Deborah Sharpe-Taylor

Photo by Daniel G. Lam

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL

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Letter From The Editor

THIS MONTH we had the honor to have DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor featuring our cover. DeBorah has had a number of lead roles in Broadway musicals. Also she has performed in major venues on both the East and West coast and around the world.

Those productions did not leave her without awards such as the Robby Award (Once on this Island), Dramalogue Ensemble Award (Tapestry) and Denver Critics Circle nomination (Purlie). She is listed in the Marquis publication of Who's Who (20212022) and P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) whose publication has selected her as Woman of the Month Nov 2022. LIFETIME CREATIVE ARTIST Award to be presented in February of 2023.

We also have exclusive photos from the 74th Emmy Awards and the last journey for Queen Elizabeth II.

Enjoy!

Prather Jackson Publisher

Call: (424) 371-9900

HW NEWS Music,

DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor Journey

20

74th Emmy Awards

Exclusive photos

Queen Elizabeth Final Journey

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BEYONCÉ RELEASES

RENAISSANCE

THE SEVENTH STUDIO ALBUM IS NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE ON ALL MAJOR STREAMING PLATFORMS

FROM HER own label Parkwood Entertainment and Columbia Records, RENAISSANCE arrives six years after the globally lauded LEMONADE was released in 2016 as a complete surprise.

The originator of the visual album format, and the preeminent visual artist, decided to lead without visuals giving fans the opportunity to be limitless in their expansive listening journey. It is a chance again to be listeners and not viewers, while taking in every gem of the pristine production. While "Break My Soul," the first single, arrived with a minimal atureshifting move from the artist who has defined an era with reinvention.

RENAISSANCE has been the most anticipated album of the year as Beyoncé shifted gears and notified her fans of new music on June 15 through an update in her bio on her social handles, "act i RENAISSANCE July 29." She continued the unconventional rollout with the release of the album's first single, "Break My Soul," which arrived at Midnight on the summer solstice. Instantly addicting with a pulsating beat, with lyrics that urge listeners to claim joy and to "release the wiggle." The single, a worldwide hit, has been called the song of the summer and an anthem for this generation.

Packed with rousing anthems that resonate with everybody, RENAISSANCE is a culmination of freedom and escape that encourages unimaginable jubilation, agency, and movement with abandon. The singular intent of RENAISSANCE, a reinvention of four on the floor, is to showcase music that stirs you from the soul and encourages your dancing feet. It is a celebration of a club era when anyone who felt like an outsider sought each other

and formed a community of freedom-seekers to express themselves creatively through the rhythm, which we still celebrate today. Welcome to CLUB RENAISSANCE.

The magic of RENAISSANCE is also in Beyoncé's soaring vocals, rich, soulful, at times vulnerable and laden with passion and purpose in what could only be described as "SANGING." And it expands over memorable lyrics that are bold, heartened, urgent and categorically timely.

While the visuals are scheduled for a later date, the album comes with a robust menu of formats giving music fans and collectors plenty to choose. The music store on Beyoncé's website offers album merch and multiple configurations of RENAISSANCE, listing a CD, digital album, a limited-edition vinyl, launch with a bit of her signature mystery, that is now sold out, and four box sets, Pose 1 to 4, which include a t-shirt and CD in a special box, also all sold out, before fans were given the descriptions of the content. The breakout single, "Break My Soul," comes as a digital single and is also available in a capella and instrumental versions.

With the album release also comes a deluxe vinyl. It includes two black vinyl LPs, a 36-page booklet, and a folded collectable (24"x 36") poster. The full shopping experience is here.

Beyoncé recorded the album over the course of the pandemic, almost three years in the works, and states that the

stillness of that time allowed her to tap into her most creative self.

"Creating this album allowed me a place to dream and to find escape during a scary time for the world," says Beyoncé. "It allowed me to feel free and adventurous in a time when little else was moving. My intention was to create a safe place, a place without judgment. A place to be free of perfectionism and overthinking. A place to scream, release, feel freedom. It was a beautiful journey of exploration."

With a squad of prolific collaborators, including The-Dream, Nile Rodgers, NOVA, NO ID, Raphael Saadiq, Mike Dean, Honey Dijon, Chris Penny, Luke Solomon, Skrillex, Beam, Big Freedia, Grace Jones and Tems, Beyoncé set out "to reinvent music again," as described by The Times of London.

RENAISSANCE: A revival of or renewed interest in something. Let the renaissance begin.

SOURCE: PRNewswire/Parkwood Entertainment/Columbia Records

RENAISSANCE Album Cover.

Photo by Carlijn Jacobs.

THE WEEKND AFTER HOURS TIL DAWN TOUR 2022

THE AFTER Hours Til Dawn stadium tour kicked off up north in The Weeknd’s hometown of Toronto last July 8th at the Rogers Centre, with stops at iconic U.S. stadiums including MetLife Stadium in New York City, Soldier Field in Chicago, Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, and more, before wrapping Friday, September 2nd at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. The tour is produced by Live Nation. This is the first leg of The Weeknd’s massive world tour, with additional dates in Mexico, South America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Africa & Middle East to be announced soon.

Tickets for the North American dates go on sale via TheWeeknd.com/tour.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the world’s largest humanitarian organization fighting global hunger, has partnered with its Goodwill Ambassador Abel “The Weeknd” Tesfaye to launch the XO HUMANITARIAN FUND to which he is contributing $1 from each ticket sold in North America from this highly anticipated tour. The Weeknd will also make a donation of $500,000 and $1 million will be contributed by

World Food Program USA to the fund. Fueled by his passion to help those in need, the multi-platinum and diamond certified global superstar established this fund to support the U.N. World Food Programme’s critical food assistance to communities on the brink of starvation, in countries like Ethiopia, Madagascar and Yemen. The Fund is administered by World Food Program USA.

This 2022 tour marks the first time The Weeknd will be touring his mammoth album After Hours (it’s hit single “Blinding Lights” was named the

new No. 1 Billboard Hot 100 song of all time, surpassing Chubby Checker’s 1960 hit “The Twist”) as well as the recently released and highly critically acclaimed album DAWN FM.

The tour will see his most ambitious production to date reflecting the creative journey that continues to unfold for both these albums, creating worlds within worlds as we have all been watching unfold in various television performances, music videos and short films bringing these first two pieces of his trilogy to life.

BINO RIDEAUX ’S SORRY 4 THA WAIT II, NOW AVAILABLE VIA DEF JAM RECORDINGS

BINO RIDEAUX, the South Central L.A. rapper and Nipsey Hussle protege who has become an essential voice for West Coast hip-hop, today releases SORRY 4 THA WAIT II, his new project via Def Jam Recordings. S4TWII is the follow up to Bino Rideaux’s 2019 mixtape SORRY 4 THA WAIT. S4TWII includes the standout single + video “Outta Line”featuring longtime collaborator Ty Dolla $ign, as well as star-studded features by Drakeo, Roddy Ricch and more.

With his one-two punch of laidback flows and hypnotic melodies that have amassed over a quarter-billion streams and nearly a half-million followers, 29-year-old Bino Rideaux has not-soquietly been shaping the next era of West Coast hip-hop. His seven year journey to the top tier crystalized during 2021, with a non-stop string of single + video releases that started in June with “Got To Know

It,” which was featured in the Def Jam podcast, Here Comes the Break.

After first teaming up with fellow 21st century West Coast force of nature BLXST for the critically acclaimed Sixtape in 2019, the pair returned in 2021 with Sixtape 2, which spun off the “Pop Out” single + video in July. It was the prelude to Bino’s 6-week, 18-city “On My Soul” fall

tour of North America (with special guests BlueBuck$Clan and Coot Corleone), every date sold-out in advance record time. The “On My Soul” tour kicked off in September with a two-night hometown stand at The Novo in downtown Los Angeles. That same weekend, Bino dropped a new single + video, “No Makeup” featuring King Combs.

Pegged as one of Rolling Stone’s “Breakthrough 25,” Billboard championed Bino in its tally of “6 LA Rappers to Watch in 2021” and went on to describe him as “the brightest star to emerge from that orbit.” Meanwhile, KAZI christened him “one of the West Coast’s most exciting new talents.” With the release of his upcoming project, SORRY 4 THA WAIT II,Bino Rideaux has clearly come a long way since his first indie project back in 2015, Life Is Like A Movie, recorded out of a D.I.Y. studio in his grandmother’s house.

SOMETIMES THE rustle in the bushes actually is a monster.

Idris Elba (Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, The Suicide Squad) stars in a pulse-pounding new thriller about a father and his two teenage daughters who find themselves hunted by a massive rogue lion intent on proving that the savannah has but one apex predator.

Elba plays Dr. Nate Daniels, a recently widowed husband who returns to South Africa, where he first met his wife, on a longplanned trip with their daughters to a game reserve managed by Martin Battles (Sharlto Copley, Russian Doll series, Maleficent), an old family friend and wildlife biologist. But what begins as a journey of healing jolts into a fearsome fight for survival when a lion, a survivor of blood-thirsty poachers who now sees all humans as the enemy, begins stalking them.

Iyana Halley (The Hate U Give, This is Us series) plays Daniels’ 18-year-old daughter, Meredith, and Leah Sava Jeffries (Rel series, Empire series) plays his 13-year-old, Norah.

From visceral, experiential filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur, the director of Everest and Universal Pictures’ 2 Guns and Contraband, Beast is produced by Will Packer, the blockbuster producer of Girls Trip, the Ride Along franchise, and ten movies that have opened No. 1 at the U.S. box office, including Night School, No Good Deed and Think Like a Man, by James Lopez, president of Will Packer Productions, and by Baltasar Kormákur. The film is written by Ryan Engle (Rampage, Non-Stop) from an original story by Jaime Primak Sullivan and is executive produced by Jaime Primak Sullivan and Bernard Bellew.

IN THEATERS AUGUST 19, 2022.

Marvel Debuts Trailers for ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’

BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever capped San Diego ComicCon presentation to thunderous roars and applause, beginning with a live performance by Baaba Maal (vocals), Massamba Diop (tama), dancers, and drummers. Feige was joined on stage by director Ryan Coogler and cast members Mabel Cadena, Michaela Cole, Winston Duke, Danai Gurira, Tenoch Huerta, Florence Kasumba, Alex Livinalli, Lupita Nyong’o, Dominique Thorne, and Letitia Wright for a Q&A and first look at the film’s first trailer (above). In Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Wright), M’Baku (Duke), Okoye (Gurira), and the Dora Milaje (including Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together with the help of War Dog Nakia (Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman) and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda. The film introduces Tenoch Huerta as Namor, king of a hidden undersea nation. Feige also announced Black Panther: Wakanda Forever will end Phase 4 and open in U.S. theaters on November 11, 2022.

Milestone Generations

DOCUMENTARY FILM NOW AVAILABLE AT HBO MAX

AT THE San Diego Comic-Con as a part of DC’s Jim Lee and Friends panel, Milestone co-founder Denys Cowan and DC Chief Creative Officer and Publisher Jim Lee announced the forthcoming documentary MILESTONE GENERATIONS, a film directed by Justice A. Whitaker. The film is available now to stream on HBO Max. An extended trailer for the film was debuted exclusively to Comic-Con audiences and can be found here.

Narrated by award winning actor and musician Cliff ‘Method Man’ Smith, MILESTONE GENERATIONS chronicles the relaunch of Milestone Comics and Milestone Media’s mission to address not only the lack of superheroes of color in comics, but also the lack of storytellers of color creating the content.

Milestone Media – co-founded in 1993 by artist Denys Cowan, writers Dwayne McDuffie and Michael T. Davis and Black Enterprise EVP/Chief Content Officer Derek T. Dingle –collaborated with DC to create the fictional city of Dakota, and some of the most unique and innovative characters in comics, such as Static, Icon, Hardware, Blood Syndicate and more. Last year Cowan, alongside Milestone Media partner and awardwinning producer Reginald Hudlin, relaunched Milestone Comics with DC to continue the Milestone mission in the future.

The film examines the founders’ trajectory throughout the last 30 years, detailing their unwavering commitment, passion and perseverance to rise to the top of the comic book industry as black creators. With tenacity and dynamic artistic expression, the creators of Milestone Media continue to influence culture and ignite revolutionary change through characters that reflect the lived, black experience.

MILESTONE GENERATIONS connects to the present industry need to identify, support and elevate emerging diverse writers and artists within the comic book world, highlighting The Milestone Initiative, a program from DC, Milestone Media, Warner Bros. Discovery and Ally that aims to empower the next generation of Black and diverse comic book creators.

Cartoonist and writer Ivan Velez Jr. ("Tales of the Closet,” Blood Syndicate," “Ballad of Wham Kabam”); DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee; writer and widow of Dwayne McDuffie, Charlotte (Fullerton) McDuffie; DC Senior Art Director Curtis King Jr.; voice actor Phil LaMarr ("Static Shock!," "Justice League," "Justice League Unlimited," "Samurai Jack"); former DC President and Publisher Paul Levitz; journalist and author Angélique Roché (“My Super Hero is Black”); Milestone Media artist and color editor Jason Scott Jones; and filmmaker and author Dr. Sheena Howard (“Black Comics: Politics of Race and Representation”) are among those interviewed for the project.

The film was produced by Courageous Studios – working with DC and Ally, the presenting sponsor – and was directed by Justice A. Whitaker (“Restrictions Apply”/Vice News, Untitled Full Circle Documentary/WestBrook Studios).

ENCUENTROS LA 2022

THE DUDAMEL FOUNDATION AND THE LA PHIL CO-PRESENT ENCUENTROS

UNDER THE leadership of Gustavo Dudamel and María Valverde, the Dudamel Foundation and the LA Phil will co-present Encuentros LA 2022, their first Encuentros (Encounters) in the United States, July 19–August 5, 2022.

Encuentros is a global music education program that explores cultural unity and celebrates harmony, equality, dignity, beauty and respect through music, with the goal of inspiring and teaching a new generation of young leaders to work toward building a better world. The young musicians will also participate in community initiatives, mentorship opportunities with the YOLA National Festival and projects throughout Los Angeles, culminating with concerts at the Hollywood Bowl and UC Berkeley.

In honor of the Hollywood Bowl’s first 100 seasons, over 100 top-tier young musicians (ages 18–26) from the Americas and around the world—from 34 youth orchestra and El Sistema-inspired programs in 22 countries—will work sideby-side in the Encuentros Orchestra.

Capping the two-week orchestral training festival, Gustavo Dudamel, the Encuentros Orchestra including members of YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) are joined by multi-Grammywinning vocalist, bassist and composer esperanza spalding—who recently took home a 2022 Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Album.

Celebrating the next generation of arts leaders, Musical Encounters with Dudamel and esperanza spalding will include a world premiere LA Phil commission by award-winning composer and El Sistema alum Giancarlo Castro D’Addona, concerts at the Hollywood Bowl on August 2, 2022, and in partnership with Cal Performances at UC Berkeley’s William Randolph Hearst Greek Theatre on August 4, 2022.

LA Phil Chief Executive Officer and David C. Bohnett Chief Executive Officer Chair Chad Smith said, “When Gustavo first joined us more than a decade ago, we never could have predicted that YOLA, the seed he planted at the EXPO Center in South LA with just 80 students, would blossom into this—a completely interconnected and global expression of our shared values of access, inclusion and the sheer power of music to transform the lives of individuals and communities. Every aspect of our organization, from YOLA to YOLA National to our Dudamel Conducting Fellows to our musicians and audiences, is engaged in Encuentros LA

2022, and we couldn’t be more excited to see it all come together on the Hollywood Bowl stage.”

During the intensive orchestral global leadership and music training program, workshops and rehearsals will be conducted by Dudamel and LA Phil Dudamel conducting fellows with additional sectionals and masterclasses led by a faculty of musicians from the LA Phil and guest artists from top orchestras from around the globe, including the Berliner Philharmoniker, Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, Opéra National de Paris, Simón Bolívar Symphony Orchestra, Orquesta

LA 2022 SUMMER MUSIC EDUCATION AND GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM FOR YOUNG ORCHESTRA MUSICIANS

Sinfónica Nacional de Chile and SWR Symphonieorchester Stuttgart.

LA Phil Music & Artistic Director and Dudamel Foundation Co-Chair Gustavo Dudamel explained, “I have always believed that every child should be given the opportunity to learn at the highest level. And so it is a dream for María and me to be able to create this beautiful Encuentros, where talented young musicians from around the world get the chance to work with some of the most incredible artists in our field. We are trying to build a community together, founded on empathy, discipline, respect and inclusion.”

Dudamel Foundation Co-Chair María Valverde added, “This shared experience is not just about making music, it is the cultural, social and spiritual act of creation. Sharing conversations and experiences with these incredible role models will offer all of us a space to experiment and to grow, and together we hope to inspire the leaders of a new generation to build a better world together.”

Career training sessions on leadership and social change will explore the power and use of language, how to leverage social and digital media to share stories, and audience education around diversity of experience, and create pathways for a mission-driven career in music. Small group and one-on-one meetings will encourage shared learning and career training for young musicians to delve into a range of important issues: portfolio development, arts management, communications and public relations, and interviewing skills and networking.

Focusing on the idea of reciprocal mentorship, each of the Dudamel Foundation artists will be paired with YOLA National students who will serve as mentors, role models and peers. In turn, each of the Dudamel Foundation artists will be mentored by world class teaching artists from the LA Phil and around the world.

Cultural exchange and dialogue will be encouraged through a series of public and private talks and discussions hosted by friends and colleagues, with additional details to be announced.

The Encuentros Festival is supported by Judith and Thomas L. Beckmen.

A Summer of Stars at the hollywood bowl

MANY OF the biggest names in entertainment are scheduled to appear at the Hollywood Bowl during its centennial season. The historic line-up will include Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina (July 15-16), Ricky Martin with the LA Phil and Gustavo Dudamel (July 22-23), Boyz II Men and TLC (July 29), John Fogerty (July 30), a-ha with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and Principal Conductor Thomas Wilkins (July 31), Sheryl Crow and Keb’ Mo’ (August 3), The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes (August 19-20), Diana Ross (August 26-27), Duran Duran with fireworks (September 9, 10 and 11), Pink Martini (September 14), Lang Lang (September 15), Grace Jones and CHVRCHES (September 25) and Pentatonix (September 29).

Boyz II Men Ricky Martin

Pentatonix

TLCKenny Loggins with Jim Messina

USHER SELLS OUT ALL 2022 DATES

AFTER WRAPPING up another successful run of Usher: My Way The Vegas Residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM this past weekend, global megastar and eight-time GRAMMY Award-winner Usher has announced since opening on July 15, all of his 2022 shows, including the eight upcoming performances scheduled for October 14 through 29, have sold out.

Limited tickets remain for Usher’s 25 recently announced new show dates in 2023:

March 2023: 3, 4, 8, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18

April 2023: 14, 15, 19, 21, 22, 26, 28, 29

June 2023: 28

July 2023: 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 12, 14, 15

Tickets can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com/ushervegas.

General ticket prices begin at $79, plus applicable tax and fees, and a limited number of VIP meet & greet packages also are available for each show. All shows are scheduled to begin at 9 p.m.

Custom-designed for the expansive Dolby Live stage and presented in partnership by Live Nation and MGM Resorts International, the show gives audiences an extraordinary immersive experience with extravagant costumes and state-of-the-art technology in lighting, video and special effects. The exclusive, only-in-Vegas spectacular is packed with an impressive repertoire of smash hits spanning the multi-talented showman’s 20-year career, including “Yeah,” “U Remind Me,” “My Boo,” “Love In This Club,” “OMG” and “You Make Me Wanna…” The new show incorporates audience interaction and staging throughout the 5,200-seat entertainment venue, where every guest has an up close and personal experience with the superstar.

Usher’s Las Vegas show features creative and show direction from Outside the Box Amusements, with co-creative direction by Aakomon Jones, video and lighting design by Fragment 9, set design by Tate Design Group and choreography by Cornithea “Rio” Henderson and Amy Allen.

Additionally, Usher, Live Nation Las Vegas and MGM Resorts are donating $1 of every ticket purchased to Usher’s Las Vegas residency dates in 2023 to Usher’s New Look, Inc. (UNL). Founded in 1999 by Usher as a young man barely out of his teens, UNL is on a mission to transform the lives of underserved youth through a comprehensive program that develops passion-driven, global leaders. UNL's peer-to-peer program model and curriculum provides Access, Awareness and Empowerment to youth in underserved communities, in order to guide them on a pathway to leadership and help them make educational and career choices that match their passions. Over the course of 23 years, the organization has reached more than 50,000 young people.

Fans are invited to A Taste of Passion, the immersive after party experience for Usher’s My Way residency, with appearances by Usher himself and live performances from the residency cast. This exclusive experience at On the Record in Park MGM gives guests a tantalizing taste of the music legend’s passions. Carouse around the neondrenched world while mixologists shake up four custom cocktails. Produced by Outside the Box Amusements with design by Handsome Little Devils, the after party features DJ Mars, Brian Michael Cox and Keith Thomas. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com and include one complimentary cocktail. Guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter. Doors open at 11 p.m.

WAKE UP

ONE OF THE LEADING, lauded independent feature films on the indie circuit the past few months, WAKE UP, a dramatic narrative centered on sex trafficking of our society’s most vulnerable youth, had its sold-out Hollywood premiere last week at the Directors Guild of America (DGA) and began its Academy Awards, Oscar qualifying exclusive run this past weekend, September 9th (through 9/15) at the Regency Theaters Agoura where it was the highest grossing film against even the newest blockbuster releases including “Elvis” and “Spiderman.”

Next week, this vital narrative feature is headed to Capitol Hill for a special screening with our nation’s top lawmakers as they take up new Congressional legislation to protect innocent children from the grasp of sex trafficking. Joining director-star Janet Craig over the next week on all press is the impressive, well-spoken human trafficking survivor, educator and activist, Rachel Thomas, who is respected as the leading authority on what needs to be done to remedy one of the biggest undercovered issues facing us today.

Filmmaker Janet Craig’s WAKE UP tells the story of a quiet community rocked when a pair of foster youth are targeted and taken by a sex trafficking ring. A daring rescue is mounted — but will it be too late? Having captured audiences from coast to coast honoring the compelling cinematic journey with awards from prestigious Sedona Fest to Sunscreen Festival, director/producer Craig, who also co-wrote the original narrative with Dan Horan, based the story on a composite of true accounts she encountered after becoming a foster parent and learning about abuse within the system which many youth face. The WAKE UP message has resonated so very much with festival circuit audiences standing ovations became part and parcel of each screening. Just out article: https://theblast.com/312185/itstime-to-wake-up-to-terrifying-realityof-human-trafficking/

In the U.S., the FBI estimates that more than 100,000 children and teens are victims of sex trafficking and it’s estimated that 60% of victims have been within foster care or the child welfare system. In fact, this has become an issue of importance to the longtime foster parents. Adding an undeniable dimension to this important independent feature, many of the most prominent

advocacy organizations have partnered to present the film, sponsoring screenings and Q&As and endorsing Wake Up as a “call to action.”

"On a movie set people bring different skills and different gifts to make a film," Craig said in an interview. "People can also bring whatever time, treasure and their talents to fight this global crisis.”

Further, the feature infuses elements of the 2005 Academy-Award winning drama "Crash" and the Liam Neeson thriller "Taken" to bring about a rollercoaster journey for the viewer that is both rich, satisfying and thought-provoking with its climactic scene.

WAKE UP stars Janet Craig (Butterfly Caught), David Gridley (Team Kaylie), Isaac C. Singleton, Jr. (Anger Management, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl), Judson Mills (Walker, Texas Ranger), Brooke Anne Smith (Too Close To Home), Matt Socia (Better Call Saul); along with several newcomers at the center of the story, including Tori Griffith, O’Shay Neal, Chasnie Houston and Xan Gabriel. The film finishes with an essential message from prominent human trafficking survivor and outspoken advocate Rachel C. Thomas. We are happy to make a digital screener available to you on request.

REMARKABLE DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor

THE JOURNEY begins in Joliet, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The place got its name from the original Juliet, a romantic name of sorts when one envisions Romeo and Juliet. In 1673 Louis Jolliet, alongside Father Jacques Marquette, paddled up the Des Plaines River and camped on a huge mound of earth. Those were the early beginnings.

The heart and history of Joliet is centered around the Des Plaines River. Since then Joliet transformed into a shipping and transportation center. One of its greatest attractions is the 40 room mansion owned by Jacob Henry, a wealthy railroad magnate who envisioned the current magnificent example of Renaissance Revival architecture 1876. Although it is the pride of the city it does harbor traces of the dark history of slavery. Another center piece is the Rialto Square Theatre built 1926, also a favorite of Al Capone.

Joliet is the city that saw the birth of DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor, her two brothers Walter and Dwain, now deceased. As an adult she met her sister Denise DuMaine, who resides in New York. Both DeBorah and Denise were attracted to show biz at an early age. The church has been the foundation of many a great talent.

At the age of 4 DeBorah began studying piano. She also plays viola. By the age of 11 the pastor of her church recruited her. He placed a hymn book in front of her and made her the church musician. Terrified, she managed the challenge.

One day the Spurrlows came to the high school that DeBorah attended. They were a Christian singing group sponsored by the Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge Corporation, that traveled the USA performing safety assemblies to high schools by day, and church concerts by night. As singers they also inspired DeBorah

and she thought, “I can do that.”

By the age of 17 she toured the states with the Spurrlows. With that group she sang at the White House 1970 for a Thanksgiving dinner honoring Vietnam War Vets. The occasion prompted her to shake the hand of former President Richard Nixon. Thurlow Spurr, leader of the Spurrlows, referred her to an audition for Oral Roberts & You. Her rendition of “Precious Lord” landed her a spot as one of the World Action Singers on that TV show which was the first weekly Christian ministry on television. This opportunity included a full scholarship to Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she earned a Bachelor degree in telecommunications. After performing in front of the camera most of her years at ORU as one of the World Action Singers, she completed her final year and a half behind the camera as the Assistant stage manager for the tapings.

Article by Carmelita Pittman

Photo by @marylousandler of @3cubedstudios

Heeding her mother’s words out of high school,” You can tour but you must go to college,” she attended Wooster College, in Ohio 1971. She also earned an MBA Degree from the University of Phoenix (2009). She was recruited by the Raoul Appel AMERICAN JAZZ DANCE COMPANY out of San Diego, CA and traveled with them to Mexico. You see her feet did not stay still. Her sights did not stay still either. So when she left ORU and Oklahoma, she drove all by herself to California on the most famous road in America at the time, Route 66. The topic of movies and many colorful stories, Route 66 meandered throughout sights and sounds on the road. Illinois was the first state to hard surface the highway and the first to replace it with Interstate. Illinois was where Route 66 began and California is where it officially ended. So DeBorah traveled that road which brought her to the lights of Hollywood, California. She has since made California her home.

For a while she experienced a dry spell. She says she could not get arrested and became discouraged. But she did land studio sessions every now and then singing songwriters’ demos. As fate would have it, a man whose name she does not recall, heard one of those demos and inquired who the singer was. The studio put the two of them together and she was taken to audition for Stevie Wonder who was looking for a singer to fill his group Wonder Love.

She sang, “All is Fair in Love”, and did not get that job but, as he played the final note on the piano Stevie said “SUPREMES”. So, this still led to another wonderful opportunity.

This time she received a call from Pedro, Mary Wilson’s husband. She went to an audition at Mary Wilson’s home in Hancock Park at the time. Mary wanted to know what part DeBorah could do. DeBorah let her know she could sing whatever part Mary needed. So DeBorah wound up singing soprano with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong as the 3rd member of the Supremes in1977 touring South America. At the time Mary was pregnant with her 2nd child. Many show biz personalities seemed to appear along their engagements including the late Godfather of Soul James Brown who they kept running into. She went out with Mary Wilson a few more times then switched gears when the Broadway stage opened its doors to her.

She later toured with the legendary Harry Belafonte (1983-1989) which included San Remo, Italy 1988 when Mr. Belafonte generously shared his stage with her as a soloist, on the encore number singing “We are the World”, which by the way can be seen on you tube.

More opportunities opened up. She backed up Rita Coolidge in New York with Mary Wilson. But DeBorah left the Supremes to join the National

touring company of "the Wiz", starting out as a Dorothy understudy and Head Mouse but eventually she did claim the role of Dorothy in a future production. Here is where she met the love of her life, her husband, Ron Taylor. He went from being the Lion in "the Wiz" to becoming a celebrated stage and film actor who played “Bleeding Gums Murphy” in the TV show, the Simpsons. A caricature was made of Ron Taylor. He also played a role in the film, “Trading Places.” In addition he is the original voice of the character Audrey II for “Little Shop of Horrors'', and creator and playwright of the Broadway musical,”It Ain’t Nothing but the Blues”, in which DeBorah also performed and vocal directed. That production earned 5 Tony award nominations.(1998) Leaving behind a trail of success, Ron Taylor made his transition from the earthly stage 2002.

She also toured in the Broadway musical, “Eubie”. One day the itinerary crossed the college attended by her sister, Denise DuMaine. As Denise read the Play Bill, she realized that her sister, DeBorah, was part of the cast, and they met for the first time after the show.

DeBorah has worked with George Faison, the original choreographer for the Wiz, Peggi Blu, American Idol vocal coach, notable singer and friend who played Glenda in "the Wiz." Other names that have come into prominence along her musical journey

DeBorah Sharpe-Taylor with

The Rosa and Raymond Parks institute for self Development's 1993 confer ence in Rosarita Beach, Mexico

Photo by Craig Allyn Cochrane

Photo by Daniel G. Lam

include Eloise Laws, Dianne Reeves, Andre Crouch, Norman Connors, and HB Barnum to name a few.

DeBorah has had a number of lead roles in Broadway musicals. Aside from those previously mentioned , her Broadway credits include “Violet”, “Jelly’s Last Jam”, “Once on this Island”, and “Ain’t MisBehavin”. She has performed in major venues on both the East and West coast and around the world.

Those productions did not leave her without awards such as the Robby Award (Once on this Island), Dramalogue Ensemble Award (Tapestry) and Denver Critics Circle nomination (Purlie). She is listed in the Marquis publication of Who's Who (2021-2022) and P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) whose publication has selected her as Woman of the Month Nov 2022. LIFETIME CREATIVE ARTIST Award to be presented in February of 2023

After her stint on the stage she returned to the road singing back-up with the likes of Soul II Soul, (1990) & Barry White(1991). She also did commercials for McDonald’s, AT&T, Rite Aid, T-Mobile, and sang lead in the Schlitz Malt Liquor commercial featuring Teddy Pendergrass (80’s). A number of voice overs featured her voice including "Ain't I a Woman", for BET as the voice of Sojourner Truth.

T.V. beckoned her and she played an alien in the comedy series, the “Neighbors” (NBC). In the animated Christian series “Lenny and Sid”, she is the voice of Sid’s mother. She was featured in “Proven Innocent” (FOX), in which she played the grandmother and the school crossing guard this season on the wedding episode of “This is Us” (NBC). Other TV appearances included "Beverly Hills 90210" (FOX), the "Cosby Show' (NBC), and" Homefront" (ABC).

She is featured in the 2021 film “Music”, starring Kate Hudson, and Leslie Odom Jr. which was written and directed by Sia.

Other film credits include “Beat Street”, “A Time to Kill” and “Club of Masks.”

On the West coast DeBorah is a member of Christ Memorial COGIC, the Church formerly pastored by the late Andre Crouch, and now his twin sister Pastor Sandra Crouch. This association afforded DeBorah the opportunity to sing as one of the voices on Michael Jackson’s "Butterflies "(2001), but Seth Riggs, celebrated vocal coach of many notable singers including MJ led her to another path in her career, teaching voice. Eventually Debra Byrd, original vocal coach on American Idol (FOX) and voice staff of "the Voice" (NBC) hired her to teach at Musicians Institute of Hollywood. MI is a highly rated College of Contemporary Music comparable to the music program at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Musician’s Institute is her mainstay where she teaches R&B, Jazz Vocals, directs the Gospel Choir and teaches private lessons to college age students young and old. Taking an extra interest in her students she has invited celebrities to visit her class such as Sir William “Mickey” Stevenson, the first A & R man for Motown who recently was inducted into the Songwriter Hall of Fame June 16, 2022 in New York.

DeBorah is a National Counselor for the Western Region of Actors Equity Association, which is the national union for stage performers. She is the

Chair of the Paul Robeson Awards Committee. She is also the founder and director of United Voices of Peace, (UVOP) a 501.c3 organization. UVOP’S mission statement is to Increase World Peace Interculturally through MUSIC. Youngsters from UVOP performed “Heal the World” at the conclusion of Michael Jackson memorial service at Staple Center, Los Angeles on July 7, 2009.

With her talent and creativity DeBorah continues to reinvent herself. She manages to keep her creative juices flowing and performs when she is not teaching. It is a gift for her to share what she has gained through her experience on stage and screen and to devote that to guiding others to reach out to their dreams and to help make the world a better place.

DeBorah with Mary Wilson and Cindy Birdsong of the Supremes

Article by Carmelita Pittman

1985 Frank Graves landed in sunny California. He originated from his hometown of Lexington, the lush Bluegrass area of Kentucky, also known as the “Horse Capital of the World.” His humble musical beginnings originated at the Pilgrim Baptist Church where he became one of the lead singers for the Gospel choir. This developed into performances by the choir to travel from Lexington to other churches over the years.

His career actually began when he performed at a number of high school talent shows. The talent shows drew the participation of many aspiring youngsters who had stars in their eyes. During that time Frank played lead trombone for the Dunbar High School Bearcats.

After graduating from high school, he joined the military during the Vietnam war. Upon his return from duty he became a member of the Dynamic Soul Seven. He performed with that group throughout Lexington and in Ohio as well. As fate would have it his employment moved him from Lexington, Kentucky to Lawton, Oklahoma where he became a member of the group, Slick Flame and the late Joe Tex road band. Another move came along and sent him to Waterloo, IA where he became the keyboard player for the late Jimmy Holiday, songwriter for Ray Charles, Jackie DeShannon and a number of other artists. Moving

from Waterloo, IA was when he visited Los Angeles but planted his feet squarely in Lancaster, California which he has made his home. There he became the lead singer for the 562nd USANG band and formed his own Frank Graves with “ChemistrySounds" group.

Although music is his first love, being of practical mind, Frank heeded the early guidance of his parents and learned the trade of electronics during his stint at vocational school before venturing out into the musical arena. Equipped with a foundation of raw musical talent, enthusiasm, professional savvy, determination, and an attitude of gratitude, Frank has paved out a course which has propelled him on to much success in his chosen field of music.

His early musical influences were the stylings of his favorite R & B recording artists such as Sam Cooke, Aretha Franklyn, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Otis Redding, Al Green. Their sounds gave him inspiration and leverage. Gospel music is also a major part of his world.

As a young man with principles, he resisted the temptations waved at him by major record industry individuals. His faith gave him the ability to simply say NO. True to his own path he has managed to amass a stack of credits.

His band, “ ChemistrySounds”, consists of 3 horn players, bass guitar, 2 keyboard players, drums, 4 background singers. The number of musicians can range up to 11 in total and is always ready for the next “gig”. Some of the musicians in the band include the drummer Ronnie Kaufman, who was an original member of the GAP Band, Raymond Johnson, also a drummer, the renown Victor Orlando on percussion, Lexner Stephen on lead guitar, Grammy recipient James Lum, rhythm guitar and former player for the late James Ingram, Richard Turner Jr. on keyboards who also played for Eric Darius. In addition Ron Roseboro, bass player, formerly of Rose Royce, and Michael Hands Wilson on keyboard are members of the group.

Frank met Wanda Ray Willis when they both did judging for a church event in Lancaster. He also attended her birthday party recently which included celebrities such as the legendary H.B. Barnum, who is known as a musical conductor and arranger for so many household names such as Aretha Franklyn, Frank Sinatra, Billy and Marilyn McCoo, as well as Wanda Ray Willis. Wanda is best known for her award winning tribute and portrayal of Dorothy Dandridge. She is also the chairperson of the Entertainment Industry Committee of the National Association of Equal Justice (NAEJ).

Frank is currently signed with Nikki Fuzell CEO FREELANCE ENTERTAINMENT and represented by Lori Ramos, Ella. B Management. His credits include UniSoul Records/ Uni Soul Host Reggae Mix Station. He is a member of the Grammy Recording Academy, Gospel Music Association, L.A. Music Awards, the Hollywood 360.

The military has played a major role in the life of Frank Graves. Or shall we say he has played a major role in the life of the military. He has served in several branches including the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Air National Guard. He served in the Navy during Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He put his talent to service as well by entertaining the troops and tourists in the Persian Gulf during USO shows aboard the cruise ship, Cunard Princess. His outstanding performances as a solo artist earned him the Gold Plate Award. During the past 12 years of service he was the lead vocalist for the 562ndAir National Guard Band of the Southwest, Channel Islands, California.

The theatre also beckoned and Frank studied. On stage he performed in the Shakespeare Festival as the Mandarin singer, was in “Exonerated” for the 13th Annual Cultural Historical and Educational Award show. (2006) His numerous performances cover Magical

Photo Credits: Cortez Media • APOK’ of GSD Entertainment

Motown at the Lobro in Santa Barbara, 2022, an documentary on Netflix with Claudette Robinson, who has been named “First Lady of Motown” by Berry Gordy. And his Gospel roots have produced many performances for Agape Community Church, Lancaster as well as for the Freedom Celebration Concert at the Amphitheater, Palmdale.

The accumulated combination of his R & B, Gospel, Blues performances have delighted audiences several years at various venues up and down the West coast. He has performed alongside such greats as the O’Jays, and for Mr. Stevie Wonder Humanitarian Foundation Concert, L.A. His efforts have been rewarded with musical awards. Frank continues to use his music as a vehicle to drive home love and peace amongst all peoples of the world.

FOR BOOKINGS

Alton Garrett Management Group, LLC 909-725-4525

Email: garrettalton23@yahoo.com

Frank Graves Email: f.graves2@aol.com

Sheryl Aronson

Ella. B of Ella. B Management

William Edwards Studio of Lancaster

EMMY AWARDS74TH

(l-r) Kevin Pollak, Michael Zegen, Jake Lacy and Luke Kirby arrives to the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 -(Photo by: Mark Von Holden/NBC)

Jason Sudeikis accepts the Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series award for "Ted Lasso" on stage during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC)

Selma Blair on stage during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/ NBC)

(l-r) Sheryl Lee Ralph, winner of Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for “Abbott Elementary”, and Vincent Hughes during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022. -- (Photo by: Chris Polk/NBC)

Zendaya accepts the Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series award for "Euphoria" on stage during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 -(Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC)

(l-r) Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni on stage during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022 -- (Photo by: Chris Haston/NBC)

Pictured: Hannah Waddingham, Toheeb Jimoh, Brett Goldstein, Kola Bokinni, M.J. Delaney, Jeremy Swift, Cristo Fernández, Declan Lowney, Jason Sudeikis, Brendan Hunt, Nick Mohammed, Ashley Black, Phil Dunster, Jane Becker, Bill Lawrence, and crew members, winners of Outstanding Comedy Series for “Ted Lasso”, pose in the press room during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022. -- (Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/NBC)

Pete Davidson on stage during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022. -- (Photo by: Chris Polk/NBC)

(l-r) Jimmy Kimmel and Molly McNearney arrive to the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022. -- (Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/NBC)

(l-r) Alana Balden, Lizzo, and Kevin Beisler, winners of Competition Program for “Lizzo’s Watch Out for the Big Grrrls”, pose in the press room during the 74th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards held at the Microsoft Theater on September 12, 2022. -- (Photo by Evans Vestal Ward/ NBC)

Douglas Vermeeren

CINEMAS NEW BAD BOY

By Hailey Ashley

THIS MONTH we had the pleasure of sitting down with multi-talented actor, director, producer, and stuntman, Douglas Vermeeren. Doug’s talents reach far and wide, from documentaries, television series, feature films and more. It seems his experience, motivation and passion fill all facets of the entertainment industry. Although Doug is an extremely interesting, impressive talent, has traveled the world, has made movies on almost every continent and is fluent in multiple languages, his demeanor comes off as shy, soft spoken and incredibly humble. Which may be surprising to some fans as he is usually seen on screen playing the bad boy, rebel characters that stray far from his quiet, and shy demeanor.

Raised in Canada, Doug’s passion for film began at an early age. After seeing movies such as Raiders of the Lost Ark, ET, and Back to the Future, he was hooked. His inspiration led him to find his grandfather’s 8mm and begin creating his own films, which eventually led to becoming interested in the equipment that was available to him in school.

Although this piqued his interest for a moment, he quickly began skipping school to find movie sets. When his mother noticed his love and passion for film, she got him an agent at a very young age, and his agent was able to get him onto sets, and he was able to soak in every moment. As his love of film continued to grow, and he was desperate to find out how movies were made, and how he could create opportunities for himself within the film industry.

Ultimately, Doug went to film school in

multiple places including Canada, Idaho and Los Angeles, CA where he studied screenwriting and film production. He has always been adamant about expanding his education, creating his own network and still after all the success he has created for himself today, he is always looking for new classes and any new way to master his craft.

Around this time in his life, his love for motorcycle riding, all types of cars, horse-back riding and martial arts complied into the start of his career in stunt work. He has had opportunities to preform incredible stunts such as jumping from a motorcycle on to a Hummer at 50mph, hanging out of a helicopter shooting grenades while the pilot held him by his beltloops, and even being featured in the movie ‘Open Range’ with Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall where he was shot and killed.

His true passion and unique inspiration

became clear when Doug opened up to us about a time in film school where he took a film analysis course, and he was tasked with watching 100 films, which included rare films, European films, and mainstream films. This task truly opened his eyes to all different forms of cinema, acting, storytelling and the evolution of films. He ended up watching about 3 films a day and writing articles about each film.

Although this task would seem daunting to some, Doug loved it and it is something that has stuck with him. To this day, he often watches multiple films a day, when possible. His love for films truly is unlike anyone I’ve ever seen. Doug lets us know that when he goes to the movie theatre, he sits in the front row where there is enough light for him to take notes, and soak in everything he can about the actors, their acting techniques, and all the elements of each

film. He often goes home afterwards and reads the script of the movie, and then goes back to the theatre for a second take. He shares in the emotion of the actors, feels their excitement, sorrow and passion, and believes this helps him create a solid movie vocabulary - which is an extremely important skill to have in his career.

Doug speaks all around the world about his films and loves to use his platform to support independent films. His career spans from co-hosting a television show for a year in China which is like Americas Got Talent, spent time co-hosting shows on Fox, ABC and CNN, and ultimately got involved in producing documentaries.

His documentaries include The Opus (2008) which is a motivational film, The Gratitude Experiment (2013) explores the power of gratitude in changing people’s emotional, physical and social lives,

The Treasure Map (2021) dedicated exclusively to teaching about wealth and abundance, and How Thoughts Become Things (2020) where Doug unfolds the mysteries of thought.

Although Doug has achieved so much within the entertainment industry, his passion hasn’t dimmed. He is always open to working on new, different, and exciting projects. He is currently working on a variety of projects, including television shows, short films and most recently, he has gotten cast in multiple features. Though he used to consider himself a ‘stunt guy’ he now sees he can play many more roles such as the ‘dramatic guy’, ‘rebel, and ‘bad boy’.

Recently, he played a role in the artistic film ‘Temptation’, which was shot in black & white. In the film he plays a poor man who moves in with his brother and his brother’s lover, who ultimately plots to kill his brother, and then him.

Along with ‘Temptation’, he is also currently featured in a fiction-based film called ‘The Transport’, and a heist movie called ‘The Set Up’, where he gets to showcase his motorcycle riding and car stunt skills.

He has recently been featured in smaller roles on local television, and just finished playing Detective Flynn on True Crime, along with doing various voice work appearances.

Currently, Doug has been cast as the lead role in many new features. One is a UK movie titled ‘Bring Me A Skin for Dancing In’ which is a classical rural horror film that takes us on a journey of witchcraft, paganism and mythology, while showing the connection between the spooky themes and the countryside. The film, which features Vernon Wells, from Commando and the original Mad Max movie, tells the story of Helen Daniels, who recently lost her twin

sister to suicide. She gets sent to a remote English cottage by an uncle to rest and recuperate. When she arrives, she makes a few local friends who she shares her difficult childhood with. Once she begins to trust her new pals, she is quickly drawn into a world of witchcraft, paganism and mythological beasts.

Another feature Doug has recently landed a role in is a horror film titled ‘The Video Tape’. In the film, we meet a young couple who stumble upon an old camcorder and video tape at a thrift shop and buy it out of curiosity. Come to find out – the tape is far more sinister than either of them could have imagined. After watching the tape, the couple is taken on a wild ride including a rescue mission gone wrong that will exceed their wildest expectations.

Along with ‘Bring Me a Skin for Dancing In’ and ‘The Video’, Doug has also landed a role in ‘Operation Broken Sniper’ which will be released in

Summer 2023. Featured in the snowy, Rocky Mountains of the Northwest, six dishonorably discharged United States Marines plan to start a new life by robbing truck, but justice has another plan for them. The feature addresses the question of what a solider is supposed to do after being dishonorably discharged.

When we asked Doug to give some advice to a generation of young, aspiring actors and filmmakers, he tells us “The return on doing nothing, is nothing. Things won’t always be perfect, but you have to be passionate, and go into things without fear.” He goes on to say “Get involved in any opportunities you can – and say yes! You never know who you will meet, or where that ‘yes’ will ultimately lead you.” He continues with “Of course, everyone reaches for the best opportunities, but the best things tend to happen when you put yourself in the right place, at the right time – You just never know.”

Doug’s advice is sound, and simple. It has helped him reach his full potential in the entertainment industry and allowed him to live out his passion and turn it into a career. Doug always wants to be sure the imprint he is leaving as his legacy is a positive one. He strives to be a good role model to any and everyone who may look up to him, by being kind, appreciative of the positivity that has come his way, and continue to be someone who he can be proud of.

Doug lets us know that he didn’t get into this field for the fame, or money, but rather for his true love of film. His passion exudes as he speaks about his past, current and future projects, and he tells us he is “always excited to add new tools to his toolbox”. With inspiration from Marlin Brando, he feels most comfortable on a set, and feels that film is a way he can get outside of himself and let go of some of the shyness within him.

If you would like to contact Doug for future projects, you can find him on Facebook @Douglas Vermeeren, on Instagram @douglasvermeeren, search for him on IMDB, or go directly to his blog www.douglasvermeerem.com/blog Doug’s career, and passion truly speak for themselves, and we look forward to watching him grow as an actor director, stunt man and producer. We are thrilled to have met such a humble, successful and interesting person, and can’t wait to watch his journey continue.

Douglas Vermeeren

ICON SWIM

WESTERN GLAMOUR permeated beyond the catwalk at Icon Swim’s iconic runway show in the Paraiso tent today, The Atlanta based swimwear brand modernized western fashion by mixing old with new and introducing unexpected textures like mesh, studs, and rope to their latest collection available now. Colors popped with sexy yet sophisticated silhouettes in brown, orange, cream, rust, black, nude, and silver.

Inspired by the gritty style of “old-west” clothing, Icon Swim’s team went beyond the familiar and infused leather and studs with gold and silver metallic trims. The modern dimension created from experimentation evoked something exciting and stylish from something old and familiar.

"Traditional western fashion has always intrigued me – the textures, accessories, and colors. However, in recent times the style has evolved and modernized. This transformation is what caught my eye and became the inspiration behind the collection."

- Nupur M., Lead Designer for Western Glamour Collection, Icon Swim

Influential models who walked the show included X Hernández ( Christine Hernandez), Reginae Carter (Hip-Hop heiresses), Carmen Carrera (Model / Influencer / TV Personality), Charlie Lynch (Love Island, Season 3).

The creative runway show had the crowd going wild for the Western Glamour looks and guests were treated to a mesmerizing performance by recording artist, Shenseea.

The brand has a large and loyal following with it high quality swimwear with affordable pricing.

Sé Marie

On acting, stunt work, and life

by Alex A. Kecskes

SÉ MARIE began her career as a stunt double for Rachel McAdams and Vinessa Shaw. She soon transitioned into acting full-time, leading several feature films to major film festivals, including the first ever Virtual Reality feature Career Opportunities in Organized Crime (which premiered at South by Southwest Film Festival 2016) and Careful Not to Cry (which premiered at Toronto International Film Festival 2017). Sé later starred in a live Zoom play titled Water Child, which featured an international cast and was critically praised as the first ever live Zoom theatre production. She subsequently produced, directed, and starred in A Very Covid Christmas, an original web series that won three 2021 Telly Awards for Best Remote Production (actor, director, and producer). A member of SAG-AFTRA and Women in Film, Sé now serves on the Telly Awards Judging Council. She is also in the upcoming feature Unsinkable about the aftermath of the Titanic. In the comedy feature Movers Ultimate, Sé is Susan, the daughter of a recently divorced woman (Annalese Poorman), who hires two reluctant movers (Shawn Knox and Andy J. Carlson), best friends who hate their jobs.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What drew you to this quirky comedy?

Sé: Actually, I’m more of a dramatic actor. But I wanted to get more into comedy, so when I read the script, it struck me as the perfect recipe for me as an actor and where I am right now. In this ensemble of comedic characters, I consider Susan to be the dramatic relief. She’s the person that brings everyone back to reality, that there are real-world consequences at stake.

Many actors have a love-hate relationship with auditions. Did you audition for the role of Susan?

Sé: I did. There were two or three rounds of auditions. And they were self-taped. But different methods work better for some actors. For me, I love going into the audition room because there’s an impression you can make that you can’t make on a self-tape. But the downside is you usually only get one chance to perform and you can’t decide what you want to present. I did love the self-tape process because there were several rounds of auditions. So having that control over what I put out there was very nice in that instance. But when you go in live, you get that human connection, to show off your ability, to instantly get into character, and to walk into the room as the character. With tape, they don’t know whether you’ve spent three hours getting into character and then pressing “record.”

There were some laugh-out-loud scenes in this film. Have you ever encountered movers like Chad and Ryan?

Sé: (laughs) I must be one of the rare few that have never hired a moving company. It’s all been with friends and family. But I do know people that have had nightmare moves. And I know people who have worked for moving companies that have complained about their jobs. Yet they won’t leave their jobs.

Can you go into some of your favorite scenes?

Sé: The bed bugs scene. It’s the only scene where every cast member is in one room at the same time. The way Ben (Rood) directed that scene, we did take after take and it was chaotic and everyone was free to react how they felt their character would react. So there were so many things that were cut out.

Photo by Tony Moux

But it was so hilarious and so much fun to film. It was the last or second to the last scene we filmed and everyone had been in their character for months so it was just funny to see how they would react. I also really loved the scene at the end of the movie where Susan is talking to Ryan and she gives him her number. One reason she did that was that it was part of the climax of the film where the main character learns a lesson. Another great scene was the pan shot from Susan and Ryan to the moving truck showing Lance and Spooner making inappropriate gestures. The crew was laughing but from my point of view, I couldn't understand it. But our DP, Jeff Kolada said his biggest worry in filming was keeping the camera steady, for he couldn’t stop laughing. Ben was great in letting us improv a lot. We’d do what was on the page and then Ben said, “Ok, now do one as ridiculous as you can think of.” And those were usually the takes that made it into the film (laughs).

What made you decide to leave stunt work?

Sé: Wow. Well, getting into stunt work wasn’t intentional. It was just being in the right place at the right time and getting attached to the right people. But I’m an adrenalin junkie and I ate it up. I was just starting my career in the industry. And stunt work gave me a front-row seat to the production world where I learned what would be expected of me as an actor. I was doing most of my stunt work for Rachel McAdams but I also did some work for Vinessa Shaw. I got to see the acting world up close and it made me want to be in their shoes. So eventually, I had to rip the Band-aid off because continuing would have kept me in stunt work. All the people I worked with were completely understanding and grateful, helping me get an agent. That said, I continue to train and do many of my own stunts now, which I think has made me a better actor. And doing my own stunts allows me to stay in character.

Can you talk about some of your wildest stunts?

Sé: I’ve done everything from crashing a car into a tree to wire stunts, which are probably the craziest. In the wire stunt, I had to do sword fighting while being forty feet off the ground.

Were you ever seriously injured in a stunt?

Sé: There was one time where I had to punch through glass, which in stunt work is really sugar glass. But I was an actor not a stunt performer in a film called Unthinkable. I was so “in character” that I mistakenly punched through a real glass pane, which resulted in a bit of real blood. But I just kept going and didn’t care. It worked in the sense that my face revealed the pain of punching through real glass.

Is stunt work still a “boy’s club” or are women gaining ground?

Sé: It’s definitely women gaining ground. In general, the film industry is finally starting to shift. And it’s a visible shift since it has been a boy’s club for so long. That said, most of the sets that I’ve been on use mostly male stunt people. But lately, there are more projects where stunt people are set ahead of time and they want to focus on diversity or being female-centric or offering people opportunities they've been denied in the past. On those sets, you'll see a wide range of people that can do the job. So, unless the production doesn't focus on that, the stunt work is still very male-dominated. Whenever I'm asked for an opinion on the subject or if I'm given a say, I always push for diversity.

Now that you’ve “made your bones” behind and in front of the camera, what have you learned about this business that surprised you?

Sé: I did learn so much doing stunt work. I was behind the camera for two years as a producer for a commercial studio. In those two years, I learned a little about every aspect of production—from writing to directing to editing to working with clients. The biggest thing that serves me now as a performer is knowing what’s expected of me. I’ve been told many times on set that I seem to know what’s to come. Some inexperienced actors have come up to me asking why they had to do a scene over and over ten times. They’d ask if they did something wrong, was it their performance? And I’d draw from my experience and tell them it was a technical issue and not them. For me, it’s that peace of mind in knowing what’s going on that helps me tweak my performance. For example, I can see, based on the camera set up what they’re trying to get. So I can give them what they want. I’ve also been on the other side of the casting process, so I don’t take any rejections personally. There are so many reasons why you don’t get the part—everything from hair color to budget.

Any advice for aspiring young actors eager to get into acting or stunt work?

Sé: Good question. Get as much experience as possible. And be around the people and the environment—no matter what role you're playing. Become a PA or do Extra work that will get you into that environment. The old adage of “it’s who you know” is only ten percent true. You meet the people who can help you along the way by proving yourself first. And just show up. That’s the number one thing. Also, prioritize what’s in your life. Be able and willing to take that first step.

What were you like in high school? The girl most likely to…?

Sé: Oh my God, I was such a dweeb in high school (laughs). I was not a cliché in any way. I didn’t belong to certain groups. I was in theater and I was also a varsity cheerleader on the dance squad. I was even on the bowling team (laughs). But I did have a moving moment in my senior year. The captain of the cheer squad was this blonde who thought that cheerleading was the world. I showed up for practice late one day because I had a rehearsal for a musical and she said to me in front of everyone, “You can’t be a cheerleader and be in school plays. You have to pick one.” So I laughed, turned around, and walked away (laughs).

Movers Ultimate premieres on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, August 19, 2022.

Photo by Jeff Kolada

Nisha Varma Makeup

Empowering Women One Face at a Time

By Hailey Ashley

Nisha Varma has always had a passion for helping people. She moved to the United States from India 7 years ago and has been passionate about using the tools she has, make-up and hair styling, to help uplift and empower women around her. She has loved doing this ever since she was a young girl, and ultimately, that is what has inspired her to create NishVarma Makeup.

While she was growing up in India, she was a trained classical dancer, she always loved doing make up on her friends. And eventually, turned it into a career by word of mouth. She got her first job doing bridal makeup 10 years ago, and from there was offered several opportunities to show her talents. When Nisha came to the USA, she followed her dreams and stayed focused on her passion. With hard work and dedication, she received a call from fashion week in 2016, and was thrilled. From this

point on, her work spoke for itself, and she was able to get many more opportunities in America.

Because she was put down most of her life, she found a way, through make up, to feel good and worthy, and she wanted to pass along her newly found self-worth to those around her. With the help of her mother’s endless support of her dreams, she found a way to turn her talents into a tool she now uses to inspire women and help them build confidence within themselves.

Now start step in our colorful media family as a Model. And she not stop her self… so welcome to our new girl NANCY on the city. One of Nisha’s best friends, Nancy, who is a single mom and independent woman, has always dreamed of being a model. Due to her upbringing, she was never afforded that opportunity – until now.

Nisha has decided to take Nancy’s hand and help make her dreams

come true. Nisha believes that God always gifts those who deserve it, and believes that Nancy is one of those people, because of her good soul. Nancy recently completed her MBA, studied IT, and is now the newest member of Nisha’s colorful media family as a model.

New Girls In The City: (Nancy Nancy)

Nisha believes that all women are beautiful, inside and out, with or without make up. She wants to send the message that make up is not created to cover up who you are, but to help enhance your beauty to feel more confident, and comfortable in your skin, and to see our pure beauty.

Her advice to aspiring, young, entrepreneurs is to find what you love - and go for it. She says, “don’t let others negativity, or criticism hold you back, and don’t listen to those who tell you that you cannot succeed because of external factors like looks”.

In the future, Nisha hopes to take her skills to the next level, by working in Hollywood on movies, television sets or for runway models. We have no doubt that she will be a huge success and are excited to follow her along her next journey.

Model:

Designer:

Photoghraper:

NFTiTs MARKETPLACE

launches with limited Mint Passes, Expands Presence in Multi-Billion Dollar NFT Market

NFTiTs is reimagining the art industry through a unique metaverse based on NFTs, mainly dedicated to support breast disease recovery through the arts, in particular, the NFT marketplace. NFTiTs just launched its Mint Passes with only 2,664 to grab.

They are a highly-curated platform for creating, collecting and trading unique Titty-only NFTs. Yes! TittyONLY. This is a place where breasts, titties, tits, tatas, whatever you want to call them are to be embraced! This is a place for your creativity to come to LIFE! Feel beautiful in YOUR skin. All sizes, shapes, and forms of ART are welcomed. Painted, sculpted, sketched, drawn, dazzled, tattooed, taped, pixeled, filtered .... whatever you can imagine, brought it to life.

NFTiTs Co-Founder Tiffany Hyde, Business Developer, Real Estate Investor, Entrepreneur and Mom of 4 was driven to launch a platform that expresses the beauty of women in a whole new way. Joining art and the natural beauty of the human body to rise against body dysmorphia while learning to celebrate and express ourselves in a positive mindset. She has been working extensively with world class artist in curating the best of the breast in forming this marketplace dedicated to showcasing their talents while providing much

needed help to serving the needs of many women around the world.

The mission of NFTiTs is to help restore self-esteem, dignity, and confidence to women with various breast diseases by facilitating and funding, as needed, reconstructive surgery. They are committed to supporting organizations where funds will be used to directly support the surgical care expenses for women having breast reconstruction surgery, particularly for uninsured and underinsured women in underserved communities.

They have partnered with The Genesis Foundation which serves to raise public awareness of all breast diseases providing breast reconstruction options including homeopathic or alternative recovery treatments after surgery that are an oftenoverlooked expenses in recovery.

They feature a series of breast art showcasing the work of women, and artists, photographers, graphic designers and personal survivors. They have built a global community of well-known artists, together for a series collection in a digital art gallery that would be sold as original NFT’s dedicated to only breasts where proceeds would benefit closely chosen charities through smart contracts for authenticity.

NFTiTs Advisory Contributor Carlos Siqueira, Founder of Disruptors LLC, was so moved by this mission along with watching his own mother and the women that surrounded his life fight through all challenges that he felt called to help drive awareness to this campaign. Carlos has shared and spoken from some of the largest stages and arenas around the world is now lending his voice and reach to help the communities understand the unique opportunity that is being presented with the early release of NFTiTs Mint Passes.

CODY LEBOUEF is hyper-realistic artist, illustrator, and graphic designer. Traditional medias catapulted his career as a very sought-after realism air brush artist, whose work has graced the walls of many public and private collections across the US.

His natural talents in hyper-realism digital art allows him to create artistic masterpieces that the eye and mind perceive as realism. This new passion translates seamlessly into the world of NFT’s where his artistic genius can gain recognition in the digital era.

100% digitally created using Procreate, this neon collection of breast art will drop on the NFTiTs Marketplace as 1 of 1.

Blurring the lines between digital and realism, this private gallery will be available to mint pass holders with early access.

The mint passes are offered in limited allotments. The marketplace at launch will allow for only 18,888 to be minted. The scarcity and selection will provide for an environment to feature the best of the best artist from around the world.

As NFTs become more popular and often grab headlines for the wrong reasons, the best projects are those that have a use, and better still if they can support causes, are inclusive, and affect change. This is the plan behind NFTiTs, which donates to The Genesis Foundation on every transaction through the use of smart contracts written into each transaction. The breast is yet to come……

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