Udo Spreitzenbarth – First Take PR

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.

December 8, 2022September 28, 2023

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

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

By Sean McKenzie

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Published by KL Publishing Group, a Verum Company

About Virtuoso Bass:

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

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

Release Written by Sean McKenzie for First Take PR

August 26, 2022September 28, 2023

“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