyle is set to take the stage at Vibrato Grill & Jazz, one of Los Angelesâ premier live music venues. Fans can expect a night of unforgettable music as Lyle showcases his impeccable musicianship and electrifying energy. With a career spanning over four decades and a reputation as one of the most dynamic and versatile musicians of his generation, Bobby Lyle continues to push the boundaries of jazz and R&B music.
Lineup: Bobby Lyle (Piano), Bill Steinway (Keyboards), Tony Pulizzi (Guitar); Brandon Fields (Sax), Hussain Jiffrey (Bass), and Tony Moore (Drums)
Address: Herb Alpertâs Vibrato Grill & Jazz, 2930 Beverly Glen Circle, Los Angeles, CA 90077
Held at the Black Design Collective Creative Center in Downtown LA, with model/activist Bethann Hardison, Goo Goo Atkins hosts a once-in-a-lifetime conversation, followed by an audience Q& A.
Los Angeles, CA â March 31, 2023
On March 18, 2023, the Black Design Collective presented an intimate conversation with Bethann Hardison, the first Vanguard recipient for the 54th NAACP Image Awards. The event was hosted by celebrity stylist and influencer Goo Goo Atkins (Goo Ru Style). This conversation is part of an ongoing series titled âPull Back the Curtain.â After Atkins and Hardison took their seats, the audience focused their attention on the stage with quiet anticipation.
FIDM Founder/President Tonian Hohberg attends Black Design Collective Pull Back The Curtain: A Conversation with Bethann Hardison. (Photo by Karim Saafir)
âBethann Hardison was engaging and entertaining. âThe Oracleâ shared that throughout her life, she always spoke her mind, fearlessly seizing every career-changing moment. Goo Goo Atkinsâs questions were so well researched, they caught Bethann by surprise on more than one occasion. And her witty, well-timed responses had us in stitches so much throughout the discussion, Ms. Hardison could add comedienne to her impressive lists of credits. Black Design Collectiveâs Pull Back the Curtain provided something that was very special and exclusive. It was a rare honor to witness this living legend in such an intimate setting!â âKaylene Peoples, Agenda Founder & Editor-in-Chief
AGENDA Founder/EIC Kaylene Peoples and Grammy-Nominated Bassist Bunny Brunel as part of the audience attend at the BDC Creative Center Stage in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023
Goo Goo Atkins introduced Bethann Hardison, deeming her âThe Godmother of Fashion,â informing the audience that she is âaffectionately called âThe Oracle.ââ Atkins opened dialogue with Bethann by asking her about her outspokenness and if that came with maturity.
Host/Influencer Goo Goo Atkins at the BDC Creative Center Stage in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023
Bethann responds, âItâs funny, Iâm writing a book now, so you do go back and you start realizing who you were. I started saying that I was always successful from the time I was 12 years old. I was a leader. Outspoken? Maybe to get some things done.â Hardison continues, âI was lucky to grow up in the garment business. Itâs not a corporate world, so it was much easier to be who I was.â Atkins talks about the very few Blacks who were involved in the fashion industry in the 1960s. Bethann reveals that there was no real fashion industry; it was the garment industry during that period. âIt was just getting garments made, designers were there, racks of clothes were across the street. It was quite different, and I just wanted to be in the industry. I just needed a job. Back then you could go into the New York Times and look for employment. And they gave me a position in sales.â
Black Design Collective Pull Back The Curtain: A Conversation with Bethann Hardison. Photo by Karim Saafir
Goo Goo Atkins surprises Hardison with her next question, âBethann, you walked up to the head of the Junior dress department and said, âif you want this to sell, then you need to put me in it.ââ Shocked, Hardison replies, âHow do you know all of this?â The audience bursts out laughing. Hardison continues, âItâs so funny when people interview you and they really do research. They had a Federated store with Junior dresses. It was Bernie Ozer of Federated Department stores, who was quite well-known in our industry,â Bethann goes on to say that when she was a child, she was a tap dancer, even on the radio. Bernie Ozer loved Broadway, so when Bethann saw him, she leaned in and said, âif you really want to have a great show, you should have me in it.â Hardison was scared that Ozer would be upset and tell her boss. Ozer said, âthank you.â By the time she got back to the office, they were so excited to tell her that Bernie wanted her in the show. She adds, âand that was the first time I actually did a runway show.â
The Battle of Versailles Fashion Show
Goo Goo Atkins: âIn 1973, things changed one night in Paris when five American designers showed their collections along with five French designers. That became known as the Battle of Versailles. Tell us how you and the 10 other Black models changed fashion that night.â
Bethann responds, âWe didnât change fashion that night, we educated the European designers (the French) about who we were. Also, the American designers lost their set; they thought the set specs given were in inches, not centimeters. We were devastated. By the end of the day, we had music . . . and the French never used music. We had Barry White. They had never seen anything like it, and the show gave us an opportunity to be seen in that way. And that was ALL the girls (of all races).â
General Atmosphere â at the BDC Creative Center in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023
Hardison shocks with facts, as she talks about how within the industry, people embellish moments. She educates that much of this information about the Battle of Versailles [Fashion Show] wasnât known until as recent as eight years ago when the diversity department of the Metropolitan Museum learned about the event and decided to give the models a citation, subsequently featuring the 11 girls of color from that show. âWhen we were there, it was a collection of many: the dancers, the models, all of us coming together. It was diverse. And it was all because of the great choreographer Kay Thompson (American in Paris), not âBlack girl magic.â We were scared to death, the French and American designers were fighting among each other, Anne Klein was so put upon, and as much as I was first Steven Burrowsâs assistant, I was still a model. I had to talk a lot with Anne who was the only female . . . and it was such a controversy. But when showtime came, everyone came together. Thatâs what was American. Thatâs what really impressed me. We won, and it was a brilliant moment. At the end of the day, it was just a gig!â
Atkins and Hardison continued their conversation with topics about Bethannâs diverse modeling agency, why she founded Black Girls Coalition, and her being instrumental in managing and launching the careers of Kimora Lee Simmons, Veronica Webb, Brandy, and her son Kadeem Hardison (A Different World). They spoke about her agencyâs involvement with model Tyson Beckford and their deal with Ralph Lauren and Polo, her role with Gucci Changemakers, and her collaborative film, Invisible Beauty, that was selected for the Sundance Film festival.
Goo Goo Atkins asks Bethann a final question: âWill you continue to fight?â
Black Design Collective Pull Back The Curtain: A Conversation with Bethann Hardison.
Bethann Hardison: âI talk about diversity, and because I come from the garment district, I want to focus on the designerâa lot of them donât have the background to succeed. I want them to have a business that they can pass down to their children. I got so tired of hearing people ask, âWhere are the Black designers?â I said, âJust because you donât hear about them doesnât mean they donât exist.â Collectively, the CFDA and I brought designers together who already had a brand, and I was able to educate them about retail. That started February 2018. So now, I would like to diversify it racially. But thatâs not interesting to them because theyâre too comfortable within their community. So, when you talk about fighting the fight, or ask if my advocacy will still support diversity . . . [the answer is] yes, it always will. But when I talk about racial diversity, I mean âRacial Diversity!â And sometimes people think this means all Black. But I think that we do better if we integrate.â
Emmy-winning designer Brenda Cooper attends Bethann Hardisonâs interview at the BDC Creative Center in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023 (Photo: Karim Saafir)
Bethann Hardison was surprisingly transparent in her responses while Goo Goo dug deep with her questions. Many of Ms. Hardisonâs responses were pearls of wisdom for anyone wanting to pursue a career in fashion.
Notable attendees who were present at the talk were FIDM founder & president Tonian Hohberg; AGENDA founder and editor-in-chief Kaylene Peoples, Grammy-nominated bassist Bunny Brunel; Robin Harrison (VP of Hollywood Bureau, NAACP); multi-award-winning actor multi-award-winning Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis; Emmy Award-winning costume designer Brenda Cooper; and fashion designers Kenneth Nicholson, Okera Banks, and Dena Burton. Guests that evening enjoyed drinks that were provided by Melody Murphy of Mixed Bar Services.
BDC Co-Founders/Designers: President Kevan Hall, Former President Angela Dean (Deanzign), and TJ Walker (Cross Colours) attend Pull Back the Curtain event at the BDC Creative Center in Downtown LA on March 18th, 2023
About . . . Pull Back the Curtain (A Black Design Collective Series): A Conversation with Bethann Hardison
Bethann Hardison is an advocate, model, and muse with a career spanning over five decades. Hardison has gone from working in NYCâs Garment District to becoming one of the first Black models favored by European and New York designers. Sheâs been a creative director and producer, and founded her namesake agency where she guided the careers of some of the most prominent models. In 1988, she founded the Black Girls Coalition, and in 2013, she spearheaded the launch of the Diversity Coalition, sparking an industry-wide movement for diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her decades of advocacy work, Bethann received the CFDA Founderâs Award in 2014. In 2018, with the support of the CFDA, she founded The Designerâs Hub to guide and empower Black designers. In 2019, Hardison became an inaugural member of Gucciâs Changemakers Council. Bethann currently serves on CFDAâs Board of Directors and as Gucciâs Executive Advisor for Global Equity and Cultural Engagement. (bethannhardison.com)
Goo Goo Atkins has impeccable style and an audacious personality that depicts her dynamic portfolio as a designer, celebrity wardrobe stylist, creative director, actress, host, TV/radio personality, fashion columnist, and social media influencer. Atkins has worked, lived the fashion community, and more specifically, the plus-size community. You may remember her as the younger sister of Erica and Tina Campbell of Mary Mary, but sheâs since made a name for herself with her own spinoff WEtv web series, Goo Ru Style.
Black Design Collective was founded in 2018, and is comprised of accomplished fashion industry professionals of color who seek to amplify the influence of and create opportunities for the community of Black apparel and accessory designers and costume designers within the U.S. and abroad. The BDC mission is rooted in the promotion of scholarship, mentorship, and entrepreneurship within emerging generations of Black fashion design talent. Through this work, the BDC aims at ultimately fostering an independent and self-sustaining Black fashion community. Proceeds from this event go to the Black Design Collective, a 501 c 3, to mentor, educate, and equip Black designers with the essential tools to create generational companies and level the playing field in the competitive fashion industry. Founders of the BDC are president & designer Kevan Hall, designer TJ Walker of Cross Colours, Oscar winner Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther, Wakanda Forever), and designer Angela Dean of Deanzign
This yearâs NAACP Vanguard Award recipient, Bethann Hardison shares her incredible life accomplishments in the fashion world.
The event will be held in the breathtaking Black Design Collective Creative Center in the heart of Downtown LAâs Fashion District. Designer/Influencer Goo Goo Atkins hosts this once in a lifetime conversation with Bethann Hardison, followed by an audience Q&A. (The event will also be live streamed.)
âTHOMASINA âGOO GOOâ ATKINS HAS BEEN A CELEBRITY STYLIST FOR OVER A DECADE, SO ITâS NO SURPRISE THAT SHEâS A MASTER AT CREATING AMAZING LOOKS FROM HEAD TO TOE. YOU MAY REMEMBER HER AS THE YOUNGER SISTER OF ERICA AND TINA CAMPBELL OF MARY MARY, BUT SHEâS SINCE MADE A NAME FOR HERSELF WITH HER OWN SPINOFF WE TV WEB SERIES, GOO RU STYLE. HERE ARE 12 LOOKS GOO GOO ROCKED THAT TRULY GAVE US CURVY GIRL STYLE GOALS.â â Essence Magazine
About Bethann: Advocate, model, museâwith a career spanning over five decades, Bethann Hardison has gone from working in NYCâs Garment District; to becoming one of the first Black models favored by European and New York designers; to creative director and producer; to founding her namesake agency where she guided the careers of some of the most prominent models. In 1988, she founded the Black Girls Coalition, and in 2013, she spearheaded the launch of the Diversity Coalition sparking an industry-wide movement for diversity and inclusion. In recognition of her decades of advocacy work, Bethann received the CFDAâs Founderâs Award in 2014. In 2018, with the support of the CFDA, she founded The Designerâs Hub to guide and empower Black designers, and in 2019 became an inaugural member of Gucciâs Changemakers Council. Bethann currently serves on the CFDAâs Board of Directors and as Gucciâs Executive Advisor for Global Equity and Cultural Engagement.
Kevan Hall, Cross Colours, Kutula, In Earnest by Byron Lars & Sheila Gray, Harbison, House of Aama, & Kenneth Nicholson show their collections at the NAACP Image Awards, honoring the glam community.
March 1, 2023 â Los Angeles, CA
On Thursday, February 23, 2023, the NAACP hosted a fashion show luncheon, presenting the newest addition to the Image Awards, honoring hairstyling, make-up, and costume design. The Black Design Collective (BDC) followed the awards and wowed the audience with their most recent collections. NAACP president, Derrick Johnson, set the tone as he spoke about art and all its forms as a significant influence on the next generation. âThereâs still protest in creativity, whether it is in the roles that we choose, the scripts that we write, or directions you give when you step out on the catwalk.â He continues, âSo today, I want us to honor the accomplishments of the designers and nominees, because we recognize that it is very competitive in this environment. But I also want to challenge you to go further. We are here to celebrate Black essence, and letâs be proud of what we have accomplished in our journey in this country. Johnson concludes, âThe fashion show was a new addition last year, because we want to make sure we embrace all of our creativity.â âDerrick Johnson, NAACP President
Karen Boykin-Towns followed up with these sentiments. âFor the first time, we are recognizing the glam community with awards and their significant impact in the industry. It is an honor to celebrate all of you, because at one time, and even still often times our features, our body shapes, our hair, and even our style are harshly criticized. Yet, those very same characteristics are inspired for whole trends. Donât they know you canât mimic style? We set the culture.â âKaren Boykin-Towns, Vice Chair, NAACP National Board of Directors
Last year, the NAACP reached out to Kevan Hall about showcasing Black Design Collective talent on their runway for the Image Awards, which proved to be a huge success. The show featured top talent from the rapidly growing communityâs hand-picked assemblage of designers, and was appreciated by a distinguished audience of celebrities, fashionistas, and influencers. Designers came from New York, Cincinnati, and Los Angeles as they wowed the crowd. And BDC returned for this yearâs NAACP Image Awards.
Fashion Designer and President & Co-Founder of Black Design Collective Kevan Hall: âWeâre thrilled to partner with NAACP for its second year to shine the spotlight on our talented Black fashion designers. âImages: Fashion Moments in Timeâ presents Black fashion throughout historyâHarlem Renaissance, hip hop, Motown, and more. NAACP recognizes the importance of showcasing this illustrious group of designers and bringing them to the forefront of American fashion.â
âBlack Design Collective was built on the premise that our actions do in fact speak much louder than our words. Of greater worth is both the amplification and consistency of the symbiotic voices between the Black Design Collective and the NAACP as we drive the changes that are essential to our cultural and economic empowerment. Thank you for a spectacular event, and as always, we look forward to what the future holds.â âDesigner TJ Walker, Co-Founder of Black Design Collective
Each runway show had pre-taped highlights that shared inspirations of this yearâs designersâ most recent collections that served as PSAs for the Black diaspora. Each collection carried with it the spirit of American Black culture and itâs varied experiences.
The Designers . . .
Harbison:
âDuring covid, I found a renewed sense of connection to nature. Iâm opening the scope of my life in Los Angeles in a way that I hadnât since arriving here. For Spring/Summer 2023, I wanted the feel of open space. I wanted to optimize florals, the sky, and the rainbow through these clothes. And I really feel like we did that. The great thing about Black style is that itâs understanding the empowerment that Black people experience through style, through affecting a different reality for themselves through their dressing that they may not be experiencing in society. Itâs nice that the NAACP understands its importance and wants to reinforce that, even through this modern era. Thatâs exciting for all of us.ââDesigner Charles Harbison (harbison.studio)
Models walk the runway wearing Harbison designs for the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show
Kutula by Africana
âAt Kutula, we design clothes for the international business person and the very savvy fashionista who want pieces that stand for and celebrate the tribal beauty of Africa and its authentic nature. Most of our fabrics come directly from artisans and from all over Africa. We take those fabrics that are primarily adire and mud cloths and fuse them with cottons and silks to make every garment beautiful. Collectively, we try to elevate the culture for our clients to express themselves wherever they may be going in the world that most describes this line. What weâre trying to evoke is the âwoo tooââthe very raw nature of just being pure. All the designs are authentically sourced, and are âlifetimeâ pieces. For Black fashion, what we really see is a rise to excellence where each of us are able to express ourselves with our unique backgrounds and our perspectives. âBo Anuluoha of Kutula by Africana (shopkutula.com)
Models walk the runway in Kutula designs for the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show
House of Aama (A Mother/Daughter Design Team):
âOur mission is to explore the folkways of the Black experience by shining light on nuance histories and unpacking family narratives. The garments are a vehicle for the stories that we tell. Our Bloodroot Heritage collection is the storytelling narrative centered on my familyâs maternal lineage coming out of Louisiana, so itâs a Creole story. In this collection (and in our brand in general), we focus on the post-fallen South where youâre going to continually see at our core, silhouettes [with] touches of that. Weâre also showing SALT WATERâa collection that pays homage to the seafaring legacy and water deities that come out of West Africa, but also to the lost but not forgotten resort communities that live in the Americas, specifically Oak Bluff, Idyllwild, etc. We are an Americana brand, focusing on specific themes dealing with the West. We consider ourselves to be filling our white cities and Americana fashion with these unexplored stories coming from the Black experience that are part of the fabric of America, not just fashion, but also part of the fabric of the country.â âDesigner Rebecca Henry, House of Aama (houseofaama.com)
Models walk the runway in designs from House of Aama for the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show
Cross Colours (Carl Jones and TJ Walker):
âFashion always started with our communities. If theyâre not willing to wear it, to push it, to style it, to rock it, then itâs not fashion. We wanted to make the statement very clear. Itâs clothing without prejudice, but this is where it starts. When we relaunched the brand six years ago, it was mostly sweatshirts and sweatpants going back to the roots. We added some newer military looks as well.â âCarl Jones, Cross Colours Co-Founder
âIt became very clear to us that hip hop was the huge influence of the brand, because it is so influential in the culture. And itâs a lifestyle. Hip hop brings a lot of things to it that many people donât even understand. It was also important that we made sure that it was represented by us. All the advertisement, all the promotion were people of color.â âTJ Walker, Cross Colours Co-Founder (crosscolours.com)
Models walk the runway wearing Cross Colours for the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show
In Earnest (Byron Lars & Sheila Gray):
âIn Earnest is not just our name, but itâs also our mantra.â States Sheila Gray. Byron Lars adds, âOur point of view is womenâs advocacy through the product itself, because no matter the theme, we never forget about her. Thereâs a lot of texture, lots of strong shoulders, really feminine shapes when people had a joy in dressing and dressed up. Itâs about texture and color, pattern mixing. Harlemâs like the ham hock that flavored the whole pot American style.â Gray adds, âand thatâs where Black culture . . . how it all started. Lars concludes: âWe work and walk around Harlem every day and feel that history, so thatâs what this collection evokes. When you think about Black fashion, it is fashion seen through a Black lens. And so often, Black people have had to go without, and have had to get extra inventive. And I think that is really the crucible of what makes us so fabulous!â (inearnestofficial.com)
Models walk the runway wearing In Earnest by Byron Lars and Sheila Gray during the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show
Kenneth Nicholson:
âGrowing up in Texas, I have found that itâs difficult to find pockets of community that are inspiring. One thing [in particular] is toxic masculinity. So, to me, the fully expressed man just means having more choices and more options to express a full sense of self. For instance, the red carpet . . . for the longest time, I would really only see women embracing and enjoying different silhouettes that are in color as it relates to fashion. As I began my work, I really wanted men to be able to engage in fashion in a way that felt enriching and exciting. With this collection, âFrom Grandmotherâs Couch,â which was about sitting on your grandmotherâs couch, and from that perspective, what did you see? Maybe a beaded lamp or a printed curtain or a ratchet rug, then taking all of these collage-like elements and making them exist harmoniously. This collection did invoke Sunday dinners, another sense of Black tradition. Thereâs a lot of love involved. I think itâs important to continue to tell these stories. And itâs very important to continue to highlight the work of Black Americans and our contributions, not only to American creativity, but to America as a whole.â âDesigner Kenneth Nicholson (kennethnicholson.us)
Models walk the runway wearing Kenneth Nicholson during the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show
Kevan Hall closes the show:
âMy point of view as a fashion designer is to create clothes that are classic, beautiful, and made with the finest fabrics. I create designs that evoke a wonderful feeling of exuberance and excitement for women to wear throughout her day and night that become a part of her lifestyle. Growing up in the 60s and 70s, I looked back to my beginnings in Detroit with Motown, Diana Ross and the Supremes and Martha Reeves and The Vandellas. I was inspired by the glamour of these icons dressed in sequins, feathers and dramatic silhouettes.â âKevan Hall, Creative Director for Kevan Hall. (kevanhalldesigns.com)
Models walk the runway in Kevan Hall designs for the 54th Annual NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show
The Inaugural Award-Winners:
Outstanding Costume Design (Television or Film) Ruth E. Carter â BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (Marvel Studios); Outstanding Make-up (Television or Film) Debi Young, Sandra Linn, Ngozi Olandu Young, Gina Bateman âWE OWN THIS CITY (HBO Max); Outstanding Hairstyling (Television or Film) Camille Friend âBLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER (Marvel Studios); and the Vanguard Award Recipient Bethann Hardison (naacpimageawards.net)
âThe act of not being inclusive, no matter what your intentions, the results are the same. Starting Bethann Management is a joy that I have out in the fashion industry. Fashion is no longer just on a little tiny island that nobody knows about. Now itâs part of popular culture. Now itâs influencing young people. Itâs beginning to show people what things should look like. Itâs giving you the idea of what we see, how we act when it comes down to race. You never can take your foot off the gas!ââNAACP Vanguard Award Recipient Bethann Hardison (Model and activist)
In-kind Sponsor: Beauty brand Black Radiance celebrates 30 years of uplifting the inner beauty and the outer allure of women of color. (blackradiancebeauty.com)
About the Black Design Collective:
Founded in 2018, the Black Design Collective is comprised of accomplished fashion industry professionals-of-color who seek to amplify the influence of and create opportunities for the community of Black apparel and accessory designers and costume designers within the US and abroad. The BDC mission is rooted in the promotion of Scholarship, Mentorship, and Entrepreneurship within emerging generations of Black fashion design talent. Through this work, the BDC aims at ultimately fostering an independent and self-sustaining Black fashion community. (blackdesigncollective.com)
Discover the importance of costumes in storytelling as Ruth E. Carter gives a behind the scenes look into the costume design process. Proceeds support the Black Design Collective Creative Center and The Black Design Collective Scholarship Fund.
(By Sean McKenzie) Los Angeles, CA
On January 12, 2023, the Black Design Collective will host a conversation with Academy Award-winning Costume Designer Ruth E. Carter as she shares the design process of creating over 2000 unique costumes for Marvel Studiosâ BLACK PANTHER: WAKANDA FOREVER.
Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther & Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Costume Designer)
Carter introduces superheroes and the underwater world of the Talokan to the Marvel Cinematic Universe with hundreds of new looks and multiple builds for characters that are steeped in symbolism and storytelling from two civilizations that battle on land, in air, and underwater. She elevates the Afrofuturistic Wakanda with more brilliance and depth of culture, creating new costumes and super suits for the original characters from the film BLACK PANTHER (2018) for which Carter won the Academy Award for Best Costume Design.
Production Stills from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Featuring Angela Bassett
In the summer of 2020, Ruth Carter was approached by director Ryan Coogler, who informed her that the sequel would be introducing underwater dwellersâthe Talokanilâinspired by Mesoamerican cultures. When Chadwick Boseman died in August 2020, the question was how would Wakanda continue. WAKANDA FOREVER is not only a tribute to Boseman, but an evolution of the world that was created in the first film.
The event, âDesigning Costumes of Wakanda â A Conversation with Ruth E. Carter,â will be held at the Black Design Creative Center, located at The New Mart Building/Black Design Collective Creative Center 127 East 9th Street Los Angeles, CA 90015.
Bartender Melodie Murphy, owner of MIXED BAR SERVICES will craft 3 Signature cocktails honoring âWakanda Foreverâ, Ruth E. Carter and Chadwick Boseman for the evening with UNCLE NEAREST, the Most Awarded American Whiskey or Bourbon of 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. The brand is named for the first known African American master distiller: Nearest Green. Whisky Magazineâs American Icons of Whisky Awards named Nearestâs great-great-granddaughter Victoria Eady-Butler as Master Blender of the Year in both 2021 and 2022, the first person in history to take home that honor two years in a row. Led by Founder and CEO Fawn Weaver and CBO Katharine Jerkens, the all-female executive team of Uncle Nearest is changing the face of American whiskey while honoring the best whiskey maker the world never knew.
Date & Time:
Thursday, January 12, 2023
6:00 PM â 9:00 PM PST
 ABOUT: Ruth E. Carter is the Academy Award-winning film costume designer, known for turning the BLACK PANTHER superhero into an African King; making history as the first Black person to win in the category, and earning Marvel Studios their first Oscar recognition. Over three decades in film, television, and theater, Carter has earned seventy credits and collaborated with prolific directors, including Spike Lee, Steven Spielberg, Ava DuVernay, and Ryan Coogler. Carterâs costumes based on real and imaginative characters provide an arc to the narratives of African Americans. From DO THE RIGHT THING, MALCOLM X, WHATâS LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT, AMISTAD, THE BUTLER, MARSHALL, SELMA, DOLEMITE IS MY NAME, COMING 2 AMERICA to BLACK PANTHER; her devotion to retraining the eye to see beauty through costume design and telling stories that enrich the humanity of the Black experience cements her legacy as a preeminent voice and expert on period genres and Afro aesthetics. Carterâs outstanding costume design work has been honored with Academy Award nominations for MALCOLM X (1993) and AMISTAD (1998), and an Emmy nomination for the miniseries reboot of ROOTS (2016). The impact of her career in filmmaking has been recognized with the Costume Designers Guildâs Career Achievement Award (2019) and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2021). Carter is a member of the board of governors for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences.
Black Design Collective (BDC) Founded in 2018 is comprised of accomplished fashion industry professionals of color who seek to amplify the influence of and create opportunities for the community of black apparel and accessory designers and costume designers within the US and abroad. The BDC mission is rooted in the promotion of scholarship, mentorship, and entrepreneurship within emerging generations of black fashion design talent. Through this work, the BDC aims at ultimately fostering an independent and self-sustaining Black fashion community. BDC Founders are Ruth E. Carter, Kevan Hall, TJ Walker, and Angela Dean. Visit: blackdesigncollective.com.
âNujazzyâ by Bobby Lyle features the dynamic rhythm section of bassist Nathan East and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta playing this mid tempo groove track. John Calderon is on guitar. This recent single release is still going for radio adds and can be heard currently on Sirius XM radio, Watercolors.
âNujazzyâ is an upbeat track with a catchy melody and a seductive groove anchored by bassist Nathan East and drummer Vinnie Colaiuta. Guitarist John Calderone (who trades licks with Bobby halfway through) and percussionist Tony Axtell round out the rhythm section. â This is an amazing song and looks like it will make a serious mark on the charts!
(Just a side note, Bobby Lyleâs first single release âLiving in the Flowâ remained #1 on the billboard charts all of 2021!)
Inside this long-awaited second issue includes the following: âBunny Brunel Momentsâ 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 Coreaâs last interviews; CD reviews with Bakithi Kumalo, Buster Williams, and reviews of âUnconventional Releasesâ by Paul Chambers, Ray Brown, and Ron Carter (including Carterâs 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 (Americaâs 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, âOde to the Upright.â
âA 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 peopleâs plans and Virtuoso Bass was not immune. But weâre 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 whoâve 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.â âBunny 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 couldnât have been better. Virtuoso Bass was able to feature a review.
âThe 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.ââVirtuoso 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.
âWorking with Bunny Brunel to help him realize his vision for Virtuoso Bass is not only exciting, but itâs 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 Carterâs 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! âKaylene Peoples, Executive Editor
âWhat an honor it was to add a little extra sparkle to double bassist Ron Carterâs star. The maestro of jazz has got swag all day long and I wanted to show that he is still âmad fly.â 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. Carterâs editorial also highlights his âagelessâ spirit that has experienced a life that still has so much to offer.â âTy-Ron Mayes
Included in this issue is Bakithi Kumaloâs review of his CD âWhat You Hear Is What You Seeâ and Buster Williamsâs (& Something More) review of âAudacity. 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.
âYou create something that is unconstrained; it doesnât come from talking about this is what weâre going to create. You just start playing, youâre enjoying each other. Another thing is repertoire doesnât necessarily change so drastically. Youâre playing the same tunes, night after night, and because of your creative being, you strive to do something different. And youâre developing, youâre 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, âokay, this is what weâre going to play tonight.â No, the music told us what we were going to play, and how itâs going to happen. This canât happen without trust. And trust like that canât really happen unless youâve 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 wasnât about any one of us, it was about the trust that we had.â âBuster 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 Liebmanâs first non-instructional book that âillustrates the numerous possibilities of playing funk/jazz bass by analyzing how the bass greats have done it.â In Liebmanâs interview, he talks about his background as a bassist, and what inspired his website and his latest book. âFunk/Jazz/Bass is âa play in the style ofâ 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.â âJon Liebman, Virtuoso Bass
âRemembering Chick Coreaâ is a retrospective on the legendary keyboardistâs 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 Bunnyâs 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 Coreaâs most recent interviews, his important releases, and his wildly prolific career. And in âBunny Brunel Moments,â 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
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. âI 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,ââBunny 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