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The 5th Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival Closes the Summer Festival Season with a Variety of Jazz Styles and Legendary Musical Artists

5th Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival Highlights

Jeffrey Osborne and Eric Darius headlined at the 2022 Oxnard Jazz Festival that featured a talented lineup of musicians with Kelly’s Lot, Queens of Soul Jazz, Blake Aaron, Gold Coast Horns, Hiroshima; Thee Travis Miller, Erin Stevenson, Paula Atherton, Bunny Brunel, The Emotions, & Darryl Walker. And Executive Producer Chuck Dennis was honored by the City of Oxnard.

September 17, 2022 – Oxnard, CA

On September 10th-11th, 2022, the Oxnard Jazz Festival presented a bigger-than-life concert event following a two-year hiatus. Lovers of jazz, soul, Latin, blues, and R&B came out in droves. The outdoor festival accommodated over 4,000 ticket holders with a sea of vendors, great cuisine, and most of all, great music. The festival featured artists with household names, as well as local talent. The top contemporary jazz bands graced the OJF stage, many are Billboard-charting artists. What is unique about the festival, it offers a stage and embraces diversity, women musicians, and honors legends. Paula Atherton, whose new release is climbing the Billboard charts performed on Sunday. This multi-instrumentalist not only played sax and flute, but she sang, too. Queens of Soul Jazz, starring Billboard chart-topping artists saxophonist Jeanette Harris and flutist Althea Renee brought the house down with their highly skilled instrumental set, and renown singer Erin Stevenson captivated with her soulful vocal performance. The Oxnard Jazz festival brought to the stage top smooth jazz artists saxophonist Eric Darius, vocalist Darryl Walker, guitarist Blake Aaron, and introduced the new group Gold Coast Horns with Billboard artists saxophonist Jeff Ryan, trumpeters Lin Rountree and Johnny Britt performing.

The Oxnard Jazz Festival showed the world that we only get better with age. Legendary Musicians with 40-year careers fascinated the crowd who enthusiastically embraced and praised these seasoned icons. The Grammy-winning group, The Emotions, are still performing and evoking old school memories. During their performance, people crowded around the stage to sing along to their well-loved songs. Fusion giant Bunny Brunel played the groove-heavy music of his Grammy-nominated band CAB as the audience listened and watched in awe the former Chick Corea band member. Hiroshima who has sold over 50 million albums in their career is still penetrating souls with their esoteric, thoughtful music. And the 70-something, multi-Grammy-nominated crooner Jeffrey Osborne, is still the stirring entertainer he was in his 40s—nothing has changed! Osborne was engaging and comical during his show while he performed his litany of hit songs at the Oxnard Jazz Festival. Even with the inclement weather on that Saturday, the headliner told the audience, “If at 74 years of age, I can feel energetic, then so can you. Let’s party with me singing my “old school” songs. Are you with me? And the audience’s approval kicked Osborne’s performance into high gear. He brought the house down!

On the opening day of the festival, Oxnard’s mayor, John C. Zaragoza, presented Chuck Dennis a Certificate of Appreciation for the 5th Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival. Dennis was also honored by Ventura’s city council with Vince Stewart presenting.

Chuck Dennis, Producer of the Oxnard Jazz Festival:

“The highlights of the festival for me was watching the faces and the expressions of the audience of people really having a good time. The Oxnard Jazz festival is not just me, it also includes my great team. And I was especially thrilled to have been able to introduce my personal group, The Gold Coast Horns, on the OJF stage. We have a brand-new single called ‘Bounce to This’—this was their introduction to the world!”

Sheryl Aronson, OJF’s PR Director of Artist Relations

“The community of Oxnard works together to put on this great festival. The staff is very loyal and has worked with Chuck for years, we’re just such a great team, making the absolute best experience for the ticket holders. The motto is “Feel the Groove,” and you can really see that. Everybody gets up and dances. People and some of the VIPs have been coming back for years and everybody knows each other. It’s just like one big happy family get-together!”

The all-star lineup with two days of performances, as well as a diverse range of music, gave the festival goers a potpourri of styles. The OJF is an outdoor festival, held at the Oxnard Beach Park, and those in attendance came out in droves in spite of the weather. Day 1 was unprecedently gloomy with intermittent rain. Guests said that it was a break and a relief from the heatwave Southern California had been experiencing. On day 2, the sun came out and temperatures exceeded 100 degrees, but it didn’t stop the party. Music lovers filled the venue both days and some even traveled across the country to see their favorite musicians; and Kyle Eastwood and Sherry Gordy were just a few of the celebrities that were also in attendance.

OJF’s Lineup on Saturday, September 10, 2022:

Kelly’s Lot; Queens of Soul Jazz (Jeanette Harris and Althea Renee); Blake Aaron; Gold Coast Horns (Johnny Britt, Jeff Ryan, Lin Rountree); Hiroshima; and Jeffrey Osborne

OJF’s Lineup on Sunday, September 11, 2022:

Thee Travis Miller; Erin Stevenson, Paula Atherton; Bunny Brunel; The Emotions; Darryl Walker; and Eric Darius

“Shout out to Oxnard. The entire city is amazing, I’m just so thankful to be here. Everybody is so wonderful and they know all the lyrics! It’s just such a blessing to still be doing this. I’m 70 years old, but I still feel 30. I love singing, and that’s what keeps me young.” –The Emotions, Wanda Hutchinson-Vaughn

“I had a great time playing to such a welcoming crowd at the Oxnard Jazz Festival. I was joined by some amazing musicians, playing the music of CAB as well as honoring the person who started my career, Chick Corea. I always pay a small tribute to him on my shows with tunes like we did today, ‘The Slide’ and ‘Spain.’ I have to give it to Chuck Dennis for extending his platform to jazz-fusion.” –Bunny Brunel

“We never consider the people who listen to our music as fans but as a part of our growing cultural community. The whole point is [to bring people together], it’s about unity, and that’s why June [Kuramoto] can play from her heart because she wants to bring people back there every time she plays.” –Hiroshima, Dan Kuramoto

About OJF’s Headliners:

Jeffrey Osborne OJF 2022
Jeffrey Osborne (Photo: Sheryl Aronson)

“The audience makes it fresh because it’s always different. I am striving to touch the people who come to my concerts, which is the most important component to my performance. I want to make sure everyone enjoys themselves and has a good time—it stays fresh with me. My first love is performing live. I love recording, but there is a cold aspect to it. It’s just me and an engineer. But performing live, I’m out in front of people that have been my fans for many years and their chemistry is what gets me going. I feed off of them and they feed off of me, and there’s no other feeling like it.”—Jeffrey Osborne, AGENDA Magazine

Eric Darius Oxnard Jazz Fest 2022
Eric Darius (Photo: Sheryl Aronson)

“I’ve evolved in every single way. When I go back and listen to my older albums, I feel everything has been elevated. I’m always pushing myself musically. From a stage performance standpoint, I’m bringing new dimensions to my show.” Eric Darius goes on to say, “I’m passionate about what I do; I am someone who gives 110% and someone who truly loves sharing his gift of music. I believe God has blessed me with this gift. The fans motivate me and inspire me. I’ve stayed true to myself and stayed true to my music.”—Eric Darius, Schmooze Jazz Magazine

The 5th Annual Oxnard Jazz Festival Sponsors:

  • Presenting Sponsors: Chuck Dennis Production, Alexander Cadillac, Stella Artois, Advocate Society Wellness, T-Mobile, The Port of Hueneme, Bard Boys, Victoria Entertainment, LLC
  • Gold Sponsors: Coast Cart, Hueneme Beach Festival, Schmooze Jazz Magazine, Coca-Cola, City of Oxnard, Mission Healthcare
  • Media Sponsors: KJLH 102.3 FM, Fuego 97.1 FM, Old School 104.7 FM; Alpha Digital Printing (ADP), Divine Brown Media Group, Emerald City Communications & Marketing, LLC
  • Community Partners: Bud Light, Bomb Life (Ventura County), Good Choice Catering, Costco Wholesale, Holiday Inn Express (An IHG Hotel), IMW – IVIE McNeil Wyatt Purch & Diggs; Fantasy Life Car Show, Marriott Ventura Beach, Pucker Up, Residence Inn Marriott, Nestle; Orange Theory Fitness, Salzer’s Records, Union Bank, Switch Car Club, Sparkletts, Mission Healthcare, Victoria Entertainment, LLC

“After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, it was very exciting to work on this year’s jazz festival. As the festival’s executive director, the goal for our fifth year was to bring A-list Jazz, Latin, Soul, Blues, and R&B musicians, vibrant retail, and diverse food vendors, as well as many other inviting attractions to make the festival a top-level event and destination to close out the summer festival season. With over 4000 attendees smiling, dancing, singing, enjoying friends and family among the swaying palm trees near the beach with beautiful white sand dunes and the Pacific blue waters in the background, I think we accomplished our goal!”—Daphne King, Executive Director of the Oxnard Jazz Festival

About Oxnard Jazz Festival:

With the motto, “Feel the Groove,” OJF is a cultural music celebration offering a diverse concert experience with the option of VIP seating in an incredible outdoor setting, complemented by scenic beaches, vendor booth shopping, cultural foods, and many other inviting attractions that make the festival a top event and destination to close out the summer festival season. The Oxnard Jazz Festival is a medley of jazz, Latin, soul, blues, and R&B. Southern California’s best-kept secret, Ventura County, is the gateway to the “Gold Coast” and home to some of the most respected jazz musicians in the country. The city of Oxnard is a vibrant and culturally diverse community, and known as the “Strawberry Capital.” Its historical, recreational, and environmental assets make it listed as one of the wealthiest areas in America, cultivating an exciting celebration of music. The Oxnard Beach Park has beautiful white sand dunes and Pacific blue waters in the background, offering a resort experience. The beaches are known for their sunshine, mild surf, and easy access; they are a five-mile stretch of sand that’s a romantic spot for sunset watchers. If you love music, you will love the Oxnard Jazz Festival! (oxnardjazzfestival.com)

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AGENDA Cover Models Coco Mitchell & Ty-Ron Mayes Talk “Career” on the Fashion Whisperer Podcast!

Coco Mitchell (Front) and Ty-Ron Mayes (Back) Cover Models

Supermodel Coco Mitchell dazzles on the front cover and celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes shines on the flip cover of AGENDA magazine Issue 18. Both are mavericks in the world of fashion, gaining endless exposure and worldwide recognition. These fashion trailblazers have an engaging dialogue, offering hidden gems of knowledge, including how to thrive as people of color in a competitive industry. Coco Mitchell talks about her early beginnings as a model during her interview, and AGENDA’s editor-in-chief Kaylene Peoples shares how the Fashion Whisperer became a part of the magazine.

September 14, 2022 – Los Angeles, CA

“Coco Mitchell was part of that first wave of Black models who came onto the fashion industry, mainstream, and at a top level. We were all just making it up as we went along, fighting for contracts, fighting to be on the runway, fighting to be in ads, fighting for covers. It was a movement for visibility [and] for representation, because Black people were spending a lot of money buying the top designer labels [including] Calvin Klein jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, and still to this day, Gucci. There was an unwritten call to start having Black people in some of these ads and some of these covers, and more representation that would match the dollars that were coming out of the fashion industry.”–Ty-Ron Mayes

It all started with a fortuitous encounter with Eileen Ford who planted a seed in the mind of the young unassuming school teacher Coco Mitchell. And after one year of teaching at a Catholic school, Coco followed Eileen’s suggestion and made a call to destiny. “I got discovered by Eileen Ford [of Ford Models] on the streets of New York City. She walked up to me and asked me if I had a book. I replied, ‘I have lots of books.’” Mitchell continues, “I just graduated from college, and I’m going to be a teacher. I start in two months.” During the course of this conversation, Eileen informed her that what she’d be making every two weeks as a teacher, she could make every 20-30 minutes as a model. And the “book” Ford was referring to, she explained to Mitchell that it was a book with her pictures in it—a model’s portfolio. –Fashion Whisperer Podcast

Since that phone call, Coco Mitchell has been on a continuous, lucrative adventure as a model, working with some of the most iconic designers and campaigns around the world in the last four decades. From being a Kelly Girl to walking the runway for the biggest fashion brands, the former elementary school teacher was featured in MADEMOISELLE, GLAMOUR, Italian and French VOGUE. Coco was one of the first African American models to be in THE SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT ISSUE and has worked with Francesco Scavullo, Herb Ritts, Armani, Versace, Dior, Givenchy, Valentino, just to touch the surface of her illustrious career. And after her first modeling assignment in the late 70s, she hasn’t missed a beat and shares the title as one of the hardest working supermodels in the industry.

Coco Mitchell talks about the fit model:

“I was still so new to modeling that I didn’t know before I met Ralph Rucci that models did fittings. Ralph approached me at a restaurant, ‘Coco Mitchell, I would love for you to do my fittings.’ When I did a fitting, I fit my clothes for what I’m wearing in the show, not do fittings. I said to him, ‘I don’t understand what you’re talking about?’ He said, ‘I want you to fit my whole collection.’” Mitchell talks about how she expanded her career as a fit model for Badgley Mischka, Chado Ralph Rucci, Donna Karan, and others. She added, “You could make a quarter of a million dollars just doing fittings!”—Fashion Whisperer Podcast

Ty-Ron Mayes has styled over 150 magazine covers and countless celebrities, including Tyra Banks, Heidi Klum, Carol Alt, Iman, Adriana Lima, Tyson Beckford, Megan Fox, Eminem, Daymond John, Leelee Sobieski, Renauld White, M.J. Rodriguez, Ron Carter, Halle Berry, Michelle Rodriguez, Mariah Carey, Lauren Hutton, and others. He was the fashion consultant to Tyra Banks for America’s Next Top Model Cycle 20, and was not only on Cycle 21, but was appointed by Tyra as ANTM’s first Lead Wardrobe Stylist. His career as a celebrity stylist was officially launched by Francesco Scavullo and Sean Byrnes, where he styled Oprah Winfrey on several magazine covers. Mayes has styled international editions of VOGUE, HARPER’S BAZAAR, ELLE, MARIE CLAIRE, and COSMOPOLITAN magazines. He has works with many prestigious photographers, including David LaChapelle, Sante D’Orazio, Anne Menke, Udo Spreitzenbarth, Antoine Verglas, Mike Ruiz, Marlena Bielinska, Emin Kadi, Matthew Jordan Smith, Mark Borthwick, Marc Baptiste, Yu Tsai, Ezequiel de la Rosa, and Greg Gorman. Some of Mayes’s advertising clients are Stila Cosmetics, Maybelline, Miss Clairol, Clairol Beauty Collection, Iman Cosmetics, FUBU, and the Guess campaign. Designers with whom Ty-Ron has cultivated relationships include Custo Barcelona, Carmen Marc Valvo, The Blonds, Nicole Miller, Zang Toi, and Lie Sang Bong. And Ty-Ron Mayes was given the name, “The Super Stylist.”

AGENDA’s editor-in-chief, Kaylene Peoples, approached Mayes about his being on the flip cover of issue 18. Ty-Ron was initially featured in the magazine years ago when AGENDA (agendamag.com) was exclusively online. Peoples later featured Rick Genest (Zombie Boy), an editorial styled by Mayes, which appeared in the 2014 inaugural “print” issue of AGENDA Special Edition I: “Fall Is Fascinating.” In 2018, print issue 6, Mayes was featured in Fashion Trailblazers, a 14-page retrospective, titled, “Ty-Ron Mayes: An Inside View of His Fabulous, Fashionable Court.” Also, in that issue, Ty-Ron styled Supermodel Maria Borges for the cover story, as well as the fashion spreads with Kelly LeBrock and Phil Sullivan.

“Ty-Ron and I discussed his being a part of AGENDA’s team in 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic. We had a great synergy and tended to think alike when it came to fashion stories. I was delighted when he agreed to come on board. The Fashion Whisperer made its debut, and issue 12, ‘Generation Quarantine – Pandemic 2020 the Fashionable Response’ was our PSA, becoming the holy grail of that perilous epoch and now part of AGENDA’s time capsule. AGENDA was one of the pandemic’s first responders for the written word in a fashion and lifestyle print magazine, and helped to open dialogue for other fashion periodicals; and the fashion story, ‘Generation Quarantine,’ was pivotal during that time.”—Kaylene Peoples, AGENDA Editor-in-Chief

Mitchell and Mayes star in their own stunning fashion editorials. Ty-Ron styles both spreads, featuring clothes and accessories (for Coco Mitchell) by Versus by Versace, Zang Toi, Donna Karan, Salvatore Ferragamo, Carmen Marc Valvo, and Sam’s Army & Navy, photographed by Ezequiel de la Rosa; and (for Ty-Ron Mayes) with Roberto Cavalli, Alessandro Gherardeschi, Tahari, vintage Jean-Paul Gaultier, Eliza J., Christian Louboutin, Zars London, Tiffany & Co., Salvatore Ferragamo, and Versace, photographed by Udo Spreitzenbarth with makeup, hair, and grooming by Ty-Ron Mayes for Paper Faces.

“The fashion stories, ‘In Love with the Coco’ and ‘Ty-Ron Mayes – Fashion Whisperer’ are both compelling and wonderfully styled editorials that are beautiful additions to this highly curated issue of AGENDA, which is all about inclusion. Coco Mitchell has been on our radar for some time, her being our cover model is not only thrilling, but beyond ideal as we approached the current fashion season; and Ty-Ron Mayes living on AGENDA’s flip cover has been a long time coming . . . and way overdue!”–Kaylene Peoples

With prestigious campaigns with Thierry Mugler’s “White Sands,” Virginia Slims, Benson and Hedges, and countless television commercials, Coco Mitchell has spoken at FIT, Pratt, and the Phoenix Art Museum in conjunction with PAM’s “Chado Ralph Rucci” exhibit. Coco Mitchell is now consulting, coaching, casting, directing editorial shoots, and assisting those both established and emerging in their modeling careers, and continues to give back to the very community that has enriched her life in countless ways!

Ty-Ron Mayes is one of New York’s most sought-after celebrity stylists who not only dresses his famous clientele, but also models. Mayes has walked in the highly touted Blue Jacket Fashion Show for three years in a row.

“When I was asked by founder Frederick Anderson to be part of The Blue Jacket Fashion Show, I was super excited, because the charity itself brings awareness to the prevention of prostate cancer. This was an opportunity for me to join the men’s health movement. The Blue Jacket Show brings together celebrities from the fashion, sports, news, and entertainment industries to have a national conversation about the risks of this disease. This year the focus was on African American & Latin men in America who statistically are the highest documented incidence rates of prostate cancer in the world.” – Ty-Ron Mayes

Check out Ty-Ron Mayes and Coco Mitchell’s cover stories in AGENDA Issue 18: “Black Design Collective” (Digital & Print). To listen to Ty-Ron’s interview with Coco Mitchell, visit The Fashion Whisperer Podcast at agendamag.com. AGENDA is published by KL Publishing Group. (@agendamag)

Written by Sean McKenzie
E: firsttakepr@aol.com
First Take PR (https://www.firsttakepr.com)

 

 

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“Black Design Collective” Is the Focus of AGENDA Magazine, Issue 18!

AGENDA Issue #18 "Black Design Collective" Highights

AGENDA features Black fashion designers, NAACP Image Awards “Colors Behind the Look,” and more in this exciting issue of AGENDA. Melanie Wise, Udo Spreitzenbarth; cover models Coco Mitchell and AGENDA’s Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron Mayes; SHROOMS the cookbook; Aaron Walton, AMATO Couture Menswear runway; Jurassic World Dominion, The 355; and Kaylene Peoples Fashion Talk complete the story of this 151-page book periodical!

Los Angeles, August 26, 2022

AGENDA has been putting a spotlight on Black design talent since their first feature with Black Design Collective’s Co-Founder, TJ Walker of Cross Colours in Issue 10.  What followed was Geoff Duran (Issue 11), BDC Founder Angela Dean of Deanzign (Issue 12), Sergio Hudson (Issue 13), OTG Essentials by Okera Banks (Issue 14), Apotts and Epperson (Issue 15), Agnes Bethel Shoes (Issue 16), Renaldo Barnette (Issue 17); and Byron Lars, Octavius Terry-Sims of Groom, and Kevan Hall were all featured in AGENDA Collector’s Issue 3: Changemakers.  The world was informed that there is a kaleidoscope of “all” colors that make up the artisans behind the clothes we love.  After a long hiatus following the release of Issue 17, Couture Paper Doll’s, AGENDA’s contributing staff helped to create another packed issue, appropriately titled, “Black Design Collective,” a nod to this pioneering nonprofit, created to bring awareness, mentor, aid and elevate Black design talent.

Catching up to Issue 18, Black Design Collective, the 151-page book periodical heavily features Black designers, a milliner, beauty brands, and pop-up shops. On the cover is supermodel Coco Mitchell who helped usher in a new generation of Black American models. And on the back cover is celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes, AGENDA’s Fashion Whisperer and America’s Next Top Model Wardrobe Stylist. Mitchell and Mayes are featured in breathtaking editorials shot by photographers Ezequiel de la Rosa and Udo Spreitzenbarth.

AGENDA interviews Tori Nichel (NBC Fashion Star) of Maison Black, Lisa McFadden Millinery, Byron Lars (Barbie) on his new collection by In Earnest, EPPERSON (Project Runway) and his latest fashion editorial EVOLUTION; and a recap of the NAACP Image Awards fashion event “Colors Behind the Look,” headlining with Kevan Hall (president of the Black Design Collective) and BDC designers EPPERSON, Byron Lars, BDC Co-Founder TJ Walker’s Cross Colours, and menswear designer Isaiah Hemmingway. Also featured this issue is “Emerge in Color,” a curated pop-up store headed by the Black Fashion Movement and Maison Black. This one-of-a-kind shopping event successfully launched at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

This intensely diverse issue also includes New York celebrity photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth and his traveling photo exhibition titled “Between Light & Dark”; The Swedish brand, Dagmar’s S/S 2022 sustainable collection; and AMATO Couture Menswear collection.

“Immune System Maintenance? Ain’t No Such a Thing!” is an article by wellness expert Melanie Wise of Wise Remedies.  Sheryl Aronson (Arting Around) interviews Aaron Walton in “From Fashion Icon to Advertising Mogul, the CEO and Co-Founder of Walton Isaacson.” Fashion Archives presents a blast from the past with vintage Oscar de la Renta, photographed by Arun Nevader. And book reviewer Zac Baldwin critiques movies made from books, ranging from authors Stephen King to Dean Koontz. Universal Pictures and Amblin Productions presents Jurassic World Dominion and the backstory to the end of an era; and Universal Pictures in Association with FilmNation Entertainment presents The 355, an action film starring Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, and Lupita Nyong’o, now streaming on Prime.

Beauty editor Shahada Karim reviews the products Beautystat, Mented Cosmetics, and Oui the People.  And Karim gushes about her new cookbook, SHROOMS, a book filled with “healing” recipes, based on the medicinal qualities of mushrooms.

Fashion Talk was inspired by the film, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.

“I just saw the film Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.  The film was set in 1957, about a maid who wants an haute couture dress.  The movie triggered so many things in me.  I would see a dress on the runway and covet it.  Once, I attended a Carolina Herrera fashion show, and I saw this model in a gown that I had to have.  To this day, I want that dress!  Needless to say, it was way out of my budget.  But I got how Mrs. Harris felt.  Many of us are Mrs. Harris.  That’s what high fashion is all about.  Giving the fantasy that an outfit could change our lives.  And creating a story with clothing, clothing that encompasses all the accessories, much like a finished painting.  If Oscar de la Renta was alive today, I’d love to ask what inspired him when he created the perfect dress!” – “The Art of Dressing” by Kaylene Peoples, Fashion Talk

AGENDA Issue 18, “Black Design Collective” is sure to enlighten and entertain.  You might heal an ailment, find a cute dress, or even buy a hat and a pair of gloves.  But one thing is certain, you’re sure to enjoy the read . . . and don’t forget to shop Black! (@agendamag).  Visit Agendamag.com/shop to purchase the digital magazine. AGENDA is published by klpublishinggroup.com.

Get your copy today of AGENDA Issue 18: “Black Design Collective.” Purchase Link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBXSTVGR

 

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EnterTalk & JackTrip Present a Virtual Musical Supergroup, Featuring the Legendary Musicians Larry Dunn & Bunny Brunel

EnterTalk-JackTrip-LarryDunn-BunnyBrunel-artwork

Legendary Musicians Larry Dunn and Bunny Brunel, Drummer Roger Friend and Guitarist Charles Julian Fearing performed JackTrip virtual collaboration technology during a live performance on January 27th, 2022; the event was co-sponsored by industry insider outlet EnterTalk.

Los Angeles, CA, July 27, 2022

JackTrip Labs and EnterTalk partnered to host a one-of-a-kind musical showcase, powered by JackTrip’s revolutionary Virtual Studio. Streaming on JackTrip Radio, it featured legendary musical icons 7-time Grammy winner Larry Dunn, 2-time Grammy-nominated Bunny Brunel, 2-time Grammy/Emmy-winner Roger Friend, and guitarist/producer Charles Julian Fearing. These musicians performed together live (remotely) from multiple locations and demonstrated groundbreaking, “real-time” musical collaborations, using high-speed, low-latency tools. The group of players connected with famed drummer Roger Friend for this hybrid experience.

”I’m really looking forward to performing with the other great talents, all from my studio! This is an absolutely amazing development in audio technology, from a rehearsal and collaboration standpoint,” enthuses keyboardist Larry Dunn, a driving force behind this event. “To be able to have credible sessions with musicians as far as 500 miles away is awesome!”

During NAMM 2022, using JackTrip’s technology, Grammy winner and virtual choir pioneer Eric Whitacre led virtual singers in the debut performance of his piece, “Sing Gently.” A cloud-based platform, the technology allows musicians to perform in near-perfect sync while they are miles apart from one another. In the Virtual Studio, jams never sacrifice the experience of actually performing together.

“I was skeptical, I’m so critical about every sixteenth note being so precise. It was so tight and so much fun. I was blown away.”—Roger Friend

Virtual technology has grown leaps and bounds in the last few years, but the JackTrip team has been working on their tech for two decades. Their dual focus on sound quality and speed means musicians who can’t be together in the same place can still come together, forging connections that once seemed impossible.

“This will change the game for many musicians, possibly performing live shows in our separate living rooms while fans watch from the comfort of their own homes. In this pandemic world that we’re becoming accustomed to, this is just the thing to bring music back in a big way . . . and all of us together again!”—Bunny Brunel

“[JackTrip] brings everyone closer together. There are opportunities for live concerts, for education. There are a lot of people in the virtual technology race, but JackTrip separates from the pack. You win if it’s done right.”—Charles Julian Fearing.

“Just the quality of the event rehearsal really blew me away,” gushes JackTrip CEO Mike Dickey. “I really wanted to share this with as many people as possible.”

Jack Dickey talks about recording simultaneously and how distance and the quality of the participants’ internet connection play a big role in preventing a lag during a virtual live remote collaboration: “If you have a fiber internet connection, that seems to work the best so far. For example, if you’re within 1000 miles from Los Angeles and you’re on a fiber internet connection, you can generally play really well with other people. We have people from San Diego, Los Angeles, and Seattle that are jamming regularly on the platform. If you don’t have a fiber internet connection, then we found the radius is a bit smaller, anywhere from 500 to 300 miles. But that’s still a lot further than having to be there in person physically with someone else.”

This joint event between JackTrip and EnterTalk (entertalkmedia.com) was more than just a show, it was a sign of possibilities to come. “I love the idea that we can make it accessible for musicians that are rehearsing together, and I think there are a lot of people out there that would love to be able to participate in a session like that.”

“It’s the holy grail of internet jamming, giving you the ability to play, collaborate, write, or just have fun with people—even people you may not know—and do that live; and that is a technology called JackTrip!”—Florentino Buenaventura of EnterTalk & The Changing Stage

The session on July 27th, was broadcast live at 2PM PST on JackTrip Radio, standing as proof positive of endless future opportunities.

A LITTLE ABOUT THE MUSICIANS:

Larry Dunn helped transform Earth Wind & Fire into one of the all-time most successful R&B bands in the world with sales of more than 100 million albums worldwide, 7 GRAMMYs, 13 GRAMMY nominations, 4 American Music Awards, 32 Gold & Platinum/Multi-Platinum Records & Albums, a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame & Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award, as well as other industry awards. Larry Dunn is Earth Wind & Fire’s original keyboardist/composer/co-producer who co-wrote the only #1 crossover pop hit, “Shining Star.” (larrydunnmusic.com)

A musician’s musician, bassist/composer Bunny Brunel has two Grammy-nominations, one for his 9-year stint in Chick Corea (for Secret Agent) and for his own band CAB (for CAB 2). He is one of the founding fathers of the jazz bass fusion movement, has authored countless instructional books, designed basses for Carvin, Gibson, and ESP Guitars, including his own creation, the (BBEUB) Bunny Brunel Electric Upright Bass. Brunel has performed/toured/recorded with Herbie Hancock, Tony Williams, Wayne Shorter, Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, Tania Maria, and countless others. And he serves as the Editor at Large of the premier lifestyle magazine for bass players, Virtuoso Bass. (bunnybrunel.com)

Touring in more than 100 countries, Roger Friend is a high level, multi-faceted drummer and percussionist whose performed with Tom Jones, ABBA, Tom Scott, The Rippingtons, Bamboo Forest, BB King, Steve Oliver, Dweezil Zappa and countless others, he has won 2 Grammys and 2 Emmys (rogerfriend.com); and Charles Julian Fearing is a multitalented lead guitarist, vocalist, writer, producer, and arranger who has recorded with Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Herb Alpert, Nancy Wilson, Lionel Richie, Bonnie Rait, The Crusaders, and Celine Dion.

To learn more about the company JackTrip, EnterTalk’s Florentino Buenaventura interviews CEO Mike Dickey on The Changing Stage at https://entertalkmedia.com/the-future-of-musical-collaboration-online-jacktrip-ceo-mike-dikey-and-friends/. (https://jacktrip.radio/)

Press Release by First Take PR

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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

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Tom Wright Exhibits His Abstract Acrylics on Wood at the LA Art Show, Located at the Los Angeles Convention Center.

With a focus on environmental themes, The LA Art Show will exhibit artists from around the world with proceeds going to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Tom Wright will be showing his latest works.  The show is January 19th to 23rd, 2022.

Los Angeles, California Jan 15, 2022

For the 2022 LA Art Show, artist Tom Wright will be exhibiting three very earthy abstracts from his diverse catalogue. This exhibit commemorates Wright’s second year participating in the show. Wright, a “renaissance” artist in the sense of his broad scope of artistry, creates with a variety of mediums, ranging from acrylics, water colors, and even sandpaper and ink. This is evidenced by his industrial collections that are unusual yet stirring with vast muted color palettes. He doesn’t title his work and he doesn’t sign them in the front. This could be because “there’s a little bit of him in every painting.”

 

“If you look, you’ll see me in it. Every portrait I do has a little bit of me. There’s no thought. It’s just self-expression or peering out at the world.” –Agenda Magazine Interview, Painter Tom Wright and His Stabbings of the World

 

A West Hollywood resident and a professional golfer, Tom Wright earned his wide scope for aesthetics through his worldly experiences, which include working in the entertainment field. That’s why his collections flow and ebb so easily. His is a Ph.D. in Life and it echoes in his work.

 

“All this terminology about color schemes and palettes . . . this just comes out. Art for me is spontaneous combustion!”—Agenda Magazine Interview, Painter Tom Wright and His Stabbings of the World

 

BG Gallery (will again) during the 2022 LA Art Show display Tom Wright’s new paintings, which are acrylic paint on pine wood. Each one is 4”x5” framed in a shaped box on opening night, South Hall at the Los Angeles Convention Center. (https://bggalleryshop.com)

LA_Art_Show_Floor_2021.jpg-CREDIT_BIRDMAN-PHOTOS-1068x601
LA Art Show Floor 2021 (CREDIT BIRDMAN PHOTOS)

The LA Art Show is the most comprehensive international contemporary art show in America. It returns to the LA Convention Center only six months after its last event. This kick-off to the city’s 2022 art season comes on the heels of an incredibly successful summer return to live events. LA’s largest and longest-running art fair makes a triumphant return to its traditional January event dates after the special July edition, continuing to provide a sense of normalcy for attendees, galleries, and the art world as a whole. The LA Art Show has established a reputation for leading the pack. As such, visitors can expect great art, international exhibitors, and even new trends such as NFT (digital art) and more.

 

Since 2015, LA Art Show has been a strong and unwavering supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital® as it leads the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. In 2022, St. Jude returns as the beneficiary with the LA Art Show donating 15% of all ticket proceeds to its life-saving mission. The LA Art Show is proud to bring together St. Jude and the art community.

Abstract Artist Tom E. Wright
Abstract Artist Tom E. Wright

The LA Art Show is from January 19th through January 23rd, 2022 with the opening night premiere and day tickets, including VIP entry, located at the Los Angeles Convention Center – South Hall, 1201 South Figueroa Street Los Angeles, CA 90015. For more information and to purchase tickets visit LAArtShow.com.

 

About Tom Wright:

The Los Angeles artist, Tom Wright, will often combine many worlds in his paintings and may even incorporate more lines and levels to keep the gallery of people guessing where he’s going with his art, leaving much to the viewer’s interpretation. A prolific painter whose art crosses multiple platforms, Wright’s medium of choice is acrylics and he is a master at impressionism and complex abstracts, using anything from canvas to paper bags, and painting satire to self-portraits with themes ranging from somber to joyful to alarming.  Great use of the color palette, Tom Wright’s paintings are imaginative, colorful, and emotionally stirring, and a favorite amongst local galleries. Visit: https://www.mrtomwright.com, https://shopvida.com/collections/tom-wright, and Instagram @mrtomewright

 

About The LA Art Show:

The LA Art Show creates one of the largest international art fairs in the United States, providing an exciting, immersive, insider art experience to sponsors, their select guests, and VIP clients. The show attracts an elite roster of national and international galleries, acclaimed artists, highly regarded curators, architects, design professionals, along with discerning collectors. This innovative, exceptional cultural environment attracts executives and board members of Southern California businesses, state, county, and municipal government representatives, as well as leaders of the region’s cultural institutions. Attendees are trendsetters, influencers, and alpha consumers, who seek and demand the newest and the best in all areas of their lives—art, design, food, technology, and travel being specific passion points. www.LAArtShow.com

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Agenda Magazine Introduces Lita Cline as the Face of Their Paper Doll-Themed Issue, Styled by Ty-Ron Mayes and Photographed by Udo Spreitzenbarth.

AGENDA’s Editor in Chief Kaylene Peoples teams up with celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes (Fashion Whisperer) and Photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth for this eye-popping New Years issue, featuring model Lita Cline, wearing the hats of Anat Fritz! Also featured are designers Victor (Vivi) Bellaish, Shai Shalom, Kobi Halperin; and the backstories of the paper dolls BrookLynn and the new collectible, Couture Paper Dolls by Glenna Gaffney.

January 10, 2022, Los Angeles, CA

Agenda, the multicultural fashion and lifestyle magazine, does it again with another packed issue. Inside the 147 pages includes viscerally beautiful photography by Udo Spreitzenbarth in the Queen’s Gambit-themed fashion editorial titled “Queen of the Night,” styled by Agenda’s Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron Mayes. The unique beauty of Lita Cline is captured wonderfully as she models the crocheted hats from designer Anat Fritz. Fritz’s crocheted collection had long been in luxury boutiques and department stores throughout Europe well before the costume designer for Queen’s Gambit used her green hat to “. . . crown Anya Taylor-Joy’s head in that pivotal scene.”

Kaylene Peoples, AGENDA Magazine's Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron-Mayes
AGENDA Magazine’s Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron-Mayes

Ty-Ron Mayes styled the shoot with designs & accessories from Calvin Klein, Rachel Zoe, Marc Jacobs, DKNY; and cosmetics by L’Oréal.  Lita Cline’s eyes were made bigger than life with L’Oréal’s Infallible Eye Liner and Air Volume Mega Mascara. Ty-Ron Mayes also served as the editor on the shoot and did hair and makeup via Paper Faces, using Derma Blend Cosmetics.

Lita Cline - Queen of the Night in Agenda Magazine
Cover Model Lita Cline stars in “The Queen of the Night” editorial, photographed by Udo Spreitzenbarth and styled by Ty-Ron Mayes

Agenda’s January 2022 Issue #17, titled Couture Paper Dolls features Designer/illustrator Renaldo Barnette (by Black Design Collective), the creator of BrookLynn Paper Doll and comic book.

As a young child, Renaldo read every fashion publication he could get his hands on, but as early as he can remember, his first love was comic books and comic strips. As he pored through Millie The Model, Patsy & Hedy, Katy Keene, Betty & Veronica; Brenda Starr, Mary Perkins, Friday Foster, and Winnie Winkle, he was amazed by the illustrations. He credits these comics for showing him how to draw fashion. And in the case of Millie The Model and Winnie Winkle, he discovered that fashion was a real business.

Renaldo Barnette of BrookLynn Paper Dolls is featured in Issue 17 of Agenda Magazine
Renaldo Barnette of BrookLynn Paper Dolls is featured in Issue 17 of Agenda Magazine

“I always wanted to see a comic book about a Black fashion model.  I remember seeing Millie the Model’s friend Jill in 1966. She was one of the first Black characters in the Marvel Universe. And she was a Black fashion model from England.  When I saw model Gayle O’Neil [in the mid-late 80s], I thought she looked like a doll, thinking she could be like a comic book. I had been toying with that idea for decades, and ten years ago, I gave her the name ‘BrookLynn’.”

“I am a recent collector of paper dolls. When I first moved to New York I had one paper doll book and the other a paper doll set. I had two published through Western. One was a bridal paper doll set, like a box set, and the other one was called Rock Stars. Those were two freelance jobs that my friend, the late great Bob Rausch, got me when I was in between jobs back in the late 80s.

Barnette talks about his favorite concept for his first BrookLynn Paper Doll book:

“It’s the makeover concept of how this plain school girl can be made over, like the way Audrey Hepburn was made over in Funny Face or Sabrina. Or the way Bette Davis was made over in Now Voyager. I don’t care about the height or size, if you find clothes, a great hairdo, and nice makeup, it can turn an ordinary person into the best-looking person they can be.  And I’ve always liked that. It’s not just about being pretty, it’s about looking better.” —Agenda, Renaldo Barnette – Designer, Illustrator, & Creator of the BrookLynn Paper Dolls and Comics @itsallaboutbrookLynn

Artist Glenna Gaffney has created a new style of paper doll that she calls “Couture Paper Dolls.” Her collection ranges from “Fly Mom,” her Mewsick line with Prince/ Michael Jackson Inspired to her latest collection spurred by the 2021 MET Gala. What’s different about these dolls? They are not the traditional paper doll. Housed in a shadowbox, these dolls are dressed in Swarovsky crystals, sequin, feathers with intense bejeweling and meticulous hand-crafting right down to the hair, which is deceptively made from paper bags. Gaffney crafts her dolls to be one of a kind, and they are definitely couture-like. Each doll comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, and no two dolls are identical. Here she talks about one of her Couture Paper Dolls

Glenna Gaffney’s Couture Paper Dolls is featured in Issue 17 of Agenda Magazine

“Emerald Faye –Inspired by the girl who appreciates a long gown, dressing up elegantly and going to a social event. She strolls into her event with Swarovski crystal “blinging,” long hair flowing, making a gem of an entrance. The clothing is designed by Isaac Pineda. My desire is to work with different designers. I love collaborations, and Isaac Pineda is my first CPD collaboration. Isaac created the pattern and selected the fabric. I incorporated his vision with mine . . . and Emerald Faye was birthed from this process.” Agenda, Couture Paper Dolls by Glenna Gaffney – A Fashionable Collectible for the ‘Grown Up’ Little Girl! (couturepaperdolls.com)

Kaylene Peoples AGENDA Editor in Chief and Fashion Talk Journalist
Kaylene Peoples, AGENDA Magazine Editor in Chief and Fashion Talk Journalist

In the column, Fashion Talk, Kaylene Peoples does a historical retrospective of the history of the paper doll . . .

“One of the first instances of a doll made of paper was a Jumping Jack or a Pantin, where it originated in France in the 1700s. These dolls wore the high fashion of that time with only one outfit. So no changing the clothes. Like puppets or marionettes, they were created originally to mock the rich. At the end of the 1700s, fashion companies in Europe, particularly Paris, saw a huge opportunity to advertise their fashion through paper dolls, which started the practice of changing these dolls’ outfits. During this period, there were major advancements in printing technology, making mass production of these “newer” paper dolls accessible to more people at an affordable cost.

Peoples continues…

I am a grown woman, but I guess I will always have inside me that little girl who loves to play with dolls. As a Barbie collector, I have a new (micro) collection of paper dolls, and I want to explore more vintage paper dolls and cutouts. I discovered there are countless books with paper dolls available today that are very recent publications with fashion throughout history: First Ladies with Michelle Obama, Jackie Kennedy, Nancy Reagan; famous designers from Christian Dior to Valentino; Royal Brides from Meghan Markle to Kate The Duchess of Sussex; dancers, iconic celebrities, even torch singers. There were not as many superhero paper dolls as I had expected, but they do exist, mostly as collectibles . . . and trading paper doll cutout comics is a really big thing I learned. Comic Cons and various conventions around the world are where one can find these rare vestiges.”—Agenda, The Evolving Paper Doll, Proving that Everything Comes Back in Style

Highlights from Kornit Fashion Week LA 2021  #KornitDigital

Kobi Halperin:

Kobi Halperin S/S 2021 is featured in Issue 17 of Agenda Magazine
Kobi Halperin S/S 2021 is featured in Issue 17 of Agenda Magazine

Born and raised in Israel, Kobi studied and received his B.F.A from Shenkar College of Engineering and Design. Upon graduating, Kobi moved to New York where he became the Executive Creative Director at Elie Tahari for 13 years and the Executive Creative Director at Kenneth Cole Productions for 3 years. Inspired by his Eastern European roots and heritage, Kobi’s collections are marked by a warm feeling and handcrafted touch and workmanship that create a distinguished yet welcoming style aimed at “elevating the everyday”.

Shai Shalom:

Shai Shalom S/S 2022 is featured in Issue 17 of Agenda Magazine

A graduate of the Shenkar College of Engineering and Design, Shalom’s apparel is marked by meticulous tailoring and a keen eye for combining bright colors and materials. His designs cross a wide range of fine knitwear, sophisticated, slim-cut suits, cropped trousers and modern boat jackets.

Victor VIVI Bellaish:

Victor Vivi Bellaish S/S 2022 is featured in Issue 17 of Agenda Magazine

The inspiration of the collection was tropical birds, mainly the Hoopoe, Israel’s national bird. Bellaish is fascinated by the bird’s feathers as a design element: the shape and structure composing a spectacular visual performance, which, accompanied by the silhouette, provides a feeling of uplifting flight. The collection stems from his journey researching textile history. Spirits of feminine strength and liberation beat at the heart of the collection, which is the product of a unique collaboration of the designer with Kornit Digital, which specializes in developing and creating systems for textile digital print.

AGENDA ISSUE 17 Table of ContentsAgenda magazine (agendamag.com) has been telling the story behind the story since 2004, continuing that dialog in its 17th year. And after 7½ years in print, the luxury magazine continues to publish coffee table keepsakes with engaging content and breathtaking photography. The January 2022-Issue #17, “Couture Paper Dolls,” is a 147-page glossy, and is available digitally and in print worldwide.   Agenda is a KL Publishing Group publication. Visit agendamag.com/shop for more information. Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram

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AGENDA Magazine Autumn 2021, Issue #16 Is the Reason for the “Fall” Season

Dionne Warwick’s concert review, Ty-Ron Mayes style picks for The MET Gala via digital art, Kevan Hall’s S/S 2022 show “Brushstrokes,” and Agnes Bethel shoes are just a few of the highlights featured in AGENDA’s Autumn 2021, Issue #16!

LOS ANGELES, CA, November 09, 2021 (Original Source: https://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/486263/)

The weather’s getting colder and the days are growing shorter. Yes, autumn has always been synonymous with falling leaves and fashion. All over the world, fashion weeks showed their spring/summer 2022 collections, and AGENDA’s 151-page glossy has followed suit with runway, proudly flaunting Kevan Hall’s “Brushstrokes”—a huge hit on the catwalk in New York. For autumn/winter 2021 collections, Rains “Anticipate” puts on an intensely dramatic virtual show with a limited edition collection designed exclusively for their CGI runway; and Nehera AW 2021 “Meta” premiered a warm and inviting collection of fall favorites during Paris FW. Fashion spreads featured inside AGENDA include Naked Cashmere and the fashion editorial “12th Floor on 6th & Spring,” starring AGENDA’s cover model Claire Walters who co-stars with model Brooke Charlese. Ash Gupta’s VERIFIED features Billboard charting recording artist INAS X.

AGENDA’s Editor-In-Chief peers into plus size, pertaining to fashion and beauty trends as she writes about the fast-growing community of curvy, full-figured women and her plea for designers to meet the demand.

“Marilyn Monroe was actually a size 12. However, that size 12 is not accurate by today’s sizing charts. Nevertheless, she was celebrated for her curves. So, through the years, spanning from the early 1960s to 2021, a lot has changed. People are bigger, there’s no denying that. And even though it was a gradual process, the fashion industry sure took their dear sweet time catching up to this underserved demographic.”—Kaylene Peoples, Fashion Talk from the article, “Curvy and Proud of It: & They Call Me Plus Size”

Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron Mayes reviews the recent MET Gala with a unique perspective via his own original digital art in “The MET Gala’s Cacophony of Americana.” Mayes focuses on celebrities including Kendall Jenner, Debra Harry, Jennifer Lopez, Iman, and others.

“I like to think of it as a high fashion rollercoaster full of highs and lows. Why? Because we tune in to experience The MET Ball for amazing couture, unusual fashions, and the spectacle we call “celebrity,” and have come to expect.” –Ty-Ron Mayes, Fashion Whisperer

For Black Design Collective, we meet Leslie and Justice Bessent who have taken luxury shoe design to new levels. In their interview, “Agnes Bethel: The Shoes That Create Experiences,” this power couple talks about what makes their company a standout.

“. . . one day I accompanied my wife as she went shoe shopping. She asked to see a pair by a designer (I will not name) and tried them on. She didn’t love them, but she did like them enough to consider the purchase. I, however, disagreed with her choice. I then bet her that I (a man who had never designed shoes) could do a better job; the stipulation was that if I did design a better pair, I would have to have them made for her. After that, all I did was design.” –Designer Justice Bessent, Agnes Bethel

Beauty by Shahada Karim talks bath bombs, a non-psychoactive broad-spectrum CBD, and muscle-soothing solutions. Esthetician Jennifer Christie lends her expertise in the quest for clear, unblemished skin in her article. And focusing on hair, Karim reviews the following products: Raintree, Innisfree, and Slip

For alternative health and wellness, an interview by Melanie Wise (Wise Remedies) titled, “Overcoming Chronic Health Issues with Anthony William, Part 2,” raises consciousness, stemming from this informative discussion. Part one of this three-part interview appeared in an earlier issue of AGENDA.

“Alternative medicine has become as successful as it is today, because you are told to remove processed foods; and that can move some people forward. But unfortunately, it doesn’t heal the root cause, because both conventional and alternative medical communities aren’t aware of the true causes of so many illnesses and symptoms.” – Anthony William

Iconic pop singer Dionne Warwick was recently in concert – that review is in this issue. “The amphitheater was packed with adoring fans on Friday, October 1st, 2021, when the legendary vocalist performed her show at the Hyatt Regency in Newport Beach, CA. Her fans sang along to the hit songs that created the singer’s legacy as one of the most iconic female pop vocalists of all time.” – “Dionne Warwick: Sixty Years Performing and Still Counting” by Sheryl Aronson, Arting Around

Zac Baldwin gives his review of DISHONOR THY FATHER, a novel by Mike Robinson & M.J. Richards; “The book is filled with inner dialogues of various characters, and is a unique murder mystery romance with the distinct virtue of surprising the reader on several levels.” States Baldwin. And AMBULANCE, a thriller directed by Michael Bay, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, and Eiza González is scheduled for release in theaters on February 18, 2022, by Universal Pictures. ELLE Magazine Celebrates their (27th annual) 2021, Women in Hollywood Presented by Ralph Lauren and Lexus, honoring several women, including Halle Berry, Demi Moore, and hosted by Eva Longoria.

Fashion Archives opens a time capsule of classic looks from way back when with designers (the late) Cynthia Rowley whose New York runway features top models from 2006-2007. Beauty Backstage with vintage Eli Saab is highlighted, along with Saab’s stunning fashion show from the past on AGENDA’s final pages.

AGENDA is 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. 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! The multicultural fashion and lifestyle magazine has crossed continents, bringing a new perspective to the world of fashion and journalism. AGENDA’s Autumn 2021, Issue #16 has a 151-page count, is a full-color glossy periodical and is available in print and digital.

To learn more, visit KL Publishing Group (https://www.klpublishinggroup.com/category/agenda-magazine/) Visit https://www.agendamag.com (Social Media @agendamag)

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Bobby Lyle’s “Living In the Flow” Is #1 on Billboard!

From the moment “Living in the Flow” dropped in April 2021, the smooth jazz single climbed from #25 to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100 Smooth Singles chart after 19 weeks. Fans and new listeners love the tune, which steps outside of the traditional smooth jazz genre, mesmerizing with its  subtle virtuosity and brilliant compositions and arrangements by the legendary keyboardist/organist bobby Lyle. But what was lurking and consistently climbing on the Smooth Jazz Recurrent chart was the single, “Living in the Flow,”  which literally has been living quite comfortably on Billboard for over five weeks at the coveted #1 position.

“We are so proud of Bobby Lyle and his single “Living in the Flow.” He is a legend and deserves this #1 spot on Billboard Smooth Jazz Recurrent chart.  Every bit of music he has ever put out, ranging from THE GENIE right up to IVORY FLOW  has been topnotch, created and composed with staying power.  Congratulations to the Emmy-nominated/Hall of Fame Inductee Bobby Lyle on incredible achievement.” – The First Take PR Team

To see the current chart standing: https://bobbylylethegenie.com/news-classic/

Bobby Lyle on “Living in the Flow”

“This tune was chosen as the first radio single because of the front and center piano melodies and the airwaves-friendly groove laid down by bassist Nate Phillips and drummer Jay Williams. Kerry Wilkens gave me superb guitar work on this one. As far as inspiration, I love to observe the flow of life, whether it’s children on a playground, people bustling through a busy airport, birds and squirrels in the park, or me just silently driving through the countryside. This song seems to reflect all that.” – Schmooze Jazz Magazine

Purchase IVORY FLOW or just the single “Living in the Flow,” visit The Genie Record Store!

#firsttakepr #bobbylylethegenie #livingintheflow #kaylenepeoples #seanmckenzie

 

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