Ash Gupta 838 Media Group

January 19, 2025

AGENDA Magazine’s “A Renaissance Return” Features Melissa Manchester and Celebrates 20 Years

AGENDA Magazine celebrates 20 years with “A Renaissance Return, featuring Grammy winner Melissa Manchester. Led by Editor-in-Chief Kaylene Peoples, this issue spotlights fashion, music, and culture, continuing its legacy of creativity and innovation.

AGENDA Magazine issue 19, A Renaissance Return Features — Agenda 19 Front & Back Cover with Table of Contents

Los Angeles, California Jan 9, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – After a two-year hiatus, AGENDA Magazine triumphantly returns to print with Issue 19: A Renaissance Return, featuring Grammy-winning icon Melissa Manchester on the cover. Celebrating 20 years online and 10 years in print, this milestone issue offers a rich blend of exclusive content across fashion, music, beauty, health, and entertainment. Recognized among the Top 20 Best Magazines in Los Angeles by Feedspot in 2024, AGENDA continues its legacy of celebrating artistry, resilience, and innovation by spotlighting both iconic names and emerging creatives.

The cover of AGENDA features legendary Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Melissa Manchester, photographed by acclaimed Ash Gupta of 838 Media Group, with makeup by Diana Mendoza Beauty, at the historic Biltmore Hotel. In Fashion Talk, Editor-in-Chief Kaylene Peoples delves into Manchester’s iconic 50-year career in music and fashion, while Sheryl Aronson presents an in-depth Q&A titled “50 Years a Star: Melissa Manchester – Funny Girl, Grammy Wins, and Her 25th Album, RE:VIEW.”

“This issue is packed with incredible features, starting with none other than the legendary Melissa Manchester,” shares Kaylene Peoples, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA Magazine. “Last May, I had the pleasure of attending the opening night of Funny Girl at the Ahmanson Theatre with journalist Sheryl Aronson. Melissa’s performance as Rose Brice was mesmerizing, and as a lifelong fan of the film, I was blown away by the cast’s energy and talent. After the show, I approached her manager, Susan Holder, about the possibility of Melissa gracing our cover. To my delight, she said yes, and we scheduled an unforgettable photoshoot at the historic Biltmore Hotel, where the Funny Girl cast stayed during their LA run.”

This issue also features The Morph, an exclusive editorial by former Project Runway designer Epperson, modeled by Victoria James and photographed by Papa Louche. Styled by Ty-Ron Mayes Fashion Whisperer is a stunning editorial, photographed by Udo Spreitzenbarth. The bold fashion spread, The Un-Ubiquitous, showcases Sabrina, a fearless muse who also graces the magazine’s back cover. Cinematography by Antonin Merchler enriches this editorial’s narrative with striking visual elements. Another striking editorial styled by Mayes is Being Bowie, which features Alexandre, captured through the lens of Ron Contarsy.

Discover affordable luxury in Haute Off the Rack, where AGENDA “REimagines” the styles of Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, and Prada Menswear–delivering high-fashion looks without the high price tag.

For memoir lovers, this issue offers powerful stories of resilience and self-discovery. Levy Lee Simon takes readers on a journey through his life in Odyssey Towards the Light: Book 1, weaving his Harlem roots, Broadway successes, and battles with addiction into a poignant narrative. Laura Cathcart Robbins shares her gripping story in Stash: My Life in Hiding, detailing her double life navigating Hollywood’s elite while struggling with prescription drug dependency.

The visually compelling pictorial Friends Without Benefits, photographed by Ash Gupta, features actor and author Siddharth Mallya. The series captures the depth and complexity of his journey, reflecting on his career, upcoming film projects, and his critically acclaimed memoir, If I’m Honest: A Memoir of My Mental Health Journey. Offering a raw and deeply personal take on addiction, mental health, and recovery, Mallya continues to gain respect as a voice for change in the entertainment world.

In beauty, Shahada Karim shares her top picks for winter skincare, featuring standout products, including Costa Brazil’s Hydrating Cleanser, Dr. Jart’s Cryo Rubber Firming Face Mask, Habibi Bath & Body Fairy Drops Serum, and May Lindstrom’s luxurious Honey Mud.

Meanwhile, Melanie Wise of Wise Remedies explores the metaphysical world with her article on Dr. Masaru Emoto’s water experiments, examining how varying emotions can influence the structure of water molecules and beyond.

Film enthusiasts will revel in Zac Baldwin’s piece, Hidden Gems: Big Stars in Smaller Films, spotlighting unforgettable performances by Hollywood icons in lesser-known roles, including Sidney Poitier in Brother John and Dwayne Johnson in Faster.

We also celebrate Michael Stervinou, a renowned painter who makes a return to AGENDA, showcasing his latest figurative works that reflect his artistic evolution. His unique style, paired with insightful commentary on the creative process, makes for a compelling read.

The Black Design Collective has been a cornerstone feature of AGENDA since 2020, and this issue continues that commitment with the powerful 2024: A Year in Review, curated by Deborah Lee. The feature showcases the NAACP Image Awards Fashion Show at Vibiana, where designers Okera Banks, BJ Gray’s Grayscale, and Kwaku Bediako presented collections, culminating with a stunning finale by Kevan Hall. It also highlights Woodbury University’s tribute to Kevan Hall and TJ Walker (Cross Colours), celebrating their influential contributions to fashion and education, along with coverage of ASU FIDM’s Fashion Statements and Pull Back the Curtain. Readers will enjoy exclusive insights from interviews with Kevan Hall and Antoinette Messam, recognizing the lasting impact of Black creatives who continue to shape the fashion industry.

Pull Back the Curtain with Hollywood Costume Designer Antoinette Messam; Woodbury University Awards BDC Founders Kevan Hall & TJ Walker; NAACP Image Awards;Fashion at Vibiana; ASU’s FIDM Fashion Statement

In Fashion Archives, we pay tribute to the groundbreaking designer Patrick Kelly, revisiting his pivotal 1986 Paris Fashion Week debut and celebrating his enduring legacy through the Patrick Kelly: Runway of Love exhibit from the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Fashion Archives: Patrick Kelly “Runway of Love” Exhibit

With contributions from top voices in fashion, journalism, and entertainment–including Kaylene Peoples, Ash Gupta, Shahada Karim, Sheryl Aronson, Ty-Ron Mayes, and more–this issue offers an inspiring mix of artistry, storytelling, and style in AGENDA Magazine’s A Renaissance Return.

Purchase your copy of A Renaissance Return today from KL Publishing Group. Don’t miss the resurgence of AGENDA Magazine, where every story is as stylish as it is substantial. Be part of the legacy–celebrate artistry, innovation, and creative resilience with this milestone issue!

“As we usher in 2025, I want to thank you, our loyal readers, for coming along on this journey. May your days be joyful, and your nights filled with fashion. Happy New Year–we’re glad to be back, and we can’t wait to share more with you in the months to come!” shares Kaylene Peoples, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA Magazine.

About AGENDA Magazine

Founded by Kaylene Peoples, AGENDA has established itself as a leading voice in fashion, music, beauty, and culture, known for its compelling storytelling and focus on innovation. It began as an online publication before transitioning into print in 2014, quickly becoming a collector’s item. Known for celebrating artistry, diversity, and innovation, AGENDA spotlights iconic designers like Edith Head, Gareth Pugh, and Alexander McQueen, while amplifying underrepresented voices through initiatives such as its ongoing coverage of the Black Design Collective. Featuring prominent names like Melissa Manchester, Tyson Beckford, Larry Dunn, Carol Alt, and Kevan Hall, AGENDA was ranked one of the Top 20 Best Magazines in Los Angeles by Feedspot in 2024. With the release of Issue 19, AGENDA continues to inspire readers with its blend of storytelling, style, and substance.

About Kaylene Peoples, Founder/Editor-in-Chief

Kaylene Peoples is a visionary in music, film, and publishing. Internationally recognized as the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of AGENDA Magazine, she is celebrated for bridging fashion, music, and culture through compelling storytelling. A classically trained musician and award-winning jazz and Bossa-nova artist, Peoples has received Grammy ballot recognition and topped independent charts worldwide. Her work as a musician, composer, director, and string arranger has contributed to major films and recordings alongside icons like Bunny Brunel, Stanley Clarke, and Hubert Laws. Peoples has been featured on countless covers, including Vogue Monaco and The Hollywood Magazine, recognized for her ability to bridge fashion, music, and culture through compelling storytelling. As the founder of KL Publishing Group, she continues to empower diverse voices with niche publications like Virtuoso Bass and Schmooze Jazz, leaving a lasting impact on media and entertainment.

April 17, 2022September 28, 2023

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

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

January 26, 2021September 28, 2023

Carol Alt Turns Sixty & Turns Heads on the Cover of AGENDA Magazine!

Agenda magazine announces “Comfy Cozy,” the Winter 2021, Issue #14 with supermodel/actress Carol Alt on the cover.

This issue celebrates Alt’s milestone birthday as she arrives at 60 years old. Being that the Agenda reader is a diverse group of people, and catering to a mostly female demographic with varying age-ranges (from 25-65 and beyond), this issue speaks to ageism and demonstrates that age is really just a number.

Ty-Ron Mayes, the fashion editor and wardrobe stylist for Agenda’s featured editorial, is responsible for orchestrating many of Alt’s covers in her modeling career. And now as the Fashion Whisperer, Mayes has curated a beautiful, “ageless” fashion editorial “The Carol Alt Factor: Sensational at Sixty,” featuring looks by Versace as one of the many designers featured in the spread. The Fashion Whisperer Podcast, Episode 3 is an engaging interview led by Ty-Ron Mayes as he speaks candidly with Carol Alt about her career, her loves, and how she gives back. They also delve into the changing world of modeling and social media. To listen to the podcast, visit: https://www.agendamag.com/fashion-whisperer-carol-alt-factor/

Agenda Editor-in-Chief’s Kaylene Peoples titled the issue “Comfy Cozy,” based on the current pandemic and stay-at-home orders. Issue 14 is filled with pajama-inspired runway, and winter-appropriate designs with designers Major Minor, NEONYT, and Rachel Mills. Peoples’s Fashion Talk column sets the tone for the entire issue with her historical retrospective: “Pyjama to Pajamas: The History of Sleepwear.”

“Since most people I know are on lockdown, I am sure that I am not the only house-bound person existing in her loungewear. It only seemed fitting to title this issue “Comfy Cozy,” and create the aesthetic to match its theme.” – Kaylene Peoples, Agenda Editor-in-Chief

Even Black Design Collective designer Okera Banks furthers the point with OTG Essentials’ convertible yet comfortable garments.” Beauty by Shahada Karim has the following articles: “Cold Weather Care,” The pandemic Files, Maskne,” and “Beauty and the Pandemic: Zoom-Ready!” Karim also interviews Susannah Sprague-Lerma in “The ‘Joyfull’ Way to Go Vegan.”

Agenda has always had great content, and during COVID 19, finding topics that will resonate during these challenging times has been the number one goal. Within these 137 pages are articles, interviews, and reviews about overcoming challenges, helping people, lifting spirits, and more. Sheryl Aronson (Arting Around) interviews (Ovation Award-winner) choreographer Janet Roston about her wildly trending video (over 2.2 million views and growing), You Can’t Stop the Beat – Hairspray Finale Spectacular. Roston’s video was created to raise money for The Actor’s Fund – COVID19; and actor J.D. Lewis talks about The Actors Lab forging ahead with the use of Zoom.

Melanie Wise (Wise Remedies) interviews Dr. William Gibbs, who has cured those people suffering from chronic pain. Nichole Galicia (Defiance, Django Unchained) is interviewed by Ty-Ron Mayes about her career and her charity, The Orchid Foundation; Nichole has been changing the lives of young ladies by teaching them valuable life skills. Zac Baldwin reviews New York Times Bestseller Home by Harlen Coben; and the nonfiction novel about one man’s journey on the quest for spiritual understanding, The Solo Traveler by George Harris. Baldwin reviews classic films made into book series in his article “Binge-Reading: When Binge-Watching Is Not Enough.” Other features include an interview with podcaster Hammond Chamberlain of Beyond the Playlist and the Universal Studios film News of the World, starring Tom hanks.

Ash Gupta’s Face of the Season puts a spotlight on Russian-born model Elizabeth Rush. Runway Competitions include L’Oreal Professionnel “Style & Color Trophy” in collaboration with Rinda Salmun; and ESNE Designer Showcase. In closing, Fashion Archives, features classic designs from the not-too-distant past (Olympus Fashion Week 2007 in New York).

To learn more about the Agenda Winter 2021 issue 14, “Comfy Cozy,” visit www.agendamag.com/product/agenda-winter-2021-issue-14-comfy-cozy/

Okera-Banks-OTG-Designs — Okera Banks of OTG Designs

Agenda is published by KL Publishing Group.