SGL Weekly Mag Issue 43

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SGL Contents

4 Editor‟s Letter 5 Feature: Kirk Shannon Has The Blueprint 10 Books 11 Movies 12 Music 14 What‟s The T? The Entertainment Report Cover Photographer - CHARLIE T

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Editor’s Letter

Hey ya'll, we are back with an exciting new issue this week with Filmmaker Kirk Shannon Butts. I know many of you have been asking where were you and why haven’t you put out any new issues. I needed a break in my life to take sometime to replenish my wail because I have been running on empty. I am back and fully rested and ready to take on the world again. I have been working on tons of new adventure that will come to life in the months and years ahead. I had the opportunity to sit down and interview him about his new movie Blueprint and what is going on in his life. Go to www.sglliving.ning.com to read and Please let us know what you think about the issue sglweeklymag@gmail.com.

Cordially, Cleavester Editor In Chief www.twitter.com/cleavester

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Kirk Shannon Has The Blueprint A Cleavester Brooks Interview Photographer - CHARLIE T Cleavester: Hello Kirk, How are you doing?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: I am well. I just wrapped my first international production (titled DONE) in Paris, France working with French, Arabic and English dialogue. WHEW! The Movie Cleavester: How did you come up with Blueprint?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: After spending many years watching nearly every Black film, Urban Film, Gay film and Art-house/Indie film and NEVER/RARELY seeing ME - A CHARACTER in the film that was me, I decided to put me and people like me and my friends into the cinematic/movie landscape.

Cleavester: How is Blueprint different from your real life?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: In Blueprint everything gets to unfold quietly, poetically, beautifully with wonderful locations and the best dialogue. In real life it is all clay that we are all constantly molding. With Blueprint and film I can pre-mold everything in the script and say, "ACTION! & CUT! How did that feel? Let's do it again."

Cleavester: What is Blueprint about?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: Blueprint is definitely multi-layered, but at the end of the movie - the final version of Blueprint on the new DVD - you see the main character (KEITH) . . . . . well I won't give it away for the audience. But KEITH follows his blueprint. Blueprint is about creating the life, world and love you want to receive and share with others. Blueprint is about creating your own plan and defining yourself - those images out of Hollywood and music videos are NOT the only images to choose from. This is EXACTLY why - the Love music video from Blueprint has been #1 on MTV.COM for some time now. People want a different blueprint.

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Cleavester: What can we expect if there is a Blueprint 2?

No. However my future films will certainly reflect a growth and maturity in the Blueprint characters of KEITH and NATHAN. Life Cleavester: Who is Kirk Shannon-Butts?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: Kirk Shannon-Butts is a wanderer. I explore through film and fashion through out the world. One of my new roles is that of UNCLE. I love it when my nieces and nephews call me UNCLE Kirk. They inspire me to do some part in making our world (particularly via film, fashion, media & entertainment) a better place.

Kirk Shannon-Butts: I was about 3 minutes old and it was from my Mother.

Cleavester: What do you look for in a guy?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: Power. Bold actions.

Concise behavior. Direct. Honesty. Intellect.

Street Smart. Gay! Cleavester: Describe a date with you?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: I like to include random things on a date - like a side bar to the Laundromat to pick-up the laundry - because ONE I really need to pick-up it up, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY to gage his patience and ability to cope with a situation.

Cleavester: Describe a relationship with you?

Cleavester: Where are you from?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: Cool. Relax. Fun. CarKirk Shannon-Butts: I am from Baltimore. ing. Considerate. Loving. Supportive. CreaMaryland. Charm City USA. Baltimore - The tive. I love to look at art. I like staring a things city that reads. Home of The Wire and Hairwhether a building, a painting, clothing, a man. spray. B-MORE! I have this desire to see how it works and why.

Cleavester: What was life like growing up?

Cleavester: Do you want to get married and Kirk Shannon-Butts: Cramped and full of love have babies? Why or Why Not? and freedom and options and travel and books, Kirk Shannon-Butts: NO. When marriage is a magazines and close to Druid Hill Park - so lots perfect union - may be. But for now - NO. Baof trees and nature. And the mall - lots of style bies - I have tons of nieces and nephews - they and fashion. are my future. My vanity is not so vast that I have to have my own DNA replicated.

Cleavester: What did you want to be growing up?

Sex Kirk Shannon-Butts: Nobody.

Cleavester: Describe a romantic evening with you?

Cleavester: Which talent would you most like Kirk Shannon-Butts: At home watching movto have? ies, listening to Sade, Maxwell, Jill Scott, Anita Kirk Shannon-Butts: Ooo, I don't know. I ac- Baker, Stephanie Mills, Lisa Stanfield and cept who I am and the talents I was blessed with NHOJJ! Typing on the computer. Discussing & - as for other talents I find those in the people I debating some silly event in pop culture. Praishave in my life -- family members, friends and ing Michelle Obama. Vanilla scented candles. partners. I do not have to possess them myself Sheer t-shirts and droopy jeans. Bare toss. as long as I can access them. I AM A DIREC- Mineral water. LOTS of kisses.

TOR! Cleavester: What type of music do you play when you are getting you freak on?

Love Cleavester: When did you have your first kiss?

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Kirk Shannon-Butts: Anything after I hit the PLAY button is kind of PERFECT!

television like Mad Men or Cold Case. Love those shows!

Cleavester: What is your guilty pleasure?

Cleavester: If you could have directed any Kirk Shannon-Butts: Ice cream! Pistachio or movie past or present which movie would it be Butter Pecan. and why?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: Wow! There are too Cleavester: What has been your wildest sexual many. I would prefer to be a visitor to the sets fantasy? of All About Eve, Menace II Society, Do The Kirk Shannon-Butts: I make my fantasies real- Right Thing, My Beautiful Launderette, Mauity so I don't have one at the moment. I am too rice, Clueless, and Happy Together. I am an busy with the new film DONE and writing "The observant - I absorb everything so being on the Day Eazy E Died" screenplay to fulfilled fanta- sets of these movies (my favorites) would be sies! tremendous.

Cleavester: What has been your biggest sexual The Future fantasy?

Cleavester: Tell me something about you that Kirk Shannon-Butts: Spending the rest of my your fans may be surprised to know? life with one amazing man exploring all the infi- Kirk Shannon-Butts: Fans? What fans? Osnitely possibilities of sexuality, pleasure, lust, cillating? I am not shy - like EVERY person in passion and love - TOGETHER! entertainment claims to be.

Career Cleavester: What is life like as fashion journalist?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: When I saw the Devil Wears Prada - I saw my life on screen. I started out as the 2nd Assistant to an Editor-in-Chief at Conde Nast too.

Cleavester: What can we expect from you in the future?

Kirk Shannon-Butts: "The Day Eazy E Died" has the potential to really be something special.

Expect "special" things from me!

Cleavester: How can the people get in contact with you?

Cleavester: How did it prepare you to become a Kirk Shannon-Butts: Go to filmmaker?

WWW.FLICKERIA.COM. Kirk Shannon-Butts: I was filmmaker first. I studied Film Production and received a MFA. Cleavester: Do you have any special message During film school I did a ton of Production De- for our readers? sign and Costume/Wardrobe for short films, Kirk Shannon-Butts: Do it! Shoot your films PSAs and music videos. When I arrived in New and tell you stories. Last week, I received an York I landed a stint in Fashion at Vogue maga- email from a 70 year old man who purchased a zine for a few days. From there, I worked my copy of Blueprint for himself and one for his way to Fashion Market Editor. friend (in his 60s) as a birthday gift. It was the first day of production of my filming Paris film.

Cleavester: Will you continue to produce mov- It made me feel so good. I was truly affected. I ies or venture into Television, Reality TV, Etc.? was so elated with his message and kind words Kirk Shannon-Butts: I am Filmmaker. I will that I was brought to tears. This is what BLUEmake films. But I am open to direct episodic

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PRINT is about - filling in the film/movie/cinema gaps in gay/urban/black/indie films. I do not want to die without my story being told.

Cleavester: What do you know for sure?

Death does not have to be your finale. It is all about a legacy.

Cleavester: What do you hope to accomplish when this life is over?

A history of change.

Cleavester: Thank you Kirk for taking the time to do this interview.

THANK YOU SGL WEEKLY!

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Books

TRI by: Richard Charlton Pharris Jones Get ready to be turned out as frustrated desires lead to chaos and pain. San Diego sinners, Tierre, Rajah and Inanna, form a highly combustible and sexually tangled triangle that masks deep emotional wounds that are exposed during a game of Truth or Dare.

Tierre is driven by lust and longing for a homie-sexual relationship that will end years of pain. Rajah and Inanna are bound by sins of the flesh and crimes of the heart.

For this trio, every touch is a betrayal, every embrace is a deception and every secret leads to an unspeakable tragedy.

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Movies

The Big Gay Musical With a musical within this wonderfully imagined film, we're treated to musically told story of gay love, lust and heartbreak in a new take on Genesis with Adam and Steve, angel hotties in teeny briefs a televangelist couple with big hair.

The Awakening of Spring Growing up in a provincial town, three youths discover their sexuality, but are tragically condemned by the oppressive patriarchal society. Based on the revolutionary 1891 Frank Wedekind play, this televised stage play showcases teenagers discovering the joys and difficulties of sexuality stage play showcases teenagers discovering the joys and difficulties of sexuality.

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Music

Leave Your Sleep 'This album captures so many magical moments, the best times I've ever had as a musician,' declares singer-songwriter Natalie Merchant of 'Leave Your Sleep,' her ambitious, two-disc Nonesuch debut. Merchant, celebrated solo artist and one-time voice of 10,000 Maniacs, took on what could have been a daunting task: she's adapted 19th and 20th century British and American poetry - well-known and obscure works, anonymous rhymes, children's lullabies, all of it timeless material full of direct emotion - and fashioned new songs from these words. Among the poets she chose were Robert Graves, Charles Manley Hopkins, Edward Lear, Ogden Nash, and Robert Louis Stevenson. The project, five years in the making, has clearly had a liberating effect on Merchant. Never has she sounded so free-spirited, so full of musical adventure, whether backed by small jazzy combos or elegant chamber ensembles. The tracks she's created range from exotic ('The King of China's Daughter') to earthy ('Peppery Man'), soothing ('I Saw A Ship A-Sailing') to swinging ('The Janitor's Boy'), mischievous ('It Makes A Change') to moving ('Spring and Fall'). The string arrangements are particularly stirring, recalling Joshua Rifkin's now-classic work on Judy Collins' 'Wildflowers.'

There's plenty of child-like wonder, counterbalanced with grown-up sophistication. Says Merchant, 'It was an exciting, new approach for me to work with rhythm and rhyme schemes created by other writers. The poems inspired vastly different musical settings with their themes that ranged from humorous and absurd to tragic, romantic, and deeply spiritual. Over the course of three years I wrote 40 of these poem-songs and 30 were eventually recorded.'

Merchant co-produced 'Leave Your Sleep' with Venezuelan musician-composer Andres Levin, a frequent collaborator of David Byrne and Arto Lindsay, and one of the creators of the eclectic Red Hot charity series. Over the course of a year's worth of exhilarating, musically shapeshifting sessions, they drew upon no less than 125 musicians from the varied worlds of, among other things, Cajun, country, jazz, chamber music, R&B, Celtic, and reggae. The revitalized Merchant explains, 'I called on old friends and approached many new musicians I only knew through admiring their work... The sessions were recorded in live ensemble workshop set12

tings that captured pure and authentic sounds played with incredibly fresh and spontaneous energy.'

'Leave Your Sleep' is an inspired return for Merchant, her first studio album in six years - an effort long awaited by her considerable fan base. It also marks her 25th year as a uniquely successful major-label artist, one whose work has consistently enjoyed equal measures of commercial and critical success. Though she has regularly lent her talents over the last few years to the many nonprofit causes she supports, Merchant has actively returned to the concert stage in recent months, previewing material from 'Leave Your Sleep,' on a series of dates in England and continental Europe. A full U.S. tour is being planned for summer 2010.

All in One ALL IN ONE is Karen's first solo album in four years and features eleven all new studio recordings. The CD, Which showcases Karen's writing talents on serveral songs, includes production from the Stellar Award winning production team of PAJAM - which includes her cousin J. Moss. The remaining six songs, including the chart topping first single "Prayed Up" were produced by Karen's son, Dove Award Winner J. Drew Sheard, II. Karen makes it truly a family affair with vocal styling's from her sister Dorinda Clark Cole on "He Knows", Daughter Kierra "Kiki" Sheard and Niece Angel Chisholm on "Take Me"

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What‟s The T? The Entertainment Report Jay-Z, Condoleezza Rice Launch OWN’s ‘Master Class’

Another program set to premiere on the Oprah Winfrey Network in January is “Master Class,” which features celebrities and politicians telling their own stories.

“Oprah has handpicked some of the most intriguing people of our time to share their stories, insights, and lives,” her production company Harpo Inc. said in a press release.

Rap mogul Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice will appear on the premiere episode, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“I didn‟t even think about it. I just said „yes,‟” Jay-Z told the newspaper.

Other celebs set for the series include Bono, Simon Cowell, Lorne Michaels, Toni Morrison and Lady Gaga.

As previously reported, OWN launches on Jan 1 as a joint venture between Harpo Inc. and The Discovery Network.

Michelle Obama’s First International Solo Visit

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*First Lady Michelle Obama is about to make her first visit first visit international visit without the president.

Next week she‟s headed to Mexico where she will dine with Felipe Calderon and Margarita Zavala in a prelude to the state dinner President Obama will host for the Mexican president and first lady in May. Mrs. Obama will also attend a conference on reducing American demand for the drugs supplied

by Mexican cartels, will and speak to students at Universidad Iberoamericana, Politics Daily reports.

“Mrs. Obama‟s international agenda will amplify the President‟s commitment to advancing mutual interests, mutual respect and mutual responsibility between nations and peoples around the world,” the White House said in a statement. “During this visit, Mrs. Obama will have the opportunity to engage the citizens of Mexico, particularly young people, and build on her recent conversation with Mexican First Lady Margarita Zavala de Calderon on the issues of education and economic advancement in both countries.”

Lisa Leslie Gives Birth to Baby Boy

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Elizabeth Taylor to Marry Longtime Boyfriend

Lisa Leslie, husband Michael Lockwood and their first child, Lauren Jolie *On Tuesday, April 6, retired LA Sparks hoopster Lisa Leslie gave birth to a healthy baby boy at 3:21 a.m. He weighed seven pounds and 13 Screen legend Elizabeth Taylor is reportedly engaged to be married for the ninth time, Us ounces and 21.5 inches.

Weekly reports.

Leslie and her husband, Michael Lockwood Jason Winters, 49, of Sterling Winters Managehave decided to call their new son Michael “MJ” Joseph Lockwood, II. The couple is also ment, has been dating the actress for several parents to a 2 year-old girl, Lauren. The family years, according the magazine. Getty Images has photographs of the couple working red carresides in Los Angeles. pets together for at least the past three years.

Leslie is a four-time gold medal winner of the “It‟s no secret that they‟ve been together forever U.S. Olympic basketball teams from 1996, and are in love, so it wouldn‟t be a surprise if 2000, 2004 and 2008. She was one of the most they were engaged,” a source said. “Right now successful WNBA players in the league, winthey are keeping it between them.” ning several championship titles and becoming the first woman to slam-dunk in a pro game.

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“Jason Winters is one of the most wonderful men I‟ve ever known and that‟s why I love him,” Taylor told columnist Liz Smith in 2007.

“He bought us a beautiful house in Hawaii and we visit it as often as possible.”

Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon Compares Cheating Hubby to Tiger, Jesse James

Mike Nilon, Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon and her son Oliver pose with twins Jax and Jaid.

The former “NYPD Blue” standout wrote to Nilon‟s colleagues, “What do they have in common . . . I found out today that MY husband of almost 9 yrs has been having an affair for 5 yrs with some slut in Chicago. I am devastated!!!!

And I have been duped!! Our boys don‟t deserve this!”

The couple has twin sons Jax Joseph and Jaid Thomas, born October 18, 2007. Garcelle also has an 18-year-old son, Oliver, from her previous marriage to Daniel Saunders. *Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon takes the phrase “hell hath no fury like a woman scorned” to a whole new level, as the former “NYPD Blue” star has not only accused her husband of being a big ol‟ cheater, but made sure all of his co-workers got the memo – literally.

Sharon Leal Books CW Gig

According to the New York Post‟s Page Six, the TV star levels the accusation against her husband, CAA agent Mike Nilon, in an e-mail making the rounds at his agency with the subject line “Tiger Woods/Jesse James/Mike Nilon.”

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Big Momma’s House 3 almost a Reality!

As expected, the cast for the new Martin Lawrence film, Big Momma's House 3 is just about *Actress Sharon Leal, currently starring in complete.

“Tyler Perry‟s Why Did I Get Married, Too?” has scored a lead role on the CW drama “Hellcats,” a series about a college cheerleading We hear that joining Lawrence and Brandon T squad.

Jackson are actors Faizon Love, Emily Rios, Described as “Election” meets “Bring it On,” Portia Doubleday and Michelle Ang. the series stars Aly Michalka and “High School Musical‟s” Ashley Tisdale and revolves around a college girl from the wrong side of the tracks As we reported a couple of weeks ago, Jackson who, after losing her scholarship because of (of Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The budget cutbacks and her mother‟s chronic irreLightning Thief and the upcoming Lottery sponsibility, joins the school‟s competitive cheerleading team – known as the Hellcats.

Ticket) joined the cast as Lawrence‟s son and Leal will play Vanessa Hodge, a 30-something will also don the infamous fat suit. Jessica Luformer Hellcat who is now the team‟s coach and cas (of Cloverfield fame) also joined the cast in clashes with her one-time romance Red Irvine, who is now the school‟s football coach. Her job the third installment which is now titled Big is threatened if the Hellcats do not win a cham- Mommas: Like Father, Like Son. So far, the pionship in its season. actress who is noticeably absent from the castLeal has previously worked on TV‟s “Guiding ing is actress Nia Long who played Lawrence‟s Light” and most famously, “Boston Public.” love interest in the previous films.

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If you recall, the Big Momma’s House franchise is about an FBI agent who wears drag and goes undercover to crack certain cases.

As we stated weeks ago, Big Momma’s House 3 is about Big Momma (Lawrence) and Charmaine (Jackson) go undercover at an all-girls performing-arts school to unmask a murderer.

Love will play Kurtis Kool, a school security guard and former Run-D.M.C. roadie who becomes smitten with Big Momma. Rios, Doubleday and Ang will play students at the school who befriend Jackson's character.

We just discovered that another Hollywood power couple, Husband-and-wife acting duo

The film begins shooting this month in Atlanta

Tisha Campbell-Martin and Duane Martin

at the private, all-girls Agnes Scott College.

have just landed new regular roles on two new comedy pilots: one is the new show from

We hear up next for Lawrence is the rest of his

ABC's Wright vs. Wrong and the other is from

Doin' Time Comedy Tour which is about to hit

NBC's Next, respectively.

the major markets, and the Sheneneh and Wanda film also starring Jamie Foxx in the female characters they developed for their respective television shows. We even hear that there is some even bigger news about to drop from Lawrence‟s camp and as soon as we confirm we will release it, so stay tuned!

Tisha Campbell-Martin and Duane Martin Land In Two New Comedy TV Shows!

Wright vs. Wrong also stars actress Debra Messing (of Will and Grace and The Starter Wife fame) as Evelyn Wright, a strong-minded, ambitious political personality who appears tough and espouses a right-wing agenda but behind the scenes is consumed by her foibles and flaws.

Campbell-Martin, will play Evelyn's stylist, who can't name the Vice President but knows all the Hollywood gossip.

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The new show Next stars comedic actor Paul Reiser in the show which is also semiautobiographical as a former television star and family man dealing with life's day-to-day conundrums.

Expect both shows to drop this fall.

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