Ambi’ance
5 | JANUARY | FLEXIBLE MAGAZIN | www.flexiblemagazin.com
CONTENT PAGE
ON THE COVER Tracy Neely & Lady VO
Page 43
AMBI’ANCE MAGAZINE INC is published monthly by Issuu Publishing Printed and bounded by Issuu All rights reserved © 2012
Music Artist of The Month “Eboni Strings”
Page 17
DEPARTMENTS
Page 23
Photo by Anthony Ragland Photos
BOOKOLOGY PAGE 49 - Ambi’ance monthly reading picks, the books of the month. Add your favorite book by emailing us the name and comments on what you thought made it a monthly pick. Ambiancemagazineinc@gmail.com
community news PAGE 47- Help support your foundations and community activists.
EDITORS NOTE PAGE 10
Chillaxin fashions
Feature ARTICLES
PAGE 24 -The West Coast is known for being the playground for todays fashionista’s. So this month we have Fashion that supersede th fashion style.
PAGE 16- Intl Fly Nail (Poem)
PAGE 7 - Promoter Kevin Gray
PAGE 39- Diva La Rue Dummond PAGE 53- Interlude on Foster Care PAGE 56-Chenese Lewis
kOMIC KORNer PAGE 51 Comedian- Black Kasper
MUSIC ARTIST SHOWCASE PAGE 17 - Eboni Strings
SEXY Single of the Month PAGE 23 Sexy and Spiritual Michael Quake Fisher II
Kevin GraY Bostons Hottest Promoter
b y Kimberly j acks on Loving music comes natural, especially listening to the soul of R&B classics from the seventies and eighties. Who can forget true legends, the prime “Kings and Queens” of hip-hop, and quiet storm ingenious songwriters or platinum comedian of age. Kevin Gray, an artist straight out of Boston, sprung up beyond his prolificacy dreams to bring old school jams back to life. His commitment to aperture shows for fabulous vocal bands of old commodity humanitarians (Full Force, Force MDs, Kangokid (UFO), Doc Ice, the original Dillion Gordon, Jon Jon from Troops) and other artists like David Banks, Ron Tyson, and Terrell Carr of Hi-Five) names of flavor from real music. Ambi’ance’s creative writing decided to interview Kevin, the new old school promoter, to talk about his vision of fame and the beginning of his journey.
Ambi’ance: Nice hearing from you again Kevin. I would like to thank for allowing me this opportunity to interview you. Tell me about your background? When did loving music begin to form in your life? Kevin: Looking at the band and the group, I look at now, back then and back to now. Before I started with StreetTeam Ambient, we use to go by the name, Superior back in the nineties. I am closefriends with them from around the neighborhood and we went to school together. Stuff like that. I am very cool with them. We reunited in 2010 to renew the group and to form some shows. I talked to my man Big Trad and he told me that he liked the work that I was doing on Facebook and everything. So we got together to do some things to help promote shows and his group, and things like that. We were doing it very good so we got together to promote shows. We took pictures and opened a
show up for Portrait and Horce Brown, their first show back in 2010. That was the first show they did in Boston, a “Mother’s Day event.” That night came out good with great performers and everything. After that, they wanted me to jump on board to be a part of the StreetTeam for them. After that, I spread the word around about the group on Facebook & Twitter, and stuff like that. It was mostly on Facebook where we got a lot fans. Everyone loved the music and the R&B four members group from Boston. They really sing, no lip-synching or anything like that, they really sing live performance. There are video clips on YouTube. You may want to check it out whenever you get the time and some of the shows I did. I also put my name out there when promoting their songs like “Ready” and other music that they do. They are doing very well.
Kevin Gray-CONT: They are doing another show this coming June with the Force MD’s, that is going to be nice. It is featuring their “10th Year Anniversary” with my man’s production team, “New Life Production” who putting this unsung together for the years in the mist. I am just helping them out showing love to all of them. I will be back stage taking photos with them. They have really shown me love on Facebook. I really appreciate it, you know. Ambi’ance: So you are promoting Force MDs, Full Force and other artists. They have reached the pivotal in their life singing two tunes in 1980s quiet storm classics like, “Love is in the House” and “Tender Love.” Tell me again how your career landed you on this platform Kevin: I got with the Force MDs, two to three years ago the Force MDs. I had posted some stuff up for my man so he hooked me up. I gave them a call about a couple days after at that time. We finally got together and later kept in touch. I got together with Steve Lundy and during that time, they were working on some things, I think it was, “TV One Documentary on Unsung” at that time. I came out to be supportive and last year they came out good. You can definitely check out that movie, they have also been doing some
things for the world that will be coming out soon. That was how I met them, the commander, the whole crew and some of the people from New York. They showed me love and everything. I ran into my man, Bowlegged Lou, you know, he heard about me before on Facebook, and he mentioned my name. He finally met me and gave me some love. I am supportive of them and what they do. He told me about the Unsung at that time, he said we were great you know. I got together with them and supported them on Facebook, I definitely show love for them. Ambi’ance: I hear you have been in the music industry for many years, did you ever think you would become the youngest promoter for top performers? Kevin: Well, I was close friends with them when they asked me to help promote them. I said yea, I definitely will. As long as I show love for them and everything, they know we are real good friends. I definitely support them and whatever group I mention; even others I have run into. Some are old groups like Enchantments, Intruders, my girls Candyman of the Mary Jane Girls (big fan). We are friends with you know, original groups Troop, Horce Brown, and Portrait as well as
many others. That is what I do, you know. Ambi’ance: You are coming straight out of Boston, Massachusetts and now you are the promoter of the greatest entertainers. These brothers and cousins come from under Fever Enterprises with Sal Abbatiello, Russell Simmons, and other oldies. How does it feel to be in the center of the spotlight? Kevin: I don’t mind, it doesn’t matter to me as long as I show love to them. I have to show support and love. Ambi’ance: In your latest blog it states that you also the promoter for Troop 2011, Horce Brown, and other artists. Are these new artists, for example is Troop formally the original group? Kevin: Yes, those are people that I met with Horce Brown in 2010. They opened up for Ambient doing their first show with Portrait. That is how I met them and got real close with them. They are the originals. Ambi’ance: Is it your passion to bring old school jams back to our generation? You are promoting the greatest entertainers and that is magnificent to me! Do you feel you have reached the pivotal point in your career where new opportunities will be opening up to you? Kevin: Yes! I do, I do! I have reached my point in what I can do
Kevin Gray-CONT: you know, and that is what I do. So that is where I give my inspiration, you know? I have another other cousin that I probably will be working with soon, as well. He is coming out this way sometime this summer. I will be working on his part. He is Street Team, also. I will definitely be jumping on his board team through Ambient’s artist single from Boston. You have to look out for him. Ambiance: This is very huge and great turnaround in your life, what are your future goals? What are your interests? What other hobbies do you have other than music? Kevin: I play basketball and I take care of the family. I enjoy life, and that is what I do. Ambi’ance: You are an incredible promoter; you have exclusive ideas and creations. Before I let you go, is there anything else you would like to tell our readers about yourself? Kevin: Yes, I am doing other things. I have another partner and we will possibly start working together on a project called the “K.G. L.D. Production.” It is myself, my man Larry Davis from the West Coast and Kevin Gray. We have the radio station saying our name on the air. I send them Force MDs songs; they play it on their station and let me get a shout out to our and my team. I do set up shows for those who would like to get in contact with me. Finally, l thank you for interviewing me and thanks to Jonathan Fields for introducing me to Ambi’ance Magazine. I appreciate it very much. I wish great success on the magazine and the new events coming up. I hope that I can meet the Ambi’ance team soon. You can look up Kevin Gray by email at kevinggray4@gmail.com and you can view his latest updates on YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook.
editors note
June Starts our Summer Trilogy of Fashion June is not only the Junteenth celebration or the “Spill It Show’s Black Tie Fundraiser, for the LA Food Bank, hosted by “The Spill It Show”, but it is also Ambi’ance Magazine’s Summer Fashion Extravaganza kick off. Ambi’ance Magazine will declare June, July and August as the Summer Fashion Trilogy. We at Ambi’ance Magazine are dedicating June to East Coast Fashions, Entertainment and Comedy. Ambi’ ance will showcase and highlight the best from New York to Miami! Remember, The Big Apple is affectionally known as a Fanshionista’s Fantasy Play House. Therefore, we are going there to bring you the best of the best that will lead us into July and our coverage of Designer YCB’s (Designer Original Summer
Fashion Photo Shoot in Huntington Beach, California). Finally, in August some of the hottest models and entertainers in Southern California will assemble in LA/ Hollywood for Designer YCB and the Designer Original Team to Rip the Runway Fashion Show. We also will have our first Talent Showcase in Hollywood California, featuring the best R&B, Hip Hop, and Rock singers in Southern California. Special guest comedians, designers and celebrities will be present to entertain. Our celebrity host for the evening, Tiffany Pollard aka New York from the “Flavor of Love” Reality Show. And Let’s not forget Co-Host extraordinaire, Saul Escondero. Ambi’ance Magazine believes this will be the hottest ticket in Hollywood next to the Soul Train Awards. Stay tuned, because we are truly Southern California’s Hottest Fashion, Entertainment, and Comedy Magazine.
Internationally Fly Nails
MY QUEEN I AM BACK AND STILL LOVING YOUR INTERNATIONALLY FLY NAILS. I AM THAT MAN WHO APPRECIATES YOUR SEXY HANDS, YOUR INTERNATIONALLY FLY NAILS. HATERS KNOW THEY ARE LONG, SEXY, AND EROTIC. OH, HOW YOU PLAY THEM. YES, I STILL DESIRE YOU TO RUB MY HEAD, AND STROKE MY BEARD WITH THOSE INTERNATIONALLY FLY NAILS. I STILL DREAM OF YOU WITH THOSE BLOOD RED STILETTOS, MASSAGING THE LARGEST ORGAN OF MY BODY, MY SKIN. I STILL ENVISION THOSE TWO INCH, FUSHIA “WEAPONS OF MASS DELIGHT”NERVOUSLY WALKING ACROSS MY BACK. I STILL SMILE WHEN YOU SPORT THOSE TWO-INCH, BLACK AND FUSHIA POINTS OF PLEASURE IN THE SHOWER. I STILL BEAM WITH PRIDE AS YOU GLIDE YOUR INTERNATIONALLY FLY NAILS FIRMLY, BUT AFFECTIONATELY, ACROSS MY MANLY CHOCOLATE CHEST. YOUR BLISSFUL KING MOANS WITH PLEASURE AS WE SPOON THE NIGHT AWAY. I JEALOUSLY PROTECT THOSE NAILS FROM THE HATERS WITH NOTHING BUT NUBS. I GO TO BED EVERY NIGHT THANKING GOD, FOR BLESSING ME WITH YOUR INTERNATIONALY FLY NAILS. SO LONG, SO SEXY, SO EROTIC, AND SO UNIQUE. YES, I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU AND YOUR INTERNATIONAL NAILS, BECAUSE YOU ARE STILL MY QUEEN, AND YOU ARE FLY!
“Artist Of The Month”
EBONI STRINGS
Check out Eboni Strings or drop them a line
http://www.ebonistrings. com http://www.ebonistrings. com/videos.htm by Michelle Stackfield
Class at Its Best A few months ago, as part of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative series held at Penn State’s Harrisburg campus, I had the pleasure of attending, enjoying and afterwards meeting Ebony Strings! This particular night the ‘Strings’ were composed of a violist, two violinists, a songstress and a spoken word artist. Two hours of string bliss after a long day at work! What more can one ask? I chair danced and jammed to little bit of Santana, Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind and Fire, Jill Scott, James Brown and others all uniquely and rarely heard played on string instruments! I wanted to talk to these brilliant sisters and share their love and talent of the arts to others that unfortunately missed this performance. I needed to make a phone call!!
http://www.ebonistrings. com/education.htm http://www.ebonistrings. com/music.htm Facebook is on the way… stay tuned!
Settlement Music School in Philadelphia). AM: How long have you been playing as a group?
AM: Good morning ladies! Introduce yourselves so that our audience knows who Eboni Strings are. Eboni Strings: I am Tanya Murphy (violinist) and I am Kathleen Thomas (violinist, arranger) AM: What strings comprise Eboni Strings? Kathy: Tanya and I are the creative forces behind Eboni Strings. We can incorporate many different kinds or types of configurations. We can work with a string quartet, which are two violins, a viola and a cello. Sometimes we work with a trio as you saw when we were in Harrisburg. We had the two violins, and a viola incorporating a spoken word artist and a vocalist. We incorporate a rhythm section and we have a percussion player. It just depends on how we feel at the time and what we do for a performance. Sometimes we mix it up and try to make changes.
Tanya: We are constantly reinventing ourselves for our audiences keeping it new and fresh. AM: What are your musical backgrounds and where did you train? Tanya: We are both college educated. I studied at Temple University receiving my degree in Music Education and Music Therapy. I studied under Philadelphia Orchestra’s violinists; Luis Biava (member of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1968-2000) and Larry Arnold Grika (also a member of the Philadelphia Orchestra from 1964-2005). Tanya currently teaches music within the Philadelphia area. Kathy: I attended West Virginia University (full music scholarship) and received my Bachelor of Arts degree in Music and a certification in Music Education. I studied under members of the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. (Both received music education under Edgar Ortenberg-(B: June 17, 1900-D: May 16, 1996) 2nd Violinist with the Budapest String Orchestra from 1944-1949 at the
Kathy: I was one of the founding members of Eboni String Quartet, which we started in high school as a school activity. At that time, we had two violins, a viola and a cello. After graduating college and returning to the area, I did not want to see all of our hard work dissipate. I wanted to see if maybe we could continue the group and earn a living playing music. After all of the education, practices and rehearsals we had put in we wanted to give it a try, because we had worked so hard! In 1981, we went professional forming Eboni Strings. Tanya came in during the eighties and although there have been other members, it has come down to Tanya and myself handling all of the business activities and decisions. AM: To think, you were on this journey back in high school and to have brought this to fruition and seeing the impact your hard work and love for music has made is definitely a blessing.
Eboni Strings Cont: Kathy: You never know where your life is going to take you and I never thought this is where we would be or that either Tanya or myself had the potential to make this type of impact. I am just glad we were led to this path. It was in God’s plan. AM: Who were you musical inspirations? Kathy: Anyone African American I saw holding a violin. I would never see ‘myself’ holding this instrument. I am not negating the other folks that helped me because my first teacher was white and I loved him to death, but that was all I saw. It was not until I finally saw an African American person playing the violin that I was like, “Wow! If they can do this then maybe I can do it”. It was nice to see myself. Tanya: Initially my uncles inspired me to play the instrument because they came home with it. For me, everyone in the neighborhood was walking around carrying instruments, so I knew it would be something that I would want to do. As far as a music instructor, I would have to say, Robert Joell. Many of the things we do are because of him. How we do things, how we teach, all of that was brought to the table through him. Kathy: Agreeing….Tell her about your mom! Tanya: Ok, when I came home initially with the instrument, she was the one that motivated me to want to play it regardless of what I was doing with it or what it sounded like. She would just dance around the house encouraging me to play it. She even had an addition added to the house for me to practice in (laughing). That was my initial love of the violin. However, during the time I started to play, around fourth grade, my mother passed away, but the support she gave me in the beginning would be the one thing that kept me close to her as I continued to practice on my own.
AM: Both of you grew up in Philadelphia? Tanya: Yes. Right in the ghetto. (laughing) AM: What venues do you play and what type of music should attendees expect to hear? Kathy: R&B, Classical, we are very diverse. We play anywhere we are asked. Weddings, funerals, corporate events, Bar Mitzvahs, festivals, anywhere. We do travel (all laughing) and are also freelance musicians having played for Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Dionne Warwick and Patti Labelle to name a few. AM: Are you seeing an increase in African Americans becoming more interested in pursuing the strings after attending of your concerts? Kathy: Those that see us as ‘string’ players are inspired because like I said earlier, “they now see themselves” and now they are the ones saying, “If they are playing …” If anything, seeing us play encourages them to practice more. It is definitely their decision if they want to try to pursue this as a music career, but it does give them a jolt and an inspiration if they go into music. Many of my students have not gone into the music field professionally. Some have gone into teaching and so forth, and are very successful in their chosen careers and they continually credit Tanya and myself for the time they have spent in our classes and music programs over the years. AM: What are your suggestions for those interested in learning to play the strings? Adults or children?
Kathy: Support is the key! My mother also was my support system. My cheerleader! I had a hard time in school and almost gave up the violin. If it had not been for her hard work and trying to keep me motivated, I would have been in another vocation. She was my biggest motivation and as you may well know, parents can make or break you! Tanya: Music also kept us out of trouble. We had gang wars and so forth and music was our out. All we had were our instruments, music school any after school programs and rehearsals. Kathy & Tanya of Eboni Strings
Eboni Strings Cont: Tanya: Find a teacher and prepare to practice, practice and practice some more. Never give up. It is not easy but the rewards are undeniable. AM: I do not like placing our children in a category, but there are an astronomical number that have and may not ever be exposed to the ‘classical’ or the arts in general. How do we remedy this? How do we introduce them to the classical side of music? Tanya: We grew up exposed to many different types of music and with the youths of today we pride ourselves by approaching them by where they live and what it is that they listen to. We start there and then we bring them full circle, introducing them to Bach and Beethoven letting them know that the same music they are listening to on the radio is no different than the music these composers have penned. Since these notes are the same notes in their everyday music, then they can play them or anything else as well. I have a student out here that is a professional bass student and used to play with Benny Carter, so it has come around for me where we have given back to our com-
munity where now our students may more advanced out here in the world of playing music. Kathy: We try to get gigs from them. (laughing) AM: As we talked about earlier, you were on this journey back in high school to arrive at those moments like that. Kathy: Yeah, you do not really know. My life musically has been similar to being picked up and fallen into different opportunities musically. Not everything you saw at the show was what I initially set out to do. I initially set out to play the violin. The music that you heard, I arranged that. You saw the physical music sheets on the stands. I wrote the parts. I recorded the music, which is not something that I ever thought I would be able to do or even have that particular skill. You learn that in school, but here I am this many years later doing this, again as Tanya said, and reinventing yourself trying to create a market for yourself. You have to step out of your comfort zone. When we teach, we teach as we play. When we play, we play as we learned. We give exactly what we have gotten with our train-
ings. However, we have the playing jobs, writing, arranging and the creativity. We do this to let them know that there is a bigger musical world out there for them, not just a bigger world, but also a world where you can do all of these things if they want it. AM: If you know, what is the estimated percentage of African Americans in this ‘string’ circle? Kathy: I do not know the actual percentage, but it is a small circle. Very small. In the symphony levels, we know there are no more than four African Americans. I am not talking about all symphonies. I am looking at the Philadelphia Orchestra or the NY Phil Harmonic where there are about one or two African Americans, but the percentage at that level is very small. I cannot even give a percentage. The African American music community is a very small industry. In the recording industry, it is larger however; if you look at the inter-workings, the percentage is even smaller. In the recording sessions, you do not see the inter-workings; you see the artists, hear the music and see the show. That is what we do. You do not see that there are many African Americans there. They
to African Americans playing the strings on certain recordings. I remember Barry White having an orchestra just to name one. Tanya: Yes, you will see that if that is the LOOK the artist is going for. Beyonce’ wanted an all girl band. It was the look. It had a different type of flavor. However, some of the artists are not looking for that. Kathy: A lot are not searching for that. If you really want it then you have to search for it, or the artist has to request it. Tanya: How long do we have to wait until that next person wants that look? AM: So where do we go from here? Kathy: It is up to the artist. The artist has all of the clout. They say what they want and how they want it. Then their people bend over backwards and make sure that they have it. I used to play with Sammy Davis, Jr. and he would specifically request African Americans. At that time, there were only three of us. I was in the union in New Jersey and every time he came to town, they would have to use the three of us. Had he not been so adamant we probably would not have been there.
Tanya: Today, we have artists of power. Look at Jay-Z, Will Smith, Mariah Carey and so forth. They can bring us to the forefront and choose to expose the fact that we are here. They have the power to bring this music out with all of these people of color, but you have to want that. By not wanting that and not requesting an African American musician, people, this is Music 101. It is not a slap in the face because others have done it all of the time. If they would request them then more of us would be out there playing. It is not that we are not here it is that they do not know where we are. AM: So they (Artists) control this market? Kathy: Oh yes, of course. I was hired to find a fourteenpiece string section for Dionne Warwick. This was my opportunity. I called New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia and I found fourteen African American string players. I have known Dionne for years and years and basically I was the only one. I figured that now is my time. I did not say or mean this vengefully. This was what I would have liked to see. Dionne came out and sang. When she was finished she turned around, saw the group and said, ‘This is so beautiful’. Everyone in the
band then turned and said that they had never seen this many African American string players on one job before in their lives, because it has always been just a handful. AM: All across the country, schools feel that the arts are not as important as the core classes and have been and continue to be the first programs slashed due to budget cuts. What is your is perspective as an educator and artist of this field? Eboni Strings: Speaking as a group, if we do not teach the children there will be no one behind to follow us. As advocates for music education and after-school programs it is a shame that the programs are dwindling. The student playing with us that evening came through one of these afterschool programs and continued on to college. We even had one accepted to Berkeley College of Music on a full scholarship. Without these programs in place what are going to happen to the children? Idle minds are the devil’s workshop! Our Caucasian counterparts are receiving these programs because money is available. However, in our own communities these same programs are cut. Tanya and I still go back there because of the teachers that reached back
Eboni Strings Cont: years ago and mentored us. We are doing this close to pro-bono wages. We feel if we do not do this, then who will? They are our children! Seriously, if there is anyone out there that would like to invest in the future of these children wanting to study the arts, please contact us. AM: I know you guys are heading to a gig, and it has been a pleasure to enjoy some female bonding this Saturday morning! I also want to thank you for allowing Ambi’ance Magazine to share this space as well. Before we head off to do our own things, is there anything that I may have missed or that you would like to add to the article? Kathy: I would like to thank you for this opportunity. We are very humbled, and I hope that this is an alliance we can keep. Tanya: I also say thank you and would like to leave you with a catchall phrase that we use. “Besides being performers, Eboni Strings pride themselves in being music educators and mentors who develop the talent of the children of today so that they may become the musicians
of tomorrow.” If there is someone out there, in that position that wants to see a program of students flourish, come see us so we can put it in full effect. We have lived it and come through it. We can make it happen! (Thought I would add a plug!) Eboni Strings takes you on a musical journey with their diverse blend of musical styles ranging from classical to rhythm & blues. Kathleen Thomas (violin/arranger) and Tanya Murphy (violin) are the artistic innovators behind Eboni Strings. From the lush harmonies of Misty to the pulsating funky beat of Earth Wind & Fire’s Getaway, Eboni Strings consistently delivers a powerful musical experience guaranteed to entertain. As one who has attended your performance and absolutely enjoyed you to the fullest, I want to say thank you for doing what you do and for setting aside a few minutes of your time to speak to our readers. It has been a pleasure. I am looking forward to attending more of your concerts. Who knows, if I decide to cut my nails, I may just pick up the strings! You are exemplary and we are keeping you on the radar!
AM: Music programs are being cut all over the country. Artists like Eboni Strings and Wynton Marcellus to name a few are advocating to keep these programs within the school system or as after-school programs. Funds are drying up. Without this, some of our next musical geniuses may not have the chance to share his/her gift or even know that their gift is there to be discovered. Please join us as we continue to spread the word that NO school program should be removed from our children. If you are one of the artists in power, please reach back and help these schools with some of the funding necessary to water our seeds!
Sexy
Single SINGLE MAN OF THE MONTH Calvin Simms 24
USAF -Active Military & Single Father
What Quake Is Looking For In A Woman I look for a woman with a good personality . Spiritual, and has confidence in her self, has a strong sense of who she is and where she is going in life. What Makes Quake A Good Catch
Michael Quake Fisher II 39 years old Occupation: Entrepreneur , Model, Actor, Along with some Spiritual Non-Profit Projects
I am a really likable & spiritual person with a good personality I have been through a lot in my life so I know where I want to go and what I want to do with my life. I strive to do the right things and I feel I know how to treat a woman who can appreciate a real man.
To contact Quake send your request to: ambiancemagazineinc@gmail.com
CHILLAXIN
Fashions & Style
Internationally Fly Nails
La Rue Drummonds
RAPPING WITH INTERNATIONALLY FLY NAIL DIVA LA RUE DRUMMOND AM. When did you decide to let your Extreme Fashion Nails become your signature or brand?
LD. About nine years. In 2003, I was already at three inches when I decided to stop cutting and let them grow.
LD. I started growing my nails at the age of thirteen. There was a woman I met who had Extreme Nails. That inspired me to grow them. I can honestly say at that age I knew that they would become a part of my life and that I wanted to grow them to extreme lengths.
AM. You are from Newark, New Jersey, correct.
AM. How long did it take you to grow them that length?
LD. I am from Perth Amboy, NJ, but reared in Newark, New Jersey. AM. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, what obstacles did you have to overcome growing your Extreme Fashion Nails? LD. Oh my, flash back! People were so cruel to me at times. They
whisper and some would just come out and say, “Oh that is nasty, I would not eat anything she cooked.� They would turn their noses up as I walked pass. Sometimes, people have gotten up and moved to a table further from where I was sitting in a restaurant. It was crazy! They made me feel like I was from another planet or something! It did not stop me though! AM. As an Extreme Fashion Nail Diva, did you experience more or less prejudice having Extreme Fashion Nails?
By Dark Gable LD. I can say I experienced more prejudice having Extreme Nails. AM. You are not only beautiful, but your swagger is in-yourface, as evidenced by your flamboyant shoes, tattoos and toenails. LD. Thank you (smile). AM. Has this helped to enhance your Extreme Fashion Nails? LD. Yes. I can honestly say that the tattoos, shoes, and toenails have enhanced my extreme nails. It rather throws people off. They are not sure what my
LA RUE DRUMMOND Cont: my passion is. I love them all (smile)! AM. What Fashion and Nail Expos have you attended? LD. I was in a nail show in New York called, “The Red Affair”, where my theme was butterflies. Of course, we all had to wear red it was so beautiful. I felt like a star with all the flashing lights from people taking pictures. It was simply amazing! I am looking forward to attending more one day. AM. Can you expound on these and/or any other entertainment venues you support, specifically, the one in New Jersey that attracts so many extreme nail divas every year. LD. I only been in one nail show. They do have something in Vegas it is every year. Everyone from all over the world, meet up, have fun, take pictures, talk to people and just get to know each other. I have not been to one yet, but it is a dream of mine to attend one year.
if it is God’s will, I will! AM. Do you find that east coast men find women with Extreme Fashion Nails more attractive than women without? LD. Yes, they do find Extreme Nails more attractive. I cannot honestly say that they all choose us over the women who do not have them, but they are attracted to them more. I guess it is because we are out here and you are now seeing more and more of us. I was so happy when I found other women on the internet who shared the same passion as I did to grow them. AM. Can you explain why it seems so many Fashion Nail Divas reside in the New York/New Jersey metro area? LD. I think it may be because there is a lot of fashion here, hair designs and now nails have become very popular here as well. You see someone with Extreme Nails and you like them and decide, “Hey, I like that!
I want to grow mines too” or “Let me see if I can do that.” It is not for everybody and my nail tech helps a lot with that. She will coach you into growing them long! Lol AM. Some other notable Fashion Nail Divas from your area are Citierra Stewart, Michelle Anthony, LaVerne Coleman, Debbie Warren, Marisass Ortiz, Sabrina Colon and Rose Santiago just to name a few. LD. Yes. They are all my nail sisters! AM. What is the reason for such a concentration of unique women? LD. We all have the same nail tech, Ms. Maria Ortiz. She is in New Jersey and that is where we all are from. Maria is well known for her work. I can be in another town and someone will see my nails and ask me, “Who does your nails?” Before I can answer, they will say, “Did Maria do them?
I have heard about her.” She is awesome and I do mean awesome! She does all my nail designs. I love her! She is a part of my life, too! AM. What is your signature design or color scheme? You seem to be very skilled at coordinating your colorful attire with your nails. LD. I have no specific design or color scheme. I love to do different designs and colors. All of my life I had this thing where my nails, shoes and clothes had to match. Red is my favorite color, but I love all colors. I have many colors in my life! Lol AM. Probably, the most insulting question women with Extreme Fashion Nails have to endure is, “How do you maintain your hygiene with those nails?” How do you deal with that ignorance? LD. That just totally blows me away, sometimes! How can someone, first of all,
LA RUE DRUMMOND Cont:
ask anyone how do they go to the bathroom? I politely tell them the same way you do and if there is another way, please do tell me and I will try that way, too! Lol I am thinking that they are looking for another answer as to how we go to the bathroom. AM. How do your grandchildren and/or your significant other feel about your ExtremeFashion Nails? LD. My grandchildren love my nails. They have seen them all their lives. They will always remember that their Granny had long fingernails. Sometimes they accidentally run into them playing and they will say, “Oh, I’m sorry Granny, did I break it?” It is so cute, they are so afraid they broke one! My significant other loves them. He had better! Lol Anyone that I deal with must and will know that they are a part me. I would not talk to them if they did not like them. What would be the point? I will not be cutting them anytime soon. AM. Extreme Fashion Nails are fast becoming accepted as
a fashion statement instead of an oddity. Where do you see it going in New Jersey? LD. Wow! I can honestly say more and more women are now interested in growing their nails. I am starting to see it more and more. My nail sisters! You never know, one day they may build a community just for women with Extreme Nails to live there! AM. How can our readers contact you for more info about your shoes, outfits and Extreme Fashion Nails ? LD. Through my e-mail first, then I can provide them with a number, if I feel comfortable in doing that. AM. Is there anything you would like to add to this interview? LD. I want to say thank you for allowing me to be a part of this. You have no idea how much this means to me! If feels so good to have you and others that understand and appreciate what we have. Our nails are a part of us! God
blessed us with this gift. We are all the same. We may have our own style, our own desired length, we may be a different race, but we are all one, because we all share that desire and passion to grow Extreme Nails! We have come a long way baby, to get where we got to today! (Smile) Iove that saying. We are here to stay! Thank you and every one that is a part of Ambiance Magazine, Inc. I love you! I love you! I love you! I thank you!
Lady VO- I am from New York City – I lived in the Bronx, New York until I was about ten years old when we moved to Queens, NY. At eighteen, I moved to California. Tracy-I am from Georgia. Most of the southern boys immigrated north. I did not. I immigrated west. AM- How did you two meet? Tracy-We have been together for three years. We met when I was playing at the Inland Empire Jazz Festival hosted by a good friend of my brother and mine. I did not find out until stage time that I was going to be the showcase artist. After the festival, I was playing at my house and she came in the ga-
rage and told me she played congas. I told her to go get them and being the very aggressive lady that she is, she went home, got them, came back and set them up and we played a song together called Jazz Therapy by Brian Kennedy. After we played the song, I told her, “I got three bands”, and the chemistry that we had together playing I knew we had something good. Since then we have grown to be good friends and that is why we are known as Love Jazz. We emit love and lay it with love.
Lady VO-The main thing he meant to say is when I played earlier it only took a couple of seconds and he told me I could play with him. He had three good bands, but I knew I had to play with him. I had even told my friends that.
Tracy Neely & Lady VO
AM- Where are you from?
ON THE COVER
By Jonathan Fields
Love Jazz
TRACY NEELY
Tracy Neely &Lady VO Cont: Tracy- It was a defining moment AM- What are some of the venues that you guys played at? Tracy- San Manuel Casino, wine galleries, Jazz Café, Mavericks Flats, Tobacco House-Riverside, The Boardwalk, The Bistro-Venice Beach, The Warehouse, Hollywood Studios Bar and Grill, Embassy Suites- La Airport, Roscoe’s-Long Beach, NY-deja vu, Florida Tampa, we do a lot of stuff with little groups too. We are fillers; we can play with anybody, anytime, any kind of band. If you need fillers, we can do that. Recently we had to play with artists like Tmaris and Octavia. We focusing on our up and coming tour in NY and Tampa. Her have played with a great flutiest uncle is a very famous recordnamed Gladys. She was great. ing engineer. He worked in Manhattan with some very famous people and he is workAM- By the way, how is Tmaris? ing in Tampa now. He is kind of retired, but we are going to do some stuff with him. I am goTracy- He did a show two nights ing to Kansas City to work with ago in Hollywood. We were not a new writer to see how things go. He also is working on some able to make it. We had just stuff for us. He wants to set up signed a new artist named Patrice. Lady VO and I use to man- something in the Light District. I use to play a night at the Jazz age her years ago. She is fantas- Foundation there and I love it. A tic. She is reminiscent of Gladys lot of famous artist played there. George Benson, Johnnie Guitar Night, Anita Baker or Whitney Watson, etc. Houston. She has everything it takes to do the greats. We have Lady VO-I have had a long cabeen working with her for about a reer but I think Lady VO has had week now but looking forward to a very long career playing the congas. She has been playing the future with her. like thirty-five years now. She saw some guys in New York and she used to hear them play late AM- What is in store for you at night and said she wanted to guys? play just like them. She said it one time to someone, and they bought me a set of congas. I Tracy - We are looking to do have been playing ever since. I some movie stuff and really started playing at Griffith Park then at Venice Beach.
I was going like Wednesday and Sunday playing with the all the guys, then I started playing with groups. AM- You guys have a cd out right Lady VO-We have quite a few cd’s out. Paying Homage, Just the Two of Us, Drop Zone, Ninety –Four-Seven, Rain Dance, and Street Funk Jazz is our latest CD. We have only been together for a short time but have quite a lot of music. AM- How has Love Jazz changed you? Tracy - I didn’t always have a lot of time for people because I was so focused on my music. I use to just practice all the time. There is one thing Lady VO did for me. She helped me get back into people, relate, and work with people. She helped me open up my people skills. AM- Describe your goals for Love Jazz Lady VO. Lady VO- I have always been a helper trying to help others make it with a record label or whatever. My goal in this business is to be the woman that goes all over the world having more love about ourselves and to start loving people. Let people know there is still love in the world. I am very passionate about that. I can talk onstage about that for hours. To stop being a player and catch that one and make it right. We have
Tracy Neely &Lady VO Cont: to make it happen. We are in the White House now. They represent Change. This is the time. We have to make the change. It does not take fifty people to make it happen. Do it the right way. Go positive. It is about being positive. That is what I am really about 100%. I want to go all around the world letting people know Love Jazz means business. Lady VO- it is really all about Love. No negative just positive in our world. Even in the people around us. When does it start? It starts now. It is hard for people to recognize what positive is. You have to be around positive people to be positive people.
Tracy- What we are hoping is that our affiliation with influential people like yourself, will assist us in our goal to spread Love Jazz around the world. AM- Any particular venues you prefer? Lady VO- Not really. Hotels, casinos, nightclubs, movies, stage and/or screen. Love Jazz wants it all! Tracy- Ultimately we want to play for the President and First Lady at the White House. Contact information: Ladyvo_tracyniely@yahoo.com 951-436-6636 for bookings www.myspace/tracynielyfactorone
AM- Is there anything else you want our Ambiance Magazine readers to know about Love Jazz.
Can low entertainment.com Weapons of mass destructions-devious.com Party in a bag.com
COMMUNITY NEWS AMBI’ANCE MAKES YOU AWARE OF THE THINGS OVER LOOKED IN OUR COMMUNITIES. HOW CAN YOU HELP? e here at ambi’ance support all local and national W foundations and community events. If you have an organization or non-profit foundation that you would like to have recognized, please let us know by sending your information to ambiancemagazineinc@gmail.Com
BOOKOLOGY CLUB From the Ambi’ance Book Club These are May’s selections
A book is like a garden carried in the pocket. ~Chinese Proverb
With Black Kasper
BLACK KASPER FUNNY, FUNNY & FUNNIER
Black Kaspers love for comedy developed as a young child at age 9 or 10 years old. He would make his own comedy cassette tapes and practice his routine in the mirror. At Sarah Moore Green Elementary school he would sit at the lunch table surrounded by is 3rd grade classmate and perform his routine. During his early teens his late mother Mary Delores Nelson’s best friend was a DJ at the local radio station. He gave Kasper a plethora of classic comedy albums like Moms Mabley, Pigmeat Martin, Slappy White, Red Skelton, George Carlin, George Burns, Redd Foxx, Richard Pryor & Flip Wilson. This helped Kasper master the art of storytelling at a very young age. At 14 years old, he wrote a fake note from his mother, so he could go on stage at the Funny Bone Comedy Club in Knoxville, TN. While working at Planet Hollywood as a sauté head chef in 1993 he made a Prayer to God asking is the something better than this? He remembers co-worker telling him “you sound just like one of my former co-workers named Bruce Bruce he would say that all the time on the cook line.” That was Kasper’s light bulb moment happened he said to himself
“that’s what I can do I can tell a joke”. This was the sign, that God gave me” to pursue my gift. After a succession of comedy club appearances, Black Kasper was soon discovered by club owner comedian Earthquake, becoming his opening act for several years as well as many other national headliners. After touring around the East Coast, North and Midwest he decided to move to L.A. “if I want to reach my potential, and be the best, I had to go to Hollywood”.
Ten Times Funnier allows him to present an exciting in-yourface style of comedy, not seen since the reign of Russell Simmons Def Jam in the early 90’s. When asked about cost of admission, Black Kasper asks “how much did you pay to park?” I replied $3. “Throw in a two item minimum and you’re straight.” Black Kasper with his infectious smile sips his coke and says “a person can literally see ten comics for under $10.”
In 2003 he decided to move to Carson California where he began promoting his Ten Times Funnier Brand at The Bistro 880. After several years of entertaining his fans in Carson he moved to The World Famous Laugh Factory in Long Beach California. Kasper is a set his sights on even bigger venues and caught the ear of The Voo Doo Child himself Mr. Eddie Griffin in a epic coloration Kasper landed his Ten Times Funnier Brand at Jon Lovitz Comedy Club Universal Studios Hollywood, Ca
As I listened to Black Kasper speak of his early struggles to find his place in the world, it became evident to this writer, that he stands among other gifted artists, i.e. Richard Pryor, Bernie Mac, Steve Harvey, Kevin Hart, destined to do what they do.
Kasper feels that “quality Urban Comedy has been somewhat inaccessible to the general public in these difficult economic times”. Kasper feels that “quality Urban Comedy has been somewhat inaccessible to the general public in these difficult economic times”.
Stay tuned because he ain’t done yet, cause he’s “Ten Times Funnier”.
His other talents include being a serious writer, actor and entrepreneur. With several projects in the works, his “Ten Times Funnier” project, is only the beginning.
By Kimberly Jackson
Who Really Takes The Challenge
INTERLUDE ON FOSTER CARE I am no connoisseur when it comes to writing about “Foster Care”, but right around the corner or next door, there lives a foster parent preparing a large pot of mashed potatoes and cheese spreads. Scrabbling two dozen eggs daily can be hard also, but someone has to do the work. Some mother or father ‘deserted’ or could not provide for their child, leaving them to be raised by strangers. Do not get me wrong, there are other reasons children today are orphans. To be honest with you, there is no wrong answer. I will let you be the judge. Reasons why children enter the Foster Care System: 1. Parents participating in drug activity and/or using drugs and alcohol while child is present. 2. Child was sexually assaulted by parents, boyfriends/ girlfriends, friends or relatives. 3. Child was physically
abused by someone in the home. 4. Child was left alone without responsible parent/adult present. 5. Parents deceased or incarcerated. 6. Child experiencing behavioral issues and emotional disorders. 7. Teen pregnancy. What about, “the woman who lived in the shoe, she had so many children, she didn’t know what to do?” What about “Octo Mom?” Today, still in her right mind, she is raising fourteen children during these days of recession. This is none of our business. However, I must say there are no excuses for single and/or married parents to dump their child on someone else to care for. This is sad, but it happens. Of course, these children did not ask to be here. You know, living as an orphan
can really be demoralizing. If their parents were deceased, then this would be a different story. Let me get to the point of this article. Friday night, while attending a fashion show in Houston, near Champion Forest, walking up to me was Rachael White. Yes, my next story line for May’s issue in Ambi’ance Magazine. Okay! She sat right in front of me, with her dazzling eyes filled with watery tears excited hoping to speak with me. I was mystified! The first words that came out of Rachael’s mouth were, “Tell me about your book.” We began to talk about life circumstances and its ups, and downs. She then unfolds her secret by saying, “I Am a Foster Child.” Wow! I was astonished! Saddened but this is it! There, I had seen the gate open, the opportunity to exchange a few words with her. This is no typical story, people. No one enjoys living in an orphanage. You must understand, to spill your juice on someone you do not
She had to catch the first train smoking. She knew she would be waiting in jail for a while for the Carlton family to come and adopt her. This is a sad case, but it is what it is. Living in a foster home has advantages and disadvantages. Don’t get me wrong. Rachael’s life is a different story. She began the battle with drugs, experience abusive relationships, became an erotic dancing, prostitution, single motherhood, and had even been sexual abused at the age of twelve. Rachael still felt left behind with no family in sight, except of course, her mysterious stepbrother. Working as a hair stylist and furthering her education, Rachael feels her life is finally meaningful. After years wanting to be a part of a family, she fulfills Rachael’s life was like the movie, “The Battleship” while she fought the court system. Growing up without a mother is not easy, even when you discover that her death was the result of drug use. Two years later, her life completely changes. Listen to this! Rachael’s birthright was snatched right from under her when her estranged stepfather came into her life claiming to be her real father! Can you believe this? Her stepfather had the audacity to put his name on her birth certificate without her awareness. That can cause any teenage to run away, and hide under the school bleachers eating leftover lunch trays. Rachael assured me that after her father revealed his hidden secret, she was no dummy.
her voided heart by cuddling her five lovable children. Maybe even enduring obstacles on her journey can qualify her to become a foster parent someday. Ambi’ance Thoughts: We do not know what foster kids go through. These are the children left on the side of the road, the pavement of a fire station, or dumped in a dumpster. Raised in foster homes and not having a steady family can be heartbreaking. Disappointments, let downs after let downs, and many lies can cause inner scar tissue that never could be healed. Remember abandonment is not Karma. It is what it is, damn right wrong!
GO TO THE WEBSITE AND SEE WHO IS ON STAGE LIVE EACH WEEK
Chenese LEWIS
1. THE NEW STANDARD OF BEAUTY
THE NEW STANDARD OF BEAUTY Chenese Lewis is a sought after keynote speaker, expert commentator, and a positive body image and self-esteem advocate. She is the Immediate Past President of the Hollywood Chapter of the National Organization for Women, the Ambassador of the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA), sits on the Celebrity Board of the non-profit organization Fed Up, Inc., and made history by being the first woman crowned Miss Plus America in 2003. Her unique story and prestigious career have been featured by countless media outlets such as Dr. Phil, The Insider, E! News, EXTRA, The National Examiner, iVillage, Figure Magazine and USA Today.
Lewis is the creator and host of Hollywood NOW’s “Love Your Body Day,” an annual event where women of all sizes come together to celebrate a day of self-acceptance, to promote positive body image and to show that you don’t have to be a size 0 to be beautiful. Her 2010 Love Your Body Campaign, where she posed nude with America’s Next Top Model, Whitney Thompson, garnered international media attention and magnified her role as a leading positive body image advocate. As a plus size model, she has modeled for many companies including Torrid, Kmart, and served as the celebrity face for Sizeappeal. As a keynote speaker, she lectures
at national workshops, seminars, and universities around the country including the University of California, Davis “Celebrate Your Body Week” and the commencement speaker at The Art Institute of California in Hollywood. Chenese’s unique perspective as a plus size woman and role model enables her to connect to real women across the country. It’s no wonder PLUS Model Magazine called her “A leader in the curvy revolution!” As an actress her work on B.E.T’s hit show “Hell Date” showed her impeccable improvisational and comedic skills, which kept millions tuning in weekly
She also won rave reviews for her dramatic portrayal of Connie Williams, a larger than life professional baseball player in the NAACP Award winning play “The Girls of Summer” set in the 1940’s.
She also was the executive producer for the 2008 Flawless Calendar, the very first of its kind, showcasing a wide variety of curvacious models all different ethnicities, shapes and sizes with high fashion editorial images.
The Louisiana native is the Chief Creative Officer for Chenese Lewis Productions, LLC a media company established in 2007. She is the host of PLUS Model Radio, the #1 podcast for plus size women.
Chenese attributes her success by not conforming to society’s ideals of beauty but rather showing by example that you can be beautiful and confident regardless of your size.
Chenese Lewis is the epitome of the plus size woman.
NEXT MONTH HANGING WITH ERIC ZULEY
DIRK DAVIS UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL
Alana Sanders
Having a sit down with Robin Montague
Interview With Platinum Recording Star From Group CHIC. Diva Gray